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The Miami
Vol. 88, Issue 34 | Sept. 23 - Sept. 26, 2010
com
HURRICANE
.
PARTY
WILD
SICK
Taurine
GUARANA
HANGOVER
STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, SINCE 1929
DIZZY
NI
GHT
GRAPHIC BY FELIPE LOBON
Losing it to
Loko SEE ENERGY DRINK, PAGE 3
BATTLE FOR THE BOAT A RELIC FROM THE PAST REIGNITES A RIVALRY WITH THE GATORS PAGE 4
CANE TO THE CORE ALUMNUS OVERCOMES OBSTACLES TO FOLLOW HIS DREAM PAGE 7
CALL IT COMEBACK HAROLD MARTINEZ BOUNCES BACK FROM SEVERE LEG INJURY PAGE 10
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Oasis satisfies hunger and heritage Deli welcomes all cultures, diners
Check out what’s exclusively available at TheMiamiHurricane. com.
BY ELISSA DECAMPLI CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
If it were up to Eli Benhamou, a familiar face at Oasis Deli, educating others would not be limited to the classroom. Benhamou, the manager and staff supervisor at the University of Miami’s campus kosher deli, is committed to teaching Jewish students on campus about their heritage through the food he serves. “I see it as a privilege to provide a kosher atmosphere for students trying to study to learn a profession, so they can continue their heritage in pursuit of a secular vocation,” Benhamou said. Benhamou began working at Oasis in 2008 when President Donna Shalala wanted to open Oasis to better cater to the diverse dietary needs of the student body. The University of Miami’s Rabbi Fellig contacted Benhamou who had previously worked for his father, a local rabbi in Coconut Grove. Put simply, Kosher dietary laws determine what can and can’t be eaten according to the Torah. This includes ingredients, the way food is cooked and how meat is slaughtered. Everything served at Oasis abides by these rules. The proposition of a Koshercertified deli inspired Benhamou. “I saw it as an opportunity
Sarah B. Pilchick reviewed Ben Affleck’s new film “The Town.” Check out Adrianne D’Angelo’s photo slideshow of Steven Rivera’s handy work at Kappa Kutz. MARLENA SKROBE // The Miami Hurricane
BONDING OVER CHALLAH: At Oasis, UM’s Kosher deli, Eli Benhamou, its manager and an active member of the Jewish community, talks to sophomore Aaytin Goodman of New York. “Eli is the coolest. He makes the best food,” Goodman said. He and Benhamou discussed the new T-shirts for the Israel Study Abroad program for spring 2011. The Oasis is located in the UC. to help students naturally continue their way of life,” he said. Benhamou, who was born in Brooklyn and raised according to Jewish tradition, appreciates the mesh of cultures at UM. At Oasis, he enjoys seeing how his own culture connects to everyone else’s. Students of all religions and ethnicities come to Oasis to enjoy the food that Benhamou serves. “I come because it’s just good Jewish food,” said Jacob Weithorn, a regular at Oasis.
“I’m not kosher but I do observe the high holidays.” According to his coworkers, it is his enthusiasm that keeps people going into Oasis. “He’s a trip!” said Amiya Mattox, who has worked with Benhamou since the deli opened. “He’s just so funny and he loves to eat.” Junior Michael Slan, who eats at Oasis at least twice a week, is drawn to Benhamou’s generosity. “Eli’s a cool guy. Sometimes
when they’re about to close, he gives me free soup,” Slan said. Benhamou serves more than just kosher food at the UM. He also shares guidance in hopes that students will be inspired to live faithfully. “If I have one message I want to convey it’s for people to love who they are and indentify themselves, especially according to Torah,” he said. Elissa Decampli may be contacted at edecampli@themiamihurricane.com.
NEWS BRIEFS KAPLAN COURSE RAFFLE Phi Alpha Delta will be raffling off a full-length Kaplan prep course on Thursday and Friday from noon-3 p.m. in the UC Breezeway. Available courses include LSAT, MCAT, GRE and GMAT. Tickets will be sold for $1, $5 and $10.
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recent environmental events with our planet’s pulse. The CON-SCIENCE? art exhibition will hold its closing reception Friday from 8-11 p.m. at the Amy Alonso Gallery. Admission is free. The gallery is located at 750 NE 124 St. in Suite 2 of the Moca Plaza in North Miami.
