The Miami Hurricane - Sept. 29, 2008 by The Miami Hurricane

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THE MIAMI HU HURRICANE URRIC ICANE

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Check out the following stories exclusively on the all-new TheMiamiHurricane.com.

UM School of Law achieve highest pass rate in Florida

El Centro receives $225,000 grant

University of Miami School of Law graduates who took the July 2008 Florida Bar Examination achieved the highest pass rate of all Florida law schools. Compared to all Florida ﬁrst-time test-takers, whose pass rate was 82.5 percent, UM’s pass rate for ﬁrst-time testtakers was 92.4 percent. “The faculty and I are extremely pleased with these results,” said Paul Verkuil, dean of the School of Law.

El Centro, a program of the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, has received a $225,000 grant by its sponsor, the National Center on Minority Heath and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health. Funding will support a “regional seminar series on health disparities related to HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and family and intimate partner violence.” “Support for these research seminars provides an avenue to disseminate information to the greater community about Hispanic health disparities research,” said Denise Korniewicz, the director of El Centro Education and Training, who is heading the seminar series.

UM School of Architecture unveils design study

$10,000 for winning video of carbon cap competition

The University of Miami School of Architecture will show off a design study of the Miami Waterfront, “On the Waterfront: Miami’s Seven-Mile Promenade.” Drawings of the city’s public waterfront area will be shown weekly Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., until Nov. 7. The exhibit showcases about 200 images created by more than 300 students and the entire UM School of Architecture design faculty. “The event will bring attention to the City of Miami’s waterfront,” said professor and dean of the School of Architecture Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk.

Need some extra cash? The Environmental Defense Action Fund is launching a web competition offering $10,000 for the video or graphic that best explains how capping greenhouse gas pollution can reduce the usage of oil in America. The competition will end on Nov. 21. For details, visit www.edf. org/competition. - Compiled by Erika Capek

Watch a video of the newly

redecorated WVUM ofﬁce.

ON THE TRAIL

Read a story on the third

event in the “Dialogue for Democracy,” a political discussion with Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt.

A national poll taken about the U.S. presidential debates reveals that the majority of Americans think Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, won the debate. However, the poll also shows that participants think both Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, or Obama would make good presidents. After the debates, Obama’s new advertisement criticizes McCain’s economic knowledge. McCain’s new advertisement highlights the differing opinions on troop funding held by Obama and his vice presidential candidate, Joe Biden.

Check out senior sports writer Dan Stein’s “Stein on the Sidelines,” with immediate reactions to every football game and development. blogs.theMiamiHurricane.com

- Information from CNN.com

ON THE COVER Illustration by Billy Gerdtz // Hurricane Staff.

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September 29 - October 1, 2008

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.

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Film students teach each other Street racers face off against the fuzz Event looks to raise awareness BY GABY LORIA CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

COURTESY QUANTUM FILM SOCIETY

ON THE SET: Co-directors Stephen Interrante and Sarah Moshman look on as director of photography Anais Ganouna shoots a scene of Quantum’s production “Peter and Wendy.”

Group takes learning beyond class BY LILLIAM ALBIZUCAMPOS CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Despite state-of-the-art equipment, top faculty and recognition from prestigious film festivals, some students are taking their education one step further and putting it in their own hands. University of Miami motion pictures students attended the School of Communication’s Dean’s Forum last week in order to voice their concerns about the quality of the program. The students’ concerns revolved around three main issues: the lack of technical skills classes, the small number of sections offered for each course and the validity of the mandatory second major. “There’s been a tremendous amount of resources put behind the film studies program,” said Sam Grogg, dean of the School of Communication. The school recently invested $800,000 in post-production equipment - including non-linear editing and sound editing gear - $500,000 in production equipment, $200,000 in grip and lighting equipment, and acquired an archival collection valued at around

six million dollars. The school also added a Ph.D film studies program and has hired new faculty, including award-winning director Lisa Gottlieb. The faculty, according to Grogg, are also engaged in redesigning both the graduate and undergraduate curriculum through a two-committee process that has been going on during the last two years. “We’re clearing the board, clearing our mind and starting from scratch,” said Anthony Allegro, director of the motion pictures program. A proposal for a new curriculum is scheduled to be presented for consideration this fall and will likely be implemented by the fall 2009 semester. “We’re responding to the change in technology,” added Grogg. “And the curriculum hasn’t been static.” For students such as senior Peter Saroufim, however, the change is not coming fast enough. Saroufim, a member of the student-organized Quantum Film Society, said some members feel that the lack of training in necessary technical skills such as art direction and set design, as well as assistant directing and scheduling, are hindering their likelihood of success once they leave the school. Senior Jay Hirschfeld, an official representative of the Quantum

Film Society, said that it would be “impossible” for the program to change rapidly. “You can’t expect change to happen in two, three or even four years. I think the change that we’re talking about is so massive that it’s going to happen slowly - it’s really a complete redesign of the system and the film school itself,” Hirschfeld said, adding that he “values Grogg’s support.” Yet with one class offered this semester with a maximum of 15 students each in cinematography and editing, the academic needs and demands of the 270 students in the undergraduate program remains in question. According to the MyUM Course Offerings Web site, most classes in the motion pictures program are either full or have a handful of seats open. Higher level classes have only one or two sections open to 15-30 students. The lack of multiple sections for higher level classes is also a concern among the students. “The computers don’t track demand, they track results,” Grogg said. Grogg added that adjusting to course offering demands should be addressed faster and can be resolved immediately. According to Allegro, there are also faster mechanisms to create specific courses SEE FILM, PAGE 5

