Distraction Magazine Winter 2021

the

magazine of the students of

the university of miami

winter 2021 SUPER PAN

Guide to cast-iron cooking

THE 50TH ISSUE Distraction’s legacy

RETRO VISION All eyes on you

the

magazine of the students of

the university of miami

winter 2021

SUPER PAN

Guide to cast-iron cooking

THE 50TH ISSUE

Distraction’s legacy

CANE RECORDS

Behind the music

the

magazine of the students of

the university of miami

winter 2021

SUPER PAN

Guide to cast-iron cooking

CANE RECORDS

Behind the music

RETRO VISION All eyes on you

DISTRACTION CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ISSUE!

the

magazine of the students of

the university of miami

winter 2021

THE 50TH ISSUE

Distraction’s legacy

CANE RECORDS

Behind the music

RETRO VISION All eyes on you

2

DISTRACTION

Introduction

DINING DOLLAR HACKS TRUCK YEAH SUPERPAN

35 36 39

K-RISE

28

K-RISE

THEY’VE GOT THE BUNS

BEHIND THE MUSIC: CANE RECORDS

26

28

32

HELLO, HOLIDAYS

25

FRESH-FACED

16

BACK ON SCREEN

MEET ME ON THE METRO

14

22

BEHIND THE LETTERS

12

UNQUALIFIED

MERRY IN MIA

11

BETTER WITH AGE

20

BETTER WITH AGE

8 14

What the Fork

Happening

The Guide

CO ONT 34

THEY’VE GOT THE BUNS

Health & Wellness

Fashion

Special Section Legacy

KEEP IT COOL PUMPED YOUR LAST DISTRACTION

78 80

SQUEEZED

73 76

ONE BREATH

RETROVISION

64

70

IN WITH THE OLD

62

BRING THE HAUS DOWN

54

ART OF AROMA

SCARED TO DEATH

52

60

IN THE FAMILY

50

MODERN MODESTY

HERE TO STAY

48

58

THE 50TH ISSUE

44

TENTS 52 58 73

SCARED TO DEATH IN WITH THE OLD SQUEEZED

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION

3

winter 2021

WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR? My comedy, according to Emmalyse.

THE TEAM

Editor-in-Chief_Emmalyse Brownstein Executive Editor_Kylea Henseler Managing Editor_Gabrielle Lord Art Directors_Maria Emilia Becerra & Keagan Larkins Oversharing through Photo Directors_Sydney Burnett & Teagan Polizzi my tweets.

Assistant Photo Director_Nina D’agostini Assistant Art Directors_Isa Marquez & Geethika Kataru Assistant Photo Director_Daniella Pinzon PR Directors_Victoria D’Empaire & Katelyn Gavin Social Media Directors_Lindsay Jayne & Nina D’Agostini Fashion Directors_Andrius Espinoza & Erika Pun Fashion Assistant_Navya Kulhari Video Director_Hadieh Zolfghari My dolphin TikTok that The Guide Editor_Mikayala Riselli got 45 million views.

Happening Editor_Cat McGrath What the Fork Editor_Nicolette Bullard Special Section Editor_Andrea Valdes-Sueiras Fashion Editor_Grier Calagione My cat.

Health & Wellness Editor_Natalie Santos Faculty Adviser_Randy Stano Supporting Faculty_Bruce Garrison

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.

4

DISTRACTION

Introduction

My excessive use of chapstick.

DISTRACTIONMAGAZINE.COM Digital Editor_Ainsley Vetter Assistant Digital Editors_Jamie Moses & Nicole Katz

CONTRIBUTORS Becca Swan, writer Aine Murray, writer Molly Mackenzie, writer Sal Puma, writer Jaime Harn, writer Lizzie Kristal, writer & designer Never having a Brandon Soto, designer charged phone.

Gemma Beratta, designer Alex Trombley, designer Chloe Ponte, designer Lauren Maingot, designer Giselle Spicer, designer Chantal Chalita, designer Emy Deeter, photographer Jacob Singer-Skedzuhn, photographer Camila Munera, photographer Julia Dimarco, photographer Martin Hidalgo, photographer Sharron Lou, photographer Erik Olliges, 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.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR This is Distraction’s 50th issue! And, as in many other facets of life, anniversaries elicit reflection.

Distraction was born from the dreams of one student in 2007. As you’ll read (p. 44), Danielle McNally sought to create a new student media publication that could give readers a break from the monotony of schoolwork and studying. A distraction. Her idea became reality, and went on to impact the lives and career paths of hundreds more students after her. Serving as the editor-in-chief for this milestone in the magazine’s history and continuing her vision, in my own way, is an honor.

In that spirit, the staff and I thought “legacy” was a very fitting theme for this issue’s special section. In it, we find some of the longeststanding businesses in Miami, take a deep dive into the significance of chosen families in the drag queen community and even explore how the fear of death makes us question what we leave behind after our time on Earth. Plus, look out for our illustrated section openers (p. 7, 19, 31, 43, 57 and 69), which highlight some legendary UM alumni who have made legacies for themselves in their careers.

Outside of the special section, you’ll read about topics like where to find winter-ish activities to do in Miami (p. 10), the rise in Korean cultural influence in America (p. 28), why Knaus Berry Farm queues hours-long lines (p. 34), how to find vintage pieces for your closet (p.

58) and why taking pre-workout supplements might do more harm than good (p. 78).

Thank you to all of the students, staff and administrators at the University of Miami who have believed in this magazine from day one and who continue to support it.

Celebrate Distraction’s 50th issue and reflect on what it means to have a legacy in our fitting special section. #getdistracted design_keagan larkins.

Meet some future chart toppers from the University of Miami’s very own student record label. photo_sharron lou. design_keagan larkins.

LYGC,

It’s in with the old and out with the new­—in “Retrovision” all eyes will be on you.

No kitchen is complete without a cast-iron skillet.

This cookwear staple is durable enough to be used for a lifetime.

photo_teagan polizzi.

photo_teagan polizzi.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION

5

BTS ONE BREATH

BETTER WITH AGE

SUPERPAN

Our team packed up the boat at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning. We passed through the intracoastal to get to the Jupiter Inlet to pass into the ocean. Our timeline was dependent on shooting at high tide at 11 a.m. because water clarity is better when the current isn’t ripping. The vibes were immaculate - the sun was out, the music was blasting and a pod of dolphins was riding along with us to the dive spot. We used a Simrad marine GPS to narrow in our location on the shipwreck.

Within a few minutes of exploring in 30 ft. of open water, my brother Lukas spotted a goliath grouper.

When I went to each location to shoot, I introduced myself to the owners and walked around observing all of the antiques, as well as the layout and lighting in each store. First, I took wide shots of the inside and outside of each location and then focused in on unique objects within the store, taking close up shots of smaller details.

Meet our staff mascot, Menace. The truth is that some of us love him and others have beef with him. Regardless, we come to a consensus that he is absolutely adorable when he climbs into a comfy spot in our strobe light kit. I took this film photo on set for Superpan, our feature story on cooking with cast irons. Before we started shooting, Menace kept wandering on set and laying down front and center on the backdrop, clearly craving attention ... and the oreo-gasm cookie cake.

The Aquatech Reflex underwater housing that I used to capture these shots weighs about 10 lbs out of water.Extreme care is needed when testing, using or cleaning the equipment, especially with the 8 in. glass dome lens port. After a dive, I always rinse the housing with fresh water to prevent salt from drying on it. All in all—another great dive for the books.

- Sydney Burnett, Co-Photo Director

6

DISTRACTION

Introduction

Due to the low light in each of these locations, I brought both my flash point and shoot camera and my DSLR loaded with 800 ISO film. I wanted to capture the dark, cozy feel of these shops, without adding any additional light sources. As I walked around taking photos, the owners of each shop described the history of their location, talked a bit about themselvges and pointed out some of their favoite parts of their stores.

- Julia Dimarco, Staff Photographer

While he was hanging out with the equipment, our What the Fork section editor Nikki was in the kitchen kneading pizza dough and mixing batter for the cookie cake. The delicious smell filled the room.

Co-photo director Teagan was setting up the camera and flash lights, while public relations director Katelyn assisted with food styling.

The cast iron was so hot that we had to lay down a towel to prevent it from burning through our paper backdrop!

- Cat McGrath, Happening Section Editor

S

The Guide Welcome to your road map—The Guide is, well, your guide to the who, what, where and when. Mystified by all the different types of campus Greek life? We broke it down. Want to know what you can do in Miami to get in the holiday spirit? We made a list. These topics and more are waiting for you just one page-turn away.

You may know Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui from “Moana,” Mitch Buchanan from “Baywatch,” Joe Kingman from “The Game Plan,” or the lead man in any other movie in which he basically played himself.

Before that, he was a WWE wrestler for eight years, and even before that, he was a ‘Cane.

Johnson graduated from UM in 1995, but not before he was a part of the 1991 championship football team.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION

7

8

DISTRACTION

The Guide

Trends are cyclical—what’s old will eventually always become new again, with a twist of what social movements, public figures and evolving technology informs.

Visual representations of another time, antiques can be clothing, silverware, jewelry or furniture. They are typically collectible and desirable for a myriad of reasons, but especially for their age and rarity. words_mikayla riselli. photo_ julia dimarco. design_isa marquez.

A

ntique shopping is a pastime for every type of person, whether you’re an old soul with a penchant for pieces with a story, a history buff looking for your next convostarting item or just tired of dressing like everyone else.

Though often used synonymously with the word vintage, antique has a slightly different meaning. According to Maria Rivero, stylist and appraiser for Twice Vintage in South Miami, the definition has “gotten very loose in the last few years.” Carmen Franchi, the shop’s owner, said, “Vintage is anything over 30 years old, antiques are over 100 and anything over 500 years old is an antiquity.”

A Store Miami’s Never Seen Franchi moved to Miami 40 years ago from New York City, where she said you couldn’t go a block without encountering a vintage or antique shop. At the time, though, secondhand shops in Miami were much more rare.

When she got here, Franchi vowed to open one of her own, the kind of store “that Miami has never seen.” And she did: Twice Vintage.

To her, the shop is “as if Disney World were

to create a vintage store. Everything has a second, third, fourth, fifth life.”

The industry has changed quite a bit since its inception, with trends transitioning from pawnbroking to thrifting to vintage upcycling. One thing about these stores that remains a constant, though, is the diversity of their collections in age, function and place of origin.

“Before 1972, the American antique trade was a regional trade,” according to an article from Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, a website for antique dealers, collectors and enthusiasts. “A dealer in New York would throw away things popular in Maine.

Likewise, items popular in Pennsylvania might sit forever unsold in an antique shop in Florida.”

Because of this, said the article, dealers willing to travel long distances could make a small fortune by buying antiques where they weren’t wanted and selling them in areas where they were. The incentivized shuffling of goods largely forged the nature of these shops, making it impossible to predict what you might find in one.

If you go antique shopping often and with intention, Franchi said, “the universe will conspire to make things happen for you.”

One surprisingly lucrative thrift store find is vintage and antique globes, according to Good House Keeping. Some enthusiasts will pay top dollar for models which show countries that no longer exist.

“prized possessions” include an original custom-made Bob Mackey dress from the ‘80s, a “Little Orphan Annie” book from 1940, which includes a handwritten inscription from a dad to his daughter, and several colognes, including a scent from Giorgio Armani that Rodriguez said was “on every teenager’s dresser in the ‘80s.” To him, pieces like this not only tell captivating and personal stories, but also “bring memories of the people that used them.”

Golden Girls and Orphan Annie Many antique connoisseurs share a sentiment that older pieces are superior in quality to what comes out of mass production today. If you’re looking to get in on high-quality finds, Turn Back the Clock Shop off of Bird Road is a unique option.

This Golden Girls-themed shop, owned and operated by 18-year-old Miami native Sebastian Rodriguez, is just six months old.

Rodriguez said he sources from garage and estate sales on a weekly basis and handselects unique pieces. Some of his most

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION

9

According to wendyantiquesshows.com, a Pinner Qing Dynasty Vase sold in 2010 is the most expensive antique ever sold.

How much did it go for? Only 53 million euros. No big deal.

Set in Stone For those wanting a truly thorough immersion into the world of antiquity, Stone Age Antiques is a must-see store. It was opened about 58 years ago by Milton Stone, and is the oldest of its kind in Miami, housing around 1 million items. Stone Age was a solely family-owned operation until three years ago, when Stone’s son asked Louis Hammond, a close friend who had been affiliated with the store for over 30 years, to take over the business.

“There’s nowhere like it,” Hammond said.

“It’s a very unusual place, you’ll never know what you’re going to find.” For example, he said he recently sold a 10-foot long iron cannon dating back to 1790 that weighs 3,000 to 4,000 pounds.

One of the most unique pieces Hammond has in the store is a shallow water diving helmet which features technology developed

by William Miller, a benefactor to the University of Miami. Miller, who donated land that became part of campus, created the helmet that became standard equipment for the U.S. Navy with an associate in 1915.

FINDS Twice Vintage 8888 SW 136th St. #525A Miami, FL 33176 (305) 665-7620 @shoptwicevintage Turn Back the Clock Shop 6354 Bird Rd. Miami, FL 33155 (305) 666-2064 @turnbacktheclockshop Stone Age Antiques 3236 NW S River Dr. Miami, FL 33142 (305) 633-5114 @stoneageantiquesmiami

10 DISTRACTION The Guide

MERRY IN MIA

While it’s not uncommon to see people here wearing jackets as soon as the weather drops below 80 degrees, let’s face it: Miami is hot sometimes we just long for that exhilarating winter chill. These are a few places around town where you can feel the snowy season vibes and get your fix of winter activities. words_ainsley vetter. photo_camila munera. design_alex trombley.

PLANET AIR SPORTS 1950 N.W. 92nd Ave. Doral, FL 33172 (305) 800-4386

KENDALL ICE ARENA 10355 Hammocks Blvd.

Miami, FL 33196 (305) 386-8288

MIRACLE IN MIAMI 176 NW 24th St. Miami, FL, 33127 (855) 732-8992

SANTA’S ENCHANTED FOREST 3100 E 4th Ave. Hialeah, FL 33013 (305) 892-9997

There’s no need to plan a trip out to the mountains to hit the slopes. Planet Air Sports in Doral has you covered and you won’t even need a jacket. The indoor amusement center is about a 25-minute drive from campus and features a ski and snowboard simulator designed to mimic actual mountain slopes. People of all ages and skill levels can take a ride.

Sessions start at $49 per adult and includes riding gear.

While South Florida may not seem like a destination for ice skaters, anyone looking to give this sport a try can glide over to Kendall Ice Arena for a public skating session any day of the week. According to Kent Johnson, the rink’s skating director, the facility is a “one stop place for winter sports in Miami,” offering figure skating and hockey lessons for all skill levels, clinics, private parties and in-house hockey leagues.

Admission starts at $12.

While you may never get a white Christmas here, you can certainly pretend at Miracle in Miami at Gramps in Wynwood, which will be open Nov. 27 to Dec. 26. With staff dressed up in holiday-themed costumes, walls covered in wrapping paper and even caroling, you’re sure to feel the “holiday cheer.” And if you’re still not in the spirit, they have spirits. Miracle In Miami has a full menu of holiday-themed drinks like “Partridge in a Pear Tree,” which blends tequila, mescal and pear and is served in a highball glass with a tiny Santa figurine on top.

If you have a friend who grew up in the 305, chances are you’ve heard a story or two about Santa’s Enchanted Forest, an annual attraction that bills itself as “The World’s Largest Holiday Theme Park.” This year, it will be in town from Nov. 1 to Jan. 2. According to their website, the park features a carnival, complete with over 100 rides, games, shows attractions, food options, holiday lights and the chance to meet Santa himself. A single-day ticket to this experience will run you $39.25 plus tax.

Need some more holiday cheer in the warm Miami weather? You can make your own artificial snow by mixing equal parts baking soda and shaving cream. But maybe don’t let these snowlakes land on your tongue!

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 11

B E H I N D T HE

L TT We all know what fraternities and sororities are. But the scope of Greek life is probably much wider than you think—far beyond the stereotypes you see in movies. We’re giving you a rundown of the different Greek councils at UM and how to get involved.

Whether you’re the chapter president or don’t know theta from phi, you might just learn something new about the big Greek family. words_nicole facchina. design _chloe ponte.

W

hat do Michael Jordan, Jimmy Buffett and Carrie Underwood have in common with about 25% of the University of Miami’s undergraduate student population?

Greek membership. But fraternities and sororities aren’t just what you see in the movies or on TikTok. University of Miami has four Greek councils consisting of 27 total recognized organizations, all with their own missions, causes and values.

12 DISTRACTION The Guide

Panhellenic Association (PA)

Chapters: Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Phi Epsilon, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, Zeta Tau Alpha The Panhellenic Association (PA) at UM oversees seven sororities on campus that are part of the National Panhellenic Conference, which has 26 national and international member sororities with chapters on 670 campuses, according to its website. Sororities at UM that are part of the PA have suites on campus, sponsor patron philanthropies and host career-building, academic and social events for their members.

“I feel a lot more connected by being in a sorority,” said Marissa Katz, UM senior and PA vice president of recruitment. “I feel like I have a place on campus, and it allows for a school that’s not small to feel small.

Knowing that I have a network of sisters and alumni that will always be there is a crazy but comforting feeling.”

