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The Miami
Vol. 88, Issue 11 | Mar. 1 - Mar. 3, 2010
HURRICANE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, SINCE 1929
Study break PHOTO ILLUSTRATION LINDSAY BROWN // The Miami Hurricane NAP TIME: Senior Amy Levine demonstrates that while pulling all-nighters when studying may be tempting, quick naps can help improve concentration.
AMERICAN HISTORY IN HAITI THE U.S. HAS LEFT ITS FINGERPRINTS ON THE ISLAND NATION PAGE 8
SOUTHERN SENSATION NEW BARBECUE JOINT OFFERS A TWIST ON TRADITIONAL FAVORITES PAGE 10
GOODNESS GRACIOUS RACQUETBALL TEAM HOSTS “GREAT BALLS OF FIRE” TOURNAMENT PAGE 13
Studies show that afternoon naps can improve memory BY LILA ALBIZU | ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
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lthough camping out at the Richter Library to cram for a test all night is a staple study strategy for UM students, little attention is given to the importance of naps in this stressful
routine. “[Around 10 p.m.] I head to the library, find a chair and start working,” junior Matt Bosakowski said. “The buzz all around is what keeps me awake along with a grande espresso shot, along with a
few Red Bulls, and I work through the night.” Preliminary research has found a link between lengthy afternoon naps and better memory according to a U.S. News and World Report article dated Feb. 21. According to the article, Matthew Walker of the University of California at Berkeley and his colleagues split 39 participants into two groups to begin research. SEE SLEEP, PAGE 5
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The reality of being a Greek Annual week of events give back
Check out what’s exclusively available at TheMiamiHurricane. com.
BY COLLEEN DOURNEY STAFF WRITER
Sunday evening marked the official beginning of one of the university’s most popular weeks with an explosive opening ceremony held at the Rock. Greek Week is a series of events every year that brings together members from all social Greek fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations Council to raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida. Greeks have raised a combined $400,000 over the past 15 years. Last year they raised over $20,000. Other recipients of the Greek Week endowment are the Community Blood Banks of South Florida, who have received over 1,000 pints of blood from the Greeks’ efforts. “Everyone’s spirit and enthusiasm helps to not only increase Greek visibility on campus, but also reconfirm our commitment to doing positive events to help others,” said senior Dallas Short, a Phi Delta Theta brother and co-chair of Greek Week. The theme this year is “Reality TV,” meaning each event will have characteristics of recent popular reality television shows, but also incorporate current events. Featured events include “Extreme Makeover: Haiti Edition” and “Miami’s Best Dance Crew.” The theme of the week
DANIELLE KASLOW // The Miami Hurricane
YUM!: William Miller of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, (left) and Mike Chen of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, (right) compete in the pie-eating contest at the Greek Week opening ceremonies. overall is “True Life: I’m Greek,” based on MTV’s show “True Life.” Greek Week is similar to Homecoming in that there are a series of events over the course of a week that bring everyone together, but senior Devin Murphy, Kappa Kappa Gamma sister and co-chair of the week, sees some differences. “I think this week offers a lot more of a chance for unity amongst all of the social Greek life on campus since all Greeks are involved,” she said. Homecoming, instead, is an event that is more focused on networking with UM alumni and cel-
ebrating the annual Homecoming football game by being spirited. Each event at both Homecoming and Greek Week is a competition, with a big emphasis on participation. While there is always a first-place winner based on performance, a considerable number of points are given for participation. “It’s a great way for Greeks to not only compete, but through that competition, get to know each other and show our unity as a Greek community,” Short said. Greek Week also has its appeal to non-Greek students at UM. “I was just walking by the patio
last year with some friends and saw some really tight dance moves, so I decided to stick around,” senior Try Spano said. “Even though I’m not Greek, it was definitely entertaining to watch.” Colleen Dourney may be contacted at cdourney@themiamihurricane.com.
LOG ON TO THEMIAMIHURRICANE. COM TO VIEW THE FULL GREEK WEEK SCHEDULE.
Stay fit, lower the deficit I’m sorry to have to do this, but after watching the news this past week, I would like to say a few things about the current state of health care in our country. Regardless of your stance on the impending reform, there is no argument (no argument that I’ll accept, that is) as to why physical activity is not one of the most im-
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portant factors in disease prevention, curbing national obesity and overall wellness. In an era where there is positive research, tangible proof and countless opportunities to do it, exercise is vital. We know that even moderate physical activity has the ability to significantly decrease the risk for health care cost vampires like heart disease, diabetes and morbid obesity. An emphasis on preventative health care should be a focus of these reforms. One person paid to educate hundreds on physical activity is going to cost significantly March 1 - March 3, 2010
Steven Stuts captured the baseball weekend series win over Manhattan. Chelsea Matiash and Megan Terilli caught the UC jugglers in action and on video. Fanfario’s latest CD gets a review from Thomas Prieto. Miami upset Clemson in women’s tennis. Read Andrew Dymburt’s recap. Debora Rubi witnessed another nail-biter in men’s tennis. Read her recap of Miami’s 4-3 victory over USF.