It’s all the adrenaline of a street race with none of the expensive legal or medical bills that usually follow. Speeders and spectators gathered at Miami’s Countyline Dragway on Saturday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a program that allows civilians and police to race on the dragstrip instead of the streets. “Beat the Heat” is an organization that encourages police to teach kids about the dangers of street racing. But these police don’t just give lectures they teach by example. Officers at Beat the Heat register participants to race against them – the “heat” – at the track. The winners get an “I Beat the Heat!” t-shirt and bragging rights; losers get to say they tried to outrun a cop without getting arrested. South Florida’s chapter of Beat the Heat was represented by the police of Medley, a town next to Miami Springs. Mayor Ramon Rodriguez, who attended to support the officers, said illegal street racing is a serious problem in South Florida. “Especially along Okeechobee Road and the Palmetto [Expressway], there are a lot of deaths,” he said. Officer Jose Ayala said he has been trying to find a solution to street racing concerns since Beat the Heat held its first race last September. “I’d say there’s been a pretty dramatic reduction in crashrelated accidents and just tickets

in general for street racing. Those cliques are getting smaller by the day,” Ayala said. Still, the temptation to street race can be strong, especially in teenagers and young adults. Florida International University student Alex Gordon attended the event to watch his friends compete, but said they haven’t stopped racing illegally. “It takes an hour and a half from registration to get to go once in your car, I mean, who wants to wait an hour and a half when on the street you can race in five, 20 seconds?” Gordon said. Though every officer that races a civilian is an active member of the force, they do not get paid overtime for volunteering and often take vacation days to be able to participate. The modified cars they drive are also supported by donated money. The Fords and Chevys are gutted to make the cars faster and are given a “cop car” makeover complete with decals and flashing lights. Though Beat the Heat celebrated its one-year anniversary in Miami, it’s been a national nonprofit program since 1992. Advertising and word of mouth has turned this grassroots effort into a real draw. Spectators watched adrenaline-filled matches between police and civilians. The irony is not lost on racer Joe Williams, who won against Officer Norma Jean Martinez in a tight race. “It’s a pretty unbelievable feeling,” he said. “What’s worse though, is at the end of the race she puts her lights on behind you so that’s a little nerve wracking.” Gaby Loria may be contacted at gloria@themiamihurricane.com.

COURTESY BEAT THE HEAT

THE HEAT: Beat the Heat is an on-track drag racing event where police ofﬁcers warn about the dangers of street racing and provide a venue for racers on the Countyline Dragway.

September 29 - October 1, 2008

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

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Honors programs change requirements Thesis no longer needed for awards BY RAMON GALIANA CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

College life may seem impossible as a student approaches their senior year at the University of Miami; students may stress about graduate school, finding a job, or choosing a major. Now there is one less worry for seniors – they no longer need a thesis to graduate summa cum laude or magna cum laude. Under the old system, students wishing to graduate with summa or magna honors had to complete six credit hours to develop an individual research thesis or an approved creative project under the supervision of a faculty member. Additionally, students had to meet a minimum grade point average to receive a Latin honor. The GPA standard for summa was 3.9, magna required a 3.75, and 3.6 was needed for cum laude. According to the Faculty Senate Bill that recommended the changes to the requirements, the new system will “[replace] the thesis requirement with a sliding scale designed to award summa cum laude to all students with a GPA at or above the top 5% of the graduating class in their school in the previous academic year. The next 10% of the students would graduate magna cum laude and the next 10% would graduate cum laude.” In addition, the new system calls for “floor level GPAs below which honors would not be conferred.” These floor level GPAs are the same as the old GPA standards for summa, magna, and cum laude. For example, a student graduating in May of 2009 from the College of Arts and Sciences must have a GPA above 3.918 to graduate with summa honors. That was the cumulative average of the top 5% of the previous year’s graduating class from that department. However, under the new system, students that wish to graduate with summa honors from the School of Communication will need the standard 3.9 even though last year’s top 5% cumulative GPA was a 3.87. A student cannot graduate summa cum laude without a 3.9. If a student’s school set a higher standard, a student must graduate at or above that GPA. Students enrolled prior to the Fall of 2009 will have the option of choosing the 4

NEWS

old thesis-oriented standard and the new sliding GPA scale standard for Latin honors. During the 2006 to 2007 academic year, only 31 out of 139 students with a GPA of 3.9 or better graduated with summa honors. That is 1.29% of the total graduating class. “The old program did not allow us to celebrate the achievements of our students,” said William Scott Green, the dean of Undergraduate Education, “For various reasons, not all students eligible for magna or summa could use the thesis option, and, in fact, the vast majority of students qualified for the honor did not receive it.” The University of Miami was the only ACC school to require a thesis for a student to graduate with summa and magna cum laude honors. The new UM plan, according to a findings by the Student Government Academic Affairs Committee, is similar to other universities. “Our students are strong and accomplished as those at any other in the nation,” Green said. “These changes allow us to recognize and acknowledge that.” He also cited the lack of faculty to supervise undergraduate theses as another reason for the changes. Patrick Azcarate, an undeclared freshman from Miami, is skeptical of the new system, “They seem to be overemphasizing the importance of GPAs. It sounds like they’re sending out the wrong message,” he said. “When a thesis is included in requirements, it assumes you’re doing more than just studying and getting good grades. It discourages people to strive for original research.” Still, Danny Casamayor, a senior political science major, thinks more positively of the new system. “I believe the recent change in requirements for graduation honors is not only a terrific idea, but one that will benefit students and the University of Miami in the future. By graduating more qualified students with graduation honors, they will in turn be more attractive to potential employers and graduate schools. Consequently, the school’s reputation as a leader in academic excellence will receive even more notoriety throughout the country,” he said. Ramon Galiana may be contacted at rgaliana@themiamihurricane.com.

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

September 29 - October 1, 2008

Spotted on Site

Freshman A.J. Carda has not yet declared his major but he has definitely declared his love for bass guitar, as well as hats. Often, Carda said he is spotted with his bass strapped across his shoulder, yet he admitted a sometimes hidden talent of his being a drum player.

