the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
spring 2022
FROM CLUB TO CARDIO A dancing debate
CLOTHING OPTIONAL Where tan lines are no more
DEAL ME IN
Your guide to casino games
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
spring 2022
FROM CLUB TO CARDIO A dancing debate
TABOO
A special section to talk about
DEAL ME IN
Your guide to casino games
CLOTHING
OPTIONAL
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
spring 2022
TABOO
A special section to talk about
FROM CLUB TO CARDIO A dancing debate
CLOTHING OPTIONAL Where tan lines are no more
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
spring 2022
TABOO
A special section to talk about
DEAL ME IN
Your guide to casino games
CLOTHING OPTIONAL Where tan lines are no more
the
magazine of the students of
the university of miami
spring 2022
FROM CLUB TO CARDIO A dancing debate
CLOTHING OPTIONAL Where tan lines are no more
DEAL ME IN
Your guide to casino games
2
Emmalyse Brownstein Editor-in-Chief
Kylea Henseler Executive Editor
Gabrielle Lord Managing Editor
Keagan Larkins Creative Director
Maria Emilia Becerra Associate Creative Director
Sydney Burnett Co-Photo Director
Teagan Polizzi Co-Photo Director
Lindsay Jayne Social Media Director
DISTRACTION
Introduction
spring 2022
HOW DO YOU TALK ABOUT TABOO TOPICS? Probably the least appropriate way possible.
THE TEAM
Editor-in-Chief_Emmalyse Brownstein Executive Editor_Kylea Henseler Managing Editor_Gabrielle Lord Creative Director_Keagan Larkins Associate Creative Director_Maria Emilia Becerra Photo Directors_Sydney Burnett & Teagan Polizzi Assistant Photo Directors_Daniella Pinzon, Nina D’Agostini & Emy Deeter PR Directors_Victoria D’Empaire Social Media Director_ Lindsay Jayne Fashion Directors_Andrius Espinoza & Erika Pun Fashion Assistant_Navya Kulhari I get drunk and Video Director_Hadieh Zolfghari ask uncomfortable The Guide Editor_Nicole Facchina questions. Happening Editor_Cat McGrath What the Fork Editor_Nicolette Bullard Special Section Editor_Andrea Valdes-Sueiras Fashion Editor_Grier Calagione Health & Wellness Editor_Lizzie Kristal Faculty Adviser_Randy Stano Supporting Faculty_Samuel Terilli
I make jokes until I’m comfortable.
ABOUT US
The magazine is produced four times per year, twice a semester. City Graphics and Bellack Miami printed 2,000 copies of the magazine on 8.5 x 11 inch, 60-pound coated text paper 4/4. The entire magazine is printed four-color and perfect bound. Most text is nine-point Minion Pro with 9.8 points of leading set ragged with a combination of bold, medium and italic. All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite CC software InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in Photoshop and Illustrator. For additional information, visit distractionmagazine.com. Questions and comments can be sent to 1330 Miller Drive, Student Media Suite 202A, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, dropped into SSC Student Media Suite Suite 200 or emailed to distraction305@gmail.com. All articles, photographs and illustrations are copyrighted by the University of Miami.
DISTRACTIONMAGAZINE.COM Digital Editor_Ainsley Vetter Assistant Digital Editors_Jamie Moses & Nicole Katz
CONTRIBUTORS Daniela Calderon, writer Scarlett Diaz, writer Ryan Mulroy, writer Sal Puma, writer Loudly and probably Molly Mackenzie, writer within earshot Alexis Masciarella, writer of people who Virginia Suardi, writer shouldn’t overhear. Landon Coles, writer Stephanie Revuelta, writer Cristina Ameller, designer Gio Aprigliano, designer Alex Trombley, designer Rip the bandage off Lauren Maingot, designer and ask the hard Abby Pak, designer hitting questions. Annie Volpe, designer Alex Trombley, designer Giselle Spicer, designer Chloe Ponte, designer Isa Marquez, designer Emy Deeter, photographer Jacob Singer-Skedzuhn, photographer RJ Kayal, photographer Julia Dimarco, photographer Lily Darwin, photographer
WE LIKE YOU
When it comes to contributors, we’re not picky. Whether you’ve found your niche in a biology book, you’re notorious for doing “nothing” at the comm or business school or you’re halfway into your college career and still wave that “undeclared major” flag, we want to hear what you have to say. Distraction is an extracurricular/volunteer operation made for students, by students, and covers the full spectrum of student life here at The U. If you want to get involved or have any questions, comments or concerns email us at distraction305@gmail.com.
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TABLE OF 20
WHARF WOES
12
HAPPENING P. 20 P. 22 P. 24 P. 25 P. 26
DEAL ME IN
THE GUIDE P. 6 P. 9 P. 12 P. 16 P. 18
DESTINATION:DESIGN GEN ZINE DEAL ME IN SAFE AND SOUND MONEY TALK
WHARF WOES ECO-ILLUSION OP-ED: WHERE ARE WE NOW? MIAMI MADNESS INNOCENCE AND REALITY
30
MUCHA KOMBUCHA
WHAT THE FORK P. 30 P. 32 P. 34 P. 36 P. 38 2
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Introduction
MUCHA KOMBUCHA ALL NIGHT LONG SUNKISSED AS SEEN ON TV BROUGHT TO LIFE
62
CONTENTS WORK WEAR
FASHION
47
P. 58 P. 60 P. 62 P. 68
THANK YOU VIRGIL TIMELESS WORK WEAR TREND CYCLE
CLOTHING OPTIONAL
SPECIAL SECTION: TABOO P. 44 P. 47 P. 50 P. 52 P. 53 P. 54 P. 56
FROM CLUB TO CARDIO CLOTHING OPTIONAL 15 WEEKS LISTEN UP OP-ED: SUNSHINE AND RAINBOWS NOT JUST F*CKING AROUND HOT TAKE
70
SWITCH GEARS
HEALTH & WELLNESS P. 70 P. 72 P. 73 P. 76 P. 78
OH SH*T FIND YOUR FREUD SWITCH GEARS PERKS OF THE POKE DITCH THE DEFICIT P. 80 YOUR LAST DISTRACTION Spring 2022 DISTRACTION
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ETTER ROM HE DITOR or our first issue of 2022, we wanted to spice things up. In a good way, of course. The past few years have felt like a flurry of quarantines and controversies. I don’t think either of those things are going to change any time soon, unfortunately, so why not embrace debate? In our special section (p. 43), we wanted to explore taboo topics not as clickbait (readbait?) but as a way to start real conversations. From Florida’s abortion ban to going for a dip in your birthday suit, our one goal is that the stories and visuals will get you talking. This magazine, as always, is a labor of love. We work incredibly hard to put each issue together, and my staff and I finished this one truly believing it was our best yet. I mean, just one look at the “TABOO” cover of this issue shows you the power of technology and the crazy talent on this team! As strong as we are as a unit, we couldn’t do it without the support of one beloved faculty advisor, Randy Stano, who is always keeping us humble with his critiques yet brightening our spirits with photos of his basset hound. As my last semester at UM comes to a halfway point, I’m beginning to imagine what a life without this magazine looks like. And despite all the sleepless nights I’d rather put behind me, that’s a daunting thought. So I’m cherishing this time with the staff—my closest confidants. We hope you enjoy this talkworthy issue. LYGC,
This 3D cover was inspired by our fun section openers and put our creativity to the test. design_keagan larkins.
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Introduction
Have you ever visited a clothing optional beach? Dive into this cheeky story if not. photo_teagan polizzi.
From club to cardio, take a look at pole dancing from a whole new perspective. photo_daniella pinzon.
Put on your poker face and learn the basics of classic casino games like blackjack, craps and roulette. photo_teagan polizzi.
Welcome to your roadmap—The Guide is, well, your guide to who, what, where and when. Mystified by all the different types of casino games? We broke it down. Want to know how you can spend a day in the Design District? We’ve got your itinerary. These topics and more are waiting for you just one page-turn away.
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If you’re looking to eat healthy in the Design District, restaurants like Pura Vida and Mandolin Aegean Bistro have a solid selection of sandwiches, salads and smoothies.
The mix of culture, fashion, architecture and cuisine in Miami’s Design District has made it a destination for students and tourists alike. If you don’t know where to start, make this your step-by-step itinerary for enjoying a day away from campus. words_daniela calderon. photo_nina d’agostini. design_keagan larkins & cristina ameller.
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The Guide
DES TINA TION: DESIGN
I
t all started with pineapples. What is known today as the culturally-rich Design District in Miami all grew from a pineapple farm. T.V. Moore, the original owner of the area, planted seeds that ended up foreshadowing the future of Buena Vista—a melting pot for luxury fashion, architecture, interior design, art and food in downtown Miami that today brings in visitors from all over. For the Design District, it has been a long road from farmland to Fendi columns. Just over 100 years ago, Moore branched out and built the Moore Building in 1921 to house his furniture business—one of the first of its kind in Miami. The building still stands today, now as a combination of historic architecture and modern art that also serves as the permanent home to architect Zaha Hadid’s “Elastika” exhibit. According to the Design District’s website, the area experienced a revitalization toward the end of the 20th century, when businessman Craig Robbins purchased the Moore Building, along with 18 surrounding blocks, with the vision of transforming rundown buildings into studios, showrooms and stores. In 2011, Robbins was joined by partner L Catterton. Together, they recruited artists, designers and brands to open in the area. It has since become a destination for cosmopolitan and creativity, featuring 120 luxury retail stores like Louis Vuitton Commodore, Balenciaga, Chanel and interior designers like Holly Hunt.
OTL/The Office
Le Jardinier
If you’re looking for a quick boost of energy to start the day off right, OTL is a popular café with gluten-free and vegan options that accomodate various dietary preferences. It has everything from chai tea and rotating kombucha flavors to classic iced lattes. While here, head upstairs to The Office Art Gallery, founded by young art collector Matthew Chevallard. This gallery has polychromatic-themed living room-like spaces that display pieces from emerging artists, creating connections in the art world from America to Miami and Europe. Here, Chevallard incorporates his handmade Italian footwear, Blu Scarpa, into its own blue aesthetic, blending retail and art into one space.
The French word for “gardener,” this award-winning spot was designed by architect PierreYves Rochon and follows the artistic atmosphere of the Design District, with its bright, modern interior complimented by green accents. Le Jardinier weaves culinary techniques with art, paying meticulous attention to detail to menu planning and plating. The menu changes seasonally, using fresh produce and promoting a vegetableforward theme. For $55, you’ll get a three-course lunch. “We are aiming, as much as possible, to source locallygrown organic produce and use the local ‘terroir’ as a base for our fresh ingredients,” said the culinary director and Michelinstarred chef Alain Verzeroli. “It is key as a chef to be closely following and being in sync with the natural rhythm of nature and seasonality as the base of our menu development, and this is the reason why we established a precious and trustful relationship with our growers and suppliers around us.”
Galeries Bartoux The Galeries Bartoux is hard to miss, drawing attention with its sculptures and art pieces from afar and featuring artists like Fred Allard, James Colomina and Marc Peltzer. Allard, for instance, puts pieces like Nike sneakers and designer purses in crystal cubes, preserving them forever, while Colomina creates his sculptures that resemble small red men from body casts and mixed structures.
Getting There Driving or taking an Uber are the easiest ways to get to this destination, as there’s unfortunately no metro stop nearby. Once you arrive, there are various parking options including contactless on-street parking, garages and valet.
The Design District will host the Latin American Fashion Summit on March 14-16, 2022.
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RE/DONE While trends come and go, jeans have remained an essential statement piece, free of closet dust. RE/DONE is a Los Angeles-based brand that is Levi’s only corporate partner. It upcycles Levi’s denim by buying the brand’s jeans in bulk, then cutting and updating their shapes. It also focuses on American Heritage brands, like Hanes, using their cotton to upcycle clothing pieces into a new collection. They also sell vintage LL Bean Bags and have their own marketplace where they sell untouched vintage Levi’s, books and accessories.
Montce From her Fort Lauderdale apartment to a Design District store, Alexandra Grief made her swimwear brand into an international success, featured in publications like Vogue and Marie Claire and worn by celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez. MONTCE bikinis are hyper-focused on small details and extensive fit testing. Successful small bussinesses can be rare in the design district, but this swim shop stands strong against the big-name brands in the area.
Most shops in the Design District are not exactly budgetfreindly, but you can still walk around and have a great time taking pictures for free. Some of the most popular photo destinations are the Fendi columns, Museum Garage and Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome.
Baccarat Bar The Baccarat crystal is rich in history, dating back to the 18th century. Its aesthetic is “shaped by the dialogue between heritage and modernity,” as it has been known for its use as a paperweight. In the Baccarat Boutique BBar & Lounge, you can sip on a hot drink, a glass of wine, champagne or even signature cocktails while enjoying a meal. As soon as you step into the building, the team is eager to share the unique history, experiences and knowledge about the brand’s pieces.
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The Guide
Cote
Aubi & Ramsa
After a long day walking around the District, a meal at Cote—the only Korean steakhouse in the world to receive a Michelin–star rating for four consecutive years—will hit the spot. Its design by the architecture studio MNDPC integrates perfectly into the complexity of the Design District. It’s illuminated by trademark bright pink lights, which sets the tone for an exotic yet minimalistic space contrasted by soapstone, brass and wood. A main menu feature is the “Butcher’s Feast,” Wagyu Beef and a choice of sides, including pickled seasonal vegetables and salads.
If the heat melted your mood during the day, stop by Aubi & Ramsa, a 21+ ice cream shop where you can get a buzz for dessert. Its alcohol-infused ice cream, originally created by owners Matias Aubi and Rafa Ramsa, adds a unique twist to a classic treat. This parlor offers a wide assortment of flavors and alcohol, a crowd favorite being the vegan passionfruit margarita sorbet with Casamigos tequila. “The service was amazing,” said UM junior Nicole Guerriero. “The bartender helped me find the perfect flavor based on my alcohol preference so it’s tailored to your specific taste and can be enjoyable for everyone. It was refreshing after being in the sun all day and overall a memorable and unique experience.”
From rollerblades to disposable cameras and everything in between, Gen Z is turning to the artifacts our digital-heavy world threatened to leave behind—and zines are no exception. These do-it-yourself publications offer anyone with a stack of paper and a stapler the opportunity to express themselves, and they’re popping up at bookstores around Miami and the U.S. words_kylea henseler. photo_emy deeter. design_keagan larkins.
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Zines enjoyed another revival in the 60s and 70s, said UM photography lecturer Jeff Larson, when it became popular to include them with purchases of vinyls in record shops.
eet magazines’ less corporate little cousin. Zines, said University of Miami graphic design lecturer Lenny Moreno, are self-made publications about anything one wishes to distribute. In a way, she said, these small-batch creations are like an “analog version of social media,” which can bring together niche communities with similar interests. Typically smaller than a regular magazine, they often have the same dimensions as a folded piece of printer paper, but can be any size. According to UM photography lecturer Jeff Larson, zines have a roughly 100-year history, earning their name from a shortened version of the words “fan magazine,” which were shortened into “fanzine” and then just “zine.” Early on they started by science fiction fans, but have had resurgences over the years in various communities. Today, Larson said, “zines can be just about anything.” Following a multi-year pandemic and lots of screen time, he said, they are growing in popularity as the younger generation yearns for tangible media. For their creators, he said, they are “labors of love.” “They are honestly so fun to make and can tell so many different stories,” said UM senior Gio Aprigliano. “They remind me of children’s books, except instead of a children’s story it’s really cool pieces of art.” The product itself, said Larson, can be as simple as three sheets of paper folded and stapled together to make a booklet. But don’t be fooled—hours of work are often put into each one. The ease and lack of expense when it comes to making a zine, said Aprigliano, are some of their most appealing aspects for young creators. “I think our generation is trying to make use of all the outlets to express ourselves and our work,” he said, “and zines are just one of those outlets.” Unlike magazines, said Moreno, zines typically don’t
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feature advertisements. They aren’t something a creator makes for a client, but for themselves. Moreno’s own introduction to zines was largely through music. In the early 90s, Moreno said, it was female punk bands and fans that revived zine culture. Tired of not getting the same respect or stage time as her male counterparts, “Bikini Kill” lead singer Kathleen Hanna collaborated with other artists to create the “Riot Grrrl” zine, which both popularized the medium and brought about change for women in the punk scene. “All of a sudden, she created a movement of a bunch of girl bands,” said Moreno. “All of a sudden, there was a safer space in the punk scene for girls to perform and girls to be part of the audience.” Pandemic or no pandemic, he said, zines were due to come back around. Even before COVID struck, Moreno said she had plans on teaching them in her classes as a way to encourage students to design freely. “When you’re doing something for a client,” she said, “there’s really no room for interpretation and fine art.” Paige O’Brian, a senior at UM, said the term “zine” was foreign to her before taking one of Larson’s photography classes where she was tasked with creating zines with the themes of “nothing” and “everything.” “For the first one I photographed Miami Marine Stadium because it was severely abandoned and nothing of what it was,” she said. For the second zine, O’Brian photographed a woman addicted to cigarettes, because “for addicts, their addiction is everything.” Though the class is over, she said, “I am planning on making another zine this semester. I actually plan
on selling a few if I make enough. I want to have a zine collection as well—there are so many!” “That’s what I like about it,” said Larson. “that I can collect zines themes for little money, and that I can actually go back to them and handle them.” Though they each taught zines in their separate classes, Moreno and Larson now work together on a class dedicated entirely to the medium, during which students complete readings on five special topics and create dedicated zines for each. The assignments, he said, ask students to create zines about themselves (without using self portraits), systemic racism, gender identity, earth justice and gender equality in music— an homage to zines recent history Today, he said, many zines may be more polished than before. And technology, said Moreno, changes the game when it comes to distribution. But more than ever, zines are recognized for the art that they hold. University libraries are collecting them, said Larson, museums like the Wolfsonion are holding zine-creating events and bookstores are selling them around Miami-Dade.
The Zine Scene
If you’re looking to grow, sell or start a zine collection or your own, check out these local options.
Exile Books 5900 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33127 Dedicated to supporting independent publishing, this Little Haiti spot doesn’t just sell zines—they give creators the opportunity to have theirs featured through a Zine Pool program that frequently features open calls.
Dale Zine 7395 NW Miami Pl Miami, FL 33150 Dale Zine hosts tons of zine-related events you can find on their social media pages, as well as selling zines, books, vinyl records, tapes, face masks and clothing at their store.
University of Miami Libraries 1300 Memorial Dr Coral Gables, FL 33146 If names like “Chrome Fetus,” ”Paganstongue,” and “#Drugs” sound interesting to you, you can start your zine-reading journey on campus! According to the library website, UM has a 107-box zine collection, including an entire box dedicated to “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” because of course they do.