The healthy life JEREMY ALBELDA HEALTH COLUMNIST
Missed the men's basketball home regular season finale? Check out Lindsay Brown's photo slideshow.
less then the gaggle of doctors, nurses and pharmaceutical companies involved in the treatment of avoidable ailments. If you want to help your country and yourself, you will get out of your chair right after you read this and go for a jog. Wellness is the solution to exuberant health care costs. Jeremy Albelda is a senior exercise physiology major and a personal trainer. E-mail health questions to him at jalbelda@themiamihurricane. com.
Women’s basketball rallied for a win on Senior Day. Find out more from Christina De Nicola. Subscribe for the e-mail edition of the newspaper at www. themiamihurricane. com/subscribe.
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Providing an artistic escape Reducing the risks of spring break
Studio reaches out to needy youth
Pier 21 promotes awareness about avoiding danger during vacation
BY ANDREA CONCEPCION STAFF WRITER
On the second f loor of an art studio in Little Haiti, small groups of UM law students in white shirts moved art pieces and furniture around to start repainting its walls dark blue. UM's chapter of the Law Student Division (LSD), along with attorneys and local lawyer organizations, volunteered Saturday at the annual “Raising the Bar” community service event to renovate Art Studio Miami, a community organization that offers cutting-edge art programs to underprivileged youth. “Raising the Bar” was the first annual statewide event for LSD. LSD formed a year ago as a branch of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division and has members from 11 law schools. They partnered with LexisNexis and the Dade County Bar Association of Young Lawyers for the event. “The most important aspect of being an attorney [is] the oath we took to be public servants,” said Madeleine Mannello, a third-year UM law student and president of LSD. The volunteers helped repaint walls, put up kitchen cabinets and counter tops and till the soil outside to produce wildf lowers and a vegetable garden. A few kids from Art Studio Miami memorialized the day with a mural. Art Studio Miami (ASM) is located in an area of Little Haiti where 90 percent of the population falls under the poverty line. Research done by the National Cradle to Prison Pipeline Campaign, a program that seeks to reduce the incarceration of children, said that one in three youth in the area would be imprisoned by age 21. For that reason, Rachel Hughes, founder of ASM, opened the studio in 2007. “We’re not an after-school program,” said Beth Degi, ex-
BY RAMON GALIANA NEWS EDITOR
LINDSAY BROWN // The Miami Hurricane
ART FOR OTHERS: Sarah Roach works on prepping a new paintjob at the service event, “Raising the Bar” on Saturday, ecutive director of Art Studio Miami. “We [have brought] a collaboration of professional teaching artists who [have provided] free workshops for youth in poverty, foster care and homeless.” The purpose of ASM is to teach tangible skills for use in high-level jobs and to keep kids in school. For example, in the animation program, children learn how to write, shoot films and use Final Cut, Adobe and other editing software. The Saturday event at ASM was an opportunity to give kids impacted by traumatic events,
like the earthquake in Haiti, a place that was serene, calm and beautiful in the neighborhood. Vaishali Desaia, a first-year law student, said the experience was surreal. She was accustomed to the well-groomed environment of UM, and there is a sharp contrast between the palm trees on campus and Little Haiti's train tracks. “It [was] like building a sanctuary, [around] madness,” Desaia said. Andrea Concepcion may be contacted at aconcepcion@ themiamihurricane.com.
LOG ON TO THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM TO VIEW A VIDEO OF THE LAW STUDENTS HARD AT WORK BY BRITTNEY BOMNIN AND LINDSAY BROWN.
Beginning Monday, Safe Spring Break Week by Pier 21, the William Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, kicks off at the UC Rock with food from Shorty’s barbecue, an automatic chair message, mechanical surf ride and Miami Vice “mocktails” for participants. “Safe Spring Break Week provides students with greater awareness about potential [and] common danger that could arise during their spring breaks, such as binge drinking, drug use, unsafe sex, identity theft, etc.,” said junior Meredith Reilly, a student involved with Pier 21. The week will include an 8 p.m. tailgate for the University of North Carolina basketball game on Tuesday, as well as a Friday pool party to raise awareness on how to make decisions over spring break that minimize risk. According to a 2006 poll of 644 participants by the American Medical Assocation, 83 percent of college-aged women reported increased drinking levels over spring
break, and 74 percent stated their sexual activity levels increased over their vacation period. “Girls especially have to be careful in all these exotic locations because American college girls certainly stick out,” Reilly said. “They become a target for so many hazards, especially when others can easily observe that they’ve been drinking.” The last scheduled event of Safe Spring Break Week is a showing of "The Hangover" next Sunday at 7 p.m. on the UC Green, co-sponsored by Canes Night Live. “The main message of [Safe Spring Break] is to remind students that safety and health don’t have to be compromised to ensure a fun break,” said sophomore Patrick Nealon, a student also involved with Pier 21. “The advice I would give to people would be to come out to the events- Pier 21 is putting on a lot of really cool activities.” Ramon Galiana may be contacted at rgaliana@themiamihurricane. com.
SAFE SPRING BREAK EVENTS Monday: Mocktails and Shorty’s barbecue at the Rock Tuesday: UNC basketball tailgate, 7p.m. BankUnited Center Wednesday: Guest speaker Erica Upshaw, 7 p.m. LC 130 Thursday: Foam party, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hecht/ Stanford bridge Friday: Pool party, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the UC pool LOG ON TO THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM TO VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE FOR SAFE SPRING BREAK WEEK. March 1 - March 3, 2010
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NEWS BRIEFS ENN TO BE TESTED
On Wednesday, the university will be conducting a test activation of the Emergency Notification Network (ENN) between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Outdoor sirens will be utilized as part of the drill. The test will mark the first use of the system since last semester, when a series of incidents
involving armed suspects on the Coral Gables campus rattled the UM community. The Miller School of Medicine and the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science campuses will not be affected by this test. The UM Police Department urges students to check their personal contact information on myUM to ensure all test messages are received.
