The Miami Hurricane -- March 12, 2009

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THE MIAMI HURRICANE

NEWS

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The Miami

HURRICANE Founded 1929 An Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame Newspaper NEWSROOM: 305-284-2016 BUSINESS OFFICE: 305-284-4401 FAX: 305-284-4404 For advertising rates call 305-284-4401 or fax 305-284-4404.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Matthew Bunch

BUSINESS MANAGER Nick Maslow

FACULTY ADVISER Bob Radziewicz

FINANCIAL ADVISER Robert DuBord

NEWS EDITOR Chelsea Kate Isaacs

OPINION EDITOR Joshua W. Newman

SPORTS EDITOR Pravin Patel

EDGE EDITOR Hilary Saunders

ART DIRECTOR Shayna Blumenthal

PHOTO EDITOR Chelsea M. Matiash

WEBMASTER Brian Schlansky

COPY CHIEF Nate Harris

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Lauren Whiddon Daniel Bull

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Erika Capek Ed S. Fishman

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Christina De Nicola

ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANT Maria Jamed

DESIGNERS Felipe Lobon Laura Patricelli

PUBLIC RELATIONS Jacob Crows

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Tanya Thompson

PRODUCTION MANAGER Jessica Jurick

ASSISTANT WEBMASTER Shayna Blumenthal

ACCOUNT REPS Nico Ciletti Brian Schuman Elliot Warsof Katie Norwood Carolyn Babbitt

COPY EDITOR Sarah B. Pilchick

©2009 University of Miami

Vice president for student affairs recognized for ‘extraordinary service’ University of Miami Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia A. Whitely has been recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators with their ‘Pillars of the Profession’ award, recognizing individuals who are noted for their

extraordinary service to colleagues and students.

Whitely is one of 13 administrators recognized by the professional organization for student affairs administration. The NASPA has given this award annually since 1999. She serves as a member of the NASPA Journal editorial board.

Whitely is the second administrator from the university to receive the award. Long-serving vice president William R. Butler was recognized by the NASPA in 2001.

Whitely has served in her current role since 1997, after taking over for Butler after his 35 years of service in the role. A $2,000 dollar donation will be made to the NASPA Foundation in Whitely’s name.

Whitely received her bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and her doctorate in higher education from the University of Miami.

– Matthew Bunch

Check out what’s exclusively available at TheMiamiHurricane.com.

Find out about a collaboration between the National Parks Service and School of Communication students from Hunter Smith.

Learn more about a School of Education program offering temporary teaching certificates to non-Education majors from Maggie DeBarberie.

PATRICIA A. WHITELY

The Miami Hurricane will resume publication on March 26. Visit TheMiamiHurricane.com for stories throughout the break, including breaking news.

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.

Follow Miami’s performance in the ACC Tournament and their possible selection to the NCAA Tournament from Corey Erb at blogs.TheMiamiHurricane.com.

‘THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES’ PERFORMED ON THE ROCK LOVING YOURSELF: Actresses Marissa Zerbo and Remy Liverman, who performed in The Vagina Monologues last night on the UC Rock, sit beside the heart-like vagina. The Vagina Monologues performance is a part of many events in honor of Woman’s History Month. The Vagina Monologues will be perfomed again tonight, Thursday, at 8 p.m. on the Rock.

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.

MEGAN TERILLI // Hurricane Staff

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 mystery of Eaton’s ‘Beezer’ uncovered Group provides rallying point

BY MORGAN MILLER CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Two students wandering through the Eaton lobby at 1 a.m. stop to read a message scrawled on a dry-erase board. The message, promoting a petition that has already gained nearly 90 signatures, is signed simply “Beezer.”

Further down the lob lobby hangs a poster recognizingg the Eaton Sportsfest teams. A Among these teams are two with tthe Beezer label.

It has even be become an Eaton hall theme. An uninformed visitor walking by d door after door of Beezer placards rds is forced to question: “What iis this Beezer?” ” “Beezerr is a movement,” nt,” said Brian Lemmerman, mm merman, a fifth-year h ar architecture sstudent and the spikyikyhaired president dent of a group gain gaining rapid campus us reco recognition. ““It is an organization dedicated ated tto the health, welfare, and entertainment ment m of Eaton residents.”

The main offices of this unofficial organization are located tted in Eaton rooms 239 and 240, which hi h also serve as the living iving quarters for its executive board. rd. d. Besides Lem-

merman, whose lifelong nickname provides the group’s title, the board consists senior Michael DeSanti ists of senio and Gion and nd sophomores Logan Lo Stephen Manley.

Ste Beezer Although Beeze ze has succeedrallying point for ed d in p providingg a ra Eaton aton on stu students, ents iit did not begin with any clear-cut intentions. According ording to members, member it all started while VH1’s “I Want to ile watching V Work rk for Diddy.” recalled saying, DeSanti re “Screw Screw Diddy! I want to work for Beezer!” zer!” And from there the suitemates tes began scheming. schem “We’ve had a ffew people make appointments intments wit with Beezer,” said Gion,, whose desk desk, situated in the centerr of room 239, 23 boasts a handwritten n sign rea reading “Secretary Logan.” “We did movie rentals for awhile, but that was short-lived.”

Such “mock ventures” as movov ie rentals, a choreography branch, ch, larger and $5 haircuts are part of a larg rg concept of entrepreneurship.

DeSanti, an entrepreneurship and music business major, stron strongly enterprise. believes in creative enterprise e “The poor economy is no not an excuse. You have to find something ng to take a risk on,” he said. goals: Yet Beezer has larger goals s the organization is also undertak-ing serious Eaton and campuswide initiatives that are currently being put ut into effect.

As president of Emerging Green Builders at UM, Lemmerman is deeply interested in promoting and enacting programs of sustainability.

The aforementioned petition, located in the Eaton lobby, pertains to the FRESH Act, a Beezer proposal “facilitating the restoration of environmentally sustainable housing.”

“Soon, FRESH Act will be in every dorm,” Lemmerman said.

Goals of the FRESH Act include the opening of emergency eexit doors and dorm room windows in Eaton. d According to Lemmerman, opening the permanently closed open en windows and fire-exits will save wind d money mone e on central air-conditioning provide a healthier environand pro ment forr students.