CARLA FACHE CLOSING NIGHT RECEPTION
PINK HEALS TOUR ON THE ROCK
Inspired by the dramatic oil spill consequences, Carla Fache will present an artistic proposal that invites the viewers to re-think and connect the
Firefighters from around the country are bringing the Pink Heals Tour to the Rock Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The national
NEWS
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
September 23 - September 26, 2010
tour aims to raise awareness and money for cancer relief. Students can participate in a yogurt-eating contest to raise funds and will be eligible to win a variety of gift cards. Greek organizations can also register to win $100 for their philanthropy. Free bagels and coffee will be served. Compiled by Parker Davis who may be contacted at pdavis@themiamihurricane.com and Alexandra Leon who may be contacted at aleon@ themiamihurricane.com.
Evan Peskin has another installment of YOUniversity where he takes on students that frequent the Grove. What would you tweet to Jacory Harris? Check out Steve Pierre and Justin Antweil’s video Speak Up. Mark Daniels reviews Drake’s Tuesday night performance downtown. Ernesto Suarez caught all the action of Hurricane sports this week. Check out his sports briefs. Get 24/7 access to the news. Follow @MiamiHurricane on Twitter. Have a question for V? Check out V’s new Twitter feed @Dear_V. Subscribe for the e-mail edition of the newspaper at www. themiamihurricane. com/subscribe.
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Kappa Kutz for donations Fraternity raises money for kids at St. Jude’s
Four Loko a cheap but potentially harmful buzz and similar products because of its “fad status.” Though this may sound like a frat party fantasy, psychologists urge consumers to stick to their Natural Ice if BY NICOLETTE ROQUE a cheap buzz is what they’re after. The ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR concern isn’t so much about the alcohol From compromising Facebook content alone as it is about the excess photo albums to house parties across of energy drink chemicals. Though the Miami, the new brew can be spotted dangers of mixing caffeine and alcohol in a large, colorful can with the words are not news to physicians, many stu“Four Loko” scrawled across. But with dents in the University of Miami are an undisclosed amount of caffeine and oblivious to the health risks it poses. According to a 2008 article in a variety of other energy drink ingredients- taurine, guarana and wormwood Time Magazine, the buzz achieved by (the active ingredient in absinthe)- Four Loko and all other alcoholic energy drinks gives the false sensation you’d be ‘loko’ to drink one of these. The caffeinated alcoholic malt of alertness. They trick the mind into beverage recently became popular in believing it’s sober. Therefore, drinkMiami because of its cheap price and ing one guarantees motor skill impairment, though the reputation. Those brain may not process who drink Four it. The fact that a perLoko guarantee son doesn’t feel drunk inebriation for an until after consuming average-sized person the whole drink preswith a single can. ents a massive safety Costing about $3 per risk. can, the 24-ounce The drink’s list caffeine cocktail conof ingredients masks tains 12 percent alcothe taste of alcohol in hol content, making 660 calories- for the it 24-proof. In plain most part. Available words, a person in eight fruity flavors, drinking Four Loko the beverage is still consumes the equivadescribed by most lent of three beers in people as “disgustone successive round ing.” for under $5. “The water“I felt worse melon flavor is the after drinking it,” only one that tastes junior Guillermo decent,” sophomore de La Puente said. Daniella Carucci “The hangover feelsaid. ing lasted three days. The selection I couldn’t even enjoy of flavors, such as eating.” lemonade, blueberry De La Puente, and orange, sound who drank one and harmless and appeala half cans of Four ing to female and/or Loko, says his friend inexperienced drinkhad only a little more ers. The promise that and was passed out you can get drunk for two hours at a and party all night concert. GRAPHIC BY FELIPE LOBON because of the caf“My friend drank two cans and I drank one and a half,” feine makes it especially attractive to De La Puente said. “That half was the younger consumers. “I usually see Four Loko in the difference between life and death.” In addition, no other beer is sold hands of people who don’t look or act in gas stations or small liquor stores over 21,” junior Ashley Valdes said. containing that much alcohol in one “I’m sure the fact they’re probably not can. Common misconceptions that used to so much alcohol would yield Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Silver, or messy results.” other “alco-pops” are similar beverages lead consumers to purchase Four Loko Nicolette Roque may be contacted at nroque@themiamihurricane.com.