A.J. Carda: Well, I’m a drum player, but since I couldn’t take my drum set with me, I picked up the bass. TMH: You mentioned you play in a band. What is your band’s name? AC: Iron Price. TMH: Why the long hair? AC: I was in JROTC back in high school and they made me cut it, so in a juvenile attempt to get back at the man I grew it out. Also, I like it. TMH: What individual or band has influenced your band the most? AC: Oh, definitely Epic and Wolfeblitzer, two local thrash metal bands back home. When ever these bands play it keeps my band members and I awake for the next few days writing music. TMH: What’s your style? AC: Anything that is weird but honestly, it’s all about the comfort. I also own 800,000 hats.

THE MIAMI HURRICANE: What made you decide to play the bass?

Tanya Thompson may be contacted at tthompson@themiamihurricane.com.

A.J. Carda, bassist and Wolfeblitzer enthusiast COMPILED BY TANYA THOMPSON A new addition to The Miami Hurricane that features charismatic members of the University of Miami community caught off-guard! Could you be next?

CHELSEA MATIASH // Hurricane Staff

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Second major debated within school FILM, FROM PAGE 3 that the students want, as long as there’s a visible demand for it. The school’s required second major within the College of Arts & Sciences is also a sour spot with the program’s students. The second major requirement is embedded in the legislation that founded the School of Communication in 1985. The founders thought that there “ought to be a strong academic component to a communications degree,” according to Allegro. Today, however, students across the school complain that having to complete a second major is stopping them from taking classes in their communications major. In return, this is prompting a schoolwide evaluation of the requirement. Yet, those who advocate its preservation argue that having a second major gives more depth to a student’s education, as well as provide a backup plan. “[Film] is my passion. I feel like I’m paying all this money to come here and I don’t always get to learn what I want to learn,” Saroufim said. Quantum, an organization now affiliated with Hurricane Productions and therefore supported by the university, was founded in 2004 by class of ‘07 alum Mark Zuckerbrow. He initiated the group in order to allow students to have complete control over film making, providing an out-of-class experience. The Quantum Film Society, which was formed last spring as subset of Quantum, provides learning experiences through workshops, tutorials and seminars specifically designed to address the needs of

its members by allowing students to organize and create as many projects as students are willing to complete. “If someone comes in saying they want to learn how to shoot against a green screen, we get the people who know how to do it and we make it happen,” Saroufim said. With barely more than 10 members in the beginning, the society today has grown to more than one hundred members and produces two large scale films each semester. According to Saroufim, students join the society in order to “get all these things we don’t always get in class.” But whatever their discrepancies, both students and administrators agree that the program is working hard to improve. Under the leadership of Grogg, the school has hired top faculty from all over the country and has provided the students with top-of-the-line facilities and equipment that are up to the standards of the professional world. “There’s no way that this program isn’t going to be of the highest caliber while on my watch,” Grogg said. Moreover, there is no denying the results. Every year when University of Miami students show their films in Los Angeles, the film community buzzes at the quality of the work produced at the school. Both alums and students alike have also received awards for their work. “There are issues with the program but as far as I’m concerned, this is still the best school in the world,” concluded Saroufim.

Taking Flight HORSE HOPPING: Cortie Wetherhill, a sophomore at the University of Miami, rides Charlie at the UM equestrian team exhibition clinic on Sunday at Tally Ho Farms. The exhibition featured equestrian team riders, food, a silent auction, pony rides and crafts. Katie Sickling, a sophomore at UM, is the club president and has been riding her whole life. “We hope [the club] keeps growing and we get more recognition,” she said. CHELSEA MATIASH // Hurricane Staff

Lilliam Albizu-Campos may be contacted at lalbizu@themiamihurricane.com.

COURTESY QUANTUM FILM SOCIETY

ACTION: Anais Ganouna and Stephen Interrante look on during work of the production of “Peter and Wendy,” a ﬁlm about childhood friends reuniting.

TheMiamiHurricane.com September 29 - October 1, 2008

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opinion editorial

cartoons for thought by charles hanna

Input and action from students will boost experience It’s wrong to expect perfection…from anything. So that’s why several film students took it upon themselves to create the Quantum Film Society. Their goal is to provide a unique learning environment outside of the traditional classroom setting. Basically, they attempt to make up for their program’s shortcomings and have recently gained some attention because of it. Should students wait for their program directors to realize what is missing? Administrators and teachers say changes are coming, but think about it from a student’s perspective. If you’re a senior graduating this academic year, and the plan is to change the curriculum in fall 2009, you’re going to have some qualms about it. There must be some way to compromise. There should be constant communication between students and their schools. Those silly evaluation forms we are forced to fill out are generally worthless. A teacher may beg and plead for you to be as detailed as possible, but as soon as they walk out that door, anonymity takes over and the one word answers begin to flow. Individual schools need to run focus groups and forums to discuss the issues within the specific programs. Many issues arise in regards to the lack of class selection. It is far too common in certain majors when upperclassmen, specifically seniors, get closed out of a class. The “Dean’s Forum” idea enacted by the Comm School’s Dean Sam Grogg is a great step in making meaningful discussion happen. Another issue has to do with practicality. Each program should be specifically designed to maximize readiness for the real world. Advisors should be more than just that person you see when you need to make your schedule. They should help work on personalized career goals and be realistic when discussing the future. Once there is a fully collaborative effort to bring together the students’ needs and the schools’ ability, we will all be closer to living happily ever after.

