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The Miami
Vol. 87, Issue 25 | Nov. 23 - Nov. 25, 2009
HURRICANE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, SINCE 1929
Trading spaces More parking for commuters BY CLAUDIA CURIEL CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
A
proposal has already been accepted for next semester to change the surface lots in Mahoney/Pearson to be designated solely for commuters during the school week as well as making spots available in the Eaton parking lot, said Richard Sobaram, director of parking and transportation. “It’s about time,” commuter sophomore Isabela Ferraz said. “It’ll space out car congestion.” This fall, the three surface lots with approximately 110 parking spaces surrounding Mahoney/Pearson became available to commuters as well as residents. The problem is that residents’ cars sit there all week without allowing others to park; the department of parking and transportation has marked tires to determine how long cars sit in a single spot and some cars were in the same spot for four days, wasting spaces that could be used. Monday through Friday, Mahoney/Pearson residents will need to park in the garage by the volleyball courts, which has about 260 spots. According to Sobaram, there are about 7,500 commuters and 1,000 employees who search for spots every day as opposed to the 50-60 residents in Mahoney/Pearson who have cars. Eaton residents will not be displaced. “They will be able to park in the same place, but the lot is underutilized because there are more spaces available in that lot than Eaton residents with cars,” Sobaram said. There will be about 40 designated parking spots for commuters in the Eaton lot, which will be clearly identified with signs. “That’s great because now it won’t take me half an hour to find parking,” commuter sophomore Michelle Robinson said. Parking has been a great issue of debate this semester especially since the temporary gravel lot by the business school closed. Carrie Brunt Whiteside, head of the commuter advisory board, said that anytime the university provides closer parking to the heart of campus, it’s good for students so they don’t have to rely on the shuttles. SEE PARKING, PAGE 4
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY FELIPE LOBON
UMTV, THE ONE TO WATCH
WIFFLE BALL: A HOME RUN
NEWSVISION IS NOMINATED FOR A SUNCOAST EMMY PAGE 5
CLUB TEAM GAINS POPULARITY AND WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS PAGE 13
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Caring for Canes for 43 years UM staff member full of memories BY COLLEEN DOURNEY CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
Working at the department of student affairs at the University of Miami has its perks, and Senior Administrative Assistant Gayle Sheeder would know; she’s been there more than 40 years. Witnessing every type of music act to come through UM from Santana to Damian Marley is just the start of the mental scrapbook Sheeder has made over the years. The only problem she has now is where to start telling her story. Seated in her office with her numerous awards hanging on the wall and her Iron Arrow Honor Society jacket hanging from her door, she would rather talk about her relationships with students over the past years. “I first came to Miami and took a job as a salesperson," Sheeder said. "But I’m not much of a salesperson, I’d rather work directly with people in a job that allows me to help them." When Assistant Dean of Students Dayle Wilson first met Sheeder, Wilson was a workstudy student. She recalls memories that highlight her helpful and caring personality. “I remember one day it was pouring down rain and we were leaving the office after work. We walked outside to see this poor international student holding a wet map trying to find her way to her apartment," Wilson said. "Gayle walked right up to her and told her ‘It’s ok, you can trust me,’ and took the girl in her car to
her apartment, which was right around the corner." In her 43 years of working at UM, Sheeder has seen many changes not only in the administration, but also in the school's reputation, stature and structure. Sheeder began working at the university in 1966 during its ‘Suntan U’ years as an hourly staff associate secretary for the Director of the Student Union Norman Whitten in the University Center. She never really minded the reputation, however, because she was too busy enjoying it herself. Later on, Sheeder decided it was time to take advantage of one of UM’s perks for employees and she finished her degree using tuition remission. She began studying for her degree back in her home state of Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma University as an accounting major; at UM, she completed her education with a degree in business. There were few women interested in business during her time as a student, and since those early years, she has seen the program grow to openly welcome women. Another change Sheeder witnessed was the historic recruitment of football player Ray Bellamy, the first African-American student-athlete at UM in 1968. She also recalls seeing the emotion and passion of student protesters during the Vietnam War through the windows of the UC. At one time she says there were 15,000 students on the Rock protesting, roughly the size of today's student body. After 43 years, it is a wonder that Sheeder continues at the
The Miami Hurricane presents a photo slideshow of the football team’s 34-16 victory. UMTV has video footage of Friday’s BB gun lockdown. COISO’s international dance competition was captured on film by Steve Pierre.
MICHAEL DUNCAN // The Miami Hurricane
A TRUE CANE: Gayle Sheeder has worked at UM for the past 40 years. She currently works in the Dean of Students Office. same rate she started. Christine Ferras, an administrative assistant and co-worker of Sheeder’s, has an idea of how she keeps up with the job. “She’s always just so upbeat. She drinks Diet Coke and eats brownies for breakfast; she could be onto something there," she said. Along with her many awards and recognitions, a special sandwich at the Rathskeller is named in her honor, "The Sheeder Grilled Cheese."
Ultimately, one thing has remained constant in her life: her love for her job and her desire to always have the best interest in mind for students. Sheeder may retire from her position, but her legacy will live on through her involvement at UM. “I think it’s important to stay involved. I go to concerts, I go to pep rallies,” she said. “I just love it here.” Colleen Dourney may be contacted at cdourney@themiamihurricane.com.
Milov improves, begins rehabilitiation Moves from ICU to Ryder Rehab BY RAMON GALIANA OF THE STAFF
After several weeks of treatment at the intensive care unit of Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, junior Bianca Milov has begun rehabilitation. Milov, 20, was 2
NEWS
involved in a noncriminal traffic incident Sept. 11 when she was dragged 213 feet after being trapped under a Coral Gables street sweeper. “Bianca Milov has been moved to Ryder Rehab and is making slow progress towards recovery after eight weeks in the Intensive care unit at Ryder Trauma Center,” said Patricia Whitely, vice president of stu-
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dent affairs. “The family is so grateful for the support, care and love of the University community as well as the outstanding medical care Bianca has received at the Ryder Trauma Center and the wonderful doctors at the Miller School of Medicine.” According to the Coral Gables police crash investigation unit Sept. 21, Milov had been
November 23 - November 25, 2009
texting on her cell phone as she was walking to her apartment at 1:01 a.m. Because she was wearing dark clothing, the driver was unaware of the collision until a notification alarm indicated that the sweeper’s mechanism was malfunctioning. Ramon Galiana may be contacted at rgaliana@ themiamihurricane.com.