New drink causes controversial stir
BY REBECCA ZIMMER STAFF NEWS WRITER
On Monday, UM’s chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi (KAP) hosted “Kappa Kutz.” Male freshmen were invited to get a free haircut by Steven Rivera, owner of Get Right Kutz in downtown Miami. Rivera is also known as the UM football team’s barber. The Greek community takes pride not only in friendship, leadership and scholarship but also in philanthropy. Every fraternity and sorority sponsors a charity or foundation, and they put on events and fundraisers to benefit them throughout the year. In 2005, KAP began a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Nationally, KAP raised a total of $100,000 for St. Jude last year alone. The proceeds earned at “Kappa Kutz” will go towards their annual donation to St. Jude. KAP’s treasurer, Tyler Koenig, said they expect to earn around $150 through donations. “This is a great way to get our name out there to freshmen that may decide to rush this spring,” Koenig said. Advisor to KAP, KareemNelson Hull, noted that they are the first chapter to do “Kappa Kutz.”
ENERGY DRINK FROM PAGE 1
ADRIANNE D’ANGELO // Assistant Photo Editor
KUTZ FOR DONATIONS: Steven Rivera, the unofficial Canes barber, cuts a student’s hair at Hecht Residential College, as part of the Kappa Kutz event on Monday. “In 2006 we had a brother join that was a barber and he came up with the idea,” he said. “We’re committed to doing this because we know how hard it is for freshmen to feel comfort-
able away from home. We want to help them groom themselves because personal appearance is important in college.” The first 12 freshmen to sign up were guaranteed haircuts. Freshman Sarphi Delal said an event like this was just what he needed. “I’ve been needing this haircut for a long time!” he said. Rebecca Zimmer may be contacted at rzimmer@themiamihurricane. com.
ADRIANNE D’ANGELO //Assistant Photo Editor
HAIRCUT HOOKIE: Student Sarthi Dalal was late for his physics lab in order to get his hair cut with Kappa Kutz.
Check out Rebecca Levine’s Kappa Kutz video at themiamihurricane.com
September 23 - September 26, 2010
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
NEWS
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UF requests trophy’s return Florida students try to renew athletic tradition BY STEPHANIE PARRA CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
IC BY Y
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THE MIAMI HURRICANE
BY BIJAL MEHTA CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
Each year, UM students on the Homecoming Committee coordinate the events, activities and concerts for the fall semester’s biggest celebration. This year’s theme is “Are U Game?” a motif that will dominate for 11 days on campus. However, it takes almost 11 months of hard work to plan and take care of all the miniscule details. “Being a part of the Homecoming Executive Committee has been my greatest experience at UM. As a freshman I was so impressed by the immensity of Homecoming that I wanted to become a part of planning it. The opportunity to work on HEC is the best way I know how to say thank you to the U for all that it has given me,” said Homecoming Executive Committee Chair Molly Piccione. From November all through summer, the Homecoming planning committee chooses the theme, plans the events, looks for sponsorship and designs the T-shirt logo. By the following fall, the Homecoming team is coordinating with Hurricane Productions to find a headliner artist and DJs. “I love it. It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done,” said Christina Farmer, one of the vice chairs of the Homecoming Executive Committee. “To me, it really symbolizes what being a Cane means.” Homecoming is also a way of welcoming back former students and local residents to the school for the biggest social event of the fall semester. The tradition, which began in 1931, averages to over 15,000 people each year. During Homecoming week, student-run organizations engage in friendly competition with one another. Each student organization racks up points for the events that they participate in and for the effort that they put forward for the events. At the end, the organization with the most points wins and gets their name announced on the football field during halftime of the Homecoming game, as well as a cash prize. “Homecoming was so much fun last year!” said sophomore Madeline Bezold. “If it was anything like last year, then I’m sure to come out again this year. It’s nice to be involved with the school and share school spirit!”
HOMECOMING WEEK
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NEWS
Student committee works hard to provide week of school spirit, fun
Bijal Mehta may be contacted at bmehta@themiamihurricane.com.
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Stephanie Parra may be contacted at sparra@themiamihurricane.com.
