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The Miami
Vol. 87, Issue 13 | Oct. 8 - Oct. 11, 2009
HURRICANE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, SINCE 1929
Grade expectations
Inflation a problem at universities nationwide BY ADAM WEINSTEIN | CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
rade inflation is a major concern in universities nationwide, including the University of Miami. A Doonesbury cartoon by Garry Trudeau says it all: it depicts a student expressing his dismay at being denied admission to law school because his inflated GPA only hurt him in the long run. “It’s not my fault I didn’t deserve all those A’s,” he says in the strip. According to Dean of the Graduate School Terri A. Scandura, UM has consistently addressed grade inflation since the 1980s. “The causes of grade inflation appear complex,”
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she said. “There are many factors that may contribute [such] as students [being] concerned about their average GPA for entrance into graduate school.” Stuart Rojstaczer, a professor at Duke University, wrote an opinion column titled “Where All Grades Are Above Average” for The Washington Post in 2003. “The last time I gave a C was more than two years ago. The C, once commonly accepted, is now the equivalent of the mark of Cain on a college transcript,” he wrote. Professor Sigman Splichal of the School of Communication described the current perception of being average as an “anathema” or something that is detested. SEE GRADES, PAGE 4
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTNEY BOMNIN
MISSING THE MARK OBAMA FALLS FLAT WHEN IT COMES TO OLYMPICS LOBBYING PAGE 7
SWITCHING IT UP FAMILIAR GROVE FACE OPENS NEW BAR PAGE 9
SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL CANES CANNOT BECOME COMPLACENT THIS WEEKEND PAGE 11
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Escaping midterm stress Wellness Center massages provide a way to unwind BY DANIELLE KASLOW OF THE STAFF
From scrambling to finish class projects to cramming for exams, the pressure mounts quickly for students at the University of Miami. With midterms looming, the massage therapy program at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center offers students a calming escape, complete with dimmed lights and soothing music. Here, the expert massage therapists are skilled at relieving students’ stressed, tight muscles. “The massage program started 16 years ago, when the Wellness Center first opened,” assistant director Ashley Falcon said. “Massages fall in line with wellness and how, as an individual, you should make yourself your top priority and control your stress levels.” School issues, current surroundings, health and social situations can all trigger stress. If not dealt with properly, stress can lead to painful tension in muscles. “The students we see have a lot of tension in their necks and shoulders and the legs sometimes too, if they are runners,” Isabel Pla, one of the three massage therapists at the Wellness Center, said. Pla has been a massage therapist for five years, giving six to 10 massages daily. She also notes how the middle of the back and forearms
hold a great deal of tension, resulting from daily activities like typing and writing. “The tension comes from trigger points, which are similar to knots,” Pla said. “When the muscle is short instead of long, and very tight instead of loose, it makes a knot. This can lead to migraines and a lot of pain in the muscles.” Senior Christine Bouchard has received two or three massages in past years, though not at the Wellness Center. “I would get massages because I was stressed out and would get really bad migraine headaches,” she said. “Reading prob-
BRITTNEY BOMNIN // Photo Editor
STRETCH IT OUT: Massage therapist Isabel Pla offers deep tissue massages at the Wellness Center every day.
ably caused some of my problem. You bend your neck a lot, which can give you really bad tension.” Junior Paul Rabut relieved his pain through two or three massage sessions at the Wellness Center. “I had back and neck pain from playing the drums and having bad posture…staying in one position for too long and not moving around.” Rabut said. “I definitely have stress from classes too. It has an effect. Mental stress translates into physical stress; it’s all tied together.” The program is not just for students; it is also open to faculty, staff, Wellness Center members and even those in the local community who are not members. The massage therapists at the Wellness Center work with clients to meet their needs, using combinations of different massage techniques. A 50-minute session typically works your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. The program also offers a 25-minute option, which focuses on a few key areas of the body. Long, broad strokes are used in addition to deep kneading to eliminate especially tight knots caused by stress. “Massage is a great stress reliever,” said Melissa Jurado, the assistant director of group exercise and instructional programs at the Wellness Center. “All the attention is on you, and your relaxation and relieving your stress.” Danielle Kaslow may be contacted at dkaslow@ themiamihurricane.com.
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX
Study suggests bigger is better Studies show men prefer larger women BY IRENE DABOIN CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
These days, it seems that you can’t pick up a single magazine without reading a reference to weight loss promising a more attractive body. Is there any hope for overweight women? “There is speculation that the number of ‘fat admirers’ is growing,” said University of Miami psychology lecturer Dr. Franklin Foote.
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THE MIAMI HURRICANE
A recent study by researchers in the United Kingdom’s University of Westminster and University of Newcastle supports the existence of these so called “fat admirers.” The study included 47 men that had previously reported attraction to heavier partners and 64 men as a control group. Their ages ranged from 18-67. The men rated the attractiveness of 10 women pictured in tight leotards varying from the emaciated to clinically obese. Previous studies have shown that “fat admirers” make informed judgments about attractiveness independent of health
October 8 - October 11, 2009
perceptions and sometimes these men are on the heavier side themselves. It was no surprise, that the “fat admirers” in the study preferred the photographs of heavier woman. The control group rated skinner women as more attractive. Surprisingly, though, “fat admirers” also gave higher scores than the control group when rating the emaciated figures. “This might suggest that the ‘fat admirers’ reject societal standards of preferred weight in general,” Foote said. Irene Daboin may be contacted at idaboin@themiamihurricane.com.