SHALALA SPEAKS ON PEACE CORPS
President Shalala will address the university community Tuesday at Storer Auditorium about her experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer. This month, UM was placed 15th in the annual national rankings of top Peace Corps volunteer-producing schools.
News briefs compiled by Ramon Galiana who may be contacted at rgaliana@themiamihurricane.com.
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SLEEP FROM PAGE 1 At noon, all the participants took part in a memory exercise that required them to remember faces and then link them with names. They also took part in another memory exercise at 6 p.m. after 20 participants had napped for 100 minutes during the break. Those who didn’t take a nap performed 10 percent worse than those who did. Additionally, they were able to negate the natural decline in learning that happens between noon and 6 p.m. This seems to suggest that a period of non-dreaming, or non-REM dreaming, helped boost the memory of the participants. “I regularly [nap],” Bosakowski said. “I read somewhere that it has good effects on the body. I feel fresh, instead of
the usual after-lunch grogginess, so I’m better with anything.” But during midterms, sleep is not the only regular habit that gets discarded for more study time. Eating right and exercise routines also suffer. “Home-cooked and carefully nutritionally thought-out meals turn into Taco Bell runs. And my daily workouts become less daily. It’s awful,” Bosakowski said. Forgoing a healthy lifestyle and going for junk food, coffee and energy drinks can have negative side effects on the body and can also undermine all your study efforts. “Healthy behaviors during midterms and finals help maintain the energy levels necessary to support studying and paperwriting efforts,” said Ashley Falcon, the
better to go for quality than for quantity. Coffee and energy drinks can give you a burst of energy, but these bursts are short-lived and sometimes too powerful to allow the student to concentrate. This results in a peaks-and-valleys cycle that prevents the student from producing quality work. “The question is what outcome do you want?” Falcon said. “If it’s the best chance at getting good grades, then the way to achieve the goal is not to take shortcuts of convenience, but to take care of yourself so that you’re able to do the best you can without any barriers in your way.”
assistant director of wellness education at the Wellness Center. “They also keep stress levels at bay and keep us healthy, which allow us to focus on the tasks at hand without feeling overwhelmed or burned out.” Skipping out on healthy habits like sleep, food and exercise often results in stress and being unable to concentrate and making simple mistakes. “Current research shows that if you sit down to study shortly after a brief, moderately intense cardiovascular workout, your brain is primed to absorb and retain more of what you study than if you didn’t take the time to exercise,” Falcon said. Research shows that when studying for exams or writing term papers, it’s
Lila Albizu may be contacted at lalbizu@ themiamihurricane.com.
Wrapping up Black Awareness Month in style
MICHAEL DUNCAN // The Miami Hurricane
MICHAEL DUNCAN // The Miami Hurricane
STRUT YOUR STUFF: Senior Tia Dawkins-Hendricks (left), sophomore Rochelle Bradley (right) and sophomore Terry Walker (far right) participate in the Black Awareness Month (B.A.M.) fashion show to celebrate the end of a month of events dedicated to black history awareness. This year’s fashion show took place on the U.C. Rock last Friday and showcases designers around Miami. “[The month-long festivities are about] letting the campus know we’re here,” junior psychology major and B.A.M. chair, Courtney Cross-Johnson told The Miami Hurricane. “You don’t have to be black to celebrate with us.”
March 1 - March 3, 2010
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OPINION What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
MEREDITH REILLY Junior “I went on a zip-line in Alaska that was 1,300 feet down a mountain!”
RACHEL DEHAYES Senior “I got locked in a bathroom and didn’t think anyone would find me!”
ISA LLANES Junior “I jumped off a 130-foot cliff into a lake!”
JAMAL JONES Senior “Acting up in grade school and having my teachers call my parents.” Speak Up answers are edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy. compiled by Kyli Singh
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- Kristina Lacayo, Contributing Columnist
STAFF EDITORIAL
speak
UP!
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It is discouraging to have such a large group of foreign talent and not allow them to put their knowledge into practice.
for the 11th hour. Instead of following the inclination to sacrifice sleep and daily jogs, remember that naps and exercise will actually revolutionize your study routine and allow your brain to learn more. Even a power nap can recharge your batteries and help commit those flash cards to longterm memory. Exercising has to be more appealing than spending the day in Richter and is proven to increase your levels of serotonin, which boost focus and memory. If climbing away on a Stairmaster is unthinkable during crunch time, then adjusting eating habits is a change that requires no time or effort. Instead of downing that seventh Red Bull, have a
M
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Chelsea Matiash
Vitamin Water “Energy,” which is loaded with Vitamin C and just enough caffeine to avoid withdrawal symptoms. During a midnight run to the C-Store, pass the Doritos and donuts and make your way to the healthy sections. Protein and fiber-rich foods improve focus and provide sustainable energy without a sugar crash. Making healthier changes is about going back to the basics. Taking naps, eating healthy and exercising may seem unthinkable at 3 a.m., but if you incorporate these changes in advance, your GPA will appreciate it. Editorials represent the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial staff.
is discouraging to have such a large group of foreign talent and not allow them to put their knowledge into practice. Other students also mentioned that most of the employers at the event were concentrated in the areas of engineering and business, thus leaving out another large portion of students. With everyone competing to get that desired summer internship or that dream job, many students left with a bitter taste in their mouths, along with low hopes. For the next Career Expo, recruit more employers that are willing to hire international students and that come from a variety of different fields. Perhaps even hold separate events altogether- one for internships and one for jobs. One last suggestion would be to make the event on the weekend; many students could not attend because it interfered with their classes. Kristina Lacayo is a sophomore majoring in public relations and international studies. She may be contacted at klacayo@themiamihurricane.com.