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

letters@TheMiamiHurricane.com 6

OPINION

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

by timothy heacock

A thin line of responsibility Just the other day, my friend turned 21. I always thought the drinking age being 21 was absolutely ridiculous, but seeing him make the transition changed my mind. Right before midnight he was carefully preparing a Jäger bomb to chug right when the clock struck that fateful hour. At 11:59, drink in hand, I still hadn’t noticed anything different. But then it happened – I yelled “go” after counting down from ten. As he tilted his head back to imbibe his first legal drink, I saw a glint in his eye. Perhaps it was just the oppressive fluorescent light above, but I know it was something entirely different. He changed for good right when that clock struck twelve. He had finally become responsible enough to consume alcohol. One second before midnight he was still clearly not responsible, as anySeptember 29 - October 1, 2008

one could see, but just one second later his whole mind changed. Something clicked. At midnight he became able to moderate his drinking and act like a mature human being. He was no longer a threat to himself or others, and I finally felt safe around him. I realized the law that I thought was just plain stupid actually made sense; we need the law to protect us from ourselves. Everyone I see drinking underage is completely irresponsible and gets blackout drunk when they consume alcohol. They can’t stop after just one shot or a couple beers. People 21 and over stand in stark contrast to these delinquents. To my horror, everyone who is underage and drinks proceeds to drive while intoxicated. The only relief from this madness is the knowledge that the law and police officers have our best interests in their hearts when they arrest those filthy underage criminals for even possessing a drink. I applaud when these menaces to society get humiliated at the tailgate

before a Canes football game. A person who is 20 years and 364 days old just doesn’t get it, at least in the U.S. and a handful of other nations. Yes, it really is different in other countries. People under 21 can attest to feeling responsible enough to drink when they travel to foreign lands, whose peoples are insane enough to have a lower drinking age. But when they come back to the states, they just can’t control themselves. These lunatics who think the drinking age should be lowered wish to see anarchy descend upon this peaceful land. I don’t want to hear the “facts” that countries with a lower drinking age have fewer problems with alcohol. Twenty-one is the law and the law is always right and just. If you don’t like the drinking age here in the U.S., you can just get out. Timothy Heacock is a junior majoring in finance. He may be contacted at theacock@themiamihurricane.com.

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“I sincerely hope women aren’t fooled by the rhetoric and the deceptive smile of ‘the hockey mom.’” –Morten Hoi Jensen, Contributing Columnist

by morten hoi jensen

speak

UP!

Why would a woman vote for Sarah Palin? It is largely agreed upon that Sen. John McCain at least partly chose Alaskan governor Sarah Palin as his running mate in order to appeal to the women voters who supported Hilary Clinton as the Democratic presidential nominee. As Clinton once said, “women’s rights are human rights.” Sarah Palin, who recently appeared on the cover of Newsweek sporting a sawed-off shotgun and a trigger-happy smile, is a self-proclaimed “hockey mom.” But in what way does Sarah Palin appeal to women voters (especially Clinton supporters), aside from her gender. One thing that struck me is that Palin is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and, judging from that Newsweek cover, enjoys hunting and killing animals (and, presumably, guarding herself from the A-rabs and commies). Guns and killing, it seems to me, are not often considered to be the kind of pas-

time woman usually indulge in, although there are obviously exceptions. Still, I don’t find it a sweeping generalization to claim that the obsession with firearms is most prevalent among men, which Freud will explain the reasons for. More important than Palin’s attitude toward guns, however, is her attitude on abortion. In November of 2006, Palin apparently, and ridiculously, stated that she would not even support abortion if her own daughter was raped. So fierce is her religious fanaticism that she would rather condemn her own daughter to carry, bear, and take responsibility for a child that was consummated in complete violation of her body and her human rights than to acknowledge that every woman has an inviolable right to make her own decision about her own body. I wonder if Sarah Palin has considered the prospect of a thirteen-year-old girl being raped and impregnated by her father. “Choosing life” is a rather cynical response in the event of such a crime. And yet, the contemptible celebrities in-

terviewed by various TV stations this weekend seemed reluctant to talk about anything other than Palin’s style and fashion. Never mind that there is a genuine risk of increasingly irresponsible gun laws; never mind that the government might be allowed to decide what a woman can or can’t do with her own body; never mind that Palin’s actions are governed by the illusions of the divine, convincing her that the earth, contrary to all scientific theories, is 6000 years old. Never mind all that, because at least she dresses well. I sincerely hope women aren’t fooled by the rhetoric and the deceptive smile of “the hockey mom” who, as Sam Harris pointed out, has never met a foreign head of state. Instead, I hope that hearing Obama’s speech in the BankUnited Center on women’s issues made us all realize who the greater feminist is.

What would you like to see changed about your major?

COREY CIORCIARI Senior, Creative Writing “There’s nothing in the coursework that’s directly related to going abroad.”

Morten Hoi Jensen is a junior majoring in english and creative writing. He may be contacted at mhoijensen@themiamihurricane.com. ANDI WANDT Junior, History

‘paths to victory’ by thomas pietro

“What the hell am I going to do when I graduate?”

Closing in on the ‘Final Five’ 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 Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. This is the final part of a four-part series regarding election strategies. Part IV: “The Final Five” The “Final Five” states comprise Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, Nevada and New Hampshire. The Final Five will determine the outcome of the 2008 presidential election. Even if the election is won by a large margin, the Final Five will be important indicators as to the outcome and margin of victory. New Hampshire is a particularly interesting state. McCain has strong ties to New Hampshire. It is the state that provided McCain with energy in the 2000 Republican primaries and reestablished his campaign in this year’s campaign with important victories. New Hampshire voted for George W. Bush in 2000, but voted for John Kerry in 2004. Currently, Obama holds a

lead of less than an average of 1% point in the state. Colorado and Nevada are states that will play important roles in this election. Currently McCain leads Nevada by an average of 1% point and Obama leads Colorado by the same margin. The Democrats have targeted Colorado, as indicated by their convention in Denver. Virginia is a state that has become more Democratic over time due to the growth of the exurbs of Washington, D.C. It is a large state that is crucial to both parties. A Democratic win in Virginia would push Obama over 270, but the state has been solidly Republican. McCain holds a lead in the polls of less than 1% point. As in 2004, Ohio is also a very important state. No Republican has won the presidency without winning Ohio since Abraham Lincoln. McCain currently leads Ohio by a negligible average of 1.3% points. Assuming the Obama campaign secures the states previously mentioned, an Ohio win ensures an Obama win. The McCain campaign has two routes to victory that deal with the Final Five: (1) winning Ohio, Virginia, Colorado and Nevada, or (2) winning Ohio, Virginia, Colorado and New