Check out what’s exclusively available at TheMiamiHurricane. com
Brittney Bomnin’s photo slideshow is awesome and so are you! Check out Kemy Joseph’s inspirational t-shirts modeled by his fellow Random Acts of Kindness members. For an extended preview of Saturday’s game against FAMU, read Eric Hahn’s football matchup. Volleyball player Lane Carico was named Muscle Milk Student-Athlete of the Week. Ramon Galiana has the scoop on her accomplishments with the team in his sports briefs. Visit blogs. themiamihurricane. com to check out what our bloggers have to say. Interested in blogging? E-mail editor@ themiamihurricane. com Follow us on twitter @miamihurricane to get up-to-date information. Sign up for the e-mail edition of the newspaper at www. themiamihurricane. com/subscribe. Have a text addiction? Get text alerts about breaking news by signing up at www. themiamihurricane. com.
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Early to rise, late to bed Student juggles military, academics and Greek life BY LOLISA WALLACE CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
Just before his last class of the day, Donovan Hutchins, a senior marketing major with a minor in aerospace studies, sits at a picnic table near Mahoney-Pearson Residential College, barely able to keep his eyes open and head up. The books and papers scattered everywhere around him suggest the pressures of being a student at the University of Miami. “After I get done, I’ve am just tired. Then I have homework and sometimes I might have a test the next day. I just got to suck it up and get through it. I have to remember I have a goal and do what it takes to accomplish it,” Hutchins said. This student from Cedartown, Ga., is awake before most students at UM roll over to hit the snooze button on their alarm clocks and ends his day well after they finish classes. A typical day for Hutchins begins with a 6 a.m. run around the campus loop with the Air Force ROTC. Hutchins is currently the vice wing commander in Air Force ROTC, making him second in command. Hutchins helps manage more than 80 cadets from nine different schools, training them in proper military protocol and standards. He is a strong cadet and personable cadet. “He’s different, I’ll say that,” said Benjamin Elias, a senior and fellow Air Force ROTC member. “One of the best aspects about Hutchins is that he can make fun of any situation. When I was a freshman in ROTC, I was a know-it-all, so Hutchins started calling me Baby Jesus from then on.” His day usually ends around 9 p.m. after he conducts a meeting for the two Greek organizations that he presides over as president, the National PanHellenic Council and Phi Beta Sigma at UM. The National Pan-Hellenic Council at UM is made up of the historically black Greek-letter organizations on campus. “I saw it as another challenge. I wasn’t happy with the current perception of the NPHC on the campus, so I became more proactive,” Hutchins said. According to his brothers Hutchins has the same mind set toward his work with Phi Beta Sigma. “Considering that our chapter was in a building state, Hutchins took on the task
App makes Zipcars more accessible Reservations are made easy BY KARI SCHARF CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
BRITTNEY BOMNIN // Photo Editor
UP AT DAWN: Senior Donovan Hutchins, a member of the University of Miami Air Force ROTC, is involved in various organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma. of president and did an effective job,” said Paul Martinowicz, a senior and Phi Beta Sigma brother. “Ironhide,” the name given to Hutchins by Phi Beta Sigma, advises his “neos,” or new members, on matters of member intake, finances, social events and community service. The military has taught Hutchins to be disciplined, and he tries to conduct precise meetings, but working with NPHC civilians is very different. “Donovan is willing to listen and take advice. He has great leadership potential but it’s still a learning process,” said Dayle Wilson, assistant dean of students and NPHC advisor. “He’s basically in between
two places of being a student and being in the military, because when he’s in that uniform he is one person and outside of it he’s something else.” Following graduation in May 2010, Hutchins will be heading to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to take space and missile courses; he will be starting out as a second lieutenant. Hutchins will owe the Air Force four years of service, including deployment overseas, in return for the scholarship that he receives for participating in the program. Lolisa Wallace may be contacted at lwallace@ themiamihurricane.com. October 8 - October 11, 2009
As of Sept. 29, 2009, iPhone and iPod touch users no longer need to visit www.zipcar.com or call the company by phone to reserve a car. Instead they can simply download Zipcar’s new application which allows users to find and reserve Zipcars with just a few touches of their iPhone or iPod. Now available in the iTunes store, the app is free of cost and available to both members and non-members of Zipcar, the world’s largest car sharing service. The University of Miami currently has nine Zipcars available to students, located in front of the Wellness Center, the Mahoney-Pearson residential colleges and at the Miller School of Medicine. “Going online could be difficult and if you need to reserve on the go it would be easier,” sophomore and former Zipcar user Tory Gilliam said. Those who are not paying members of the Zipcar service can use the app to see which cars are available for use in their area. Paying members can not only reserve cars using the app but also sort cars by time available, car type and model as well as locate their reserved car by honking its horn with a touch of the screen. The app even allows members to lock and unlock reserved cars. According to the iTunes App Store, the Zipcar app currently has an average rating of three out of five stars, based on over 2,000 user ratings. It is only compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch OS 3.0. “Like so many urban dwellers today, more than 25 percent of Zipcar members live their life from their iPhones. The new Zipcar App...allows millions of iPhone and iPod touch users to have on-the-go access to Zipcars around the globe,” Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar, said in a press release. Kari Scharf may be contacted at kscharf@ themiamihurricane.com.
