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THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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pagetwo what’s online?
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FILE PHOTO, JOSIE HUFFMAN, 2005
Check out the following stories exclusively on the all-new TheMiamiHurricane.com.
Emergency notice test Thursday
Gandhi Day Saturday
After the Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007, the University of Miami began conducting emergency notification tests to ensure student and faculty safety. This Thursday beginning at 12:15 p.m., a test will take place to make sure notifications are received through multiple mediums, including voice messages to cell, home and office phones, text messages, e-mail messages, emergency notification sirens and public address and loudspeaker messages in some residence hall and other buildings. Remember, this is only a test.
Meet hundreds of students this Saturday and participate in an event that more than 50 college campuses take part in. The National Gandhi Day of Service 2008 will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will offer free breakfast, t-shirts and lunch. After morning entertainment and keynote speakers, volunteers will serve community agencies from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. First held in 2003, this day started with a small group of volunteers and has grown to several hundred in the last few years. Last year, more than 700 UM students volunteered.
Student to appear on Jeopardy!
UM prof questions Earth’s age
Miami senior Max House Johansen will appear on the syndicated game show “Jeopardy!” Monday night. Johansen, a biochemistry and economics major, is a regular on UMTV’s “Off the Wire.” “Jeopardy!,” now in its 25th season, is a trivia game show where contestants provide the questions to answers given by famed host Alex Trebek. “Jeopardy!” can be seen on Miami’s ABC affiliate, WPLG Local 10, at 7:30 p.m.
A paper by University of Miami professor Dr. Peter Swart suggests that records of Earth’s history and conclusions about changes in carbon reservoirs will need to be reassessed. For the last 4.5 billion years, controversy has surrounded the precise timing of the origin of life on Earth. Time is largely indicated by the amount of organic carbon produced by biological activity of the ratio of the less abundant isotope of carbon, 13C, to the more abundant isotope, 12C. However, Swart’s work states the 13C/12C ratio is unrelated to the global change and that records related to carbonate platforms are not good recorders of the ratio in open oceans. “As a consequence of our findings, changes in 13C/12C records need to be reevaluated, conclusions regarding changes in the reservoirs of carbon will have to be reassessed and some of the widely-held ideas regarding the elevation of CO2 during specific periods of the Earth’s geological history have to be adjusted,” Swart said.
Find out why Kanye West got in trouble last week and more in the entertainment round-up Get the latest in fashion at
ON THE TRAIL
UM with Danielle Kaslow’s Fashion 4Word
On Friday, Alaskan lawmakers voted to subpoena Sarah Palin’s husband as part of an investigation dealing with Palin’s firing of her public safety commissioner, Wait Monegan. Palin is facing allegations that she fired Wait Monegan after he refused to end Mike Wooten’s service as a police trooper. Wooten is Palin’s ex-brother-in-law. Palin reported that she fired Monegan over budget issues. Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden recently released tax returns revealing that he is the poorest active senator. In 2006, Biden earned $320,000; over half of U.S. senators are millionaires. Information from CNN.com
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out the extended and full versions of all these stories online!
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©2008 University of Miami
EDITOR IN CHIEF Matthew Bunch
NEWS EDITOR Chelsea Kate Isaacs
OPINION EDITOR Joshua W. Newman
WEBMASTER Brian Schlansky
AD EDITOR Will Wooten
BUSINESS MANAGER Nick Maslow
ASST. NEWS EDITOR Erika Capek Edward Fishman
VISUALS EDITOR Shayna Blumenthal PHOTO EDITOR Chelsea Matiash ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Steve Root DESIGNERS Felipe Lobon
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Ryan Ondriezek Lauren Whiddon
PUBLICIST Shay Klevay
FINANCIAL ADVISER Robert DuBord FACULTY ADVISER Bob Radziewicz
SPORTS EDITOR Pravin Patel ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Christina De Nicola
ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANT Maria Jamed
EDGE EDITOR Dan Buyanovsky
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COPY CHIEF Nate Harris EDITOR AT LARGE Greg Linch
September 15 - 17, 2008
ACCOUNT REPS Nico Ciletti Ally Day Jessica Jurick Caroline Mauriello Brian Schuman
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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Student bikes from Illinois Students, university remember Sept. 11 Candlelight vigil a tradition BY MATT STARK CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
TANYA THOMPSON // Hurricane Staff
LONG HAUL: Freshman Jamshed Jehangir rode over 1,400 miles from Illinois to Coral Gables to start the academic year. He says it helped him prepare for what college would bring.
Freshman rides over 1,400 miles BY KIERSTEN SCHMIDT CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
Booking airfare and loading up cars are common ways for incoming freshmen to get themselves to college for the first time. However, for freshman Jamshed Jehangir, a bicycle and a backpack were the only necessities for his trip to the University of Miami. Jehangir, known by friends as “JJ,” biked from his home in Downers Grove, Ill. to the Coral Gables campus – a 1,450-mile journey that took him 17 days. “I was trying to find an adventure,” said Jehangir, who is majoring in studio music and jazz. “If you have an opportunity like that, you take it.”