Interested in joining the Whiffle Ball Club? Watch a video by Steve Pierre. Stephen Murray was voted as a representative of the Coconut Grove Village Council. Find out more from Nina Marie Ruggiero. Camron Ghorbi gives his take on Torange Restaurant on Miracle Mile. Go online for the latest CD and movie reviews. Need your dose of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”? Read a CD and movie review and an interview with cast members from the film Volleyball swept a pair of weekend ACC matches. Read more from Adam Berger. Subscribe for the e-mail edition of the newspaper at www. themiamihurricane. com/subscribe.
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Drop in drinking citations BB gun shooting by Hecht/Stanford Police send ENN within minutes BY LILA ALBIZU ASST NEWS EDITOR
STILL FRAME FROM VIDEO BY BENJAMIN CANDEA
BAD BOYS: Officers at Land Shark Stadium before the FAMU game patrol the parking area outside of Gate B for underage drinking and inappropriate conduct during sports fans’ tailgates.
Fewer officers, fewer arrests BY BENJAMIN CANDEA CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
Even with rising attendance this year at Land Shark Stadium, underage drinking citations have dropped. Last year 258 underage citations were given out. So far this year, there have only been 42 according to Florida’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT). Although ABT Captain Priscilla Turner was not stationed in South Florida last year, she believes there are several reasons for the drop in citations. “There has been a decrease in the number of ABT personnel that are working these Miami games,” Turner said. Currently, there are usually eight ABT officers present during games at Land Shark Stadium. Turner also said losing more experienced officers to other agencies and retirement has meant that new officers are being trained on the job. “Not only do we have about eight officers working, but you have to have an experienced officer to train that person to ensure that they know how to do the procedure, that they know how to ap-
proach these kids, what to look for when they’re looking at the identification,” Turner said. “Experienced agents already have that procedure down, they’ve been doing that for years.” One of the changes made before this football season started was to open up student parking. Last year, students were required to park within a section of the orange lot near Gate B. This year, students can park anywhere in the Land Shark Stadium lot. Turner believes the change in parking coupled with the lack of officers has led to the decrease in citations. Not everyone believes that parking has been a major factor. “Citations are given to address the behavior that the officers encounter. Where students choose to park this year simply makes an impact on how far they walk to get to the gate for entry into the game,” Assistant Dean of Students Tony Lake wrote in an email to The Miami Hurricane. Lake said that he isn’t sure why underage citations have dropped, but he believes the drop is linked to a greater awareness of stadium policies by students. Officials at Land Shark Stadium agreed with Lake’s assessment. “Last year was the first year of UM games at Land Shark Sta-
dium so some fans were not familiar with the stadium’s policies. In addition, the stadium along with the UM Athletic Department has been proactive in communicating the fan conduct policy to ensure a safe and friendly atmosphere at UM games,” Lake wrote. Most students feel they have seen less ABT agents at games this year. Senior Sophie Gonzalez said that she didn’t think she had seen any the last couple of games. Gonzalez said she thinks parking has been a big reason for this change. “A lot of my friends are not parking in the same area. I see a lot of them in the west side still but not as many as last year,” she said. Medical student Ravi Patel agreed that he sees less ABT agents, but he also said he isn’t on the look out anymore after turning 21. He believes that fewer ABT agents has led to a decrease. “[There are] less of those cops so I think that’s the only reason,” Patel said. Sophomore Tom Bonan says he has “definitely seen less” officers and attributes the drop in citations to greater student awareness. “I feel like the students have gotten better at hiding it,” he said.
An Emergency Notification Network alert was sent to members of the University of Miami community around 2:42 p.m. Friday warning them of a shooting on the Coral Gables campus. The warnings were sent out minutes after the shooting according to UM Police Department Chief David Rivero. "It's unfortunate that these kids were on our campus doing that," he said. "We are still trying to piece it together. Hopefully we will have a good resolution pretty soon." The campus was put on lockdown after a shooting occurred involving a BB gun. "A BB can take out an eye, it can do a lot of danger," Rivero said. The message did not include the site of the shooting because of limited characters. UMPD gave the "all clear" at 3:44 p.m. when a message was received that said the subjects had been apprehended and that the lock down had been lifted. The first text alert asked
members of the community to “go/remain indoors, lock all doors/windows, stay away from windows and do not open locked doors for anyone.” Rivero said that UMPD is looking into other services that could be used in place of the Emergency Notification Network. A secretary at the Wellness Center said that the shooting took place near the Hecht/Stanford Dining Hall and the Wellness Center. Also, according to sources, two girls were reportedly shot, but this has not been confirmed by UMPD. A statement released by UMPD described the incident as a drive-by involving 4 individuals in a silver 4-door Volvo. At approximately 2:30 p.m., two white males seated in the front and two white females in the back seat drove by the area and shot a BB gun multiple times through a rolled-down window. The campus was secured and operations resumed normally. The statement urged anyone with any information pertaining to the incident, including victims who have not yet come forward, to contact UMPD at (305) 284-6666. Lila Albizu may be contacted at lalbizu@themiamihurricane.com
COURTESY UMPD SURVEILLANCE
Benjamin Candea may be contacted at bcandea@themiamihurricane.com.
BIRD’S EYE VIEW: Four individuals driving through campus fired a BB gun multiple times from a rolled down window.
