back\slash, Volume 1 Issue 2 \\ November 08 by Backslash, Inc

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Content Director Mike McCormack

Art Director

Vincent Cimilluca

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Christina Padis

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from • the content director

\\ Evolution \\

\\ Moving On \\

back\slash Nightlife Photographer Lands Elite Job with Ocean Drive

Growing up it was drilled into my head: 'if you can't do it right the first time you shouldn't do it at all;’ I’ve recently decided the foundation of this mentality is completely and utterly wrong. Working with the back\slash team I have, through experience ,come to realize that nothing is ever “right the first time”—that nothing is ever

Justin Namond, founder of The Popness Party and former Nightlife Photographer for back\slash Magazine was hired by Ocean Drive as one of their six Exclusive Nightlife Photographers. With a BFA in Photography from the U, and having only graduated 5 months ago, this is a dream come true for him. Congratulations Justin. You'll be missed.

perfect, not initially or ever. Together we have come to the understanding that everything could and should be better… everything—and that not through change but through evolution everything can be improved. It is my job is to refine and evolve the content of this magazine. I am hungry for criticism, as it guides and inspires me; I hope for your feedback and I will read and respond to every single comment you send to mike@ backslashonline.com. On another note… if you’re looking for a distraction, then back\slash is not for you.

By and for students, back\slash is an

unrestrained guide for anyone living the college lifestyle; back\slash is a tool that enables students to reach their potential by informing, entertaining, and guiding them. We depict varied elements of the

\\ Replies \\ back\slash, Thanks for the recipe for the Drunk Gummies... They got us all wasted... They tasted best after about a week and a half of soaking in the vodka. \ M. Huber \ UM '09 \

back\slash, Your launch party was ill; when can I get more free Jack Daniel's? \ D. Johnson \ MDC '09 \

college lifestyle from the perspective of your peers for you. I hope you enjoy our second issue. My readers... and everyone who contributed in any way to the success of this publication: Thank you, words cannot express my gratitude. \Thank you for living unrestrained\ \Mike McCormack\ Sent via Blackberry by AT&T

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\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

from â&#x20AC;˘ the new art director

\\ In This Issue \\ \\ The Joints \\ 13 The Bar 14 Rumors 15 Boardwalk Pizza 15 Sandbar in Kendall 16 Red Bar 16 Zeke's

\\ Humanities \\ 19 Music By Association 20 Weed Legal 22 CD's 23 Surf Documentary 23 Throwback Books 23 New Palahniuk 26-29 Graphic Artist of This Issue

\\ Spit it out UM \\ 31 Speaker 32 Open Bar @ UM Art Museum 32 Ass Hole Parking

\\ Intelligent Design \\ Debt on m y s h o u l d e rs , w o rth l e s s d e g re e i n my si ght s , m y c r ea ti v i ty a n d mo ti v a ti o n w e re bottl ed up. B ac k s las h w a s th e d e v i c e th a t to o k m y top off and let m y idea s fl o w o n to th e p a g e . I to o k the dir e c t i o n e n t a n g l e d i n t h e p i l o t a n d r e f i n e d it while at t he s am e t im e a d d i n g m y i d e a s to i t. My ideas ar e no t me re l y a s u b j e c ti v e o c c urrence bu t a n u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e n e e d s a n d wants of the r eader. W it h th i s u n d e rs ta n d i n g , I a ct as a me s s e n g e r p l a c i n g t e x t a n d a r t ( s o m e of which is m i n e ) t o g e t h e r i n t o a c r e a t i v e a n d c ohesive wh o l e . Is i t p e rf e c t ? N o , n o t h i n g i s b u t f or me to ad m i t t h i s a l l o w s c o n s t a n t e v o l u t i o n . A n e volution that or iginat es w i th i n th e i m a g i n a ti o n o f YOU, my re ader.

\\ Spit it out FIU \\ 35 Budget Cuts 36 New Stadium 36 T.Y. Hilton

\\ Spit it out MDC \\ 39 FEMA and MDC Partner 40 Latino Loco 41 Comic Book Legend @ MDC

\\ The Future \\ 43 Hot New Products 44 The Internet

\\ Wear is It \\ 50-51 Graphic T's and Shoes 52 Interview with New Designer

\\ The Who \\ \Thank you for living unrestrained\ \ Vincent Cimilluca \

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55-56 Collegiate Entrepreneurs 57 Gordon Biersch Launch Party 58 Boardwalk Event 59 White Room Event

\\ The Slash \\ 60 Drinking Game 60 Striking Statistics 60 Ill Websites 60 Earmarks 60 Ridiculous Law 61 Murder 61 Quotes 62 Sinchie Shit 62 Miami on $30 63 Cut your Spending Keep your Lifestyle 8

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\ Volume 1 Issue 2 \\ credits \ \Content\

\art\

Content Director Mike McCormack

Art Director Vincent Cimilluca

Senior Editor of ‘The Joints’ Valerie Brackett

Managing Photographer Matt Bontrager

Senior Editor of ‘The Humanities’ Robert Vicens

Directing Photographer Mychal Sligh

Senior Editor of ‘SIO FIU' Robbie Nevel

Illustrators Rachel Schreibman Alex Kaplan Paul Physioc Rodney Jackson

Senior Editor of ‘SIO MDC’ hr@backslashonline.com to apply for this job

Contributing Photographers Holly Max, Dave Null

Senior Editor of ‘SIO UM’ Slaz Ostin

Backslash, Inc.

Senior Editor of ‘The Future’ Matt Clemente

publisher of back\slash

Senior Editor of ‘Wear is It’ Valerie Duardo

Chief Executive Officer Mike McCormack

Senior Editor of ‘The Slash’ hr@backslashonline.com to apply for this job

Chief Visual Officer Rodney Jackson

Contributing Writers and Consultants Brendan Mackesy \ Matt Tielkemeier \ J. Aparicio Jose Aparicio \ Slav Ostin \ Michael Clemente Robert Pemstein \ Sarah Chase Kimberly Treiber \ Dennis Picone \ Santi Godfrid Michael Hacker \ Brandon Little \ Apryl Wall \ Eric Ramsley Debbie Duarte \ Giselle Rodriguez \ Vincent Catino Deborah Acosta \ S. H. Pearson \ Yolanda Jackson Lester Hussie \ Elizabeth Ginsberg \Michael Kenedy \ Ben Bleustein \ Christina Padis \ Paul Physioc \ Kelsey Pinault S.H. Pearson \ Luca Messina \ Albert Burckard \ Brandon Little \ Sonny Palta \ Justin Fairweather \ Adrinda Peirre Nathan Garrison \ Denis Atlic \ Tiffany Provenzano \ Danny Bull \ Travis Tillery \ Ben Borie \ Christopher Lazaga Mary Korwel \ Travis Gordon

Chief Business Development Officer Jeremy Modest Chief Marketing Officer Valerie Brackett Director of Advertising Joey-Chad DiFrancesco Director of Interactive Marketing Michael Kenedy corporate office 10 Palms plaza homestead, Fl 33030 850.723.6338

This issue of Back\slash Magazine was distributed to readers free of charge at over 100 sites throughout Miami-Dade County. All materials © 2008 Backslash, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. The views and opinions expressed within are those of our contributors and are in no way endorsed by Backslash Inc nor its staff.

Cover

Model: Christina Padis, Photographer: Vincent Cimilluca Illustrator: Rachel Schreibman

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the joints â&#x20AC;˘ miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot spots

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172 Giralda Ave Coral Gables, FL (305)442-2730 Amidst the glitz and glam of Miracle Mile lies The Bar, a “Cheers”- esque joint where people come to have a beer and conversation after class or work. It fosters an eclectic crowd that ranges from Miracle Mile businessmen to college kids out on the town. At first glance the mahogany bar and faded blue walls give it a no-frills feel, but The Bar packs a punch with their nightly specials and entertainment. Mondays get you two for one on almost any liquor in the house. Wednesdays, $2 Jager and Cuervo shots are on special all night and Thursdays you can “Super Size” your drink which means you get an extra ounce of liquor for the same price. A full food menu is available until 2 a.m. most nights, even Fridays and Saturdays when the place gets packed. If you’re more of a beer lover, The Bar now offers up to fifty bottled beers and ten different taps, one of which changes every month to feature a new seasonal beer. Whether it's a special birthday occasion or a boring Monday night, you will always find a friendly crowd willing to crack jokes or root for the next first down with you at The Bar. \ V. Brackett \ UM '07 \

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the joints

Rumors F

20535 Old Cutler Rd Cutler Bay, FL (786) 242-7774

Dressed in red velvet drapes and chic marble tabletops, this stylish venue is the perfect place to take a new date or try something new off the beaten path.

ootball enthusiasts are welcome on Sundays and Mondays for live NFL coverage and pitcher specials. On Tuesday nights buy in on the local poker tournament where amateur and professional players bring their own tables and duke it out all night long. Wednesdays are ladies night and ladies drink free from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. along with Karaoke starting at 9 p.m.. On Fridays the scene is teeming with people that want to party and a live band that plays crowdpleasing covers and classic rock until close. Stop by on Saturdays for a dance party with a live DJ. If you get the munchies at any point, have no fear; Rumors offers delicious cuisine like smoked fish dip, meatball subs and Churrasco to keep your belly full. At 10:30 p.m. the late night menu offers great finger food like Cajun Calamari, Conch Fritters and Coconut Shrimp. Although tucked away in an outside mall, this neighborhood bar is anything but simple and has something for everyone seven days a week.

\ Backslash Staff \

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P P

izza!, Pizza! It's here, it's fresh and steaming hot with love from the Jersey boy who brought you Sandbar Sports Grill in Coconut Grove. Boardwalk Tavern is here to bring you all the atmosphere you have been looking for and then some. As you walk in the front you get the impression of walking into a Jersey style pizzeria right off the boardwalk in Atlantic City. The pies are being tossed in the air by some of the areas most creative pizza makers. Try a slice of the Bruscetta Topped pie, or how about the BBQ Chicken pie, topped with sweet red onions! Even if it is just a simple cheese slice, it all bursts in your mouth!