While most organizations in other councils have their own recruitment processes, overseen by the governing bodies, all PA sororities participate in one big “formal recruitment.” This happens the week before spring classes start and involves a series of days where potential new members (PNMs) meet each sorority and narrow down the ones they want to join while chapter women simultaneously get to know the women and select those they see fit.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Chapters: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho,Zeta Phi Beta The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) governs nine Black Greek letter organizations popularly known as the “Divine 9.” Eight of these organizations have chapters at UM. This council, according to its website, was founded in 1930 at Howard University and boasts alumni like Martin Luther King Junior (Alpha Phi Alpha), Kamala Harris (Alpha

RS

Kappa Alpha) and Michael Jordan (Omega Psi Phi). Ebony Arnold, co-president of the NPHC, said the council focuses “on the advancement of not only each organization, but of the Black community as a whole.”

Arnold, who is also the president of Sigma Gamma Rho, said her sorority focuses on leadership, development and sisterhood. “I give all my love to Sigma Gamma Rho,” she said, “and I receive love back in various ways.

I’m a member for life.”

Each semester, these chapters collectively host a “Meet the Greeks” event for the organizations to professionally showcase themselves. Each sorority and fraternity also hosts their own more in-depth interest meeting each semester and have an intake process by which new members are selected.

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

Chapters: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at UM is made up of 11 chapters. These are what you might think of as the “traditional” fraternities—Zac Efron’s character in the movie “Neighbors” would’ve been in an IFC fraternity. Many of these chapters have suites on campus or their own houses, where members live together and host events.

“Being a brother of Lambda Chi Alpha is about more than being a stereotypical ‘frat bro,’” said sophomore Thomas McPherson.

“It’s about being part of a larger community of men who want to see each other success in school and in life and happiness.”

Each year, the Interfraternity Council has a fall rush which some frats partake in, open to sophomores and upperclassmen, and a spring rush which all frats typically partake in, open to second-semester freshman

and above. Participants can choose which fraternities they would like to “rush,” and each organization has their own formal voting process to decide which guys will receive bids to join.

Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)

Chapters: Lambda Theta Alpha, Delta Epsilon Psi, Sigma Lambda Gamma The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) at UM oversees culturally-based fraternities and sororities. According to Eswar Saraswathi Mohan, a member of Delta Epsilon Psi, these tend to be smaller and more diverse than some other Greek life organizations that are predominantly white. While all these organizations accept members of all backgrounds, according to their websites, Delta Epsilon Psi was founded to support South Asian men, Lambda Theta Alpha is recognized as the first Latina sorority in the United States and Sigma Lambda Gamma is a “historically Latina-based national sorority with a multicultural membership.”

Mohan said that he “came to college to make a difference” and that joining his fraternity gave him the platform to do just that, as well as to “meet and make friends with shared interests and ideals on campus.”

The fraternities and sororities within the Multicultural Greek Council host some larger events to support their national philanthropies. They also spend time focusing on service by creating, funding and executing smaller projects to benefit UM students and Miami residents.

These organizations appear at the showcase of cultural organizations on campus, Mohan said, and have their own formal and informal rush processes where they can get to know potential members before distributing bids.

Academic/Extracurricular Fraternities and Sororities In addition to the social organizations above, there are a number of academic and honors fraternities and sororities on campus. Unlike social fraternities and sororities, they don’t typically belong to a Greek council and each has their own recruitment and selection processes, goals and service objectives.

Many are co-ed, whereas the organizations above are all single-gender groups. These fraternities and sororities typically focus on a single interest or career field, such as film, music or business, and their members can typically be brothers or sisters of social organizations as well.

Some examples of academic Greek organizations on campus include music fraternities Phi Mu Alpha for men and Sigma Alpha Iota for women, professional and business co-ed fraternities Alpha Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi and co-ed film fraternity Delta Kappa Alpha.

“Professional fraternities are fraternities because of their greek traditions, such as an initiation, bigs and littles, chapters, etc. But what we look for in our members is a little different—all of us are interested in entering the same industry,” said junior Summer Ward, who is both president of Delta Kappa Alpha and a member of Chi Omega. “We join together for professional development, networking and to support each other and learn about film. We still make great friends through our organization, but that might not necessarily be something a member is searching for initially when joining.”

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 13

Filled with diverse restaurants, vibrant nightlife, beautiful sights and distinctive neighborhoods, Miami is a city that begs to be explored. While Uber may be your go-to transportation for late night adventures, a much cheaper and often overlooked option exists in UM’s backyard: the Metrorail. Although it doesn’t quite hit all our favorite destinations (like Miami Beach and Wynwood), this map shows you the best places that have nearby stops. *To estimate the following Uber prices, we checked the app on a Saturday with UM as a pick-up location. words_becca swan. design_isa marquez.

Know Before You Ride Hours of Operation Every day from 5 - 12 a.m.

Fare • $2.25 each way • $5.65 for a one-day pass • $56.25 for a 1-Month College Mobile Pass

Three Ways to Pay • Directly at the fare machines of each station • With a reloadable EASY Card or EASY Ticket • With a mobile pass on the GO Miami-Dade Transit app Scan this QR code for departure times, purchasing instructions and more information.

14 DISTRACTION The Guide

Dadeland North Dadeland Station Whether you need to find that perfect outfit for a night out, stock up on dorm supplies or shop for special gifts, the Dadeland Station most likely have you covered. At Dadeland Station, you can find Best Buy, Dicks Sporting Goods, Bed Bath and Beyond and, of course, Target.

• Travel: 5-minute train + 3-minute walk • Uber price at 4 p.m.: $9.64 + tip Dadeland Mall Just a little further away at Dadeland Mall, students can browse an even bigger selection of popular shops including American Eagle, Zara, Sephora, Apple, Foot Locker, Urban Outfitters and Macy’s. Plus, the mall features a full food court and a handful of sit-down dining destinations like The Cheesecake Factory, Texas de Brazil and NoRTH Italia.

• Travel: 5-minute train + 14-minute walk • Uber price at 4 p.m.: $11.83+ tip

Vizcaya Vizcaya Museum and Gardens If you’re looking to feel like you’ve traveled back in time, take some stunning pictures and revel in waterfront views, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is your next Metrorail excursion. Only three stops away from UM, this architectural oasis highlights Miami’s history and affinity for the luxurious. Open

every day except Tuesdays, admission includes access to the inside of the mansion and their recently opened underground pools, as well as the opportunity to peruse the gardens.

• Travel: 8-minute train + 9-minute walk • Uber price at 4 p.m.: $22.70 + tip

Brickell As one of the most popular neighborhoods in the center of Miami, Brickell has it all: nightclubs, shopping, restaurants, you name it. Many of these destinations are within a short walk of this bustling Metrorail stop, and riders can also connect to the city’s free Metromover monorail to access more of downtown. This stop is also where the Underline begins, a linear park under the rail itself that offers a bike path, outdoor gym, basketball courts and ping pong tables.

Brickell City Center If you haven’t seen this place in real life yet, chances are you’ve seen it on Instagram. You know the spot: the iconic skybridge where you can pose with the Brickell skyline and colored buildings in the background. Apart from offering a great photo-op, this massive outdoor mall less than a quarter mile from the Brickell metro stop is a great place to grab a meal, catch a movie or shop.

According to its website, the 4.9 million square foot development spans three city blocks and four levels, featuring primarily

luxury and premium dining, shopping and entertainment. One highlight is anchor establishment CMX cinema, a luxury movie theatre promising plush seats, hi-def screens and high-quality food. Apart from the cinema, student-favorite stores and restaurants like Zara, Sephora, Tacology and Pubelly Sushi make Brickell City Center worth a visit next time you’re in the neighborhood.

• Travel: 11-minute train + 9-minute walk • Uber price at 10 p.m.: $18.70 + tip Blackbird Ordinary If you have a strong arm, you could probably throw a football from Brickell Station and hit this popular bar. It’s only 800 feet from the Metrorail stop! A staple on many UM students’ list of nightlife destinations, Blackbird is open seven days a week and offers free drinks to the ladies every Tuesday.

Since you’re likely hitting this spot up late, we recommend traveling with friends on the way and taking Uber back since the Metrorail stops running at midnight.

• Travel: 11-minute train + 4-minute walk • Uber price at 10 p.m.: $18.70 + tip

Government Center The Wharf Ah, The Wharf. This riverfront hangout features a rotating lineup of events, theme nights and happy hours, such as $3 glasses of wine from 4-7 p.m. on Fridays and a “Beat the Clock” special on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. with margaritas and mojitos starting at $4. On any weekend night, you will find a mass of UM students drunkenly ordering from food trucks and dancing the night away. The Wharf features a collection of food trucks including Mojo Donut, The Chicken Spot and Spri’s Artisan Pizza, because we all know you don’t want to drink on an empty stomach. With a prime location on the Miami River, a dock for boats to pull up to and the Brickell skyline as its backdrop, it’s no wonder this big open-air bar is a go-to place for many students on Friday nights.

• Travel: 13-minute train + 14-minute walk • Uber price at 6 p.m.: $22.70 + tip

Airport Station Miami International Airport (MIA) Whether you’re going home for winter break or taking a weekend trip to visit a friend, the Metrorail can get you to the Miami International Airport (and also give a picturesque view of downtown along the way). Trips usually take around 45 minutes, so it’s a bit longer than an Uber, but the price difference is drastic. Once at Miami Airport Station, you’re just a metro mover ride and quick indoor walk away from the terminals.

• Travel: 29-minute train + 15-minute metro • Uber price at 8 a.m.: $18.95+ tip

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 15

FRESH FACED When it comes to skincare, it can be tricky to know what’s actually beneficial versus what’s just BS. Whipped cleansers, clay masks and coffee serums are all fun and trendy picks, but are their ingredients doing more harm than good? words_andrea valdes-sueiras. photo_sydney burnett. design_maria emilia becerra. models_gracie palmer & emily muir.

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e are what we eat and what we put on our skin. While the beautiful packaging of skincare products spilling off the shelves at Sephora may tempt us, it’s really the back of the bottle customers need to be looking at. Some products are packed with harmful ingredients, meaning it might be time to sift through your skincare cabinet.

“Clean beauty” is a vague term and means something different to everyone. And since there aren’t official regulations for the use of this phrase, it is also one that companies love to slap on labels to make their products appear healthy, vegan, organic and what have you.

“Clean beauty includes products rigorously tested, products that weed out ingredients linked to health harm,” said University of Miami alumna Vanessa Gonzalez, who is a consultant for the skincare and makeup website beautycounter.com “To me, clean beauty includes products that are ethically sourced and not tested on animals,” she added. While the European Union has deemed nearly 1,400 ingredients harmful to the skin, she said, the United States has only banned 30 of them.

There’s no regulatory agency censoring what skincare ads can and can’t tell their consumers. “Companies know they are using harmful ingredients,” Gonzalez said, “but choose to not disclose their findings because they don’t have to, and it would obviously hurt their bottom line.”

How can a consumer know? Let’s start with the science.

Product penetration, as Jessica DeFino said in an article for The Cut, is slimmer than the average skincare connoisseur might perceive due to the composition of particles on the surface of our skin. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be wary of harmful products, but it does mean some of the serums on our shelves may not be doing much.

The microbiome, acid mantle, lipid barrier and a layer of dead skin cells “come together to form a waxy, waterrepellent shield of fatty acids, sebum and ceramides, which seals the skin’s natural moisture in and keeps external moisture out,” she wrote in the article.

16 DISTRACTION The Guide

Parabens were first introduced in the 1950s. They are a type of preservative used to prolong shelf life by preventing bacterial growth, according to Michelle Scott-Lynch, founder of haircare brand Bouclème, in an article for Elle.

What’s the first and most prevalent ingredient in almost every item in your skincare drawer, though?

Water. That’s good and bad.

Although it’s preferable over synthetic chemicals any day, human skin is biologically built to be “water-repellent.” So, toxic or not, only a minor percentage of what we’re applying is actually passing through the skin barrier.

Among other skincare myths are the industry’s three favorite phrases: firming, wrinkles and fine lines. After much experimentation, aesthetician Sylvia Perez said many promises playing on these words are nothing but fiction.

“Facts are that you don’t need to spend a fortune on creams,” she said. “As long as you keep your skin hydrated, it will maintain its firmness.” Further, she said, “keeping it protected with SPF will keep your skin younger for a longer period of time.” Stocking up on sunscreen with zinc, Perez said, is one of the best ways to ward off early signs of aging.

With hundreds of products to pick from, choosing the best ones for your skin is easier said than done—and it all comes down to ingredients.

The worst offender, Gonzalez said, is fragrance.

“Did you know that a company can literally put anything in their products and not have to disclose it?” she said. “Over 3,000 chemicals can be disguised as fragrance!” According to her, fragrance has been linked to allergies, asthma, hormone disruption and more.

Parabens, resorcinol, BHA, BHT and butoxyethanol are just a few more ingredients on Gonzales’ naughty list.

Since deciphering ingredient labels can get tricky, Perez gives her patients insight and easy home remedies to try instead so they can be fully in control of the quality of ingredients.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 17

One easy remedy she recommends is creating a face scrub made of equal parts white sugar and Manuka honey.“It’s very important to do a scrub two to three times a week to keep [the skin] polished and glowing,” Perez said.

“The granules should be spherical so they glide on the skin instead of producing micro-tears on the surface of the skin.”

For UM freshman Ysabella Muniz and senior Ivy Carpenter, finding the antidotes to maintain a healthy and consistent skin care routine was a process of trial and error.

“I used to not check and look up ingredients,” Muniz said. “But I think over the past year, I started seeing way more things about how a lot of skin care products can actually be really bad for your skin.”

“There are definitely ingredients I stay away from, like parabens, aluminum, oxybenzone, phthalates, sulfates and some fragrances,” said Carpenter. “I also try to stay away from products that have filler ingredients that derive from wheat, gluten, other grains or animal biproducts, such as milk.”

As for Muniz, her simplified routine leaves no room for toxic ingredients. After cleansing with an organic soap bar from Trader Joe’s, she moisturizes with CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, applies tetracycline cream to her acne scars and blends non-tinted eltaMD sunscreen into her face.

If you’re wondering whether your own faves fall into the “pass” or “keep purchasing” pile, a handful of resources are at your fingertips to help you find out.

Websites like CosDNA.com and Skincarisma.com are a few places to start, with easyto-use interfaces that help you find and analyze a wide database of potential products. Both of these sites allow you to look up products and view their ingredient lists, as well as information on what each ingredient does and whether it could potentially be harmful.

At the end of the day, most companies are only after the almighty dollar. So it’s your job to take care of the skin you’re in.

Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow once said that 70% of skincare gets absorbed into the bloodstream. The top layer of the skin, however, is biologically programmed to prevent any foreign product to bypass its walls. Yet another testament to not take the facts from a famous source, but a credible one.

18 DISTRACTION The Guide

Happening Happening tackles the hottest trends and topics of today. Take a look into the generational phenomenon known as imposter syndrome, explore the artists of UM’s student-run record label and read about how aspects of Korean pop culture have found fans in the West.

Donna Shalala served as the university’s president from 2001 to 2015. Before her time as a ‘Cane, she was the 18th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton. After Shalala left UM, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 27th congressional district in 2018.

19 DISTRACTION Happening

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 19

UNQUALIFIED QUALIFIED

Valerie Young, a researcher on the subject of imposter syndrome, described five types of people who may feel this pressure in a 2011 book: the “perfectionist,” the “natural genius,” the “soloist,” the “expert,” and the “superhero.”

20 DISTRACTION Happening

Have you ever been given an amazing opportunity, only to show up and face a crippling fear that you aren’t as qualified as everyone else or were chosen by mistake?

If so, you’re not alone. There’s actually a name for this feeling that many members of our generation face: imposter syndrome. words_cat mcgrath. photo & design_keagan larkins.

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ou strap on your goggles, throw on your coat and head to chemistry lab for the first time. A professor is going over the syllabus and explaining safety procedures as you scan the room. There’s equipment you’ve never seen before and have no idea how to use. Next to you, a girl is picking up a pipette like she’s been using one since childhood.

“Does anyone know how to use a centrifuge?” The professor asks, looking directly at you. You don’t. Wait—does everyone else? Should you even be here?

It doesn’t have to be a chemistry class.

This situation can happen in almost any situation or environment: a leadership role in a student organization, a dream internship, a post-grad job or what have you.

Imposter syndrome is “the idea that you don’t feel like you belong in the space you are asked to inhabit,” explained Aaron Heller, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Miami. Basically, he continued, it’s those feelings of anxiety and stress that make you feel like you aren’t good enough.

According to an article published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine in 2019, this phenomenon was first described in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. Originally, they claimed it impacts high-achieving professional women.

But as more research was done, scientists observed the phenomenon in both men and women in many settings.

About 82% of people, this article said, report feeling like an imposter at some point.

Justin Shatz, a graduate nursing student at UM, is among a handful of men in his 90-person program. As nursing is a femaledominated profession, he said, it has been difficult to define his place.

“I feel this syndrome a lot,” said Shatz.

Many people, he said, have told him he was only accepted into the program because he’s a man, and he said he experiences this feeling with other achievements as well.

“It downplays the fact that you have the achievements just like everyone else, and you have the qualities and skills that make up what that position needs.”

Jessica Deaver, a UM alumna and Ph.D. student studying environmental engineering and earth sciences said that she recalls one UM professor making an obvious effort to curb imposter syndrome in his students.

Richard Myers’ “end-all-be-all chemistry class,” she said, was encouraging because the exams didn’t have one right answer.

“You were not expected to know everything,” she said. “You were just expected to think critically.”

However, Deaver began doubting herself when she entered her graduate program at Clemson University. At conferences she felt like everyone knew more than her. Yet, Deaver was far from unqualified; she was one of the only people in her department with a background in molecular biology, which put her in a position to give input to advisors.

Being the expert on this subject in her lab gave Deaver the confidence, she said, to feel like she belonged.

“I realized I had my niche,” said Deaver, “but then I was also smart enough and capable enough to pick up on the engineering side of things too and incorporate that into my research.”