November 23 - November 25, 2009
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PARKING FROM PAGE 1 Although Sobaram explained there have not been focus groups with Mahoney/ Pearson residents on the future change, he has heard resident’s opinions, which vary from those who always prefer parking their cars under cover and those who will be inconvenienced. According to Sobaram, the Mahoney/Pearson garage goes largely unused every day. “There is ample parking on campus and we need to start thinking strategically about how we can best allocate these spaces to better meet the needs of the campus community,” Sobaram said. This new policy is in response to lot usage surveys and the changing dynamic on
campus. This is the second year freshmen are not allowed to have their cars on campus and, according to Sobaram, many have decided they do not need one sophomore year. Also, many upperclassmen are living in apartment complexes off campus. “All of these things have resulted in fewer resident students having cars, yet the inventory of spaces dedicated solely for residents students have remained high,” Sobaram said. “We need to re-allocate these spaces, especially in areas that are more convenient for commuter students and employees.” Claudia Curiel may be contacted at ccuriel@themiamihurricane.com.
Rate your professors Online evaluations prove beneficial BY BRYAN SHERIFF CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
Compared to sorting through piles of papers feet high, the new online course evaluation system has made life much easier for the members of the University of Miami Testing Center. With every school at UM now participating to some capacity, the testing center is looking forward to the latest series of student responses using the online system established only three years ago. “Before the change, we were just using the scannable forms of paper-based evaluation, the latest of which was used for some 20 odd years,” said Dr. David Wiles, the executive director of the Testing Center. After instituting a pilot program three years ago, different schools elected to begin using the new online version at various times. Among the first to begin using the system were the School of Nursing and Frost School of Music. “There really were stacks of paper all over the place,” said Dr. Mary Sapp, assistant vice president of Planning and Institutional Research. “Now the effort is mostly dealing with making sure everything is set up in advance online.” Several immediate benefits to making the move online have already proved helpful to the Testing Center. There has been increased customization of the surveys, allowing for more representative information that schools can use to better their programs. In addition, it allows students the latitude of deciding when to complete the survey. “We have found that students are volunteering more information and more complete information about the course than 4
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November 23 - November 25, 2009
they were before,” Wiles said. Initially, the new online system did see a decrease in response rates, typically about a 15 percent drop. However, in order to help encourage participation last spring, students who filled out course evaluations were able to see their grades earlier. Since then, response rates have climbed back up to similar levels of what schools saw before the move online. Besides making it easier for both students and faculty, the switch to the online version has helped save the school an exorbitant amount of money and paper. The school typically sorted through over 40,000 surveys in paper form, not including the open-ended comments or any other documents. These evaluations are taken exceptionally seriously by faculty and are often used as a basis for both promotion and tenure for faculty. “We just want students to recognize that it’s important enough to the University that the feedback is used in evaluating faculty members,” Sapp said. With increased awareness, the Testing Center hopes that more students will participate in completing their course evaluations and will act as though it is a meaningful exercise. “Students should be aware of this prior to completing the survey so they take it more seriously,” sophomore Eric Casella said. Senior Ignacio Jiménez thinks the use of these evaluations shows the University’s attitude toward students. “If these surveys are really used to evaluate faculty, then the school thinks very highly of our opinion,” he said. Evaluations begin next Monday, after Thanksgiving and end shortly before Christmas. Bryan Sheriff may be contacted at bsheriff@ themiamihurricane.com.
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UMTV news show nominated for Emmy NewsVision receives praise for progress BY ROBBIE SHIVER CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR
HERE’S THE NEWS: Anchors Mackenzie Green, Victor Okendo, Gaby Loria and Ben Cathey highlight campus, local and national news twice a week on UMTV Channel 96.
NewsVision, a program broadcast by UM Television, was recently nominated for a 2009 Suncoast Regional Emmy. At the awards show Dec. 5., senior executive producers Chris Nielsen and Rory Lincoln and faculty advisor Andrew Barton will see how much progress they have made with the show in the past four years. “I am thrilled for UM, the faculty, all the students involved and, to be honest, I am happy with myself; this really means a lot,” said Nielsen, the lead executive producer of the show. NewsVision was nominated for their April 16 newscast. This is the show's first nomination since 2005 when they did not take home the award. UMTV brought
home a Suncoast Emmy in 2002 in the Student Program category. Nielsen, who enjoys the behind-the-scenes work of broadcast journalism, hopes a prestigious nomination such as this could propel him into a job after graduation producing local television news where he could eventually become a news director. Lincoln is Nielsen’s righthand man in the production of NewsVision and helped with the rundown, writing, video and production of the April 16 show. “This is huge, any nomination is awesome,” Lincoln said. “I have definitely missed out on a few things I could have been doing in college, but I wouldn’t change it. This has really been a great asset to me.” Nielsen and Lincoln have both somehow been involved with UMTV since their freshmen year. This nomination, and the possibility of receiving an award in December, represents the culmination of four years of hard
November 23 - November 25, 2009
work. Barton has been there to witness and help both Nielsen and Lincoln in their progress. It was actually Barton who chose the specific newscast entry that was nominated. “It’s terrific to watch students progress so much in their junior years and come back to polish it up their senior year,” Barton said. According to Nielsen, consistency is crucial to broadcast an award-winning show. “We have had a consistent crew and a lot of people toward the end of their degrees. We have also had lots of volunteers. News is a team sport, and you need every element,” he said. NewsVision airs on channel 96 in Coral Gables or at UMTV. miami.edu. The Web site has a link to the Emmy-nominated show. Robbie Shiver may be contacted at rshiver@themiamihurricane.com.