Boardwalk Pizza

3421 Main Hwy Coconut Grove, FL (305) 567-0080

Need a cold drink and a nice place to lounge or party after your slice? Keep heading out back until you're under the biggest Tiki Hut in Coconut Grove. Check out the gorgeous staff ready to serve you up some delicious hand crafted libations. DJ Gregorio from Power 96 plays every Thursday night, DJ Busha plays island and reggae fav's every Friday, and Saturdays you can check out live music from some of the hottest artists in the area. Whatever your tastes may be, if you enjoy relaxing in Coconut Grove, then Boardwalk Tavern is the place for you. Good times, great food, and exceptional people bringing you the service you deserve! \ Backslash Staff \

Sandbar in Kendall 10575 SW 109th Ct. Kendall, FL (305) 270-0311

S S

andbar Sports Grill is now open in Kendall! Right across the street from the front doors of Miami -Dade college, this is the new sports bar for the sports enthusiast.

Formerly LA Sports Bar, Sandbar has made quite a few renovations to the location, adding a second room and installing HD TV's for the enjoyment of all the sports fans! Of course the food is still on par with its sister establishment in the Grove, serving those famous Fish Tacos and even adding some new elements like fresh baked pizzas which have been flying off the shelves since day one!

Recently, on Saturday, October 4th Sandbar Kendall hosted the Kimbo Slice disgrace of a fight (through no fault of their own) as a grand opening to the Kendall Community. Well, outside of the fixed fight (at least in this writers eyes) the night was a great success. Customers could not stop talking about the renovations and beautification of the location, a warm welcome was had by all those who walked through the new doors and smiles were on the faces of everyone, with the exception of one O.J. Simpson who was not able to make the grand opening due to a recent problem with incarceration! Well, despite the Juice not making it, all is well in Kendall now with this new long term addition to the nightlife community. Sandbar is open from 10am-3am Monday thru Sunday and looks forward to having you in its ever so welcoming doors! \ Backslash Staff \

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R R

Red Bar

52 SW 10th St. Mary Brickell Village, FL (786)316-0303

ed Bar’s impressive high ceilings are drenched in burgundy and covered head to toe with over 125 provoking paintings from more than thirty local and international artists. The prominent, squiggly bar occupies most of the room along with comfy lounge couches on the opposite side, eliciting a chic and relaxed atmosphere throughout the space. Located between S.W. 1st Ave. and Miami Ave. in a semi-quiet area below contemporary Brickell condominiums, Red Bar serves as a friendly neighborhood bar/art gallery that hosts an Artist Meet & Greet once a month. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month, local artists that are featured on the walls of Red Bar talk about their inspiration amidst free wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tuesdays entice a totally different crowd with Karaoke starting at 10 pm. Wednesday is college night, featuring two for one wells and $1 off beers with college I.D.s. Thursdays a live band plays either Reggae or Latin Rock and $4 Jager, Soco, and Cuervo shots are on special.

Heads up: Drinks prices are cheap for the area, there is never a cover or a dress code. Watch out for the parking, there is not much of it unless you park by the nearby Metro-Rail, or there is parking in a garage across the street. The website is outdated so call before you think you're getting two for ones all night. \ Backslash Staff \

W W

Zeke's Roadhouse

625 Lincoln Road South Beach, FL

(305)672-3118

hy study abroad when you can have a taste of far away lands right here on South Beach? Tucked away in a quiet corner of Lincoln Road is Zeke’s Roadhouse, a local bar that is no bigger than your typical college dorm room. But this sequestered spot boasts an overwhelming one-hundred bottled beers from all over the world. The best part is: they are all $4 a piece! This beer-lover’s Mecca is the perfect place to pre-game before Mansion or relax with a diverse local South Beach crowd. Start your night off with England’s Young Chocolate Stout, then move on to one of their rare South African beers, perhaps finish your pre-game with a bottle of Tuborg lager from Denmark. With beers for $4 from Scotland, New Zealand, Croatia and Honduras -just to name a few- Zeke’s will be kind to your wallet and palate all night long. Heads up: Bring your ID and don’t even try your fakes around here! I saw a 40-year-old woman get turned down because her ID was expired. Designate a table guard. Seating is limited, especially the patio where prime people-watching is available. Grab your table guard’s ID because they will only give one beer per ID.Bring Cash! No credit cards are accepted and any ATM is a hefty walk away. \ Backslash Staff \

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humanities â&#x20AC;˘ the world of the arts

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“I get nostalgic. Sentimental,” says Le. “It reflects the past and present. Like a rush of memories.” Le’s story is one that is universally known particularly to those in their adulthood. A story of a loved one, a significant other, or a moment in time immortalized by a connection to musical accompaniment. So why does music leave such an impact in our everyday lives? And for that matter, why does it influence our hearts and minds? Music is associated with events and emotions. It elicits certain emotions in a method music therapist refer to as Associative Network Theory of Mood and Memory. The information from the music tied with an event or circumstance is stored in your brain, along with emotions. The activation of a restored emotion can assist in recalling the other cognitive information attached to the emotion or song. Le then proceeded to draw a chart to show me how a song can connect to a person, place, emotion, and even a fragrance or food (like the ice cream truck). “Music impacts mood, mood impacts memory,” therefore “music impacts memory.” she explained. Psychoanalysts often use Mood-State Dependent Recall; tapping into someone’s memory, matching the encoded memory or recollection, and retrieving the mood. Our memories are not only limited to remembering, but also motor skills, playing instruments, and feelings as well. And for those of you who don’t speak 'music therapist', it simply means that the psychoanalysts are examining the different moods correlated with music and what triggers them to figure out why you have to hear that song before hitting up Washington Ave.

veryone has that song. You know the one; the one that you can’t bear to listen to because it’s when he/she broke up with you; the one that you have to hear on the way to South Beach or Downtown; the one that no matter where you are, what you’re doing, or when you hear it, it always reminds you of that special or dreaded someone, or something. Originally I assumed these were expressions of favoritism to music, projected from the heart. As it turns out, your head also plays a factor in the music you like, dislike, and keep close to you. Recently I sat down with Diana Le, a University of Miami alumni and recent graduate of the Music Therapy program. The interview was two fold: I wanted to grasp her perception as a budding music therapist, but also as a person with distinct memories and connections to a particular song from her past. “My high school sweetheart wrote out the lyrics to ‘Hanging by a Moment’ by Lifehouse” says Le, in a caring and tender tone of voice. She continued, telling me that it used to be hard to listen to the song, after the break-up. “A lot of people didn’t know that.” She adds with a hint of bashfulness. I could tell by her demeanor that even though it had been five years the song still had a significant meaning to a time in her life.

This brief music and psychology lesson quickly opened up yet another question for me: I didn’t understand why I liked R. Kelly’s ‘Hairbraider’ and she didn’t. Can science determine how people decide what type of music they like and dislike? Researchers study everything from skin responses, to changes in breathing, heart rate, and smaller involuntary responses like chills, ‘hair raises’ and ‘goosebumps’. The results have created a wide range of variables and thus far have been inconclusive. “You may have more of a connection with the song than I do. You may like the lyrics more, or the beat. It’s different for everyone. [Researchers are] trying to figure out the different associations and themes.” True story. Hairbraider reminds me of high school and a girl who used to in fact braid my hair. Aside from my love for the production and sound quality, I personally connect with the lyrics and content. I doubted Le shared that same sentiment. Essentially, the answer to my question is that there is no answer. Not yet anyway. It seems as though science can gather a prognosis of the mind when it comes to music, but not of the heart. I looked to Diana for some sort of closure, her response: “It boggles our minds but that’s what makes music so powerful.”

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\ L. Hussie \ UM '10 \ 19

humanities

influence human health. Marijuana falls under the category of “soft drugs.”

nforcing marijuana prohibition costs U.S. tax payers about ten billion dollars a year. Enforcing marijuana prohibition gives over 830,000 people a criminal record each year. According to FBI statistics from 2006, nearly 40% of arrests for drug abuse violations are for possession of marijuana. This data shows that marijuana arrests nearly double the amount of arrests for cocaine and quadruple the amount of arrests for prescription drugs. Why are we the only country trapped in years of paperwork regarding the legality of this all natural plant? America does not seem to get it. More than half the country admits to either smoking or trying marijuana. There is money to be made off the legalization of the drug and it would not hurt to decrease the number of people sitting behind bars. Let’s face it, do you think marijuana smokers are criminals? According to government data from 1997, the total number of people arrested and imprisoned for marijuana offences was 38,300.

Going Green: Where is it legal? In the places where smoking herb is allowed, citizens, law enforcement and public officials seem to have reached a reasonable solution. The most common example of this legislation can be traced to Amsterdam. They have decided that every human being can decide about the matters of his/her own health and thus do not see the purpose in criminalizing pot smokers. Amsterdam distinguishes drugs based on how they 20

British Columbia, Canada is another place where legalization has occurred, setting the trend for other provinces to follow. In May of 2003, Canada’s largest province, Ontario passed laws to legalize the drug.

Someone has the munchies! While the federal government refuses to jump on the weed wagon, efforts within the U.S. have nevertheless been made to push our country towards legalization. State level decriminalization for non-medicinal marijuana is currently adopted on different levels in Alaska, Colorado, California, Oregon, Nebraska, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, New York, Maine and North Carolina. These eleven states have different laws regarding usage, possession amounts and punishment, but one thing they agree on is that no one is going to jail for petty amounts of weed. Some of these states offer fines as low as $25.00. This year in Massachusetts, legislatures have begun trying to pass the “Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008.” California has accomplished the most in their efforts to decriminalize marijuana and have gone as far as renaming and selling chocolate bars that contain THC, the chemical extracted from marijuana. The candy bars have been renamed but closely resemble the most common brands. “Stoners,” and “Buddafinga” are just two examples of the new chocolate delight.