“Beezer “Beez ez represents how it is possible to o change university poljust take the time and icy if you ju DeSanti said. “Beezer initiative,” D name,” DeSanti said. is a brand n something people stand be“It is som ome They know they can trust it hind. d. Th because of what we have accombec plished so far.”

Morgan Miller may be contacted at mmiller@themiamihurricane.com.

WHO IS BEEZER?

CHELSEA MATIASH // Photo Editor

THIS IS BEEZER: Brian Lemmerman, the organization’s president, believes that Beezer is a positive student movement.

CHELSEA MATIASH // Photo Editor

BEEZERS: The group’s executive board comprises, from left to right, Steve Manley, executive general manager; Jennifer Pernas, choreographer; Brian Lemmerman, Beezer; Michael de Santi, CEO; Sarah Siegel, choreographer; Logan Gion, executive secretary; and Naomi Ross, first lady of Beezer.

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Miami students with disabilities overcome myriad challenges

School of Education adds new ‘human social development’ major Aims to promote well-being

BY MAGGIE DEBARBERIE CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TANYA THOMPSON // Hurricane Staff

STUDY SESSION: Joanna Slochowski and Lee Fredette prepare for an upcoming behavioral statistics test in the Academic Resource Center.

Some dance, play sports

BY ASHLEIGH MAYNARD CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Zipping around campus in his power wheelchair, Roque V. Cespedes, a senior, has a goal and a gameplan.

University of Miami students such as Cespedes, 22, have taken on the challenges that face college students with disabilities.

Cespedes has cerebral palsy, which is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain during pregnancy, birth or early childhood. But driven to succeed, Cespedes has overcome his mobility challenges and will be graduating in May with a double major in meteorology and applied mathematics.

Cespedes has been accepted to the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) and plans to work on his graduate thesis with Brian Soden,an associate professor of marine and atmospheric science, 4

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studying how climate change might affect the weather.

Wheelchair rugby and sit-waterskiing are just a few of senior Lee Fredette’s favorite activities.

Injured at 19, Fredette, now 26, recalls that he was “all about sports” before his neck was broken while dirt-biking an allegedly “booby-trapped” trail through a neighborhood near his home.

After hitting a pile of leaves concealing a stack of bricks, he flew over the handlebars of his bike, breaking his neck.

After a 10-hour surgery and two years of physical therapy, Fredette began to play sports again – in his manual wheelchair.

“Through the sports, I met a lot of people in wheelchairs who were going through the same thing I was,” says Fredette.

For Joanna Slochowski, a senior, quitting dance has never been an option – even after a massive stroke left her hemi-paralyzed.

After Slochowski, 25, finished her freshman year at UM with severe sinusitis, Slochowski checked into a hospital for a simple sinus-clearing surgery. Slochowski was revived four times after an anesthesiologist made an

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extubation mistake that caused fluid to enter her lungs, causing lung and heart damage in addition to the stroke.

After being told that she would never walk again, she began an intense physical and occupational therapy regimen, which she still continues today.

Before her accident, Slochowski danced with a Jewish Community Center troupe, Hemshech, and traveled as far as Mexico, Brazil and Israel to perform.

As Slochowski gradually began to dance again, she also returned to classes at UM. She will be graduating in May with a major in Judaic studies and minors in elementary education, psychology, and dance.

For Cespedes, Fredette and Slochowski, success has been made easier with help from family, friends, and UM’s Office of Disability Services, which currently provides services for over 550 students who have registered on campus as having a disability.

Ashleigh Maynard may be contacted at amaynard@themiamihurricane. com.

March 12 - 26, 2009

This semester the School of Education added a new major to its Department of Psychological and Educational Studies: human and social development.

Ora Prilleltensky and Stephanie Schmitz, both of whom are lecturers of Educational and Psychological Studies in the School of Education, co-chaired the effort to found the new major. Prilleltensky, now the major coordinator, said that human and social development was created to meet an important community need.

“When we talk about human and social development in psychology, we talk about how people develop over their lifespan – cognitively, socially, emotionally and so on,” Prilleltensky said.

“The focus of our major is how to emphasize lifespan human development as it unfolds in families, neighborhoods, communities, and how to promote healthy development and well-being at those levels.”

In addition to heading the creation of this new major, Prilleltensky also co-teaches a required foundational course with Isaac Prilleltensky, the dean of the School of Education. The course, EPS 201, Psychosocial Change and Well-Being, teaches students about the nature and concept of well-being.

“Well-being is that sense of not just surviving, but thriving,” Prilleltensky said. “It’s the sense

of being satisfied and fulfilled with one’s life.”

Shawn Post, associate dean of the School of Education, believes this major will help students make a difference beyond college. According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, a reference about occupations with information compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human services is one of the fastest growing fields.

“It’s going to help students interested in working with nonprofits, social services, and counseling tracks,” Post said. “We want students to understand how they can be effective agents of change.”

Human and social development has received support not only from Post, but from other members of the university community as well. Despite being introduced to the curriculum only two months ago, everyone from students and faculty all the way up to university administration has expressed interest. This positive feedback has Prilleltensky excited for the future.

“We really feel that we are highly supported going forward in this,” Prilleltensky said. “This is like a project and it’s going to evolve. I’m just looking forward to the journey.”

Anyone interested in learning more about human and social development should contact Robin Shane, the director of Undergraduate Academic Services at the School of Education.

Maggie DeBarberie may be contacted at mdebarberie@themiamihurricane. com.

The Miami Hurricane will resume publication on March 26. Visit TheMiamiHurricane.com for stories throughout the break, including breaking news.

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UMPD creates fan page on Facebook Seeks contact with UM attendees

BY DIANA ESCOBAR CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami Police Department wants you to as their fan – on Facebook.

You see them around campus making sure we don’t run stop signs and giving out tickets when we feel the need for speed, but what about Facebook?

The UMPD is online now and is looking for fans on Facebook.

“That’s hilarious,” Michelle Quesada said. “ I guess they gave into the craze.

I feel like you can literally find anyone on this thing.”

Over 500 police departments got on board the Facebook Train. Crime prevention officer John Pepper said the main reason for opening this group is because they saw that many other police departments are on the network and it seems like an easy way to keep in touch. It is also a way to see how the community will respond.