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The University of Miami’s Sports Hall of Fame may not be housing the Seminole War Canoe Trophy for much longer. On Aug. 31, the University of Florida’s student senate approved a resolution “requesting the return of the Seminole War Canoe Trophy and demanding the reemergence of its traditional use." The resolution reads, “Be it resolved that the University of Florida Student Senate requests that the Seminole War Canoe Trophy be brought to UF soil as soon as possible.” Among the people that received copies of this resolution were ESPN, UM President Donna E. Shalala, UM’s Student Government chapter, UM Atheletic Director Kirby Hocutt, UF President Bernie Machen and UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley. “As students, we don’t have the power to give them back the canoe, but we would be happy to work with their student government and both athletic departments for a new tradition,” Student Government President Christina Farmer said. The War Canoe trophy’s history dates back to 1955, when a 200-year-old Cyprus tree was struck ywood, Fla. by lightning. The Seminole tribe of Hollywood, later carved the tree and the Seminole War Canoe trophy was born. It was later donated to UF and UM otball game to be used as the trophy for the annual football between the schools, which was once thee biggest rivalry game in the state. According to UM’s official Web site, the canoe’s ficent spirit purpose was to “symbolize the magnificent and fighting determination traditional of the indeas displayed pendent Florida Seminole tribe that was annually between the Hurricanes and thee Gators.” hen have to The winner of the game would then claim the War Canoe Trophy and keep it until the other team defeated the current trophy holder. The 08, and the problem is, UF won the last game in 2008, ame. trophy still sits in UM’s Sports Hall of Fame. phy’s tradiSince the 1970s, however, the trophy’s tional exchange lessened in importance. The schools rophy tradihave played each other 22 times and the trophy tion was not brought up again. The exact reason why phy is unthe schools stopped exchanging the trophy clear, but myths regarding the tradition’ss death have been passed around. d According to the resolution authored by UF SG Senators Andrew Hart and Jon Ossip, the trophy was “thrown out for ‘taking up too much room,’ but thankfully the canoe was later discovile ered in a Coral Gables Campus trash pile and rescued by former UM player Don Mariutto.” The exact reason marking the end off the tradition is unclear. ed, and the “They won after the tradition ended, trophy was retired under our win,” UM SG Speaker of the Senate Aaron Esman said. di i UF’s sudden interest in rekindling a tradition that’s been dead for over 40 years has an explanation.
“Honestly, the whole project began one night when I was procrastinating from doing homework,” said Hart, the primary author of the resolution. “I found a site mentioning a Seminole War Canoe Trophy. When I went to see where on our university the trophy was housed, I discovered that the trophy was sitting in the University of Miami Football Hall of Fame. It was right then that I decided, ‘it’s time to say something.’” The rivalry between the schools is 10 years older than Florida State University’s own football team, and the teams last played in 2008. They have a game scheduled in 2013. “I think it was a good thing that this was brought up, because it brings up the tradition again,” Farmer said. UF’s Hart shares similar sentiments. “My greatest hope is that this trophy will once again be passed back and forth and will promote more games between the two schools and bring this once great tradition and rivalry, back to life,” Hart said. Currently, Category 5 Chair Brandon Mitchell and Vice Chair Douglas Aguililla, are working on a traditions committee, which will aim to reestablish old traditions, establish new ones and renew the spirit of the University of Miami. “We just love that they are interested in tradition; it’s a goal of ours, it’s a goal of theirs and its something that would be beneficial to both schools to work together, We together,” Esman said. “We have a rivalry with FSU, we play them every year, why not UF too?”
‘Are U game’ 2010 Homecoming theme
RIVALRY: The Seminole War Canoe trophy
September 23 - September 26, 2010
OCT. 27: Alma Mater Preliminary at the Rat OCT. 29: Opening Ceremonies on the Rock OCT. 30: Hurricanes Help the Hometown on the UC Patio NOV. 1: Blood Drive at the Field House and on the Rock NOV. 3: O-Cheer Competition on the UC Patio NOV. 4: Alma Mater Finals Competition on the Rock, Spirit Tree Competition NOV. 5: Parade on Stanford Drive, Hurricane Howl NOV. 6: University of Miami vs. University of Maryland at Sun Life Stadium
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OPINION speak
UP!
If you could add a class to the UM curriculum, what would it be?