Spring 2022 DISTRACTION 11
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We advise against heading for the poker room in a casino if it’s your first time playing, but all you need is an inexpensive deck of cards and set of chips to have an at-home poker night with friends or family.
Spring 2022 DISTRACTION 13
The Seminole Hard Rock Casino is 20 minutes from Hard Rock Stadium where the Hurricanes play football. The casino offers blackjack, poker, baccarat and other popular games.
Movies like “Casino Royale,” “21” and “Oceans 11” make casinos look like glamorous palaces where everyone is a well-dress high roller that just may get laid, paid or robbed at any moment. But in reality, the first time you stroll into Hard Rock and attempt to bet on a craps game or pull your phone out at the Blackjack table, you’ll feel like anything but. That’s because these adult versions of Dave and Busters are governed by unwritten rules and etiquette and full of games with rules that may feel foreign. We don’t want you to lose more money than you came with, so consider this a cheat sheet for navigating the casino, placing your bets and understanding the most common games on the floor. words_kylea henseler. photo_teagan polizzi. design_lauren maingot.
ROULETTE
Even the name sounds sexy. The roulette table is often one of the most crowded in any casino and the game just may be one of the easiest to figure out. In case you didn’t know, this is the game with the large red and black spinning wheel. Here’s how it works: the wheel is numbered 1-36, with each number colored either red or black and “0” and “00” spaces marked in green. Players can make a variety of bets by spreading their chips on the table, up until the dealer closes betting and drops the ball, where it spins the opposite direction of the wheel until it finally drops into a numbered slot. If this corresponds with your bet, you win. Odds and Betting In roulette, players can make a variety of bets with different odds and payoffs. The simplest way to bet, which pays out 1:1 (you’ll double your bet if you win these) is to put your chips on either red or black, even or odd, or “low” (1-18) or “high” (19-36) numbers. However, players can also place bets on a single number, set of 12 numbers or engage in a variety of other bets like “lines” and “columns” that are marked on the table. For “even bets”—the first three we mentioned—the odds of winning are 47.4% in most American casinos. This is because of those pesky zeros on the wheel—you can bet on them as an individual number and in some specific betting strategies, but for even bets they don’t count as high, low, red, black, odd or even.
CRAPS
The craps table may be one of the biggest and loudest in most casinos. From a glance, it also looks like one of the most confusing. There’s a LOT of bets you could make here, and we won’t get into all of them. In fact, to keep it simple, you could walk into any
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casino, place your bet on the “pass line,” and be just fine. With this game, according to the website wizardofodds.com, even money bets come with a house edge of just around 1.35 to 1.4%—some of the lowest you will find at a casino. In craps, the players are part of the action—one player shoots dice, usually after a quick blow (to the dice) for good luck, while the rest bet on the outcome. Game Play and Betting There are many kinds of bets in craps, but the two simplest are “Pass Line” and “Don’t Pass Line.” With these bets, respectively, you are either gambling with or against the player rolling the dice. When the shooter shoots their “opening roll,” according to the Venetian Resort’s website, they (and you, if you bet the pass line) win if the roll is a 7 or 11, and lose if the roll is a 2, 3 or 12. If you bet the “don’t pass line,” it’s just the opposite. If the shooter rolls any other number, their objective is to roll that number again before rolling the seven. Along the way, players have several other betting options including “come bets,” “don’t come bets,” “odds,” “place bets,” “field bets,” “hop bets,” “proposition bets” and “hardaways.” You can look up these terms if you wish; we’re grabbing a beer and betting with the shooter.
BLACKJACK
Aside from poker, this is likely the casino game that calls for the most skill—and has the highest odds. According to Bet and Beat, the chances of winning or tying in Blackjack are 42.22% and 8.48%, respectively. If players employ “basic strategy,” a mathematically calculated list of moves that tells players exactly what decision to make based on what cards they, and the dealer, have showing. Of course, players don’t have to stick to this strategy and the longer someone plays, the more likely they are to develop their own.
Objective OK, let’s back up for a second. Contrary to what it may sound like, the goal of blackjack isn’t to hit “blackjack,” it’s to beat the dealer. Keep in mind that “blackjack” is 21, and if your cards, or theirs, total higher than this number, it’s a “bust.” So, in order to win you need either the dealer to bust or to get closer to 21 than the dealer without busting. Game Play and Betting This game can be played with one deck, but many tables will combine multiple. Before the game begins, the dealer will ask players to place their bets, then deal each player two cards face-up and themself one card face-down and one face-up. Now the fun begins. Based on the cards they have showing, as well as the dealer’s card, players can “hit” (ask for another card), “stand” (not take any more cards) or “double down” (double their bet and accept only one more card). If the player has two of the same card they can also “split”— physically split the cards, place another bet behind one of them and play the two as hands. Once each player has played their hand, the dealer will reveal their bottom card and play their hand. However, unlike players who can make their own choices, the dealer must follow a formula which is determined by the casino. Usually, according to Bicycle Cards, the dealer must hit if their hand totals below 17 and stand if it totals 17 or higher. In blackjack, numbered cards are counted as their face value, “face cards” (kings, queens and jacks) count as 10 and aces count as either 11 or 1, whichever is more beneficial for the player’s hand.
SPANISH 21
If you kept up through the last two paragraphs, this one will be easy—that’s because Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack, albeit one that is found in many casinos. According to Draft Kings, this game is basically blackjack minus the “10” cardsand plus lots of opportunities to win extra bonus. To be clear, the face cards that equal 10 points stay in the deck—only the 10s are removed.
While in its parent game players “push” or tie if they hit 21 in the same hand as the dealer, in Spanish 21 a players’ 21 hand always wins. And this isn’t the only variation. For example, after the first two cards are dealt, a player can “surrender” in Spanish 21 by forfeiting half their bet, according to Draft Kings. Players can also win a bonus if they get a “hand totaling 21 that contains 5 or more cards, or with the 21 combo of 6-7-8.” And these aren’t the only fun bonuses and variations. If you’ve ever seen a “lucky 7” tattoo, the last one we’ll discuss may not shock you. In Spanish 21, players can win a huge payout, predetermined by the size of their bet, for holding three “7s” of the same suit while the dealer also holds a 7—this is called a “Super Bonus.” Even with three 7s of mixed suits, players will win some extra cash.
SLOTS
We think you can figure these ones out on your own; may the odds be ever in your favor. Because, when it comes to slots, while they vary based on the game, the odds aren’t pretty.
COME OUT ON TOP Ante Up
Understanding casino etiquette just may be as important as figuring out the games themselves. Now that you know what a pass line and “super bonus” are, here’s some tips to help you take on your next trip. (via Thrillist)
Tip!
Many casinos offer free drinks, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always tip your server. While we’re at it, tip your dealer too. And, for the love of Miami, don’t put your drink on the felt or spill it on the table- there’s cup holders for a reason.
Put Your Phone Away
Nobody wants to wait longer to play their hand in Blackjack because someone’s sending a text. Some dealers won’t even let players have their phones on the table. And most casinos don’t allow photography, so forget about that cute Insta pic you wanted in front of the slot machines—or take it quick.
Know Your Table
Table games in a casino typically have a “minimum bet,” which is exactly what it sounds like-the lowest amount of money you can bet on a game or hand. This is usually posted at a sign behind the table, so make sure you check it out before claiming a spot.
Mind Your Money
You should know this one already—don’t take more than you’re willing to lose, and don’t take out more to keep playing once you’re all out. Don’t wait on that Blackjack, ball to end on red or cherries to line up on slots thinking you can win it all back, because you probably can’t.
1-800-522-4700
One call, text, or chat to the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network will get you help anywhere in the U.S. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
SAFE
A
N
D
SOUND
MUS IC
F E ST I VA L
SA F E T Y
Festivals like Rolling Loud, Ultra and Tortuga rock South Florida every year, making it onto many students’ bucket lists. Even before the pandemic upped the stakes, going to one of these events came with some risks. We’d be hyprocrites if we told you not to go—we’re just saying that as you shop for your Ultra ‘fits, consider these tips for staying safe at festivals. words_nicole facchina. design_giovanni aprigliano.
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or those who didn’t see it all over social media and the news, rapper Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival in November 2021 resulted in 10 tragic deaths and over 300 lawsuits. The deaths were ruled as accidental, as the Houston Medical Examiner’s office said that they were caused by compression asphyxia within the crowd of 50,000 people who attended. Whether the artist, security, staff or crowd was at fault, that horror taught us, among other things, that everyone should know how to stay safe while attending these events.
1
Use Festival Resources
Lots of music festivals have resource pages on their website. For example, Rolling Loud has a “Help” page with icons such as “Get Ready,” “Health and Safety” and “FAQ.” By actually reading it—unlike most people—you’ll know what’s allowed in the festival and what isn’t, and how accessible certain things like restrooms and water stations are. You should also familiarize yourself with a map or photo of the event layout so that when you’re potentially under the influence, you won’t be totally clueless. Send it to everyone you’re going with, while you’re at it. Finding other people to ask—whether friends or via social media posts— who have attended the music festival before, especially if it’s your first time in that space, is invaluable.
2
Plan Ahead
Half the fun of festivals is planning out your day. Most will have a handful of stages with multiple artists all performing at once so that people can pick their favorite. There’s always something going on, and even though it might seem fun to just wander around, having a set plan can help make sure you don’t get lost or stranded in the crowds. Planning applies to supplies, too. Packing food, water and personal hygiene products can help make a festival experience more enjoyable. “We bought clear backpacks because that’s a requirement for music festivals,” said University of Miami Sophomore Ari Shedlock when discussing her preparation for Rolling Loud 2021. “We brought lots of snacks. I remember I brought a lot of period products for my friends… if I went to another festival, I would buy a backpack water pack because that is a good thing to have.”
3
Stick Together
It’s extremely important to stay with the people you know or came with at festivals, because once you get separated a dead cell phone or a drunk friend can quickly turn into a crisis. And that’s not to mention the possibility of facing an actual large-scale emergency. UM sophomore Jillian DiMonda, who attended the Governor’s Ball NYC in 2019, a music festival that usually hosts about 150,000 people, said she and her friends experienced an evacuation at the Ball due to severe weather.
“They rushed everyone through to the bridge where cars were still on the bridge, causing puddles to also drench the pedestrians,” she said. “There was literally no dry place. My brother clenched my phone in his hand because it was the driest place. It was dark, raining, loud and no directions were given. It was very scary.”
4
Be Aware
Festivals can get chaotic fast, (ahem, Astroworld) and knowing who and what’s around you can help keep you safe in the event of an emergency. “Make sure everyone around you is okay, because if they’re not, you’re going to be the next one who is not okay,” said Marcus Stevens, a junior at UM. “Bad mosh pits function like a line of dominos, where the effect flows sequentially.” A mosh pit is “an area in front of a stage where very physical and rough dancing takes place.” Mosh pits occur at any kind of concert or festival with a large crowd, as the crowd often surges towards the front of the stage, in order to get a better view of the artist performing. It’s crucial to know your physical limitations, as well. Mosh pits can suck you in, and it can become extremely difficult to escape once everyone begins to surge forward. If you feel unsure, get out before things get dangerous.
5
Know Exactly What You Consume
“At large music festivals, it can be easy to make careless decisions without thinking of the consequences,” said Rohan Dureja, a peer educator at the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education at University of Miami. “When you are drunk or high, you might decide to start a fight or run off on your own. It is an unknown environment where there is a lot of stimulation, so your body may react in a negative way when under the influence.” If you do decide to go for these substances, never take anything randomly given to you. You just don’t know what it could do. The Sandler Center has a saying: “When in doubt, throw it out.” If you’re not 100% sure what you’re doing or what’s in something that someone has given you, do not take or drink it. Drugs or unknown substances can be put in alcoholic beverages, and drugs, including the toxic and deadly chemical Fentanyl, are becoming more prominent. If you think that you’ve been given something without your consent or start to feel like something is wrong, find a medical center at the event or contact emergency services. It’s better to be safe than sorry. “I would definitely recommend drinking a lot of water and eating beforehand,” Dureja said. “I know it sounds very simple, but it can prevent so many issues and allow you to enjoy the music festival while still being safe.”
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This article is a paid partnership with Frich.
MONEY TALK Have you ever had your card decline in front of your friends when going out? Embarrassing, we know. Going out is always so much fun, yet can often come with money anxiety—not the easiest topic to bring up with friends. Frich, a social app that aims to break the money taboo and help you stick to your goals, will guide you through managing money in social situations. If you don’t want to stop going out, little habit changes can go a long way. Here are some tips, when picking a place (and time) to go out: 1. Go to a restaurant at a less busy time and search for restaurant specials on OpenTable, LivingSocial and Groupon. Keep in mind that restaurants typically have their greatest deals early in the week, when fewer people go out. 2. Don’t! Order! Drinks! Have a drink at home before or after the meal. Restaurants charge about a 300% markup on drinks—this is where they make most of their revenue. 3. Go on lunch dates. Lunch menus are typically less expensive, and many restaurants have lunch specials. If you want to meet in the evening, eat at home and grab dessert. 4. Don’t overestimate the power of happy hour. Push your friend group to get ready early and make the most of those deals! Those were some hacks on how to spend less when someone invites you out for a meal or drink, but what about entertainment? If you’re sick of binging Netflix and want to enjoy a nice experience at an actual movie theater, here are some tips to keep costs to a minimum: 1. Bring your own snacks. Movie theaters charge a markup of up to 800% on your favorite bites! No popcorn is worth it, trust us. 2. Don’t be too shy to ask for a discount—almost every venue offers student discounts. Ask and you shall receive. 3. On that note, here’s an extra juicy tip: Use and abuse your student ID when you’re traveling. Student Universe offers great discounts on flights, hotels, tours and car rentals. 4. Look into alternative fun things to do with friends that don’t break your wallet, like trying a new workout class, going for a picnic or find a free event in your area.
18 DISTRACTION The Guide
Now to the difficult part: how to openly speak to your friends about your finances and, hopefully, have them help you reach your financial goals instead of adding peer pressure to lavish social spending. 1. 2.
3.
Share your goals! E.g., “I’m trying to spend less on restaurants and want to keep it to two this week!” Invite your friends to be part of your goal-setting and accountability journey. Explicitly state that some of the plans proposed are a little out of your scope and offer counter-solutions. Instead of going to a bar for pricey cocktails, for example, experiment with making new cocktails at home. Tell your friends that you’re excited to spend time with them, but can’t commit to the entire plan. If your friends are planning to go dinner, then to a bar and end with a concert, maybe just join them for the concert.
Talking about money doesn’t have to be awkward—that’s why we created Frich, the first social finance app for Gen Z. You shouldn’t struggle alone with your financial goals. Next time you want to save up for a spring break trip or you’re looking to get into investing, challenge your friends to spend less money on eating out or takeout coffees. The best part? Frich gives you rewards, such as Starbucks or Uber gift cards, for sticking to your goals together with friends. Money may be difficult to talk about, but by being honest you might just be voicing the concerns of someone else in your group who was intimidated to speak up, too.
Happening tackles pressing issues and hot topics of today. Learn more about “greenwashing,” take a look at where the University of Miami is in the fight for racial justice on campus and read about a law clinic’s ongoing effort to free wrongfully convicted prisoners.
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To the outside eye, when it comes to social life, the University of Miami seems to offer everything: pool parties, world renowned clubs, Greek life and Michelin–starred restaurants. UM students have a world-class city at their disposal. The one thing missing? A go-to off-campus college bar. Enter: The Wharf. words_scarlett diaz. photo_lily darwin. design_keagan larkins & lauren maingot.
Beer with a side of pizza? Or maybe some gelato with your wine? The wharf has several food trucks on site, including Spris Artisan Pizza, Sweet River and La Santa Taqueria.
“T
he Wharf has a chokehold on the 21+ population of UM,” said Keenan Baldus, a junior at the University of Miami. He’s not wrong. Every Friday, a drove of UM students over the age of 21 (or anyone underage with a generous friend who looks like them) traipses to the Brickell fan favorite for happy hour. We don’t have places like Potbelly’s or The Boot (icons to FSU and UF students, respectively) here. The Wharf
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is Miami’s answer to a college bar, and what a nice one at that. The open-air venue sits alongside the Miami River, adorned with food trucks and several bars with $1 beer and $3 wine during happy hour. By the time you’re an upper-classman, it’s easy to fall into habits: You see the same people in classes for your major, go to parties with the same people and get involved in the same organizations. The beauty of The Wharf is in how it brings people (who otherwise might not hang
out) together. The hotspot sure makes it easy to mingle. If you go to happy hour, you’re bound to run into everyone you know: from freshman year floormates to that ex you really don’t want to see flirting with other people yet. Seems like the perfect rite of passage for UM students: going to The Wharf on Fridays, a long-lasting tradition. What could possibly change this? Breakwater Hospitality Group, the company behind The Wharf, announced in December 2021 that it is temporarily closing The Wharf to build a $185 million Dream Hotel and entertainment complex set to include a 165-room hotel, deep water yacht marina, multiple entertainment/food/beverage locations and, brace yourself, a “reimagined” Wharf Miami. The comfort of our beloved quasi-college bar will never be the same. It announced that groundwork will begin sometime in 2022, with an estimated construction end date in 2025. Breakwater said it plans to keep The Wharf open throughout the initial construction stages, but no formal dates have been announced. They’re probably being purposefully vague about this not to alarm faithful Wharf goers, but the mere size of the hotel going on its land (and anyone familiar with Miami’s lengthy construction timelines) tells you it will be at least a couple of years before whatever new version of our beloved bar is open again.
In the mean time, those of us who know and love The Wharf now will be long gone with no one to pass on the tradition to. By then, the next generation of ‘Canes will have found a different spot and memories at The Wharf will be a UM thing no more. Breakwater was unavailable to comment on this matter at time of publication. But, in a Miami New Times article, Emi Guerra of Breakwater said that The Wharf was always going to be temporary. “When we first acquired the site, there was no real history to see if it would be a successful location for what we hoped to do here,” she said in the story. “We never knew how long it would last, but we consider ourselves fortunate The Wharf has lasted this long. More so, we’re excited to be able to grow the concept into something more permanent.” For UM students who are 21 or above, some of the happiest of Friday hours have been spent laughing and sharing drinks along the river. But, as times change, so do going out habits. Just look at The Grove. Its popularity declined over the years and The Wharf ended up becoming more popular than Monty’s. Although we don’t know how The Wharf will change during this period, one thing is for certain: UM students will never let anything get between them and happy hour deals. When The Wharf closes for construction, we’ll find a new spot to make our Friday hangout home.