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March 1 - March 3, 2010
BUSINESS MANAGER Jessica Jurick
MANAGING EDITOR Christina De Nicola
WEBMASTER Brian Schlansky COPY CHIEF Laura Edwins
ART DIRECTOR Felipe Lobon
COPY EDITORS Amanda Gomez Alexa Lopez Kyli Singh
NEWS EDITOR Ramon Galiana PHOTO EDITOR Brittney Bomnin
ADVERTISING EDITOR Emma Cason-Pratt
SPORTS EDITOR Justin Antweil
PUBLIC RELATIONS Jacob Crows
EDGE EDITOR Danielle Kaslow
ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANT Maria Jamed
OPINION EDITOR Ed S. Fishman ONLINE EDITOR Megan Terilli ASST. NEWS EDITORS Lila Albizu Nina Ruggiero ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Calvin Cestari
ACCOUNT REPS Shoshana Gottesman Misha Mayeur Katie Norwood Brian Schuman Jack Whaley GRADUATE ASSISTANT Nick Maslow
ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Steven Stuts DESIGNERS Allison Goodman Demi Rafuls
Career Expo leaves some out any students felt left out of this semester’s Career Expo held at the BankUnited Center last Thursday. General Electric Co., American Express, Morgan Stanley and others eagerly awaited prepared students KRISTINA LACAYO and University of Miami CONTRIBUTING alumni. COLUMNIST Feedback from international students, however, was not positive. Some did not even attend the event because, upon visiting the employers list online, they found that the companies which actually accepted international students with student visas were scarce. Those that did have a chance to talk to employers found that some were unprepared for the students and simply referred them to their company’s Web site. UM prides itself in being diverse by welcoming students from all around the globe. It
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Not so sleepless nights Caffeine and all-nighters just seem natural to many students during midterms. It enables us to stay awake for the maximum time possible the day before an exam. There are, however, healthier and more effective alternatives to sleep deprivation and caffeine injection. A few simple changes would make many of these crammers’ lives more enjoyable. The first option is to start studying earlier, but this advice is not applicable to everyone. For most people, tests are now only a few days away. Even so, the lure of procrastination is overwhelmingly appealing when dates for exams are a month away. So for those of you who need a little pressure to inspire studying, here are a few tips
The Miami
FINANCIAL ADVISER Robert DuBord FACULTY ADVISER Bob Radziewicz
©2010 University of Miami The Miami Hurricane is published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business office of The Hurricane are located in the Norman A. Whitten University Center, Room 221. LETTER POLICY The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten (please make your handwriting legible) to the Whitten University Center, Room 221, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-6922. Letters, with a suggested length of 300 words, must be signed and include a copy of your student ID card, phone number and year in school. ADVERTISING POLICY The Miami Hurricane’s business office is located at 1306 Stanford Drive, Norman A. Whitten University Center, Room 221B, Coral Gables, FL 33124-6922. The Miami Hurricane is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed free of charge on the Coral Gables campus, the School of Medicine and at several off-campus locations. DEADLINES All ads must be received, cash with copy, in The Miami Hurricane business office, Whitten University Center, Room 221B, by noon Tuesday for Thursday’s issue and by noon Friday for the Monday issue. SUBSCRIPTIONS The Miami Hurricane is available for subscription at the rate of $50 per year. AFFILIATIONS The Miami Hurricane is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Columbia Scholastic Press Assoc. and Florida College Press Assoc.