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“Schools across the country seem to have slipped into grading patterns in which the ‘B’ is basically an average grade -- not the ‘C,’ ” Professor Samuel Terilli of the School of Communications said. Sophomore Armstrong Ibe believes some professors don’t want to hurt feelings by giving C’s. “People complain a lot more nowadays, even if they get a B+,” he said. According to Dean Barbara Kahn of the UM School of Business, grade inflation is not a problem in her school. “The School of Business has a policy of grade bands,” she said. A grade band is the practice of predetermining a mean grade that the classes should follow but doesn’t prescribe a set number of each grade. “It wasn’t my mandate. It was a decision the faculty made,” Kahn said. Kahn, who was vice dean at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School before coming to UM, said that Wharton followed a curve instead of a grade band but both prevent grade inflation. “Then [with a grade band] there is some pressure on the faculty to create mechanisms in their classes that discriminate between different academic levels of students,” Kahn said.
Senior Joseph-Chad DiFrancesco blames the grading band for lowering his overall grade to a B when he received A’s on all the exams in a couple of classes. “Getting an A on a test is easier but getting that final grade is harder,” DiFrancesco said. Kahn believes that grade distribution is necessary to prevent grade inflation. “If everyone is getting an A then it doesn’t have much value,” Kahn said. Directly comparing the trend of rising grades from different institutions can be misleading. “When comparing grades across time and different colleges you have to remember that different professors and colleges grade differently so it is not a perfect way to analyze grade inflation,” UM Provost Thomas LeBlanc said. He also pointed out that students are learning in other ways than they did in the past, especially because of the Internet. The more important question academia needs to address is what makes a grade fair and what they are really measuring, according to LeBlanc. “The idea that there is some true way of grading the acquisition of knowledge is in question,” he said. Adam Weinstein may be contacted at aweinstein@ themiamihurricane.com.
New business sells tees to give back
BRITTNEY BOMNIN // Photo Editor
NUDE NO MORE: Junior Michaela Gaffley, senior Luke Beekman, sophomore Sarah Fraser, senior Kemy Joseph and sophomore Kimberly Reyes wear new t-shirts designed by Joseph as part of his business plan, backed by The Launch Pad. Joseph has launched the Web site (www.urawesome.org) on which anyone can purchase a colorful t-shirt for $20 and help provide seven more for people in need.
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October 8 - October 11, 2009
Recent GPA Trends Nationwide 3.4
Academic Years 1991-1992
3.30
3.3 1991-1992
3.24
2001-2002
3.2
3.16
2006-2007
Average GPA
GRADES FROM PAGE 1
3.11
3.1
3.09
3.07 3.01
2.99
3.0
2.97
2.93 2.90
2.9 2.85 2.8 2.7 2.6
All Schools
Public Schools
Private Schools
GRAPH BY KIERSTEN SCHMIDT INFORMATION COMPILED BY STUART ROJSTACZER
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT GRADEINFLATION.COM.
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President Shalala addresses student government on economic recession TALK IT OUT: Lionel Moise, president of Student Government, sits among senate members during their meeting yesterday, which University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala attended. “The campus always seems to feel better when your football team is doing better,” Shalala said at the Student Government Senate meeting yesterday. Besides football, Shalala spoke about the financial struggles the university has faced during the last year. She said the university not only faced its own budgetary demands but also worked to help students hit hard by the recession while continuing to recruit new students from around the world. When asked what students can do to help, she said, “Make campus fun; the key to whether students will want to go here, and stay, is you.”
TANYA THOMPSON // The Miami Hurricane
October 8 - October 11, 2009
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OPINION speak
UP!
What’s your favorite junk food?
JD AGLIANO Sophomore “Nutty Bars.”
PAIGE BOYAJIAN Freshman “Cold Stone ice cream or anything sour.”
“Key lime pie.”
STEPHANIE LAVEY Senior “York Peppermint Patties after they have been in the freezer.” Speak Up answers are edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy. compiled by
Kyli Singh
- JOSH KORNFIELD STAFF COLUMNIST
HURRICANE Founded 1929
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STAFF EDITORIAL
Late at night before a deadline, stress and panic set in. Feeling like you’ll never finish your project or be ready for your exam, you understandably freak out. Your roommate tries to offer a reassuring word, but you just snap. This is the precise situation students should try to avoid in the midst of midterm season. It’s important to balance all your work with a little fun, and remember that having a sense of humor can help you through these trying times. Studying for hours without a break is not the most effective strategy. Still, many students believe that an extended date with their textbooks will somehow cement the information. However, it is impossible for anyone, even those Adderall pill-poppers in your neuroscience class, to focus for that long. A short break is a great way to reward yourself for your hard work. Catch up with friends and swap witty stories, or pop in your favorite comedy DVD. Try watching funny online videos (like Mad TV’s “Bon Qui Qui” sketch) for a good chuckle. Laughing releases hormones in your brain that help you deal with stress, and the act itself has a cathartic effect. Taking the time to do
something fun and to give your brain a break will allow you to better retain information and keep your sanity intact. When things go wrong, as they inevitably will at the worst time possible, cracking a smile can help you cope. Laughing allows you to momentarily remove yourself from the situation and to determine the best course of action. After countless days filled with studying, realizing you still have five more chapters to cover could put you at your wit’s end. Finding irony in the situation and having a laugh allows you to react in a positive way and move on. A short guffaw could be the release you need to continue studying and achieve those straight A’s. The weeks ahead will be a tough time for all. Keeping things light, staying positive and humoring stressful situations will hopefully aid students in surviving the hectic midterm season.