YOU’LL BE MISSED “I really like the fact that they do events on holidays—like they had a Harry Potter night and they gave out Santa hats for Christmas. It’s where we know that people our age will be going. By the end of senior year, it’s like a big reunion.” —Allegra Rosa, senior “The Wharf is appealing to so many students because it’s a unique and atypical Miami experience. It’s an outdoor place where people can have conversations with people, you see everyone from all four years and you have relatively cheap drinks and great food. It’s a great combination of things that make Miami exceptional.” —Mario Suarez, senior “As a BFA student not in Greek life, I feel very connected to UM when I go to The Wharf because I always see people I know. Sometimes I reconnect with people that I haven’t met since I was a freshman.” —Greta Hicks, senior “I feel like it’s the cheap drinks paired with the outside space really brings the UM crowds. A bunch of broke college kids will hardly ever turn down $1 beers.” —Jack Ertel, senior “It’s a really easy and fun way to get to see everyone who you may not have seen during the week. I think post-COVID, it was a really good thing to have because we had spent so much time not being able to all be together and it gives you a sense of normalcy after having a good portion of our college experience be extremely affected by it.” —Allison Hochauser, senior What attracts UM students? “The fact that there’s no freshmen.” —Carrie Furman, senior “Considering my roommates are also older juniors, I go to The Wharf a lot with them; but, I’ve definitely met and gotten closer with a lot of seniors because of the fact that only we can go to The Wharf. One of my roommates who’s not 21 definitely feels left out that he can’t come.” —Barak Koren, junior
ECO-ILLUSION Whether you’re strolling through the supermarket or scrolling on Amazon, chances are you’ll see dozens of products claiming to be “sustainably sourced,” “green,” “compostable” or “made from 100% recycled materials.” They cost more than the next product because they are marketed as eco-friendly. But are they really? words_ ryan mulroy. design_keagan larkins.
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What is greenwashing? According to Renato Molina, a professor at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, greenwashing can be defined as “firms engaging in false advertisement to make them seem more environmentally friendly than they actually are.” It’s a tactic that essentially misleads consumers into buying products because they believe it’s less harmful or even helpful to the environment. In fact, the 2019 Retail and Sustainability Survey by consulting firm CGS found that 35% of consumers would pay a quarter more than the original price of a given product for an eco-friendly alternative. Many corporations are capitalizing on that desire—minus the eco-friendly part. The term greenwashing was coined in the 80s by environmentalist Jay Westerveld, according to a 2016 Guardian article by Bruce Watson. The idea came to Westerveld when he snuck into a resort in Fiji to steal clean towels. He noticed the hotel had claimed to want to reduce waste by asking customers to reuse the towels, but was simultaneously expanding their real estate, harming the surrounding beaches. Roughly 40 years later, the practice described by this term is still being employed by some of the world’s largest companies. In a world where millions are spent on campaigns developed by experts, it falls on consumers to figure out what products are actually sustainable—and whether this matter is of concern to them in the first place. “I usually don’t check to see if the clothes I buy are sustainable,” said UM sophomore Sarah Prior. “I avoid websites that have a bad reputation, but I trust the brands that I like.”
How can you spot it? Some ways to spot greenwashing include looking for buzzwords or images of nature in advertisements and checking to see if a “sustainable” brand is owned by a large corporation with a history of harmful environmental practices, according to a 2021 BBC article by Beth Timmons. One common tactic is promoting products as “100% sustainable” or “ethically sourced.” Another is advertising a single sustainable effort or campaign while simultaneously engaging in other practices that harm the environment. For example, the Guardian article said that hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot advertise on-site recycling to their customers. However, these same stores sell billions of dollars worth of environmentally damaging products such as toxic paints. Molina cited multiple other instances. “Ikea claimed to use only sustainably-sourced wood, but in 2020 it was discovered that the company sourced illegally-logged wood from Ukraine,” he said. Molina said businesses like Ikea validate the sustainability of their materials through certification companies in an attempt to seem more legitimate. “I would be cautious to take any random certification at face value.” In 2018, Molina continued, “Starbucks claimed to get rid of straws, but their new strawless lid had more and harder-to-recycle plastic in it than their previous lids and straws combined.” Not every company that claims to be “eco–friendly” is full of it; there is a distinction between “greenwashing” and “green marketing,” according to a 2021 EcoWatch article by Lydia Noyes. A truly green product, Noyes explained, tends to arrive in minimal packaging, is free of taxi materials, built to last and repairable. She said outdoor apparel company Patagonia is a classic example of a real “green” company. Its buildings, she said, run on renewable
energy, their clothing is made using over 80% recycled materials and they have a “cradleto-grave” approach for clothing that offers a lifetime of repairs, ensuring customers can reuse instead of re-buy.
What does it mean for the climate crisis? According to Greg Hamra, climate educator and leader of the Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) in Miami, most consumers are misinformed about their role in the climate crisis. Since the 70s, he said, large corporations have diverted our attention away from their carbon emissions, including through corporate-sponsored public service announcements. Rather than focusing on the role of corporations, this type of messaging shifts the responsibility for climate change to relatively smaller individual decisions. One example, he said, is a “Keep America Beautiful” commercial from the 70s which features a Native American man crying about pollution and littering. The campaign was part of an orchestrated public relations strategy to turn the public’s attention toward littering, recycling and environmental matters of less consequence than the burning of fossil fuels. Hamra said he calls this “The Great Bamboozlement.” But consumers can avoid this trap. CCL’s Higher Education Team, he said, encourages people to be more civically engaged and to vote for politicians who believe in climate change and want to solve the problem. He said our role as consumers is not only to reduce our carbon footprints, but also to become better informed about how companies who extract fossil fuels maintain their power in politics and the economy.
Coca-Cola was sued by the Earth Island Institue in 2021 for deceptively marketing itself as sustainable. Ironically, the brand was named worst plastic polluter for three years by Break Free From Plastic.
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Op-Ed: Racial Justice at the University of Miami—Where Are We Now? Individuals, businesses and institutions—including our university—came out with a slew of commitments to increase diversity, uplift Black voices and reconcile with their own shortcomings when the Black Lives Matter movement became a national outcry in 2020. So how has the University of Miami lived up to the promises it made then and where is the University still falling short? words_landon coles. illustration_lindsay jayne.
O
n May 25th, 2020, George Perry Floyd Jr. was killed by a police officer during a routine arrest in Minneapolis. Floyd was an unarmed Black man and was killed after a white police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. So gruesome, grotesque and horrifying was this murder that it compelled every viewer of that video to demand better from the spaces they occupy; accordingly, students from every corner of the University of Miami organized and mobilized, sparing no effort in pursuit of racial justice. In advocating for new infrastructure, greater diversity amongst our university’s senior leadership and funding for diverse projects, our priorities were clear. The university complied. Two years later, we find ourselves with tangible results as follows: a presidential advisor on racial justice, an expanded professional staff in Multicultural Student Affairs, a new Global Black Studies Center, a soon-to-be newly renovated second floor of the University Center to support diverse communities and an upcoming naming of the Student Services building in honor of Black alumni. While the aforementioned results are positive steps forward, racial justice for Black people is not a fixed aim. In all of our recent administrative promotions and hirings, including in athletics, the university has yet to promote a single Black figure to the cabinet level. Absent from any plans of action are a commitment to Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—a role that exists at numerous comparable peer universities. This trend is indicative of the larger challenge: the push for representation which matters. Standing committees, advisors and temporary initiatives, while progress, are no substitute for permanent infrastructure with proper staff and endowed budgets. The call to action is to maintain the same sense of urgency and momentum to address racial equity and justice as we did in the immediate aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Justice should not be pursued only in times of great strife, but each day through consistent action. Justice necessitates a collective commitment to having courage, speaking truth and demanding justice; even further, the pursuit of justice is not only building character, but revealing it. In the wake of the horrific attacks of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Jacob Blake and countless other Black civilians, the moment of reckoning has dawned upon many organizations without sufficient infrastructure to support historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. Statements and hollow symbols of support will no longer suffice and are rendered meaningless if not followed by tangible action. And that action is vested in the next generation of student leaders who have a responsibility to hold the University of Miami accountable.
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Palace Bar
Bacon Bitch Swizzle Bar
Blackbird
The Wharf
Batch
Greenstreet Cafe
Vizcaya
Gramp’s
Lagniappe
words_sal puma. design_anna volpe.
Tacocraft
Titanic
Monty’s
Pub 52
Salt & Straw
Lokal
Rathskeller
Think you know the best Miami spot? Gather some friends and put your opinions to the test with our Miami Madness bracket.
Flannigan’s
Crandon Park
Sandbar
Space
COCONUT GROVE
Le Rouge
MISCELLANEOUS
Minibar Ted’s Hideaway
Tacology
La Sandwhicherie
CHAMP
Pink Taco
Komodo
SOUTH BEACH
Nathan’s Bar
Blue Martini
BRICKELL
Twist
Barsecco
INNOCENCE AND REALITY 26 DISTRACTION Happening
Each month members of the Innocence Clinic at University of Miami’s School of Law receive dozens of letters from prisoners. For many, it’s the only hope they have. The mission of this clinic is to represent the wrongfully convicted, and their services are always in demand. For the hundreds of letters they received, the team has four cases in litigation, 50 to 60 under investigation that they may file motions for and over 100 on a waiting list. Last year, they added a new statistic— exonerations: one. words & design_kylea henseler. photo_rj kayal.
The Scene
Morale was high outside the circuit court in Pensacola among Innocence Clinic Director Craig Trocino’s students as they awaited the result of the final evidentiary hearing for Jerome Hill. Freedom would be a long time coming for Hill, who was imprisoned in 2012 at 19 and sentenced to life without parole after being convicted of an armed robbery in which no one was killed. The students seemed to feel a win was coming: Hill’s original defense lawyer admitted to making mistakes, and the case against him hinged on eyewitness testimony, a notably unreliable form of evidence. Hill, according to a 2019 Miami Law Report article, had been babysitting relatives when the crime occured. The jury at his first trial never heard testimony from two alibi witnesses and an additional eyewitness that could speak to his innocence. Jillian Kushner, a third year law student and fellow at the clinic, remembers crying when Trocino called with the news: Hill’s
conviction would stand. Dustin Duty, the man who introduced Hill to the clinic, was the first to be exonerated by Trocino and his team last October. Upon being released from prison, according to a News at the U article, the man downed a double cheeseburger and called his mom to say he loved her. He was sentenced to 20 years in 2013 after a victim who’d been robbed of $152 at knife point incorrectly identified him as her attacker. According to the article, he pleaded for law enforcement officers to call his boss, who had been dropping him off to buy beer and cigarettes after a long day working construction when the crime occured. They refused. The two cases, said Trocino, were equally strong. “There were equally lousy defense lawyers who did an equally lousy job with bad eyewitness identifications,” he said. They were both sent to the Florida First District Court of Appeals. When Duty was granted relief, the court wrote an opinion that Trocino said, “I couldn’t have written better myself.” Hill’s case, Trocino said, may have been stronger in one area than Duty’s and slightly weaker in another, but they were equally meritorious. There was one notable difference between the men, though Trocino cannot say whether it was the deciding factor: Hill is Black. “I don’t have a way of explaining the discrepancy on how the court decided to rule,” Trocino said. But he remembers the high hopes of the students who waited with him in front of the same court that later freed Dustin Duty. And he remembers telling them to keep in mind a “very important factor in this work: Sometimes it’s not enough just to be right.” Trocino brought Hill’s case all the way to the Federal level, litigating in the 11th Circut Court of Appeals before finally calling Hill to tell him they’d run out of options. “There’s nothing else I can do,” he said. “I went and litigated in every court I could possibly kick the door in and nobody would listen.” Both Trocino and Kushner, who worked on the case, said they still lose sleep over it. Hill, they believe, is innocent. But his case wasn’t a one-off. The faces behind the numbers that quantify mass incarceration in the United States can be hard to conceptualize, said Kushner. According to the Pew Research center, the U.S. has both the highest number and highest percentage of population behind bars in the world, with just under 2.1 million people imprisoned as of last August. Put another way, said Trocino, the U.S. holds 5% of the world’s population and 25% of its prisoners.
The Clinic
For Kushner, it was her first “mail duty” at the clinic that helped put these numbers into perspective. “I got that stack of mail, I just sat there and had tears in my eyes. These are real people, real humans who are in prison and they’re locked away, whether they did or not.” Cases like Duty’s are proof that sometimes the system screws up, and when it does, lives are profoundly affected. The reasons why are many, and complicated, both when it comes to mass and wrongful incarceration. At the Innocence Clinic, the only one of it’s kind at a college in this state, the mission is clear: “to find and remedy wrongful convictions of people in the state of Florida,” said Trocinio. The team, he said, undertakes a specific process to funnel cases from stacks of letters to court motions to, hopefully, exonerations. For students, said Myles Crandall, a second-year law student and member of the clinic, the experience provides a valuable opportunity to step away from the textbooks and work on real cases that can change people’s lives. Post-conviction work, he continued, allows students to go learn about every step of the trial and appeals process as they investigate cases.
whether to keep investigating. If they do, “we get every piece of information that’s available on the case.” This includes finding trial transcripts, interviewing lawyers and witnesses and getting biological testing done if needed. “We have to go back and do all the stages, at least intellectually, again,” said Crandall, “and see what actually happened in the trial and what may have gone wrong.”
The System
There are a number of reasons why a wrongful conviction could occur. “At the top of that list by a longshot,” Trocino said, “is faulty eyewitness identifications,” which account “for more wrongful convictions than all the other purposes combined.” When that identification is cross-racial it tends to be even less reliable. Next on the list are false confessions. Some Americans, Kushner pointed out, “can’t wrap their head around the idea an innocent person would plead guilty.” But sometimes, this can seem like the smartest option they have. If a confession is the only evidence against a client, Trocino said, that’s a red flag. “The procedure by which law enforcement is trained to extract confessions is designed to have the possibility of a false confession be the result of the interrogation,” he said. “If I’m a police officer I can tell you ‘we have your fingerprints everywhere on the murder weapon, you’re going down’ even if none of that is true.” Additionally, said Kushner, individuals often face steep incentives to plead guilty rather than taking their case to trial. “Our systems run off plea deals,” she said. According to Pew Research Center, over 97% of federal convictions and 94% of state convictions are obtained through plea bargains. In this type of deal, Kushner explained, prosecutors will offer defendants a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding the courtroom. As the War on Drugs took off in the 70s and 80s, she said, this became the only way to shuffle cases through the system. “We arrest and put so many people through the system that we are physically unable to take all those cases to trial,” she said. But the consequence of this efficiency becomes that individuals are essentially punished with harsher sentences if they’re found guilty “just because they have a constitutional right to a jury trial, and they want to exercise that right.” Even to an innocent person, she said, the threat of serving a lengthy prison term or worse if they’re found guilty in a trial is
“...the more verdicts are overturned, the more we have to confront ourselves with the fact that the criminal legal system in the United States doesn’t always get it right.” This process can take years. First, said Trocino, the team reads every letter and determines if a case may be eligible for help from the clinic. As Trocinio, the practicing attorney, is barred in Florida, they must be litigating in Florida courts or federal courts within the state. Second, clients must be claiming innocence, “meaning that they didn’t do it”—not self defense. Finally, due to the amount of time the appeals take and the infrastructure available to the clinic, individuals must have at least 10 years left on their sentence and cannot be facing the death penalty. People of all races and genders face wrongful imprisonment, but the distribution is far from even. About 70% of DNA exonerees are Black, Trocino said, and Innocence Clinic clients “are disproportionately Black and Latino, but uniformly indigent...they don’t have money.” If potential clients meet this criteria, Trocino said, they are sent a more extensive application which asks detailed questions about the case and helps the clinic determine
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enough to make a plea bargain appealing. Of course, having pleaded guilty to a crime makes exoneration even more difficult. Once an individual is convicted, Trocino noted, they lose the presumption of “innocent until proven guilty”— it’s now the other way around. While false confessions and faulty eyewitness testimony are the most common reasons for wrongful convictions, Trocino said, there are a number of other possibilities including “prosecutorial misconduct, police misconduct, ineffective assistance of counsel (which is essentially lousy defense lawyer), bad forensic science” as well as “snitches and informants— people who were given a deal in exchange for their testimony.” Proving innocence is an uphill battle. Dustin Duty’s case, the clinic’s first exoneration, took around five years. That was one of the shorter ones. “Once you get convicted, that ship is a really hard one to turn. Nobody wants to admit that they were wrong,” he said. “The law enforcement industrial complex, which includes the criminal legal system, is geared towards a victory, meaning a conviction and a lengthy sentence, and they don’t really care how they get it.” “The system has an incentive to keep the status quo alive and not overturn verdicts,” Trocino continued, “because the more verdicts are overturned, the more we have to confront ourselves with the fact that the criminal legal system in the United States doesn’t always get it right.”
The Future
Kushner said that while innocence work has not necessarily made her lose faith in the system, it underlines a need for reform. Her goal is to become a prosecutor, where ideally she will have the power to make judgement calls on which cases to bring charges on in the first place. Even when individuals are guilty, she said, the prison sentence they face often doesn’t fit the crime. While progressive prosecutors can make a difference, she said, it ultimately comes down to legislation. Steps are being taken around the U.S., Trocino said, to safeguard against false convictions. For example, conviction review units in some jurisdictions are arms of the prosecutor’s office dedicated to investigating questionable cases and providing appropriate relief. “But not everyone has one,” he said, “and they’re not all created equal. Additionally, Florida now has a statute that lays out procedures for eyewitness testimony aimed at limiting poor evidence. Still, Trocino said, procedural bars require attorneys to file a fair deal of exonerating information within two years of the finalization of convictions. Custodial interrogations that can lead to false confessions are largely unaddressed. And public defense offices, which represented the majority of individuals behind bars, are understaffed and underfunded throughout the country. Ultimately, Trocino said, he looks at innocence work as a function of mass incarceration. When it comes to this issue, said Crandall, whose frustration and disappointment in the U.S. justice system is one factor that led him to law school, there is no simple or easy solution. Formerly a middle and high school teacher, he said, “I wanted to think about other ways to have an impact on these large societal issues.” Individuals, he said, even once released from prison can get stuck in a web of fines, fees, suspended licenses and lost opportunities to vote, find honest work and see their children. Even for the exonerated, there’s little relief. According to Trocino, after over eight years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Dustin Duty was handed $40 from the state and sent on his way. The “tough on crime” sentiment, Crandall said, resulted in plenty of people behind bars, but “it’s clearly not working to make our society safe and healthy.” “There needs to be significant change,” he said. “Historic and systemic racism underlies that and leads to disproportionate incarceration of people of color…another kind of side of the coin with mass incarceration is a lack of investment and opportunity in many communities.”
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The Innocence Project, an organization that primarily works to overturn wrongful convictions based on DNA evidence, identifies 68 organizations in the U.S. and a handful of other countries that are part of an “Innocence Network.” This includes both Innocence Project offices, and independent clinics like UM’s.
Ready to indulge your taste buds? Flip through What the Fork and you’ll gawk at the animated dishes we’ve brought to life, get the lowdown on how to incorporate fresh Florida citrus into your recipes and learn about local restaurants that turn into clubs after hours.