Because the UMPD did not want to be held responsible for any content found on profiles that may be on their friends list, they decided to have fans instead of friends.

“I am a fan of the commencement group online because I am graduating this year, and I feel like it keeps me in touch with what is going on, but I am not sure I would add the UMPD,” Stephanie Cerevino said.

Many students feel that if there is an important message that needs to get around, the e-mails and text messages are more efficient.

The group had 41 fans at the time of publication.

“Most of our fans are actually outside of the university,” Officer John Pepper said.

The UMPD is also on MySpace and would like to know how the UM community feels. Students and faculty can express their ideas through a wall post or by calling the department at 305-284-6666.

Diana Escobar may be contacted at descobar@ themiamihurricane.com.

Step to leadership: Business course gives students ‘hands-on experiences’ Students created coloring book

BY JOI BOTTINO CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Imagine that one of your first collegelevel assignments was to create a coloring book for elementary school children.

Last fall, the School of Business added the Management 100 Course, also known as Freshman Integrity, Responsibility and Success through Teamwork (FIRST) Step, to its curriculum. The course, which is a semester long and required for all freshmen, is designed to expose students to business ethical principles, teamwork and the challenges that organizations face.

FIRST Step was developed as a way to create “esprit de corps among our new freshmen while at the same time helping them understand concepts associated with social responsibility, ethics, and social entrepreneurialism by exposing them to top educators throughout the university community, and by giving them handson experiences applying concepts to community engagement projects,” said Linda Neider, vice dean of the School of Education, a professor of management and former department chair in the School of Business.

Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) was just one of the many organizations involved in the project. Their mission is to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.

The students were assigned to develop bilingual coloring books to teach financial literacy and hurricane preparedness to elementary school-aged children.

The students designed a double-sided coloring book that read in English and Spanish. Members of the team created a cartoon character of a female child going through the step-by-step procedure to prepare for a hurricane.

“I had to make sure everybody had a task to complete. If they weren’t the artists, or actually making the coloring book, then they were looking up distribution networks, costs, and finding sponsors,” Kenden Pettit, a senior teacher’s assistant who worked with the program last semester, said.

Three-hundred-sixty freshmen met with local nonprofit organizations to

structure their participation in 33 projects.

They formed teams of approximately 10 students, participating in activities such as branding, social entrepreneurship and improving business plans. Also, students will attend lectures, analyze case studies, and develop multi-media presentations on ethics and ethical decision-making in the business environment.

The class is a reformed version of the former one credit University of Miami Experience (UMX) course that most colleges require for first year students to educate them about campus resources and involvement, majors and minors within the school, and help them to prepare their resumes. It has now expanded to a three-credit course, incorporating a major community service project.

“MGT 100 really taught us all how to develop team-building skills. It also gave me leadership experience, as I served as a guide to the freshman,” said Laura Brill, a senior and teacher’s assistant who worked with the program.

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COURTESY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Joi Bottino may be contacted at jbottino@ themiamihurricane.com.

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Some students cancel trips to Mexico due to violence alerts Vacationers often targeted south of the border

BY ELLE HEBEL CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Students traveling to Mexico for spring break may put themselves in danger if they don’t take necessary safety precautions.

On Feb. 20, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert to U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico. In the past year, violence in the country has increased significantly, especially acts perpetrated by drug cartels in cities along the U.S. border. In 2004, 16-year-old Ashley Lynn Diniger, a Florida native, was driving back to the U.S. with friends when four Mexicans ran her friend’s minivan

off the road and then shot her and her friend in the head.

In addition to high violence and crime rates in Mexico, there are many incidents of kidnapping and sexual assault. Most of the cases remain unsolved and only about 20 percent of criminals are actually apprehended. Travelers should give their itinerary to family and friends, avoid traveling alone or in dangerous neighborhoods at night, and valuables should be kept safe or not brought at all.

Due to the travel alert and safety issues, many students at the University of Miami have canceled their trips to Mexico for Spring Break. Sangeeta Kocharekar, a junior, is trying to decide whether she will still go to Acapulco even though her three friends canceled.

“I asked Mexicana Airline for a refund because of what was going on in Mexico and they said no,” Kocharekar said. “If I do still go, I might just stay in the hotel and try not to go out.”

Students who still decide to

travel to Mexico’s hot spots (such as Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Matamoros, Rocky Point and Tijuana) should make sure they register with the U.S. Embassy on the State Department’s travel registration Web site. This will allow the government to be able to assist them if anything were to happen.

They should also make sure to periodically check for updates in travel alerts and warnings.

“I’m definitely going to be eyes-open to situations around me and I plan on registering with the embassy,” said junior Diana Escobar, who still plans on going to Cozumel for spring break. “At first I wasn’t afraid because the people I’m going with are Mexican, but I wasn’t aware of how serious it actually was.”

Even though this year there will be fewer students traveling to Mexico, it has always been a popular place to visit because it is warm and inexpensive and the drinking age is not strictly enforced. Students should keep in mind that alcohol is

involved in most arrests, sexual assaults, accidents and deaths involving spring breakers. Most students, however, will enjoy their trip and have no serious incidents if they stay aware of their surroundings and take some precautions. While

some schools blatantly asked their students to refrain from traveling to Mexico, UM has only issued a precautionary warning.

Elle Hebel may be contacted at ehebel@themiamihurricane.com.

Statements from the United States Department of State on travel risks throughout Mexico: ACAPULCO – Increased drug-related violence; shootings; kidnapping; rape CANCUN/COZUMEL – Crime at night; high sexual assault; property theft; undertow at beach CIUDAD JUAREZ – Highest risk; 1,800 deaths since January 2008; 17,000 car thefts; drug cartels; muggings MEXICO CITY – Drug trafficking gangs; narcotics; only travel during daytime TIJUANA - Don’t purchase prescription medicines; shootings; drugged drinks

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Phases and stages: ‘Bookworms’ atone for past partying Upperclassmen value studying more

BY CLAIRE WOLFORD CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

While college freshmen may pass the test for partying, many upperclassmen learn to strive for high marks in the classroom during what a distinct period that may be called the “bookworm” stage.