Jehangir, who began bicycling this summer, prepared for the long journey by taking a 400-mile trip to visit family in Michigan and by participating in a week-long fundraiser in Colorado. It was his mother who suggested the trip to Miami after Jehangir asked if he could bicycle to visit family in Tennessee. “People ask how I got here and they don’t believe it,” he said. “They think it’s awesome, but they don’t understand it.” For Jehnagir, his trip wasn’t about the publicity. He didn’t tell anyone about it before he left, and, once he arrived on campus, he told only a roommate and one other friend. Jehangir said he wanted to make the journey as much “for himself ” as possible, for his own growth and exploration. Once he got to campus, he welcomed the company of friends.
“It’s nice to be around a lot of people after that,” he said. “It was almost a relief to get here.” While the trip got lonely, he met several people along the way aside from the relatives he stayed with. In Kentucky, he stayed with the son of Sonny Weedman, who built Chicago’s former Weedman Park, which is now the site of Wrigley Field in Chicago. “That’s what traveling is all about,” Jehangir said. “Getting to know different people.” Jehangir said he believes his biking journey to the university made his college experience more fulfilling. “It made [starting college] a lot more comfortable,” he said. “After that, you’re really not scared of anything.” Kiersten Schmidt may be contacted at kschmidt@ themiamihurricane.com.
Students gathered in the University Center Lower Lounge on Thursday night to remember the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. Organized by the Department of Student Affairs, the “9-11-01 We Remember Candlelight Vigil” has been held annually since the day of the attacks. Guest speakers focused on the importance of remembering our fallen citizens, the tragic loss of life and the value of freedom and peace. “Seven years ago today, we all remember where we were and what we were doing when we found out,” said Student Government president Brandon Gross to over 200 students, faculty and staff in attendance. “We always will remember, and we always should remember.” Evelina Galang, associate professor in the Department of English, delivered an essay reflecting her thoughts and experiences. “Since 9/11, I have been trying not to take people for granted,” she said. “It was not easy, but it was my lesson to learn.” Galang encouraged everyone to try to learn from the attacks. “What can you, in your own personal way, do to make sure the lives lost that day were not lost in
vain?” she said. Also speaking was Chaplain Joe Lortie, who delivered a prayer for all those who lost their lives in the attacks and for the soldiers who are now fighting around the world. Chaplain Lortie also prayed for peace. Towards the end of the service, H. Bert Gonzalez, from the office of city commissioner Marc Sarnoff, presented a plaque to Student Affairs on behalf of the City of Miami. The commendation recognizes the department and the university for upholding their tradition of honoring the victims of Sept. 11 every year. Following a dramatic video presentation produced by Nathalia Gillot, a professor at MiamiDade College, and a few concluding words by Gross, candles lit up one by one around the room as students quietly filtered out. “No matter how many years go by, it’s always so sad to relive the moment,” senior Scott Joseph said. Sophomore Emmanuel Berchmans is glad that the university maintains its tradition of holding this annual memorial service. “It’s good to see that we’re remembering what we felt after that moment,” he said. “We should continue that spirit and carry on that memory not just today, but every day of the year.” Matt Stark may be contacted at mstark@themiamihurricane.com.
TORI KICHLER // Hurricane Staff
COMFORT: Freshman Katie Carrol, right, is hugged by senior Shajena Erazo at the Sept. 11 remembrance vigil Thursday.
September 15 - 17, 2008
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Spotted on Site featuring GRAHAM OSBERG Q. So, why the wings?
A.
Because I am tired of everyone looking at me, analyzing me, and judging me so I decided to give them something to really look at, and besides I am in love with Disney.
Q.
How many pairs of wings do you own?
A.
Six.
Q.
Do you wear them everyday?
A.
Of course!
TANYA THOMPSON // Hurricane Staff
Q.
You’ve been here for a while haven’t you?
A.
Yeah, technically I’ve graduated twice from UM – once with a Bachelors of Science in microbiology and the second time with a Bachelors of Arts in Theater Arts.
Q. A.
Tell me something interesting about yourself beyond your wings?
Well, i’m going to med school.
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Congressional challenge Writer speaks to students Competitive race in UM’s district
Pulitzer- winner Will discusses current political climate
BY EDWARD FISHMAN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Democrat Annette Taddeo and Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will compete for the congressional seat for Florida’s 18th district, which includes the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus. Taddeo, founder and CEO of the language translations company LanguageSpeak, said that when she was a college student she endured economic obstacles that she believes many college students can relate to. “When I graduated [from college], we were also going through a recession and had a very difficult job market,” said Taddeo, who graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1992. “That is why I started my own business; it was impossible to get a job.” She is running on a multi-dimensional platform based on her business experience with which she hopes to beat the 19-year incumbent, Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Taddeo said she wants small businesses to receive more governmental contracts, tax incentives and loans. For the overall economy, Taddeo sees clean energy as a source of revitalization. She wants to invest more money in alternative energy, including solar, wind and ocean turbine power, which Taddeo believes is in contrast to Ros-Lehtinen. “I hope that people really clean out Washington,” she said. “That’s what I’m trying to do, running against [Ros-Lehtinen], a 19-year incumbent – someone that has stood with oil and gas every step of the way.” Taddeo added that she sympathizes with the financial woes of college students. “Student loans have been a huge burden on students. We have not done enough
BY CHELSEA KATE ISAACS NEWS EDITOR
Keeping track of this year’s dramatic presidential campaign trail may seem difficult at times. To help inform young voters in the University of Miami community, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George F. Will was invited to speak at the BankUnited Center Wednesday evening. Will was invited to UM as the 2008 New Student Convocation speaker as well as the first renowned guest to speak to students as part of A Dialogue for Democracy, the university’s innovative political series
which will take place throughout the fall. Will presented his lecture, “The Political Argument Today,” which explained his views on the political environment. Regardless of the election’s outcome, Will encouraged students to “pay attention” to the race. “It doesn’t get any better than this and it may not be this good again for a long time – good in the sense of sheer theater,” Will said. “Four talented candidates, serious differences, civil argument. It’s what democracy ought to look like.” To learn more about A Dialogue for Democracy, visit www.miami.edu/decision08. Chelsea Kate Isaacs may be contacted at cisaacs@themiamihurricane.com
COURTESY TADDEO FOR CONGRESS
to ease this burden,” Taddeo said. Her plans included offering debt relief for certain service jobs in professions such as the medical and teaching fields. Taddeo believes that her debt relief views are not the only way she appeals to college students, but sees the challenger spot as an advantage to this demographic as well. “We need to clean up Washington and we cannot do that with the same people going back to Washington. I think college students understand that we need real downto-earth people in Washington to do that.” To learn more about Taddeo’s campaign, visit the Web site Annette Taddeo for Congress For Congress at www.votetaddeo. com. Efforts to contact Taddeo’s opponent, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, have been unsuccessful. The Miami Hurricane will continue to attempt to contact her before the Nov. 4 election. Edward Fishman may be contacted at efishman@themiamihurricane.com.