STEM students aren’t the only ones who doubt their abilities.

“It happens everywhere,” Heller said.

“Anytime you start something new where you’re really pushing yourself, it’s common for those thoughts to come up.”

Rebeccah Blau, a junior journalism and theatre arts major at UM, said she has experienced imposter syndrome as well.

Though it has never happened, Blau said she fears people won’t speak to her for story interviews because she doesn’t work for an established publication.

“Every time I have to send that email, I’m like ‘what if they say no and the whole thing falls apart?” she said.

Cassandra Michel, a junior psychology and community and applied psychological studies major at UM, first learned about this phenomenon in her college prep program that was catered to first-generation and lowincome students.

While Michel, a first-gen student, said she was initially confident she would get into college, doubts piled up when she received her first rejection letter.

“When I got in to [UM] I was told that I was going to be a spring admit, which really made me feel like the university didn’t think I was good enough for them,” she said. “I started questioning why I was accepted for the spring and others for the fall.”

It wasn’t until she found Empower Me First, a UM initiative to support firstgeneration students, that Michel realized she deserved to be here and didn’t have to prove that to anyone.

However, when she started applying for internships and prestigious scholarships Michel was crippled by self-doubt again, to the point that it made her question even applying for opportunities.

It was former EMF director Whitley Johnson who would provide the powerful piece of advice on this matter that Michel

kept coming back to: “Give them the chance to tell you no.”

While imposter syndrome was discovered in the 1970s, it may be even more prevalent among younger generations.

One Wall Street Journal article published this year said that this may be in part because of the 2008 recession.

“Millenials were either early in their careers or still in school, so they had little or nothing in the way of reassuring experiences to fall back on,” the article wrote. “More than a decade—and another recession— later, many are still hesitant to claim their newfound success.”

Another article published in Forbes in 2016 says that some millennials were raised by parents who send mixed messages, “alternating between over-praise and criticism.” This can increase the risk of fraudulent feelings.

If these experiences sound familiar, there are ways to cope. The best way to handle self-doubt and worry is to face those fears, Heller said.

“If you buy the argument that imposter syndrome is just a form of anxiety, the best way to treat that anxiety is to kind of lean into the things you’re worried about,” he said.

Having a healthy work-life balance helped Deaver combat negative feelings.

“Having things that I like to do outside of research helps me be more productive in research,” she said, “and then also helps me have the mental wherewithal to feel more confident in myself.”

So, next time you’re in a new conference, class or internship and feel like everyone else knows what they’re doing, remember they may be worried about the same thing.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 21

BACK ON

SCREEN The smell of fresh popcorn, the taste of savory soft drinks, the surround sound of a dark theater. Everything that people love about going to the movies is back … or coming back. But it’s not so simple. Box offices took major hits last year, and while customers are starting to claim seats again, they aren’t filling them like they did before COVID. Now, though vaccines are widely available and many Americans feel safe going back to “normal,” movie theatres must face another challenge: the impact of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. words_ maximiliano mereles. photo_martin hidalgo. design_maria emilia becerra.

22 DISTRACTION Happening

“A big question was:

‘Were people ready to sit side by side —Margot Gerber VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND PUBLICITY FOR LANDMARK THEATRES

Now Showing

in a closed space again?’”

Closed during the height of the pandemic, big screens across the nation have been tempting home-bound, stircrazy movie-goers back into theaters. Most South Florida cinemas began reopening with reduced movie showings and theater hours about a year ago.

At the Landmark Theatre in the Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” have dominated movie marquis this fall, making this the busiest theaters have been since the start of the pandemic.

Masked and unmasked patrons are trickling back to their favorite cinemas, reviving their entertainment options and once again debating their concession stand choices: chicken tenders, fries or popcorn?

Angel Espinoza, a guest services employee at the CMX Brickell, said normalcy is returning.

“It’s been pretty busy,” he said. “It’s nice seeing couples and friends enjoy the movies.”

Out on a date night at the Cinebistro CMX in Doral, Walter Gonzales and Ashely Galba were headed in to watch Marvel’s “Shang Chi.” “The thing we missed coming to the theater was just watching a movie in full action, the concept of the buttery popcorn and just the hot dogs, things like that,” said Gonzales, 27, a Miami resident.

To lure reluctant movie-goers back, theaters are pushing promotions such as “$7 Tuesday” movies, discounted movie plans and private-party theater rentals.

“It used to be $20 per ticket, but we wanted to make it accessible for people that were strapped for cash after COVID-19,” said Melida Chavarria, assistant manager at Cinebistro CMX in Doral.

Kelly Smith and Alex Jones, both 31-year-old South Florida natives, celebrated their friend’s birthday at the Merrick Park Landmark, where they held a private viewing of “No Time to Die” for their 10-member group.

“I think one reason we’re here is because movie theaters are offering special deals,” Jones said.

Valory Greenman, a University of Miami senior program coordinator, said she has seen 29 movies since July. As an AMC Plus member, she can see up to three movies a week for $21.95 a month. A three-month membership in the discount plan is required.

“I’ve really enjoyed going,” said Greenman, who said she most recently saw “Eternals” at Sunset AMC in South Miami in November. “I saw a fair number of movies I never would have seen.”

Frequent movie-goer Amanda Reyes said she feels comfortable in theaters, even though it’s been about two years since she has seen a movie in person. She said she was happy to see that Cinebistro CMX was still offering food and drinks to patrons “like the pandemic never happened.” But the pandemic did happen.

Sanitizer, Masks and Movie Tickets

Box office revenue in the United States and Canada was down over $30 billion dollars in 2020 from 2019, according to a Statista report. Margot Gerber, vice president of marketing and publicity for Landmark Theatres, the nation’s largest theater chain, said the company’s revenues were down by about 90%.

Greenman, who averages about two movies a week at Sunset, said only about 10 people are in theaters when she goes around 5 p.m. Occasionally, there are 25 to 30.

When the movies reopened, audiences were concerned about how COVID-safe movie theatres are, Gerber said. “A big question was: ‘Were people ready to sit side by side in a closed space again?’”

To address the state’s heavy COVID-19 casualty statistics, South Florida cinemas established various pandemic protocols, from requiring workers to wear a mask to scheduling empty seats in between groups, to sanitizing theaters after each showing.

Kendall resident Juan Carlos Nakamine, 34, had a weekly movie habit prior to COVID and did not have to be coaxed to return. When “Tenant” was released in the summer, he said theaters had several protocols in place.

“They would get the popcorn for you, they would get the drinks for you, they would have hand sanitizers everywhere and you would have to wear a mask,” said Nakamine, who went to Sunset Place 24 to see “No Time to Die” in October. “If you were to reserve a seat, you couldn’t sit next to somebody.”

Christopher Sardi, a 23-year-old command center operator at LoanDepot Park, the Miami Marlins facility, said safety measures have made it more comfortable to resume his movie habit.

“I like to feel the movie, like I’m immersed in the movie,” said Sardi, who spent an October afternoon at the AMC Tamiami 18. “I feel very safe. I could lick the seat.”

Greenman said she has felt safe at Sunset AMC because she sees attendants waiting to clean the theaters after each showing, and she gets to choose her seat from a digital seating chart.

“I always choose a seat where no one is sitting next to me,” Greenman said. “If someone comes in afterwards and is sitting by me, I just move.”

At CMX Cinebistro, Gonzales said he noticed hand sanitizers in theater corners.

“They do have signs that state like, you know, hey, if you’re vaccinated, you’re OK,” said Gonzales. “You don’t have to wear a mask. I think it’s pretty cool. They’re giving you the option, you know.”

John Carlo Gomez, a guest service employee at AMC Tamiami, said the demand for moviegoers wearing masks has declined.

“Masking is only required for workers, not customers,” he said.

Some movies to wactch out for at the beginning of 2022 include “The 355,” “Scream,” “Deep Water,” “Sesame Street” and “Cyrano.”

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Landmark Theatres’ 39 locations are following Center for Disease Control guidelines for masks, but also check state and city rules, Gerber said.

“Customers vary in terms of the mask mandate. Some do, some don’t. We’re just rolling with it because there’s not much else we can do,” Gerber said.

The Future of Films

But even with cheaper, cleaner seats, movie theaters still are looking for more die-hard fans to return. Managers, hoping for 2021 holiday sales to improve, saw a bleaker picture last year.

“It was dead, totally dead,” said Julio Ruiseco, manager of the Le Jeune Cinema 6. Just weeks before the holidays, the number of movie-goers are comparatively low to prepandemic crowds even a year after his theater reopened.

“I would say we are at maybe 50 or 60% of what we were before, on average,” Ruiesco said. “We’ve had some sell outs here and there, just not the same level we used to have.”

Erick Sarmie, manager of AMC Sunset Place 24 in South Miami, attributes some of the lackluster ticket sales to the scarcity of movies released during the pandemic.

“Recently new movies like ‘Free Guy’ and ‘No Time to Die’ came out, and holiday season movies will pick up very much,” Sarmie said.

Another movie comeback challenge: streaming options. Movie theaters are taking a hit, managers and movie-goers say.

“Some of them, especially Disney, have been releasing their movies at the same time on Disney+ as they do in theaters, and that hurts us a lot,” Ruiseco said.

“If it was on Disney+, we would not have come to watch it,” said Reyes. “The pandemic changed us; we just don’t go out much anymore.”

24 DISTRACTION Happening

Miami quarterback D’Eriq King, out for the season after the third game with a right shoulder injury, said he perfers streaming platforms over movie theaters.

“I mean it’s cheaper, more convenient and now I don’t have to deal with other people too,” he said. “Watch when this idea gets bigger, movie theaters will be no more.”

Although streaming services are taking business away from theaters, fans say they are still enjoying the magic on the big screen.

“Movies are costly, so if people could see it at home on the same day, they would rather do that, said Nakamine.

“But watching something like ‘Avengers’ … there was a big cheer from the audience in the end. I missed sharing that with people.”

Gerber, the Landmark executive, said movie theaters are relying on a younger generations to reverse the heavy revenue loss.

“We really need young people to come out,” Gerber said. “Some of our senior audience won’t come back because they are concerned for their health.”

Anais Mitra, a third-year law student at the University of Miami, was among the scores of Gen Z movie-goers this fall in South Florida.

“I haven’t been to the movies in so long, even before COVID,” said Mitra, who saw “No Time To Die” at the Silverspot Cinema in downtown Miami. “It’s a really long movie, but we’re going to order lots of food.”

In partnership with CommunityWire.Miami.

Contributing reporters: Eve Lu, Srishti Jaiswal, Ashley Rome, Annalise Iraola, Talia Mereles, Emma Karp, Stephanie Castro, Carencha Charles, Lauren Cruz-Del Valle, Justice Oluwaseun

According to last year’s annual THEME report released by the Motion Picture Association, “More than 80% of U.S. adults watch movies and shows/series via traditional television services, and also now online subscription services, the highest proportion of the home/mobile viewing methods.”

HELLO

HOLI

DAYS Christmas December 25

The average American planned to spend on Christmas gifts in 2020.

Jake Grillo, a junior finance major, says he’s looking forward to this year’s Christmas Eve dinner. “I’m finally old enough to drink with my family and they get trashed,” he said. “They have so much fun.”

Winter holidays and traditions are a staple in many cultures and religions around the U.S. and world. Whether your plans for break include spinning a dreidel, lighting Kwanzaa candles, leaving cookies out for Santa or none of the above, chances are you’re not alone. At a school as diverse as the University of Miami, it comes as no surprise that students and faculty have a wide range of plans, traditions and religious festivities to look forward to over break. words_cat mcgrath. design_chantal chalita & isa marquez.

$852

W

93%

of Americans celebrate Christmas.

68% of American Jews think Hanukkah is one of the three most important Jewish holidays.

38%

Hanukkah

November 28 - December 6 “We make latkes which are like potato pancakes,” said UM sophomore Nate Raisner about one holiday tradition. “We fry them in oil because oil is what we used to light the candles. That’s why we have latkes because it connects the light and the oil.”

of Israeli Jews think Hanukkah is one of the three most important Jewish holidays

Kwanzaa

December 26 - January 1 There are seven candles lit during Kwanzaa. Each one represents something different: unity, selfdetermination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

percentage of U.S. population that celebrates Kwanza.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 25

Love live music? Cane Records hosts live music events! Follow @cane_records on Instagram to stay upto-date on performances, music releases and artist information.

26 DISTRACTION Happening

There’s nothing quite like finding a new “underground” artist to listen to, whether you discover them through friends, from a random TikTok or on a Spotify playlist. If you’re on the hunt for some new tunes, look no further than the far side of campus. The Frost School of Music is home to Cane Records, a student-run recording label that helps students artists at UM promote their music and gain industry experience. words_aine murray. photo_sharron lou. design_keagan larkins.

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hether it’s putting music on streaming platforms like Spotify or strategizing a song release plan, Cane Records exists to help student artists prepare for a career in music. Each year the organization, which was created in 1993, selects 10 students to “sign.”

For these students, said Cane Records president Ally Moore, this type of support is invaluable.

“We help them with the things they might not know how to do, which includes social media marketing, by making sure everything is cohesive and relates to their brand image as well as many other things,” said Moore, a senior music business major.

With the help of their faculty advisor Guillermo Page, who is an assistant director of the music business and entertainment industries program at Frost, Cane Records has kept up with the ever-changing and growing industry. While Page’s experience as former senior vice president of Sony Music and Universal Music Group allows him to advise the label in making the right decisions in regard to innovating, he said he lets the students call the shots.

“The goal is to add value to their careers, and that is how we ended up with the structure we currently have in Cane Records,” said Page.

“I let them run the show because I am not there to tell them how to do things, I am there to guide them.”

From rock to R&B and folk-pop, Cane Records’ artists range in style, sound and persona.

Jeyhan Turker, a senior studying music business and entertainment industries, is one of this year’s artists. His music is a mix of ‘90s R&B, current trap beats and Turkish folk music.

“When working behind the scenes, you have more empathy for

those in the business side of the industry,” he said. “Artists can get frustrated by restrictions on their artistry, but working with Cane Records made me realize there are reasons for these actions, and at the end of the day it is to benefit the artist.”

For performers like Turker, diving into live performances is an exciting prospect now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased.

“Our live performance aspect is what really drives us to be our best, and we like to have a lot of fun performing live,” said Jack Dratch, a member of the rock/R&B band Pump Action, also signed to the record label. “We are all craving that live show atmosphere, especially since it has been hard with COVID.” Performances for promotion are one of the biggest opportunities that Cane Records gives their artists. This includes the music school’s Frost Sounds and HP Productions’ Patio Jams.

Some of the label’s student artists are just starting to get used to playing in front of an audience. Marlei Dismuke is another Cane Records artist with a distinct R&B/Pop sound.

“I had my first gig recently and I feel like that was a really big start,” said the senior. “I’m actually doing something with myself and there are clear-cut goals; before I was just grasping at straws.”

Sydney Altbacker, a senior also on the label who sings folk and pop music artist, said Cane Records is exactly what she needs to become the artist she has always wanted to be.

“They have the tools to help promote your music and help you get on your feet when it comes to self-promotion, getting gigs and creating your artist persona,” she said. “To have someone holding you accountable for deadlines and to come to you with events and opportunities is amazing.”

Cane Record Artist Playlist Right now these artists are headlining Patio Jams and playing at local coffee shops. But in a few years, you might be attending their sold-out stadium concerts and watching their songs hit the top Billboard charts. So why wait to start listening? If these artists blow up, you’ll have the bragging rights to say you’ve been a fan from the very beginning.

Scan with your camera on the Spotify app to listen to this playlist.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 27

K-RISE In the last few months alone, chances are you’ve heard the songs “Butter” and “Dynamite,” passed the “Skinfood” section of beauty superstore Ulta or scrolled down Instagram to see video after video of people trying to cut shapes out of thin yellow candy with needles. And if you haven’t, no offense, but where have you been? While they may seem unrelated, these posts and products are all part of something that’s been building for years: the “Hallyu,” or “Korean Wave.” And it’s not slowing anytime soon. words_kylea henseler. design_maria emilia becerra & lindsay jayne. illustrations_daniella pinzon & isa marquez.

W hen Gayoung Choi, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea when she was 7 years old, first saw the name of her country in an elementary school textbook, she was excited and shocked.

“I was like ‘Wow, we’re in a textbook.

That’s crazy!’” said Choi. After all, she said, it wasn’t until the 1990s and early 2000s that South Korea would really start to be seen globally as a “modern country.”

Oh, how things can change.

These days Choi, the executive director of the Orlando Korea Culture Center (OKCC), is less surprised to see her country’s name in print or to see products of her culture blasting on the radio, popping up at the front of the Netflix queue or being the topic of discussion for American skincare influencers.

Perhaps as a result of globalization, she said, the popularity of South Korean cultural exports like beauty products, music and film has grown in recent years, taking off in a major way after Psy’s “Gangnam Style” exploded in 2013. South Koreans, she said, have a unique and creative take on art and performance to offer the world, and the more

28 DISTRACTION Happening

The South Korean girl band BLACKPINK starred in a documentary released on Netflix in 2020 titled BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky detailing their rise to stardom and hardships behind-thescenes.

Americans see it, the more they crave it.

“The demand is there to learn about Korean culture,” she said, and the OKCC exists to teach the masses about it. They host a yearly “Korea Festival,” classes on Korean language and food and special events like an upcoming “Squid Game’’ program in which participants will try the games featured in the Netflix smash hit. No one, Choi assured, will be “eliminated.”