“Weedology” In order to understand the different laws, it is crucial to know the difference between decriminalization and medicinal or medical marijuana. Decriminalization

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means to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against. When states pass laws to permit medical marijuana it is distributed on a patient need basis and is only given out by qualified doctors. Rhode Island passed a law permitting medical marijuana allowing doctors to prescribe weed to patients with severe pain, cancer or aids. But don’t get it twisted! Just because a state allows the usage for medicinal purposes does NOT affect their leniency when it comes to recreational use. A person who possesses less than one kilogram of marijuana in Rhode Island can be subject to a $500 fine and up to a year in prison. Find out how lenient or strict your state is at legalreefer.com.

Risky “Marijuana is safer than many of the foods we commonly consume,” says the U.S. Department of Justice. Getting high off “Mary Jane” is safer for your body than prescription drugs in addition to both legal and illegal narcotics. Some of the most additive and harmful drugs are supplied to this country via doctors. Alcohol is not only addictive but can ruin vital organs. Marijuana on the other hand is used to cure nausea and treat glaucoma. The addictive quality to marijuana is minimal (if it exists at all) compared to alcohol and cigarettes. There have been no deaths caused by marijuana usage…ever! Decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana would heavily reduce the amount of organized crime. The next time you plan on sparkin’ up a blunt, rolling a joint, packing a bowl, de-coring an apple, or poking a soda can, think about where you are. It could be the difference between a fifty dollar fine or a twenty to life sentence! \ E. Ginsberg \ UM '08 \

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humanities

“Reggae, Rock, and Dub hop” is how drummer Zach Morillo describes his band’s eclectic music. Formed in 2004, JAHFE and two of the original members [Sasha (Vocals and Conga) and Esther (Vocals)] had been searching for the right instrumentalists to fit the direction of the music. Well, I think they found it after adding four UM students to their crew and creating a very unique and full sound. You can get a sample of their music and dates of upcoming shows all over South Florida at www.myspace.com/jahfejahfe. Great music with a greater message: Get with it!

Born in Jamaica, Camar a.k.a. Flava Unit was destined to set a number of new trends in music. Camar has released and received positive feedback from his first single, "She Loves The Flava", a track that blends a well-balanced mix of reggae and R&B. This track will be included in the track listing from his upcoming debut, Yard Soul, set to release in early 2009. As one of the newest artists to be signed to the legendary Miami-based Slip-N-Slide Records, Camar is on the right path toward greatness in both the R&B and Reggae music communities. Check out more from Camar at www.myspace.com/camar.

You have probably heard the song,"Don't Wanna Fight" featuring Trina, flying through the radio airwaves across the country in recent months, but maybe you are unfamiliar with the male voice. His name is Qwote, a new addition to Jive and Slip-N-Slide Records, the same record label that brought you Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, Plies, and other successful artists. This Haitian-born songster blends Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B into a soulful voice all his own. Qwote has recently released his second single, "808" which features fellow labelmate Plies. Qwote's debut album, Qwote Un Qwote, is expected for release in early 2009. For more information and music from Qwote, check out www.myspace.com/qwote.

From Biomedical Engineer to Beat-mashing extraordinaire, Gregg Gillis (a.k.a. GirlTalk) has been sampling songs out of his laptop for 6 years. He doesn’t limit himself to one genre, blending melodies, vocals, and beats (of popular songs) in ways you couldn’t imagine, and still want to hear over and over again. If you didn’t get a chance to see him perform at the Rathskellar last year (like me), you missed out on an eargasm waiting to happen. No worries. Check out www.myspace.com/girltalk for songs and current tour dates.

ArtOfficial is musical evolution we can find in our own backyard. Hailing from the Miami-Dade area, ArtOfficial is taking hip-hop in the direction it was meant to go. “Stranger” is the group’s first EP and was released in 2007. A far cry from the redundant beats and uninspired lyrics of the modern rap scene, ArtOfficial is a reflection of the community from which they sprouted. They combine elements of hip-hop, jazz and funk as the musical backdrop for their tales of life and experiences on the streets of Miami. The hard-grooving rhythms of drummer Manny Patino and bassist Ralph Valencia play a perfect compliment to the sonic infusions of keyboardist Danny Perez and saxophonist Keith Cooper. The hip-hop amalgam is topped off with infectious flows from emcees Newsense and Logics. It isn’t easy to describe what they’ve created. The sound of ArtOfficial is as unique as their hometown. This group is worth keeping an eye on. Try catching them at venues and events around Miami-- they never disappoint.

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humanities

“Bra Boys” discusses the history of Australia’s most notorious surf gang. The movie takes place in the derelict suburb Maroubra, where the Bra Boys were founded by the Abberton brothers. The tribe serves as a brotherhood for boys who have faced hardships; and when I say brotherhood think fraternity on steroids. As one of the Abberton brothers put it, “don’t fuck with the Bra Boys.” Over the past two decades, the gang has seen more than its fair share of gang warfare. They tend to be localists and pick fights with outsiders or opposing surf gang members. Acts two and three follows Koby Abberton on trial for murder and pulls your heart strings. The true message of this movie comes through towards the very end, where we see surfing as a way to escape issues of the real world. The movie starts out a bit heavy, but lightens as it goes on with some pretty sweet surfing scenes that make the pain of earlier parts of the film more bearable. The movie is made by members of the gang, so it comes out as a self-justifying, soap opera, surf flick. I would also suggest putting on the subtitles because a few of the more indigenous members are pretty hard to understand; however, overall I found the documentary very entertaining.

Jong’s tale of personal growth is genuinely touching but also wry and smart. The character of Isadora is philosophical, at times poignantly relatable. It’s a bit of a throwback, but in that way, it’s a cool look at the evolution of ideas about gender and sexuality as well as a quick, riveting read. Get with it!

Bo a n rn in rec umb Jam Th eive er of aica, an e Fla d po new Cam si t I doubt I’m the first h to calldthe prosev a is R&B a"; a tive f rend r ak of Chuck Palahniuk incendiary, u a FWolfe’s psychedelic, hysterical-realistic massively clever,Aorsprettypgraphic. co . Thi trac eedb s in mTom laisvan exciting, fantastically extreme writing o k m Either way, new the st ac nand Mreaders u a Uchronicle of Ken Kesey and the t i e h n read. r s i k am droves of collegiate Palahniuk of fans g d ack at b froMerryicWolfe’s . t owlet down the eb i-bby Chuck Ca nitaswthey travel across the alike will not be m Pranksters wil len country a a in a school u ma bus asis a madly creative h se ne Palahniuk’s mnewest t, Y l be ds take onisstory-telling, d g Snuff. un rnovel, and above d de all, fun. It’s r w a fi a h rea Sli es inc an w rst lens into i r c sti era, told by t a d i electrifying a dynamic a e s t The premise n misathis: the tne p-N ar So ludone ofelthe s. (figuratively) s r l i e great experimentalists n tis Ch insurmountable rCassie Wright, ed bal gle lea ofedmodern ul, literature. s . S t s t America’s sweetheart of theeadult ck in b lide s to set in t anc , "S sed o se h e t film industry, has decided she is ou f R h b o t m th th eco e si or re e tra d mi e Lo and going to cap off her epic career g x lea ck ore e R rds ve n with “the record to end all records.” o fro &B , Ca ed to se in listin f reg s In one shoot, she will achieve the m ga ma verythradical experiment impossible: she will break the world ea g frinowriting, Ca and Another e rly erratic record for serial fornication with six legaddictively series is ise an m Re rLunch ma Naked 2 o e hundred men. The story is narrated from the perspectives of Mr. 72, Mr. 137, and of vignettes in the life of a vagabond junkie as g 00 ra ga fromnplace da alias the tonplace, 9 Mr. 600, three of the hundreds of men who came out for the open casting call. They thewjumps to alias. e . r wwand m spend the duration of the book waiting in a very crowded green room for their turn in It’s raw borderline gh y It’s obscene, us riobscene. . front of the camera. m t ic and while it’s remembered for paits drug conys a masterful tent, it is really of th pa cominterpretation Adopted Mr. 72 is looking to reconnect with his birth mother. Mr. 137 is a disgraced human thought. ce .co TV detective trying to recover from a lull in his career before he plummets into m/ obscurity. Aging fellow porn star Mr. 600 is the perfect end to the rapid-fire

succession of Cassie’s lovers as he was also the beginning of her career way back when. Mr. 600 is the first to succinctly point out that there “ain’t no human body that can take a pounding from six hundred hard-ons.” We find out early in the book that the film being made, to be called The Whore to End All Whores becomes a snuff film meaning someone dies on camera.

As the story unfolds, Palahniuk’s gross, slightly dark sense of humor is in full force. It’s not the revolution of Fight Club, which I am admittedly a bit nostalgic for, and it will not change your life. However, Palahniuk’s talent lies in expertly constructing characters and relaying descriptions so graphic your stomach churns wonderfully time and time again. If you can appreciate it, or like me, think it’s totally brilliant in its excess, the book will sit well alongside the equally stylish canon of Palahniuk.

Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash is tenacious, fast-paced modern sci-fi. Set in the not-too-distant future, Hiro Protagonist, is a likely everyman-turned-hero in a crazy world of freaky Neo-capitalism and the internetspawned Metaverse. It’s also a bit of a random foray into linguistics and anthropology. His characters are captivating, his wit sharp, and his prose, absolutely killer.

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

talent

potential

join the backslash team â&#x20AC;˘ hr@backslashonline.com OR register @ backslashonline.com \\ then click join staff

can you design a better

the unrestrained collegiate voice

t-shirt? send portfolio and new \ t-shirt design vince@backslashonline.com

25 'Girl' Illustration volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08by \Alex Kaplan, 'Booty Pirate' Logo Illustrated by Rodney Jackson.