CHELSEA MATIASH // Hurricane Staff
COMMENTARY: The university’s Dialogue for Democracy program brought its first speaker, George Will, to campus Wednesday. Will discussed politics.
September 15 - 17, 2008
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opinion editorial
by lisa magedler
Don’t be afraid to live life
Ni hao, UM! Getting to know China
If there is any time to jump out of the daily norm and go on a spontaneous adventure, it is now. Oh, the college years. We’re all going to look back and have a little chuckle. The parties, the girls, the guys, the booze, the drugs... For some, it may all seem like a blur, but there is a guaranteed way to ensure you remember SOMETHING specific from these four fabulous years. Freshman Jamshed Jehangir decided he was going to make his memory. A native of Illinois, he woke up one morning and decided to go on a bike ride. But not just any old bike ride – the one goal he set for himself was to reach Miami. Thousands of tire spins and 17 days later, he and his bicycle arrived at UM in one piece. The trip of a lifetime. This is a lesson, or more of an example of something we all should look to follow. We all have the opportunity to make these four years the most memorable and exciting times of our lives, but how many of us actually take advantage of this? Just a few miles away, in almost every direction, are the Everglades. Close enough, the ‘Glades offer a huge variety of exciting and unique activities such as air-boating, alligator sight-seeing, and boar hunting. If you’re looking for a more national experience, why not take a road trip to Mardi Gras, or Yellowstone National Park? The time for adventure and excitement is now and it is just around the corner. In the blink of an eye, we’ll be hunched over, with our wheelchairs and walkers, pondering, “what if we had gone to...” or “imagine who we would have met if...” Screw the “what if ’s”, let’s make it, “remember when...?”
Editorials represent the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board.
Share your view letters@TheMiamiHurricane.com 6
OPINION
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
I had the opportunity to study abroad in China and Vietnam over the summer, and while spending three weeks in beautiful Kunming I gathered several observations about the Chinese people – besides their apparent obsession with Forrest Gump. 1. All you need are three phrases to get you around in China: “thank you,” “how much?” and “I’m sorry!” 2. Do not wear a tank top or shorts higher than your knees in China. This will cause angry little Chinese women to point at your legs and scream in disgust. What to do? Consult your list of three phrases, and go with “I’m sorry.” In the beginning, all I knew how to say was thank you, and that certainly did not help my case – it just led to more reprimanding.
3. Do not be startled when your Chinese tour guide claims he speaks no English and then whips out a microphone and begins singing “My Heart Will Go On.” 4. This song is apparently a big hit in China, and when you remind someone there that the song came out eleven years ago, they give you a look that reads, “huh?” 5. All Chinese buses are equipped with karaoke machines. Seriously. 6. The Chinese are expert squatters, and, while I can barely bend my knees, they squat on the streets all day long. Babies and elderly included. 7. The public toilets in China consist of basic holes in the ground (it’s the same in Italy but somehow it seems more exotic here). 8. To use them, squat! 9. When in China, do as the Chinese do... get the best foot massage of your
life for only five dollars! Actually, I have never actually seen another Chinese person where I got my foot message. I did however see everyone in my study-abroad group coming and going every day at every hour. 10. The Chinese people will bend over backwards balancing on chopsticks just so you feel comfortable. So you see, if I could move anywhere right now, it would be China. If you ever have the chance to visit this amazing country, then do it. You will never regret it. Also, get a willing Chinese person drunk. You will also never regret it. Zai Jien! Lisa Magedler is a senior majoring in creative writing. She may be contacted at lmagedler@themiamihurricane.com.