But even before this dark drama lit up the Top 10 queue on Netflix, 2019 Korean thriller “Parasite” was cleaning up at the Oscars, taking home multiple Academy Awards including one for “Best Picture.” And groups like Wonder Girls were taking their acts overseas to wow American audiences, according to Choi, long before bands like BTS and BLACKPINK took hold in the U.S. This growth of Korean culture in the States has a name: “Hallyu,” which translates to “Korean Wave,” according to Minhae Roth, who earned a master’s degree from the University of Miami in 2017 and is now a Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley incorporating Korean cinema into her studies.

If you, like tens of millions of other Americans, binged “Squid Game” on Netflix, congratulations: You’re a part of the wave.

But what exactly is it about Korean cinema, as well as K-Pop and K-beauty, that we find so appealing?

According to Roth, worldwide audiences may be attracted to Korean cinema for some of the same features that prompted 60% of students who responded to a Distraction

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 29

Instagram poll to watch “Squid Game.”

These films and shows, she said, tend to take place in the real-world, versus a different universe, and have complex plot structures, vivid violence and a brand of dark humor that appeals to viewers from all over.

Additionally, they frequently look at issues audiences from around the world can relate to: examinations of masculinity and femininity as well as struggles of class and wealth, pitted against the backdrop of a hyper-capitalistic society. While you may be hard-pressed to find superheroes on the silver screen in Korea, she said, underdog stories are common, and who doesn’t love a good underdog?

Both K-pop and K-drama, Roth said, are captivating because they present a version of hyper-realism, but in very different ways.

On screen, she said, Korean films often deal with a heightened reality and a unique brand of violence and darkness. But on stage, this hyper-realism takes the shape of the performers themselves, whose carefully crafted presences can be larger than life.

K-Pop concerts, said freshman psychology major Ari Nicolas, take place on a grand scale, complete with fireworks, confetti and thousands of screaming fans waving specially designed light sticks to their favorite artists’ catchy tunes.

“BTS fans are called the ‘Army’,” explained Nicolas, who said this was her favorite group, even though that might be a little “basic.”

And at concerts “there’s something called an “Army Ocean” where all their light sticks are lit up and there’s synchronized colors.”

This sort of interactive show, in addition to the elaborate dance numbers and styles displayed by the artists, helps pull in K-pop fans who don’t understand a word of Korean.

Roth said that in her opinion, five specific elements play a big role in the increasingly mainstream appeal of K-pop: choreography, fashion, sex appeal, fandom and hair.

The choreography that goes into music and shows, she said, is synchronized and rigorous, the result of hours and hours of training. Group members, she said, sport unique fashions and often dye their hair bright colors, making them stand out from the crowd as idols and trendsetters.

But, she said, sometimes idol culture can turn into a fetishization of Korean bodies.

Nicolas said she first started listening to K-pop about three years ago, after being exposed to it through her love of anime, a style of animated Japanese film and television. Despite the differences between these distinct cultures, she said, there is a decent amount of crossover between the K-pop and anime communities, as anime productions may feature K-pop songs or fan artists may draw K-pop figures.

For Nicolas, one of the biggest draws of K-pop is simply the charisma of these bands and the seemingly genuine friendships between members, which are often on display as they post on social media, put dance videos on YouTube or make appearances on

30 DISTRACTION Happening

late night shows around the world.

This type of content, she said, helps fans feel a connection with their favorite artists and with each other—something Choi said is another essential element of the K-pop appeal. “Cohesion among fanbases is so strong,” she said, “and I think that is all fueled by the artists themselves. They really try to cater to their fanbase.”

Becoming a K-pop star or “idol,” as they are called, is incredibly hard work, and those who succeed are often truly grateful for their fanbase and consistently show this appreciation.

The music industry in South Korea, Choi explained, is largely different from that of the U.S. In order to someday become idols, prospects must first audition for major entertainment conglomerates. Those who make the cut undergo a “rigorous process of being shaped by these companies.”

“They control a lot of aspects of your life like your social life: your dating life, what you look like, what your hair looks like, what your image is in public, what you wear, what you sing, how you dance,” she explained.

South Korea, Choi said, embraces a culture of hard work, and those looking for fame are held to incredibly high standards.

Another aspect of the culture, she said, is an emphasis on beauty and conformity that has likely contributed to the rise in popularity of Korean skincare products.

“The need to conform to beauty standards is what makes our skincare routine so intensive,” she said. “People on the outside looking in like Americans see that and say ‘wow, they really know what they’re doing, they really care about their skin.’”

Indeed, American beauty influencers have taken note of Korean products and processes, often raving about them in YouTube videos, TikToks and Instagram posts. A quick Google search for “10 step Korean skin care routine,” a popular regimen that some version of has been explored by publications like “Vox” and “Self,” yielded approximately 13 million results in .88 seconds.

“I f*cking love Korean skincare,” popular beauty influencer “Hyram” shared in a YouTube video with over 1.1 million views.

“Korea best exemplifies using powerful, effective ingredients but also focuses on naturally derived and soothing ingredients,” he said, “something I think the Western world needs to catch up a little bit on.”

Whether the “Korean Wave” will keep growing or market saturation will remain at a steady level, Roth said, remains to be seen.

But one thing is for sure: Gone are the days where Choi would be surprised to see the name of her home country in a textbook, let alone on the big screen.

Crossing the thumb and index finger creates a mini heart, a gesture that has become one of South Korea’s biggest cultural exports.

What the Fork Ready to indulge your taste buds? Flip through What the Fork and you’ll gawk at one local farm’s famous cinnamon rolls, get the lowdown on making the most out of your Dining Dollars and learn how a cast iron skillet might just be your next kitchen purchase. Careful, you might just drool on the page.

Before he was burning up the stage for multiple Broadway shows and as Aaron Burr in the First U.S. National Tour of “Hamilton,” Joshua Henry was fine-tuning his craft in UM’s theatre program. After graduating in 2006, he went on to win a Drama Desk Award and Tony and Grammy nominations.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 31

THEY’VE GOT

THE BUNS Every local knows that the best buns in Miami won’t be found lounging on the sands of South Beach. They’re much further, on a small family-owned Homestead farm that’s only open seasonally. And they aren’t decked in suntan oil or a neon bikini.

They come fresh out of the oven and glisten with a cinnamon glaze that leave your taste buds watering. If you’ve never heard of the hype around Knaus Berry Farm, we’re here to educate you. And if you still go on to graduate without trying them, you might as well tuck away that diploma. words & photo_emmalyse brownstein. design_isa marquez.

32 DISTRACTION What the Fork

I

t’s noon on a grey, wet November Tuesday in Homestead, Florida. You would imagine most people are in the middle of a work day or staying inside to avoid the drizzle. But Knaus Berry Farm’s lot is overflowing into the street with cars, and an hour-long line of customers reaches the neighboring property.

To first-time visitors, it might be shocking. But this is just another day for the bakery farm shop— light, actually, compared to a weekend. And their customers have come to expect it, too. All of this for what, you may be wondering?

Cinnamon rolls.

They’re served fresh out of the oven and warm to the touch. Their smell wafts from the building into the parking lot, enticing customers tempted to leave the line to hold on just a little longer. Each customer usually walks out with a stack of two dozen, at least. And when you finally get to bite into your own, it’s an ooey gooey explosion of cinnamon sugar.

Alex Rodriguez, who was standing in line with two co-workers on Nov. 2, said he was planning to buy five boxes.

“I don’t know why they are so good. It’s like the glaze is different,” he said. “I can’t explain it.”

Knaus Berry Farm has quite literally become famous for them. Rachel Grafe, whose father founded the farm, now runs it with her sister Susan and their husbands. She said social media has been responsible for the hype.

Since joining Facebook in about 2010, Grafe said, the lines have grown longer and longer. Today, their Instagram has over 60,000 followers, and their Facebook page has over 56,000 likes—most of those fans rave about the sweet and sticky treats.

What makes Knaus Berry Farm an attraction, though, is the entire experience.

After getting a treat from the bakery counter or walk-up milkshake window, visitors can head behind the main bakery building, grab a basket and pick their own fresh produce, in the rows of farm land.

Families looking for fun or even couples wanting a unique experience outdoors can hand-pick strawberries and tomatoes on-site to bring home.

Knaus Berry Farm has a long family history. After spending a childhood farming in Homestead and Missouri, Russell and Ray Knaus began selling strawberries from a road-side stand in 1956. A broker buying them tried some cookies baked by Ray’s wife, Barbara, and suggested they sell those, too.

From there, the idea of a bakery was born. That building opened in 1959, and still sits on the same property today. But their menu has since evolved to include much more, including breads, pies, coffee, ice cream and jellies—all made from the fresh produce on their fields.

Grafe said growing up on the farm with her sister and parents was low-key. But there was always work to be done. “My dad always included us kids, gave us small projects,” she said. “We would be responsible for certain vegetables, he taught us how to make money and that kind of thing.”

The farm is only open from around November through April each year. This season, they opened on Oct. 27, and the first week was met with anxious customers.

Thomas Blocher, bakery manager and husband to Susan, wouldn’t share just how many rolls they bake each day. But he did say that opening week was pretty typical: busy.

“Every fall there is always an anticipation of us opening. People are happy and we’re happy,” said Blocher, who arrives at the bakery each morning at 3 a.m. to plan the day’s schedule and get a head start on baking.

Grafe estimated that on the first Saturday of this season, the line was about five to six hours long.

Knaus Berry Farm is about 22 miles from campus. That’s about a 45-minute drive (without traffic).

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 33

“It was wrapped around the hedge, all the way across to the east and all the way south to the field,” she said.

Many customers report their treats are worth the wait.

“The best cinnamon rolls, shakes and ice cream, bakery and produce from around the world! It is worth the long lines and you wait to delight the palate with so much sweetness and flavor,” wrote Jaime Romero on Knaus Berry Farm’s Facebook review page on Oct. 29, 2021. He said he drives 35 miles several times a year to buy their products.

But while waiting in line for treats is like a rite of passage at this place, it isn’t for everyone.

“Not recommended for the elderly or those like me or my wife who have to share a walker,” wrote Tom Moore to the same page on the same day. “The three-hour-and-10minute wait to get inside, where there’s only two cashiers to ring up orders, isn’t my idea of a worthwhile wait.”

Still, customers come from near and far every year just to get a bite. One woman in line said she drove from Broward county, over an hour away. Blocher said that’s pretty typical.

“We’ve had people come from Fort Myers, Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach. It’s not unusual to hear that,” he said. “But last year we had a young man come the day we opened from Sacramento, California.”

For fans of their food who might not be that ambitious, Knaus Berry Farm ships their products via an online delivery service called Goldbelly starting on Jan. 1 of each season.

Knaus Berry Farm 15980 SW 248th St. Homestead, FL 33031 (305) 247-0668 @knausberryfarm

Although Knaus berry Farm is known for its cinnamon rolls, they sell a slew of other goods, from pies to honey and breads that are popular during holiday season.

K NOW BEFORE YOU G O NO DEBIT

PRO TIP

LINES

HOURS

U-PICK

Knaus Berry Farm is cash only, so make a trip to the ATM before heading there.

There aren’t any nearby, and you surely won’t want to lose your spot in line!

Buy a milkshake before you get in line for the bakery so you can have a treat while you’re standing.

The milkshake window line is usually short!

The best time to go to Knaus Berry Farm to get ahead of the long lines is on weekday mornings.

Knaus Berry Farm is open from 8 a.m.

- 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday during its season.

The produce picking program begins in January of each season. Call the farm for info and an official date.

34 DISTRACTION What the Fork

Dining Dollar Hack

Students at the University of Miami tend to fall into two categories: those who spend all of their dining dollars on Starbucks within the first three weeks and those who find themselves at the end of the year with hundreds unspent. If you fall into the latter group, this is what you need to know and some smart purchasing suggestions so your extra cash doesn’t go to waste. words_molly mackenzie. design_isa marquez. illustrations_nina d’agostini

What’s The Difference?

Meal Swipes

All meal plans include a designated number of meal swipes per week or per semester, which can be used at the Stanford and Pearson/Mahoney dining halls or at The Corner Deli inside The Market. Meal swipes do not roll over between semesters.

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars are more like cash and are a separate pool of money than meals swipes. They can be used at any campus dining location, including Starbucks, Smoothie King and Einstein’s. While unused Dining Dollars carry over from fall to spring, they expire at the end of spring semester.

Cane Express

Cane Express is the most flexible form of payment available on your Cane Card. It’s basi-ally like a debit card that can only be used everywhere on campus. You can use it at vending machines, laundry facilities, the food court, the library and the University bookstore. Unfortunately none of these three options can be used at visiting food trucks or the Wednesday Farmer’s Market.

The Market Accepts • • •

Meal Swipes (Corner Deli only) Dining Dollars Cane Express

What to buy 1.

2.

3.

4.

Cleaning Supplies: Dining Dollars make it easy to purchase the cleaning essentials every student needs like Tide Pods, laundry detergent, disinfectants, windex and sponges.

Personal Care: Save yourself a trip to CVS. The Market sells a number of over-the-counter medications such as Advil and Aleve. They also have everyday toiletries such as tissues, shampoo, conditioner, soap bars, tampons and toilet paper.

Kitchen Items: Kitchen essentials such as plastic cups, plates, utensils, garbage bags, paper towels and napkins are all available at The Market and can be purchased with Dining Dollars.

Storable Food: Dining Dollars can, of course, be used for diningnow or later. Stock up on canned foods and pantry items that just might last until you graduate. Here, you can purchase coffee, hot chocolate and tea packets as well as seasonings, condiments, canned soups, pasta and water bottles.

Pro Tip

To check your meal swipes and/or add funds dining dollars or cane express balance, sign into your CaneLink account, go under “Housing and Dining” and select “Meals Remaining.”

University Village Store Accepts • •

Dining Dollars Cane Express

What to buy 1.

2.

3.

4.

Cleaning Supplies: The University Village Store offers essentially the same cleaning and household essentials that The Market has, maybe even more.

Personal Care: Toiletries such as sunscreen, bug spray, soap bars, band-aids, tooth-paste, condoms, deodorants and eye drops are available for purchase with Dining Dollars.

Kitchen Items: The UV store offers kitchen essentials, too. Cups, plates, plastic forks, knives and spoons- as well as more niche items like lighter fluid, Styrofoam coolers and A1 steak sauce.

Storable Food: The UV store offers a solid selection of storable pantry and baking items beyond what you might find at The Market, including boxed cake and pancake mixes, oatmeal and cereal cups, marshmallows, Jell-O and chocolate syrup.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 35

Food trucks are hardly a new idea. Many of us have fond memories of chasing the ice cream truck down the street as kids to get a Choco Taco, Chipwich or one of those popsicles that was supposed to look like SpongeBob. Those days may be over, but the concept of getting meals on wheels is not. New rolling restaurants are popping up all over Miami, and these are just a few of the most popular ones. words & photo_nina d’agostini. design_isa marquez.

36 DISTRACTION What the Fork

Organic Food Kings @organicfoodkings 3246 N Miami Ave Miami, FL 33127

The founders of this rolling vegan restaurant, Alex and Elena Montanez, and their business partner, Mauricio Vargo, all turned to veganism as a way to get their health back on track after various complications. Their goal with Organic Food Kings, Montanez said, is to show people just how flavorful vegan food can be. And it seems to be working—according to Ocean Drive Magazine, OFK is one of the top seven vegan restaurants in Miami.

Montanez said OFK’s food is environmentally conscious, locally sourced and made in-house. Some menu favorites include the Vegan Bacon Burger, Vegan Shrimp with a Bang, The Yeti Deluxe Burger and Vegan Chicken Empanadas.

Bohemian Kitchen

@bohemiankitchenmiami Hours and location vary. Follow their Instagram for info.

You may have seen this food truck on campus—they set up shop on some weekdays. Bohemian Kitchen calls itself “Miami’s first and best local street food” on Instagram.

The menu is a mix of South American, European and Carribean foods meant to reflect the “the rich tapestry of flavors that makes Miami the world’s leading international destination.” Anthony Falcon, founder, owner and chef of the blue-toned geometric floral truck, said his business celebrates cuisines from different cultures by bringing together popular street food dishes from around the world. Each dish on the menu, he said, is locally sourced and prepared fresh from scratch daily.

Some crowd favorites include Bohemian Frito Pie, Patatas Bravas, Spicy Asian Shrimp Tacos and Poulet Frit.

Hungry? you should be. The Bohemian Kitchen food truck has everything from Cheesy Shredded Bohemian Mojo Chicken Tacos to Churros!

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 37

Burger Mania @burgermaniaa 8498 Bird Rd. Miami, FL 33155

Juan Martinez, owner of this bright red truck, specializes in making burgers and hot dogs with a twist. Martinez, a Venezuelan immigrant and self-described “hamburger lover,” said Burger Mania strives to create dishes that are unique. Some crowd favorites are the Plantain Burger, Salchi Queso Hot Dog and the COVID-19 Burger (which comes with a syringe full of sauce).

Taco Baja Republic @tacobajarepublic 8498 Bird Rd. Miami, FL 33155

Rogelio Peralta, the owner and chef of Taco Baja Republic, said he has always had a passion for cooking and serving food. From a young age, he would cook and sell tacos and burritos at farmers markets and fairs, and sometimes he would even be hired to cater events.

Peralta said he decided to open the Taco Baja Republic food truck in July 2020 amid COVID-19. His food truck specializes in Mexican street-style food. While the truck is typically parked in its location on Bird Road, Peralta said he hopes to expand to Homestead, Wynwood and Brickell in the future. Some featured menu items include the Birria Tacos, Baja Shrimp Nachos and La Mamalona.

Galipan Bistro @galipanbistro 1739 N.E. 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33132

Before opening a food truck of their own, husband-andwife duo Victor Muñoz and Antonella Gonzalez started out serving players at their tennis club, Real Pedel Miami.