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KOMBUCHA
M U C H A
Though you may have heard of kombucha or seen it on a grocery store shelf, you might still be wondering: WTF is it? Well, this “fermented aperitif” is a glass full of probiotics and vitamins that can boost your immune system and help flush away gut troubles. The process involves tea, yeast and sometimes liquor—so consider this your Intro to Kombucha class, minus the syllabus. words_ andrea valdes-sueiras. photo_ julia dimarco. design_keagan larkins.
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What is kombucha?
Why do people drink it?
Susan Cartiglia, owner of local kombucha brewery Radiate Miami, put it simply: Kombucha is a naturally fermented probiotic tea. The bubbly juice, she said, can do wonders for the stomach and overall health and comes in flavors ranging from strawberry to ginger. A bottle typically goes for about $3 or $4. If you’re looking to give it a try, know that kombucha can be an acquired taste. It may take a few sips (or cups) before you find a flavor you jive with. GT Dave, CEO and founder of GT’s Living Foods, advised starting slow. “I’d recommend beginning with a more fruitforward flavor like our Synergy Guava Goddess or Synergy Mystic Mango and then graduating to a Synergy Gingerade or Synergy Carrot Turmeric flavor,” he said.
While people may start downing kombucha to feel a buzz, the drink appeals to consumers largely because probiotics and gut health go hand-in-hand. “I started drinking kombucha two years ago because I had stomach aches and someone told me it would help,” said University of Miami freshman Ovviyaa Manusrii. It gives her “natural energy” that coffee can’t match, she added. While rather little medical research has been done on the health benefits of Kombucha, everydayhealth.com says it can speed up metabolism, help with constipation, lower inflammation, prevent certain cancers and lower symptoms of depression. According to Dave, “Kombucha provides almost immediate improvement to one’s digestion and overall gut health. Long term it boosts immunity, supports mood, and much more.” Since everyone’s body is different, he recommends slowly introducing kombucha starting with four ounces, then gradually increasing intake to 16 ounces or more per day. “As the body adapts, you can increase your serving size; but, it’s best to listen to your body to determine how much is right,” he said. “Another reason for its popularity is, quite simply, the taste,” said Dave. “Kombucha is unique; it’s slightly carbonated, lightly sweet, offering a taste that isn’t found elsewhere.”
How is it made? The process of brewing kombucha is thousands of years old. According to a 2017 Forbes article by Christina Troitino, it originated in Northeast China (historically referred to as Manchuria) around 220 B.C. and was initially prized for its healing properties. Back then, refrigeration wasn’t a thing, so preserving fruits and vegetables was challenging. “If you think about a traditional four seasons ancestral diet, in the winter time, there’s a big kill and you’re eating a very meat-fat heavy diet and you need additional digestive enzymes and vitamins to break down that food,” said Cartiglia. “So things like kombucha, beer, sauerkraut, all of these different kinds of fermented foods, were introduced to preserve the bounties of the summer crops and to help break down the winter foods.” Brewers start by making black or green tea to use as the base of the kombucha. Then, they add in a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY)—a gelatinous disk-shaped blob that sort of resembles a yellow jelly fish— to soak in the tea. Starter culture, made of old SCOBY and sugar, is added to the mix next. From there, kombucha takes between one and three weeks to ferment, according to Cartiglia. From mason jars to barrels, the vessel in which you ferment varies depending on how much you’re making. “While there are a few container options to choose from—glass, ceramic, wooden barrels, etc.—you should never use metal or plastic containers,” according to thebarrelmill.com. “The metal can react with your SCOBY, and plastic containers can house bacteria growth.” The more kombucha ferments, Cartiglia said, the richer in bacteria and probiotics it is, and the more pungent the flavors can be. Naturally, with yeast and fermentation involved, some level of alcohol is another outcome of the process, according to Cartiglia. In the last decade, a few brands have even been forced to pull their cans from the shelves due to FDA concern over alcohol levels. But, for those who want the booze, big brands like Boochcraft add alcohol on purpose to their kombucha. “With all of the low alcohol beverages and cocktails that are trending, there’s definitely an upcoming market for hard kombucha that are being introduced, that are actually fermented in order to have alcohol,” said Cartiglia.
Kombucha is better stirred, not shaken. Be careful unscrewing the lid—the combo of yeast and sugar is fizzy enough to make a mess right before your first sip.
What makes it so popular? Kombucha’s holistic health appeal skyrocketed its popularity in the 90s. Sandor Katz, whom Forbes described as a “fermentation expert and author,” said she first tried it when a friend with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) started brewing it at home. Katz said the beverage has since established its reputation as a “general immune stimulant.” And with health food stores on the rise and wellness influencers exploding in popularity on social media, kombucha has become a national novelty, with a growing reputation for having real health beefits. For Cartiglia, brewing commercially was never just for the kombucha; it was a passion project to make people feel “amazing and vibrant,” while also impacting the community by working with local farmers. This rawness, along with the wellness benefits, is what appeals to many customers as they grab cold bottles of kombucha from the shelf.
If you stay late enough almost anywhere in Miami, you’re bound to encounter bottle service workers and a live DJ. Why not make matters easy and go somewhere you can grab a bite to eat pre-party? In true Miami fashion, many restaurants transform into clubs and cocktail bars at night. From South Beach to Brickell, these spots have both wellrounded menus and an aesthetic that easily flows from evening to after hours. words_nicolette bullard. photo_jacob singer-skedzuhn. design_alex trombley.
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MAÜ
SUSHI FLY CHICKEN
ESOTICO
3252 NE 1st Ave. Miami, FL 33137
1575 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, FL 33139
1600 NE 1st Ave. Miami, FL 33132
This modern Bohemian chic restaurant serves up a long menu of Mediterranean dishes. Wagu Skewers and Gambas Al Ajillo are just a couple options to start with before digging into a main dish like lamb chops, truffle pasta or lobster pasta. At night, DJs and performers take over to turn the restaurant into a club. While Maü is known for its atmosphere and seafood courses, like any other trendy Miami restaurant, it tends to get busy. “I went for a promoter dinner,” said University of Miami sophomore Asha Shah. “I brought my friends, and we were excited, but the food didn’t come out for two hours.”
This rather new sushi and fried chicken restaurant is another hit by Groot Hospitality (the group that gave us Strawberry Moon and Swan). From bright neon signs to anime wall art to a hidden entrance, this spot makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Tokyo’s underground nightlife scene, which the restaurant/bar/lounge is inspired by, according to its website. The extensive menu offers everything from Japanese milk bread to duck bao dumplings and udon noodles. If you go to the speakeasy-themed bar, you’ll find cocktails like yuzu margaritas, lychee martinis and other Japanese whiskey-based drinks.
At Esotico, you can expect Hawaiian eats and exotic drinks during both the daytime and evening. This tropical-themed spot has happy hour deals, dessert, Sunday brunch and a dinner menu including items like ceviche, octopus poke and short ribs. “The food was fresh, and everything was delicious,” said UM junior Juliette Valle. “The nightclub may be fun, but the integrity of the food must be preserved simply because of how good it was.” If you’re here for the Insta and alcohol though, don’t worry. Esotico’s sharable “volcano” drinks are served in photogenic glasses with a spritz of dry ice to make sure you get the perfect pic before enjoying the pour. The vibe is more cocktail bar than club, but you won’t feel out of place if you get there late and make a beeline to the bartender.
KOMODO 801 Brickell Ave. Miami, FL 33131 Celebrities flock to this trendy Brickell eatery. It’s the dinner destination Travis Scott chose for his 29th birthday, the afterparty location of Drake’s 2018 tour with Migos and where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have been spotted celebrating. Guests can enjoy sushi and sake indoors or outdoors, before heading upstairs to the restaurant’s club, Komodo Lounge, only open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
1-800-LUCKY 143 NW 23rd St. Miami, FL 33127 Looking for something outside? Set up like an Asian marketplace, 1-800-Lucky is Wynwood’s quintessential outdoor food hall featuring dishes from crowd-favorites like Poke OG, Taiyaki NYC and Jeepny. Not only can guests enjoy classic sushi, bubble tea and ceviche options, but they can also take advantage of the full bar and karaoke rooms. However, if you’d rather save the singing to the pros, no worries. 1-800-Lucky hosts live music every night, varying from Latin to pop to rap artists.
Another local restaurant-club is Swan, another product of Groot Hospitality, which has had celebrities like Lenny Kravitz and Leonardo di Caprio walk through its doors.
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D
SUN KIS SED The Sunshine State is one of the most successful citrus-producing regions in the world, churning out fresh tangerines, tangelos, Key limes and, of course, oranges all year long. These are some recipes you can whip up to feature these tasty, locally-grown treats in new ways. words_ molly mackenzie. photo_emy deeter. design_keagan larkins.
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espite their success here, citrus trees are not native to Florida or even North America. According to the Florida Department of State, Citrus was brought to Florida by the Spanish, but first commercialized by the British. It wasn’t until the mid-1870s, nearly three decades after citrus was introduced to the state, that people began to see the potential of the industry. According to visitflorida.com, the majority of citrus in Florida is grown in the lower two-thirds of the peninsula to avoid freezes. Oranges are plentiful from October to June, with a slight increase in the harvest from December to May. Fresh grapefruit are available from September through June, with the peak of the harvest in February. Tangerines and tangelos are available from October through March, while Florida Key limes are harvested June through September—its short season makes it a rarer citrus. If you want to get your hands on these homegrown treats, consider skipping Publix and trying a local market like Los Pinarenos Fruteria, the Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Market and U-PICK Turnpike. After you do so, get cooking on these deliscious recipes where citrus is the star attraction.
Key Lime Pie Nobody does Key lime pie quite like the Florida Keys. The mouth-puckering treat reportedly originated in Key West and is a combination of buttery graham cracker crust and tart pie filling. This will tickle your taste buds in just the right way! Recipe from momontimeout.com
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •
½ cup graham cracker crumbs ½ cup granulated sugar 6 tbsp. melted butter 28 oz. sweetened condensed milk ½ cup light sour cream ¾ cup Key lime juice zest from 2 regular limes or 4 Key limes 1 cup heavy whipping cream ½ cup powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Steps: 1.
2. 3.
4. 5.
6.
To make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar in a bowl and press the mixture into the pie pan to form a crust. Bake crust for 7 minutes in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Let crust cool for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, begin making the Key lime filling. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice and zest. Pour filling over the graham cracker crust and bake in the oven for an additional 10 minutes at 350 degrees. To make the whipped cream: use a mixer to beat together heavy cream and sugar until the mixture is stiff. Then beat in the vanilla extract. Remove pie from oven and allow approximately 3 hours to cool. Then, spread or pipe the whipped cream onto the cooled pie.
Drizzled Tangerine Cake
Grapefruit Mojito
This tangerine cake covered with a melt-in-your-mouth fruity glaze is perfect for those who crave the tangy yet sweet flavors of citrus in their dessert.
A mojito with a Florida twist, this grapefruit mojito promises a smooth, sweet and minty sip.
Recipe from rrenskiche.com
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • •
½ cup unsalted softened butter 2 large eggs 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 2 tbsp. tangerine zest finely grated ⅓ cup tangerine juice fresh from the fruit ½ cup sour cream ⅓ tsp. salt 4 tbsp. fresh tangerine juice ½ cup granulated sugar
Steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6.
Grease a loaf tin with butter and preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, flour, butter, baking powder, zest, sour cream and juice. Pour batter evenly into the pan and bake for 30–45 minutes, then allow cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, once done. To make the drizzle: mix together the juice from three tangerines and ½ cup of sugar. While the cake is still warm, remove it from the tin and place on a rack. Perforate the top of the cake by poking it all over with a fork, which will allow the drizzle to sink into the cake. Pour the drizzle over the cake and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Florida is the leading orange producer in the United States, according to worldatlas.com. On a global scale, we’re second only to Brazil.
Recipe from bbcgoodfood.com
Ingredients: • • • • • •
1 thinly sliced grapefruit 1 small pack of mint 140 g golden caster sugar 250 mL. white rum 1 L soda water Juice of 3 pink grapefruits
Steps: 1.
2. 3.
In a large jug, crush the grapefruit juice, mint and sugar together with a muddler the to dissolve the ingredients together. If you don’t have this tool, try using the bottom of a large spoon or even the end of a rolling pin. Add rum and mix well. Then, add soda water and ice. Decorate with a thin slice of grapefruit and any remaining mint.
Breaded Chicken Cutlet with Orange Salsa These cutlets, dipped in orange juice and covered in orange zest, make for a savory meal with a splash of sweetness. Recipe from finecooking.com
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 cups dried breadcrumbs 2 oranges 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 thinly-cut chicken breast cutlets 1 medium tomato 2 tbsp. finely-chopped red onion 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 ½ tsp. fresh lime juice 1 egg ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour ¼ cup vegetable oil; more as needed
Steps: 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Add the breadcrumbs to a wide bowl and zest the oranges into the breadcrumbs. Then, add the thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss until combined. Squeeze the juice from one orange into a large ziplock bag. Then, add cutlets and marinate for 10 minutes. Cut the remaining orange scraps into small pieces and toss with the tomato, onion and cilantro. Add lime juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a different wide, shallow bowl, crack the egg and beat lightly. On a plate, add flour and season with ½ teaspoon salt and a grind of pepper. Remove cutlet from the juice, shaking off excess liquid and coat both sides evenly in the flour mixture. Next, dip it in the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs. Pour the vegetable oil into the skillet and heat on the stove on medium to high heat, until there is a consistent bubbling. Fry cutlets for 3–5 minutes on each side, adding more oil, if necessary. Add the salsa when done, plate and serve.
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If Guy Fieri or Bobby Flay visit a restaurant with a bite of approval, it’s got to be worth trying right? Miami is a mecca for diverse and delicious food, and the rest of the world knows it, too. These are a few local restaurants that are so good they’ve been featured on national television shows, from “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” to “Food Paradise.” words_ staff. photo_kylea henseler. design_keagan larkins & chloe ponte.
Joe’s Stone Crab
“The Best Thing I Ever Ate” — Food Network Season One, Episode Six Bobby Flay touts the stone crabs from this upscale seafood restaurant in Miami Beach as his “food obsession” in an episode of Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Joe’s has been around since 1913, before Miami Beach was even, well, Miami Beach. The restaurant sells about 1,000 pounds of fresh stone crab per
Sergio’s Cuban Cafe + Grill “Cheap Eats” — Cooking Channel Season One, Episode Four Sergio’s started out as a sandwich stop in 1975. Three generations and many decades later, the Cuban restaurant is still in the same family and has seven Miami locations. On the show “Cheap Eats,” host Ali Khan visits different cities with the goal to eat three meals for $35 or less. Sergio’s was Khan’s breakfast stop on his trip to Miami, where his entire
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meal cost about $7. Owner Carlos Gazitua served Khan up a picadillo empanada and café con leche, but first taught him how to make the sofrito filling, fry up plantains and hand-fold the empanada dough.
day—what was caught yesterday is eaten today, Executive Chef Andre Bienvenu said in the episode. If you go, be prepared to get a “Joe’s Stone Crab” bib placed around your neck by a waiter in a black suit and tie.
Scully’s Tavern
“Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” — Food Network Season Three, Episode Two Scully’s was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” four times between 2009 and 2020. But the tavern’s first appearance was on an episode titled “Something Different.” Scully’s was just that—a sports bar where you could knock back a few beers and watch a football game as you ate elaborate dishes like escargot, scampi style chicken wings, potato chip-encrusted Mahi Mahi and chicken francese. Though the restaurant recently closed after its owner,
Chris Hirsh, died unexpectedly, Scully’s was a Kendall neighborhood staple for over 32 years. Hirsh and his wife Cass, who helped run the restaurant, put their life savings into opening it in 1989. Hirsh had been working in the restaurant business since he was 14, and developed his chef skills when he worked at Chez Vendome, a restaurant that used to live inside the David Williams hotel in Coral Gables. Guy Fieri (right) with chef Chris Hirsh (middle) and Vanilla Ice (left) at Scully’s Tavern in 2014. Photo courtesy Cass Hirsh
Pincho Factory
“Burger Land”—Travel Channel Season One, Episode Four Pincho Factory is quintessentially Miami—born out of a cultural crossing. The idea to make a restaurant that mixed his own Palestinian roots with his wife’s Venezuelan heritage came out of a Fourth of July cookout in 2010, said owner Nedal Ahmad in the episode. The following November, Pincho Factory opened its first location in Westchester.
The restaurant was featured on “Burger Land,” a Travel Channel show where host George Motz travels the United States in search of the best burgers, for its popular toston burger. A meat patty is smashed between two fried plantains— tostones—instead of buns. Pincho Factory now has 10 locations around Miami and was also featured on the same “Cheap Eats” episode as Sergio’s.
Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop “Food Paradise” — Food Network Season 10, Episode Two This spot for sweet treats was the conception of Derek Kaplan, a former Miami fireman who was the cook at his fire station three days per week. In 2013, he opened the first Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop in Wynwood to showcase his pies and desserts. About three years later, Kaplan retired from his firefighting career to focus on the growing business full time. A 2018 episode of Food Network’s “Food Paradise” featured Kaplan and two of
the bake shop’s most popular creations: Key lime pie, the recipe for which Kaplan began perfecting at age 15, and the s’mores pie milkshake, where a slice of pie is literally thrown into a blender and topped with torched marshmallows and yet another piece of pie on top. Since the episode aired, a Coconut Grove location opened and Fireman Derek’s began shipping their desserts nationwide on Goldbelly.
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Did anybody else get hungry watching “Ratatouille?” There’s something about the pull of an animated cheese pizza or the sheen of an illustrated cake’s icing that can just make your mouth water, even if it is a cartooon. Handwoven by professionals, millions of pixels come together in cartoons to create dishes so delectable you dream of eating them—and now you can. words_nicolette bullard. photo_teagan polizzi. design_isa marquez.
RATATOUILLE Even the harshest Parisian food critic would devour this succulent dish. Layered with marinated tomatoes, eggplant, yellow squash and zucchini, the acidity and richness of the vegetables in this meal pair oh-so-well with a fresh sprig of parsley and maybe a nice glass of wine (not featured in the children’s movie). This dish may not have been cooked by a rat, but the flavors still emulate those of the fictional, five-star French restaurant in the 2007 Disney film. Recipe from ohmydish.com INGREDIENTS: - 4 tbsp. olive oil - 3 roma tomatoes - 3 cloves garlic - 1 yellow squash - 1 zucchini - 1 eggplant - 1 red bell pepper - 1 can tomatoes - 1 onion - 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar - Thyme and seasoning to taste
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Thinly slice the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash and tomato to equal thickness. 2. Roast sliced and deseeded bell peppers at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25 minutes, until slightly browned. 3. Heat the oil to a medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté along with canned tomatoes for 15 minutes. 4. Remove the skin and chop the roasted bell peppers. Add peppers and balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce and allow to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. 5. Blend tomato sauce in a blender until smooth. Pour the majority of the sauce into an oven safe dish. 6. Assemble thinly sliced vegetables on top of sauce, slightly layering alternating types. 7. Pour remaining sauce over vegetables. Place in oven and cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately an hour. 8. Plate ratatouille, adding a fresh sprig of parsley on top.