Editorials represent the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board. What do you think? Take our poll on themiamihurricane.com.
BUSINESS MANAGER Jessica Jurick
MANAGING EDITOR Christina De Nicola
WEBMASTER Brian Schlansky COPY CHIEF Sarah B. Pilchick
ART DIRECTOR Felipe Lobon
COPY EDITORS Laura Edwins Zach Miller
NEWS EDITOR Ed S. Fishman PHOTO EDITOR Brittney Bomnin
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SPORTS EDITOR Justin Antweil
PUBLIC RELATIONS Jacob Crows
EDGE EDITOR Hilary Saunders
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OPINION EDITOR Danielle Kaslow
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ACCOUNT REPS Shoshana Gottesman Misha Mayeur Katie Norwood Brian Schuman Jack Whaley
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MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Matt Wallach Lauren Whiddon
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FACULTY ADVISER Bob Radziewicz
©2009 University of Miami
Even if Obama’s dedication to the Chicago business leaders who put him in office wasn’t the motivating factor for his gymnastic vault across the pond, the act itself naturally prompts too many ethical questions. Obama, the first American president ever to lobby for the Olympic games, has fulfilled his campaign promise to be unlike all of his predecessors - you know, like some of the guys who are on our $5 and $10 bills. I know many of you (including me) have a tremendous amount of respect for the president, but I think we can all come together and agree that this act was foolish. Chicago did not just lose to Rio as the site of the 2016 games; it was the first city eliminated. Do you think Ahmadinejad, Chavez and the North Korean rock star Kim Jong-il will be easily intimidated by a guy who couldn’t convince merry sportsmen to place the Olympics in the best city, in terms of infrastructure, among its competitors? Obama got egg on his face in front of the international community and those who oppose his reforms here at home. Watch as the judges raise their scorecards. The president will not wear a medal for this. Josh Kornfield is a sophomore majoring in international studies and political science. He may be contacted at jkornfield@themiamihurricane.com. October 8 - October 11, 2009
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Chelsea Matiash
Obama’s lobby for Olympics foolish resident Obama, the national messiah and embodiment of change, fell from Olympus and lost his divine radiance. After a showy primetime address to Congress that didn’t move him an inch in JOSH KORNFIELD his health care negotiations, STAFF or win over the American COLUMNIST people, Obama hopped a flight to Copenhagen. He lobbied before the International Olympic Committee to make his former home, Chicago, the site for the 2016 summer games. It seems odd to me that a president who has fulfilled only a small portion of his campaign promises, and is in the midst of a fencing match over those very issues, would divert the country’s attention. Instead of helping the nation, this effort would pad the pockets of a small number of businessmen in only one American city. Leading our nation during one of the most consequential periods of its history, Obama has recently created more political clout than he likely will for the duration of his presidency, yet he squanders it on a trivial issue that has the faint je ne sais quoi of corruption.
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Crack a smile to reduce stress
P
RONALD RICK Sophomore
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The Miami
President Obama, the national messiah and embodiment of change, fell from Olympus and lost his divine radiance.
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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Ditch the “water-cooler gossip”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR I read the piece published about the prejudices against India, and I have to say that I was truly impressed and pleased that this article was published. I feel as though there has been a “Slumdog Millionaire effect” that has arisen after the movie came out, resulting in jaded views of India and Indians. After seeing the movie, many people came up to me and asked me which slum in India I lived in and which form of “Indian” I spoke. Not all Indians live in slums, which the article
in your paper pointed out, and being Indian is a nationality, not a language. It would be like if an Indian director made a film called White Trash Winner and everyone in India thought all white people lived in trailers. A lot of people don’t understand that we have to walk a mile in people’s shoes before we judge. Kudos on the article. -Chhaya Nene, sophomore
POLL RESULTS: What do you think about the Ibis Ride? It’s a right
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October 8 - October 11, 2009
or the last time, and I really hope the last, I can confirm Kanye West is an inconsiderate jerk. He robbed a EVAN SEAMAN CONTRIBUTING thriving teenCOLUMNIST age star of her one (really, just one) night of glory. Let’s not lose sleep over it though. Also, this just in: people don’t enjoy feeling the heat of the poor economy. Someone is going to win the upcoming football game, and someone is going to lose. Could I be any more generic, standoffish and disposable? Let’s cool it with spreading “water-cooler gossip.” It’s fine if that’s the silly, trivial talk of the day amongst a few friends, but local radio station affiliates should not devote two hours of airtime to caller feedback about Kanye. That’s the type of thing that we have Twitter and Facebook for. I can scan others’ stances on insignificant
F
matters, and quickly close out the browser if I find myself yawning over the content, but I can’t turn my ears off from the blaring radio at the pool. The Internet and media outlets are great sources for receiving information before it becomes ubiquitous, but it’s been taken to an extreme. I am no fan of Kanye’s actions either, but I’ll continue to live without being flustered in the slightest. Whether you wake up actively deciding to boycott the rest of his work is irrelevant; he’s been soaring to the top of the charts for years. The media knows what makes you tick and what makes you groan. Any publicity is good publicity today. So how can we defeat it as a group of conscious, intelligent human beings? Advocate indifference; it’s the best way to make the high tides of “water-cooler gossip” pass. Evan Seaman is a junior majoring in economics. He may be contacted at eseaman@themiamihurricane.com.