Muñoz, who is also a professional singer, said he travels often and incorporates his flavor discoveries into the truck’s menu. Galipan Bistro’s style, he said, is street food with a touch of fine dining, serving menu items such as the Asado Burger, Truffle French Fries, Tequeños, Steak Parrillita and Tres Leches.

38 DISTRACTION What the Fork

Ever get caught in traffic behind a food truck? There are over 24,000 food trucks active in the U.S., according to smallbizgenius.net. That’s a lot of delicious food on wheels.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 39

No kitchen is complete without a cast iron skillet. These trusty “workhouses” are sturdy, cheap and versatile for both stovetop and oven cooking. Perfect for one-pot or pan recipes, this cookware staple could be used for a lifetime of meals­­­—and if taken care of—may actually last for a lifetime of your grandchildren’s meals as well. words_nicolette bullard. design_lauren maingot. photo_teagan polizzi.

W

hether you’re looking to serve up a sizzling steak, sauté some veggies or make the perfect frittata, the classic cast iron skillet may be just be your new best friend. This hardy metal cookware is made to withstand high temperatures and can be used on the stove, in the oven or even over an open fire. Cast iron products come in all shapes and sizes, from six-inch pans to face-sized griddles, dutch ovens and more.

“SEASONING” CAST IRON Before you get to cooking, though, your cast iron should be seasoned. The same way a guitar must be tuned or stilettos broken in, cast iron products should be seasoned to yield the tastiest results. But we aren’t talking about sprinkling on some oregano.

“Seasoning” in this context is a process that, according to magazine and Delish, bakes a layer of oil into the pan to allow it to withstand the blazing temperatures necessary for a seared steak, yet slippery enough to make eggs without fear of sticking.

This process will naturally continue over time as buildup from cooking creates a smooth yet tough surface.

Basically, the more the cast iron is used, the better it gets.

SEASONING IN FOUR STEPS 1. Scrub your cast iron with soap and warm water until smooth, then rinse thoroughly.

2. To dry, pat with a paper towel or cloth and then place over medium heat on a stovetop until all moisture is evaporated.

3. Rub about two teaspoons of vegetable or canola oil into the cast iron using a paper towel. Buff all sides (even the handle) of the pan until it no longer appears greasy.

4.

Place the cast iron in a 450-degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour, then allow the cast iron to cool in the oven for an additional 15 minutes with the door closed. Afterwards, carefully remove the cookware and let it cool completely.

PEACHY KEEN COBBLER Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

2 cups sliced peaches 1½ cups sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup milk of choice ½ cup butter 2 tsp baking powder Sprinkle of salt Whipped cream to serve

Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add peaches, ½ cup sugar and ½ cup of flour to a large mixing bowl, tossing until the peaches are evenly coated.

In another large mixing bowl combine the remaining flour, baking powder, milk, ¾ cup sugar, and a sprinkle of salt.

Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over low heat. Once melted, pour batter from the previous step into the butter; do not stir.

Pour peach mixture into the batter mixture; don’t stir.

Place the cast iron on the top oven rack and bake for 30-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and puffy.

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, and allow it to cool slightly before serving with a dollop (or more) of whipped cream.

40 DISTRACTION What the Fork

FETA AND ROASTED RED PEPPER SPINACH FRITTATA Ingredients:

• • • • • • • • •

6 eggs 2 cups roasted and chopped red bell pepper 1½ cups spinach ¼ cup milk of choice ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese ½ tbsp vegetable oil 2 cloves minced garlic 1 chopped shallot Salt and pepper to taste

Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and garlic.

Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped shallot, salt and pepper. Once the shallot is translucent, add spinach and roasted peppers, sautéing until the spinach has wilted. Ensure that vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the skillet.

Add egg mixture to the cast iron, gently shaking the pan to distribute evenly.

Sprinkle with feta before placing cast iron in the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes or until the eggs have set. Season to taste and serve.

Ingredients: • • •

1 package pre-prepared chocolate chip cookie dough 15-20 Double Stuf Oreos 4-6 scoops vanilla ice cream

Method: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large cast iron skillet, layer cookie dough and crushed Oreos.

Bake skillet covered with aluminum foil for about nine to 11 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking until the cookie dough is golden with crispy edges. Insert a toothpick into the center of the dough to ensure that the cake is fully cooked. The toothpick should come out clean with few crumbs.

Once done, remove the cookie cake from the oven and allow it to cool before topping with vanilla ice cream and additional Oreos as desired.

According to UnoCasa, a cast iron skillet could tolerate up to 1500°F. Even though only industry standard ovens can get that hot, these pans are probably the most durable kitchenware you’ll ever stock in your pantry.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 41

SPINACH BISCUIT WREATH DIP Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

1 can pre-prepared biscuits 5 oz frozen chopped spinach 4 oz cream cheese 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella ½ cup parmesan ½ cup ricotta ¼ cup mayonnaise 3 cloves minced garlic ½ tbsp olive oil for brushing Salt and pepper to taste

Methods 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cut pre-prepared biscuits in half and place around the edge of a cast iron skillet. Brush each biscuit with olive oil. Sprinkle with parmesan.

Mix mozzarella, cream cheese, parmesan, ricotta, mayonnaise, garlic and spinach together in a large mixing bowl.

Spoon the spinach-cheese mixture into the center of the biscuit ring.

Smooth dip so that it is roughly the same height as the biscuits.

Place the cast iron in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until dip is bubbling and the biscuits are golden brown. Rotate skillet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of parmesan, seasoning to taste.

“You could cook just about anything in cast iron. From skillet s’mores to garlic knots, these fancy frying pans could substitute almost every kitchen appliance.”

SKILLET-SEARED STEAK Ingredients:

• • • • • •

2 12-oz New York Strip or Ribeye steaks 2 peeled cloves of garlic 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tbsp vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste

Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Remove steaks from refrigerator and allow them to rest at room temperature for half an hour.

Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Dab both sides of each steak dry with a paper towel; season generously with salt and pepper.

Carefully place steaks into hot and shimmering oil, let cook for about three minutes or until the bottom is browned.

Flip and cook for approximately three more minutes or until the steak is heated to about 10 degrees lower than the desired doneness.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, thyme, and crushed garlic cloves to the cast iron.

Baste the steaks with butter for about one minute or until they have reached their desired doneness.

Transfer steaks to a cutting board. Let rest before slicing, then serve.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

1 package pre-prepared pizza dough 8 oz marinara sauce ¾ cup mozzarella cheese ¼ cup parmesan cheese 1 tomato fresh basil 2 tbsp oil sprinkle of flour sprinkle of cornmeal salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper to taste.

Method: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

42 DISTRACTION What the Fork

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stove, so that it’s hot but not smoking.

Stretch and work the dough into a flattened round.

Once the cast iron is hot, sprinkle with flour and cornmeal.

After removing the cast-iron from the stove, carefully transfer the dough into the skillet, stretching the dough up the sides of the pan.

Set the cast iron back over medium heat and brush the dough with oil.

Once the dough begins to bubble, spread the marinara sauce over top. Top with cheese.

Brush the crust with oil before placing the cast iron into the preheated oven. Bake for seven to 10 minutes.

Top with thinly sliced tomato, fresh basil, and seasonings. Bake for 5 more minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is gooey.

Special Section: Legacy Distraction’s 50th printed magazine, which you’ll read more about on the next page, got us thinking: What does it mean to have a legacy? How does one create, preserve or reinvent theirs? In this special section, we’re exploring these questions and more.

The man responsible for turning around UM’s football program in the ‘80s and bringing the first national championship home to The U, Howard Schnellenberger, passed earlier this year. While the legendary coach didn’t graduate from UM, he left a legacy behind that will never be forgotten.

Winter Fall 2021 DISTRACTION 43

The Winter 2021 edition of Distraction marks a very special milestone: our 50th issue! For 13 years this magazine has reflected what it means to be a University of Miami ‘Cane. It began with one student and has evolved to hold a legacy as an award-winning, community-cultivating, experience-building publication recognized on and off campus. words_emmalyse brownstein. photo_sydney burnett. design_maria emilia becerra.

44 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy

Clockwise from top on left page: Andrius Espinoza, Co-Fashion Director; Nicolette Bullard, What the Fork Editor; Kylea Henseler, Executive Editor; Teagan Polizzi, Co-Photo Director; Erika Pun, Co-Fashion Director.

Clockwise from top on right page: Maria Emilia Becerra, Co-Art Director; Emmalyse Brownstein, Editor-in-Chief; Nina D’Agostini, CoSocial Media Director; Lindsay Jayne, Co-Social Media Director; Katelyn Gavin, Co-PR Director; Isa Marquez, Co-Assistant Art Director; Cat McGrath, Happening Section Editor.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 45

One student’s concept has gone on to impact the lives of hundreds more after her. Danielle McNally was a rising senior in the University of Miami’s journalism program in 2007. She had been reporting for The Miami Hurricane and even interned at the St. Petersburg Times, but McNally was more interested in the long-form, feature and lifestyle writing found in magazines.

No student magazine had existed at UM since 1971. But McNally got her first shot working at one during a summer internship with Food & Wine magazine in the American Society of Magazine Editor’s program. While there, she said she noticed other interns had not one, but five or six student magazines at their schools.

“I looked at all these people in my cohort and I thought, well, that’s very advantageous for them. They’re getting these clips that can prepare them to apply for magazine jobs,” McNally said. “I thought it was putting Miami students at a disadvantage compared to their peers from these other big communications schools.”

At the end of the summer, McNally told UM journalism program director Sigman Splichal just that. With his support, McNally got her idea—a student-run quarterly lifestyle magazine—approved by School of Communication Dean Sam Grogg and university administration.

McNally began recruiting her classmates to be writers, editors, photographers and designers. By October, they were having meetings in the library to plan the first issue.

“It was such a wild gift to have an opportunity you wouldn’t usually get just to say, ‘if I wanted to read a magazine for Miami students, what would I want to read about?’” said McNally. “And that’s what we did.”

The very first issue of Distraction was published in the Spring 2008. The cover story was “Spring Break: 3 Stays 3 Ways.”

McNally said she can’t quite remember how she and the first staff came up with the name “Distraction.” But she does know why.

“Deadline,” is a 10-day period where staff designers, writers and photographers come together in our office and stay up for many late nights to put together each issue in its final stage. Coffee and candy are never in short supply.

46 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy

“I specifically didn’t want it to have words about the school or Miami like the newspaper and yearbook,” she said. McNally wanted it to be a break from reading research texts or class assignments. “It can be a piece of your school experience that’s both informative and fun; a respite from your day and college life. Like a… distraction.”

Kelly Hernandez, the magazine’s first photo editor, said one her favorite memories was shooting portraits of football star Calais Campbell for the first issue.

“While we had a lot of support and guidance, it really was born out of the effort, capability, discipline and creativity of the student body,” she said. “If you think about it, when we started, it was very much an experimentation. We didn’t know if it was going to continue. But it has.”

Since its inception, a ton has changed about Distraction in just about every way. In 2013 the Shalala Student Center opened, and in it an office space that we fondly refer to as “The Suite.” It’s now our control center and kept decorated with past covers, staff polaroids and a big bucket of snacks.

Technical things like the printing frequency, section themes and number of covers for each issue have changed, too—you can see this evolution when you flip through the pages of old issues. But so too has the entire media landscape.

Distraction created its Instagram account in the summer of 2012. Today, it’s perhaps the most important tool in engaging with readers and promoting content.

“Social media has been the biggest, most interesting thing to watch,” said Demi Rafuls, who was a Miami Hurricane student staff member from 2009 to 2013 and returned to the university as the student media accountant in 2017. “I think you guys perfectly evolved with it, and maybe it was perfect timing that it fell at the exact same time Distraction was sort of starting off.”

Rori Kotch was the editor-in-chief from 2014-2016. Under her leadership, the magazine won its first “Best of Show” award from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP).

She remembered the commitment and hard work she and the staff put into each issue.

“We were so young, figuring out how to delegate stuff was never easy,” said Kotch. “I really just wanted all the staff to be happy and free to express themselves however they wanted and then we’d reign in it from there.

I’d be like, ‘go crazy and then we’ll edit it.’”

Spring: The first issue of

is Distraction printed andis printed TheDistraction first issue of distributed on campus stands. and distributed on campus stands.

In an increasingly digital world, print products are a refreshing and treasured thing.

But what will Distraction be 50 issues from now? And what legacy are we leaving behind if a physical magazine isn’t included in that world? Maybe everything will only exist in the “metaverse” by then.

What’s certain is the impact left on both the university and staff alumni.

Since its founding, Distraction has won just about every award a student publication can win—more Gold Crown, Pacemaker and Best of Show awards adorn our office shelves than we can honestly count.

Not to boast or anything.

“It has grown leaps and bounds,” said Pat Whitely, who has been UM’s vice president of student affairs for 25 years. “It is now an award-winning publication our students participate in. It has stood the test of time, even a small amount of time, and had a legacy of excellence and creativity.”

Randy Stano, the beloved faculty advisor for Distraction since day one, has witnessed the legacy take shape.

“UM has been lucky to have dedicated staffs produce an outstanding student feature magazine that is recognized among the best of college magazine publications,” said Stano. “Over the past decade plus, it has been fulfilling to watch the staffs strengthen their magazine and media skills, and then go watch their success at magazines, agencies, news publications and social media outlets around the globe.”

McNally, the founding editor-in-chief, is now the deputy editor at Marie Claire.

Other Distraction alumni have gone on to work at Vogue, InStyle, Real Simple, Politico, Entertainment Weekly and the Chicago Tribune, to name a few.

“People that were in Distraction kind of go on to do crazy things. Like, really talented people,” said Kotch, whose herself entered first job after graduate school as a manager of user experience design for Wine Spectator magazine’s digital side.

“I definitely jumped into a more senior role, and that’s because I had so much experience working at an actual magazine running actual business day to day things.”

“There was a need for it,” said Rafuls.

“College students come and go. But Distraction has survived because students were dedicated to it and wanted to keep it going and had a passion.”

Summer: Distraction creates an Distraction account, creates anlaunching Instagramthe account, Instagram launching inpublic the eyeand of the magazine inthe themagazine eye of the public and into digital into the digital world.world.

Fall: The Shalala Student Center The Shalala Student opensstaff its doors opens its doors and Center Distraction and Distraction staff get their first-ever office get their first-ever office space space on the second floor. on the second floor.

Fall: Distraction wins its second Pacemaker award from the Associated Distraction wins its first ACP “Best of Show” Collegiate Press and itsdistinguished fourth Gold Distraction award, a recognition that Crown award from the Colombiain the nation. as the best student feature magazine Scholatic Press, beginning a long history of excellence.

Spring: Distraction celebrates Distraction celebrates its 10th birthday its 10th birthday with a commemorative issue.

Winter: is printed and The The 50th50th issueissue is printed and disdistributed campusstands. stands. tributed on campus

The distraction staff hail mostly from the School of Communication in majors like journalism, creative advertising and art. But many others come from across the university—from architecture to business to music! All UM students are welcome to join.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 47

HERE TO STAY We may not be NYC, but some could say Miami’s got boroughs of its own. For a relatively new major metropolitan area, Miami-Dade has a rich history and too many local gems to count. But we’ve managed to round up a few must-see spots near UM that have long legacies of their own. words_andrea valdes-sueiras. photo_erik olliges. design_keagan larkins & brandon soto.

VERSAILLES

FRANKIE’S PIZZA

VIZCAYA MUSEUM & GARDENS

Versailles has established itself as the apex of Cuban cuisine and political culture in Miami. Since 1971, it’s been serving guests from all over the world, with a menu featuring classics from vaca frita to media noches. Before you can even place your order, a basket full of warm Cuban bread is laid at the center of the table as a preappetizer. But Versailles is more than just the food it serves. It’s “the unofficial town square for Miami’s Cuban exiles,” according to their website. “Versailles is typically the first place politicians visit locally to garner support from the Cuban exile community.” It’s the unspoken gathering place for Cubans to rally, support and celebrate any shifts closer to freedom in their motherland together.

For example, when Fidel Castro died in November 2016, Cubans and their families gathered at Versailles and paraded up and down Calle Ocho in red and blue regalia.

When Frank “Frankie” Pasquarella opened his mom-and-pop-pizza shop in 1955, he had no idea how popular his pizza would become with UM students and community members. In fact, his daughter Renee Pasquarella fondly remembers that her father became an honorary Sigma Chi for delivering late-night pizza to the brothers on campus despite a university curfew. While the shop has moved once from its original location, she said, business never let up. In fact, more has changed around Frankie’s than inside of it. According to Pasquarella, who took the reins of the shop with her sister Roxanne when their father passed, Frankie’s legacy lies more in their team than in the crust. “Through the years we have trained many young adults on how to make our pizza, but we also hope that we train them to be leaders when it is their time to do what they would like to do for their future,” she said.

“Vizcaya was built as a wealthy man’s private home, but it has spent most of its life as a publicly owned museum, open since 1953,” said Wendy Wolf, the estate’s chief engagement officer. On a day-today basis, the museum is a venue for a variety of events: weddings, Quinceañera photoshoots, field trips and parties. The estate is a hub for the city’s culture, built by and for Miamians. “Construction of Vizcaya began in 1914 with a workforce of local and international tradespeople that peaked at 1,000 when Miami’s population was only 10,000 residents,” said Wolf. Now, she said, the museum and grounds preserve historical and environmental elements including furnishings, rare orchids, Live Oak trees over 100 years old, original blueprints of Vizcaya’s design and letters from the estate’s original owner.