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BEIGNETS The juxtaposition of a pillowy inside with a crispy outside has made beignets a New Orleans classic. Yet, Princess Tiana from “Princess and the Frog” adds her own touch to somehow make them even more delicious. Inspired by Tiana, we added a drizzle of honey to our beignets for that almost-animated shine. Recipe from Disney
INGREDIENTS: - 4 cups flour - 2 tbsp. vegetable shortening - 1 egg - 1 packet yeast - 1/2 cup boiling water - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup warm water - 1/2 tsp. nutmeg - Vegetable oil for frying - Desired amount of powdered sugar and honey to top
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INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Follow instructions on yeast packet to activate yeast. 2. In a large mixing bowl, add shortening, egg, heavy cream, boiling water, sugar, salt, nutmeg, flour and yeast. Mix together. 3. Cover mixed dough with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes. 4. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut into two-inch squares. 5. Fry dough in oil heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until beignets are golden brown. 6. Dust beignets with honey and powdered sugar and serve while they are still warm.
RAMEN
This ramen may not be from our local favorite Ichiarku Ramen, but this remake of Uzumaki Naruto’s favorite dish tastes almost as good as it looks in the anime. This pork chashu ramen has all of Naruto’s favorite toppings: pork belly, bamboo shoots, egg and the signature pink and white swirl of a narutomaki, or tiny Japanese fish cake. The combination of flavors is so mouth-watering you’ll want to grab a pair of chopsticks and slurp those noodles down in true Naruto fashion. While you may not find some of these ingredients at Publix, this recipe definitely makes the stop to your local Asian grocery store worth it.
Recipe from wokandskillet.com INGREDIENTS: - 5 cups broth of choice - 2 packets of ramen - 1 tbsp. granulated sugar - 1 tsp. oil of choice - 1 garlic clove - 1 egg - 1 inch fresh ginger root - 1/2 lb. pork belly - 1/4 cup water - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup mirin - Desired amount of menma and narutomaki toppings
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INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a medium bowl, combine mirin, water, soy sauce and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside. 2. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Heat your oil of choice over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork belly, searing approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat. 4. Flip pork belly so that it lies fat-side down in the pan, pour soy sauce mixture over pork belly. 5. Add chopped garlic and ginger to the pan. Cover and let cook in heated oven for 60-90 minutes or until pork belly is heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping throughout cooking.
6. While the pork is cooking, bring broth to a boil. Cook ramen according to packet instructions, replacing water with broth. 7. Boil egg to desired doneness. 8. Place broth in a deep bowl, followed by the noodles. Add sliced pork belly, egg, narutomaki, bamboo shoots and any other desired toppings.
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SUNDAE For all the “goofy goobers” out there, this sundae from the iconic Nick cartoon is a must-try. Even off-screen, the vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate fudge hair, banana arms, chocolate candy eyes and a licorice smile practically looks animated! Just don’t eat too many or, like SpongeBob and Patrick, you just may wake up with a nasty ice cream hangover.
INGREDIENTS: - 3 scoops vanilla ice cream - 3 maraschino cherries - 1 1/2 bananas - 1 1/2 tbsp. chocolate fudge - 1 red licorice lace - 3 M&M’s INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Scoop ice cream into a sundae bowl. 2. Top with melted chocolate fudge. 3. For the arms and hat, cut bananas in half and use a toothpick or skewer to top each with a cherry. Stick the lower portion of the skewer into the ice cream to hold in place. 4. Assemble the M&Ms as the eyes and nose and the licorice as a smile.
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It’s 2022—our generation knows no shortage of controversy. So for this issue’s special section, we’re embracing the stories and subjects we sometimes outright avoid. From nude beaches to pole dancing and abortions, we hope these taboo topics will get you and your friends to have some healthy debate.
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From
Club to
Cardio The pole has been at the center of both dance and debate for years. While this undeniably athletic form of movement was once seen as synonymous with sex work, in recent years it has grown in popularity as a fitness craze and hobby with studios popping up around the country, including around Miami. But this surge in demand has raised questions for consideration from all sides of the pole. words_isa marquez. photo_daniella pinzon. design_maria emilia becerra.
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O
utside of the strip club, pole dancing has evolved as a sport and is practiced in studios by sex workers and hobbyists alike. Some enjoy the fitness aspect of the art, while others use it to embrace their sensuality. But as the demand to learn pole dancing grows and the industry changes, it faces complicated questions. Some recreational pole practitioners report being discouraged from the sport by outside influencers due to the sexual stigma around it. At the same time, the sex workers who popularized the art to begin with sometimes feel shunned and pushed to the background. Pole can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people, as the growing community provides opportunities for fitness, sport competition, sex work and recreational performances. Melody Muñiz, a pole instructor and University of Miami junior, said she started dancing because it was a fun and different way to exercise. “I immediately loved it—and realized how weak I was,” said Muñiz. “You realize pole dance is no joke. You feel so proud of yourself.” Muñiz attributes pole’s increasing popularity to social media. Her mother, she said, used to have preconceived notions about what pole dancing meant for her daughter— until she tried a class out for herself. Like a lot of pole dancers, Muñiz said she initially didn’t post about her practice online because she feared repercussions and thought it may affect her ability to get a job. “When I owned it, I felt better,” she said. “This is my sport, this is my thing and I’m going to show it.” Although there are many subcategories, pole dancing can be divided into three main categories: pole fitness (or pole sport), exotic pole and artistic pole. Competitions are held in multiple categories, and are often regulated by a governing organization, the largest being the Pole Sport Organization (PSO). The pole fitness style is more athletic, like gymnastics’ distant cousin. It combines acrobatic figures and tricks with artistic choreography. The PSO organizes competitions every year in this category, and dancers are judged on acrobatics, physical strength and technique difficulty. Exotic pole is probably what most people think of when they hear “pole dance”— think heels and legwork. While it is more sensual and not as strict, make no mistake that exotic pole dancing takes endurance, strength and flexibility. The PSO has an entire division dedicated to exotic dance. As far as clothing goes, less is more— though this is true for most styles of pole dance. But, it’s not just to look sexy. Bare skin grips the pole best, and that can be critical considering dancers are often hanging upside-down 10 feet off the ground by the skin on the back of their knee. From the emotion to the music to the moves, artistic pole dancing is about telling
Pole dancing’s origins can be traced back over 800 years to Mallakhamb, an Indian form of aerial yoga, according to India Press. Mallakhamb was typically performed by men and involved a single wooden pole, almost triple the width of the steel version we see today.
“Please try to protect and bring sex workers to the forefront, not the back burner, of our pole community.” – Miss Cake STRIPPER AND POLE INSTRUCTOR
Spring 2022 DISTRACTION 45
a story. Dancers take a creative approach and can use props for the appropriate genre, whether it be comedy or drama. Performers can also combine elements from pole sport and exotic pole in this category. The emphasis is on movement, musicality and expression, all while continuing to incorporate acrobatic stunts. In all three, the pole acts as a frame for the artwork, which in this case, is the body itself. It is not just about being pretty, it’s about being powerful. Gaby Martinez, owner and instructor at Aerial Fitness Miami, started dancing nine years ago. She said she originally thought pole dancing would lead to exotic dancing or stripping. After her first class, though, she realized these were not the only ways to enjoy the activity. “I loved it because every class was a challenge,” said Martinez. Within and around the growing pole community, these perceived relationships between pole, sex work, empowerment and feminism tends to generate a fair amount of controversy.
46 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy
According to industry blog Pole Riot Zine, some of the most hot-button takes include whether the activity is “feminist” or not, as well as the relationship between hobbyists and sex workers. To some critics, the activity appears to simply cater to the male gaze, while many practitioners will point out that there aren’t a whole lot of men watching pole dancing classes and that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying something just because it could be seen as sexy. Sex work itself is a topic that the feminist movement doesn’t always agree upon. When it comes to pole dancing, the same ties that some people complain about are those that others hope to protect. After all, said stripper and pole instructor Miss Cake, it was sex workers who practiced pole before it was a trend, sex workers who have the most to lose from the negative stigma of the activity and the glorification of sex workers that largely propelled the art to the popularity it holds today. Miss Cake said she first learned about pole dancing when she tried out for amateur night at a club. “I saw all the girls spinning and was instantly in awe,” she said. Pole dancing has gained popularity because of the way celebrities glamorize stripper culture. For example, Miss Cake said, artists like Lil Nas X have profited immensely from the aesthetic of pole dancing while doing little to give back to the sex worker community. For Miss Cake, she said, pole is not only a source of income, but a form of expression and a way to heal. Dancing, she emphasized, is more than a fun fitness activity or after-work hobby for sex workers. “This isn’t a hobby,” she said. “This is a huge part of my life, even when I don’t want it to be.” That may be why, for Miss Cake, it’s insulting when hobbysits, and even celebrities, look to separate the activity from this community. “If you are a pole hobbyist and you make an effort to separate yourself from being compared to a stripper, you are part of the problem,” Miss Cake said, “If you do not respect and support sex workers but still dance on a pole, you are a dancing hypocrite.” While Miss Cake said she feels fortunate to have a strong support system, she said she does constantly worry about her safety at clubs. “Nearly every night, I work with people that I know are unsafe to be around,” she said. “Please,” she continued, “try to protect and bring sex workers to the forefront, not the backburner, of our pole community.” “Without exotic dancers and sex workers, we would have no pole,” said Martinez. She said strippers are the ones “that made everything possible.” They started doing tricks, splits and eventually somebody saw there was a way to combine pole with gymnastic and ballet elements. “The goal is not to separate it, the idea is to create a space for everybody.”
CLOTHING
OPTIONAL
Odds are students living in Miami own plenty of bikinis and swim trunks. But is there any bathing suit better than your birthday suit? Nude beaches have a storied history, but above all they’re a space to forget about tan lines, soak up Vitamin D in places that rarely see the light of day and accept all bodies as they are. words_nicolette bullard. photo_teagan polizzi. design_maria emilia becerra.
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O
ne thing is for sure: there’s nothing new about being naked. After all, no one is born rocking a suit or a sundress. “For most of human history, nudity was a natural and normal part of life,” said Gary Mussel in a 2022 article on the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) website. In fact, many early societies were “clothing-optional,” and nudist roots can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where Pharaoh Akhenaton embraced social nudism. Nude recreation was also the norm in Ancient Greece, explained Mussell, where the early Olympic games were played mostly by nude athletes. The normalization of social nudity has come and gone throughout time. But the birth of the modern nudist, or
48 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy
naturist, movement began during the industrialization of the late 19th century, he wrote. By the end of the First World War, many people found comfort in nature and turned to naturism, with nudist clubs and beaches popping up all over Europe. In 1929, the AANR (originally called the American Sunbathing Association) was founded by Kurt Barthel. In 1932, Barthel opened Sky Farm, the first American nude camp. Over the years, the movement had challenges and victories in both the legal system and court of public opinion. However, once the 1970s rolled around, nude beaches started gaining traction. While today stripped down adventurers can enjoy naked cruises, camps and vacations, the most accessible way for many people to enjoy baring it all in public is heading to a local nude beach. While you can get away with just about anything on the sands of South Beach, the nearest designated nude beach is Haulover Beach, just north of Bal Harbor. Nude beaches can be a controversial topic, as many people equate nudity with sex, said Albert Panteleon. He founded Friends of Haulover Beach, a group that organizes and communicates information about the nude beach. While baring it all in public may not appeal to everybody, those who try it just may come away with new or evolving views on the human body. University of Miami senior Christopher Carson said that recreational nudity helped him to break down the seemingly inherent association of sexuality and bareness. “I realized that sexualizing the human body is a choice and isn’t something that is as innate as people make it seem,” he said. Perhaps going au-natural can also inspire questions about body positivity, gender equality and clothing choices even outside the bounds of a dedicated nude beach. In some countries outside the United States, public opinion concerning these questions is already different. When UM senior Camille Devincenti went to a nude beach in southern France, she noticed that “when you see a woman topless, it’s just like if you were to see a man shirtless.” And in places where nudity is more accepted, she continued, “people have more respect and understanding of the body and it just is what it is.” People may choose to embrace nudity for a variety of reasons: to feel free, to gain confidence or even to get rid of those pesky tan lines. For Panteleon, one of the most appealing aspects of nude beaches is the feeling of being naked without fear of judgement. “Nudity has made me a more confident individual,” he said. “When you shed your clothes, you shed all the stress that you may have,” said Caroline Hawkins from the American Association of Nude Recreation. “There is nothing to hide and it’s a free feeling.” Embracing nude spaces can also help individuals develop a more positive body image and accept all bodies. “The crowd at the nude beach are very interesting people,” said UM senior Alexis Masciarella. “They were all shapes, sizes and ages. It was so cool to be around so many open people.” These spaces, added UM senior Christian Weiman, are important because they help us shed the toxic idea that we
Take It Off should feel sheepish about the natural human body. “Nude beaches have made me a lot more comfortable with my body and being exposed to other people’s bodies,” said Weiman. “I think society teaches us to cover up and keep things ‘PG’ because we have become accustomed to hiding ourselves, we have become ashamed of our bodies. Once I started going to the nude beach, I felt comfortable in my nudity.” Not everybody is interested in public nudity now—or ever—and that’s OK. Taking the first step into the nudist lifestyle may seem intimidating, even to those interested, but small steps such as sleeping or swimming naked in your own pool can help people to be more relaxed in their own skin. For first-time nude beach goers, clothing doesn’t have to come off right away. Take off what feels right and focus on accepting your body or connecting with nature instead of worrying about appearances. In fact, nude beach etiquette isn’t all that different from typical beach etiquette, and being respectful of others goes a long way. So, if you’re planning on visiting a nude beach for the first time, remember to not just enjoy the experience but remain conscientious. Don’t stare at other beach goers and just avoid taking photos or videos altogether (even of yourself—it might make others uncomfortable). Pasco County, just north of Tampa and St. Petersburg, boasts some two dozen nudist resorts and clubs, according to visitflorida.com. Ralph Collinson, former president of the American Association for Nude Recreation Florida Region, said it is known as the nudist capital of the world.
If you’re looking to ditch your trunks (and spend a little more on sunscreen), here are some nude-friendly beaches in Florida.
Haulover Beach
Haulover Beach is Florida’s oldest officially recognized nude beach and, lucky for you, is the closest to campus. It’s located in North Miami Beach, where just part of the mile-and-a-half long beach is clothing-optional.
Blind Creek Beach
This clothing-optional beach is located on Hutchinson Island, between Fort Pierce and Jensen Beach on Florida’s Treasure Coast. This secluded area typically has more turtle nests than people and is perfect for those wanting to embrace nature.
Apollo Beach
Furthest from Miami in a town called New Smyrna Beach is Apollo Beach. This is part of the Canaveral National Seashore and is located midway on Florida’s east coast between Daytona Beach and Melbourne.
10800 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33154
5460 S Ocean Dr. Fort Pierce, FL 34949
7611 S Atlantic Ave. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Spring 2022 DISTRACTION 49
15
The future of Americans’ right to have abortions, though deemed constitutional in 1973 under Roe v. Wade, has been in question since the Supreme Court decided to hear a Mississippi case about a year ago. Florida’s Republican-ruled House just passed its own 15 week abortion ban—so what does that mean for college students living here?
words_emmalyse brownstein. design_keagan larkins.
WEEKS: HOW FLORIDA’S ABORTION BAN WILL IMPACT COLLEGE STUDENTS
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I
t was just another finals season for one University of Miami sophomore in May 2021—studying for exams, meeting with classmates for group projects and staying up late finishing homework assignments. That was until she realized it had been a while since she’d gotten her period. “I was in denial,” said the now junior, who asked to remain anonymous. She took two pregnancy tests and both returned postive. But it just couldn’t be true. “I thought there was something wrong with the tests,” she said. “I was like, there’s no way I’m pregnant.” So she took 10 more. They all, too, confirmed her worst fear. And when reality finally hit, her mind was already made up. “I didn’t know if abortion was legal in Florida,” said the junior, an international student living in Miami with her family on a student visa. “I just knew I wasn’t going to have the baby.” The legality of abortion, while a long controversial and divisive debate, was established in 1973 with the ruling of the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. But a recent case has put its status in question for the first time in 50 years. In 2018, Mississippi passed the Gestational Age Act, a law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Not a day later, Jackson Women’s Health Organization—the only abortion clinic left in the state— sued Mississippi on the grounds that the law was unconstitutional. In December 2021, after several rulings and apppeals in lower courts, the Supreme Court heard Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case is still pending.