EMILY PAYTON Senior “Wine/beer tasting.”
RAIXA PEREZ Junior “Advanced Shopping 503.”
“
The Miami
In a culture where binge drinking is a common occurance Four Loko shouldn’t be the go-to drink of the evening.
HURRICANE
”
Founded 1929 An Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame Newspaper
The Miami Hurricane
NEWSROOM: 305-284-2016 BUSINESS OFFICE: 305-284-4401 FAX: 305-284-4404
STAFF EDITORIAL
For advertising rates call 305-284-4401 or fax 305-284-4404.
A rush and a buzz are bad mixers Down a 24-ounce can of Four Loko and you’re getting a ton of caffeine plus the equivalent of almost three beers for under $3. Loaded with 12 percent alcohol, Four Loko is just one of several energy-plus-alcohol drinks on the market. The drink is made with gaurana, taurine, caffeine and wormwood (the vital ingredient in absinthe). Four Loko flavors such as cranberry lemonade, watermelon, brazillian berry and orange blend are becoming popular among young adults who want to get inebriated faster and get an extra dose of caffeine. This popular alcoholic energy drink, however, has become a contentious topic. By some it’s known as “legalized liquid cocaine.” The fact that mixing alcohol with caffeine can be risky and dangerous is not news to college students and medical experts.
In a study conducted at Wake Forest University, college students who mix alcohol and caffeine are more likely to experience more alcohol-related injuries than students who stick solely to alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol are also diuretics, and the two combined can cause severe dehydration. According to The Wall Street Journal, attorneys general in many states are examining Four Loko’s possible health risks. They are also looking into the marketing practices used to sell it. At first glance, the packaging of this energy-alcohol drink looks like your typical soda or an iced tea at a corner market. But don’t be fooled. The colorful, inviting Four Loko cans inspire curiousity in consumers. Not to mention, these drinks are quietly placed next to Red Bull and Monster at gas stations. Even politicians and com-
munity organizations are speaking out against Four Loko. A candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives said this drink “is having our young people black out.” Clearly this drink is designed to appeal to the college market. In a culture where binge drinking is a common occurance Four Loko shouldn’t be the go-to drink of the evening. More than one can could be one too many. Ordering one vodka and Red Bull at a bar is not the same as downing a Four Loko in the parking lot outside of a 7-Eleven. You don’t have to read the fine print to know that this product requires drinking responsibly. Blacking out is dangerous no matter how it happens. Editorials represent the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Christina De Nicola
BUSINESS MANAGER Jacob Crows
MANAGING EDITOR Laura Edwins
PRODUCTION MANAGER Brian Schuman
ART DIRECTOR Brittney Bomnin
ADVERTISING EDITOR Demi Rafuls
NEWS EDITOR Alexandra Leon
PUBLIC RELATIONS James Borchers
PHOTO EDITOR Lindsay Brown
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Maria Jamed
SPORTS EDITOR Justin Antweil
ACCOUNT REPS Isabel Gonzalez Shoshana Gottesman MIsha Mayeur Jack Whaley
EDGE EDITOR Danielle Kaslow OPINION EDITOR Kyli Singh COPY CHIEF Alexa Lopez
WEBMASTER Ivan Rocha Nicole Collazo
ONLINE EDITOR Steve Pierre ASST. NEWS EDITORS Parker Davis Nicolette Roque ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ernesto Suarez ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Adrianne D’Angelo DESIGNERS Allison Goodman Felipe Lobon Demi Rafuls
GRADUATE ASSISTANT Nick Maslow FINANCIAL ADVISER Robert DuBord FACULTY ADVISER Bob Radziewicz COPY EDITORS Amanda Gomez Stephanie Parra Sagette Van Embden
To reach a member of the staff visit themiamihurricane.com’s contact page. ©2010 University of Miami
cartoonsbymatt.com
POLL RESULTS: Now that UM football players don’t have access to Twitter, where will you get your football news? I’m already Facebook friends with them.
CHRISTINE BOMBERGER Junior “Intro to Tanning.”
19% I don’t know who I’ll follow.
32% This is good because we don’t need distractions.
CHRIS DAVIS Senior “Rat Happy Hour 203.”
49%
Speak Up answers are edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy.