‘student science’ by andrew blitman
Of heat and hurricanes As Florida braces itself for the peak of the hurricane season, the effects of global warming on storm intensity and frequency have yet to be revealed – until now. According to a study released last Wednesday, the greenhouse effect will likely enhance the strength of the most powerful cyclones. Over the past 100 years, human industrial and agricultural activities have released considerable amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the skies. Greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane accumulate in the upper levels of the atmosphere, forming blanket-like layers that trap heat and sunlight. In small quantities, these gases perform a valuable service, warming the Earth just enough so that it can be habitable to life. At modern levels, greenhouse gases absorb heat more thoroughly, raising the planet’s average temperature and wreaking havoc on September 15 - 17, 2008
global climate patterns. The recent study warns that even a marginal increase in ocean temperatures (roughly two degrees Fahrenheit) could result in a 31 percent rise in the number of category 4 and 5 storms. And according to records of Atlantic hurricanes, we have seen a gradual, dangerous boost in the strength of cyclones since the 1970s because of warming seas. The frequency of hurricanes, called cyclones in the Pacific and monsoons in the Indian Ocean, saw no change. However, satellite evidence from the last 25 years has revealed a disturbing trend – an increase in wind speed among the most powerful maelstroms. Such an upsurge would have serious repercussions. Storms like Katrina, Wilma, and Ike could become the norm. And if that happened, insurance prices in hurricane zones would skyrocket. Mixed with the ongoing mortgage crisis, the already difficult task of buying a house in the south might become almost impossible. During the last century, the average
global temperature rose almost one degree Celsius. While a one-degree change might not sound significant, it is believed that a ten-degree hike caused the Permian mass extinction 250 million years ago (wiping out 90 percent of life alive at the time). By 2100, it is speculated that the global mean temperature will increase between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius. Our grandchildren could face monsoons stronger than anything we have seen before or since. Thankfully, though, the new study is not definite. There is still a wide range of uncertainty regarding global warming’s effects on the Earth’s circulatory system (air and ocean currents). Plus, humanity’s habits are changing. If alternative energy technology becomes dominant soon, the worst warming could be avoided. Andrew Blitman is a freshman majoring in marine science and biology. He may be contacted at ablitman@themiamihurricane. com.
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“Storms like Katrina, Wilma, and Ike could become the norm.” – Andrew Blitman, Science Columnist
letter to the editor In response to Mr. Heacock: I find it nothing short of hilarious that Mr. Heacock would proclaim himself a patriot and then openly boast of his own complacency with the very things he admonishes. He spends an entire article whining about what he perceives to be wrong with the country, then calls for others to do as he does and sit on his hands when the chance to change it arises? I think Thomas Jefferson might have had more than words with you, sir. Oh, but I must say, my favorite part of your rhetoric rant was, and I quote, “Exactly what will Obama bring? More
socialism? More wars? Less freedom? Sounds like more of the same to me.” Obviously your high school English teacher failed you, so I will enlighten: Real writers use sources. Where did you happen to pull those from? More socialism, wars, and less freedom? Did you suffer an aneurysm while writing that piece? I wouldn’t be surprised if you did; reading it almost gave me one. So yes, good readers, the lesson here is this: If you see something wrong, don’t do anything about it. Convince yourself there is nothing you can do about it, and wander about in a state of complete apathy while at the same time professing that you are aware
of it. With that I pose this: Is there a more vulgar violation of liberty than failing to utilize it? Granted, the political system is anything but ideal. I would be hard pressed to be convinced otherwise. But if spouting random, incoherent statements about a candidate seeking to represent you and then calling for a boycott of the very system this country was founded on is the solution, I’ll keep my tinfoil hat on, thank you. Trust me, Mr. Heacock: stick to finance. – Paul Petrequin, first year law student
speak
UP!
If you lost all pleasures but one, which would you keep?
NATHAN VAUGHN Graduate Student “Chocolate.”
‘paths to victory’ by thomas prieto
This election’s ‘dependable’ states As we near the 4th of November, one question seems to continually arise: Who will win the presidential election? In order to answer that question we must first inquire as to the different paths to victory for both Senator Obama and Senator McCain. This is part one of a four part series regarding election strategies. Part I: Good Old Dependable There are certain states that in recent history have almost always gone Democratic or Republican. States that exhibit this recent history of voting solidly Democratic or Republi-
can and show large leads in the polls (a realclearpolitics.com average of 10% of points or more) may be referred to as solid states. Solidly Democratic states include those with large amounts of electoral votes, like California (55 electoral votes), New York (31), Illinois (21), Massachusetts (12) and Maryland (10), and those with less, like Connecticut (7), Maine (4), Rhode Island (4), Hawaii (4), Vermont (3) and Washington, D.C. (3). Solidly Republican states also include those with large amounts of electoral votes, like Texas (34), Tennessee (11) and Arizona (10), and those with less, like Alabama (9), Louisiana (9), Kentucky (8), South Carolina (8), Oklahoma (7), Arkansas (6), Kansas (6), Mississippi (6), Nebraska (5), Utah (5), West
Virginia (5), Idaho (4), Wyoming (3), South Dakota (3) and Alaska (3). Counting only these dependable states, Democrat Barack Obama would have an electoral lead of 157 compared to Republican John McCain’s 142 electoral votes. Keep in mind that the objective is to reach 270 electoral votes.
JALEESA ROBINSON Sophomore “Friendship.”
Thomas Prieto is a sophomore majoring in political science. He may be contacted at tprieto@ themiamihurricane.com.
Keep reading The Miami Hurricane for more of “Paths To Victory,” breaking down the race for the White House.
blogs.TheMiamiHurricane.com:
LIONEL MOISE Junior “Music.”
ERIC HURLEY Sophomore “Sex.”