THIS ISSUE'S FEATURED GRAPHIC ARTWORK BY UM STUDENT PAUL PHYSIOC

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

spit it out â&#x20AC;˘ UM

WHEN ASKED ON CAMPUS: WHAT CELEBRITY COUPLE WOULD YOU HAVE A THREESOME WITH ? Nahid Shaikh Gwen Stefani and Gavin Degraw

Aimee Nicole Brad and Angelina Jolie

Andrew Genden Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossa minus Ellen Degeneres

\\ You know your @ UM when: all you see is squinty eyes and large sunglasses \ there's more palm trees than students on a Friday \ You spot a hairy sophmore dating a supermodel \\

went to my News Editing class yesterday to find the room empty. Checking the syllabus I saw the words “John Zogby, Cosford Cinema.” Off to the auditorium I jet, arriving just in time to hear the words of this political pollster and author of The Way We’ll Be. He talked about his new book and future outlook in a speech entitled “A Dialogue for Democracy.” From the second his voice hit me I was captivated. Zogby’s command of English

was exquisite. His firm eloquence, like the University of Miami’s Mitchell Shapiro, was forceful, sterling, and glorious. I drank in his words like fresh-squeezed orange juice on a hot day. They were delicious by the enunciation alone, but as he spoke a picture took shape that disturbed me. According to Zogby, the America I grew up in, the America my forbears, grandfather, father, brother, son-in-law and husband have fought for and are presently fighting for, the America I know and love -- will soon be gone. There is a new world order at hand according to Zogby. The young citizen of the world sees Barack Obama as the future face of America. This statement implies that America will become a kind of Portugal. Race and culture will bleed together to create a fusion like the one you see on a tie-dye t-shirt where the rubber-band was not tight enough to keep red and green apart. The new color is a nebula for which our language does not have a word. Perhaps we should call it Barack Obama. “For the 19-29-age crowd, he’s the cool guy to vote for,” Zogby said. Zogby told us that these

are days of Secular Spirituality. We are working for less. Those who have made it are asking, “Is this all there is?” Zogby classed himself among the Baby-boomers and Woodstockers. He said that Hurricane Katrina was a defining moment in our history. We have suffered church scandals and corporate scandals. Presently, “we have the worst mess on Capitol Hill since before the Civil War,” After his speech, Zogby opened the floor to questions from University of Miami students. He gave no indication of which way the election would ultimately swing, but hinted that Barack Obama is a vast favorite. The bottom line that I gathered from John Zogby is that it is a close race and the pressure is on. There was no grand revelation about Barack Obama explaining why he was a vast favorite. There was no light shed on what makes him a better man than John McCain to lead our nation. There was the truth that this problem cannot be remedied by inert words from apathetic minds but a tide formed by a new consensus, from all-ages, to shape the nation for the days to come.

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

\ S.H. Pearson \ UM '09 \ 31

spit it out um annual resident permit for the entire 09’ academic year. $444 for the same permit, only 30 dollars off because it’s a commuter permit. And $226 for a discount permit. Lets review, shall we? It’s not enough that we, or our parents, spend tens of thousands of dollars to go here. They want another $478 if you actually live on campus and want a parking space. As for all of you commuters (me), you get the privilege of spending $444 on a parking permit. Wait a minute, I sense some questions. But aren't there only a few lots where commuters can park? Aren't the spots not even guaranteed? Isn't $444 an extreme amount considering you may have to park a half-hour away so you have to change your entire daily schedule just to make it to class a minute late instead of a half hour late? Yes. Yes. YES. Yes, you can count the amount of lots commuters can park in with your two hands. Yes, get to one of these lots 15 minutes before class and you might as well go to the library and start working on material for your next class because you will probably be extremely late or maybe even absent altogether.

t ’ s 8am and I’m already walking down US1 towards South Alhambra. I plan on crossing it to get to the Ponce garage so that I can hitch a ride on one of those Hurricane Shuttles. Sure, I have a car of my own. Uh huh, I get rained on almost every other day on my walk from Miami’s Best Pizza (stop by on the weekends before five to catch me). Yup, I almost get hit by that crazy driver with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cell phone in the other. Nevermind the fact that I’m wondering how he can actually steer or the fact that I have to get on a shuttle that won't pick you up if you’re not at one of the designated bus stops (go ahead and show them your cane card, it wont help, trust me). Why do I go through all this trouble? Well, how bout I shell out a few numbers. 226. No? How about 444? Still no, eh? Ok, 478, but that’s my final offer.

Oh but I forgot something. Freshman are not allowed to have cars anymore! That means there will be more parking spaces! …… uh, yea. A 10 minute walk from your closest class (if you have class at Eaton, that is) assuming you are an olympic walker. And lets not forget the wonderful UM employees who walk around the lots writing tickets. Yeah, if I parked in that handicapped space, it’s because no one else has in two years and there aren't any other spaces available and I might actually want to get to class on time for once. Oh, let's also not forget that students are such dynamite parkers. That might be why you have to park with your tires over the white line, because that jackass who just left ruined it for everyone. But lone and behold, you are the only one with a ticket. Sure, you could appeal the ticket; just go to the website, fill out a long form, wait a few days and hope it goes through. I won't deny it; I park at Miami’s Best Pizza and risk of getting run over crossing US1 instead of paying my part of the more than two million dollars UM banks annually off parking permits.

Still lost? Its ok, I’m lost even when I’m actually walking somewhere. The numbers I just threw out were prices for parking permits. $478 for an

\ S. OSTIN \ UM 09 \

appy Hour and art m https://insite.stivesonline.com/ PrinergyWeb/rto/Creo/en/images/NAVI_NavigationImages/NAVI_ VertBar.gif ay seem like an unlikely pair, until you go to a LoweDown. The Lowe Art Museum may be one that students only look to in order to feel insightful, however, the first Thursday of every month is expanding this. Drinks and a DJ bring students, faculty, and others together with art in a new way. “It provides an opportunity to socialize, network, and enjoy the spectacular collection at the Lowe,” said Gita Shonek of the Lowe Museum staff.

The event is ten dollars for non-members; however, a membership almost seems like the more logical choice. A student/faculty membership is only $30 for the year, and as Shonek says, it pays for itself. Along with admittance to the LoweDown, members receive a ten percent discount in the Museum Store, travel opportunities, invitations to exclusive exhibitions, admission to lectures and special events, and of course the museum.

Each month, the theme of the LoweDown changes, giving the members a new experience with art every time. With a gallery tour, live music, and cocktails, be sure not to miss another LoweDown.

'LoweDown' Schedule: December 4th February 5th March 5th April 2nd May 7th 32

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

spit it out • FIU

If you could go to UM for the same price as FIU, would you transfer? Samantha "No, I'm comfortable."

Jimmy G. "No, Fiu—even though younger and public—holds its own ground when it comes to majors such as International Business and Hospitality Management." Maria F. Riba " Yeah, I would switch because I am studying Accounting and I feel like UM has a better Business Program." ."

\\ You know your @ FIU when: Reggaeton is playing in the student union \ You will get into a fist fight for a parking spot \ Your teacher doesn't speak English \\

spit it out FIU

lorida International University has long been a destination for aspiring television journalist, having seen eight Pulitzer Prize winning journalists come through their program. Not anymore. The budget crisis simply will not have it. Several months ago FIU President Modesto Maidique held a town meeting in which he discussed the consequences of Florida’s recession and the impact it would have on FIU. This entailed the grouping of various departments and schools into levels of priority. Of the four priority levels, journalism was placed third among

education and international studies. It was labeled a “small, expensive niche program.” About twothirds of students and professors attending the meeting were from the School of Journalism. After a question and answer session that tore into President Maidique’s decision against acrossthe-board cuts (someone mentioned FIU’s new football stadium which cost the university millions), the meeting let out as professors grumbled about unknown losses to come. The immediate losses include FIU's Television Production and Media Management departments of the Journalism school. The required equipment is expensive to maintain, and as such it was an easy target for downsizing. Six months after the April 14 meeting budget cuts grow deeper, frequently forcing the university to tweak its financial plan. Results are becoming apparent. Twenty-one year old Yolanda A. Ortiz came to FIU as a History major, but soon after switched to Television Production. TV Production is one of the first departments getting scrapped. Some of Yolanda’s friends have been thrown in the grinder; classes already

stopped being offered in some instances. She mentions a friend who came to FIU for electrical engineering, but changed his major to Television Production. He took five classes towards his new major and when the time came to officially declare the change in his transcript, he was shut out. Vital classes he needed were gone forever. “When he tried to change his major, they went ahead and told him ‘you’re fucked,’” Yolanda explains, “It was serious… you know I’m serious when I curse, because I never curse!” Another one of her friends had to quit for a semester due to financial troubles, and upon her return found more classes had disappeared. For students who want to live the more glamorous, visual experience of the news - on camera or behind - good fortune has fizzled. Spanishlanguage networks Univision and Telemundo contributed funding in the past, but cannot fill the gaps widened by the budget crisis. Even those in the program have to hit the gas. In two years the unfinished will be out in the rain, money and time wasted. “I’m disappointed they cut the program,” said Yolanda, “I feel like I lost the chance to do it the right way.” Now the ‘right way’ is to rush out of the program; to do what needs to be done and finish unscathed. For those who need to re-take classes, their futures may already be lost on the editing room floor. The end may already be upon them.

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

\ R. Nevel \ FIU '09 \

spit it out FIU

It was not the football, though, that most excited the crowd at the day’s game. It was the opening of the new FIU Stadium. Tailgating officially started at 3 p.m. in the alumni tent known as the “Panther Pit” outside the stadium – however as most students know, real pre-gamers began guzzling suds hours before in their dorms/ apartments/bedrooms. In the Panther Pit, fans watched cheers from the cheerleading squad, ate and drank standard tailgating fare, and mingled with representatives from various university-related clubs and organizations using the spirited gathering as an opportunity to sniff out potential new recruits.

espite savage budget cuts, FIU managed to build and successfully open its brand new 20,000 seat stadium. In front of a crowd of approximately 16,000 chanting fans as well as folks watching on ESPNU, the Golden Panthers lost to the USF Bulls at 17-9.