Total Voters: 47
Check out video Speak Ups at themaimihurricane.com.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF FOUR LOKO? TAKE OUR POLL AT THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM.
Compiled by
Evan Peskin
MATT ROSEN // The Miami Hurricane
September 23 - September 26, 2010
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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Looking for a reason to go downtown? Head to the Miami-Dade Main Library now through Sunday to check out “Paedolia,” a series of paintings by Derek Buckner.
Staying BY JAMIE STEPHENS CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
How many University of Miami students can truly say they were destined to attend UM? How many can say they were destined to be an acclaimed entertainer? While many wish and dream, one alumnus has actually made those dreams and aspirations reality: musician, actor and UM alum Eric Alexandrakis. Born across the street from campus at Doctors Hospital, UM has always been a second home to Eric Alexandrakis, especially with his father, Dr. George Alexandrakis, teaching as a physics professor at the university. “Eric was raised in an academic environment. The Hurricanes' games became part of all our lives,” Dr. Alexandrakis said. “We loved our university and Eric was attached to UM just as much as we were. He himself decided not to even apply elsewhere.” Though his father took the science route, Eric Alexandrakis developed a passion for the arts early on in his adolescence, listening to legendary composers like John Williams and Mozart. Eric Alexandrakis’ musical inspirations now range from John Lennon to his three partners: guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, drummer Steve Ferrone and multi-platinum producer Anthony J. Resta. “I am a fan of anyone that is exceptionally creative,” Eric Alexandrakis said. Nevertheless, before he was marking the Top 40 U.S. Adult Contemporary Radio charts, Eric Alexandrakis started as a public relations and English literature double major at UM. During his undergraduate years, he spent most of his free time in recording studios and feels he learned a great deal
edge with his inner Cane
about networking while at UM. “Being at a university (and one of the best) is essential to anyone’s education. Not just because of the knowledge you gain, but also because of the interactions [and] connections you make,” he said. “It’s a society within a society, and it’s important to learn how to function within society. UM is extremely good at that.” Eric Alexandrakis later attended UM’s graduate program in music business and entertainment industries and began pursuing his musical career professionally. “I was willing to learn; I’d kill myself to meet the right people. This isn’t necessarily the best thing, as some people try to take advantage of you in the worst of ways. I’ve had a plethora of this along the way, but I learned how to present myself credibly and weed out the overly superlative phonies,” he said. Once he made the decision to pursue a career in music, Eric Alexandrakis stuck to it even during trying times. According to his parents, he wrote, composed and produced his first album while receiving chemotherapy to battle Hodgkin’s disease, a type of white blood-cell cancer. Despite the seriousness of his illness, his parents remember that in the midst of receiving transfusions, he still managed to make funny faces that made them smile. Eric Alexandrakis’ latest EP “Terra Firma” is a conceptual travel album, whose style can best be described as “avantpop electro.” Singles for the EP will be released every two weeks via social networks like Facebook; the album should be available in early 2012. Jamie Stephens may be contacted at jstephens@themiamihurricane.com.
ABOUT FUN FACTS NDRAKIS ERIC ALEXA d who -When aske fan is, Eric his biggest is proudly Alexandrak n. -year-old so claims his 3 music, he -Aside from talent for possesses a n can be see acting, as ces n ra a e p ap in his minor i s like "Miam in movie hit n the televisio Vice" and er." series "Dext
COURTESY MINOAN MUSIC
MAKING STRIDES: UM alum of both undergrad and graduate programs, Eric Alexandrakis created his first album while recovering from Hodgkin’s disease and while undergoing chemotherapy. September 23 - September 26, 2010
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Doc film director exposes the public school system A Q&A with Davis Guggenheim ern economy. And it's gotten to the point where the schools that are doing really well have a lottery. Families that have big A silent plague has affected every dreams for their kids and kids that want American public school student for the to go to these great schools, they actually last four decades. As educational spendhave to put their name in, get a number, ing has more than doubled since 1971, and pray to the gods that they'll win this reading and math scores have remained lottery. When I saw this lottery, when stagnant, leaving our country unprepared I saw families jumping up in the air befor economic growth. cause they won, and I see families that are As Bill Gates discussed in the new just crushed because they