Sports, entertainment, storm updates and more compiled by Dan Buyanovsky
September 15 - 17, 2008
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¡MAYDAY! gets up in yo’ face
BY NICK MASLOW // OF THE STAFF
With the influx of new artists hitting the music industry, it’s become cliché to hear about acts garnering massive attention on YouTube, appearing on ABC News and getting coverage in the New York Times. But what about when the artist isn’t signed to a major label, doesn’t have a powerful manager and publicity team and isn’t working with the highest paid producers in the business? Such is the case with local hip-hop group ¡Mayday! Three years after forming, the group’s music video for their track “Groundhog Day,” which features Gnarls Barkley frontman Cee-Lo, took off in a big way in the summer of 2006. Within the first 48 hours of its release, the view tally on YouTube shot up past two million. The Times reported that the high volume of hits was driven by links to the video that were sent out to anywhere between three to four million people via e-mail. SouthBeat Records, ¡Mayday!’s former label, got the addresses through its affiliation with an Internet pornography company. That’s when emcee Wrekonize said the group noticed a huge shift in the public’s interest in their shows and music. “It was a cool vibe to realize that the media was picking up on it,” he said. “It was a time before the heat wave of big artists that are coming out of Miami now, so it felt good to get some attention for a lot of the hard work we’ve been doing for the last few years.” But all of the exposure didn’t give ¡Mayday! the results the group wanted. Video hits didn’t translate into equally high record sales and further publicity, and the ggroup p decided to part ways with its label and take an independent and organic approach pproach to their music. “It’s live instruments,” Wrekonize said. “It’s a whole new beast. learning east. As we’re learn ning that, we’re trying to keep the name out there and show people the he music by doing live sets.” While the group’s instrumentation has changed, Wrekonize said that its feel-go feel-good ood message has not. “With the state of the country right now, if you’re struggling your ng to put gas in you ur tank, if you’re struggling just to go out, once you get to a show you want to forget about all of the stress,” he said. “We want to have a good time, bring people out, and make sure they enjoy themselves.” The six-man group will blast their new sound for students at the University of Miami this Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Rathskeller. Wrekonize said students should expect a show that’s “in your face.” “It’s really fast-paced. You do one of two things at a ¡Mayday! show. You either uncontrollably move or you stand still. It’s very up-tempo, definitely made to make you move.” For more information, visit the band’s page at MySpace. com/FirstDayofMay. Nick Maslow may be contacted at nmaslow@themiamihurricane. com. September 15 - 17, 2008
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CD REVIEW: YOUNG JEEZY
Jeezy’s stock is rising BY LELAN LEDOUX EDGE WRITER
The ball is still bouncing in Young Jeezy’s court as he dropped his third studio album, The Recession. Jeezy took a completely different approach with The Recession compared to his first two albums, Thug Motivation 101 and The Inspiration. The Recession focuses more on the economy and the decline of society, but Jeezy is still able to throw in his hustler tracks on the album. The album starts with an aural collage of some 2008 news reports concerning America going broke and being in a recession. Jeezy enters with his trademark raspy southern voice, preaching about the drought the nation is going through. As you press next, Jeezy gets your blood boiling with “Welcome Back” and follows it up with a clever hook in “By the Way.”
“Circulate” is a perfect track in which Jeezy raps about the economy, stating that “nothing going up but the rent.” Jeezy carries a savvy attitude in “What They Want” and brings a smooth harmony to “Everything” with buttery-smooth Anthony Hamilton and Lil’ Boosie. In his second single “Vacation,” Jeezy stresses that he needs a vacation, relating to the average Joe. And yes, Jeezy drops classical beats on this album, but not as many as he did on Thug Motivation 101 and The Inspiration. “Amazin,” “Who Dat,” “Get Allot” and his first single “Put On” are a few of these. Jeezy even gives his attention to politics and shows his support for presidential candidate Barack Obama, as in “Crazy World” and “My President,” with special guest Nas. This is by far the best lyrical album Young Jeezy has put out. Young Jeezy proved with The Recession that he is one of the elite rappers in the south and, more importantly, the nation. Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at l.ledoux@ themiamihurricane.com.
MOVIE REVIEW: BURN AFTER READING
Spy caper so silly it fails to be funny BY GABE HABASH SENIOR EDGE WRITER
The Coen Brothers’ new film Burn After Reading unleashes a pack of morons and relishes in their bone-headed choices. Osborn Cox (John Malkovich), a CIA operative, has his personal records end up in the hands of two gym employees (Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt). Along the way, two adulterers (George Clooney and Tilda Swinton) get mixed in. The story is nonsense set against a spy-crime backdrop. Double-crossings, backdoor dealings, and general chaos ensue. It’s self-aware silliness played for laughs, stemming from the collective obtuseness of the cast. All of which would be admissible if it were funny. There are barely enough laughs to stitch together the mayhem. Characters are either wasted (Swinton is relegated to a paper-thin plot device) or uninteresting – Clooney is stiff and boring. Also, scenes are peppered with dull insights into the characters’ idiosyncrasies. Only when Pitt or Malkovich is on screen does the absurdity becomes humorous. Pitt, in particular, plays the clown expertly. His character’s absolute naïvete forces the audience’s affection, even if watching him try to scheme is like watching a mouse wiggle through a maze. But silliness without laughs can be just plain dumb. Too often, the movie itself feels as empty as the characters’ heads.