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Richter to extend hours earlier Changes could be permanent BY JASMINE HENDERSON CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
This semester, the University of Miami’s Richter library will start its 24-hour schedule earlier than usual. The extended hours offered during reading days before final exams will start Nov. 29. The services usually begin on the Friday after classes end. If the numbers on these additional days are higher than those during regular reading dates, it will suggest that the change will become permanent, said Richter’s director of information and research services Scott Britton and services manager Rodrigo Castro. This plan was part of a student government proposal. “This is very important because a lot of students’ classes have a lot of final projects,” said Student Government President Lionel Moise. “It’s also important to have a safe place for students with the right resources.” However, changing the
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library’s hours will not be an easy task. Castro and Britton explain that overtime for staff, extra security and extra cleaning will have to be necessary if a 24-hour library were to operate at UM. “It’s a service we’re willing to provide, but it’s expensive,” Britton said. Sophomore Michael Fleischood said a 24-hour library is a good idea. “I’ve seen and heard a decent amount of people that go to the library to study until closing so if it is open 24 hours I would be fairly certain it would get used by some students,” Fleischood said. The study tents set up during finals will be back again this semester. Last spring these tents were eliminated because of economic reasons. “It’s a big expense but it is also a big resource,” Moise said. Use of the study tents starts Dec. 2 and lasts until Dec. 16. The hammocks will be put up in Palm Court Dec. 7. Jasmine Henderson may be contacted at jhenderson@ themiamihurricane.com.
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New UV shuttle stop added Student complaints lead to route change BY CLAUDIA CURIEL CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
A new shuttle stop has been added to the University Village, the apartment complex at the southern end of campus, to accommodate students that have complained about inconsistent and overcrowded shuttles. In addition to nine shuttles running routes from the UV to Stanford Circle or the fountain behind the Ashe Building, there is a UV Express bus, which runs only between the UV and the Fountain. Due to recent overcrowding, a second UV Express has been added between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., according to Richard Sobaram, director of parking and transportation. Sobaram said the department has watched the area and it “clearly has helped a lot.” He added that a shuttle should now be arriving every five to seven minutes, and they will not be full when they arrive at the stops because those are only servicing the UV. “I hate to complain but it’s true they are ridiculously overcrowded and not very efficient,” UV resident senior Hannah Marshburn said. She added that it depends on bus drivers because some are slower and will stay
November 23 - November 25, 2009
FILE PHOTO // GABY BRUNA
SHUTTLE MANIA: Shuttles face criticism by UV students who claim to be late for classes due to inconsistency and overcrowding. longer at stops. Tuesday and Thursday mornings around 11 a.m. are still very busy times. “I definitely don’t notice a difference. It was just so packed I couldn’t get on, now I’m going to be late for class,” senior Joel Alba said. Sobaram also plans on making radical changes to the shuttle system next semester by having two routes from Ponce Garage to Stanford Circle and another from Ponce Garage to the fountain. There might possibly be two more between the UV and fountain. Sobaram believes this would satisfy 90-95 percent of riders, though being an inconvenience
for those going from the UV or the athletic center to the Metrorail, in which case, taking two shuttles would be necessary. This plan would improve efficiency because shuttles would not need to go around the entire campus. “That would be a great idea,” law student Jeff Hegelwald said. Next semester, shuttle riders will be asked to answer a survey to get their response on the possible new system for fall. “I have to figure out a way to make shuttles as efficient as possible and get students to class,” Sobaram said. Claudia Curiel may be contacted at ccuriel@themiamihurricane.com.
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Mr. President, make the difficult but right choice and leave Afghanistan; show the political will that so many before you have not. -Daniel Medina, contributing collumnist
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Creative security solutions needed On Saturday at approximately 3:30 a.m. a woman in her twenties was threatened at gunpoint and raped in Coconut Grove. The incident took place near Mary and Virginia streets and was not the first time such an event occurred. On Halloween another woman in her twenties was raped by an attacker fitting a similar description: black male, medium build, approximately 5 feet 7 inches and 175 pounds. University of Miami students who go out to the Grove at night should take additional safety precautions and not travel alone. Anything can
happen, even in Coral Gables as evidenced by the street sweeper accident involving junior Bianca Milov earlier this semester. Don’t leave friends behind and travel in groups, especially as the night winds down and the witching hour approaches. Be smart about going out and make sure at least one other person knows where you are at all times. Rave Mobile Safety offers a service that could help address these safety issues. The Rave Guardian system transforms students’ cellular phones into personal safety devices with a panic call fea-
EDITOR IN CHIEF Chelsea Matiash
ture and special safety timer mode; students can turn on the alarm while walking home and local police are alerted if the student is unable to turn it off. Both features would allow students who feel unsafe a way to get help immediately and could prove integral if such safety issues escalate. Regardless of whether a new security protocol is put in place, students and security need to get creative with solutions as incidents continue to occur on and around campus. Editorials represent the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board.
TAVIS GOODNIGHT Sophomore “Lobster!”
ALECIA PADDOCK Freshman “Mashed potatoes and asparagus!”
W
Evan Seaman is a junior majoring in marketing. He may be contacted at eseaman@themiamihurricane.com.
POLL RESULTS: Are you upset by the UM airport shuttle fee increase?
Yes
No
Unsure
“Stuffing! That’s all I eat.”
48%
37%
15%
Speak Up answers are edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy. compiled by Kyli Singh
Total Voters: 52 DO YOU FEEL UNSAFE AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT INCIDENTS ON CAMPUS AND IN THE CORAL GABLES AREA? TAKE OUR POLE AT THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM.
November 23 - November 25, 2009
WEBMASTER Brian Schlansky COPY CHIEF Laura Edwins
ART DIRECTOR Felipe Lobon
COPY EDITORS Heather Carney Alexa Lopez Sarah B. Pichick Kyli Singh Lauren Whiddon
NEWS EDITOR Ed S. Fishman PHOTO EDITOR Brittney Bomnin
ADVERTISING EDITOR Emma Cason-Pratt
SPORTS EDITOR Justin Antweil EDGE EDITOR Hilary Saunders
PUBLIC RELATIONS Jacob Crows
OPINION EDITOR Danielle Kaslow
ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANT Maria Jamed
MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Matt Wallach Lauren Whiddon
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ramon Galiana
to help out UMPD. Approaching a situation on a Segway in a bright orange shirt gives perpetrators plenty of down time to escape or stop before they’re reported. And if there is a security threat on campus, how can a student be of assistance when he or she is feet above my line of sight, zooming by on hot wheels? Am I supposed to flag the person down as if I were hailing a cab or should I gesture for a high five? Even undercover work would be a more valiant initiative. Students could look and dress as if they weren’t on the job and report anything suspicious while casually walking around campus. Furthermore, the budget must have been astronomical to order and distribute multiple “vehicles” to students. Even if casual patrolling by foot isn’t efficient enough, student security guards could at least ride bikes and embrace the 21st century with some dignity.