know their kids documentary “Waiting for Superman,” have to go to this other school where their 123 million high skill American jobs will kids kind of flounder, that's when I said, be available by 2020, but only 50 million 'Wait a second. This is not America. We of us will be qualified for them. “Waiting have to fight to give every kid in America for Superman,” in select theaters today, a great education.'” personalizes the issue, following five stuTMH: “You've said that you think that audents who are strugdiences are craving gling to find better films not just about schools that won’t our country's probleave them behind. lems, but also the G u g ge n hei m, possibilities. What director of Al Gore’s possibilities do you Academy Award want the audiences winning documento see after watchtary “An Inconveing the film?” nient Truth,” sat DG: “Ten years ago, down with The I made a film about Miami Hurricane to Teach for America discuss his new film teachers. People and America’s pocome out of college tential in a time of and instead of going crisis. to work for a bank, they sign up for two The Miami Huryears and they go ricane: “At this GUGGENHEIM into these schools... point in your career, [The teachers] were you could take on working their butts any topic you want in a documentary. off, but the system around them was broWhy education?” ken and there was this feeling that it was Davis Guggenheim: “For me, it's just a not possible. Now, 10 years later, it's pospassion. I was a C- minus student. I was sible. There has been a rising up of these a kid on the margins. And I had great high-performing charters that have been teachers that pulled me through. They're breaking the mold. In the high-performthe reason why I'm here. And I just feel ing charters, 90 percent of their graduates like, why can't every kid in America get a go to college, even in the most poor, struggood education? I imagine people at your gling neighborhoods. Now, we have this school, these are the ones that have done feeling that it's possible. And we have the well; these are the ones that the education ingredients to success that we can bring path has served. But I'm sure people at to every school. So [we have this] feeling your school feel like there's a brother or a that it's not hopeless, we can do this, and cousin who the schools didn't serve. Why we can deliver the American dream to evcan't we serve everybody?” ery kid. TMH: “Definitely. I thought about that in the audience. I thought, ‘How priviNick Maslow may be contacted at nick@ leged am I?’ I consider myself a politically themiamihurricane.com. aware person, but I had no idea about the depth of the educational crisis. When did that realization come to you? When did you say, 'Woah, something needs to hapWatch the pen here?'” the full DG: “Well, the schools are broken. I interview with think we all feel like maybe they're not so good. But when you really look at it, we Guggenheim at have 1.2 million kids dropping out every themiamihurricane.com. year. That's 1.2 million kids that don't have the basic skills to work in the modBY NICK MASLOW GRADUATE ASSISTANT
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THE MIAMI HURRICANE
September 23 - September 26, 2010
COURTESY JULIA SCHACTER
THE BEGINNING: Davis Guggenheim (left) with Sandra Chandler on the set of “The First Year,” Guggenheim’s debut film which follows the lives of five teachers.
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consecutive weeks that an NFL player from UM has scored a touchdown
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game Harold Martinez has missed in two years
FOOTBALL
Canes hope to bounce back against Pitt Miami looks to make up for loss at Ohio State BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER
Over the past 12 days, the Miami Hurricane football team has had a lot to think about. On Thursday night, however, the 19thranked Canes can prove the doubters wrong. Ever since the Sept. 11 36-24 loss to Ohio State, UM has been criticized by disappointed fans. At 7:30 p.m., Miami (1-1) faces an uphill battle on the road against the Pittsburgh Panthers (1-1) at Heinz Field. “This week’s game against Pitt, another ESPN game, national game which is great for us to have an opportunity to play on national TV,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “The game will be very physical. It’s going to be fun to see what happens.” The Hurricanes hold a 21-9-1 all-time record versus the Panthers. The last time Miami faced Pittsburgh was in the 2003 regular season finale when the Canes produced a defensive stand and beat the Panthers, 28-14. Former defensive backs Sean Taylor and Antrel Rolle completely shut down former All-American Larry Fitzgerald as he was held to three catches and one touchdown. Fitzgerald did, however, extend his NCAA record to 18 consecutive games with at least one touchdown reception. The Hurricanes also managed to tally nine sacks. But this year will be a different headline. It marks the first time Shannon will face an old Big East foe and the first meeting between Shannon and Pitt’s head coach Dave Wannstedt. “Knowing Dave Wannstedt for a long time, I’ve spent a lot of time with him,” Shannon said. “We have always had an open relationship on and off the field. He’s in it for the kids. He’s done a great job at Pitt.” Shannon and Wannstedt have a long