Other states, including Texas, Arizona and West Virginia, have jumped at the chance to restrict abortions on their own residents by introducing similar bills as the country awaits the decision. Florida has joined that cohort. On Jan. 17, 2022 the House of Representatives passed a bill—House Bill 5—modeled after Mississippi’s that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. A fetus is generally not considered viable, meaning it’s able to survive outside the womb, until about 24 weeks. Erin Grall, the Republican House member who sponsored the bill, argues that life begins at conception. “This is not about religion, this is about advances in genetics and related fields that made clear that a new and unique human being is formed at the moment of conception when two soles incapable of independent life merge to form a single individual human entity,” said Grall during the more than five hours-long debate. The only exceptions to the ban, according to the bill, are if the pregnancy has “fatal fetal abnormalities” or risk the life or health of the pregnant person. There are none for unwanted pregnancies that could occur from rape, incest or other abuses. “When asked what that meant, their responses did not have an example of what ‘fatal fetal abnormality’ would be,” said Niesha-Rose Hines, a criminal justice policy strategist for the of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida who attended some hearing discussions for the bill earlier this year as a lobbyist to prevent the ban. “It’s a bill based more on rhetoric and politics rather than actually doing good for Floridians,” they said. “They had a lot of testimony about saving babies and murdering babies. It’s really unfortunate rhetoric and it really gets in the way of the individual and their healthcare provider.” College-aged people will be especially affected by the outcome, said the UM junior. Having a baby would’ve derailed her plans to study abroad, finish her degree on time and get a full-time job after graduating, she said. If the bill is enacted into law, she added, we’ll see less women going to and graduating from college in general. “I literally would not have been able to continue my life as planned,” said the junior. “I wouldn’t be in college, I imagine.” After a week of procrastination and anxiety, the junior had an abortion at about 11 weeks pregnant. People in their 20s get more abortions than any other age group—according to the CDC, they accounted for more than half of all abortions in 2019. “I think you would see a difference in the workforce,” added Hines. “A lot of people would be unable to follow dreams of going to college or furthering their education.” The junior said she felt guilty not for the lost pregnancy, but for other women who don’t and now won’t have the same
opportunity she did because of laws. “There are so many women who get raped or live in a really difficult situation and they can’t get abortions,” she said. “I’m just a horny teenager that f*cked up, so why do I get this opportunity when so many women actually need or deserve it? Emotionally, that was the biggest thing for me.” People who have low income and are from racial and ethnic minorities are likely to face the greatest hardships in seeking out abortion healthcare after the bill passes, says Claire Oueslati-Porter, the director of UM’s gender and sexuality studies program. “This is because wealthier people seeking to terminate a pregnancy will have the resources to travel to places where they can access a surgical abortion or pay a potentially high price for the pharmaceuticals needed to perform a chemical abortion,” she said. The anonymous junior said her abortion cost about $600 out of pocket, means she says she recognizes many people don’t have. If it weren’t for the financial and emotional support of her mother and boyfriend, she added, it wouldn’t have been possible. If the Florida bill is made into law, the nearest state offering abortions after 15 weeks is North Carolina. The costs to travel there, stay for several days and miss work or school is not doable for many people, said Hines. “This bill is costly to Floridians,” they said. “I think that’s something college students are always worried about.” “People are going to do it whether it’s legal or not,” added the UM junior. “It’s just a matter of, like, do we want women to be safe in the process of getting an abortion or not? I feel like, especially for college students, getting pregnant feels like the end of the world, and people do a lot of weird things when they’re scared.” Oueslati-Porter agreed. “The world we would live in would be a world where women and people with female reproductive systems must be under the threat of legal punishment for seeking out reproductive healthcare,” she said. “This is also a world where the families and communities of those who need to find an illegal abortion are put under increased stress through law enforcement, and fear of adverse impacts of unsafe abortion procedures.” The UM junior says that just because someone disagrees with the concept of an abortion doesn’t mean that has to be law. “I think that you don’t necessarily have to support abortions to be pro-choice,” she said. “You don’t have to agree with abortions, but you also can’t surrender the female body to the state.” The bill will now go to Florida’s Senate and then to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk—it is expected to pass in both places. As for the Supreme Court case, it could take until early October 2022, the end of this year’s term, to get a ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
“I literally would not have been able to continue my life as planned,” said the UM junior. “I wouldn’t be in college, I imagine.” Spring 2022 DISTRACTION 51
LISTEN UP! Podcasts can be a great accompaniment for long drives, apartment cleaning sessions and bubble baths. But if you want something to really make your ears perk up and get you thinking, give these staff recommendations a listen. words_emmalyse brownstein. design_maria emilia becerra.
Revelations
F**KS GIVEN
“This podcast is a deep investigation by journalist Jennings Brown into a California cult called the “Fellowship of Friendship.” As a reporter myself, I was so entranced listening to the host’s discoveries and found myself literally gasping aloud as the story went on. I listened to the whole series in one sitting!” –Emmalyse Brownstein, Editor-in-Chief
“This is a sex positive podcast hosted by two British best friends. They basically break down any stigma around fetishes and kinks and they bring on different guests that are experts in that area. It made sex seem like not such a scary thing; they made it a light-hearted topic.” –Nina D’Agostini, Assistant Photo Director
Emergency Intercom
The Adventures of Memento Mori
“This podcast is about these two best friends who just talk about crazy sh*t that happens to them. I love their humor because they’re people who say very out of pocket things. They once discussed the gender of a Baja Blast and in another episode a bad yeast infection experience. I listen to it when I’m doing homework, but it’s also on YouTube and I actually prefer watching it.” –Keagan Larkins, Creative Director
“This podcast explores the science, mystery and culture around death. I think learning more about dying is almost comforting in a way—it was actually my family’s conversation topic last Thanksgiving. It helps me accept it and not see it as something so scary.” —Gabrielle Lord, Managing Editor
ISTEN UP
!
OP-ED: IT’S NOT ALL
SUNSHINE AND
RAINBOW WS The LGBTQ+ community can sometimes be seen by outsiders as a monolith, sharing a common goal of pushing human rights or eroding cultural values, depending who you ask. But within it, trends and factions aren’t always inclusive. To supporters it may feel taboo to criticize this community, but as one member shares, it isn’t all hunky-dory. words_alexis masciarella. design_maria emilia becerra.
R
egardless of sexuality, every person spends their life in a journey to find their identity and belonging. I am part of an age of queer people born in the generation too old to have brought a girl to the prom, but too young to have thrown a brick at Stonewall. My community is full of individuals with complicated pasts living extraordinarily advantaged lives compared to the activists who came before us. Yet, instead of uplifting one another, we have become vain and selfish at the expense of our culture. In a community sometimes rife with misogyny, racism, transphobia, classism and just plain cruelty, I wonder: what glue holds us together? Queer culture has grown toxic with unchecked privilege and obsession with status. There are only 21 remaining lesbian bars in the United States; a stark contrast to the over 1,000 gay bars currently catering to gay men and mixed-gender LGBTQ+ crowds. A combination of gentrification and income disparities between men and women have largely contributed to declining bar numbers, along with the ramifications of COVID-19 shutting down small businesses across the nation. No queer bar has ever been perfect. Mirroring the heteronormative world, club spaces have struggled to keep up with the rapid societal changes, including greater LGBTQ+ acceptance, the internet and a more gender-fluid community. Even online, we self-segregate, reject and taunt one another. Gay “stan” culture provides a perfect example as gay male idolatry only seems to recognize the beauty of hyper-feminine stars like Ariana Grande. It’s laughable to me that heterosexual pop stars are applauded as “queer icons” by gay men, while butch women with their buzzcuts
and Doc Martens are often ignored. The love and respect that men carry for women always comes with conditions. It just so happens that androgynous or masculine presenting women don’t meet that mark. While most queer spaces are dominated by and curated for cis gay men, that doesn’t mean that these men don’t face the consequences of relentless social conditioning. Due to compulsory heterosexuality and masculinity, gendernonconforming gay men struggle more frequently with self-esteem and experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. Put simply, queer people are not just experiencing high levels of marginalization from society at large, we are participating in social exclusion at all levels within the community itself. One of the greatest things about being queer is that it allows us to form diverse communities and friendships that transcend artificial boundaries that exist in the heterosexual, cisgender world. To reset our culture, we must fight back against the confluence of many social currents, such as misogyny and societal homophobia. We must call one another out when we perpetuate, even passively, any form of discriminatory dialogue. As we become more flexible in our adherence to societal norms, we can better handle our ever-changing environment. It’s time for us to reset.
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Not Just
F
*cking Around
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In college and in life, especially for young adults, plenty of people are looking for “the one.” But not everybody is looking for that right now—and some people may never settle down with a single person in a monogamous relationship. From dating multiple partners to open relationships and polyamory, there are many forms of nonmonogamy out there. And while they may not be everyone’s preference, practicing them successfully comes down to one thing: communication. words_kylea henseler. design_abby pak.
T
here’s still a stigma, said Christian Weiman, a senior at the University of Miami, when it comes to nonmonogamy. People who sleep with multiple partners, or enter into open or polyamorous relationships, are often branded as “sluts” or worse. But what, inherently, is wrong with being with multiple people? Don’t worry— this isn’t a defense thesis on the Tinder match who pretended to be “looking for something real” until they either got what they really wanted, or found out they couldn’t, and ghosted you and three other people in the same week. In nonmonogamous arrangements, and dating in general, the line between whether or not someone is an “F-boy” or girl or not is communication and respect. To get definitions out of the way, “monogamy is having only one person with whom you have a love and or sexual relationship,” explained Franklin Foote, a senior lecturer in UM’s psychology department who specializes in romantic and sexual relationships. “And non monogamy is when you have love and or sexual relationships with more than one person… it varies a lot, and it’s just limited by people’s imaginations and desires.” Some individuals may simply be more inclined to be monogamous or non monogamous, said Foote. This isn’t necessarily cut and dry; these preferences can change over time and be “influenced by a person’s culture, family and peers.” For example, some college students may prefer dating or talking to multiple people to having a single partner right now, but later in life may enter into a monogamous marriage. Twenty years later, that couple may decide to become swingers. “As far as I’m concerned, anybody can have any type of relationship or sexual commitment level that is comfortable for them,” said Foote, “as long as they are honest with whoever they are interacting with.” Some UM students are skeptical. “I wouldn’t date multiple people at once,”
said freshman Claire Connelly, “but I would talk to multiple people before a label is put on the relationship.” An open relationship, she said, “doesn’t sound like something I could live with.” Other students, like Weiman, prefer it. “I’m very open too dating people consistently, but not just one person,” said Weiman, who was previously in an open relationship. “I have always had the mindset that one person is going to limit me emotionally and sexually…and that doesn’t mean that that’s not the person for me to spend time with.” To keep it simple, we’ll define “open relationships” as those with two partners who recognize themselves as in a relationship, and who have an agreed-upon relationship by which they can date/engage in sexual activity with other partners. In contrast, polyamory is where someone has romantic relationships with multiple partners, or where three or more people are all engaged in a relationship. In dating, Weiman said he is very conscious of respecting the people he is talking to and not leading them on. “If I can sense that this person that I just started seeing is looking for someone, one person, and I know that that’s not me, I either communicate with them or I just stop,” he said. “If that person is on the same page with me, I can continue moving forward and communicate with them.” “I’m looking for different things,” he continued. “I could be open to hookups. I could be open to dating, I could be open to a long term relationship. But as far as the
details and intricacies, it’s not something that usually comes up right off the bat. I am looking for a boyfriend, but does that mean that being a boyfriend cuts me off from talking to other people and hooking up with other people? That’s a personal thing.” While open relationships can sometimes be seen as a free-for-all, they are anything but. According to Foote, it’s common for partners to lay down rules about what can go on outside of the couple. This could be anything from only engaging with another partner together, to being able to have sexual relationships outside of the pair but not romantic ones, to intercourse being allowed but no oral sex. Anything outside of what the couple consents to is cheating. To be frank, Foote said, most people can’t handle this type of open relationship. Jealousy, in such a situation, is natural and can be the downfall of many relationships. Couples who succeed, he said “communicate honestly and directly and celebrate each other’s sexual adventures.” The key for those looking to date or sleep with multiple partners or enter into open relationships, Foote said, is “to be honest at the beginning, and not lead people in a direction that you’re not wanting to go with.” Of course, he said, people who sleep with multiple partners should practice safe sex, use condoms and consider another form of birth control. And for people who are only looking for sex, and who hope to have it with someone they feel is wanting something deeper, Weinman has a simple answer: “Find someone else.”
“
...I am looking for a boyfriend, but does that mean that being a boyfriend cuts me off from talking to other people and hooking up with other people? That’s a personal thing. —CHRISTIAN WEIMAN, UM SENIOR
”
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HOT TAKE In a time of such political and societal divisiveness, there’s a never-ending supply of topics to debate. But some things are so minute, so inconsequential that they’re actually fun to argue over. So grab a friend (or foe) and see which of these ridiculous debates you haggle over. words_ sal puma. design_ lindsay jayne.
EAPPLE DOES PIN ? ON PIZZA G N O L E B ans meric For many A ed food cr sa a pizza is fort and to find com . So when in ty ri familia w slices of you put a fe on top, it tropical fru . While uts people go n salty d an t ee the sw ss combo is bli s er th o e, m to so an affront consider it to God.
51% YES 49% NO
Results based on a Distraction Instagram poll from February 2022.
MARVEL OR
DC?
out having churned Both franchises ovies in recent years, m TV shows and fluence in r ei th g in sh pu ic m co e th beyond ity un m m co ok bo and turning superheroes into household names. Do you lf consider yourse r an Avenger? O er would you rath e th of be a part Justice League?
L 88% MARVE 12% DC
56 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy
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38% HY POTHER MIA 62% HE AT STRO KE
ARE H O SAND T DOGS WICH ES? Two sli ces of b o
read w r other the coll in-between—ith somethin g o tha q u ial defi of a san nition t’s d w ic h . With mentali t hotdog ty, technicall hat y is But, so a sandwich , a m . it be de e demand entity. emed its own M open fa aybe the for top ce available p the diff ings makes erence ?
70% N O 30% Y ES
COKE OR PEPSI? When you ask for Coke at a restaurant and the waiter gives you Pepsi, do you notice? If yes, you probably have a strong opinion in this debate and commit your tastebuds to one brand over the other. Coca-Cola has technically been around longer, but both sodas have been a staple party beverage for years.
87% COKE 13% PEPSI
R PAPE T E L TOI R DOES G OVER O L? L HAN HE RO T R E UND ss, busine
ur hand ing yo u’re do nd an under to o y n e fi h Wh do you erhand reac Angel or ov a piece of nt? rip off ost convenie Soft m seemingly a While etail, your ht g small d on this mi n o i r n u i o p y o ange just ch ds’ minds n e i r f you. about
OVER 80% R UNDE 20%
Want to know more about Virgil Abloh and his legacy? Thinking about getting a new watch? The Fashion section serves up cultural and societal insight into the significance of today’s style and beauty trends.
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T H A N K YO U VIRGIL Fashion visionary Virgil Abloh’s sudden passing from cancer in the fall sent shockwaves around the world. The founder of OffWhite and the first Black creative director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear was an icon who left his mark not only on the fashion industry, but also on the people he personally knew. It felt like every IG influencer dedicated a post to his memory, honoring his passion and work that single-handedly reshaped modern style. words_virginia suardi. photo_jacob singer-skedzuhn. illustration_maria emilia becerra. design_giselle spicer.
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he son of Ghanian immigrants, Abloh embodied the American dream, and today his influence continues to shape the fashion industry in Miami and around the world. In 2012, Abloh started his first brand, Pyrex Vision, which featured designer threads like Ralph Lauren rugby shirts customized with original designs. He sold the brand roughly a year later and started Off-White in 2013 with a vision to introduce the world of luxury to American skater streetwear style. “When a lot of people think luxury they think of Italy, France, that kind of thing,” said Joey Vice, an Off-White store associate in Miami’s Design District. “It’s nice to see the U.S. pushing it.” Five years later, Abloh was named creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton. There, his tenure “sparked diversity movements in the designer world,” according to University of Miami luxury marketing professor
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Trinidad Callava. As a designer, she said, Abloh brought streetwear sensibility to a scene dominated by older brands like Hermès and Chanel. “Virgil’s art is special because it expresses creativity in such a cool way,” said Jenna Rothenstein, a UM freshman. “His style of minimalistic streetwear stole the world’s attention and paved way for a new generation of design.” Abloh lent his creativity right here in Miami’s Design District. One of the most extravagant is his outdoor art installation next to the Louis Vuitton men’s store. The exhibit’s endlessly Instagrammable spots include branded red shipping containers, black and white chess figures and a massive checkered wall. The display is maximalist, but not excessive—exactly representative of Abloh’s reinterpretation of luxury. Callava describes another one of Abloh’s Miami sculptures, Dollar a Gallon III, as “simultaneously new and familiar.” The sculpture is an off-kilter Sunoco gasoline sign, said to be a commentary on capitalism in America. “He transcended fashion and opened the doorway to a lot of younger people to follow in his footsteps,” said Nanii Rich, an event host for Groot Hospitality. “It gives me hope to follow and mimic similar things that he did so well. His art is powerful, unique, free and elegant. I feel like each piece tells a story.” Rich attended Abloh’s memorial, where she said there were “people from all over the world united together in one setting to celebrate the legacy of a legend who touched millions.” The event, hosted by Louis Vuitton, paid tribute to Abloh’s legacy by featuring a fashion show, a three-story statue of the late designer, a display of his work and a performance by Tyler the Creator. The memorial brought in fashion influencers and industry workers from all over the world to celebrate his life. “His influence is definitely still alive and thriving in the world, especially in Miami,” said Rothenstein. “I always see people wearing Off-White around campus, and even more when I am out.” So, what does a post-Virgil world look like? In terms of Off-White, Joey Vice explained that there are “some more drops in the archive” that are purely Abloh’s creations. “There’s a bigger number of people who want to be a part of the brand now,” said Vice. Callava said that her students mirror Abloh by using standard design principles and then creatively disrupting them. “The conversation is always thirsty for new meaning in the intersections, much like Virgil’s crossing arrows,” she said, referring to Off-White’s logo of intersecting arrows. Virgil Abloh’s creative vision reimagined the fashion and art industries on a global scale, and while he went out while he was still on his way up in the fashion world, his legacy will continue to be an inspiration to designers and fashion lovers for years to come.
In 2020, Virgil Abloh created “Free Game,” which is essentially an online resource center for entrepreneurs building a brand for creatives looking to sharpen their skills, with content curated by the legend himself.
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TIMELESS Watches began as a tool to tell time long before humans could simply whip iPhones out of their pockets. The crème de la crème were mechanical masterpieces, comprised of an intricate collection of tiny moving parts working together to turn those hands of time. While brands like Rolex have become household names, the world of watches is much wider, encompassing timepieces made for all. words_erika pun & stephanie revuelta. photo_sydney burnett. design_abby pak.
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ike time itself, the watch industry keeps changing. But the right highquality piece can be a companion forever, and even be passed down to future generations. The finest watches, said University of Miami luxury marketing professor Trinidad Callava, have expert “craftsmanship, tradition and culture integrated into their brand DNA. They are integral and based on powerful identities. They are specific and precise, definite and not ambivalent. These brands are a permanent elevation of their creators and of their clients.” So how does one begin to find a watch to invest in? Start by doing some research. Buying a watch, especially an expensive one, can be a time commitment and an investment. This accessory can range from a few dollars to tens of thousands and more. “It can take up to two to three years to get a watch from the Rolex or Audemars Piguet store,” said Hrithik Alwani, a UM senior and the chief operating officer at Time Piece Trading, a Miami-based watch resale store founded by his brother, Neelesh. For a new collector, he said, classic watches in precious metals like gold never go out of style. Some of the first terms you will come across when researching watches are “mechanical” and “quartz”—words describing how the timepieces move. Mechanical
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watches are powered by an intricate system of gears and springs, and tend to be a favorite of high-end watch collectors, while quartz watches often begin at a lower price-point and run on a battery. According to the Arizona-based Brinkers Jewelers’ website, there are pros and cons to each, and the choice is one of personal preference. Quartz watches are more precise, easier to use and typically more affordable, while mechanical watches tend to hold their value and last longer, but are more of a financial commitment. If you’re looking to buy your first watch, especially if it’s a high-end one, Callava suggests starting with used pieces that have been authenticated and well-maintained. Alwani said TAG Heuer is one high-quality brand with prices starting in the low $1,000 range that UM students have sought out at his store. Watches have always been part of Alwani’s life, as his family first owned a jewelry business in the Caribbean. “I enjoy seeing my clients’ faces light up when they wear a watch for the first time, getting to share my knowledge of watches and the ability to build a community,” he said. Though Time Piece Trading was established in 2018, it already has grown to have 100,000 followers on Instagram and a client list featuring stars like Drake.