Some University of Miami students, such as junior Kate Cross, said that because of either external pressure or internal motivation, they find themselves dedicating more time to school work and less to going out as the undergraduate experience progresses.

“I definitely started studying more after my freshman year when I found a more appropriate balance between homework and partying,” Cross said. “However, it wasn’t until my junior year that I got involved in extracurriculars in order to help me when it was time to apply to internships.”

Another student, sophomore Andrew

Tips for balancing a social life with schoolwork Study during the week – leave weekends open for going out Schedule time for studying and set time goals – help yourself be more productive Get enough sleep and develop a healthy routine PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TANYA THOMPSON //Asst. Photo Editor

STUDIOUS: Jorge Rego carries books in the stacks of Richter Library.

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Murphy, found that during freshmen year it was easy to balance studying and partying.

“First semester, this year, I’ve had to balance the two much more,” he said. “I would definitely say that the changes I’ve made to my study habits this year have helped me keep my academics quite whelming.”

Roderick C. Gillis, an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Psychology, said that general attitudes towards academics may influence a college student’s study habits.

“College students think they are learning for the teacher or their parents or for the people who will one day look at their grades for a job,” Gillis said. “They do not understand that they should be learning for themselves. They are on their own quest but don’t yet realize it.”

Claire Wolford may be contacted at cwolford@themiamihurricane.com.

To see more from our “Phases and Stages” series, visit TheMiamiHurricane.com and search “Phases and Stages.”

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PURIM CONCERT ROCKS UC PATIO JEWNIVERSITY OF MIAMI: “Dr. Laz and the Cure” perform on the UC Patio on Tuesday afternoon. They performed in conjunction with the Purim Festival on the UC Patio in celebration of the Jewish holiday Purim. The event was hosted by Chabad and attended by members of both Hillel and Chabad.

Purim, sometimes known as the Jewish version of Halloween due to the two sharing the tradition of wearing costumes, is a holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Persian Empire’s Jewish population from the threat of genocide.

STEVEN STUTS// Hurricane Staff

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opinion

“[Wade] captured the hearts of NBA analysts and fans all over the country.’”

Editorial

by austen gregerson

Spring break visitors making Grove life tough

Barack Obama is pioneering the iPod presidency

For some of us, the Grove is only blossoming in our hearts. But for others, particularly seniors, Coconut Grove is part of our home. The Grove is a two and – for others (see: alcoholics) – three time-per-week ordeal.

When’s the last time you waited on a line to get into Barracuda’s? What about Boardwalk, for Pete’s sake? Swarms of Gotti brother look-alikes from up north have overrun our neighborhood and bought out CVS and Walgreen’s for their entire supply of hair gel. We’re not going to stand for it.

We understand that in these tough economic times in South Florida, tourist dollars are more valuable than ever. It’s not that we want to shun potential visitors, it’s just that we have very few places to ourselves in this town. Coconut Grove is the closest thing many of us have to a real “college town” feel, and when snowbirds start cramping our style and our bars, it makes us a little...perturbed.

You might be curious as to what counter-measures might help in avoiding and/or destroying these “SB ‘09ers”.

Whoever said “it doesn’t hurt to try” was brilliant. If you encounter a line at Barracuda’s or Mr. Moe’s, stealthily head towards the front door. When the bouncer sticks his hand out, sympathize, empathize and realize that you’re part of the local crew. Tell him how much you hate these f-ing kids coming to your bars and that most of them are underage.

It is probable that you have friends of friends coming into town over the next few weeks, and by all means, show them the time of their lives. Show them how the Canes do it every day.

If you’re unfortunate enough to have to talk to one of these kids not visiting anyone, convince them that South Beach is better and that’s what spring break is really about. Whatever you have to do to get these kids out of our bars, do it.

So here we are, only 52 days into the 44th president’s tenure, and people are already quarreling about how to label President Obama.

Is he the next Lincoln or FDR? Can he squash the national deficit like Super Mario did to so many goombas? Those analogies will have to wait for another three to seven years to pan out, but I’ll do my best to perpetuate the madness and throw my hat into the ring. We may not be able to call him the Dollar Deity just yet, but there is one place President Obama has already firmly put his mark: the Internet.

Yes, where Obama has made the biggest impact so far is in how the proverbial “series of tubes!” (copyright Sen. Ted Stevens) has been put to use in the political world. He did not manage to demolish the previous record for private fundraising in a presidential election by going door to door and asking for handouts.

Instead, he and his campaign team utilized the practically virgin fields of mass e-mails and Web sites to get supporters to open up their checking accounts.

When comparing the dollar amounts

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that Obama raised with what Sen. John McCain did, it would seem as if McCain had used a telegraph to communicate with his supporters. Obama raised almost twice as much as McCain; meanwhile, the popular vote only went in Obama’s favor by seven percent. Now, whether Obama’s message of “Yes We Can” being superior to McCain’s “dotdash-dot-dot-dash” caused the fundraising disparity or not, it’s not hard to point to the Web as a major difference maker.

Candidates themselves aside, that kind of discrepancy is not so much a condemnation of McCain’s campaign as much as it is the sign of how powerful presidential spam can be.

Even after winning the election by making it rain in e-dollars, President Obama has shown no signs of giving up on the medium. Some of the other Internet ventures he has undertaken while in office include a complete overhauling of the WhiteHouse.gov, weekly presidential podcasts and even a YouTube page.

And while nobody plans on listening to Obama lecture us about fiscal responsibility while on the treadmill, his embracing of the Internet has done more for his legacy than any stimulus plan will.

cartoon by tiffany agam

Editorials represent the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board.

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– Matt Mullin, Contributing Columnist

March 12 - 26, 2009

But for those still clamoring to attach Obama to presidents of the past, there are two instances from which a parallel can be drawn. Both presidents John F. Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt revolutionized the political landscape in how they used the newest media venue available for their benefit. FDR did not gain as much support for his New Deal plans as he did by sending them through a telegraph. Instead, he used the radio to deliver his famous fireside chats to establish a more intimate relationship with the American public. Likewise, JFK was the first president to understand how pervasive television was in society. When he went up against Nixon in a debate, he and his handlers had the foresight to put makeup on for the television lights, leaving Nixon looking like a sweaty old man.