Outside the tent, dense clusters of blue painted shirtless FIU enthusiasts erupted, jumping and shouting, spraying water and beer into the masses as the drum corps rat-tat-tatted in the background. Dismal statistics did not rain on anyone’s parade Saturday. An energetic response to FIU football is what the building of the new Stadium truly hopes to achieve, yet most students believe that response must be supplemented by actual wins. No other Division 1-A team in South Florida has its football stadium on campus and thus, life is made that much easier for dorm - dwelling students who want to catch a game.

ith the FIU football team in full rebuilding mode, a savvy recruiting effort by head coach Mario Cristobal and the rest of his coaching staff may have enhanced their development, at least from an offensive standpoint. When the Golden Panthers snagged standout receiver T.Y. Hilton of Miami Springs High School (Miami, FL) last February on National Signing Day, they knew they may have committed legal robbery. Hilton chose to stay close to his home roots rather than jump ship to a bigger and more prominent program like those of Florida, West Virginia and Mississippi who expressed serious interest in the speedster who ran a 4.2 in the 40yard dash. Hilton’s decision has given the Golden Panthers a big advantage in their quest to become a big time program right from the get-go. After committing to play for the Golden Panthers, Hilton promised FIU Coach Mario Cristobal the day he signed that he would score the first time he got his hands on the ball. Six months later, Hilton made his guarantee a reality by returning a

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

\ R. Nevel \ FIU '09\

punt 74 yards for a touchdown to account for the Golden Panthers first score of the season against powerhouse Kansas on opening day (Aug.30th). Through five games, Hilton has been a key contributor to the Golden Panthers improvement by displaying not only his dazzling speed but an ability to make key catches for an offense that finished 118 out of 119 a year ago. He leads the team in receiving yards (284) averaging 35 yards a catch and is tied with senior running back Julian Reams in the lead for touchdowns with four. The freshman’s three receiving touchdowns have highlighted his playmaking abilities as they were of 37, 65, and 73 yards respectively. While the team is appreciating his offensive successes, blue and gold enthusiasts have already found his nickname in “T.Y. Goodbye” and have made numerous inquiries to the athletic department about purchasing his replica #4 jersey. \ L. Messina \ FIU '09 \

spit it out â&#x20AC;˘

MDC

WHEN ASKED ON CAMPUS: WHY DO MEN HAVE NIPPLES? Jesse A. Girls have them, it wouldn't be fair if we didn't have them. Plus, they feel good being tweaked.

Erin M. Because Men would look too awkward without them.

Brad C. Because it would suck if they didn't.

spit it out MDC

he Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) awarded Miami Dade College’s School of Justice at North Campus a $240,000 Citizens Preparedness grant as part of a national endeavor to create innovative training programs to prepare the nation’s citizens for survival during a disaster. The Department of Home Land Security, in the their 2008 fiscal year, put aside 3 billion dollars in grants to states, territories, urban areas, and transportation authorities under 14 programs to bolster national preparedness capabilities and protect critical infrastructure. This year it focused more narrowly on funding priorities, with the goal of targeting funding where the largest gaps reside. The department also released many grant programs on the same day of their Miami-Dade grant, with the goal of getting application materials out to the eligible applicants approximately two weeks sooner than last year's timeline. Among 220 proposals submitted, 11 were funded and Miami Dade College was chosen as one of the five institutions working to prepare different communities for disaster. These five colleges are responsible for jointly training 40 other colleges per year in courses such as citizen preparedness and participation as well as citizen evacuation and/or Shelter-in-Place. With a goal of training 500,000 people in disaster survival, MDC’s School of Justice plans to provide classes to as many South Florida residents as possible. The School of Justice serves more than 16,000

students a year in a multitude of areas such as law enforcement, corrections, in-service tactical training, citizen’s emergency response training, incident commands systems and domestic preparedness. Disasters, in FEMA’s updated context, refer to natural occurrences as well as terrorist attacks. Obviously, the majority of Miami-Dade’s training is devoted to Natural Disaster relief ranging from the all too common hurricane to the occasionally forgotten Everglade Fires. Still, they do not let this undermine the training directed at the always-possible terrorist attack. From a certain perspective, a terrorist attack is just a faster and more unpredictable version of a natural disaster. Therefore, the Justice department at MDC treats both events equally and as rigorous in the training for both of them. If you are interested in these programs and wish to help the community out in an area that is most needed please visit the Justice Department of MDC website mdc.edu/north/justice. They offer a wide range of training programs including TSA training for flight, Applied Carotid Triangle Restraint (ACTR™), Fingerprinting, and Glock Firearms Instructor. Grants and money don’t help when a disaster strikes. The bottom line is the people who are involved and help the affected community.

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

\ V . Catino \ MDC '10 \

spit it out MDC

usic filled the air on September 10th as two-time Grammy nominee and Miami Dade College Professor Ed Calle led a jam session with fellow award winning artists Jose Negroni, Richard Bravo and Robert Carswell on the MDC Kendall Campus. The festivities celebrated the official launch of the new Latin Jazz Institute of Miami Dade College, a program designed to educate, explore, foster, preserve and celebrate the styles, traditions and artistry of Latin jazz music. Based at the Kendall Campus, the program will be taught by renowned Latin jazz musicians and will offer master workshops and seminars covering a range of subjects like History of Latin Jazz, Elements of Latin Jazz Composition, Music Business Overview and Copyright Law, just to name a few. Student workshops, planned for next year, will also be a critical part of the program as college, high school and middle school students will have a chance to jam with major Latin recording artists. “Where better to have this important music hub than within the South Florida community,” added Dr. Gregory Gray. “And where better than at Miami Dade College, an institution which educates and inspires more people than any other in the nation.” \ B. Vacett \ MDC '10 \

ill Eisner, the ‘father of the graphic novel’, will be honored in a multi-media exhibit at MDC’s Centre Gallery on the Wolfson Campus on November 12th from 6PM-9PM. Name doesn’t ring a bell? Here are a few credentials. Other than reinventing the visual narrative of graphic novels to what it is today, Eisner created such comics as John Law, Mr. Mystic, Blackhawk, and the soon to be well known novel, The Spirit. Newsflash, Frank Miller did not create every single graphic novel that is made into a film. Even though Eisner died three years ago, his legacy and genius live on through his final graphic novel, The Plot, and his soon to be published magazine, labeled Eisner. Eisner magazine will create a medium to share current graphic novels while at the same time featuring articles that delve deep into the inner workings of the genre. This is the first year the Miami Book Fair has included comic books into its itinerary and what’s a better way to start than honoring a legend? \ V. Catino \ MDC '10 \

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

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volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

the future â&#x20AC;˘ life science

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

ON TAP the future

ON TAP 6 Fresh Gizmos for the Thirsty College Co-Ed

Milton Homestar

Sushi Roller "Sushezi" This "roller" helps you make your own sushi. I suggest you buy the fish locally... but international rice is ok...

Transform your room into an observatory with this tiny star projector. iTalk Pro $50 www.griffintechnology.com

Roller $20 www.taylorgifts.com

Color PAR Bulb & Remote

Stash Sandal by Reef Don't touch my stash man... These sandals allow you to store whatever fits into a compartment under your heel. Sandal $37 www.x-wear.com

Change the color of your room lights with the push of a button. Remote and Light $70 www.shipwreckproductions.com

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This is not a lifesaving device...Inflate this Beer Pong table for fun; it only floats in water...not mid air... maybe that'll be possible in version 2. You can use it on tables too to keep things clean...er. Floatie $50 www.portopong.com

ZINK Printer $76 www.ibikeconsole.com

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

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Florida State Seminoles Record: 6-2 (3-2 ACC) Best Win: 41-39 at Miami Worst Loss: 12-3 vs. Wake Forest What’s Gone Right: It’s hard to say with any certainty yet. Critics slammed the offense after failing to do anything in a critical division contest with Wake Forest. But in their other 4 games, the Noles have put up a whopping 195 points. The defense has been stout all year but displayed signs of vulnerability in the red zone against Miami. Touted running back Antoine Smith seems to have turned the corner this year and is finding the end-zone consistently. Florida State’s record is just what it should be at this point in the season. What’s Gone Wrong: If you would like to see an example of complete quarterback ineptitude put on a tape of the Wake Forest loss. For all of the flashes he has shown in their victories, quarterback Christian Ponder will have a very hard time living down that dismal performance against the Demon-Deacons. While the Seminoles may have won their last two games, it certainly wasn’t because of Christian Ponder’s ability to throw the football (24-53 passing for 268 yards and 3 INTS). This is a highly penalized (12 against Miami), turnover-prone squad that needs to limit stupid mistakes if they are going to be successful. Make-or-Break Game Remaining: at Maryland on 11/22 Outlook: This will be a very interesting team to follow in the second-half of the season. The Seminoles don’t have much of a shot to win their division, but could wind up in a respectable bowl 46

game if they overachieve (Gator or Chick-Fil-A Bowls are there for the taking). Christian Ponder’s development will dictate how this team ultimately finishes. Unfortunately for Seminole fans, this is not the type of schedule (VA Tech, Clemson, Florida) to have a quarterback develop with. Look for some tough defeats along the way to a four or five loss finish.

South Florida Bulls Record: 6-3 (1-3 Big East) Best Win: 37-34 vs. Kansas Worst Loss: 26-21 vs. Pittsburgh What’s Gone Right: Until the Big East opener, this team had always found ways to win. The Bulls won three straight games by under a touchdown, largely due to the leadership of their proven veterans. All-American defensive end George Selvie was playing like one until missing the previous two games due to injury. Matt Grothe is enjoying another fine season as quarterback with eleven touchdowns and a 145 QB rating. The Bulls feature a group of playmakers as receivers that could torch the rest of the Big East if Grothe continues to improve. What’s Gone Wrong: South Florida’s luck finally ran out against Pittsburgh, and some glaring weaknesses might have been exposed. Without Selvie, Lesean McCoy ran for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Bulls. USF’s failure to convert key opportunities in the red zone, illustrated the team’s need for a power running

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

back. It’s not a good thing when your quarterback is your lead rusher. Penalties have also been an issue for the Bulls…they had eleven against the Panthers Make-or-Break Game Remaining: at West Virginia on 12/6 Outlook: This is a proven, veteran-laden group that isn’t in a position to make any excuses. The loss to Pitt hurts, but this team can still turn the table and win the woeful Big East. The Bulls end the season in Morgantown on December 6th, which could very well be the de facto Big East Championship game. In Tampa I would like USF’s chances. On the road in 10 degree weather? Not so much. Look for a likely Gator Bowl birth from the Bulls.