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The hand U.S. had in Haiti n a recent piece in The Miami Hurricane, (published Monday, Jan. 25) Anthony Wojtkowiak argued that the United States should instruct the International Monetary Fund to forADAM BIRDRIDNELL give Haiti’s crushing CONTRIBUTING debt. On this tactical COLUMNIST question, I agree. As U.S. citizens, however, perhaps we can think of some other options open to us. Surely, we are obligated to at least understand why Haiti, the beneficiary of the most U.S. intervention in the 20th century, remains the poorest country in the West. Woodrow Wilson first invaded Haiti with Marines in 1915, killing thousands, disbanding the parliament and passing a U.S. written constitution allowing for foreign ownership of land and resources. Our troops finally withdrew in 1934, leaving in its place a vicious National Guard that would receive direct U.S. training and funding throughout the two brutal Duvalier dictatorships (both supported by the United States) from 1957 to 1986. In 1990, Jean-Bertrand Aristide be-
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came Haiti’s first democratically-elected president, beating the U.S.-supported former World Bank official Marc Bazin. The government was overthrown in a military coup a year later, and though Aristide was later returned to office by the United States, it was on the condition that he would continue the economic program of Bazin. Predictably, previously self-sufficient farmers were driven into urban slums to work for starvation wages and end up killed by the earthquake that would later tear through their primitive shantytowns. Finally in 2004, Aristide was, as he put it, “kidnapped” by U.S. Marines at gunpoint and has since been prohibited from returning to his country. How much of this policy and its results are our responsibility? Luckily for us, our responsibility has not been in forming, or even ratifying, such policies but we are guilty if we do not work to affect these policies in the future. So, what do we do now? Anyone who wishes to discuss it, or would like evidence for the above historical assertions, please e-mail me. Adam Bird-Ridnell is a sophomore majoring in history and philosophy. He may be contacted at abirdridnell@themiamihurricane.com.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR I’m a grad student at the University of Miami and I want to explore some of the changes that I have noticed in the gym in the last decade. I’m no intellectual, but it seems to me that professional athletes and the hip-hop culture are ever more pervasive and influential. Are 50 Cent videos that inspiring? I hear people talking about PX-90 in the gym, which to me sounds like some high-performance oil that you put in a racing car, while they’re downing proteinfueled shakes with names like “Beast” and “Hercules.” Or, they are doing dips with weights draped around the waist, which look like some Gothic chastity belt. Is it our muscles or our brains that are supposed to “grow” in the academic environment? Is it healthy to play chemist with our bodies? Also, the outfits, or costumes, vary from something out of Key West to a fully decked out Armour wear suit with matching faces that look like they are going to combat. We’ll skip over the manly men shaving their chests and legs, the bicep mirror flex-offs and comparing tattoos, because these are all signs of someone screaming for attention.
Whatever happened to allowing your crush to wonder what you look like without clothes? I’m no stranger to the gym, but I’m confident that even some of the chicks can bench more than me and some of the chicos can lift up the side of a house. What do you do with all that strength? I would welcome the opportunity to make a video of keg tossing and alligator wrestling in the Everglades. This is purely speculation, but it would not surprise me if surgery is on the rise from doing too many weight-bearing exercises, e.g. shoulder surgery. As for me, yes, I too have been influenced by societal norms: I have gained 10 pounds, but it’s all gone to my stomach. Anyway, before you power flex in front of the mirror or spend multiple hours in the gym, remember the university is a place where we should all grow, but not just physically. One must exercise their mind, body and soul. In the words of our beloved dance hall artist, Buju Banton, vanity is the destruction of the soul. Max Castillo is a MBA student in International Business and Marketing. He may be contacted at mcastillo@themiamihurricane.com.
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Love fashion and photography? Check out the Edward Steichen “In High Fashion, the Conde Nast Years” exhibit at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art through April 11. Admission is free with college ID.
Chatroulette the newest internet craze: speed dating gone BY NICOLE ADLMAN CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
We have all been through different online phases: middle school to early high school was the MySpace era and freshmen year of college was defined by Facebook friends. Now, the bandwagon is beginning to lean toward Twitter, the epitome of the text-meets-web phenomenon. But the latest innovation is Chatroulette.com (chatrt. com, for short), a site still in its early stages but growing by the second. It takes impersonality to a new level by allowing users to video chat with thousands of strangers in a manner similar to speed dating, but with a higher probability of being virtually flashed by a forty-year-old man. Intrigued? This is the Web site you visit if lonely, bored or even if you just need a laugh. It’s a game of chance; at any given moment you could be face to face with a prepubescent boy, a middleaged mom or even celebrity blogger Perez Hilton. A great
thing about Chatroulette is that you never know who you can come into contact with. The element of surprise is one of its strengths. The site’s creator, Andrey Ternovskiy, was only 17 when he launched Chatroulette, which may explain the site’s relative immaturity. At first, he created the site as an online excursion for his friends across the globe, but it has become a trailblazer right out of the teenager’s home in Moscow. The Web page itself is pleasantly basic. Two video screens, positioned one on top of the other, are the basis for this web phenomenon. The top bar of the screen shows three buttons, “play,” “report” and “stop.” Unlike other social networking sites that may take a user some practice to get the hang of, Chatroulette is self-explanatory. You can play to chat, report if harassed and hit stop to exit this surrealistic user-meets-world domain. As always, there is a downside: perverts and volatile chatters, for one. The conversations usually don’t get more in-depth than “hey,” “what’s up?” and “take your shirt off.” This site is about minute-to-minute connections. There is potential for long-term correspondence, but most people are seeking a “just-for-now” interaction. They laugh, wave and then swiftly click to get to the next person awaiting an unfamiliar face.
viral
It’s a risk because time spent forging superficial friendships on Chatroulette is time wasted in “real” life where relationships are meaningful and don’t get lost in internet translation. Also, while there is a listed “Terms of Service” statement, the program is so new that the guidelines for use are not readily employed. The rule stating “you have to be at least 16 years old to use our service” is ineffective- who’s to stop a 13 year old on their parent’s laptop from joining the roulette romp? Another rule, “Chatroulette does not tolerate broadcasting obscene, offending, pornographic material and we will have to block users who violate these rules from using our service” is just as fallacious- if someone’s going to flash you, they’re going to flash you. And if it happens fast enough, you might not have time to report the online aggressor. While fun for now, most people may favor personal connections with friends, family and significant others, people they can come into physical contact with, not just anonymous faces that hit “next” before you can get to know them. Nicole Adlman may be contacted at nadlman@themiamihurricane.com.