Hampshire. McCain is limited in his options to attain victory, but every state other than New Hampshire voted Republican in the last two elections. The Obama campaign has four routes to victory involving the Final Five: (1) winning Ohio, (2) winning Virginia, (3) winning Colorado and Nevada, or (4) winning Colorado and New Hampshire. Although it seems as though the Obama campaign has an advantage here, challenges remain. The Obama team has to pick up at least one Final Five state that voted Republican in the last two elections. Polls are also likely to change, especially after the debates. One possible scenario is that Sen. Obama wins Nevada and New Hampshire and Sen. McCain wins Ohio, Virginia, and Colorado. In this case, both candidates would finish with an electoral vote of 269. In the case of a tie, the vote would go to the House of Representatives, creating a most unexpected path to victory. Thomas Prieto is a sophomore majoring in political science. He may be contacted at tprieto@ themiamihurricane.com.

September 29 - October 1, 2008

AL KLEINBERG Senior, Ecosystem Science and Policy “Nothing – they do a good job at giving us research skills and job placement.

MEGAN SYLVESTER Senior, Psychology “Some teachers don’t put the effort into teaching. Enough PowerPoints!” compiled by Joshua W. Newman and Chelsea Kate Isaacs

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

OPINION

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THE MIAMI HURRICANE

September 29 - October 1, 2008

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WVUM The Indie Voice Student-run station appeals to those on the cutting edge BY LAURA EDWINS

PHOTO BY TANYA THOMPSON, ILLUSTRATION BY SHAYNA BLUMENTHAL // Hurricane Staff

CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

For more than 40 years, WVUM 90.5 has called itself “The University Miami,” but its reputation for playing Voice of the Unive ersity of Miami, earned few regular listeners music far off the b beaten path has earn body. from the student bo ody. Hidden in thee back of the Univer University Center, the WVUM office is best know known wn for blasting the experimental sounds of techno, indie roc rock, ck, classical and jazz from mounted speakers on the building building. P Passersby are treated to a taste of the alternative sound that has earned the station a unique influence and a large following of Miami music gurus. So with pockets of loyal fa fans throughout the Coral Gables area and cutting ed edge music always in rotation, why has the radio sstation faded into obscure background noise in the lives of the student population? “I’m not a fa fan,” senior Danny Casamayor said with a shrug. “I listen to mostly country and roc rock. Maybe if the station played more ttop 40 hits more people would listen listen.” Many UM students seem in agreement with Casamayor’s agreemen opinion, wondering why the raopinion station chooses to play songs dio stat haven’t heard before. they h ha “The function of the station traditionally has st ta been to highlight things b ggoing on outside of mainstream music,” said ma m junior David Chessrown, the station’s music director and the host of “Profiles,” one of the station’s regular programs. Chessrown describes his choice of music as “music that teeters on the edge of the expected.” He speculates that different listeners tune in to the station expecting different

things. Some listeners are looking for music the station played years ago, while others want to hear songs similar to what they already know and like, but by new bands. Lauren Yothers, a junior, seems to agree with the WVUM musical philosophy. “Its very eclectic,” she said. “Every time I walk by there’s something different playing on it. I feel like the station is often overlooked.” Some UM students admit the reason they don’t listen to the station isn’t because of the music played but that the opportunity never seems to present itself. “I think the music is pretty good,” sophomore Gordon Dale said. “But I only hear it when I pass by, which is not too often.” Freshman Kate Pryslak admits to enjoying the tunes of WVUM as she walks past the UC once or twice a day. “I’m feeling it!” Pryslak says with a laugh as she dances along to a techno-robotic beat, but also states that the only time she listens is on her way to and from class. “I don’t have a radio,” she said. Last Thursday, WVUM showcased their newly remodeled office complete with trendy new Macs and a fresh color scheme to liven up the small space. While the office is undergoing changes, the mission of the station remains the same: to bring the love of their work to the student body. “I’d like for listeners to grasp the appreciation for the station I’ve reached,” Chessrown said. With diverse programming that features everything from a political talk show to coverage of sports to experimental music, the station hopes to appeal to a broad audience, like senior Tymed Aris. “Sometimes WVUM is a little out there, but I listen to all kinds of music so I don’t judge!” he said. The radio staff strives to give exposure to unknown bands and cultivate an audience for them. “I know that our music may not be what the majority of people at UM listen to, but what we’re trying to do is give a voice to the underground music movement,” said sophomore DJ Julie Zamora. “At UM we’re all trying to find a place to fit in and that’s exactly what these new and unknown bands are trying to do too,” she said. With this in mind, the staff at WVUM 90.5 encourages its listeners to keep an open mind. “If you pass by the station at the UC and hear something that doesn’t immediately tickle your fancy, don’t dismiss it,” said Chessrown. “But realize everything that went in to making it.” Laura Edwins may be contacted at ledwins@themiamihurricane. com.