But it’s not just watch newbies visiting resellers. Some increase in value over time, and others take years to get your hands on brand new. “People don’t want to wait, which is why they go to resale watch businesses like TPT and are willing to pay prices that are driven by the market instead of retail,” Hrithik said. Due to low supply and high demand, he said, the price of some high-end watches continue to increase, some even doubling or tripling in value. “It’s like a house on a wrist,” he added. Indeed, some the most expensive watches at Time Piece Trading cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. High-end brands like Rolex and Audemars Piguet can run you a few thousand dollars even for an entry-level model offthe-shelves, while some brands don’t sell certain models or products to just anybody. For example, one Richard Mille watch at Time Piece Trading is from a small batch of watches made to honor South African track star Wayde Van Niekerk. Callava, who owns three Omega timepieces and was gifted two Rolexes, said that some other well-respected luxury brands include Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Blancpain. “Omega was the watch that went to the moon and its James Bond’s watch of choice,” she said. “Nothing else needs to be said.”
Eric Emdin, a UM junior, said he was given a Rolex Datejust 41 as a present. “I like how classy the watch is,” said Emdin. “It was a great first watch to be gifted.” Watches, Callava said, “are worn as jewelry, as art work.” But as smartwatches grow in popularity, she said, the market may be in for a shift. “All watches started satisfying a functional need, they were instruments,” she said. “The needs have changed. The Apple Watch right now is mostly an instrument, but when its aesthetic improves, and it will, this is when it is going to get fun.”
STYLE GUIDE Watches aren’t just defined by their power source; they are also divided into style categories based on their standout characteristics. Here are some of the most common, according to watchresearcher.com. Dive Watches While many connoisseurs don’t actually wear these on scuba trips, these watches look sharp and are built to withstand water pressure. Dress Watches These timepieces tend to be elegant, simple, slim and made to be worn with suits and for high-brow occasions. Pilot Watches Originating in the military, these watches can feature special features like larger numbers and compasses intended to help aviators tell time and more with a quick glance at the wrist. Rugged, Field and Military Watches The names of these styles give away their function: tough timepieces built for durability and functionality, with features like dirt-resistance and high-contrast. GMT Watches Boasting the full name “Greenwich Mean Time,” this style is made for jetsetters and features a fourth hand so that wearers can track either their current time and a second time zone, or view a 24-hour dial.
The first wristwatch was made in Switzerland by Patek Philippe, according to The New York Times. Featured in rap songs and worn by NFL players, the brand Patek is still around and has come to symbolize luxury.
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TikTokers, celebrities and your fashionable friends may all be rocking Dickies and Doc Martens, but that doesn’t mean these clothing items we consider stylish today were intended to be couture. From Carhartt to Levi’s, certain brands and materials have histories not steeped in fashion, but in sweat. These trends came from construction sites and hospital halls, not the catwalks and runways, but they are blowing up all the same. Built to be durable and functional, workwear lends consumers an authentic look that is made to last. words_navya kulhari. photo_julia dimarco. design_lauren maingot.
CARHARTT
This brand, beloved by hard workers and hype beasts alike, began outfitting Detroit railroad workers in 1889 and has been run by the same bloodline ever since, according to its website. Their inventory includes classic clothing items like sweatshirts, trousers, jackets and t-shirts, as well as boots and personal protective equipment like high-visibility gear, scrubs and flameresistant fits. Carhartt has been heavily adopted by streetwear and hip hop culture moguls— in 1994 the Carhartt Work In Progress line became both the company’s European distributor and link to pop culture, producing trendier gear and sponsoring skate and BMX teams.
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DENIM
Denim jeans were first invented by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davies in 1871, according to Smithsonian Magazine, because the pants Davies was making for miners at the time were not tough enough to withstand taxing conditions. He came up with the idea of canvas strengthened with rivets, and patented it with the help of Strauss. The first pairs were brown, but in the early 1900s the team started making blue jeans, which were eventually adopted by youth culture and gradually became a wardrobe must-have as the century wore on.
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FLANNEL
Flannel isn’t just a plaid-patterned shirt—it’s a tough fabric first created by the Welsh in the 17th century to provide better protection against their wet and windy Wales winters, according to gearpatrol. com. It rose in popularity during the 19th century, spreading across Europe and the U.S. in part thanks to an American entrepreneur named Hamilton Carhartt. Today, this durable fabric is a stable in both outdoor wear and grunge fashion.
DICKIES
Dickies originally started out as a small company making bib overalls in Texas in 1922. They expanded to making work pants, tops and other blue-collar necessities, and as the years went on the styles were adopted outside of the job site. Rappers in the 80s and skateboarders in the 90s, their site says, jumped onboard, and Dickies now serves this base by carrying a skate and streetwear collection.
OVERALLS
Did you know that overalls first appeared in the British Army in the 1750s? According to the Kansas Historical Society, this garment was typically worn by miners and railroad workers in the early 20th century to protect their formal clothing underneath.
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CORDUROY
Corduroy dates back to ancient Egypt, but it didn’t become the fabric we use today until the 19th century when an updated version began being produced in England, according to gloverall.com. The heavy material was ideal for factory and military use, and was adapted for use in many World War II uniforms. It’s popularity grew in the 1960s and 1970s as it was adopted by counter-cultural movements and worn by celebrities like Bob Dylan.
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TRUCKER HATS
The trucker hat came about in its true form in the 1970s as a promotional give-away from U.S. feed or faming supply companies to farmers, truck drivers (hence the name) or other rural workers as companies began to realize the cap’s potential for advertising and promotional. Cheap to produce, they also became known as ‘feed hats’ or ‘gimme hats,” According to sneum.com, However, today brands like Supreme have adopted and put their spin on this traditionally cheap accessory.
DOC MARTENS
These sturdy boots have become a cultural icon, brought into the mainstream by British rockers in the late 1900s who emulated the style of the country’s working class, according to their website. While they were once a typical, albeit reliable work shoe, the brand has leaned into the youth culture that made it popular among the masses, producing styles like heeled, high knee and printed boots in addition to its classic work footwear.
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Trend Cycle We hear that trends are “cyclical,” but what does that mean? Simply put, everything old will one day be new again. Fashion runs in circles, and nostalgia is key. Trendsetters reflect on styles they admired in their youth and modernize them for the times. Decades and time periods are often defined by a given style, from the flappers of the 1920s to the grunge aesthetic of the 90s— but many eras borrow from each other along the way. words_grier calagione. design_abby pak.
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rom runways to thrift shops and back, trends follow a simple cycle. The whole thing can take 10-15 years, but this timeframe is rapidly shrinking, according to University of Miami’s history of fashion professor Michiko Kitayama. “Each decade had specific societal and political reasons for new styles,” she said. “However, the 21st century trends are moving more rapidly than a decade or even five-year span. It’s not just a small group influencing fashion anymore; anyone can post a style that goes viral and create a new trend. Everybody wants to be a trendsetter on social media so the cycle is growing exponentially shorter.”
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Trendy
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Fashion Foward
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Suddenly, the trend is, well, trendy. Consumers notice their favorite brands and celebrities flaunting the new style and decide they need to have it as well. The trend is picked up by middle-tier brands such as Edikted, Zara, Urban Outfitters and Madewell. It feels like everyone who’s anyone wears the same thing. At this point, the trend is at a middle price point and not as hard to get your hands on. Being trendy just means being early to a style that is on the brink of blowing up—first come first serve.
The fashion industry tends to grow bored with current trends, so it will look back at old ones to find a way to modernize them. As a new trend is introduced to the runways and top 1 percent of the industry, stage one of the trend cycle begins. Luxury designers begin producing it and the design is sold by a few brands at a high price point. This is when the biggest influencers will be showing the public how to style the trend—think Kendall Jenner, Kanye West, Bella Hadid and Timothee Chalamet.
Mainstream
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Now, everyone that isn’t anyone is wearing the style. Every fast fashion website is mass producing the style and even the least fashionable people are picking it off clothing racks. It’s sooo last season. Meanwhile, the biggest brands and influencers have moved on to exploring the next trend.
They Still Make Those?
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Everyone has moved on and the remnants of the fad now survive solely in Goodwill bins. The trend happened recently enough where it can’t be cool again and is in a dormant period. Think of the rise and fall of jean cuts. Right now, low-rise is very on-trend and mom jeans are out. Because high-waisted just recently went out of style, they are in this decline stage of the cycle. As much as you might not want to see it, skinny jeans are destined to make a comeback soon.
From low, to mid, to high, jeans keep morphing in and out of style every year. It’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing trend bcycle, especially for such an important closet staple.
Nostalgic
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Whether it is ironic or fashion-forward, the trend that was just at rock bottom sees a slight incline. People are fishing it out of thrift bins. It’s labeled as vintage-core on Depop and people are associating it with fond memories. Nostalgia kicks in. Teens and young adults who were exposed to the trend as children, but too young to wear it, revisit and recreate it. The trend has not been modernized in a fashion-forward way quite yet, but it begins to spark warm feelings for the era it belonged to. For example, as Gen Z began setting trends the y2k styles of stars they looked up to, but couldn’t emulate, came crashing back onto the scene. But, if you look closely, these trends borrow almost as much from 1970 as 2007.
Is it true that #hotgirlshaveIBS? Is Botox good for more than just smoothing fine lines and wrinkles? Check out Health & Wellness to take a look at ways to enhance your physical and mental wellbeing and more.
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You know the feeling: One second everything’s fine, but the next your stomach is aching and cheeks are clenching. Then you try to remain calm and hope no one notices you sprintwaddling to the nearest bathroom. Everyone has been there, so why don’t we talk about it? From the science to the stigma, we’re breaking down everything about living with tummy troubles as a college student. words_lizzie kristal. photo_sydney burnett. design_maria emilia becerra.
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hether it’s a single bout of food poisoning, ongoing sensitivities or chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach issues can affect just about everyone. As, well, shitty as it is, stomach troubles are sometimes unavoidable and actually quite common among college students. Have you ever had a stomach ache before a big exam? If so, it’s likely because of the complicated connection between the brain and the gut. To put it technically, visceral hyperalgesia is when stressors cause people to become hyper-aware of intestinal activity by disrupting the brain-gut connection, causing pain and bloating. According to Gastrointestinal Nurse Practitioner Yeney Andrade, this is the most common GI issue that people face. “The gut is our second brain,” said Andrade. “When there’s poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines, that can cause your body to overreact. In the digestive process, it can result in pain, diarrhea, constipation and bloating.” The steady stream of classes, homework and overall pressure to succeed can make college an extremely stressful environment for both your mental and gut health. That’s not even including all the social stressors. “Sometimes it can be difficult to manage because if you can’t get a handle on your stress, then it’s difficult to handle the stomach pain,” said assistant professor and IBS specialist Liz Febo-Rodriguez. But this issue isn’t necessarily limited to being stressed over a looming presentation or pesky roommate. People who struggle with anxiety or chronic stress often have a much deeper issue with their gut, making it much harder to get a grasp on managing their levels of stress. “We see a lot of patients with chronic anxiety, which go hand in hand with these functional disorders,” Andrade said. “Patients I’ve had had traumatic events as a child, and we do see patients that have been sexually abused. They can develop a lot of gastrointestinal issues later on.” This stress-related pain, she said, isn’t always visible under examination or from tests. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real. “I see sometimes in the community that ‘there’s nothing wrong’ and ‘it’s all in their head,’ instead of actually working on people’s diets to get people to understand why they’re having these issues,” she continued. As if stress-induced stomach pain wasn’t enough, it’s easy to get in the cycle of making
symptoms worse by worrying about them. According to Andrade, “not having a clear understanding of what functional IBS syndrome is creates more anxiety, which contributes to their symptoms.” Of course, to put it simply, the physiology of the gut is incredibly complicated. Though stress is a common cause, there are numerous other GI issues that may not be caused by stress at all. Alteration in the gut microbiome is another huge issue. The gut contains up to 1,000 species of bacteria. This is called the microbiome, a diverse collection of cells that contribute to digestion and overall health. They expand in numbers as people expose their bodies to new foods and fibers, explaining why a diverse diet is helpful for gut health. When the sensitive microbiome is unbalanced, it can lead to digestive issues, according to Febo-Rodriguez. If the body doesn’t get enough nutritionally-dense food, good bacteria can be reduced while bad bacteria increases. She said diets with little diversity and lots of processed food can cause these sorts of issues. Another catalyst is illness. “The microbiome is a hot topic right now,” said Febo-Rodrigues. “After a bacterial or viral infection, gut microbiota become altered and can lead to symptoms.” One popular way to reduce IBS symptoms is by going on a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols—more commonly referred to as a FODMAP diet. Itt basically identifies foods that are commonly difficult to digest such as dairy, certain fruits, carbs and proteins. “There’s a lot of foods that we’re constantly finding that can lead to heightened symptoms,” Febo-Rodriguez said. “If you were to google the FODMAP diet, those are the foods that can have high fermented products and can lead to abdominal pain.” According to a 2016 study by Lye Huey Shi published by Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, another good way to manage gut issues is by taking a probiotic, a supplement that is meant to improve and restore gut bacteria. Though it can be hard to pinpoint the right probiotic for your specific gut, help from a professional can make it easier. Following a healthy diet as a college student can get tricky when dining hall food and campus restaurants are the most convenient options. For UM freshman Julia Williams, eating a poor diet seems almost inevitable.
“It’s hard to make quality meals in our dorm rooms,” she said. “All we have is a broken microwave and tiny fridge. Most of the time I just go for the frozen meals from Target because they’re easy.” What’s more, using quality ingredients and food sources can be costly, causing students to opt for less gut-friendly grub. And even those with full access to a kitchen and grocery stores, may not have the time nor patience to cook three meals a day. This makes it extra challenging to feed our gut with what it needs to function properly. “I do see it very commonly in younger people, like teens and college years,” Andrade said. “Mainly, it’s because of the poor diet: lack of fiber, dairy, alcohol and smoking.” GI disorders are extremely common, with up to 70 million Americans currently suffering, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. So why is there still such a strong stigma around it? “They are not talked about because bowel habits are not usually a cocktail conversation,” said UM professor of medicine and gastroenterologist Jamie Barkins. “But it’s important to understand that it’s common, it can be treated and people must seek professional help with these issues.” Especially for women, who have been conditioned throughout history to conceal and hush their bodily functions, including but not limited to the “girls don’t poop” trope. Fortunately, the trending #hotgirlshaveIBS has been working to fighting this stigma. The hashtag is on videos that have a total of 5.5 million views on TikTok. BellliWelli, a company that makes gluten-free, dairyfree, low-sugar and low FODMAP bars and desserts, put the phrase on a billboard in Los Angeles as a promo for their products. Is the phrase true? Well, not exactly. Is it helping fix the negative stigma around IBS? Absolutely. Even Emma Chamberlain, the YouTube blogging star with over 11 million subscribers, frequently talks about her stomach flare-ups on in her videos, on social media and in her podcast “Anything Goes.” By normalizing and raising awareness for how common stomach issues are, we can make it easier on everyone who struggles with it. “It’s one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions that we see patients for,” said Andrade. “[The stigma] might be changing just by recognizing it is a real problem.”
—Jamie Barkin, GASTROENTEROLOGIST AT UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HEALTH SYSTEM
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FIND YOUR FREUD Therapy is a transformative step to improving mental health for many people, but finding the right therapist for you is easier said than done. If you’re beginning the search process, it can be daunting to choose among hundreds of professionals in your area (or out of it), but this step-by-step guide to finding the right one will get you started in the right direction. words & design_ nina d’agostini.
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Identify
Ask yourself these questions to identify why exactly you may want to start therapy: how have you been feeling lately? Do you have energy for activities that bring you joy? If you’re having a hard time pin-pointing your feelings, there are resources to help. At the University of Miami Counseling Center (UMCC), students can schedule a free assessment appointment where a therapist will discuss your feelings and future steps. Then, you can be referred to an initial session with a counselor or get help finding off-campus therapy. WellTrack is a free app available to students that contains tools such as the “mood check.” Another option is the using the free, confidential mental health assessment found on the website of Helping GiveAway Psychological Science.
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Research
Decide what you can afford, and how. Jill Ehrenreich-May, associate chair of UM’s Psychology Department, recommends calling your insurance provider for a list of therapists who accept your coverage. Elvin Blanco, a triage therapist at the UMCC, said “always consider your needs first and what would make therapy a most comfortable experience.” Think about whether you need a specialist in a certain disorder, he said, or would feel better with a therapist of a certain gender, religion, ethnicity, language or age. Now, the search begins. Laura Curren Adams, a doctoral intern at UMCC, recommends using Psychology Today, a website where you can filter options based on insurance and preferences. Vanessa Payne, a Clinical Care Coordinator and Therapist at the UMCC, added: “A lot of therapists have websites or are on a search engine website that has blurb about them. Go online and learn about their services.” Once you’ve found some you like, reach out for a session.
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Prepare
Consider making a list of questions to ask your therapist. Payne provided a few ideas: What is your approach or philosophy with working with clients? What licenses and certifications do you have? What is your area of specialty? If you’re seeking a specific assessment for accommodations, ask if the provider completes that assessment. Be sure to ask any other questions that will make you feel more comfortable.
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Reflect
Aaron Heller, director of the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Division at UM, said you can expect your therapist to ask questions during the intake session. This meeting serves as an assessment of your current functioning and symptoms and helps them understand your needs and make a plan for future sessions. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you might have for them. How are you feeling? Note that the first session is not how all sessions will go, since it deals with information gathering and introductions. Unless patients experience a red flag, Payne says, she urges people to see a therapist for a couple sessions before deciding they are or aren’t a match.
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Assess
Heller said you can usually tell if you and your therapist are developing a solid and trustworthy relationship, or “therapeutic alliance,” where you agree on a form of treatment and feel that your therapist is empathetic, competent, and reliable. If you feel like the therapist is a good match, congrats! If not, Blanco said, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. “Just because you didn’t feel a connection with the first therapist you met, doesn’t mean that the right therapist isn’t out there,” he said.
“PANAMA,” a trail with big jumps, drops, climbs and volunteerbuilt woodwork, is one of four double black diamonds at Virginia Key North Point Trails. Much like on ski slopes, the difficulty of trails is marked from easiest to hardest by a green circle, blue square, black diamond and double black diamond.