DONNIE SCHMID Sophomore
MANAGING EDITOR Christina De Nicola
ASST. NEWS EDITORS Lila Albizu Megan Terilli
Segway security guards ridiculous hile I can’t take issue with increased security and student employment on campus, I think students assuming the role of security guards, driving around on Segways, is laughable. If there really is a security threat on campus, involvEVAN SEAMAN ing dangerous weapons or CONTRIBUTING sketchy characters, is a kid COLUMNIST on a Segway going to seem intimidating to the opposing forces? It’s difficult to take anyone on a Segway seriously when they use it out of what seems to be laziness and opposition to exercise. Has 2009 suddenly taken a turn and become a poorly executed version of Minority Report? Even if Segways were implemented to cover ground more quickly, there are less ridiculous options such as patrol cars or bikes. Perhaps there would be a more inconspicuous way for students
BUSINESS MANAGER Jessica Jurick
ACCOUNT REPS Shoshana Gottesman Misha Mayeur Katie Norwood Brian Schuman Jack Whaley GRADUATE ASSISTANT Nick Maslow
ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Steven Stuts DESIGNERS Allison Goodman Steve Pierre Demi Rafuls Savanna Stiff
FINANCIAL ADVISER Robert DuBord FACULTY ADVISER Bob Radziewicz
©2009 University of Miami The Miami Hurricane is published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business office of The Hurricane are located in the Norman A. Whitten University Center, Room 221. LETTER POLICY The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten (please make your handwriting legible) to the Whitten University Center, Room 221, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-6922. Letters, with a suggested length of 300 words, must be signed and include a copy of your student ID card, phone number and year in school. ADVERTISING POLICY The Miami Hurricane’s business office is located at 1306 Stanford Drive, Norman A. Whitten University Center, Room 221B, Coral Gables, FL 33124-6922. The Miami Hurricane is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed free of charge on the Coral Gables campus, the School of Medicine and at several off-campus locations. DEADLINES All ads must be received, cash with copy, in The Miami Hurricane business office, Whitten University Center, Room 221B, by noon Tuesday for Thursday’s issue and by noon Friday for the Monday issue. SUBSCRIPTIONS The Miami Hurricane is available for subscription at the rate of $50 per year. AFFILIATIONS The Miami Hurricane is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Columbia Scholastic Press Assoc. and Florida College Press Assoc.
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Afghanistan war unwinnable n Apr. 29, 1975, American forces left Vietnam after more than a decade at war. Thousands of American casualties and billions of dollars were spent on a losing effort in a war reDANIEL MEDINA membered as the most CONTRIBUTING unpopular in American COLUMNIST history. No winnable outcome was realistic and the government was unwilling to sacrifice political will for the greater good. Does this sound familiar? Maybe because it is similar to the situation in Afghanistan and how it could turn out if President Barack Obama decides to send more troops to this war that is impossible to win, this second Vietnam. The president has stated repeatedly that this is “not another Vietnam,” but the realities prove otherwise. During the Cold War the Soviet Union failed to indoctrinate communist ideals in the country and our efforts to prop up a democracy in a nation that has never known one have been equally futile. One cannot simply force democratic ideals onto another. The change must be internal and the proper institutions have to be in place in order to support the endeavor, institutions that do not exist in Afghanistan.
O
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I’M STUCK IN A COMIC! ©
History has taught us that states unite when occupied by a foreign army. Afghans may or may not agree ideologically with the ruthless Taliban regime, but some have joined behind them in their efforts to root out NATO forces from their land, and many will continue to favor the Taliban because the Karzai government remains illegitimate and corrupt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal has requested 40,000 additional troops from President Obama to continue this war. Over the past months as the president considers his options, the press has failed to ask the tough questions: Why are we still there after eight years? What are our objectives? Is there an end goal? All evidence shows that there are no objectives and that the war has become a drag on the U.S. economy at a time when unemployment stands at 10.2 percent, a 26-year high. It is simply too late to begin a new strategy in an operation that will fail, regardless of whether more troops are sent. It is not worth the lives of our servicemen, the price to future generations and our standing in the world. Mr. President, make the difficult but right choice and leave Afghanistan; show the political will that so many before you have not. Daniel Medina is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism and political science. He may be contacted at dmedina@themiamihurricane.com.
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
November 23 - November 25, 2009
MATT ROSEN // The Miami Hurricane
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Check out themiamihurricane.com for all things New Moon. Featuring a movie and soundtrack review and an interview with cast members.