While being technologically savvy does not necessarily make you an instant success, it seems like those who have been progressing with the times have also shown a progressive attitude in the decision making necessary for their time.

Austen Gregerson is a freshman majoring in journalism. He may be contacted at agregerson@themiamihurricane.com.

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by matt mullin

Wade for MVP After this summer’s Olympic Games, many in the professional basketball community were touting Dwyane Wade as the best player in the world. I didn’t know how you could put him above LeBron James.

As I sat in my living room the other night, I became a witness.

No, not to King James, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard or even Chris Paul. I didn’t become a witness to any of the players constantly being talked about as this year’s Most Valuable Player, although I think that’s about to change.

In the closing seconds of the fourth quarter of a game against the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade launched a 3-point shot that tied the game and sent it into overtime.

After missing a lay-up that would have ended the game in overtime, it looked as though the game was slipping away from the Heat. Apparently I forgot just what D. Wade was capable of. With 11 seconds left on the clock and the game knotted at 127, the Bulls inbounded the ball to John Salmons.

Before he could put a potential gamewinning shot up, Salmons had it stolen by Wade (a la Allen Iverson in his younger days), who took it the length of the floor and hit a running 3-point shot to win the game.

“This is my house!”

Wade stood on the scorer’s table and yelled to the standing crowd, officially crowning himself king of what can now be called “Wade County.”

Not only did Wade further cement himself in the hearts of every Heat fan who had the pleasure of watching the greatest regular season NBA game in the last 10 years, but he also captured the hearts of NBA analysts and fans all over the country.

His numbers are obviously staggering, but what has gotten him the most acclaim from writers and others around the league is that he has done more with less around him than anyone else in the league. If you were to take Kobe away from the Lakers they would still be a playoff team. The same goes for LeBron, especially in the much easier east. Everyone in the country saw what happened to the Heat without Wade last year.

Matt Mullin is a senior majoring in journalism and creative writing. He may be contacted at mmullin@themiamihurricane.com.

speak

UP!

In light of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, finish this sentence: Kiss me, I’m...

MICHELLE WACHT Junior “...awesome!”

MIKE DIAZ Junior “...a Lambda Chi.”

MATT HALL Alumnus “...no longer a woman.”

BRANDON GROSS Senior “...desperate.”

Speak Up answers are edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy.

compiled by JOE ALTIERI

March 12 - 26, 2009

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Miami International Film Festival Cosford Cinema Screenings March 12 - 15 $7 for students

Your newest spring break destinations Your guide to making the most out of the Sunshine State

BY LAUREN SHEPHERD CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

Busch Gardens is a popular tourist destination in Tampa Bay, featuring in-park dining, tours, rss, animal exhibits and a variety of rides. Among the rides offered are Gwazi, the southeast’s largestt and fastest double wooden roller coaster, and SheiKra, Florida’s tallest roller coaster. Animal attractions range from the Bird Gardens and Rhino Rally to a walking tour featuring hippos, hyenas, meerkats, vultures and a Nile crocodile. A Latin festival, Viva La Musica, takes place every Sunday in March with Grammy and Latin Grammy-award winning acts performing.

For students who want to spend spring break traveling to different theme parks, a multi-park pass may be the best decision. Multi-park passes include unlimited admission s on to the desired parks si for up to 14 days, with the least expensive option at $89.95, combiningg Se Sea World in Orlando and ea Worl Busch Gardens. Single day admission to Busch Gardens can be purchased online for $59.95, and includes a second visit for free.

Busch Gardens will be open from 9 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. ffor o or the weekends of March 14-15 and March 21-22, and hours ffor or March 16-20 are from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Lauren Shepherd may be contacted at lshepherd@themiamihurricane. com.

BY DANIELLE KASLOW STAFF EDGE WRITER

Only an hour outside of Coral Gables, Key Largo is hailed for its magnificent coral reefs located only a few miles offshore. Beneath its clear blue waters, many interesting sights can be found. The Key Largo Undersea Park is home to the world’s only underwater hotel, Jules’ Undersea Lodge. Visitors can also spend the day at the park, diving and snorkeling in the lagoon and learning about the marine research done at the MarineLab underwater education habitat. Key Largo is home to other interesting sights, such as the Caribbean Shipwreck Museum, Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. For those Bogart and Hepburn fans, the vessel used in filming The African Queen may be viewed and offers rides to tourists. End the day at the Caribbean Club Bar, the only Florida Keys location where filming for the movie Key Largo took place. Sit on their outdoor patio and enjoy a cold beverage while listening to local talent and recount the day’s adventures in Key Largo.

BY CAREY GOLDENBERG CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER CON N

Amelia Am me Island, just 45 minutes outside of Jacksonville, is hosting ng iits annual automotive charity event, Concours d’Elégance, d’Eléganc ce, aat the Ritz-Carlton during the first weekend of break.

The event is a weekend full of auctions and sspring sp ring bre eak a .T ccompetitions ompetitio on for rare vintage cars that have been restored mint to om int condition by their owners, with the purpose of supporting po p ortin charity organizations such as Community Hospice.

The cars compete for best in show as based on the exterior T appearance of the car, rather than the internal mechanics.

The cars are judged on quality of restoration, authenticity and style. Though many of the events for the weekend are expensive and exclusive to members, Concours also offers inexpensive activities and some that are open and free to the public. Prices range from free to $300. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org Carey Goldenberg may be contacted at cgoldernberg@ themiamihurricane.com.

BY ASHLEY TORRES CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

Experience the sparkling waters, decadent sands, and beautiful sunshine of the Bahamas – all on a college student’s budget aboard the Discovery Fun Day Cruise.

Departing at 7 a.m. and returning at 10 p.m. six days a week from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, the cruise offers a relaxing and fun experience that is perfect for a spring break getaway.

The cruise docks in Freeport, Bahamas, for three hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy a conch burger at one of the local restaurants and soak up some sun. Taxis transport passengers to Port Lucaya which offers shopping, restaurants and a beach.

Cruises start at $49.99 per person, plus a $20 port fee, and include breakfast and dinner buffets. Cabins are highly recommended to ensure comfort and privacy.