Miami Hurricanes

FIU PANTHERS

Florida Gators

Record: 6-3 (3-2 ACC)

Record: 3-5 (2-2 Sun Belt)

Record: 7-1 (5-1 SEC)

Best Win: 41-23 at Texas A&M

Best Win: 35-16 at Toledo

Best Win: 49-10 vs. Georgia

Worst Loss: 28-24 vs. North Carolina

Worst Loss: 42-0 at Iowa

Worst Loss: 31-30 vs. Mississippi

What’s Gone Right: Not much. Even though this team is young, the ACC is there for the taking this year. Unfortunately for Miami, they appear to already be out of the race after devastating last minute losses to North Carolina and Florida State. The highly touted recruiting class has been getting plenty of playing time, and has shown glimpses of how good this team might be in a year or two. Dangerous receiver/return-man Travis Benjamin could be the next Devin Hester. D-Lineman Marcus Forston and linebacker Sean Spence will be playing on Sundays in three or four years. Still, the only unit of this team that is significantly improved from last year is the kicking game.

What’s Gone Right: Well for starters this team has already won three times as many games as they did last year. After suffering two expected blowouts to BCS conference opponents, the Golden Panthers played USF close and won their first three conference games. I don’t care how the competition compares… head coach Mario Cristobal has to be delighted his squad has the same record as that “other team” playing in nearby Coral Gables. The defense has been playing fantastic, showing an uncanny knack for creating turnovers. This is a well-coached team exceeding expectations.

What’s Gone Right: Despite the loss to the Rebels, the defense really has played very well for the Gators this year. Hawaii, Miami, Tennessee, and Arkansas were all held to 10 points or less by the Gators, and LSU never made it a close game. Tim Tebow is not running as much as he did last year, and is healthy going into the meat of the conference schedule. Not surprisingly, game-breaker Percy Harvin is ballin’ and leading the team in receptions. Brandon James is probably the best return man in college football (he’s definitely the fastest).

What’s Gone Wrong: Miami is not showing the progress it should. Realistic Canes fans weren’t expecting an ACC Championship this year, but had every right to expect the offense to take some major strides. This isn’t happening, with the offense only averaging 289 yards a game under much maligned offensive coordinator Patrick Nix. Robert Marve has thrown seven interceptions his last three games, while Jacory Harris appears scared and tentative with the ball in his hands. The defense has been decent, but the secondary is the worst Miami has had in years (no first round picks?) and consistently gets beat on third down. This could be a long offseason for Randy Shannon if things don’t improve. Make-or-Break Game Remaining: at Georgia Tech on 11/20 Outlook: I keep looking for reasons to believe in this team, but they keep disappointing me (and just about every other Canes fan for that matter). These guys have lost eight of their last twelve ACC games but have won the last three in a row in conference. There isn’t a sure-win left on the schedule and while I don’t see the Canes knocking off Virginia Tech or winning at Georgia Tech and NC State to end the season, if they do the 'Canes have a great chance at competing for their first ACC title.

What’s Gone Wrong: Like the other teams in this state, the defense seems to be carrying the offense most of the time. Quarterback Paul McCall has proven he can make the big play, but is only completing under 50% of his passes. The Golden Panthers have not settled on a go-to running back yet; A’Mod Ned and Julian Reams have yet to eclipse the 80-yard mark in a game. Ditto for the wide receiver position, where the Golden Panthers do not have a player with over 15 receptions. I understand Coach Cristobal wants to get everyone involved, but eventually this team will have to find some star power. Make-or-Break Game Remaining: home versus Arkansas State on 11/8 Outlook: It’s hard to believe, but a Sun Belt Championship is not out of the question. However, A\ after tough losses to Troy and UL-Lafayette their Sun-Belt title hopes are now slim. While I would love to jump on the FIU bandwagon, I can’t get over the fact that this was arguably the worst team in college football a year ago. The Golden Panthers will come back to Earth, but should finish the season bowl eligible at .500.

What’s Gone Wrong: Maybe LSU was the coming-out party, but something just hasn’t clicked with the offense this year. I know the points are there, but this team has struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm, especially with the running game. Since many of their touchdowns come off big plays (see: Harvin, Percy), the Gators are usually not in a position to control the clock. This makes it difficult to put games away, and could become a more significant issue later this year. With all the talent this team has on the offensive side of the ball, the Gators should have the majority of their games won by halftime. Make-or-Break Game Remaining: at FSU on 11/29 Outlook: The Gators should be favored in the rest of their games from here on out. After a decisive win over Georgia, they should make it to the SEC Championship. If they can defeat rival FSU the last week of the season, with only one loss, they are smack in the middle of the national championship mix, with a great shot at winning their second in three seasons.

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

\ B. Mackesy \ UM '07

STOP N' WALK TO STOP N' SHOP

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

aro

am Sanr.. d

5885 Ponce De Leon Blvd 305.668.4642

Stop N' Shop still has kegs galore\fine wine\and lunch walking distance from the U without crossing US 1 Open from 6 am - 2 am

c pon

leon

Show Valid College ID for Discounts

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

Chantelle Morales , Live Green, FIU

Michelle Trumpler, Urban Outfitters , UM

Michal Doleds, Hollister , FIU

Ulyses A. Picnic, FIU

Yoan Gonzales , DC, FIU

Azz Finley , Stussy X Undefeated , UM

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

PUMA- at Project 51

NEW Balance

NIKE

NIKE- at Project 51

DC Comics- at Project 51

VANS

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

Chirag, Express, UM

Kris Barnett, Avirex, FIU

Khalil Jones, Coogi, UM

Ricky Pierre II, Famous, UM

SLAV, Kallisfive, UM

Kevin San Juan, Zoo York, FIU

I wanted LOUD expression and style. Around 2005, my biz partner and co founder of Merchandise No.5 came into play. James Ioveno. I have known James for years, you see his older brother Mike is a good friend of mine and we grew up in neighboring towns. What caught my attention was when Mike told me that James just recently won an Emmy for his artwork. So the next week Mike, James and I were chillin' at Mike’s house in his backyard having a few beers and I approached James with the idea of us going into business together. James just read a book Cocaine An Unauthorized Biography by Dominic Streatfield. In that book they mentioned a code name or secret formula called Merchandise No. 5. I thought this was the fucking coolest idea ever and on top of that his designs were just so amazing. They have some crazy meaning behind them. It’s like your saying something with out exactly saying it but you are thinking it.

Right now we’re t-shirts, but over the next year we’ll be expanding into hoodies, hats, jeans, and shoes/sneakers.

They’re mostly in-your-face and depict what’s taboo in society, but at the same time, they’re always in the headlines. We don’t advocate the lifestyle the shirts portray, but use the designs to poke fun at the importance that people, especially the media have bestowed on it.

We have our website www.merchandiseno5.com and you can get 10% off by entering the code word “backslashonline”. In 2009 we will be in stores in New York City, Miami, LA, Las Vegas and England. The stores names and locations will be announced on our website or Facebook fan page Merchandise No 5 or join our group HOTTEST FASHION STREETWEAR. We are also on Hi5 and MySpace.

The art work is incredible, it appeals to Gen X and Y club goers, college students, surfers, skateboarders, punk rockers, hip hop urban and we are truly the pioneers of the definition of STREETWEAR.

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

the who - movers and shakers SPECIAL COLLEGIATE

SPECIAL

ENTREPRENEUR EDITION

COLLEGIATE

"If I choose to devote myself to certain labors which yield more

ENTREPRENEUR

real profit, though little money, they may be inclined to look on me as an idler."

EDITION

Henry David Thoreau

K f e m i i a b f s i t

W a t o t s t

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

Know My Rights is the result of what we’ll call an “interesting” experience with a few cops in my hometown. The abridged version is that two police officers illegally entered my friend’s house looking to pick a fight with someone… and they had the misfortune of finding me. They created a situation where most people, not knowing how to properly assert their legal rights, would have reasonably, rationally, and innocently said or done something that the officers could then twist into cause for arrest. I was able to identify and avoid their traps; but I began to wonder why, just because I have the benefit of a law school education, should this situation end in my favor, where if it were anyone else in my shoes, they surely would’ve said or done something that could have very negatively impacted their future?! I started thinking about what it would take for me to teach people the basics of how to handle themselves in that situation, and with that, Know My Rights was born.

Well, I don’t really see anyone else who’s out there working toward the same goals as “competition”. We’re all just trying to make a better-informed society, and with that, a better tomorrow than today. That’s not to say, however, that we don’t stand out in the crowd. There are a bunch of “street law” programs out there, typically taught by a crime lawyer, and usually for-profit. While our programs include a substantive crime law and procedure element, we go so far beyond that. We customtailor our programs to fit the groups we teach.

The first step was to build a network. I defined a mission for the organization, established a website (KnowMyRights.org), and then began researching other organizations with a related purpose. I met a lot of really great people who were essential to the initial growth and development of Know My Rights.

There are always bound to be some dissenters when pushing for social change, but I’d like to think that anyone and everyone with a real understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish supports our programs. We’re fighting against oppression, and oppressive laws and practices are not typically aimed at the social elite. They’re aimed at people who don’t readily have the knowledge or means to fight it, and oppression must be stopped at the beginning if it’s going to be stopped at all. If an individual suspected of some criminal activity asserts his 4th Amendment right to refuse a search or his 5th Amendment right to not speak to police who are investigating him, and as a result, it’s more difficult for the State to secure a conviction, I consider that a success for every citizen in this country, as it evidences that our individual liberties are intact. And that is precisely why it’s so important for people to be educated, and to honestly be able to say “I know my rights!”, because only when you know your rights can you protect them, can you assert them, can you stand up for them.