Awesome New Republic: awesome indeed PHOTO BY PETER RICHARDSON N
MIAMI MUSIC HITS THE MAINSTREAM: Alumni Michael John Hancock and Brian Robertson and touring and studio drummer Jorge Rubiera of Awesome just released their newest album, Hearts (pictured right). BY LONNIE NEMIROFF CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
Miami’s indie music scene has delightfully crossed over to the world of pop music with the help of University of Miami’s very own musical duo, Awesome New Republic. “Awesome” simply does not give the indie-pop group enough credit. UM alumni Michael John Hancock and Brian Robertson adeptly blend electronic beats with high-pitched rock vocals, creating their own distinct sound and musical genre. “They don’t limit themselves to just one genre. There is rock, pop, dance, hip-hop, R&B and funk all rolled into one,” junior Max Winik said. Hancock and Robertson met at the Frost School of Music. Originally, the duo were part of a different UM student band, which was a jam rock group. After dissolving, Hancock and Robertson decided to form their own group in 2004 that would mix their rock experience with pop beats. “Our music is like pop radio having a panic at-
tack,” Robertson said. As the UM graduates climb higher in the music scene, they bring their UM past along for the ride. “The people that we met at UM, our peers, are people that we continue to work with today,” Hancock said. Awesome New Republic’s label, Honor Roll Music, began with two former UM students, J. Read Fasse and Nick Scapa, and the label’s staff and interns include UM alumni as well. Honor Roll released Awesome New Republic’s album, Hearts, Oct. 27. The 11-track album features their ability to compile intricate beats using computer programs and then blend them with their own keyboard and guitar instrumentals. To top off the impeccable quality of their music, Hancock and Robertson are able to harmonize so ideally that their voices become one. The techno-savvy group hopes these danceable tracks will mirror the image of what society will be in the coming years. They want listeners to be able to feel
COURTESY WILL SUTER // Honor Roll Music
rejuvenated after hearing their music. “We try to make music that is optimistic and hopeful,” Hancock said. “We hope it inspires people to dance and to get to know each other on the dance f loor.” Lonnie Nemiroff may be contacted at lnemiroff@ themiamihurricane.com.
November 23 - November 25, 2009
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The time is now
COURTESY DAVID DAMNJANOVIC
THE ANTI-WATCH: Time-Peace watches by UM law students Ian Koslow and Justin Wales are the only watches where the hands are strictly optional. BY CAREY GOLDENBERG SENIOR EDGE WRITER
Stressed? Worried about those end-ofthe-semester responsibilities? Perhaps it’s time that more students embrace the same philosophy that law students Ian Koslow and Justin Wales have introduced with their company, Time-Peace. Along with Koslow and Wales, the company is run by a group of individuals called the Dream Team, which is comprised of anyone with new ideas or who contributes to spreading the Time-Peace message to others. Drawing positive inspiration from a range of authors and musicians like Ekhart Tolle and the Beatles, the Dream Team created a philosophy that seems complicated but proves to be simple. First, it is most important to understand that Time-Peace’s main mission is to urge people to stop worrying about the future and start living in the moment. By believing in the power of “now,” the Dream Team hopes to shift the world’s perception of time with the realization that time is an illusion and everything is interconnected. With this goal in mind, “people have responsibilities and commitments, but when you start living for the future, you forget the fact that you’re living right now,” Wales said. “I don’t have to put a time commitment on my happiness, and neither should anyone else Although Time-Peace’s philosophy is the main focus of the company, it’s not the only thing they’re selling. Time-Peace sells many products displaying their unique 10
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logo: the tree of life with three branches, which can also be seen as an upside-down peace sign. The products range from tshirts and hoodies to earrings, but their most popular and significant products are their new-age watches. The watches serve as a reminder that, “you are where you need to be. Watches are a thing of the past; they’re nothing more than glorified bracelets; ours remind you to stop worrying, and start being,” Wales said. Though it may seem contradictory that watches are Time-Peace’s main product when their philosophy is to stop worrying about time. “We’re not trying to get rid of clock time, but we are trying to get rid of psychological time: stress, worry,” Koslow said. “Our perception creates our reality, so by changing the way you look at the world, you’re changing the world. You can think of it as the anti-watch; we’re the only watch company in the world where hands are optional.” Living by the philosophy of TimePeace seems to be a difficult endeavor for some, especially during final projects and exams. However, over time, the Dream Team hopes to alter the world’s perception of time, and ultimately change the world. For more information, search TimePeace on Facebook or e-mail needOneNOW@time-peace.org to place an order. Carey Goldenberg may be contacted at cgoldenberg@themiamihurricane.com.
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
November 23 - November 25, 2009
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67%
of third downs (14-for-21) were converted by the Canes
73
yard intercepton return for a touchdown for senior Darryl Sharpton
FOOTBALL
Miami defeats Duke in the fourth quarter Canes ranked 19th with one game left BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER
Miami was determined not to lose to a school more known for its basketball prowess again. Even though the 19th-ranked Hurricanes (8-3, 5-3) trailed against Duke until the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes rallied and defeated the Blue Devils 34-16. Miami scored 24 unanswered points on Saturday to end the game and prolonged Duke’s bowl drought to 15 years. “It was a huge win because it lets us finish [strong] in the ACC,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “We’ll be at 5-3, which is huge for us. That’s a starting point. We’re better than we were last year.” The biggest spark against Duke (56, 3-4) came when junior running back Damien Berry entered and the Canes were down 16-13. Berry carried 10 times for 58 yards on the momentum-changing drive with the echoes of “Ber-ry, Ber-ry” being chanted by the crowd of 38,200. He capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, putting Miami in front for good. Berry was even teased by his Hurricane teammates. “We were in the shower and they were saying it,” Berry said of his teammates mocking the chant. “It was kind of funny. I love these guys.” Shannon has truly paid attention to Berry as he has scored in seven straight games and has a team high eight touchdowns. “Damien had worked at it,” Shannon said. “The more he improves, the better we are as a football team. If you notice, we always put Damien in to tire teams down. He is a banger.” The hot topic of the week was on the condition of sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris’s right thumb. Harris struggled throwing in the first half as he was 14-for-28 while throwing an interception in the red zone. The potent running attack in the second half allowed Harris to persevere. He
was efficient going 11-for-15 with 156 yards passing and two touchdowns. “[Berry] established the run game, threatening the safeties,” Harris said. “The safeties had to come down and respect the run. That kind of opened everything up in the second half.” After the interception Harris was encouraged by sophomore linebacker Sean Spence, and during halftime junior Graig Cooper chimed in with spirited words as well. “[Spence] told me this is not you. You’re not having fun,” said Harris, who finished with 348 yards and became the first quarterback since Ken Dorsey to throw over 3,000 in a season. “Coop told me the same thing during halftime. He told me ‘This is not you. Go out there and have fun.’ So I did.” Two of Harris’ targets had career days as junior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson caught eight passes for 143 yards and senior tight end Jimmy Graham had five catches for 73 yards. Miami put things out of reach with a 44-yard touchdown from Harris to Hankerson to make it 27-16 with 7:37 left in the game. Senior linebacker Darryl Sharpton had a special ending on Senior Day. Sharpton intercepted Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis and returned it 73 yards for a touchdown. It was Sharpton’s first career interception and touchdown. He also had a tied career high with 12 total tackles. “I caught the ball and I saw an opening,” the Coral Gables High alumnus said. “After that, it seemed unreal to me, all the fans watching me and screaming. It was something that you dream about as a kid. I just ran straight ahead full speed for a touchdown like Forrest Gump.” Up next, the Canes travel to University of South Florida in Tampa to battle the Bulls for an inner state match-up and their final game of the regular season. The Hurricanes and the Bulls have only played once with Miami defeating USF 27-7 in 2005. Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at lledoux@ themiamihurricane.com.