U.S. citizens can use an original birth certificate and va valid photo vali lid d ph p otto identification but beginning June 1 passports will be mandatory. ator at ory y.

For more information visit www.discoverycruiseline.com. om.

Ashley Torres may be contacted at atorres@themiamihurricane.com. om. m

Danielle Kaslow may be contacted at dkaslow@themiamihurricane.com.

March 12 - 26, 2009

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Does ‘Les Misérables’ refer to the musical or to the audience?

BY CAREY GOLDENBERG CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

A version of Les Misérables, the longest running Broadway musical of all time, has made its way to the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.

Based on the epic novel by Victor Hugo, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s musical intertwines the lives of several characters as they cope with issues of social justice, forgiveness and atonement during the French Revolution of 1832.

Because Les Mis’ score calls for firm acting and musical skills, it is a very difficult task to undertake, especially for a smaller theatre. Though some of the actors had prestigious credentials, the majority of the cast failed to adequately demonstrate their talents. Trent Blanton, who played Javert, Jean Valjean’s pursuer, had the musical chops for the role but he left this critic indifferent and bored by his failed attempt to portray Javert’s stub-

bornness and intimidating nature.

Christopher Hudson Myers and Nikka Wahl’s representation of Cosette and Marius’s love at first sight was less than convincing; though the characters’ instant attraction is a difficult task to pull off, their performance of “A Heart Full of Love” bordered on parody to such a degree that, at one point, the audience burst into laughter.

All things considered, the show had some perks, including director David Arisco’s castings of David Michael Felty as Valjean and Gwen Hollander as Eponine. Their voices were pleasing, and they displayed a genuine understanding of their characters’ intentions and motivations. However, the shining moments of the show were revealed in the scenes involving Gary Marachek and Margot Moreland as M. and Mme. Thénardier, with their contagious energy and hilarious chemistry as a pair.

Though the Actors’ Playhouse’s production of Les Misérables did little to woo

fans of the show, newcomers may still be courted by the story’s richness and the performers’ musicality.

Carey Goldenberg may be contacted at cgoldenberg@themiamihurricane.com.

If You Go What: Les Miserables When: March 4 - April 5 Wed. - Sat. 8 p.m.

Sat. - Sun. 2 p.m.

Where: Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre Cost: $15 for students on weeknights 15 minutes prior to show. $35-$48 otherwise.

The-Dream makes his mark as musician on ‘Love vs. Money’

BY LELAN LEDOUX CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

Grammy Award-winner The-Dream seems to be everywhere. He has written for artists like Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Usher in the past year and a half, and this past Tuesday, The-Dream released his second LP, Love vs. Money.

THE MIAMI HURRICANE: How did you come up with the name of your album?

THE-DREAM: Love vs. Money is just where I am now. It is indicative of what I believe in. There are two things that I need. One thing may be greater than the other. I have two songs on the album that I pose the question to myself, “Is it, do you wake up and do the things you do for the love of it or do you wake up to warrant a certain amount of money?”

TMH: How is this different from you last album, Love/Hate?

DREAM: This album is different from my last CD just based on the fact that it provides so many structures and so many breaks. It has different parts in any particular song. I think the first album I tried to keep it simple and didn’t move that much so people would just identify me as an artist. So this album is sonically better and, lyrically, it’s better in the content of what I’m talking about. There is a 16

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lot of personal stuff I talk about in there.

TMH: What is your favorite song on your album?

DREAM: My favorite song on the album is called “Fancy.” It is six min-

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

utes and thirty seconds long. In the old school, people would do a lot of records that would last over five minutes, but now I think we are in this digital era where it’s different. I think we need those six-min-

ute songs again. If you can do something for six minutes, it may incline someone to go buy your CD versus just listening to a three-minute song. So “Fancy” is my favorite song on this album, me and Mary J. Blige.

TMH: What’s one word that describes you Dream?

DREAM: That’s a good one. So many words. I have a lot of them. I would have to say greatness to describe me but that’s not saying that I am great. But that’s the word that I look to in order to do whatever it is I need to do. I just try to make sure I don’t do a half-assed job. I give it the most and everything. So when I say great, it’s not an ego thing. It’s not me being cocky. That’s the word I look to, if I feel like I’m not at the point where I should be.

TMH: Who is your idol?

DREAM: My mother and grandfather were my idols. At this particular point, they are everything I am. So everything I achieve and everything I have I wouldn’t be able to do it without those two individuals in my life.

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at lledoux@themiamihurricane.com.

March 12 - 26, 2009

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Award-winning ‘The Class’ looks at diversity in today’s France

BY SARAH B. PILCHICK OF THE STAFF

One of the most notable aspects of Entre les Murs (Between the Walls, or, as it was titled for its American release, The

Class) is the fact that there is no plot. There is no anticipation, climax, or even a real conclusion, just the start of the summer vacation. The Class, which won the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, is merely a look at the diverse inhabitants

of a Parisian classroom over the course of one school year in which one teacher is nearly driven to insanity.

The films sees its subjects – all of whom are real Parisians portraying slightly fictionalized versions of themselves –

through France’s equivalent of the eighth grade. The teacher, Mr. Marin (played by François Bégadeau, who wrote the novel the film was based on), quickly grows exasperated with his students, who represent each of France’s immigrant populations. Mr. Marin argues with his charges, speaks without thinking, and ultimately struggles to survive the year. The kids do not see themselves as French – rather, Moroccan, Caribbean, Malian and so on – and are resentful of the French identity they see as being forced upon them.

The Class may be a bit slow, but it proves that the challenges of adolescence and education are not just relegated to the United States. This film is at its best when it sticks to improvisation, not when it makes vague attempts to adhere to a storyline.

Sarah B. Pilchick may be contacted at sbpilchick@themiamihurricane.com.

3 out of 4 stars

CD REVIEW: ‘ALL I EVER WANTED’

Clarkson’s new album a return to form

BY SARAH B. PILCHICK OF THE STAFF

While Kelly Clarkson escaped the stigma of being crowned American Idol’s first winner, she still managed to create a successful solo career. All I Ever Wanted, released this past Tuesday, is a return to form for Clarkson.