48 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy

Tobacco Road and Kush Hospitality owner Matt Kuscher said he believes he’s a Miami historian, and he has a duty to translate the city’s language through his food. From Vicky’s in the Grove to Kush Hialeah, all of his restaurants are city institutions that attract both the young and the old, the tourists and the locals.

THE BILTMORE

TOBACCO ROAD TRIBUTE BAR

BIRD BOWL

From hotel to Veteran’s Association hospital to hotel again, the Biltmore has had its share of visitors from Hollywood elite to World War II soldiers. “In 1924, young [George E.] Merrick joined forces with Biltmore hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman at the height of the Florida land boom to build ‘a great hotel…which would not only serve as a hostelry to crowds which were thronging to Coral Gables but also would serve as a center of sports and fashion,’” says the Biltmore website. During World War II it was converted into the Army Air Forces Regional Hospital, becoming the source of local ghost stories until it was restored to its current state by the City of Coral Gables in the ‘80s.

“It’s a destination,” said Gabrielle Redfern, a former Miami Beach resident who stayed in the Biltmore multiple times in the late ‘90s.

“You go for the luxury or the golf or both.”

Tucked under the shadows of Brickell’s glass and steel skyscrapers is the grungy, new Tobacco Road: a museum with pieces from the original dive bar which closed six years ago on eternal loan. “This shit ain’t the real tobacco road,” reads a sign on its back wall. “Tobacco road, for anyone that’s from Miami, is the most iconic bar,” said Matt Kuscher, owner of Kush Hospitality, the group that rebuilt the iconic dive. “It’s known for having celebrities next to plumbers and drugs, you know rock and roll and just partying,” he said, “So when it got torn down six years ago it was a sad day. Immediately after, the owners reached out to me and wanted to redo it.”

This sixty-lane bowling alley on SW 40th street has been a popular family hangout for over 60 years, serving as a hot spot for teens especially in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It shared a crowd with the Sunland Roller Rink next door. Today, it offers a full restaurant menu, bar, bowling leagues, arcade games and billiards to customers of all ages.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 49

When freshman Lily Darwin graduated from boarding school, her mother presented her with a special gift: antique 24-karat gold Victorianera engagement ring inlaid with multiple stones totalling 3.5 carats of diamonds. The ring, she said, has not been in her own family for centuries but was purchased by her mother from a worldtravelling shop-owner in the Bahamas.

In the

FAMILY Lost and Found To freshman Lily Darwin, who always had a small family, one great aunt from Danville, Virginia stepped up to fill the role of a grandmother. Growing up in Charleston, SC, Darwin always looked forward to visiting her family farther north. “When my mother was growing up, this Aunt Dink was the fun, cool aunt that she would love to go visit,” she said.

“So for me it was really special to almost have a similar childhood experience with my mom,” even if that experience was years apart.

“She would always give me her makeup when I would come to visit,” Darwin remembered.

“My sister would run around and not really pay attention to her or the other adults, but I was always that kid that would kiss up and help her fold napkins.” When Aunt Dink passed away, Darwin said, it felt like a large part of the family was gone. However, a small blessing would come to her from a surprising place. “When my mom’s side of the family all passed away we had to go up and deal with the house and belongings,” she said. Among them, in a bank bond box, was a delicate accordion-style bracelet that fit Darwin’s wrist perfectly— a hand-me-down from Great Aunt Dink.

50 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy

Whether they’re passed down for centuries or just from a mother to a daughter, family heirlooms tie together generations and carry a special meaning for those who hold them. These items don’t need to be expensive or luxurious, just precious to the people who hand them down over the years along with the stories and memories they represent. words_staff. photo_lily darwin. design_gemma baratta.

History Restyled Sisters Lexi (freshman) and Gabby (Class of 2020) Rosenbloom possess matching sets of dangle earrings (not pictured), each set with a single amethyst surrounded by little diamonds. “The earrings themselves,” Lexi said, are quite new actually.” The stones they’re created out of, though, have been passed down through generations.

“The amethysts began as a broach that my great-grandmother, better known to me as ‘Nanny,’ wore nearly every day,” she said. Eventually, her grandfather had the piece turned into a special necklace. “When she passed away two and a half years ago,” Lexi continued, “my great aunt (her twin) took the necklace and brought it to the jewler.” Here, the artisan used the amethyst stone to create another pendant and two sets of earrings. “The pendant moves around between all the women in my family, while the earrings belong to me and my sister,” she said.

“When I wear, or even look at these earrings, I can’t help but think of the journey they have been on and all the different iterations of these stones that brought them here, to my ears!” Lexi said. “It makes me feel connected to the powerful women who came before me.”

It may come as no surprise that, according to Legacy.com, the three most common types of heirlooms passed down through generations are jewlery, timepieces and furniture. Number four, though, may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear this word, but it’s something that can be passed for free to as many or few family members as one wishes: recipes.

A Meaningful Match When freshman Michelle Lapidot’s parents immigrated to the US from Argentina, her father bought matching Cartier watches for him and her mother to celebrate. Eventually, her mother’s watch was passed on to Lapidot when she started college at UM. With her parents having separated, Lapidot said wearing the piece “means a lot to me, because now me and my dad are matching.” Further, Lapidot said, she is touched by the fact that her mother opted to give her something that was “so precious to her,” which may one day be passed on to her own children.

As an entrprenerushp major, Lapidot said, she took the gift as a challenge to be successful.

“Now I have to get her something better.”

Still Ticking A brownish antique stone clock has been handed down through generations of freshman Lucas Vianna’s family, most recently being passed from his grandfather to his father. Slightly worn with age, the elegant clock sits on a build-in pedestal and features a white face offset by black roman numerals pointed to by elegant clock hands. “The exact maker is not known as it was a custom piece,” Vianna said, but “the clock to me stands as a symbol of my father’s side of the family.”

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 51

SCARED TO DEATH

“There are only two things certain in this life: death and taxes,” Benjamin Franklin once famously said. While some individuals might find comfort in knowing their time on earth only lasts so long, others see the finality of death as extremely overwhelming. No one really knows what happens when we leave this earth. We can only control what we leave behind: our legacy. words_gabrielle lord. design_isa marquez.

I

f death scares the life out of you, you aren’t alone. There’s a name for this angst that can become so crushing it impacts everyday life. Thanataphobia is defined as the “persistent and irrational fear of death or dying,” by Verywell Health.

“The panic you experience with thanataphobia,” the website said, “is often attributed to anxiety,” and can take the form of shortness of breath, sweating and nausea.

While the cause of this phobia is unclear, Catherine Newell, Ph.D, associate professor of the “Death and Dying” course in the University of Miami’s department of religious studies, says the “ultimate unknown” might have something to do with it.

“We’ve had people who’ve had near death experiences and there are explanations for

52 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy

their experiences, so we don’t really know scientifically [what happens after death],” she said. “Religions have, at their center, what happens after life and how you can prepare for death, which was something that shaped societies. Yet, as we are becoming less affiliated with religion, one thing that has been lost is how to cope with death.”

“Death is creepy,” said one UM senior who asked to remain anonymous. “Being an atheist, I don’t really believe in an afterlife or something greater happening. So I don’t like to think about it at all.”

Modern advancements in medicine and technology, Newell said, only serve to push death further back both chronologically and in our minds.

“We can now avoid the topic and use these miracle machines, but there’s evidence that it’s not psychologically healthy to avoid it and pretend that it doesn’t exist,” Newell said.

“The less something is openly discussed, the scarier it becomes,” Nathan Heflick, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Lincoln, wrote in an article for The Guardian.

“While avoiding talking about death can reduce a little discomfort in the short term, it probably makes most of us much more anxious to die in the long term,” he said.

If turning a blind eye to our mortality isn’t the answer, what is?

Death Café is one group that seeks to help people cope with that answer by advising groups on how to hold “Death Cafes”— facilitated, open discussions about all things related to death and dying. Subjects up for discussion at these events include topics like cremation versus burial and how one would like to be remembered.

For Haley Grey, who graduated from UM in 2021, coping

“What I have noticed is the growing interest in death and end of life care and preparing for things at a young age,” said Newell. “People are saying ‘I want to be upfront with my family,’ and I think that’s very cool.”

meant facing her loss directly. She chose to deal with the death of a close friend by visiting a medium a few months after their death.

“I’m very thoughtful about death,” said Grey. “But I don’t like it. It upsets me to think about.” During her reading, she said, the medium was able to connect her to her friend, as well as to her grandmother whom she’d never met.

“It was very beautiful and personal,” Grey said. “I feel like it gave me closure, in a loose sense, for my personal situation and comfort in the moment.”

Another healthy way to cope is through meditation. In fact, Newell said that mindfulness wasn’t originally for general mental wellness.

“It was being mindful of the fact that all these moments are a part of your running out of moments, and someday you’ll be out of time,” she said.

One Budhist practice known as “maransati” focuses specifically on meditation around death. According to Positive Psychology, it ranges “from contemplation of the ever-present potential for death at any moment, to deeper contemplations, to the eventual breakdown of the body during the death process.”

It may sound morbid, but if you want to give this type of meditation a try, YouTube, Headway and even SoundCloud all have free death meditation sounds ranging from a few minutes to hours.

While death may seem scary, it can also help individuals put life into perspective.

In an article for Vice, Lisa Cohen,

a clinical professor of psychology at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, said death “does help you see what’s really important and what’s not important. Things related to status, selfesteem or markers of status become much less important and you focus on what’s really a priority.”

To many, that priority may be living a life that will lead to being remembered in a positive light. But for others, the need to leave behind a legacy after death can sometimes make the fear even worse.

In an article for Time Magazine, Steve Taylor, a psychology lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, said, “A lot of our fear of death is about losing the things we’ve built up.”

“We don’t just die when we cease to live,” Newell said. “We die when we are forgotten, and people cease to say our names.”

It isn’t necessarily who you are, Newell said, but what you do in the world that brings peace and helps one prepare for death.

A classic example of this idea, she said, is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” In the story, ghosts of the past, present and future visit Ebenzer Scrooge to show him how treating people poorly affects his legacy. After this awakening, Scrooge drastically changes the way he lives his life, knowing it will determine how others think of him long after it inevitably ends.

Unlike Scrooge, most of us won’t be visited by ghosts who show us exactly how we’ll be remembered. But it’s never too early to consider how our lives will affect others down the road.

While death and dying isn’t necessarily a first date topic, talking about the legacy you hope to leave behind is a small way to ease into making the subject less, um, grave.

“I hate talking about death,” said the anonymous senior. “But I still think it’s interesting to sit around and talk about how I might be remembered one day. It makes me think, ‘Am I living and treating people in a way that I’d be proud to be remembered for?’”

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 53

BRING THE DOWN

Every spring, University of Miami’s own Spectrum hosts “Drag Out,” a drag show on campus where students and professional drag kings and queens strut their stuff.

54 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy

Family ties aren’t always forged in blood. For some Miami drag queens, they emerge organically as mentors and mentees form relationships and adopt found families often referred to as houses or “hauses.” These groups offer members a support system, networking opportunity and the chance to leave a lasting legacy by taking on proteges of their own. words_kylea henseler. photo_lily darwin. design_giselle spicer.

“D

rag was never meant to have rules- it was born out of rebellion,” said Miamibased drag queen Athena Dion, who goes by Stavros Stavrakis off-stage.

Long before RuPaul was a TV star and drag brunches were a popular Sunday destination, this art form was anything but mainstream. Rather, Stavrakis said, it was practiced underground by those who couldn’t express themselves any other way.

And as long as there has been drag, he continued, there have been drag houses.

“There’s always been drag families since the beginning of time,” Stavrakis said. These families can consist of just a few members or dozens, but they all exist to provide drag queens, and occasionally laypeople, with a sense of community, a support system and a means of bettering themselves and their craft.

Since one of Miami’s largest families, the House of Lords, emerged in the mid-1990’s, they have welcomed over 100 members. But when Alex Velez started doing drag in 1994, the fledgling family was only home to six.

Velez, whose drag name is TP (short for Total Package) Lords, served as the House’s mother from 2007-2020 before passing it on to his “drag daughter” Jasmine Pryce Lords. In that time, Velez said, he had over 30 “drag children.” Today Velez, who refuses to be called the House’s “grandmother” and prefers to go by “overall mother,” said the family has over 50 active members and many more who have stopped performing.

The process of joining a drag family and, eventually, taking on one’s own children varies for every queen- and

some don’t do it at all.

To an outsider, these family trees can be difficult to follow, as queens may adopt their drag mothers’ name at first and add a new name when they’re ready to start their own family.

Stavrakis, who is currently mother of the “Dion Dynasty” as well as owner of his own drag entertainment company Dream Queens, had been doing drag for six or seven years when he had his first drag daughter.

To be a “drag mother,” he said, means to take a new queen under your wing, show them the ropes of performing, help them find gigs and provide them with an overall place of belonging.

“Even in 2021 a lot of kids are not able to really express themselves in their own home environments,” he said. “They often look elsewhere to find that family unit, and a drag family provides that.”

Angel Rodriguez, whose full drag name is “Lil Plastic Love Dion,” is the drag daughter of Morphine Love Dion, one of Stavrakis’ kids. Growing up in a conservative home, she said, she wasn’t really exposed to drag. Once she started performing, though, Rodriguez joined Morphine’s family, the “Haus of Love,” within months.

“It’s like a chosen family,” she said. “With a drag mom they pick you up from nothing, give you the tips and tricks like showing you how to glue a wig to your head.”

When Rodriguez came out as transgender, she said, her drag family wasn’t the least bit surprised.

“I really started transitioning through drag,” Rodriguez said, noting that she hated getting out of it at the end of the night. “I would literally sit in tights, which

Queens (from left to right) after performances at R House in Wynwood: Athena Dion, Serenity Hinez Dupree, Tayanna Love and Morphine Love.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 55

“I LIVED MY ART” - TP Lords

DRAG QUEEN

are horrendous to be in, for hours and just put myself through that so I can look the way I wanted to look,” she added.

While Rodriguez’ biological family was less than supportive of her transition, she said, her drag family welcomed the news with open arms and hearts.

“They were like “Yeah girl, finally, you put the puzzle pieces together,” she said. “They’re always very much there for me.”

The support offered by found families in this community, said Miss Toto Clermont Dion, one of Athena’s drag daughters who now lives in Chicago, goes far beyond performance tips—and family trees.

“I’m older than my drag kids and I’ve lived life a little longer,” said the queen, who goes by Rock Evans off-stage. “So it’s not just about drag guidance. It’s about being a friend, a mentor—being there for somebody.”

In addition to her six drag kids, Miss Toto said she has formed a number of close relationships in the Black drag community since moving from Miami to Chicago.

“Instead of it being my direct drag family, we call each other sisters even though we don’t have the same last name,” she said. “We’re on the same level, we understand each other and we’re all Black queens.”

To Velez, “what goes into being a mother is being available for your family, being a positive role model.”

“We have our group chat and everybody is available to each other,” he said. “If there’s ever a situation, if somebody loses a job or something, we do our best to help them. Working at a bar I could always find something for somebody else in a tough situation. I’ve even paid kids to come and clean my dressing room just so that they had money and work.”

Velez, who earned the stage name “Total Package” for his ability to help other queens with multiple aspects of their appearance and performance, was first introduced to drag through the ballroom scene over 20 years ago.

The House of Lords came to be around the same time as South Florida’s ballroom culture began taking off, he said. These events, he explained, can be hosted by a person, house or group of people and feature various competition “categories” which could call for themed costumes, high-fashion performances or “transformations,” where a performer makes one appearance dressed as a stereotypical male before returning to the stage in full drag regalia.

It was these balls, Stavrakis said, that modern drag was born out of. The scene, Velez said, “started off as you know, gays and drag queens and trans women, but it’s evolved into everybody. Even kids now are joining balls.”

The House of Lords, he said, welcomes individuals regardless of their gender or sexuality, so long as they respect and care for the community. Over the years the requirements for joining have evolved, he said, and have included having to walk in a ball, win a category or be voted in by members.

Still, Rodriguez said, while the drag communiy has become more accepting over years, it isn’t yet where it could be when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Some stigma against queens still exists in the gay community, she said, while a handful of queens themselves are against the idea of transwomen performing.

“Everyone can do drag. There’s not an assigned gender to it,” she said.

“Everyone should accept and respect each other for what they bring to the table,” Velez said. The House of Love’s ultimate legacy, he hopes, will be that they give back to the community and “spread nothing but love and positivity.”

“I lived life unapologetically,” he said, “and I did drag unapologetically. I lived my art.”

Drag performer Stavros Stavrakis’ business “Dream Queens,” which provides entertainment for events like bachelorette parties, began as a charitable effort. It all started when he was asked to round up a group of drag queens to help out with a makeup event for children in the burn unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

56 DISTRACTION Special Section: Legacy

Fashion The Fashion section serves up cultural and societal insight into the significance of today’s style and beauty trends. Revel in the Y2K aesthetic, take a look at modest fashion in today’s world and learn how your favorite fragrances are crafted.

“Conga” singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan has an iconic career in music, cinema, theater and television, with three Grammys and VKennedy Center Honors to prove it. Before that, though, the Cuban-American, Miami-raised star was a ‘Cane. Estefan graduated from UM in 1979 with a degree in psychology.

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 57

modern

modesty Whether its for religious reasons or personal preference, dressing modestly is a choice many Americans make every day­­­­­­—and it means something different to everybody. Though not everyone understands this decision, many companies are taking notice. In recent years, Sports Illustrated featured its first “burkini” model in the annual swim issue, Nike released a hijab made for athletics, and retailers like H&M created dozens of looks catering to those looking to cover up.

In the end, how you dress is only up to you. But one thing is for sure: Modest fashion can be just as stylish as anything else on the market. words & photo_daniella pinzon. design_lizzie kristal. model_hafsha rahman.