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Thievery Corporation Friday at 9 p.m. @ The Fillmore Miami Beach
New Bar On tap
edge BY CAMRON GHORBI CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
Move over Tavern, Boardwalk and Barracuda’s. There’s a new bar in town, and nights in Coconut Grove just got a lot more interesting with the addition of Switch Bar and Lounge, located on 3008 Grand Avenue. Pedro Quiros, the general manager of Switch Bar and a former manager of Tavern, said he doesn’t expect any problems in cracking the Grove bar scene. “I’ve been in Coconut Grove for four years. A lot of the students here know me from my time at Tavern,” Quiros said. “The whole concept at Switch is different; it’s something other bars don’t have.” Part of what makes the bar unique lies in the meaning behind the name. Every few months, the bar will be changing themes and the accompanying drink specials. Unlike many of the bars in the Grove, the interior of Switch has a distinctly classy feel to it. “I know the place is going to be successful,” senior David Broadstone said. “Pedro is a guy we all know from the Grove, and he’s been around bars a long time. He knows what works and what doesn’t.” Tomas Euvin, the owner of New York Roma Pizza in the Grove, began formulating plans to open the bar in June 2009. Euvin chose the vacant space adjacent to the pizzeria as his location and picked Quiros and Angel Hassan, the former manager of Club Flavour, as his managers. Some highlights of Switch include 10 plasma televisions, a wooden DJ booth, a dance floor and a 30-foot-long bar. Beers on tap will include Presidente, Sam Adams and Yuengling and all pitchers will be 60 ounces rather than the standard 48 ounces. Quiros, a University of Florida graduate, said that quality customer service is another feature that will set Switch apart from most bars. “The inside is very upscale and unique, without having to deal with a dress code,” Quiros said. “We know what it’s like to be the only guy who can’t go in because he has shorts on. The only thing that we stress is that you’re 21.” Quiros does not anticipate underage drinking becoming a problem at Switch. The Miami native said there will be cops positioned outside the bar, and his security team will run a tight shift. “I’m looking forward to finally going to a place in the Grove where the majority of the people aren’t underage,” 21-year-old junior Petter Bauer said. Quiros hopes to use the bar for a variety of events, including wine tasting, art and fashion shows and even radio station broadcasts. After a four-month-long process that he described as “tiring and exhausting,” the bar is set for its opening sometime this month; the date is dependent on when inspectors come. “We know we’re going to be successful; there’s no doubt about that. I just want to get it open,” he said. Camron Ghorbi may be contacted at cghorbi@themiamihurricane.com.
BRITTNEY BOMNIN // Photo Editor
October 8 - October 11, 2009
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WVUM: the voice Breaking the musical of the students mold with On A Square BY FALYN FREYMAN CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
Self-branded as “the voice of the University of Miami,” 90.5 WVUM ups the ante this semester, adding a slew of new specialty shows to its programming lineup. At least 13 shows, ranging from reggae and funk to jazz and hardcore, will round out their special programming for the fall. A specialty show on WVUM is one to three hours of regular weekly radio programming that caters to a specific musical genre or niche. Any WVUM DJ can apply for his or her own specialty show after completing at least one semester as a regular rotation DJ. Returning to the specialty lineup this fall are a number of established shows, among them Sounds Imported, a two-hour block of world music featuring a different country each week, and Radio Riot!, a punk-rock hour featuring bands like Streetlight Manifesto, the Queers and Against All Authority. WVUM DJs Aleah Axiom and Derrick Utopic began Radio Riot! last fall and take pride in being the only exclusively punkrock show in South Florida. “I’m so happy watching its fan base increase,” said Axiom of the show’s growth. “It’s my little radio baby that is now a toddler.” The new specialty shows this semester help to further establish WVUM as a collaborative voice of the university.