GRAPHIC BY ALLISON GOODMAN
March 1 - March 3, 2010
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Refined bbq with a flair ART MUSIC MIX MINGLE LOWEdown LOWEdown HAPPY HOUR Thursday, March 4, 2010, 7-9 PM Contemporary Cuban Art at the Lowe! Featuring a tour of the current exhibition Cuba Avant-Garde. Enjoy Cuban pastries with beverages by PAMA and Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. $10 Admission; Free for Lowe Members 5,000 Years of World Art 1301 Stanford Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 www.lowemuseum.org 305.284.3535 Lowe Art Museum exhibitions and programs are sponsored in part by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and with the support of the City of Coral Gables.
CAYLA NIMMO // The Miami Hurricane
FINGER LICKIN’: Freshman Anna Mak eats nacho onion rings loaded with pork, cheese and jalapenos at Smoke’t which recently opened on U.S. 1. BY CAMRON GHORBI STAFF EDGE WRITER
When JJ’s American Diner vacated its spot on U.S. 1 this past fall, the police raids and mediocre food that defined the restaurant became a part of Coral Gables and UM history. In its place, the staff at Town Kitchen and Bar, a local Gables favorite, decided to try its hand at barbecue by opening Smoke’t Southern Kitchen and Tap, and the results are both southern and scrumptious. Smoke’t fuses creativity with southern culture in a menu that boasts intriguing appetizers and an outstanding beer list. Some of the highlights include “Redneck Rolls,” BBQ-themed sushi (beef brisket, smoked catfish, etc.) that comes prepared with dipping sauce (spicy rather than soy) and chopsticks. Onion ring nachos, loaded with pulled pork, melted cheese and jalapenos, are another wild and delicious invention. While the side dishes and appetizers ooze creativity and flavor, the entrée options are much more standard affairs. Racks of Kansas City-style wet ribs and St. Louis spare ribs highlight the pit barbecue menu and typical options like pulled pork and bris10
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ket line the sandwich menu. For those looking to eat healthy, the aptly named “Ruffage” menu has a surprising variety of salads. While the prices are a bit high, both the service and the quality of food make a trip to Smoke’t well worth it. Camron Ghorbi may be contacted at cghorbi@ themiamihurricane.com.
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SMOKE’T SOUTHERN KITCHEN AND TAP
WHERE: 1450 S. Dixie Hwy. LUNCH: Mon.-Sun.: 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. DINNER: Sun.-Tues.: 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Wed.-Sat.: 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. PRICE: Lunch: $10-$20, Dinner: $15-25
March 1 - March 3, 2010
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2
number of seniors that were honored Sunday afternoon during the women’s basketball game
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combined number of strikeouts between junior studs Eric Erickson and Chris Hernandez this weekend
BASEBALL
Despite a series victory, Miami struggles Canes improve to 5-1 BY CAMRON GHORBI CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER
A baseball team visiting from the frigid northeast opened its season in Coral Gables for the second consecutive weekend, and just like their predecessors, the Jaspers of Manhattan College flew home unhappy with both the weather and results. In a chilly weekend affair, the 10th-ranked Miami Hurricanes won their second consecutive series, taking two out of three games and improving to 5-1 on the young season. Junior lefty Eric Erickson set the tone for Miami with a quality start in Friday’s series opener, notching nine strikeouts over six solid innings in a 7-3 win. Two costly pitches, both of which sailed over the outfield fences for Jasper home runs, prevented Erickson from earning the win upon his departure. “I wanted to leave him in there in the sixth inning because I thought he pitched well enough to earn the win,” head coach Jim Morris said. The Hurricanes’ offense floundered in support of its ace, finally breaking the tie in the seventh inning. Freshman Michael Broad, earning his career start as a Hurricane, ended the deadlock with a bases-loaded single. The Fort Lauderdale native recorded the first hit of his Hurricane career earlier in the game on an RBI triple. “It was a great feeling,” Broad said of his first hit. “If you hit the ball hard, you’ll find your way into this lineup.” Atoning for their unimpressive performance from the previous night, the Hurricane offense came out scorching hot in an 18-1 win on Saturday. After a five-run first inning, the Canes continued to crush Jasper pitching until the very end, posting a combined 12 runs in the final three innings. Junior catcher Yasmani Grandal led the charge for the Canes, recording five RBI in his best offensive showing of the season. The Canes were aided by a whopping six Jasper errors. Junior lefthander Chris Hernandez displayed the dominant repertoire that earned him All-American honors as a freshman, posting seven innings of work that resulted in his first win of the season. The Miami native baffled Jasper hitters with his combination of signature cut fastball and off-speed repertoire,
STEVEN STUTS // Assistant Photo Editor