Clarkson made her mark with 2004’s smash Breakaway (featuring her signature song “Since U Been Gone”) and attempted to destroy her public persona with 2007’s My December, an austere, thoughtful album that was decidedly not sanctioned by her handlers.

“My Life Would Suck Without You,” the first single off All I Ever Wanted, is a logical conclusion to “Since U Been Gone.” It is incredibly catchy and definitely the best song on the album.

“I Do Not Hook Up,” the album’s second single, fares a little worse than “My Life.” Co-written by Katy Perry and new Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, it simply lacks the spark that made previous singles so memorable. Likewise, “Long Shot” starts off strongly but becomes generic by the middle of the song.

What makes this album superior to My

December is that she combines introspection with the fun, catchy musical style that made her famous. It’s hard to see All I Ever Wanted producing as many hit singles as previous albums, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Sarah B. Pilchick may be contacted at sbpilchick@ themiamihurricane.com.

2.5 out of 4 stars

March 12 - 26, 2009

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SPORTS M A R . 1 2 TO M A R . 2 6 , 2 0 0 9

6 74 Rank of the UM women’s tennis and men’s baseball teams.

Number of points Virginia Tech’s Malcolm Delaney, Jeff Allen and A.D. Vassallo combined for in Virginia Tech’s regular season win over Miami, 88-83.

BASEBALL

BASEBALL

Canes pull off another comeback NCAA dreams at stake Canes face Hokies in first round of ACC tournament

BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

It will all be on the line for the No. 9-seed Miami Hurricanes at noon today, as they will face the No. 8-seed Virginia Tech in the first round of the ACC tournament in Atlanta, Ga., in an effort to keep their NCAA tournament dreams alive.

The last time Miami faced Virginia Tech, the Canes suffered a heartbreaker in overtime, losing 88-83.

“We did a really good job last time, in terms of execution, offensively,” Haith said. “We did not defend as well, and we have

to defend a lot better.”

Last year, Virginia Tech bounced Miami out in the second round. Currently, though, the Hokies ride a three-game skid into Atlanta and have dropped six of their last seven games.

The key for the Hurricanes is to stop the Hokies’ big three.

The trio of Malcolm Delaney, Jeff Allen and A.D. Vassallo combined for 74 of the 83 points for Virginia Tech’s win over the Hurricanes in their last meeting.

Today, Miami has to find a way to win. The season and a shot to return to the NCAA tournament is riding on this game.

“Obviously I want us to win and get to the NCAA tournament,” Haith said. “Four games have come down to the last possession. This time could be totally different, if the ball bounces our way.”

Justin Antweil may be contacted at jantweil@themiamihurricane.com.

STEVEN STUTS // Hurricane Staff

HURLING THE HEAT: Kyle Bellamy pitches against Pittsburgh at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field during the game last night. The Canes won the game by a score of 11-6.

No. 6 UM tops Pittsburgh, 11-6

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Call them the comeback kids.

For the third straight game, the sixth-ranked University of Miami baseball team erased a deficit and overpowered its opponent for a victory at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

Sophomore Yasmani Grandal and seniors Jonathan Weislow and Dave DiNatale each hit home runs for the Hurricanes (12-2) in an 11-6 win against Pittsburgh (44) last night.

After falling behind 6-0, Miami scored 11 unanswered runs in four consecutive innings, beginning in the fourth and including a six-run fifth.

Grandal, who was the designated hitter and brought home a team-high four RBIs, hit a basesclearing double in the fourth, which made the score 4-3. He later blasted a solo shot.

Weislow’s three-run moon shot over the Qdoba sign in left during the fifth gave the Hurricanes their first lead at 9-6. Since the Florida series when he collected five RBIs, Weislow’s average had dropped to .258.

“It feels great. We definitely came out flat today, though. It’d be nice if we didn’t have to come back every day to win,” he said.

Freshman starter Daniel Miranda (0-1) was knocked around for the second consecutive game and the bullpen continued its success with 6.1 scoreless innings as senior Jason Santana picked up his second win.

On Tuesday night, St. Joseph’s (1-8) took a 3-0 lead, but the Hurricanes came back with four runs and won 11-6.

Miami hosts Duke (9-4, 2-1) for a three-game series this weekend, starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

“My prediction before the season started was that Duke will have the best club they’ve ever had,” Morris said.

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at cdenicola@themiamihurricane. com.

ALEX BROADWELL // File Photo

SENIOR STAR: Jack McClinton backs down his defender at a game against Boston College earlier this season.

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BRIEFS NW 27th Ave.). Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase season tickets.

ROWING UM takes top Varsity 8 time The University of Miami rowing team opened up its season by taking the fastest Varsity 8 time in a tri-meet against the University of Rochester and Dowling College on Wednesday in Miami Beach.

Senior bow Marleena Eyre, seniors Laura Cordner and Rachael Sporko, sophomore coxswain Shira Kharraz, sophomores Monika Sajincic, Emily Wingrove and Sarah Medland, freshman stroke Frida Schneider and freshman Camilla Espana helped the team finish with a time of 6:52.06, ahead of Rochester’s 7:14.86 and Dowling’s 7:16.78.

Miami hosts the University of Connecticut today at 9 a.m.

FOOTBALL First open practice today Hurricane football’s first open practice of the spring will be held today at 6:30 p.m. at Traz Powell Stadium, located on the north campus of Miami-Dade College (11380

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SPORTS

BREAKDOWN: MIAMI VS. Duke MEN’S BASKETBALL

MIAMI Starting Pitching

Miami ace Chris Hernandez has an ERA above four, while David Gutierrez is 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA. Duke’s ace, Chris Manno, is 1-2 with a 6.19 ERA, while Andrew Wolcott is 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA and has recorded 21 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched.

Bullpen

This has been the strength of UM all season long. Stud closer Kyle Bellamy is the reigning ACC Pitcher of the Week, after he pitched 5.1 innings, struck out 12, allowed three hits and an unearned run. Alex Hassan is a dominant closer for Duke, with a 1.69 ERA.

Infield

Duke third baseman Ryan McCurdy is arguably the best defensive third baseman in the conference, while Ryan Jackson is the best shortstop. While the Canes do not possess a big power hitter like Duke’s 6’8”, 245 lb. first baseman Nate Freiman, Miami is a scrappy club that comes up with timely hits.