Expanding to include regular reggae, jam band, hip hop, soul/ funk and lo-fi programming, the current specialty show lineup has something to offer for listeners across a wide range of musical tastes. New to the schedule this semester is senior Elena Chiriboga, who hosts Meat Whiplash, a lo-fi smorgasbord of power-pop, punk, garage and psyche which airs Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. Like many of the specialty shows on WVUM, Meat Whiplash is significant because it brings something unique to the Miami community. “Some people tell me they have been waiting for a show like this in Miami because no other radio station locally plays all the rarities that I do on my show,” Chiriboga said. “I’ve been contacted by local individuals asking if they can do guest spots on the show and bands asking if they can play live.” The New Times selected WVUM as best radio station for its 2009 “Best of Miami” feature, saying “Where else but a studentrun radio station are you going to hear everything from Brahms to Wilco?” This semester, with an even more diverse lineup of specialized programming, WVUM continues its stride toward living up to its slogan. Log onto www.wvum.org for show times and to stream the station live. Falyn Freyman may be contacted at ffreyman@themiamihurricane.com.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTNEY BOMNIN
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EDGE
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
LILA ALBIZU // The Miami Hurricane
“START THE SHOW”: On A Square’s pianist Andres Ramos, lead vocalist Aneil Maharaj and drummer Brandon Fulton play their hearts out at Kitchen 305 in Sunny Isles Beach Sept. 11. BY LONNIE NEMIROFF CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
Welcome back to the 1960s. Miami finally has an old-school band worthy enough to blend the impeccable tunes from the psychedelic era with modern music. The positively anachronistic group, On A Square, performs quirky pop tunes sung by The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Although these melodies reside outside of today’s popular music scene—which is mostly dominated by rock and technological beats—On A Square makes the outcasts that much cooler. The Miami trio consists of lead singer and guitarist Aneil Maharaj, pianist Andres Ramos and drummer Brandon Fulton. Their musical influences include The Beatles and The Beach Boys
October 8 - October 11, 2009
but also jam bands and Broadway plays. Ramos describes the band’s influences as “anything that is melodic.” Maharaj’s tender, lighthearted vocals blend ideally with the bouncy, upbeat sounds of the instruments. One of their tracks, “Forgotten Melody,” which can be found on their Myspace page, displays the band’s ability to create a song that, at first listen, appears to be simply fun, but underneath it has intricate jingles and perfectly tuned harmonies. “They haven’t given into the idea of conforming... They stay true to what they want to do as musicians,” junior Lindsey Stahley said. On A Square is not interested in making the repetitive mu-
sic that is heard too often on the radio. Rather, they create tracks that tell a multi-faceted story. With catchy licks and unique song structure, On a Square cracks the musical mold of Miami. “People will be happy to receive a breath of fresh air,” Ramos said. Lonnie Nemiroff may be contacted at lnemiroff@themiamihurricane.com.
IF YOU GO Who: On a Square Where: Buck 15 When: Sunday at 8:30 p.m. Cost: Free
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SPORTS
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The channel for UMTV’s SportsDesk which airs Fridays at 7 p.m.
284
The total margin of victory that Canes have over FAMU the last six meetings
FOOTBALL
Hurricanes refuse to be complacent Florida A&M could prove a challenge BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER
Is there such a thing as a trap game when the team you are playing has a better record than you? The No. 11 Hurricanes (3-1, 2-1 ACC) are a 38-point favorite to win against Florida A&M (4-0), a Football Championship Subdivision team. The Canes have been concentrating on executing and not taking the Rattlers for granted Saturday night at 7 p.m. “Florida A&M is a good football team,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “We can’t take them lightly. We must remember Appalachian State and Michigan, Middle Tennessee [State] and Maryland.” Both of the games resulted in famous upsets. The Hurricanes are coming off a win after knocking off then-No. 8 Oklahoma 2120. The focus will fall on the Hurricanes to remain steadfast and not allow Florida A&M to disrupt a great season so far. “I told the players that a lot of their players feel they should be at Miami,” Shannon said, who defeated Charleston Southern 52-7 last season in his only game against a FCS team. “They’ll come out with a purpose: they should be at Miami, not Florida A&M. There will be a lot of support in the stadium for Florida A&M.” Miami leads the series against FAMU 6-1. The last game played against the Rattlers resulted in a 51-10 routing in 2006. The Canes gained 339 rushing yards that season and senior running back Javarris James picked up 75 of those yards and scored twice as a freshman. “If our running game is going, it makes the passing game a lot easier,” Shannon said. “Javarris starts running the football, the linebacker, safeties have to come up. It can be really scary if you run the football like we did the other night.” FAMU finished the month of September with a perfect record for the first time in 12 years, averaging 33 points a game. But Florida A&M has not played a ranked team, let alone a team of Miami’s caliber.
BILLY GILBERT // The Miami Hurricane
HE’S IN: Senior tight end Jimmy Graham scores a touchdown during the game against the University of Oklahoma Sooners at Land Shark Stadium. The Hurricanes will have to maintain their momentum against FAMU this Saturday. “We have to worry about FAMU,” said sophomore linebacker Sean Spence, who had tied a career-high in tackles last week with 10 total. “The Oklahoma game is over with, we have to move on.” Two key factors the Hurricanes have to worry about will be the play of Florida A&M senior quarterback Curtis Pulley and a very dangerous return man in senior LeRoy Vann. Pulley, who is a double-threat quarterback, has connected on seven touchdown passes this season while leading the team in rushing with 291 yards. Vann has already returned four punts for touchdowns.
However, if offensive coordinator Mark Whipple and sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris move the ball with ease against FAMU, Vann will see fewer punts come his way and may not be a decisive factor. This will be the first week of the season that the Canes are facing a team that isn’t ranked and will look to leave with a blow out. “We made a statement against Oklahoma,” junior offensive tackle Orlando Franklin said. “It is time for us to keep building and building on our season.” Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at lledoux@ themiamihurricane.com. October 8 - October 11, 2009
MIAMI VS. FAMU The game is not televised but can be heard on 90.5 FM WVUM. The renowned FAMU Marching 100 will perform at halftime and have a 15 minute postgame concert. Brandon Harris will be interviewed on UMTV's SportsDesk Friday at 7 p.m.