HE’S SAFE!: Sophomore Nathan Melendres dives safely into third base on Friday night. The Hurricanes won their second series in a row against the Jaspers of Manhattan to open the 2010 baseball season and improved their record to 5-1. finishing the night with only three hits allowed and nine strikeouts. “It pays off when you work hard all week and everything is on,” Hernandez said. “The cutter was definitely working, but everything was landing for strikes.” Hurricane senior pitcher Jason Santana was unable to keep the momentum going on Sunday, surrendering nine hits and six earned runs in a disappointing 12-to-7 loss. 2009 M.A.A.C Pitcher of the Year Mike Gazzola was equally as unimpressive for the Jaspers, allowing seven earned runs in five innings of work. The Jaspers, however, used a seven-run fourth inning to build a lead they would not relinquish. The Hurricanes staged a comeback in the middle innings as home runs from senior second baseman Scott Lawson and sophomore catcher David Villasuso cut the seven run
deficit down to two. The Canes’ bullpen was unable to stop the bleeding, however, as the Jaspers tacked on three runs in the seventh. Despite the series victory, Morris was unhappy with his team’s performance on Sunday. “You have to sweep at home. You can split series on the road, but you sweep at home,” Morris said. “Anytime you score seven runs, you have to win.” The Hurricanes have a midweek visit to battle the Bulls of South Florida and an exhibition against the Florida Marlins before a weekend blockbuster against the in-state rival and No. 5 Florida Gators. As always, all Hurricane baseball games can be heard on WVUM 90.5 The Voice. Camron Ghorbi may be contacted at cghorbi@ themiamihurricane.com March 1 - March 3, 2010
SERIES RECAP Friday: Canes win 7-3 Eric Erickson records nine strikeouts and Michael Broad goes 2-for-3 with two RBI
Saturday: Canes win 18-1 Chris Hernandez records nine strikeouts in seven innings of work Manhattan commits six errors
Sunday: Manhattan wins 12-7 Manhattan scores seven times in the fourth inning Miami uses seven pitchers THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
Canes blow another second half lead Focus turns to possible NIT bid BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER
Just when the Miami Hurricanes were playing their best ACC basketball of the season, their hopes of a NCAA Tournament came crashing down Saturday. The Canes (18-10, 4-10) had another nine-point lead at home and again they squandered it, this time losing to N.C. State (16-13, 4-10), 7166. The Canes have lost three of their last four games and continue to struggle in the ACC. This season, the Hurricanes have blown second half leads to Boston College, Duke, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and now N.C. State. “It’s a tough loss for us,”
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head coach Frank Haith said. “We didn’t come out with the type of energy we needed today.” The Canes are tied at the bottom of the ACC in wins with North Carolina, a team they will face tomorrow, and N.C. State, the team who just outscored the Canes 9-3 in the final 1:10 Saturday. Chances at a NCAA Tournament berth now come down to Miami having an unbelievable run in the ACC Tournament. The Canes virtually have to win the conference championship to get the automatic bid for the tournament. No team higher than a six seed in the ACC Tournament has ever won the conference championship. Miami had a chance of attaining a better seed but they were unable to hold on against N.C. State. The Hurricanes’
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nine-point lead was evaporated to two points in 71 seconds. “They hit two big shots and we had three missed blockouts on the free-throw line that really hurt us,” Haith said. The Canes shot 47 percent from the floor and made six of 19 three-pointers but the Wolf Pack shot 51 percent and hit four of seven three-pointers. The Wolf Pack was also more assertive than the Hurricanes to get to the charity stripe. N.C. State had 31 free throws; Miami had 16. “It’s been a mystery all year to me,” Haith said. “We’ve got the best driving team we’ve had in a long time. I think Durand Scott does as good a job [driving] as there is in the league, and we have a post guy like Dwayne Collins.” Collins led Miami with 15 points and Scott added 13 points in 37 minutes of action.
March 1 - March 3, 2010
Miami held a 63-62 lead after Scott knocked down two free throws. Without making a single shot from the floor in the final 1:32, the Wolf Pack won the game from the free throw line. N.C. State made 9 of 10 free throws and the Hurricanes kept missing shots on the other end of the court. Again Haith pointed out to the free throw disparity. “I don’t know what we’re not doing to get to the line,” said Haith, whose team didn’t attempt a free throw in the first half. With the NCAA Tournament shot fading, the Hurricanes will focus on an NIT bid. Miami may need to win one more game to solidify their berth in that tournament. Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at lledoux@themiamihurricane.
LINDSAY BROWN // The Miami Hurricane
GAME OVER: Sophomore Julian Gamble waits for another N.C. State free throw.
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RACQUETBALL CLUB
Tournament attracts talent
JESSICA HODDER // The Miami Hurricane
ON FIRE: Number two racquetball player in the world, Rhonda Rajsich (left), plays Jo Shattuck (right) ranked ninth in the finals of the womens’ pro open.