3 out of 4 stars
2 out of 4 stars
Gabe Habash may be contacted at ghabash@themiamihurricane.com.
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“They call me the cobra around here because I strike fast.” –SEAN SPENCE freshman linebacker
“We were playing at their level, and in the second half, we definitely stepped it up to ours”
SPORTS
– LAUREN SINGER sophomore midfielder
S E P T. 1 5 TO S E P T. 1 7, 2 0 0 8
FOOTBALL PROFILE
VOLLEYBALL
Freshman ‘King Cobra’ commands respect Undefeated after ten
Spence looks to leave his mark as a Hurricane
Tournament win gives team second-best start in history
BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER
He glares at you, seeing nothing but opportunity. He moves like a cobra, zeroing in on its prey. His instincts kick in and he strikes his victim instantly. Once he rises from the pit, he displays to the crowd his cold-blooded features. As he looks down, his dismantled opponent lays there with a blank look. He will remember the name of Sean Spence. “They call me the cobra around here because I strike fast,” Spence said. This fierce, true freshman linebacker is already making an enormous rumble around the Miami Hurricane nation. In the first play of his collegiate career, Spence made a solo tackle. His first sack came against Heisman winner Tim Tebow. It is now only a matter of time before Spence gets his first interception and, more importantly, his first touchdown. But don’t let his intimidating playing style fool you. Spence is a sincere and, most of all, humble guy. “He is a good guy,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “He is a very level-headed guy, a guy who you always want to be around because he is happy-go-lucky. He jokes all the time. He tries to act like he is shy, but he is not.” Spence doesn’t play for fame and glory. This young man understands that family is the number one thing in his heart. “I play all for my family,” Spence said. “Lots of them look up to me. I have been playing since I was six. Just knowing my little
BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL STAFF SPORTS WRITER
COURTESY MIAMIFANSITE.COM
COLD-BLOODED: True freshman Sean Spence, who recorded a sack on Tim Tebow during the game against the University of Florida, says he is motivated to excel by his family. cousins and little brother are watching me, I want to perform better. So I just go out there and compete for them everyday.” For Spence, football runs in his blood, making it something a little extra special. “Football runs in the family,” Spence said. “My father played football and so did my brother. If I don’t make it in football, then my goal in life is to inspire others.” A young Spence used to idolize the great Miami linebackers. Spence has taken his admiration of these former UM greats and adapted them into the way he plays the game. “I looked up to all the UM linebackers,” Spence said. “I watched those guys when I was young and that’s one reason I want to play like them.” For this reason, when Spence steps onto the field he brings a little something from all the great UM
linebackers that preceded him. But Spence doesn’t necessarily always use former players to motivate himself. “I start talking to myself. Telling myself, ‘Come on Sean. Fight through this and everything will be alright,’” he said. Even though Spence appears to be a ferocious predator – which has earned him the name of “The Beast” around the Coral Gables campus – when he steps onto the field, he admits that he always has those butterflies. “I am nervous before any game, little game or big game,” Spence said. “Once I get that first hit, it’s gone and I can just play football.” The sky is the limit for Spence, his teammates and the Canes. In his first season, Spence is looking to claim new titles with his team. “I’m trying to help this team
win,” Spence said. “I want to help my teammates around me. We want to win the ACC.” Spence recognizes that while playing for the Hurricanes he must seize the moment. “I want to be remembered for my great plays and effort,” Spence said. “An old saying I go by is ‘Go hard every play because you never know when it might be your last play.’” Once it’s all said and done, Spence looks forward to being one of the all-time greats to have passed through Miami. He may be just some ordinary cobra right now, but everyone beware: When all is said and done, Spence could be in a class of his own, as King Cobra. Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at lledoux@themiamihurricane.com.
September 15 - 17, 2008
The University of Miami volleyball team (10-0) has come out of the gate on a roll. The team recorded its 10th straight win to start the season and won its third nonconference tournament in as many weeks. The squad is off to its secondbest start ever after defeating Villanova, Sacramento State and the University of San Francisco in the Asics/Coca-Cola Invitational in San Francisco, Calif. Junior outside hitter Genny Mayhew continued her dominating season as she captured her second tournament MVP award of the season. Sophomore sensation Katie Gallagher and redshirt sophomore middle blocker Lici McGee were named to the All-Tournament team. The Hurricanes have looked dominant this season, and they have not gotten flustered or rattled when facing adversity. Miami has swept six of its first 10 opponents. The Canes have dropped the first set only three times this year, but they have persevered and come back to win each of those matches. Last year the Hurricanes won just three times all season after dropping the first set. The weekend started Friday night against the Villanova Wildcats in War Memorial Gym. After dropping the first set, 25-21, Genny SEE VOLLEYBALL, PAGE 13
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TENNIS
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Looking for more
By a feather
Tennis teams set sights on national championships
Canes squeak past Eagles to extend win streak to seven
BY JANKI AMIN AND PRAVIN PATEL CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER AND SPORTS EDITOR
With the hot Miami sun beaming down, everyone has one thought in mind: Get inside! Meanwhile, while everyone cools off in the air conditioning, the University of Miami men’s and women’s tennis teams are outside at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center, giving their hearts and souls in the blazing Miami heat. The goal: A national title. These early rumblings of a national title may seem lofty and premature, but are they really that far-fetched? The men’s squad is coming off a year where they were ranked for a good portion of the season, finished runner-up at the ACC Championships and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Hurricane women were ranked in the top 25 all season and advanced to the Sweet 16 at the NCAA tournament. The men boast a roster that includes the No. 1-ranked doubles team – senior Daniel Vallverdu and sophomore Carl Sundberg – in the nation. Vallverdu is also the No. 3-ranked singles player in the nation. “Daniel is one of the most complete players in college tennis,” head coach Mario Rincon said. “Carl had a great season in doubles last year as a freshman, and he continues to improve his game and develop towards his potential.” The team also welcomes junior transfer David Simon, who is ranked No. 99, and freshman Ignacio Taboada. “David, as well as Ignacio Taboada, is a great addition to our team, and I expect both of them to perform very well,” Rincon said.