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

the future

UM Seniors Matt Byrd and Chris Nelson started internet foam mattress retailer Select Foam out of their Hecht dorm room. They started out with parent’s credit cards and a little bit of money Byrd won in Vegas. Three years later, Select Foam owns multiple websites and expects to do around $600,000 to $800,000 in sales this year. The company has grown from two people to six, each with specific duties. “SelectFoam.com, our company’s first website, will serve as the business model we follow as we head into four or five new product categories in 2009,” said CEO Matt Byrd. The company is even opening a brick and mortar store in Ohio on November 1st, “The Ohio Specialty Sleep Store”, which will be one of the most unique mattress stores in the country. It will consist of four separate log cabins next to I-77, each with a different category of mattress in it. “Being an entrepreneur is great; you work when you want, and nobody ever tells you what you can and can’t do. The upside potential of being an entrepreneur is unbeatable: theoretically, an entrepreneur can have millions of dollars AND an unlimited of time to do what he wants. The downside reality is that you are on the hook 24/7; depending on your business, an entrepreneur’s dreams can be crushed by any number of events, both in and out of their control. Naturally, there is a lot of stress associated with this type of situation. So until you sell your business, or until you find highly skilled people you can trust to handle any emergency, and create the same growth you can, walking away and living this perceived, carefree entrepreneur lifestyle isn’t possible,” explains Byrd.

Ever since he was young he's had an entrepreneur mentality. He remembers getting in trouble in 7th grade for selling giant pixie sticks, then later for doing car washes and selling mangos on the streets of his neighborhood and even selling CD's at High School, until everyone got CD burners. He says he needed to adapt, to change and tried thinking of his next endeavor. "I don't really remember where the idea to sell Muffins came from but I did it everyday for 2 years. I would bring 45 Muffins to school and sell out before second period." He graduated from High School and went on to get a Bachelors in Entreprenuership from the University of Miami while also doing some extensive traveling. From The Americas to Europe to the Middle East, the world kept changing him. After each trip or country his perception of life changed. "You really start to understand that there is so much more than these bubbles we live in." That is when he came up with the idea for davidsbeenhere.com, "I really didn't know how I was going to do it, I just knew I was going to do it. I wanted everyone in the world to have the ability to see the rest of the world through a video on demand system." He believes people should see interesting places that are kept secret. Unless you know someone in each city of the world, it would probably be very difficult for tourists to know what to do or see. The information on the internet is too vague; nothing gives you a visual understanding of how the city, restaurant, sight, activity, nightclub or hotel really is. With davidsbeenhere.com you know someone in every city, you know David.

Sanjay Palta, a senior at UMiami, has been running his own company since freshman year. Sonny is a franchise owner of the nation's leading college services provider, DormAid LLC. DormAid offers services ranging from career preparation and tutoring, to maid services. at the beginning of '09, Palta and his colleagues began developing the concept for his second venture, Green Monkey Studios, Inc. Green Monkey is a balanced living wellness center, located in Sunset Place, offering holistic wellness classes such as yoga, meditation, and pilates. Sunny is known for telling freshman, “If you've got an idea that fills a need or a niche, go for it.” The best advice I received regarding entrepreneurship is to surround myself with people more talented and smarter than myself, and that it is our job to bring the best out of our team by encouraging and rewarding our colleagues. 'The benefits of working hard to get your ideas off the ground undeniably outweigh the negatives of having a 24-hour-a-day commitment. Owning my own business lets me work hard, and play harder.'

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

Back\slash Issue 1 Volume 1 \\ 1 Mike McCornack, CEO; Rodney Jackson, CVO; Jeremy Modest, CBDO, Vince Cimilluca \\ 2 Bill, CEO, Merchandise no. 5 \\ 3 Jack Daniel's, Liquor Sponsor \\ 4 Gentleman's Jack \\ 5 \\ 6 DJ Sarsyz \\ 7 Nettie Sotto, Marketing Manager, Gordon Biersch \\ 8 Elizabeth Ginsberg (far left), Aska, Valerie Brackett, CMO \\ 9 Nick Palaskie, Head Brewer, Gordon Biersch \\ 10 Myke Sligh, Directing Photographer \\ 11 Matt Bongrager, Managing Photographer; Tasha, Managing Model \\ 12 Jeff Lyles; Deena Gehemi; Mary Korwel \\ 13 Arnaldo Cantero; Jeremy Modest, CBDO; Gabe Briti, Founder, Elite Entertainment \\ 14 Dave Null, Founder, Film Revolution \\ 15 Ben Boire \\ 16

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

the slash • completely unrestrained

www ILLEST Web Sites

DRINKING GAME

www.nutsie.com nuTsie makes your entire iTunes library available from any web-connected pc and many mobile phones; users can watch videos of their music, get lyrics to their favorite songs, get in depth info on artists, and best of all is that it’s free.

Landmines, the “Chess of Drinking Games”, is guaranteed to get you drunk enough to actually think you are playing an actual game of Chess. This Game requires three or more people, a quarter, and a shit-load of beer.

www.phonezoo.com Phonezoo is a new service that helps people create custom mobile content (like ringtones) and send it to their phone…for FREE!

1) Each player gets two beers and a drinking cup; designate one beer as your game beer and the other as a side beer.

www.juicycampus.com gossip god/goddess, see how much you think you know on Juicy Campus, the one stop shop for all the darkest secrets on your campus.

2) A player, chosen by the various ways to choose who goes first, spins the quarter in front of them and then attempts to chug his/ her game beer before the coin stops spinning or it hits another player’s beer (landmine). Think of it as Jacks with obstacles. If this person fails they must start over with another beer.

www.liveplasma.com LivePlasma will automatically find related artists, songs, and genres based on your entry (like pandora). Not only does LivePlasma help you with your music needs, they have also expanded to the movie industry bringing you related movies.

3) The twist is that at any point a player may finish his game beer and capture the spinning coin underneath it. Success= the spinner going again and the landmine stays where it is for the rest of the game. Failure= It is now the trappers turn and the landmine is yours.

www.flixster.com

Warning- If you plan on playing make sure it’s the last thing you do that night. Be sure to invite some women Bro.

% STRIKING Statistics 1) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates the economic impact of auto accidents involving 15-20 year old drivers is over $40 billion. 2) Drivers age 15-20 accounted for 12.9 percent of all the drivers involved in fatal crashes and 16 percent of all the drivers involved in police-reported crashes in 2006. 3) Music performance students scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math. Music appreciation students scored 61 points higher on the verbal and 42 points higher on the math. (Source: 1999 College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers, The College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, New Jersey) 4) 53% of Americans over the age of 12 are current or former music makers. 5) Music majors comprise the highest percentage of accepted medical students at 66%.

EARMARKS

INSANE LAW

LITTERING IS ATTESTABLE IN DADE

government site www.earmarks.omb.gov.

First, the facts: According to Citizens Against Government Waste, the fiscal year of 2008 has 11,610 projects at a cost of $17.2 billion of which Florida has 379 projects at a cost of $382,964,232. These projects are based upon Citizens against Government Waste’s 7 criteria, of which a project needs to fall under just one category. They or any bill that has been requested by only one chamber of Congress; not specifically authorized; not competitively awarded; not requested by the President; greatly exceeds the President’s budget request or the previous year’s funding; not the subject of congressional hearings; or serves only a local or special interest. Factcheck.org defines Earmarks to be "allocations of revenue in a bill that are directed to a specific project or recipient typically in a legislator’s home state or district."

The Backslash top 5 earmarks for 2008 are:

If you would like more information on earmarks I would recommend visiting www. factcheck.org, www.cagw.org or the official

$1,000,000 for Atmospheric water harvesting requested by Congressman Young

\ 7 november 08 \ volume 1 issue 2

5) $294,921 for Feed Efficiency in Cattle requested by Congressman Boyd 4) $390,249 for Citrus Waste Utilization, Winter Haven requested by Congressmen Mahoney and Putnam with Senator Martinez. 3) $1,395,165 for Sugarcane Variety Research, Canal Point requested by Congressmen Mahoney and Putnam with Senator Martinez 2) $138,027 Termite Species in Hawaii, Gainesville requested by Congresswoman Hirono with Senators Akaka and Inouye. And the Number 1 requested earmark goes to

prison. But they offered her a way out! If she would work for them as a confidential informant, the police assured her that they would make it all go away – she wouldn’t be charged with anything, and no one, including her parents, would ever know it happened.

FSU Student Murdered Undercover Pardon the pun, but I’m going to be blunt… Marijuana is relatively harmless. Its most devastating effects unquestionably result not from its consumption but rather from the legal ramifications imposed on those who use it. No one has ever died from cannabis, but people have had their lives ruined, and some have even been killed, by marijuana laws. One such example is Timothy Garron, who was prescribed medical cannabis as part of his treatment for liver disease. Months later, surgeons at the University of Washington denied him the liver transplant necessary to prolong his life. One thing about the liver… you can’t live without one (that’s why they call it a liver). So why did these doctors, supposedly sworn by their Hippocratic (or “hypocritical”) oath to “do no harm” deny him this lifesaving procedure? It was because he tested positive for THC. The fact that it was medically-prescribed was of no concern to the Washington surgeons. They had absolute discretion, and they chose to let him die. Despite reason, rationale, and widespread decriminalization efforts, the law is still the law, and the possession, distribution, and/or consumption of marijuana is still illegal. Any American who enjoys even the occasional herbal remedy should know the Fourth Amendment (search and seizure) like he knows his own last name. But what do you do when you’re already past the scenario of refusing a search? – The police are at your door, they have a warrant, and you know exactly what they’re going to find. That is precisely the situation Rachel Hoffman, 23, faced last April in Tallahassee, FL. Arrested for possession of “about a baggie” of marijuana, as well as a few prescription pain killers, Tallahassee police convinced Rachel that she was looking at 4-5 years in