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CLUB RACQUETBALL
MATCHUPS: MIAMI VS. FAMU MIAMI
FAMU
Club gains recognition
Quarterbacks Running Backs Wide Receivers/Tight Ends Offensive Line Defensive Line Linebackers BRITTNEY BOMNIN // Photo Editor
SMASH: Junior Alain Pujolar, president of the Racquetball club, practices last Thursday on the Wellness Center court two with medical student Aaron Mittel.
Defensive Backs
Racquetball team looking to expand
Special Teams
BY RAMON GALIANA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Coaching Eric Hahn may be contacted at ehahn@themiamihurricane.com LOG ON TO THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM FOR ERIC HAHN’S ANALYSIS OF EACH UNIT.
ACC Standings ATLANTIC DIVISION SCHOOL Maryland Boston College Wake Forest Clemson NC State Florida State COSTAL DIVISION SCHOOL Virginia Tech Virginia Georgia Tech Miami Duke North Carolina 12
SPORTS
CONFERENCE 1-0 2-1 1-1 1-2 0-1 0-2
OVERALL 2-3 4-1 3-2 2-3 3-2 2-3
CONFERENCE 2-0 1-0 2-1 2-1 0-1 0-2
OVERALL 4-1 1-3 4-1 3-1 2-3 3-2
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On a typical Wednesday afternoon, you will find junior Alain Pujolar with a racquet in hand, hammering away at a ball in an intense doubles match between his fellow club teammates. Pujolar, the current president of the racquetball club, has excelled in the sport. He is ranked No.1 in the state of Florida in his tier of competition by the United States Racquetball Association (USRA). “Being in a club sport has given me a different perspective in what it is to be a college student,” Pujolar said. “I’ve been able to see that being in college is not only about the books and studying, but also expanding your horizons in ways that will make you grow as a person.” The Racquetball Club has already achieved high prestige. This semester, the club hosted a statewide USRA tournament which, according to tournament coordinator Lynne Olvey, brought roughly five students per college to compete at the University of Miami. Last February, the club hosted its 10th-annual “Great Balls of Fire Pro Am Racquetball Championship” with the Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO). Players were invited to compete in the championship and pay an entrance fee, part of which went to the event’s sponsored philanthropy, the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Internally, the club also hosts a signature tournament that is designed to draw new players to compete in the club. This year, the “Spooktacular Splatfest” will take place on Halloween from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will be the eighth year the club has hosted Splatfest. “The tournament really helps us generate interest in racquetball,” Olvey said. “[Participants] are able to pick a team. Now we only have three really good players that we’re playing with, and we want at least five. In January we are headed to the University of Florida for the next [state-wide collegiate tournament].” Pujolar and the club will be practicing hard to ensure they are ready for the tournament. “What I do to prepare for a match is play about three hours of racquetball at least three times a week consistently,” Pujolar said. “It’s not just playing anyone, it’s actually playing people that are as good as you or better; that way your game becomes more consistent, you learn to choose high percentage shots, and you also get used to the speed of the ball.” Still, the Racquetball Club attempts to appeal to all people who are interested in the sport, both in competitive and recreational playing. “Everyone is welcome to join the club, even non-students, faculty – if you are a member of the Wellness Center, you’re welcome to join,” Olvey said. “The team is for the students, but the club is for everybody.” Ramon Galiana may be contacted at rgaliana@themiamihurricane.com.
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VOLLEYBALL COMMENTARY
SOCCER COMMENTARY
Struggling on court
Second-half surge
Last year the University of Miami volleyball team finished with a solid overall record of 266. They narrowly missed receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, ADAM BERGER CONTRIBUTING which would have SPORTS WRITER been a first since 2002. This year the Hurricanes (9-6, 2-3) have already matched their loss total for all of last season. They currently stand at a mediocre 9-6 and have endured a handful of heartbreaking defeats, including a home loss this past weekend against Clemson University where they dropped a 2-0 lead heading into the third set of the match. To be clear, the Hurricanes are not playing bad volleyball. Overall, their play has been solid. Sophomore outside hitter Lane Carico is having another good year after her brilliant freshman campaign. She was just named ACC Player of the Week after her fantastic play last weekend in two thrilling fiveset matches. Redshirt junior Lici McGee and sophomore Ali Becker have both had a positive impact in the front court. The problem for Miami has been that it struggles when a game needs to be closed out. Clemson wasn’t the only tough loss this season where the Hurricanes lost a big lead; twice already this year they have blown a match in which they led the contest 2-0. They are just 2-3 as a team in five set matches.