Catcher

Grandal has only committed one error thus far and is tied for the team lead in home runs (3) with Jason Hagerty, the backup catcher. Duke catcher Matt Williams has yet to commit an error this year and is second on the team in RBIs (12).

Outfield

The aforementioned Hassan leads the way for the Blue Devils defensively in right field, as he has not committed an error in his last 67 games, while Miami’s Dave DiNatale leads the team with a .364 batting average. The difference comes down to left field. Miami’s Jonathan Weislow has not been the same since his spectacular series against the Gators, while Duke’s Jeremy Gould leads Duke in doubles (7) and hits (22).

Coaching

No one is respected as much as Jim Morris. Morris has been pressing all the right buttons as a manager, knowing exactly when to send the runners and lay down the sacrifice bunt.

Duke head coach Sean McNally is in his fourth year and has improved the team’s win total each of this first three seasons (15 wins in ‘06, 29 wins ‘07, 37 wins ‘08).

Intangibles

Miami is 18-2 all-time against Duke and has won the last 18 times, since dropping the first two games. Duke beat Virginia Tech two out of three times last weekend to open up ACC play, while Miami swept the N.C. State Wolfpack in Coral Gables.

Honorary awards dispensed Senior guard Jack McClinton was one of two basketball players that received the Weaver-James-Corrigan Honorary Award. It recognizes individuals that intend to compete at the Olympics or professional level for their outstanding performance in both athletic competition and the classroom.

The Weaver-James-Corrigan Award is named in honor of the late Jim Weaver and Bob James, as well as Gene Corrigan, all former ACC commissioners.

Seniors Britta Boesing (women’s swimming & diving), Corynn Carino (women’s soccer) and Nene Kamate (women’s track & field) are recipients of the WeaverJames-Corrigan and Jim and Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarships. These $5,000 scholarships are awarded to studentathletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree.

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WOMEN’S TENNIS

Noles blanked by Hurricanes

Follow all the action from the ACC tournament in Atlanta with Corey Erb and “Corey’s Stories” at blogs.themiamihurricane.com

ALEX BROADWELL // Hurricane Staff

GRITTY: Michaela Kisell returns the ball at the tennis match yesterday afternoon.

No. 24 FSU can’t get a point at UM

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

For the fifth time this season, the University of Miami women’s tennis team personified perfection on the scoreboard.

Its latest victim: rival and No. 24 Florida State, who fell victim to the sixth-ranked Hurricanes, 7-0, Wednesday afternoon at the Neil Schiff Center.

After splitting a pair of conference matches against top 10 opponents this past weekend, Miami (13-3, 3-1) won all six singles matches and took the doubles point by winning two-of-three

against the Seminoles (7-4, 0-2).

“They came out and beat an exceptional team, and looking at the scores, especially at one and two, to be able to come out and just take them out like that in straight sets says a lot about the top of our lineup,” head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said. “Overall it was a bit of a statement match and we’ve kind of turned the corner coming into matches dominating.”

Sophomore Julia Cohen, fresh off upsets of two top-five singles players, including Clemson’s top-ranked Ani Mijacika, continued her hot streak with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory.

“It’s really exciting because going into this match I knew Miami lost to them twice last year,” said Cohen, who transferred from Florida and is the ACC Women’s

Tennis Player of the Week. “I’m focusing better than my opponent and understanding my game better. Paige helped me out a lot.”

Miami hosts three noon matches next week, starting with No. 28 Arkansas (6-3) on Wednesday, No. 17 North Carolina (114, 2-0) Friday and third-ranked Duke (10-1) Sunday.

“They’re three great teams and that’s kind of Miami’s style, Miami’s mentality: to get us ready for ACCs and get us ready for NCAAs,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. “I like to not just play tough matches, but play tough matches pretty close to one another so the kids are tough and ready to play backto-back matches come May.” Christina De Nicola may be contacted at cdenicola@themiamihurricane. com.

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Just because I’m an atheist doesn’t mean I’m amoral

, Recently I came out as an atheist, and feel very alone. My parents keep telling me how disappointed they are that I am going to hell, and many of my friends and family have distanced themselves from me.

I wish I could keep pretending that I believe in God, but over the years I have realized that I can’t. One of my former friends even told me that they hate me because they hate atheists since they have no morality! I am a good person; I am a vegetarian, I help people, I pay my taxes. I’ve come to realize that being an atheist is like being gay; people are nice

Tea cup Yorkie puppy for adoption.

If you are interested, please email davidpeter4190@ hotmail.com

to you until they find out. This is supposed to be a secular campus but there’s no SpectrUM for me. How can I cope? Is there anywhere I can go for acceptance?

-Feeling Alone Dear Alone, Religion is the ongoing struggle to figure out whose imaginary friend is cooler. But your issue is that you don’t have an imaginary friend!

People resort to religion for a number of reasons: to give themselves a source of motivation in life, to make sense of their surroundings, or to seek acceptance within a community

of common beliefs. It seems like you’ve accomplished the first two things, but as an atheist, the third part can be tricky.

If the world were full of Vs, beliefs wouldn’t define people.

The fact of the matter is that everyone disagrees on at least something. However, we live in a world full of interracial and interfaith relationships. Looks like they’re making it work.

Unfortunately, not everyone possesses this spirit of tolerance.

I am not sure where you found your friends, but they don’t sound like very good friends. As far as you’re concerned, you’re still the same person as you were

dear ...

before you “came out.” That being said, ask yourself why you felt it was necessary to make an official renouncement of your beliefs in God. Do you think that it defines you as a person? If it does, does renouncing a belief in God heighten your belief in yourself as the high power? Furthermore, if this is the case, you should accept yourself for who you are and what you believe in.

Then others will follow.

There is no atheist organization on campus that I am aware of, but you could always start one! All the steps and application information for starting a new student organization can

be found on UM’s Web site. You can also look into the Atheists of Florida.

They have a chapter in North Miami.

It might be shocking to the people closest to you that you have changed your religion, but being a person who takes pride in their own beliefs (and starts a student organization) is nothing to be ashamed of.

Best of luck!

-V Have a question for V? Hit up DearV@themiamihurricane.com.

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