Players from across the state compete BY ERNESTO SUAREZ CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER
On a normal day, the racquetball courts at the Wellness Center attract casual players looking for a good game. This past weekend, though, visitors got to watch some of the best there is to offer. The University of Miami Racquetball Club hosted the 11th annual Great Balls of Fire tournament at the Wellness Center this past weekend. For three days, the sounds of sneakers squeaking, fans cheering and balls pummeling the glass doors of the courts took over the lobby. The tournament welcomed 115 participants from all over Florida and parts of Arizona, Colorado and Virginia. These players ranged from collegiate athletes from UM and the University of Florida to some of the top female athletes in the sport participating under the Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO). Alain Pujolar, the president of the UM Racquetball Club, is currently the No. 1 collegiate player in Florida under the United States Racquetball Association. “I love the sport; I love promoting the sport and teaching other people how to play,” he said. “When I was asked to become president, I thought it would be a great way of me showing back my love of the sport to other people.” The Racquetball Club currently has 25 members and is comprised of undergraduates and graduate students, as well as some staff members. They practice in the Wellness
Center every Wednesday and Thursday. David Lukens, a freshman on the squad, participated in the tournament for the first time. “I’ve learned a lot about the game,” he said. “It’s amazing how fast-paced it gets with some of the pros that you get in these tournaments.” The Wellness Center’s esteemed racquetball courts are what help to make this tournament so popular. “It’s one of my favorite spots to play,” says Rhonda Rajsich, currently the No. 2-ranked player on the WPRO circuit and winner of the WPRO division of the tournament. “It’s in Miami, the facilities are great and the tournament is out in the open where anyone walking inside can come over and watch.” Lynne Olvey, the tournament director and backbone of the Racquetball Club, first started the tournament as a way to get a racquetball community started at UM where high quality courts are easily accessible. The first tournament in 2000 attracted 80 people and has grown ever since. “I love being able to host the tournament here,” she said. “This club has the nicest courts anywhere; it’s fun being able to be here and help develop the club while at the same time making money for charity.” Every year, the tournament donates a portion of its profits to a charity of its choice. This year, the club will donate to Camp Kesem Miami, an affiliate of Camp Kesem National, a nonprofit project that assists children whose parents either have or had suffered from cancer. Ernesto Suarez may be contacted at esuarez@ themiamihurricane.com. March 1 - March 3, 2010
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Watch the game at the Rat Tailgating doesn’t have to be outside BY BROOKE BURGSTAHLER CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER
The best place to watch University of Miami football games is also your favorite place to grab a bite to eat between classes. The Rathskeller, UM’s hot spot and campus landmark, has been hosting UM tailgates or watch parties for several away football games and basketball games. The Rathskeller Advisory Board (RAB), which operates under Hurricane Productions, hosts these tailgates completely free of charge, said tailgate chair Ali Levenson. “There’s always plenty of free food and we often play games that involve winning a ton of free giveaways,” Levenson said. Sophomore Kristen Chuber, who has attended the Rat’s tailgates in the past, said the tailgates are the next best thing to watching the real game. “When you think about a game
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you think of fried food, beer and guys yelling, and the Rat delivers the full experience,” Chuber said. According to Rat employee Christine Ira, the crowd at the Rat during the tailgates is usually only Hurricane fans. “When you come here, it’s all green and orange, and the energy is so much more heightened,” Ira said. Tailgate regulars have described the events as watching a game with 300 of your closest friends. “For Miami games, it’s awesome to be with a bunch of people your own age,” said one regular, senior Zach Burkowski. The spirit and adoration for the Hurricanes is one thing that brings students to the Rat for tailgates, but the setup isn’t too bad either. “You don’t ever get to watch a game on a 200-inch pull-down screen unless it’s at the Rat,” Burkowski said. Check out the next tailgate at the Rat featuring UM’s men’s basketball versus UNC March 2 at 7 p.m. hosted by RAB, Category 5 and Pier 21. Brooke Burgstahler may be contacted at bburgstahler@themiamihurricane.com.
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March 1 - March 3, 2010
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Dear V: I’m afraid my wiggle might not work with out that jiggle.... Dear Fat Folds Five, , Dear V, I am having a problem. I’ve been dating this girl for two years. We are very happy together and the sex is great. The problem I’m having is that my girlfriend, who previously weighed 300 pounds, is going on a diet. I love her, her personality and really love having sex with her fat folds. I especially like watching her jiggle as she orgasms. Since she started her diet she has been losing a lot of weight, but now she is losing the delicious folds that always used to pleasure me. I’m losing sexual interest in her. Am I a bad person? Should I give up on my relationship, or should I just stay in the relationship despite my lack of sexual interest? Fat Folds Five
I must say your question is a first, but as always I’m happy to help with your worries. I would definitely not suggest giving up on this relationship. While you say the sex is great, I’m sure other parts of relationship are also special if you’ve been going strong for two years. Don’t lose sight of the other things that you love about your girlfriend. It takes a lot of courage to go on a diet and stick with it, and if you really love her, you should be proud that she’s changing her lifestyle to better herself as a person. Although the effects of this weight loss might be bringing down your libido, you should try to support her in her endeavors. As for the heart of the matter, the longer this dieting continues, the more it seems your sexual interest continues to dwindle. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, you’ve just gotten used to a certain way of getting off and now may have to try something new. While
dear ... it sounds as though these folds rubbed you the right way, I’m sure there are other things you can try that may be equally as pleasureful. There may also be many new positions you could try now that your lady is feeling lighter. Don’t abandon ship yet. I can’t imagine these folds were the only thing keeping you around for the past few years. Relationships and sex lives are tough, but I have faith you two will find new ways to have fun together. As she loses weight her confidence will grow, something that can be even sexier than that jiggle you onced loved. Best, V Have a question for V? Hit up DearV@themiamihurricane. com.
GOT AN ACHY, BREAKY HEART? WRITE TO DEARV@THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM FOR ADVICE.
Large home for rent near UM campus 5 bedroom / 4.5 bath Plenty of parking $3,900 per month Levine Realty Inc. Jack H. Levine 305-665-6645
BARTENDERS WANTED! UP TO $250 A DAY NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Training Provided. Age 18+ OK 800-965-6520 ext 166 March 1 - March 3, 2010
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DEAR V
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