September 29 - October 1, 2008

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

EDGE

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Indie Spotlight: Brooklyn’s Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson Singer tackles lost love, more on tracks BY DAN BUYANOVSKY EDGE EDITOR

At the age of 25, most people can’t say they’ve dropped out of college, lived on a park bench for months and released a fulllength LP – but then again, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson isn’t like most people. Now, after being dubbed “Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret,” Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is looking to get a little better known. Miles, originally from Oregon, moved to New York to attend NYU after turning down Yale and soon discovered his penchant for making music while using a recording studio at NYU. After his freshman year, Miles dropped out and went on a drug binge in New York City that left him with no money – but plenty of stories. In the coming months, Miles moved from the NYU dorms to Long Island to sell drugs with a friend and eventually to the cozy benches in Coney Island. There, as he explained to Fader Magazine, “I was just rolling. I was having an epic summer.” With no desire to go back home, Miles

began recording his debut album with friend and producer Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear. The result? A pile of somber-yet-catchy tracks with reflective, oft-depressing lyrics. On the opening track, “Buriedfed,” Miles kick-starts the somber mood by singing, “A friend of mine drank something fine/ Choked to death before his time last night/ He said ‘found that thing you really need’/ Come on now, you can’t breathe alright.” Miles’ entire debut is ultimately one that’s set against gut-wrenching cords and features the overwhelming voice of a deeply damaged boy. By tackling issues like lost love, struggle with commitment, losing loved ones and a battle with one’s own self-esteem issues, Miles does an amazing job of taking his feelings and translating them so as to make them universal. Though Miles performs almost exclusively in his hometown of Brooklyn at the moment, he’ll hopefully be traveling the country to bring his style to the masses outside of the hipster haven of Williamsburg. Check out his self-titled debut, out now on Say Hey Records, and look for his upcoming album Summer of Fear, which has already been recorded and mixed by TV on the Radio’s Kyp Malone. Dan Buyanovsky may be contacted at dbuyanovsky@themiamihurricane.com.

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘CHOKE’

Bitter comedy is far from filling BY GABE HABASH CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

Choke, the new film from the Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club) novel is just as sardonic and offensive as expected. But, there is a moral center to the film; it’s just difficult to grasp. Victor (Sam Rockwell) is a sex addict that pays for his mom’s medical bills through a job at a colonial reenactment park. His other source of income is traveling to various restaurants and intentionally asphyxiating himself so that someone may save his life. The savior then feels responsible for him and sends him sympathy money. The movie is just as ugly as it sounds. Most of the humor comes from vulgar situations, and the overall tone is certainly meanspirited. But there is a point to the proceedings, even if the book conveys this much more effectively. Which brings up the main problem: the length. There is rarely a scene longer than two minutes, and the story seems rushed from the beginning. When a scene is over so quickly, it has little weight because the plot is busy setting up the next scene. The ending happens fast, diminishing and obscuring the message that really is there. 10

EDGE

2.5 out of 4 stars

Choke is a worthwhile film, but feels like a light version of the book. Gabe Habash may be contacted at ghabash@ themiamihurricane.com.

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

September 29 - October 1, 2008

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“The ball was too high for him to catch. If I put it in his chest, it probably would have been a touchdown.” – ROBERT MARVE, Quarterback

“It’s hard knowing you had a chance to win the game, but those guys executed and we didn’t.”

SPORTS

– RANDY SHANNON, Football head coach

S E P T 2 9 TO O C T 1 , 2 0 0 8

FOOTBALL

Close not enough as Miami lets win slip away

Report Card

MIAMI vs. NORTH CAROLINA QUARTERBACKS: B+

Robert Marve threw for three touchdowns and showed composure on the Hurricanes’ final drive in his attempt to bring his team back for the victory. Marve, though, made a couple of bad mistakes, especially forcing the ball on his first interception that luckily did not cost the Canes points. If Marve’s final throw was on the money, the Hurricanes most likely win the game. Jacory Harris struggled in his first series, but he made a few plays on the next drive to set up a field goal.

RUNNING BACKS:

A-

WIDE RECEIVERS:

OFFENSIVE LINE:

B+

DEFENSIVE LINE:

Graig Cooper put together his second straight 100-yard campaign. Cooper helped set up two touchdowns and caught an 11-yard pass for a score. He also showed off his wheels with a 31-yard run and averaged almost six yards per carry. The one knock on Cooper was that most of the damage came in the first half, and there were times during the game when he was nonexistent.

Miami spread the football among its different receivers, with 11 different players catching the football, but the wide receivers had a disappointing performance as a whole. They constantly struggled to create separation and failed to pick up yards after the catch. Miami had notable dropped passes throughout the game. Kayne Farquharson had the football on his fingertips in the closing seconds and failed to make the big play.

The big men up front opened up holes for Cooper and allowed only two sacks. But Marve did not have as much time in the pocket to make his reads as he did last week. The offensive line played much better as a unit in the first half.

BILLY GILBERT // HURRICANE STAFF

LAST CHANCE: Safety Trimane Goddard intercepts a pass from Robert Marve, intended for Kayne Farquharson, to end Miami’s comeback attempt in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against UNC. UNC won 28-24.

Game-winning throw intercepted in the end zone, team loses their first home game BY ALEX KUSHEL SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

It seemed like Miami was finally going to get the upper hand on the North Carolina Tar Heels. After relinquishing a fourthquarter double-digit lead, a pass from redshirt freshman Robert Marve seemed right on target for wide receiver Kayne Farquherson. But close wasn’t enough, as the pass deflected right to safety Trimane Goddard, and Miami lost to North Carolina 28-24 for the second year in a row and the first time at Miami since 1957. Tar Heels quarterback Cameron Sexton capped a fourth quarter comeback with a

14-yard touchdown strike to Brooks Foster in the corner of the end zone with less than a minute remaining, stunning the crowd of 35,830 at Dolphin Stadium. Miami quarterback Robert Marve nearly orchestrated a game-winning drive after he connected with receiver Kayne Farquharson for a 29-yard completion to put the Hurricanes at the Tar Heels 20 yard line. But with 10 seconds remaining, Marve‘s throw came off the fingertips of Farquharson and into the hands of Goddard, resulting in Marve’s second interception of the game and sealing a UNC victory. “It was a bad pass,” a dejected Marve said after the game. “The ball was too high for him to catch. If I put it in his chest, it probably would have been a touchdown.” The Hurricanes appeared to be in position to put the Tar Heels away when Marve found Aldarius Johnson in the end

This was a big letdown from the unit, despite doing an effective job stopping the run. Eric Moncur was the only player on the defensive line to record a sack. The group was unable to consistently apply pressure throughout the game. Cameron Sexton got way too comfortable making plays to his receivers in the fourth quarter and was able to effectively rollout for the final touchdown pass.