If you type “Virginia Key” in YouTube, you may be surprised to see the search engine autofill the phrase “mountain biking.” This search will bring you pages of rider videos, 90% of which start with some variation of “you’ll never believe there’s a mountain bike park on the beach in Florida.” After 11 years, this gem isn’t so hidden anymore. But the story is longer than that punch line. And like any good one, it features action sports, local legends, booze, tycoons, porn and a happy ending. words_kylea henseler. photo & design_sydney burnett.
f Miami-Dade public schools didn’t have President’s Day off, then the amount of children I saw as I rode up to the Virginia Key North Point Trails on Feb. 21 would warrant a quick call to a truancy officer. But I’m pretty sure they did, and this park, a bridge away from the mainland, has become a hotspot for families and riders of all levels. One could drive to the trails and pay $8 for parking, the only cash you’d have to shell out all day, but I don’t have a car so across the Rickenbacker I rode. After turning left off the main road, I biked through Virginia Key Beach Park, the site of the first beach to officially be designated for Black residents following a protest in 1945. Closer to the trails I passed the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
(where bike rentals cost around $35), in time to see a mixedage group of kayakers head to a put-in point across the street that a guide calls “Jimbo’s Lagoon.” More on Jimbo later. The mountain bike park itself sits on 50 acres of land at the northernmost tip of Virginia Key, right behind a sewage plant. This used to be a dumping ground for dirt, wood and public works waste. But after five years of lobbying, “Frenchy,” president of the Virginia Key Bicycle Club, along with partners John Voss, the club’s treasurer, and Mary Jane Mark, president of Mack Cycle, got the city to hand it over in 2010. By February of the next year the first four miles of trail were open. In those months before opening, Frenchy said, he was at the trails 10 hours per day, seven days a week.
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Now Frenchy, real name Bernard Rivièr, is fondly described by Outdoor Center owner Esther Alonso-Luft as “a living cartoon.” He practiced cyclecross back in France, a close cousin of mountain biking, and moved to Miami in the 1980s to play rock music. He was here when the local mountain bike community started to form in the 1990’s, and he worked at Oleta State Park for 17 years, building 15 miles of trails, before starting work on Virginia Key. The park is up over nine miles of trails now, and Frenchy’s shooting to hit 11. In as many years, the spot has come a long way. Trails, all named after classic rock songs, wind around and over each other and are accompanied by features like jumps, teeter totters, drops and woodwork, all built by volunteers in the bike club. Frenchy is there every Saturday and Sunday with whoever wants to come, marking out new trails and maintaining old ones. “It’s all sh*t that comes out of my head,” Frenchy said of the park features. Frankly, it’s the kind of sh*t I can’t believe is free. There’s tons of woodwork on the trails, with some comparable to what I’ve seen at pricey downhill mountain bike destinations in New Hampshire. “It’s funny,” said local rider Nate Brown, “because it’s actually more developed than places like where I’m from,” (Maine originally). There’s also a whole area dedicated to practice drops, and a new set of dirt jumps that Alonso-Luft said will likely be responsible for a number of her rental bikes coming back beat up. Alonso-Luft is a bit of a badass herself, and she can tell you the whole story of the land the trails and Outdoor Center rest on.
VIRGINIA KEY NORTH POINT TRAILS VIRGINIA KEY OUTDOOR CENTER KAYAK PADDLEBOARD AND BIKE CENTER 3801 Rickenbacker Cswy Arthur Lamb Jr Rd. Miami, FL 33149
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Scuba diving was her hobby, until an ear injury she didn’t realize she sustained kickboxing became more serious while she was trying to clear her ears underwater on a dive trip. Unable to continue with scuba, she turned to kayaking, fell into planning trips for paddlers and, eventually, opened up the center. In the six years she’s been in business, Alonso-Luft said, her fleet of bikes has grown from 20 to 60. At any given time, a number of them are broken. “It’s an opportunity to bring people into a sport that becomes a lifetime passion,” she said. “You go through the pain of having to see your bikes get pretty beaten up, but you turn around and we’ve seen so many of our customers have just become avid mountain bikers.” It’s been “breathtaking,” she said, to watch the park and outdoor community in Virginia Key grow. The island has a long history, she tells me, and it’s the last remaining bit of what she calls “Old Florida” in Miami. When Alonso-Luft was growing up, the area the trails now inhabit was known as the “Flats.” Filled in with dried and cracking dredge from Port Miami, it was a popular destination for four wheeling and bonfires. Slowly, the trees grew in. Across the strait, development on Fisher Island revved throughout the second half of the 20th century. You can still see the island that boasts the nation’s wealthiest ZIP code from a few clearings at the park— it’s close enough that I could count the windows on the condominiums across the strait. Virginia Key may have escaped the same fate, Frenchy said, because of the sewage plant next door. Nobody wants to walk
Whether you are a beginner or advanced rider, Virginia Key North Point Trails is a great place to work on your biking skills. Only a 15 minute drive from Coral Gables, this bike park has something for riders of all levels with easier paths and more technical trails that have a variety of wooden features.
STAFF TIP Download the MTB Project app for an interactive map of the park along with other Florida trails.
“Volunteer Built, Rider Supported,” is the message posted on a shipping container that riders see as they finish a lap of the park. All trails are built and maintained by members of the Virginia Key Bicycle Club, whose $30-per-year dues cover the cost of trailbuilding and guarantee benefits like discounts at local stores, night rides, barbecues and kids events.
out of their multi-million dollar skyscraper and smell sh*t. As development revved up, said Alonso-Luft, the “beautiful people of Fisher Island” didn’t want to be bothered by the company of their workers after hours. So, legend has it, they pulled some strings and got a local named Jimbo his license to sell alcohol so the commoners would drink there instead. His shanty, formerly located across the street from where the Outdoor Center now stands, sold phenomenal smoked fish, she said. It was also a “code violation in progress,” operating on the “border of legal and illegal.” “If you were a high schooler and you needed beer or weed, you went to Jimbos,” she said. So much porn was shot around the dive that actors and photographers can still be spotted from time to time making movies out by the trails. Jimbos was handed over to the city by one of the founder’s daughters about three years before the Outdoor Center opened. The other daughter, Alonso-Luft said, told her Jimbo would have been happy to see what the land had become. Today, it’s a place for families
that she said has the cleanest water in the city. With beach cleanups and unobtrusive practices, the land’s new stewards slowly allowed it to heal from years of debauchery and broken bottles. In the first year AlonsoLuft operated her business, there was little wildlife save the birds. But as time wore on, native fish returned to the lagoons and the Outdoor Center began offering manatee tours that have become their most popular experience. According to Frenchy, the club’s volunteers clean litter on the trails and build around protected trees. “It was a place nobody wanted,” Alonso-Luft said, “and now it’s the last place left to save.” With Jimbos closed you may
have to travel a little farther for your post-ride beer, but it will be well-earned. The trails may rest on only 50 acres of land, but they are no joke. According to Frenchy riders from locales with more elevation may laugh at first, thinking they’re in for an easy ride, but they leave sweating as the park provides plenty of manmade climbs and requires a lot of peddling. If you head over yourself, consider taking a lesson if it’s your first time mountain-biking. Definitely wear a helmet. Say hi to Frenchy if you see him— everyone who rides there seems to meet him eventually. And if you’re super green, don’t hit the new dirt jumps on one of Alonso-Luft’s rental bikes.
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Syringe. Needle. Poof! All those years of aging are magically gone. But while Botox is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes, there is actually a whole list of other non-cosmetic reasons why people get it from head to, well, vagina. These are some other perks of the poke. words_gabrielle lord. photo & design_sydney burnett.
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ou’ve probably heard of Botox; it isn’t necessarily a new concept. In fact, it is actually just a brand name of a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, according to MedlinePlus. Doctors and cosmetologists use small doses to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, but also to treat chronic migraines, hyperhidrosis (severe sweating), and even erectile dysfunction in men and vaginismus in women. So how does this common injectable do its thing? Simply put, Botox acts as a blocking agent that temporarily paralyzes the muscle, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For patients experiencing chronic migraines, the American Migraine Association says there’s evidence suggesting that Botox actually interrupts the “pathway of pain transmission between the brain and the nerves that extend from the spinal cord.” Rian Maercks of The Maercks Institute, a plastic surgery center and med spa in Miami, said that even aesthetic Botox can help those who suffer from this condition. While it doesn’t have permanent effects, he said that patients should
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not experience migraines while the Botox is still present, which can last a few months. This is because Botox and filler work to temporarily decompress the nerves causing the headache. What Botox can permanently fix is vaginismus which, according to Maercks, is the “involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles and subsequent muscle spasms.” The condition can make any type of vaginal penetration difficult, painful or even impossible. “The cool thing is that Botox paralyzes the muscle and we’re able to use it in a targeted way in the pelvic floor,” he said. Then, he said, patients can start easing their way into having penetrative intercourse. According to Maercks, the Botox lasts a couple months, and once it wears off, patients may never need treatment again. “While some require additional surgery,” he said. “A vast majority can be treated with Botox alone.” Another health condition Botox can help with is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), a disorder that affects the joints connecting the jawbone to the skull. According to Healthline, this treatment is still considered experimental and is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, a 2012 study done by Département Universitaire de Chirurgie MaxilloFaciale et Stomatologie found that Botox could drastically reduce pain and increase mouth mobility for nearly three months following the treatment. “When I heard that a few friends of mine were doing Botox for their jaw pain I immediately had interest,” said University of Miami alumna Gabby Rosenbloom. “The only thing keeping me from it at this point is a general aversion to needles.” However, she said that once she runs out of options, she’s willing to give it a go, especially since she said she knows people whom the treatment worked for. If you’re considering Botox treatments for any reason, Maercks said that it’s important to find a qualified doctor. “A lot of people go and get a bunch of treatments that end up not working,” he said “and it’s disheartening because it could’ve been taken care of a long time ago” without the pain, depression and helpless feelings that sometimes come with these failed treatment attempts. Charlie Boyd, a junior at UM, said that he got Botox to reduce the spasticity that comes with his cerebral palsy. “I’ve never gotten anything except Botox [for treatment], but I would get it again,” he said. Even after Boyd’s first session, he said, “It definitely helped a lot.” While Maercks said that he’s never had one of his patients experience complications from Botox, there are always issues to look out for. According to Medical News Today, some negative side effects can include drooping eyelids, nausea and urinary retention. “There’s definetly a bit of a stigma around plastic surgery and getting “work done” even now,” Rosenbloom said. “But, I do think that people are opening up to the idea that Botox can be used for reasons outside aesthetic and cosmetic.”
Investigating Injectables Let’s circle back to cosmetic Botox. With so many opinions out there, it can be hard to tell what’s fact and what’s fiction—we’re breaking down three misconceptions. Myth: Everyone should get the same amount of Botox per area. According to Danielle Smith MSN, NP-C, the founder of Smith and Co., an injectable only practice, the amount of Botox needed in a specific area relies on many factors: how strong the muscle is, how deep the lines are and how expressive someone is. “It’s funny when we have to graduate from 10 to 12 to 15 milliliters because it’s always a talk,” she said. “I have to tell them that it’s because your muscles keep moving and changing.” Myth: Botox makes your face look frozen. While this may happen from time to time, Smith says it’s important to talk to your doctor about how much (or little) face movement you want to have after your procedure. For students who are just starting to see the effects of those late Wharf nights and early Richter Library mornings, Smith said “baby Botox ‘’ is one way to slow down muscle movement by acting as a preventive measure against fine lines and aging. Instead of 20 milliliters per area, she said she typically injects 10 to 12 milliliters. Myth: Botox is toxic. While Botox is technically a toxin, the drug is used in such a small dosage that it doesn’t have a significantly harmful effect, according to HealthLine. “I always tell patients if Botox was dangerous, I literally wouldn’t have a pulse,” boardcertified dermatologist Rita Linker said in a 2021 Business Insider article. “I’m someone who puts, like, 100 units of Botox into my face and neck every four and a half months. And I have so for over a decade.”
In a Survey on Distraction’s Instagram, 63% of respondents said they would try Botox as a treatment for a health isssue, while only 7% said they actually had before.
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DITCH THE DEFICIT
Diets have been around for ages, but have you ever heard of reverse dieting? Basically, the idea is to carefully add more calories into your diet instead of cutting them away. It’s a relatively new term in the wellness world, and one that needs more research. But for people coming off of a low-cal diet for one reason or another, it could be a key way to improve metabolic and overall health. words_lizzie kristal. illustrations & design_maria emilia becerra.
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F
rom the old South Beach and Atkins diets to newer fads like Paleo, weight-loss diets seem to have one thing in common: a calorie deficit. Put simply, this is when the amount of calories consumed is lower than the amount burned, leading to weight loss. This isn’t always a bad thing. But when individuals employ too extreme of a deficit, the results can be taxing on the body and even lead to eating disorders—not to mention the possibility of losing any progress made. “Diet culture has shifted the way people think about diets into something so toxic,” said University of Miami sophomore Zoie Tirona. “They say the only way to lose weight is to eat little to nothing, when that’s no where near true. I tried it on a cut but it ruined my workouts and my mood.” While trendy new diets consistently promise quick results, little is said about how much they can alter one’s metabolism. According to a 2014 study conducted by researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the body enters a sort of survival mode called metabolic adaptation when consuming low amounts of food. In this state, it slows metabolism and stores fat in an attempt to save energy, since it’s not receiving enough fuel. “If you don’t give your body enough energy, it will compensate by telling the body, ‘hey I need to store more fat. I need to store more energy,’” explained UM senior Devarsh Desai, a personal trainer at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center. This massively lowers the basal metabolic rate (BMR), especially for people who were in a calorie deficit for long periods of time. At some point, the study found, weight is no longer being lost and will either be maintained or gained. The aim of reverse dieting is to escape this cycle. “The benefits reviewed are a positively stimulated metabolism, which allows for optimal body weight management to occur slowly,” said UM Dining Registered Dietitian Alyson Marquez. This is a delicate process. In order to reduce weight gain, it has to be done very slowly and intentionally, often with the help of a dietician. According to nutritionist Cynthia Mass, the “diet” involves adding around 50-200 calories to an individual’s weekly intake. Because this is such a slow change, it increases metabolic efficiency consistently over a long period of time, without causing the individual to gain weight. It gives the metabolism a chance to get back to normal after being in starvation mode for so long. This type of program isn’t meant for everyone. “These kinds of things are mainly meant for athletic populations, like powerlifters and weightlifters, because they do very intense weight loss diets,” said Desai.
It can also be effective for those who find themselves stuck in a deep calorie deficit and need to return to a healthy consumption rate. “I found it really hard to get out of eating like 1400 calories a day without changing body composition,’ said Tirona. “But my body needed it.” Though reverse dieting can be a great tool for many, it’s not a thoroughly researched topic. “In general, slow incremental increases in calories isn’t that bad of an idea, I just don’t know if it provides as much benefit as it says,” said Desai. Eating nutritious foods and practicing wellness, Marquez noted, is always a safe bet where health is concerned—no diet needed. “Approaching your nutrition intake from a whole-foods diet and maximizing plant-based foods at each meal will yield the best results, without needing to follow a specific diet,” she said. “Diets come and go, but learning how to eat balanced and adopting other healthy lifestyle factors, such as body movement, sleep and stress management will assist the body with the best health out-comes including optimal body weight.” For some, reverse dieting just may be the perfect opportunity to repair metabolism, while also maintaining body composition. For others, there’s no need for it at all. Because the process is so individualized, we recommend asking a dietitian for specific advice if you think you would benefit from a reverse diet. But for now, try to stay off the crazy calorie-cut diets that damage metabolism to begin with.
Text or call the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for support, resources and treatment options for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder.
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Your Last Distraction:
CATCH THESE CLASSES Do you have open electives or a cognate to fill? If you’re looking for an interesting class to take that’s outside of your major but won’t have you falling asleep on your desk, check out these unique University of Miami courses without prerequisites. words_um academic bulletin. design_maria emilia becerra.
Streching and Body Work DAN 102 1 Credit Hour
Stretching techniques and examination of various body therapy concepts. Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
The Beach: As Place, Space, and
Love 101
PHI 135 3 Credit Hours Love from different ethical, psychological and neuro-scientific perspectives. Among other things we will look at what distinguishes different kinds of love from each other, how love is manifested psychologically and neuro-scientifically, what chemicals drive feelings of love and obsession and why it can be so difficult to recover from a breakup. Typically Offered: By Announcement Only
Event in World Historical Context
HIS 290 3 Credit Hours
History of the beach as a particular geographic place and space in human history in comparative world context. Themes and issues include tourism, socio-economic factors in beach access, beachrelated industries, immigration, cultural contact, exploration, “beach life,” surfing, ethnicity, segregation and politics of real estate. Typically Offered: Spring
Black Girl Magic ENG 364 3 Credit Hours
In this class we will explore both the stereotypes and the reality of the intersection between gender and African-based religions. From the magical practices of hoodoo and rootwork in the American South, to obeah, Santeria and Vodou in the Caribbean, African-based religions in the Americas have long been places where women can ascend to the highest levels of leadership, and draw from the example of powerful female spirits. Thus, these religions offer a unique perspective on Black feminism in America and the Caribbean. Through literature, music and film, this class will ask students to learn the history of these various traditions of Black girl magic, and to meditate on the future of Black feminist religious practices in today’s America. Typically Offered: Spring
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Miami’s Musical Heritage MCY 553 3 Credit Hours
A study of the musical traditions and practices of the various cultures that are part of Miami’s unique multi-ethnic society. Typically Offered: Spring, Summer
Dead Bodies & Bioethics APY 390 3 Credit Hours
The ethical dilemmas faced by those who work or interact with dead bodies. We will explore dead bodies in multiple forms-decomposing, skeletonized, mummified, plastinated, etc. to address such topics as commercialization, public display, heritage and dark tourism, politicization, exhumation, consent, ownership, violence and descendant communities. Our approach will be an anthropological one, though we will also draw from the fields of medicine, philosophy, law, history and the humanities. Typically Offered: Fall
1340 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 610 Coral Gables, FL 33134 residencesatthesis@gables.com 305.735.3152
The Residences at THesis provides surrounding Coral Gables with 204 premium upscale apartments that boast high-end finishes, superior services and an experiential living experience. The community offers studio to three-bedroom homes, as well as premiere amenities such as an elevated pool deck with food and beverage services. The highly amenity-driven project includes designer cabinetry, sleek stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and spa inspired bathrooms with LED-surround vanity mirrors. Contact us for more information regarding leasing.
GRADUATING SENIORS & GRAD STUDENTS Senior portraits will begin on February 28 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. at the Whitten UC lower lobby near the information desk. Portrait appointment slots are extremely limited.
SCAN TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT! OR VISIT IBISYEARBOOK.COM
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Don’t wait until tomorrow’s game to join our award-winning staff. We’re always accepting writers, designers, photographers, videographers, PR pros and business-savvy sales reps. However you’d like to get in the swing of things, we have room for you. Send an email to distraction305@miami.edu for more information. Anyone is welcome to contribute!