58 DISTRACTION Fashion

L

iving in the Miami sun, it’s probably hard to think of covering up. But, there are as many ways to dress modestly as there are people who choose to do so, as each has their own definition and comfort level. Modesty doesn’t necessarily mean covering ones hair or face, or only revealing the wrists and ankles, but simply using more clothing to cover the body as they see fit.

Modesty is often associated with religion or cultural values, and while these factors can influence an individual’s fashion decisions, for many it is simply a matter of comfort, privacy and control over what they wish to show the world.

Essentially, modesty relates to an attitude and a different perspective on self-image.

For Hafsha Rahman, a junior double majoring in health science and religion, “it’s about privacy. I don’t think it should be anyone’s business what my body looks like underneath,” she said.

“Modesty is relative,” she continued, “In schools, the dress code is for showing your shoulders. That’s modesty to them, but for me, it’s not showing my entire arms or legs.”

“For me, dressing modestly doesn’t have to do with religion. It’s more about the culture I was raised in and my comfort,” said Geethika Kataru, who majors in political science and motion pictures.

From high-fashion houses like Dolce and Gabbana to fast fashion like SheIn and many brands in between, retailers have paid new attention to this demographic over the past few years, rolling out specific lines to cater to them. However, retailers interest in this style isn’t always so steady.

“On one hand,” said Nebil Husayn, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Miami, “a retailer will cater to modesty-minded consumers because, ultimately, these companies worship an important god—the dollar. Appealing to an untapped market can be lucrative financially and in terms of branding (i.e. in celebrating diversity). On the other hand, when this desire is performative or profits do not meet expectations, catering to such consum-ers will fall out of fashion.”

“Dressing modestly is sometimes not seen as fashionable or in trend,” said Kataru. “And worse, sometimes I even see people saying that dressing modestly is anti-feminist.”

“In modern, secular societies,” explained Husayn, “there will be some tension in respecting a person’s autonomy in choosing how they present themselves in public, while opposing or critiquing pre-modern structures and assumptions that have historically oppressed women.”

It’s no secret that fashion choices, especially those made by women, have been shaped, shamed and policed for years across many cultures and societies. But whether an individual wants to show it all off, cover up or somewhere in the middle, the most empowering and stylish choice is the one they are most comfortable making.

STYLING TIPS Color Coordination

“One thing hijabi girls do so well is color coordination with their outfits,” said Rahman. Whether it’s by rocking contrasting, complementary or monochrome colors, rotating palettes is one way to put outfits together with minimum effort.

Layering & Fabric

Adding layers underneath items like low cut shirts and crop tops is a simple way to get more coverage without sacrificing trendiness.

Rahman said she has gotten used to being asked about is whether dressing modestly gets too hot. “I know what I’m wearing,” she said. “Usually the fabrics I choose are breathable, but still cover me up.” These include linens and cotton. If you have a little more to invest, silk is a great alternative.

Patterns & Accessories

Some may choose to stick to solid colors for coordination and simplicity purposes. But patterns and graphics on clothing let you showcase your personal style. Adding jewelry, scarves, shades or a pair of statement shoes can also alter the vibe of any outfit.

In December of 2017, Nike released its first hijab. Prior to this release many athletes wore traditional hijabs that obstructed their hearing and didn’t interact well with their uniforms while competing, according to an article published on Nike News. This new garment was specifically created for athletics and it changed the game for many hijabis.

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“Our fragrances are composed of 15 to 40% aromatic matter, this makes for the most concentrated and long-lasting type of perfume,” said Calvin Tretasco, a Burberry representative.

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Just a whiff of a certain scent can bring back memories of loved ones or transcend you to another time in your life. Fragrance, whether perfume or cologne, is a powerful tool that one can use to create an identity without having to say a word. But exactly how these products are crafted may be something you’ve never considered. words_grier calagione. photo & design_keagan larkins.

M

uch like a fine wine or craft beer, fragrances are carefully constructed by artisans using curated ingredients to create aromas. In this process, fragrance oils are blended by professionals to design a scent that evokes certain associations or feelings.

Fragrances, said Calvin Tretasco, a Burberry representative, are often divided into categories. For example, he said, “we divide our perfumes into fresh, floral, floriental, oriental, gourmand, fougère, woody, leather, fruity and aquatic.”

Companies like Burberry, who make scores of perfumes and colognes, often categorize each scent into one of these families to make choosing a fragrance easier for consumers. Products in the same category contain similar key ingredients. For instance, a scent in the fougère family is a typically masculine smell with a base made of lavender, oakmoss and coumarin.

Most high-quality fragrances are designed in layers of notes that are meant to develop with length of wear as time progresses.

“The top note is the one that you smell right away once you apply it,” said Leosmary Mesa, owner of Hadarah Perfume in the Dadeland Mall. “And then the base note is the one that lasts the longest, the one you’re going to remember.”

Whether a fragrance is a perfume or cologne, Mesa continued, is not necessarily determined by gender of the wearer, but rather by composition.

Cologne, she said, has a relatively low percentage of fragrance oil, ranging from 6-9%. Perfume, on the other hand, typically has at least 14%.

Fragrance oils are not the same as natural essential oils you might put in a diffuser. In fact, most companies use synthetic ingredients to replicate natural fragrances. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Contrary to perception, synthetic oils are not of lesser quality and are more long-lasting than natural fragrances,” said Tretasco.

Companies choose synthetic oils because only a limited variety of natural ingredients can be sourced ethically in the volume needed for perfumery.

When it comes to the actual aroma of a fragrance, different oils often come with different associations.

Jasmine and frankincense, for example, create a more feminine scent, popular among perfumers. Cologne creaters, on the other hand, may use wood or lemongrass notes to create something more stereotypically masculine.

Whichever oils are used, fragrances are designed to induce an emotional response. Smell is processed in the brain’s olfactory bulb, which has direct links to the hippocampus, creating a biological link between smells and memory. So wearing a fragrance helps create a memory in the mind of those around you. This can also determine why users choose a different scent, as it may evoke fond memories of a loved one or of a happy place.

“I use the cologne ‘Eternity’ by Calvin Klein,” said sophomore civil engineering major Jack Lee. “My mom’s family has a tradition that when someone dies, a relative close to them must carry on their scent.

I use the cologne of an uncle that I had a bond with. It doesn’t smell that strong or project or whatever, but it smells fresh and reminds me of someone I love.”

Students’ Favorite Scents ‘Etat Libre d’Orange’ by Joe Malone

‘Baccarat Rouge 540’ by

—Ellie Sundell

Maison Francis

‘Acqua Di Gio’ by Giorgio Armani

—Gustavo Salazar

—Matt Piccirillo

‘You’ by Glossier

‘Home’ by Dior —Bernard Burman

—Sky Dunmyer

‘Cloud’ by Ariana Grande —Arielle Rohan

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High-end fashion may seem inaccessible, but a booming second-hand market can make luxury clothing, accessories and shoes much more attainable—especially if you know where, and how, to look. While the word “affordable” is certainly still relative, thrifting vintage items either at brick-and-mortar shops or via online platforms like TheRealReal is one way to shop luxury and get a unique look without breaking the bank. words_andrius espinoza. photo_jacob singer-skedzuhn. design_lauren maingot.

Platforms like Poshmark and TheRealReal aren’t just great places to find vintage fashion, they’re also sites that allow you to unload your own used threads and accessories.

Poshmark allows users to list items for sale in virtual “closets” and share them like on a social media platform, while TheRealReal employs experts who price items the site wishes to feature. But seller beware: Both platforms take a cut of the profits.

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If you’re looking to show your school spirit, Vint Condition (@vintmiami on Instagram) is a brand that drops vintage Umiami gear like sweatshirts and jerseys for purchase through their posts and stories.

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hether you’ve got your eye out for a Gucci bag from the ‘90s, a vintage University of Miami jacket or something in between, shopping secondhand is a great way to get your hands on fresh finds. In addition to being more affordable than buying new, copping vintage items is environmentally friendly and gives you a chance to rock something that stands out from the crowd.

And now, with the internet at your fingertips, the options for finding these fits are endless.

One place to begin your vintage shopping spree is in the University’s own front yard.

Each week, student-run popup UThrift makes an appearance next to Shalala. It features a collection of lightly worn and donated items, including some from the University’s campus store. While this isn’t a luxury streetwear collection, you never know what you might find.

Moving off campus, UThrift Sustainability Director Sofia Mesa said, “one of my favorite stores is Dragonfly Thrift. It’s a beautiful store on 8th Street that sells second hand pieces, and all of their proceeds go to a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women transitioning out of prison.”

Those looking for luxury may wish to add another local spot, Miami Twice, to their destination list. This shop posts examples of their inventory multiple times per day on Instagram (@miami__twice), highlighting items like Jimmy Choo pumps, Chanel flap bags and Gucci belts. The store, owner Mary Holle said, has been around since 1985 and features a whole section of vintage items sorted by decade. But if you want to take these items home, she said, you’re going to have to stop by, as they aren’t available online.

If shopping brick-and-mortar isn’t your style, though, you’ve still got plenty of options. Some of the most well-known sites that offer second hand clothing and vintage finds are Grailed, Depop, and eBay, all of which are available at your fingertips.

Additionally, sites like Fashionphile and TheRealReal focus specifically on luxury goods, going as far as to guarantee the authenticity of items they sell, according to their websites. Poshmark is another platform where users can buy and sell all sorts of clothes, including vintage and

luxury items-though these purchases are only authenticated if they cost $500 or more, Poshmark’s website says.

Some of Mesa’s favorite thrifting sites, she said, are Thredup and eBay. “Threadup is a great website for thrifting and you can sort really easily by clothing material, brand name, size, etcetera,” said Mesa. “They’re also great for sending your own clothes too, and by doing that you can get discounts on future purchases.” “eBay is also great for finding really unique vintage pieces, you just have to search around a bit more,” she added. “It’s a fun place to get inspired, and if you have something specific you are looking for, like an exact vintage item that is a bit rarer, you can probably find it or something similar.”

Tips To Navigate Reselling Apps 1.

2.

3.

4.

Being specific about what you’re looking for can make shopping super easy because many sites let you filter by brand name. Plus, spending time thinking about what you want will make sure you like and actually get use out of the piece you purchase.

Know your measurements so you can filter out by size. Keep in mind that each brand has its own size guide, and typically vintage or European pieces will run a size or two smaller. Some sites like Poshmark have a no-return policy, so this advice is even more important.

Read item descriptions closely—some sites include info about the condition a piece is in. If you’re super picky about quality, sticking to labels such as “like new,” or “gently used” are your best bet.

Beware of hefty shipping fees, especially if you’re purchasing a piece from another country. Many online sellers have selling similar pieces and styles, so consider bundling multiple purchases to make the most out of these charges.

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Get with the program; the 2000’s are back­—with a twist. Don’t worry. We don’t mean low-rise jeans. Retrovision is all about bringing back old styles with a personal flare. Because in 2021, you really should be wearing whatever TF you want. So why not take a fashion risk and own those styles you idolized as a kid.

Nothing’s off the table: metallic fabrics, standout accessories, furry frocks and crazy prints are all fair game. words_kylea henseler. photo_teagan polizzi. design_keagan larkins.

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Lets Get it Started A new year is coming up, so why not start it off with a bang style-wise? Miami is hot enough for any fit, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to your creative options. Heading into 2022, we’re bug-eyed for funky glasses, silky staples and teeny-tiny crop tops made of fun fabrics. Junior Jake Grillo (top left,) got the memo, sporting a patterned blue button-down that is sure to turn heads.

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So Fly If you’re pulling at all the stops to mix and match the perfect throwback ensemble, chances are you want to snap some pics before you take it off. Superblue Miami on NW 23rd Street, Artechouse in Miami Beach and Miami Selfie Museum in Wynwood are just three of the local photo destinations that will take your retro-vibe posts to the next level. Sophomore Gabby Tuchman (top left) is showing us how it’s done, accenting her dark outfit with bright orange gloves.

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Hot in Here You know what they say: when in Miami, do you really need to wear clothes?

Ok, no one says that, but the point still stands. Here at UM wearing bathing suits to class is practically acceptable, and a cute bikini top will get plenty of wear, especially when styled well. Junior Emilie Frias (bottom left) could wear this metallic top to a music festival, beach outing, themed party or even out on the town with the right bottoms.

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Run This Town These days it’s all about being the “Main Character” (thanks, Tik Tok.) But if you want to stand out you gotta dress the part, even if that means not dressing the part. Once you put some effort into defining your own style, search for a few “wow” pieces that no one else will have. Sophomore Sterling Cole (top right) and freshman April Thomas (bottom right) understood the assignment and will be sure to catch eyes in a neon orange turtle neck and bright comic-inspired T-shirt.

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Health & Wellness You’ve probably heard of pre-workout suppplements, but are they necssary? What are the benefits of freezing your *ss off in a giant Nitrogen tube? Check out Health & Wellness to take a look at these physical and mental wellbeing trends and more.

The legendary actor, director and screenwriter who starred in classics like the “Rocky” and “Rambo” series is a proud UM alumnus. Although Sylvester Stallone left The U in the late ‘60s for his acting career, he returned in 1998 to finish his degree in theater arts at age 52.

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B R E AT H E KICK DIVE EQUALIZE

B R E A T H O N E

Freshmen Lukas Burnett dives in the open ocean near a shipwreck in Jupiter, Florida. He ascends slowly from the bottom at 40 feet.

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Take a long, deep breath. Now imagine holding that breath for over 24 minutes.

Lightheaded just by the thought of it? Us too. Holding your breath for long periods of time takes discipline and practice, and for most of us normal humans who walk on land every day, there’s really no reason to try. But for one group, this skill is essential to learn and difficult to perfect.

Enter freedivers. words_ sal puma. photo & design_sydney burnett.

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e aren’t sure if mermaids exist or not. But if they don’t, freedivers are the next best thing. Whether it’s for sport or their own fulfillment, these individuals push the depths of human mental and physical boundaries as they dive the depths of oceans, lakes and ponds without external breathing apparatuses.

Freediving may seem like a new sport, but it has existed for millenia, longer than Scuba tanks and modern fishing rods.

According to the freediving organization International Association for the Development of Apnea, the practice has been around since ancient times.

During the Peloponesian War, its website says, Alexander the Great’s soldiers dove deep to destroy underwater barricades.

Meanwhile in Japan “Ama,” or “sea women,” were diving for pearls about 2,000 years ago.

Think you wouldn’t last more than a minute underwater?

Without training, you may be right, but this is a skill that can be learned. Just look at Guiness World Record holder Budimir Šobat, who held his breath for 24 minutes and 37.36 seconds.

Of course, not all freedivers are shooting to break this record, or get anywhere near it. For many, the peace and challenge of taking the plunge is enough. “It’s just really cool to be down there with nothing attached to you,” said freshman Jessica Axtman.

“Very relaxing.”

“I loved the challenge of holding your breath and seeing

the ocean in a more natural way, without tanks and a buoyancy control device,” said first-year law student and newly certified freediver Izzi Klayman.

Klayman, like multiple members of the freediving community, was certified as a Scuba diver before giving freediving a try.

While it may be tempting to assume the only difference between these two sports is the existence of a tank or lack thereof, this is not the case.

According to a blog post by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), one of the largest certifying bodies for both sports, Scuba and freediving diverge in a number of key ways. This includes the amount of time practitioners can spend underwater, the training and safety processes they undergo and the feelings of challenge and accomplishment that individuals feel.

“Freedivers have endless ways to improve and enhance their underwater experience, which makes for a more interesting challenge,” freediver Sarah Russel wrote for PADI. “Whether it’s working on technique, mindset, relaxation or awareness, freedivers must challenge themselves to better understand themselves as much as their environment to progress.”

Comparisons aside, this still begs the question: Exactly how is all this possible?

In an article for diving blog “Deeper Blue,” Kristina Zvaritch, a freediving instructor certified under multiple organizations

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including PADI, writes that divers’ crazy breath holds are possible due to an evolutionary factor called the Mammalian Diving Reflex that all humans possess.

This reflex, she explains, is what “triggers our bodies to conserve oxygen, use it more efficiently and it protects our organs at deeper depths.” When divers hold their breath, Zvaritch writes, the heart will pump slower and the blood vessels will narrow in order to use less oxygen. The more experienced a diver is, the more they will be able to increase and benefit from these adaptations.

“As a freediver prepares for a dive, time seems to slow down. Breathing from the belly and relaxing muscles with each slow exhale, the heart rate drops, the eyes close and all doubts and apprehension are swept away,” explained Virgil Price, an instructor at Florida Freedivers.

“Confident, relaxed, calculated, the diver fills his or her body full of air with the peak inhalation,” he continued. “Letting go, mind clear, the diver begins his or her descent into the deep blue.”

Sounds pretty cool right? If you’re looking to get started, the first step is getting certified by a credible agency like PADI, Freediving Instructors International (FII) or Performance Freediving International (PFI.) Classes are taught all around the country at local dive shops accredited by these agencies, and while there are multiple levels of certifications, the first one will teach you all about freediving breathing methods, safety and how to nail your first dive.

Needless to say (hopefully), before you do any of that, you need to know how to swim.

Before even stepping into a pool, Klayman was taught techniques for holding her breath.

Then, she said, “I had to perform static apnea for two minutes—holding your breath with your face underwater and not moving.”

Next, Klayman said, she had to swim back and forth across a swimming pool underwater while holding her breath. Finally, in order to earn her certification, she had to dive down 30 feet in the ocean. Both of these exercises would require her to practice dynamic apnea—basically holding one’s breath underwater while moving.

Additionally, Klayman said, her class learned about safety procedures and how to rescue divers experiencing blackouts.