The University of Miami stands at .500 through its first 12 games. However, they carry a losing record in the ACC (1-2). The results don’t reflect the talent of the team that continues to be DEBORA RUBI plagued by mental misCONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER takes and a relatively stagnant offense that does not reflect the strong defense and ball control they regularly portray. In games against No. 3 Boston College and No. 5 Florida State, it was not a lack of effort or vision, but quick and consecutive goals that led to losses. Aside from the slight mental lapses over spans of five minutes in those games, they stayed competitive and played at the high level of their opponents. The Hurricanes have not had trouble directing play against tough opponents; it’s only that final pass, that precision shot or run that seems to be missing at the end of great plays. The Canes have scored only six goals in their last nine games. They’ve been shut out in all their six losses. Despite the many changes to personnel that head coach Tricia Taliaferro has introduced, including putting right back Danielle Bidegain and backup goalie Ali Brennan up top, the offense is still having a hard time capitalizing. The Hurricanes have enough players to create pace and ball control, specifically when senior Beverly Goebel and junior Lauren Singer are able to establish command in the midfield. Senior Paulelett Ricks-Chambers has been great working up and down the sideline. Her speed and
It’s a trend that the coaching staff is trying to fix and surely a topic that was brought up during a 30-minute, closeddoor locker room chat that followed the bad loss to Clemson. This past Sunday against Georgia Tech, head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch’s words of “encouragement” seem to have resonated with her team. The Hurricanes had a chance to close out the game in the fourth set, but lost a tough battle that went in to extra points. In the fifth set, a place that has troubled Miami all year, they prevailed in convincing fashion, winning the deciding frame 15-9. Miami should be able to build upon the dramatic win and turn their season around. There is too much talent on this team to assume otherwise. A trip to the NCAA tournament is probably out of the question, but don’t tell that to these Hurricanes. Moving forward Miami simply needs to be more consistent and get healthy in a hurry. The orange and green have been without junior setter Katie Gallagher and senior outside hitter Genny Mayhew due to injury. Gallagher has missed seven games while Mayhew has missed four. Lantange Welch has not given a timetable for their returns, but the sooner they get that veteran presence back on the court the better. Their leadership is irreplaceable and has certainly been missed. They begin a four-game road trip tonight as they face Wake Forest at 7 p.m. Adam Berger may be contacted at aberger@ themiamihurricane.com.
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athleticism is tremendous. Junior Brittney Steinbruch, not for a lack of effort, has had a hard time scoring, with only two goals in the season. But most importantly she is healthy unlike last year. Freshman Kate Howarth remains the team scoring leader with three goals, all scored in a game against Ball State. Howarth underscores a great freshman class for the Canes. Freshman Jordan Roseboro got her first score of the season against Maryland. The assist went to another outstanding freshman: Megan Siebert. Seibert has stood out as great support to Singer and Goebel in the midfield. Freshman Fatima Nasser has been outstanding not only in her consistent play but in her diversity; she’s played in the back, midfield and front. Sophomore keeper Vikki Alonzo continues her superb play from last year, continuously keeping the Canes in games as they try to gather momentum. The defense has helped keep the Canes competitive and given Alonzo the support she needs to stay confident. Alonzo is definitely the team MVP thus far. Juniors Britney MacDonald and Britney Blocker continue to create a defensive wall in the backfield while sophomores Danielle Bidegain and Ashlee Burt regularly help the transition of the ball up field. The Canes look to have a strong second half of the season and make the NCAA Tournament as they play in the toughest conference, the ACC. UM’s next game is at home Friday at Cobb Stadium against ACC foe Clemson. First kick is at 7:30 p.m. Debora Rubi may be contacted at drubi@ themiamihurricane.com.
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DEAR V: A dry spell leaves me no choice but to make my own porn... Dear Mr. Polanski (just kidding!), , I am in a bit of a bind. I have been in a relationship with my girlfriend for about two years now. Overall, I am extremely happy. She is the best girlfriend I could ever ask for - except for one thing. We only have sex once every two months or so. Right now we are going on three months. For the past couple of acts of “coitus” I have secretly videotaped our encounters. I then later watch the tapes and pleasure myself to them. I feel horrible doing it but lately I have actually been really turned on by them. Is what I am doing wrong if I keep these videos private? Is it considered pornography if it’s simply for my personal use? Please help! Sincerely, Future Film Director
Three months is quite the dry spell within a relationship, especially when you’re still young. I get your frustration. When people are faced with sexless relationships, things often take a resentful turn. Someone might end up diving headfirst into a basket of porn on a regular basis or even cheating. It seems to me like because you don’t resent your girlfriend you want to preserve the integrity of your relationship by not seeking pleasure from other women. This is a good thing. I looked up the dictionary definition of pornography. It is “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement.” I would say that yes, you are making porn. If you feel horrible about your cin-
dear ...
ematic inclinations, you should go with your gut feeling that you’re not acting ethically. You are keeping a secret from someone you care about. Put yourself in her shoes. Wouldn’t it be weird and unsettling to not know that you’re a porn star (even if you are only starring for one person)? Not to mention, what you’re doing might technically be illegal. In Florida, it is against the law to record someone’s voice without his or her consent. This includes moaning and screaming your name. Have you tried finding out why your girlfriend insists on going so long without sex? You will need to have an honest discussion. Perhaps a solution can be reached through a gained understanding. But remember, turnaround is fair
play. There is no chance of a resolution (and more whoopee) without honesty, so you’ll have to come clean. On one hand, she might love the idea of starring in your personal stash. Then again, things might not go as smoothly as you hope, but it is the right thing to do. Best of luck! V Have a question for V? Hit up DearV@ themiamihurricane.com.
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DEAR V
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