SHOCKING Quotes "When America uses force in the world, the cause must be just, the goal must be clear, and the victory must be overwhelming." Bush, 2000 RNC "Those who spend your tax dollars must be held accountable." Bush, 2000 RNC "I want to change the tone of Washington to one of civility and respect." Bush, 2000 RNC "We will transform today's housing rental program to help hundreds of thousands of low-income families find stability and dignity in a home of their own." Bush, 2000 RNC "The world needs America's strength and leadership, and America's armed forces need better equipment, better training, and better pay." Bush, 2000 RNC

On April 18, 2008, Rachel Hoffman entered into an informant agreement with the Tallahassee Police Department. Less than three weeks later, she was dead. Brutally murdered in a botched drug sting operation, Rachel was supposed to purchase 1,500 ecstasy pills, 2.5 ounces of cocaine, and a firearm from two known drug dealers – Andrea Green and Deneilo Bradshaw. She was given $13,000 cash and sent into the lion’s den. She was wearing a wire, and was assured that law enforcement officers would be “all over her” and that she would be safe. The audio equipment the police were using to monitor the situation failed, unbeknownst to Rachel, and neither she nor any of the officers were familiar with the area in which the operation was conducted. The officers responsible for watching Rachel lost sight of her, and the targets changed the location of the meeting without their knowledge. The result: Rachel was alone. She thought the police were watching. She thought they were listening. But when she cried out for help as these two men shot and killed her, no one was there to hear her… No one was there to help. A Grand Jury investigation into the incident found the Tallahassee Police Department to be negligent in both their review and approval of the plan, as well as their supervision of the operation. Their procedures were grossly inadequate to ensure Rachel’s safety, and most were just ignored outright. The actions of the Tallahassee Police Department in this matter violated almost every provision of their “Buy-Bust Operation” policy. It was the responsibility of law enforcement to control the situation, but instead they handed control over to two criminals who robbed and killed Rachel Hoffman. Their conduct was unconscionable, and it cost Rachel Hoffman her life. Rachel was coerced into becoming a confidential informant, and even then, the agreement she signed wasn’t much of an agreement. It required that she provide law enforcement with “substantial assistance” in apprehending drug offenders, but in no way defined what exactly constitutes “substantial assistance”. It did not specify when she would be considered as having fulfilled that obligation, or what she was getting in return. The practical reality is that she signed on the dotted line and the police would use her and use her until she was all used up. Rachel Hoffman’s death has invited public scrutiny of the use of confidential informants. It is a surreptitious, pervasive, and largely unregulated aspect of law enforcement that is now facing nationwide criticism, and the first dominoes of change have already fallen. The Office of the Attorney General of the State of Florida issued a review of this incident, and advised specific changes and enhancements to General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures governing the use of confidential informants, as well as explicit disciplinary actions for law enforcement officers’ failure to adhere to those procedures. Additionally, the Hoffman family has established the Morningstar Foundation in the memory of their daughter, Rachel Morningstar Hoffman. Their goal is to implement legislation – “Rachel’s Law” – requiring the advice of counsel before anyone enters into a confidential informant agreement with law enforcement. Rachel Hoffman’s case, like that of Timothy Garron, is a testament to the lack of wisdom that lies behind current marijuana laws. Still, though, I can’t help but think that a little “Know My Rights” education could have saved Rachel Hoffman’s life. If you’re the subject of a police investigation, do not believe that the police are your friends or that they’re acting in your best interests. When you’re on the wrong end of a police interrogation, you absolutely need to exercise your right to remain silent and call an attorney. You need someone who knows the law to advocate for you. You need a lawyer.

"The best export America has ever had to offer is Americans." Matt Damon, UM Obama Rally 2008

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \

\ B. Little \ FSU '04 \

the slash

LIGHT A MATCH LIKE A G

Step 1) Empty out the end of the filter

Step 1) Hand-job grip the lighter and the beer

Step 1) Bend match underneath the base

Step 2) Twist the end of the cig you'd normally light and make it so it fits into the side with the filter

Step 2) Push the lighter under the lip of the metal cap

Step 2) Press match head against the strip

Step 3) Insert the cig's body (twisted end first) into the filter side (where the tobacco was emptied out)

Step 3) Using your pointer as a lever, pry the cap off

Step 3) Swiftly slide the head against the strip

Step 4) Make it pretty and smoke it

Step 4) Pop

Step 4) Quickly turn the book upside-down

The economy’s a wreck. Wall Street's freaking out. Seniors in business are cowering in fear even more than usual when confronted with the prospect of having to get jobs soon in the real world. But enough about that. This is South Florida. Where’s the party? If you’re feeling the money crunch, no worries: the Miami area is about the easiest place in the country to have a really good time on a budget (hard to believe let me show you how... \ 7 november 08 \but volume 1 issue 2

the slash CUT YOUR

SPENDING KEEP YOUR LIFESTYLE

Popcorn

1 Bag microwavable (salted) 1 cup caramel squares 2 small bags M&Ms

Meltdown

Microwave popcorn as directed, then place in bowl. Microwave caramel in container with 2 table spoons of water or milk for 20 seconds at time, stirring in between times, until thoroughly melted. Pour contents on top popcorn, add M&Ms, and let sit for a few minutes. Then enjoy.

Mexican pizza

1 Prepared Pizza crust 1 can refried beans 2 cans diced tomatoes 3 cans assorted shredded cheeses 1 cup sour cream Hot Sauce

Pre-bake pizza crust according to directions if needed. Layer crust with beans, sour cream, then drained tomatoes. Top with cheese and bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Serve with additional sour cream and salsa.

5 min. dip

1 can Hormel Chili (any size, personal preference) 1 jar Tostitoes Salsa Con Queso ½ Cup Sour Cream Chips/Plantains

Procedure- Pour Chili and Cheese into microwavable bowl. Cook for 3 minutes, then add sour cream and mix slightly. For more flavor, add some hot sauce!

Infused

Miniature Seedless Watermelon 375 ML Vodka Bottle

Watermelon Punch the open end of the vodka through the watermelon and make sure it's sealed enough to keep vodka from coming through the seam. Let the vodka bottle sit upside down pouring into the watermelon while refrigerating for a few days (until bottle is empty, as the vodka absorbs slowly). Once the bottle is empty, wait 12 more hours and enjoy.

4 oz Blackberry Brandy 2 oz. Triple Sec 2 oz. Peach schnapps 2 Cups Sunny Delight 1 Cup Seven Up Peaches, oranges, apples, and pears and any fruit 2 Bottles of Red Wine

Sangria

Fill three quarters of a normal pitcher with the red wine and add the listed ingredients; let sit for at least six hours.

Green dragon

2 cups water half cup "the green stuff" 1 of your favorite tea bags honey, 2 tbs spoons of milk

Boil water and trees for about 15 min. Add tea bags and honey and milk and boil for another 5-10 min. When you add the milk, pour it in slowly so the milk wont curdle.

Backslash has come up with solid game plans for your extended weekend, rocking the Miami area nightlife experience on $30.

Coconut Grove

Downtown

Category 5 at Sandbar: $8 Moose Juice at Mr. Moe’s: $10 Corona (2) at Fat Tueday’s : $4 Frozen Drink at Wet Willies : $6 Pizza at Slice’N’Ice: $2

Hefeweizen (2) at Gordon Biersch: $9 Stella Artois (5) at Vagabond on Friday nights before midnight: $5 Grey Goose and cranberry at Transit Lounge (2): $10 Late night Banana Nut Pancakes at Kiki’s (open til 3 am) : $6

South Beach Free music at Automatic Slim’s – no cover all night, well drinks (2): $8 Shine at the Shelbourne, free for Florida residents until 12:30 Zeke’s Roadhouse, any beer from any country (6): $18 Pizza Rustica: $4

This list of the 10 ways FOR YOU to save money without scaling back your lifestyle... (or will they?) 10) Buy in bulk \\ Consider joining a buyers club like Costco or Sams Club with friends and family, splitting your weekly expenses and groceries. 09) Get your text books used either at the campus bookstore or on websites \\ for example amazon.com, half.com, ebay.com or craigslist.com. Better yet, borrow a friend’s book or take it out from the school library, photocopying the pages as necessary. I didn’t buy a single book for the first 2 years of college by doing this. 08) Consider buying cheap beer \\We all know buying your weekly case can run up your monthly budget. Try a cheaper beer like Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR for all you fanatics) or Red Dog. They still does the same job right? 07) Sell your car \\ With the price of gas rising, not to mention the monthly expense of insurance, maintenance, car payments and parking passes, you could save a pretty penny to spend more sparingly on more PBR. 06) Join an online movie rental company that ships your movies to your door \\ with your roommates and friends. This will save you a trip to the movie store and probably only cost you cents a month if you get enough people in on it and keep you from longing to go to the theatre where not only will you spend for the movie, but you will get sucked into spending $20 worth of snacks. 05) Quit smoking \\ cigarettes and other. It’s not rocket science; you can save a pretty penny if you’re a habitual smoker of both legal and illegal substances. Try investing in a Nicotine patch or Nicorette gum because when you do quit, you will save even more. 04) Stay active and healthy \\ Getting in shape will save you from getting sick (spending money on health care) and eating healthy, homemade meals will cut your monthly cost of food once your not spending money on Fast Food. Also consider working out in the school gym, its free, and walk as much as possible for your aerobic exercise. While were on the topic of healthy living, buy a bulk amount of Lysol wipes and clean your computers, desks and cell phones frequently to drastically cut your chances of getting sick. 03) Don’t go on spring break \\ You go to school in the Miami Area right? Think of it as being in one of the greatest spring break locales in your backyard. You won’t be in school, so enjoy…. Need I say more? 02) Go to ladies night with a group of your friends \\ Girls, admission is free and the drinks are free, how can you go wrong? Men, if you go with enough friends; I’m sure you have girl friends; you can have them get you your drinks for free all night. It’s a win, win. 1) Study more \\ No seriously, staying in more will cause you to spend less on things like eating out, snacks and other frivolous expenditures. You can use your Costco Card to buy food to try new recipes, not waste any gas on driving because you won’t have a car; drink your PBR and finish it off watching a movie from Netflix your neighbor rented last weekend. \ M. Hacker \ St. Mary '06 \

volume1 issue 2 \ 7 november 08 \