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SPORTS
BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
STEVE ROOT // Hurricane Staff
ATTACK: Laura Vallverdu keeps her eye on the ball as she hits a backhand in a match against FAU last season. Leading the way for the women’s team is Daniel’s sister, junior Laura Vallverdu, who is the No. 14-ranked player in the nation. Joining her is an impressive cast of female athletes – sophomore transfer Julia Cohen is ranked No. 25, sophomore Michaela Kissell is ranked No. 49 and sophomore Bianca Eichkorn is ranked No. 109. The Hurricane women’s squad also features the dangerous doubles tandem of Vallverdu and Kissell, who are ranked No. 15. Both squads do have a tough road ahead of them, as they will be competing in the AllAmerican Championships and the ITA National Indoor Championships this semester. Despite this though, there are major expectations surrounding both of these squads. Those who pay close attention to Miami tennis are expecting more from this season. Janki Amin may be contacted at jamin@ themiamihurricane.com and Pravin Patel may be contacted at ppatel@themiamihurricane.com.
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
September 15 - 17, 2008
Through six games, the women’s soccer team faced little trouble en route to a flawless record. On Friday night at Cobb Stadium, Eastern Michigan played Miami, clad in orange for the first time this season, to a scoreless tie at halftime. In the 77th minute, sophomore midfielder Lauren Singer ripped the game winner with a shot, from outside the box, that deflected off a defender and soared over the diving goalie’s fingers for a 1-0 victory. “I think we just really realized we needed to get a really good tackle to get us going, a good goal, a good pass, and really just step up our level,” Singer said. “We were playing at their level, and in the second half, we definitely stepped it up to ours.” The Hurricanes (7-0-0) had their share of scoring chances with six corner kicks in the first half and a 24-2 shot advantage against the Eagles (2-2-2). “I think sometimes you have those nights,” associate head coach Jeff Freeman said. “There’s no doubt that in the first half we had probably the best opportunities of the game. I think it’s a matter of just being more composed in the box.” After the Canes took the lead, the Eagle offense began to put some pressure on the Cane defense and the game turned into a grueling physical battle. Miami was called for 19 fouls, including a yellow card to senior defender and captain Corynn Carino. “The game was very physical, especially in the second half when it got pretty crazy to finish out the game,” Carino said. “I think we really stepped it up. The whole team was winning every 50/50 ball [and] every tackle, and everyone was giving 110 percent until the very end.” Freshman goalkeeper Vikki Alonzo tallied her sixth shutout in seven games, while recording only one save. It wasn’t all good news, however, as senior forward Rachael Rigamat, who had been fighting through a leg injury for the past three games, left after 21 minutes and failed to return. She is listed as day-to-day. Sophomore forward Brittney Steinbruch failed to score a goal in a game for the first
STEVE ROOT // Hurricane Staff
FIELD VISION: Corynn Carino looks to pass upfield against Eastern Michigan, who the Hurricanes defeated Friday. time this season, despite taking eight shots. “I thought it was a great effort by our team, on both sides of the ball,” Freeman said. “Defensively, they kept Eastern Michigan out of our end and offensively they just pushed and pushed.” Miami hosts Brigham Young University (4-4) at 7 p.m. Tuesday night as the team tries to extend its winning streak to eight before heading on the road to face top-ranked UCLA (5-0) on Friday night. “I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” Freeman said. “I’m really excited for what the future holds. BYU is a great team, so we certainly expect them to come and give us a good game, but I expect our kids to be rested and ready to go as well.” Christina De Nicola may be contacted at cdenicola@themiamihurricane.com.
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CROSS COUNTRY
UM wins Sans Francisco tourney VOLLEYBALL FROM PAGE 11 Mayhew put the team on her back and carried the Canes to a four set victory. She led all players with 19 kills, while senior middle blocker Angelica Ellis had 10 kills on the night, five coming in the crucial second set. UM stung the Sacramento Sate University Hornets for the second time this season on Saturday. Miami swept the Hornets as they cruised to victory. The key to the match was the kill percentage. The Hornets hit .094 as a team, while Miami hit .323 as a team. Unforced errors were also a determining factor, as the Hurricanes had only 10 throughout the entire match, while the Hornets had 10 in the first set alone and 21 overall. The win against the Hornets was a total team effort as not one Hurricane registered double digits in kills, but six different players had at least five kills. Junior libero and northern California native Cassie Loessberg had a match-high 18 digs, while freshman outside hitter Lane Carico was right behind her with 14. UM has now defeated Sacramento State, a team that went to the NCAA tournament last year, twice this year. Miami previously swept Sacramento State in the season opener at the CenturyTel Premier Tournament. The Canes’ third and final match,
against the San Francisco State Dons, was as thrilling as a volleyball match gets. For the first time in all season the Canes were forced to play a decisive fifth set. Miami never once had the lead in the first set, as the Dons never looked back after getting out to a fast 10-2 start, crushing the Canes 25-11. The second set was a different story with a much different result. With the score tied at two, UM scored six unanswered points, ultimately defeating the Dons by that margin, 25-19. Miami committed only one error in the set compared to the Dons’ eight. In the third set, Lici McGee led the way with four kills as the Hurricanes won 25-17. After the Hurricanes dropped the fourth set 25-21, the match turned to a decisive fifth set. USF jumped out of the gate to lead, 5-1. UM kept their poise, remained confident and finished the set on a 14-6 run to defeat San Francisco, 15-11. The Hurricanes will look to build on their success when they open up conference play on Friday at the Knights Sports Complex, as they host in-state rival Florida State University at 7 p.m. Justin Antweil may be contacted at jantweil@themiamihurricane.com.