LINEBACKERS:

The unit did a good job in helping to stuff the run; the Tar Heels only rushed for 35 yards in the game. Glen Cook played well, but there has not been a Sean Spence sighting since the UF game. Missed tackles and the lack of tackles for a loss have hurt this unit.

SECONDARY:

The Canes secondary is the main culprit for the loss. They allowed too many big plays, including the 74-yard touchdown pass. Bruce Johnson has to do a better job in coverage. DeMarcus Van Dyke was beat by Brooks Foster on the gamedeciding touchdown. The secondary allowed a third-string quarterback to throw for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The secondary didn’t create turnovers and they missed tackles. Big props to Brandon Harris for a key sack.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Matt Bosher missed his first field goal of the season from 43 yards. The partially blocked punt that the Canes allowed gave the Tar Heels decent field position for their final drive. Bosher also has struggled mightily on kickoffs, which has not helped winning the field position battle. The coverage team played well, keeping Brandon Tate in check. The unit also made some big hits to open holes for the return game.

COACHING:

Bill Young and Wesley McGriff have a lot of work to do with the secondary. The team, as a whole, has yet to play a complete 60-minute game. It was not the offense, but the defense that was the problem against UNC. Nix’s play calling has opened up, and the coaches can’t be on the field on game day.

BY ALEX KUSHEL SEE FOOTBALL, PAGE 13 September 29 - October 1, 2008

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

SPORTS

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VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Winning streak snapped Canes lose to Cavs, 2-0 Away ACC games against Boston College and Maryland next up BY MATTHEW BUNCH OF THE STAFF

FILE PHOTO // STEVE ROOT

TEAM EFFORT: The women’s volleyball huddles up at a game agaisnt FSU last season. Until a loss Thursday, the team had won 15 straight matches.

Volleyball beats Duke but falls to Wake Forest for first loss of season BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

The University of Miami volleyball team had its 13-game winning streak to start the season – a 15-game streak continuing from last season – snapped Friday night as the Canes were swept by Wake Forest. UM was off to its second best start in school history, as only the 2002 squad won more games to begin a season. That team started their season 15-0 before faltering. With the loss, the Canes are now 13-1 and 2-1 in the ACC. The weekend trip to North Carolina started strong, as Miami defeated Duke 3-1 on Thursday night. For the sixth time this season, the Canes lost the first set but battled back from adversity and went on to win the match. This was Miami’s second ever win against Duke. The Blue Devils lead the alltime series 7-2. Sophomore setter Katie Gallagher led the way for the Hurricanes with 52 assists, while junior libero Cassie Loessberg had a team high 16 digs. Junior outside hitter Genny Mayhew 12

SPORTS

and the reigning ACC Player of the Week, freshman outside hitter Lane Carico, each recorded double-doubles in kills and digs. Mayhew had 18 kills and 13 digs while Carico tallied 21 kills and 12 digs. The Hurricanes tried to carry the momentum from Thursday night into Friday’s match in Winston-Salem, but it was to no avail. Miami was swept 25-19, 25-22 and 2521. It was the first time all season the Canes lost the second set of a match. The difference in the match was in kills and assists. The Demon Deacons had 12 more kills and 14 more assists than the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes kill percentage was the lowest of the season (.114), and they committed their highest amount of errors (18) in a three set match since the season opener against Sacramento State. Carico played strong in a losing effort. She recorded her fifth straight double-double and seventh overall. The Hurricanes will look to start a new win streak next weekend when they conclude their five game road trip, as they travel to South Carolina to face Clemson on Friday and Atlanta the following night to take on Georgia Tech. First serve will be at 7 p.m. Justin Antweil may be contacted at jantweil@themiamihurricane.com.

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

Miami’s not used to trailing by two goals this season. In fact, it hadn’t yet happened prior to last weekend. But after a weekend matchup with No. 14 Virginia, all that changed. Two goals in the first thirty minutes put the Canes in a hole they couldn’t climb out of, as the Cavaliers left Cobb Stadium with a win, 2-0. Virginia struck quickly, as sophomore forward Meghan Lencyk received a long pass from freshman forward Lauren Alwine and connected on a shot from 22 yards out, just out of reach of freshman goalie Vikki Alonzo. “It was key to get the first goal today and Meghan Lenczyk’s goal was well taken,” Virginia head coach Steve Swanson said. “She took advantage of an opportunity and that is something we weren’t doing as often recently.” The Cavaliers extended their lead in the 35th minute, as senior midfielder Alli Fries headed in a corner kick from junior Amanda Stewart. It’s only the second time in Alonzo’s career that she had given up more than one goal in a game, and the first time that she gave up the double in the first

half. Miami’s defense tightened up in the second half, but the offense couldn’t find their stride. Virginia attempted 21 shots on the day; the Miami attack could only muster four. “Our game plan was to stay compact, I thought we did a good job with it,” associate head coach Jeff Freeman said after the game. “But a lack of concentration on a couple set pieces led to the goals.” Miami ends its ACC homestand at 0-11, after tying Virginia Tech last Thursday night, 1-1. Virginia Tech started the scoring in the fourth minute, as a shot from junior forward Emily Jukich rebounded in off the right post. Miami responded with a dramatic goal in the 88th minute from junior midfielder Paulelett Ricks-Chambers towards the back post. In a reversal from Sunday’s game, Miami managed to get off 20 total shots, while the Canes defense held the Hokies to only 13. After 110 minutes of play, the teams remained deadlocked and had to settle for the tie. Miami now hits the road for two conference games against Boston College and Maryland. The Canes will first take on Boson College this Thursday at 7 p.m. Matthew Bunch may be contacted at mbunch@themiamihurricane.com.