One of the golden rules of diving, according to PADI’s “Standard Safe Diving Practices,” is to always dive with a buddy.

The safest practice, according to Florida Freedivers’ website, is to have one buddy dive while the other remains on the surface and then switch. Partners should wait at least 30 seconds before switching, the site states, and the diver on top should be within arms reach of the surfacing diver returning from below in the case of a hypoxic or blackout event.

What is that? Glad you asked.

According to FFI, “During freediving blackout all the bodily functions that are not necessary for survival are shut down in order for the remaining oxygen to be distributed where necessary.

A freediver experiencing blackout cannot see, talk, feel, etc. because that person is not conscious, but their heart is still beating and their blood, with remaining oxygen, is still being pumped into their brain.”

Every diver faces the possibility of a blackout if they push their limits too far, the site explains, and while these events don’t have to be deadly, you better hope your partner is trained and attentive if you have one. Likewise, when your buddy is down there, you have to keep your eyes on them too. Like Klayman said, the proper way to deal with these events is taught in basic freediving training.

So, considering the risk of blacking out, what is the reward? For many divers, euphoria, relaxation and self-reflection.

One thing Beatriz Minguez, a certified freediving instructor and owner of Sufibreath in Miami Beach, focuses on is the mental health benefits of static apnea. A holistic aqua-wellness coach, Minguez helps divers improve their breath-holding skills by taking them through guided meditations in order to focus their mind on the goal at hand. Mental relaxation, she said, is key to keeping your breath under control, and her course aims to provide divers that peace of mind.

“Whereas most would focus on their destination, the freediver looks inward, living moment to moment, attempting to gain control of the body and mind, knowing the journey is the key to success,” Price said.

HOW TO GET STARTED

South Beach Dive and Surf Center

Nautilus Spearfishing

UMiami Freediving Club/ Vortex Freediving

Ready to get down to business? These local surf shops should be on your list.

This shop across the bay offers dive and surf rentals and dive and snorkel trips all around Miami, Jupiter and other Florida locations. Their range of freediving courses include private and discounted group lessons, half and full-day wellness retreats, and “basic” and “level one” freediving certification accredited by PADI.

This shop on SW 57th Ave. offers two day freediving certification courses with instructors accredited with FFI. They also offer a wide selection of dive and spearfishing gear and accessories, as well as spearfishing, freediving, snorkel, Scuba and deep sea fishing charters where participants can see (or catch) a wide range of wildlife.

Vortex, run by Ricardo Paris and UM alumni Beatrix Paris, offers their own freediving courses and works frequently to help students get certified through the UMiami Freediving Club. For more information on joining, reach out to @umiamifreediving on Instagram.

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Chances are you’ve peeped a gorgeous influencer swearing by green juice on social media. Closer to campus, a number of restaurants have popped up offering colorful blends packaged in pretty bottles—for a pretty penny, we might add. If you’re goal is to chug your daily dose of fruits and veggies in a few gulps, the healthier option will always be to eat fruits and vegetables whole. But if you’re looking for a way to supplement the ones you do chew, juicing at home is a simple way to do so. words_jaime harn. photo_emy deeter. design_lindsay jayne.

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What is juicing?

What do I need and how much does it cost?

Juicing is the process of grinding, squeezing or pressing fresh fruits and vegetables to extract, well, juice.

There is not enough evidence to know whether fads you may have heard of like juice cleansing or detoxification are effective. But overall, there are pros and cons to juicing your favorite fruits and vegetables.

The main con is that regardless of how you juice your produce, the process does take away beneficial fiber that would be there if eaten whole.

Fruits and vegetables, said UM graduate student and exercise physiologist Andres Preschel, are great for brain and mental health, cancer prevention and gut health— but your best bet is eating them whole.

The fiber and water content of whole fruits and vegetables, explained Preschel, is what contributes to the thermic effect that helps you feel full after eating them despite the low calorie count.

Furthermore, drinking too much juice will oversaturate your system with sugar.

Even though the sugar is “natural,” too much of it, especially without as much of the fiber, can be just as bad as the processed stuff.

But what juicing can do is provide a boost of nutrients in a convenient way. If you can’t stomach the idea of chowing down the recommended five servings of fruits and veggies a day, the Mayo Clinic site suggests, drinking homemade juice or blending together the ingredients may be better than nothing.

According to them, “the liquid contains most of the vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals (phytonutrients) in the fruit.”

A Juicer

Some juicing advocates claim this method gives your digestive system a necessary break from fiber, according to the National Foundation for Cancer Research. “However, the average adult doesn’t consume nearly enough fiber each day, and therefore, does not need a digestive tract rest.”

Adults, they say, should consume 25-40 grams of fiber per day, while the average American only takes in around 15.

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Start with familiarizing yourself with the two types of juicers out there.

A centrifugal juicer, also known as a fast juicer, is the more popular of the two. A feeding tube at the top funnels the ingredients into the core of the juicer through rows of blades that dice the produce into juice-able size. Ultimately, it’s the centrifugal force that separates the juice from the pulp and allows you to pour the cleanest juice into your glass. The machine ranges from $50 to $250, and there are few parts, making it easier to clean and reassemble. But, it’s noisy and produces a heat that might degrade the quality and take away from nutrients in the final product.

A masticating juicer, sometimes called a cold press juicer, relies on a rotating drill to crush and squeeze the juice out of the fruits and vegetables. It’s a much slower process, but since it doesn’t produce heat, the end result is a crisp and clean juice that doesn’t expire as quickly. Cold presses are also better for juicing leafy greens such as spinach and kale. However, the cold press juicer is more expensive, with mid-range brands costing over $200. Users also have to cut and clean their own fruit and vegetables beforehand.

Produce

After picking your juicer, pop some fresh fruits and vegetables in that thing. From Norman Brothers to Wayside Market, there’s tons of local produce vendors in and around Miami. These are frequently used as key ingredients in many pressed juices.

•

Kale— Kale is low in calories and has antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. It is also good for fighting arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

•

Spinach—If you don’t like greens but want the benefits, spinach is the perfect ingredient since it’s virtually tasteless. It’s packed with vitamin E and magnesium.

•

Carrots— Carrots are a great source of fiber, vitamin K and potassium. They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improve eye health in large consumption.

•

Celery— Celery is almost entirely made of water and low in calories. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K.

•

Turmeric— Turmeric is a strong antioxidant that has been linked to helping with depression and arthritis.

•

Ginger— Ginger is great for your immune system and helps with digestion.

What juices should I make?

Local Juice Spots

Immune Booster Juice

While juicing your own fruits and veggies is more economical, below are a few local juice spots where you can get a healthy fix on days where you want to buy a premade bottle or two (or a week’s worth).

• • • • • • •

3 medium oranges, rind removed ½ grapefruit, peeled 1 lime, rind removed ½ medium lemon, rind removed 3 inches ginger root 2 tablespoons of honey ¾ tablespoon turmeric

Carrot-Apple-Ginger Juice • • • • •

6 ½ medium carrots ½ medium apple ½ medium apple ½ medium lemon 1 ⅓ inch ginger

Very Veggie Juice • • • • •

6 ½ medium carrots ½ medium apple ½ medium apple ½ medium lemon 1 ⅓ inch ginger

Raw Jūce 112 Madruga Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33146 Popular Picks: Beary Peary China, Green Protein and Square Root

Price: $10 to $11.50 Juicense 2992 McFarlane Rd. Miami, FL 33133 Popular Picks: Most popular choices are Defense Up, Clean Me Up 2 and Beet It Up Price: $9.75

Ginger & Juice Bar 5829 SW 73rd St. #5A South Miami, FL 33143 (Inside Kamps Fitness) Popular Picks: The Real Slim Shady, Nuthin’ but a ‘G’reens Thang and I Got 5 On It Price: $8.50

If you do opt for juicing, the National Foundation for Cancer Research reccommends squeezing up veggies over fruit. “While fruits are extremely tasty in juice form,” the website states, “they often add much more sugar to a juice than vegetables and other potential ingredients.”

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KEEP IT

COOL Ever wonder why every football movie ever seems to show at least one scene involving shirtless dudes in an ice bath?

For our viewing pleasure, maybe, but why do high-level athletes endorse this chilly practice in the first place? Studies have shown that cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, may have numerous benefits including reducing soreness and inflammation. If you want to give this fabled remedy a shot, you don’t even need an ice bath—just turn that shower tab all the way to the left. Or, if you’re down to drop a few more dollars, head to a local cryosauna and get your freeze on. words_natalie santos. photo_daniella pinzon. design_isa marquez. model_paula santi jost.

I

f you like to listen to wellness and lifestyle podcasts, or browse the internet enough, you may have heard of Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, aka “Iceman.” If you haven’t, no worries. Basically, his claim to fame is withstanding extreme temperatures and advocating that doing so provides a wide range of health benefits, from improving sleep habits and workout recovery to relieving some symptoms of arthritis.

According to Hof ’s website, his chilly accomplishments include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts and staying in a container full of ice cubes for over 100 minutes. It may come as no

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surprise, then, that Hof is a major advocate for cold therapy. But is it BS? What could be so beneficial about freezing your ass off?

He may just be on to something. Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is simply the practice of exposing oneself to extremely low temperatures through a period of time. For athletes, said University of Miami kinesiology professor Magda Aldousany, using it consistently can boost performance, recovery and energy levels.

“Cryotherapy assists in the healing process by reducing inflammation, whether it be redness, swelling or pain, for

Cryotherapy has not been approved by the FDA and is not currently regulated by the government, according to pharmacytimes.com. The FDA is concerned that some of the devices being sold don’t meet their requirements.

common sports injuries such as an ankle sprains, and therefore, is beneficial to those who are physically active,” said Aldousany.

It is potentially for this use that some of the most research exists on the benefits of cryotherapy, as a 2018 metanlaysis of 99 other studies published in Frontiers of Physiology found that cryotherapy was effective in reducing inflammation after exercise and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is an exercise induced soreness that begins around 24 to 48 hours after a workout. According to this study, while cryotherapy could be one solution, its effectiveness is relatively low compared to methods like massaging. However, it might just depend on the type of cryotherapy performed.

When you hear the word “cryotherapy,” your first thought may be of a cryosauna, a tube-like machine that looks a little like a spaceship and blasts the naked customer with temperatures around -200 degrees Fahrenheit. At many locations, just a few minutes in these futuristic-looking tubes will run you over $50. However, according to Ana Mijokovic, owner of Reset Cryotherapy in Miami Beach, you don’t need to spend that kind of money to enjoy the benefits of cold therapy. Exposing yourself in cold water, she said, is great too. And a lot cheaper. So, if you’re looking to give cryo a try, and don’t necessarily have the funds, consider taking an ice bath or getting in the habit of taking cold showers.

UM senior Paula Santi Jost’s first experience in a cryosauna lasted for two minutes and 20 seconds. It’s “not as bad as you would think,” she said. The

machine only envelopes the body below the head and neck, so, she said the cold feeling was most intense in the legs and abdomen regions. After her session, Jost was asked to stand on a wobbling platform that helps bring back circulation, which she said felt great after the intense cold.

“It was really fun,” Jost said.

But she said she wasn’t sure how effective the machine really was, and that it would likely be more beneficial as a routine, rather than a one-off experience—an opinion Mijokovic shared, as well.

According to Mijokovic, cryo can also have a positive effect on mental health. “The ultra-cold temperatures in whole-body cryotherapy can cause physiological hormonal responses,” she explained, “which can have a positive effect on those experiencing mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Cryotherapy can even boost memory, in-crease focus and attention, and with regular sessions, can contribute to a more sharp, precise and agile mind.”

While enthusiasts shouldn’t necessarily jump onto cold therapy as a miracle cure just yet, according to an article by Cleveland Clinic, even taking a cold shower may boost immune function, circulation and metabolism. However, exercise physiologist Zach Carter says in the article, more research may be needed on these potential perks, and cold therapy shouldn’t be seen as a be-all-end-all health solution.

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It’s not always easy to conjure the energy for a workout every day, whether it be a long day of studying or a particularly early morning that leaves you drained. That’s the idea behind pre-workout, the term that refers to a trending energy supplement.

While it does boost gym performance for some, these products can also come with a second scoop of side effects. words_lizzie kristal. photo_kylea henseler. design_ alex trombley.

T

he difference between a good and bad workout can come down to one thing: energy. Without natural motivation to go to the gym, it’s easy to skip a day or two in the weight room. Whether it’s due to restless nights, a rough day of classes or just plain exhaustion, energy can be a rare luxury for college students. Luckily, it can be found in a container. Enter pre-workout.

This caffeine-packed supplement, usually consumed 15 to 30 minutes before a workout, can be chugged, scooped or sipped. Its most common forms are pre-made canned drinks, dissolvable powders and even pills.

How many cups of coffee do you drink per day? C4 Ultimate Pre Workout contains 300 mg of caffeine per one 19.5g scoop! That’s roughly the same amount of caffeine as two 8oz cups of Pike Place Roast from Starbucks (caffeineinformer.com).

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“The goal of most of these pre-workout supplements is to increase your energy level, improve the quality of your workout and perhaps to improve muscle blood flow and muscle protein synthesis,” said Kevin Jacobs, an associate professor in UM’s department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences.

For Liv Carbonero, a University of Miami sophomore and personal trainer at the Herbert Wellness Center, they’re a daily staple in her diet.

“I take it pretty much before every workout, so five to six times a week,” she said.

“I usually do a half scoop for when I don’t feel like I need it as much or am trying to lay off

caffeine, and full scoop for leg days or if I’m really tired.”

Freshman Sierra Hawker said the supplement has been helpful for her, too.

“Basically it just makes you feel a rush,” said Hawker. “Once you start your lift, if you take the right amount of pre-workout, it’ll make you feel like you’re on a bit of a high and you’ll get a really good pump going.

Sometimes it makes you feel stronger too, which will enhance your performance since you’re so worked up.”

The specific ingredients of each preworkout depend on the brand, but most products share caffeine, carbohydrates,

artificial sweeteners, amino acids and varying vitamins in common. These components have a variety of benefits, including boosting energy, reducing fatigue and increasing strength performance. But athletes who eat balanced diets can just as easily leave it on the shelf.

Arlette Perry, a professor and chair of the department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, said those benefits are debated.

“In many instances, they [pre-workout supplements] have been shown to be more beneficial if one is not used to taking supplements. Results are controversial when compared to individuals eating healthy, unprocessed whole foods consisting of vegetables, fresh fruits and high-quality protein but not taking supplements,” Perry said. “Individuals who are used to high levels of caffeine, who are already well-trained and who already eat healthy well-rounded diets, may not derive any additional benefits.”

In fact, there are a handful of side effects that can come along with these products.

According to Jacobs, after single and longterm use, pre-workout can cause “excessive alertness, anxiety, sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating on tasks such as schoolwork and, more seriously, adverse cardiovascular effects such as hypertension and arrhythmias.” It’s even common to feel tingling or itching in the hands and feet due to an ingredient called beta alanine.

Powder supplements are meant to be diluted into water and sipped throughout the workout. Yet recently, a trend called “dry-scooping” has circulated the internet. This is when someone ingests (in a similar fashion to knocking back a shot) pre-workout directly from its scooper all at once. It’s much faster than the recommended method of mixing it with six to eight ounces of water, but so much caffeine all at once can strain your ticker by raising your pulse suddenly.

“I understand why people dry scoop because it’s faster, but it’s so gross,” said freshman lifter Joie Christensen. “I’d much rather just drink it normally.”

For many gym-goers, pre-workout is a means to an end. Sure, it will give you a bigger boost than a banana or cup of coffee.

But the bottom line is that for long-term health, said Perry, the most productive way to elevate your energy is with a balanced diet.

Perry advised athletes to “focus on eating unprocessed whole foods high in complex carbohydrates, because that’s the body’s preferred fuel source for high intensity workouts.”

Pre-workout costs can pile up!

Woke Af, one of the pre-workouts featured in this article, sells for $54.99 per 30 serving container. For someone who has a scoop before each workout, that’s about $1.83 per day. Guess that’s still less expensive than daily Dunkin’...

WHAT’S INSIDE? These are the most common ingredients in pre-workout supplements, what they are and what they can do to your body. If you are pregnant or have a pre-existing condition, you should consult your doctor before taking a preworkout supplement.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases brain activity as well as adrenaline and cortisol levels. Caffeine might help you perform endurance activities faster and with less muscle pain. And some studies show that caffeine can help your body recover more quickly after hard exercise by making and restocking a stored form of fuel called glycogen. But too much can make you anxious and jittery, giving you shaky hands, stomach or head aches and a rapid pulse. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is safe for most healthy adults. One serving size of brands like AlaniNu an Optimum Nutrition, for example, will give you about half of that. (Source: WebMD)

Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid that’s made naturally in your body for muscular energy use.

Consuming synthetically-made supplements of it, like in pre-workout, can improve athletic performance, increase muscle mass and reduce the frequency of dehydration, muscle cramping and injuries. Taking creatine might not help all athletes, but it generally won’t hurt if taken as directed. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

Beta-alanine

Beta-alanine is an amino acid made naturally in the body. Muscles contain carnosine, a compound that plays a role in muscle endurance in high-intensity exercise. Carnosine does this by helping to regulate acid buildup in the muscles, a primary cause of muscle fatigue.

Beta-alanine is one of carnosine’s main ingredients, and supplements containing it are thought to boost the production of carnosine and, in turn, boost sports performance. Some people have reported tingling of the skin after taking large doses of beta-alanine. (Source: WebMD)

Winter 2021 DISTRACTION 79

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The name of the unofficial staff mascot that made himself very comfortable inside our strobe light kit behind the scenes of the “Superpan” shoot.

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