BILLY GILBERT // The Miami Hurricane
ON THE RUN: Junior running back Damien Berry scored a two-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter against the Duke Blue Devils Saturday.
Prof. Antweil’s Report Card POSITION
Quarterbacks Running Backs Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends Offensive Line
Miami vs. Duke GRADE
B AA B
POSITION
Defensive Line Linebackers
Special Teams Coaching
GRADE
A-
A+ A-
B+
BY SPORTS EDITOR JUSTIN ANTWEIL The Professor may be contacted at jantweil@themiamihurricane.com.
LOG ON TO THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM FOR THE PROFESSOR’S ANALYSIS OF EACH UNIT. November 23 - November 25, 2009
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Hurricanes dominate in Charleston Classic Forward Dwayne Collins earns MVP honors BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SPORTS EDITOR
COURTESY TIM COWIE
BALLER: DeQuan Jones (31) scores two of his four points against Wilmington.
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For the second time in the last three years the University of Miami Men’s basketball squad (5-0) won an early season tournament. UM defeated South Carolina in the championship game Sunday night 85-70. Despite the fact that the Canes committed 23 turnovers, they out rebounded the Gamecocks 57-31. Tournament MVP, senior Dwayne Collins, led all players with 15 rebounds and recorded his 16th career doubledouble has he added 17 points as well. “It feels great to win,” head coach Frank Haith said. “We hung in there after a slow start. We finally got in a rhythm. We do not have one go to guy like a Jack McClinton, but I do consider our center piece to be Dwayne Collins.” Senior James Dews scored a career-high 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting in the finale. The Canes were down 18-11 early in the first half but responded by going on an 11-0
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run thanks to redshirt freshman Reggie Johnson’s spark. The six-foot ten-inches 295 pound center lost 30 pounds this off-season thanks to a strict conditioning program and eating healthier. Collins was excellent in the opening round game against Tulane Thursday afternoon. He carried the Canes to a 74-54 victory has tallied 22 points and 14 rebounds. Friday afternoon redshirt sophomore Malcolm Grant scored a career high 18 points
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as UM defeated UNC Wilmington 67-60. The Hurricanes take on Florida Gulf Coast University Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the BankUnited Center. “I told these guys that we have to stay focused,” Haith said. “All the hard work will be lost if we don’t come out strong this week. These games are important.” Justin Antweil may be contacted at jantweil@ themiamihurricane.com.
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CLUB SPORTS
Batters up for Wiffle ball Team welcomes students of all experience levels BY CALVIN CESTARI CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER
Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field is not the only site where students have the luxury of swinging a bat and hitting a ball. The Wiffle Ball Club at the University of Miami carries about 15 members and is a great way to let that competitive energy out after a long week of studying, homework or whatever it is that ails UM students. Club President Andrew Gall never played a game of wiffle ball in high school, but after playing the classic backyard sport during SportsFest, he was hooked. “The former president of the club saw me play for my floor in SportsFest and told me I should come check out the club,” Gall said. Three years later the senior is orchestrating the club and responsible for getting a staff together and ordering t-shirts. The club meets Wednesday and Sunday nights and plays either pick-up style games or competition style games such as the classic home-run derby. Junior Jonathan Steinman has been an active participant for the past two years. He said there is an adjustment since the games are indoors. “Usually wiffle ball is always outdoors, but we play indoors,” Steinman said. “Grounders are harder to field on the wood floor, there is less foul territory and there are more ground rules
because of the basketball hoops in the gym and the ceiling.” Steinman also added that it is an easy way to relieve some stress and get exercise as well. “It’s nice to relax and just hang out and socialize with friends while playing sports,” Steinman said. The president admits that as the semester picks up and tests increase, there can be a lack in involvement, but at a mere $10 price tag for a membership the players can afford to miss a meeting or two. Gall, a senior majoring in marketing and management said that all skill levels are welcome in the club and that everyone from high school baseball lettermen to first timers show up to join. According to Gall, most of the recruitment that the club does now is at CaneFest, but new members are always welcome to come by practice at the Wellness Center main courts. Calvin Cestari may be contacted at ccestari@themiamihurricane.com.
STILL FRAME FROM VIDEO BY STEVE PIERRE
SWING, BATTER, BATTER: Andrew Gall prepares to bat in a pick-up game organized by the wiffle ball team. They practice Wednesdays and Sundays.
IF YOU PARTICIPATE
What: Wiffle Ball Club When: Wednesday from 6:30-9 p.m. and Sunday from 7-9 p.m. Where: Main Gym in Wellness Center How Much: $10 per semester
CRAZY ABOUT WIFFLE BALL? WATCH A VIDEO OF THE TEAM ON THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM.
SPORTS BRIEFS WOMEN’S TENNIS
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
It was announced Thursday that Brittany Dubins, the 12th ranked senior in Florida, signed a letter of intent to join the University of Miami’s team next fall.“Brittany is an exceptional athlete and will be a great addition to our program,” coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said of her new recruit.