FILE PHOTO // HURRICANE STAFF

MAKING MOVES: Paulelett Ricks-Chambers, a junior at UM and a midﬁelder on the women’s soccer team, dribbles the ball at a game earlier this season.

September 29 - October 1, 2008

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Third-string QB sparks UNC’s offense, leads team to comeback FOOTBALL FROM PAGE 11 zone to give the Canes a 24-14 lead early in the fourth quarter. Miami’s defense faltered and allowed the Tar Heels to rally from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit. The Canes were also unable to protect a 14-0 lead after the first quarter and a 17-7 advantage at halftime. Sexton, who relieved an ineffective Mike Paulus in the second quarter, sparked the comeback when he found wide receiver Hakeem Nicks down the middle of the field for a 74-yard score, to cut the lead to 24-21. “We just did not make the big plays on defense,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “There were too many deep balls that got us in trouble and guys just blowing responsibilities. We have to get those things fixed.” The Tar Heels were in position to tie or take the lead late in the fourth quarter, but freshman cornerback Brandon Harris stepped up with a critical sack on third down to stall the drive. After kicker Jay Wooten missed from 53 yards, Miami was unable to get a first down and were forced to punt. Punter Matt Bosher, who earlier missed a 43-yard field goal, had his punt partially blocked to set up the winning drive from the Tar Heels 44 yard line. The Hurricanes started the game fast and looked like they were going to be on their way to avenge their 33-27 loss to the Tar Heels last season. Running back Graig Cooper had a strong performance, rushing for 110 yards, while also hauling in an 11-yard touchdown catch. Cooper’s 31-yard run keyed an eight play, 89-yard drive on the opening series of the game which resulted in a Farquharson nine-yard touchdown reception. Miami also set the tone in the first quarter on special teams with bone-crushing hits from Chavez Grant and Colin McCarthy on a Travis Benjamin punt return. Marve finished the game 18-for27, tossing three touchdowns and two interceptions. Freshman Jacory Harris finished 4-for-6 for 38 yards in his two series in the second quarter. Despite some positives on offense, Miami’s disappointing loss spoiled its firstever ACC game at Dolphin Stadium. “It’s hard, knowing you had a chance to win the game, but those guys executed and we didn’t,” Shannon said. “Hats off to them, and now we have to get ready for next week against Florida State and move forward.” Alex Kushel may be contacted at akushel@ themiamihurricane.com.

FOOTBALL COMMENTARY

Saturday’s loss a bad dream Over the past week, I witnessed a Miami Hurricanes team that came into the season largely viewed as an afterthought in the ACC get turned into a BCS contender by BY DAN their fan base. STEIN From February SENIOR SPORTS through August, this WRITER team was too young to make a name for itself this year. By that logic, this would be a season of growing pains. However, after a strong showing against Florida and a throttling of Texas A&M, this team was, all of a sudden, expected to coast through their ACC schedule against less talented opponents. This is why I was nervous about their matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels. To be fair, I was just as excited as everyone else, but there was this nervousness that ceased to subside. After last week, I could see this team getting back to its dominant ways. But as I said last week, there were definitely holes in both games. Against UF, the Canes put themselves in a position to win before they ultimately ended up choking. Against the Aggies, the team looked like they were on cruise control in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Heels dropped a close one last week, and everyone should have believed that Butch Davis and company would not walk into Miami without bringing everything and the kitchen sink. Couple this with Miami’s upcoming rivalry game - against Florida State - and it was cause for concern. I predicted a close Miami victory. Many predicted the Canes in a blowout. What we saw was a classic example of a young team losing a game it should have won. Some would call it a case of a young team panicking. I have been yelling for the coaches to play the young guys. I want them in a position to learn how to win. I have also said that youth is not an excuse for losing (although it is certainly a reason). In my view, a standard for excellence must be set, and it must start when players are young. This game is the sort that reminds fans of a team’s inexperience. The team is still promising. Young players should keep playing, and keep being put in a position to win or lose the game. Unfortunately, just as in the formative years of the early 1980s and the rebuilding years of the late 1990s, these

BILLY GILBERT // HURRICANE STAFF

DISAPPOINTMENT: Hurricanes faithful show their emotions during the game against UNC. The Hurricanes fell to 2-2 and 0-1 in the ACC with the loss. types of losses can be expected. The fact that the Canes show so much promise makes the loss so much harder to take, but with growth comes the pains. Last season, it was easy to blame the quarterbacks. The season before, it was easy to blame Larry Coker. Those teams were not good. Losing was expected. Now? Now we expect to win. And because of this, losing hurts. Especially when it is because of the same youth that

has us so excited. When my father and I spoke after the game, as is our custom, he summarized the loss wwith admirable brevity and accuracy. “This is like a bad dream.” Well said Dad. Dan Stein may be contacted at dstein@ themiamihurricane.com

VITAL STATS

UNC

FIRST DOWNS

TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS

309

299

PASSING YARDS

174

264

3RD

RUSHING YARDS

135

4TH

TURNOVERS

FINAL

PENALTIES

6-54

6-55

SCORE BY QUARTERS

1ST

2ND

QTR.

TIME

UNC

SCORING PLAY

UM-UNC

1st