Pushing ahead of the pack Cross country teams take first and second at UCF Invitational BY PRAVIN PATEL SPORTS EDITOR
The men’s and women’s cross country teams got off on the correct foot at the UCF Black and Gold Invitational. The Hurricane men built on a thirdplace performance at the Greentree Invitational as they finished ahead of the pack, winning their first event of the year ahead of Warner Southern, Flagler, Rollins and Bethune-Cookman. The Hurricane women, who finished first at the Greentree Invitational, put together a second-place performance, finishing behind UCF but ahead of Flagler, Warner Southern, Rollins and Bethune-Cookman. The men’s team was led by senior Ryan Woodlee. Woodlee jumped to the lead in the 8K event right from the initial gun, and he never looked back, taking the competition with a time of 27:22.71. The other men were not far behind, as all six Miami runners finished in the top 11. Senior Eric Miller finished fourth; freshmen
September 15 - 17, 2008
Michael Viklund and Matthew Wilson finished sixth and ninth, respectively; and seniors Jules Rosen and Andrew Chuplis finished 10th and 11th, respectively. “It was [a] good team performance, and we have built a good base as we head into Gainesville next week,” associated cross country coach Damon Griffiths said. For the second straight event to start the season, the women’s squad was led by sophomore Emma Steppe. Steppe finished fourth in the 5K event with a time of 19:43.15. In similar fashion to Woodlee and his teammates, Steppe’s teammates were not far behind. Freshman Anna Bona came in fifth; sophomores Katherine Woodard, Monika Freiser, Jackie Sullivan and Caitlin Knapp finished ninth, 10th, 12th and 13th, respectively; and freshman Page Price rounded out the Hurricane women at 15th. “It was good to see the girls utilize the pack. This race was a good stepping stone going into the next part of the season,” Griffiths said. The teams will be back in action this weekend when they head to Gainesville to participate in the Mountain Dew Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 20. Pravin Patel may be contacted at ppatel@ themiamihurricane.com.
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Different year, different perspective Yeah, I pulled a Jay-Z. Or as some would say, a Cher. Whatever, you get the point. The bottom line is this bitch is back. Why, you ask? Over the summer, I was inspired by seeing the most chronicled rebirth of all time. I’m talking about Britney Spears. Watching my favorite icon take steps toward recovery, which culminated in her fabulous appearance at this year’s VMAs, I started to think that maybe I could do it too. Like any diva considering a return, I was forced to reflect on my previous year’s work. I felt the old Hurriqueen columns were entertaining and helpful to those who asked those… um,
controversial questions. However, I wondered, did the advice really help the University of Miami community as a whole? I became consumed even during my leisure time. Lounging on the beach, knowing that whatever important advice I did give last year was overshadowed by the trashy stuff, I couldn’t even focus on tanning. I began to mourn the column and the opportunity it gave me to contribute to our community in a positive way. I regretted how all too often the forum was used to talk about sex, the least exclusive and most hyped act in all of history. So I wrote the editor of this publication, asking if I could revive my
column and use it to address the juicy yet more complex stuff at the U. Thankfully, he liked the idea of a column with more substance than shock value. But ladies and gents, I can’t reinvent this column alone; I need your help. Therefore, please don’t tempt me with your dirty predicaments this year! I want to answer serious and stimulating questions about UM-related topics and newsworthy issues that affect all of us Canes. I’m thinking more along the lines of “How do I deal with an influential professor who breaks university policies and harms my GPA?” (Interesting!) than “Why did I sleep with him?” (Boring!). Let’s not
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be afraid to ask questions about the inner workings of Government, Student Greek life scandals, or questionable university policies – anything that can help us understand and improve our community. This year, I will continue my tradition of researching the best answers to your questions, but will also incorporate advice from insiders – Hurricanes inthe-know, successful seniors, and maybe a few of UM’s wise and experienced administrators. This way, the “Hurriqueen” column will be your means of getting answers to the important questions you’d only ask anonymously.
I look forward to tackling all of the topics we’ve yet to discuss… as soon as you log on to TheMiamiHurricane.com to ask a good question. Or you could be a lamb and shoot me an e-mail: hurriqueen@ themiamihurricane.com. To the fans of last year’s column: Although the direction of this column has changed, I promise to continue being fierce and frank. To those who hated it: Let’s start over. You know you want to. XOXO, The Hurriqueen
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September 15 - 17, 2008
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