Birmingham, Ala. – The women’s basketball team posted their 4th victory of the season Saturday afternoon in a 70-54 effort led by Shenise Johnson. Information compiled from hurricanesports. com
November 23 - November 25, 2009
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Glory days return to the U in film by ESPN Documentary chronicles the rise of the Canes BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SPORTS EDITOR
In just two weeks, Hurricane Nation will have a chance to reminisce and reflect on the glory days of the University of Miami football program that began three decades ago. On December 12 at 9:30 p.m., ESPN’s 30-for-30 film series will air a special documentary on UM titled “The U.” The two hour documentary is directed by Miami alum Billy Corben. The documentary chronicles the rise of Miami’s football dominance in the 1980s with in-depth interviews with all of the notable stars that were part of Miami’s four national championships from 1983 to 1991. Corben is showing an advanced screening exclusively for the UM community on Friday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The event takes place at Cosford Cinema.
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“I am really excited and anxious,” Corben said. “The staff has been working nonstop for the past two years trying to get all 40 interviews and depict the right atmosphere.” ESPN is celebrating their 30th anniversary by airing 30 documentaries about stories that occurred over the last 30 years. The documentaries are investigative stories that transcend sports. Some of the other documentaries include the trade of hockey hall of famer Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings, the death of Boston Celtics first round draft pick Len Bias, Michael Jordan’s decision to give up basketball for baseball and the O.J. Simpson infamous white Ford Bronco chase 15 years ago. “We first pitched the idea to ESPN two years ago without even knowing about the 30-for-30 series,” Corben said. “ESPN Films does great non-fiction work and we thought it was important for everyone to know how UM became a perennial powerhouse. It was perfect because ESPN started in 1979 and that was the first year Howard Schnellenberger took over as UM’s coach.”
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The documentary contains limited commercial interruptions and is airing immediately after the Heisman Trophy ceremony, the most prestigious award in college football. Among those interviewed are all of UM’s national championship winning coaches, Michael Irvin, Santana Moss and Alonzo Highsmith. “I hope they portray all of the positives of the University of Miami,” said Kenny Lopez, a defensive tackle for UM from 1990-1993. “There was just great competition amongst us that is what really made Miami special. We had this saying that practices were harder than the games. The games were just fun.” Scott Martineau was a student during the same years as Lopez. As an alumnus, he is looking forward to the movie premiere. “When I saw some of the clips, I was so psyched knowing I was a student that interacted with these student-athletes at the time,” Martineau said. Martineau broadcasted the Hurricanes football games for WVUM at the time. Corben, who grew up going to Canes games with his father who was a season
November 23 - November 25, 2009
ticket holder, believes it’s important that everyone know how UM became synonymous with football. “This is a story about the history of the University of Miami. It reminds us why we love the Canes and it reminds us why those who hate the Canes hate the Canes,” he said. “It’s important fans appreciate what happened in the 1980s and it’s important for current players to see this movie to realize what hard work, effort and determination can bring.” Justin Antweil may be contacted at jantweil@ themiamihurricane.com.
IF YOU GO On Campus Premiere of “The U”: Dec. 10 at Cosford Cinema at 7 p.m. National Premiere on ESPN: Dec. 12 at 9:30 p.m.
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dear ...
Dear V: I like it “harder, better, faster, stronger…”
, Dear V, I recently discovered I like it rough and I’m not talking about your run of the mill dirty talk. I like it “harder, better, faster, stronger…” just like the Daft Punk song. I’ve been having a little trouble finding Mr. “Right-Here-Right-Now,” especially as a result of these aforementioned needs. I recently started hooking up with this boy, Mohammed, and as you can extrapolate from the name, he has a certain religious affiliation: hence the dilemma. I don’t want to scare him away by being too aggressive, yet a girl has her needs, really URGENT ones. The thing is, I don’t believe he has a problem with sex, it’s just the kinky part I’m afraid of. Would you think this is too much? I recently tried with my previous hookup some bondage. If the relationship wasn’t going to tie me down, he damn well was going to. I was skeptical at first, but it was by far the best sexual encounter I’ve ever had. What did it for me wasn’t so
much the bondage; it was the conglomeration of imprisonment and asphyxiation. When he put his hands around my neck and squeezed, the ecstasy was absolutely euphoric: the world was my oyster, and I was going to suck that b**** down with a champagne chaser. It was as if I was completely surrendering my body and soul to him and that kind of intimacy I’ve never felt before. So what should I do? Should I be honest with my desires and tell him? Or should I just cut my losses and not sacrifice what could be a meaningful relationship? Much help needed, Kinky Kleopatra Dear Kleopatra, Damn. You clearly know what you want and you can’t argue with that. Obviously, this “state of euphoria” you’ve described is something important to you. Why deprive yourself? I assure you that for every “Kinky Kleopatra” that walks the face of the earth; there exists a “Just-as-Kinky Karl.” But I can also assure you that these aren’t easy
to come across. Not everyone is as upfront as you are about their carnal priorities, so you’ll have to do a little digging. Once you get to know someone well enough, you will each be comfortable showing each other your inner freak. Be patient. There is no need to sit him down to have the “I am sexually deviant” talk (which is just as awkward as it sounds). If Mohammed turns out not to be Mr. Perfect—I mean Pervert, you need to ask yourself if this “meaningful relationship” means more to you than the sheer ecstasy of a mind-blowing experience between the sheets—I mean handcuffs. Then, act accordingly. But I think you and I both know the answer to that. Best of luck! V Have a question for V? Hit up DearV@themiamihurricane. com.
GOT AN ACHY, BREAKY HEART? WRITE TO DEARV@THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM FOR ADVICE.
Got skills? The Miami Hurricane is looking for Account Representatives for the Spring semester. To apply, email Jess Jurick, Business Manager, at jess@miami.edu.
November 23 - November 25, 2009
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DEAR V
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