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LINDSAY BROWN // Photo Editor
MAINTAINING FOCUS: Jacory Harris prepares for the Ohio State game. He threw four interceptions against the Buckeyes. history. While Wannstedt was defensive coordinator at Miami under former head coach Jimmy Johnson, Wannstedt helped recruit Shannon out of high school and coached him as a Hurricane. When Johnson and Wannstedt were with the Dallas Cowboys, they used their 11th-round pick to draft Shannon in 1989. After Shannon finished playing football, Wannstedt hired him to be the Dolphins linebackers coach. “Randy and I go way back,” said Wannstedt, whose program has lost 14 of the last 15 games against the Canes, but has never personally faced Miami as a head coach. “I’ve probably been involved with his football life most of his life.” For the players, this becomes a bounce back game from the Ohio State loss. Mi-
ami had its moment against Ohio State, but blew its opportunity to win. This will be the second of three games on the road, and the Canes need to rebound. “It’s very important,” said redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Marcus Forston, who is a starter on the defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss with 25. “Coming off a loss, you don’t want guys still thinking about that, underestimating Pittsburgh. Back-to-back losses, that would really mess the team up right there. Coaches are making sure we practice hard, chase the ball.” In week one, Utah upset then-No. 15 Pittsburgh, 27-24, in overtime. The Utes controlled the game by containing Pittsburgh’s running game. Utah held sophomore All-American Dion Lewis to three yards per carry and finished with 15 carries for 75 yards. Last year as a freshman, Lewis September 23 - September 26, 2010
rushed for 1,799 yards. Since 1996, Pitt is 1-10 against ranked, non-conference opponents. Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at lledoux@ themiamihurricane.com.
BROADCAST INFO WHERE: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Penn. TIME: 7:30 p.m. NETWORK: ESPN CHANNEL: Comcast channel number 34 LISTEN: 560 WQAM THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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FOOTBALL PROFILE
BASEBALL PROFILE
Coach and quarterback duo keeps it in family
Baseman back in the game
Dad keeps Whipple working hard BY MICHELLE SALOM CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER
Once most athletes get to a certain level at their sport, their parents stop coaching them and sit back to watch them play from the stands. But this is not the case for junior quarterback Spencer Whipple, who is playing for his father Mark Whipple, the offensive coordinator for the Hurricanes. Throughout Spencer Whipple’s childhood he always played sports but was never pressured to play a specific sport by his father. Luckily for him though, he chose the sport his father had mastered. “Growing up [my father coached me] but I was never pressured to play football or to be a quarterback, but he was willing to help me with anything I wanted to do,” Spencer Whipple said. “It just so happened to be football and so he would always tell me how I can improve m y game.” P l aying college football at UM was not always the plan for Spencer Whipple despite the fact that he was a huge Hurricanes fan growing up. He started out playing for Pittsburgh, who Miami plays Thursday, then went on to play at the University of Massachusetts. Spencer Whipple enjoyed playing at both Pitt and UMass but left both places yearning for a new opportunity.
“Pitt was right near my high school and where we lived,” Spencer Whipple recalled. “It went well and I liked how they ran the team but there were six or seven quarterbacks on the roster, so I transferred to UMass for more playing time. Then at UMass everything clicked well, but my dad moved down here and I have always loved Miami and [have] always been a fan. So I came down here and decided to help out the team and started out on scout team.” Mark Whipple happens to coach the quarterbacks as well, the very position his son plays. There are many obstacles Spencer Whipple has had to overcome to prove to his teammates that he is not there playing because of his father. “You never know how the other teammates are gonna feel about having your dad as your coach. People are gonna think he is biased towards me, but he treats me just like Jacory [Harris], Alonzo [Highsmith] or Steven [Morris]. He doesn’t treat me any higher than the other players.” Sophomore quarterback Highsmith respects the depth and his peers. “It definitely helps with the competition,” he said. “We never know who is the backup quarterback after Jacory. It keeps us all in suspense, makes us work harder every day.” Spencer Whipple strives to be looked at as a regular player instead of the coach’s son. “I have always gone about it the same way and try to work as hard as I can. I try and earn the respect through workouts, never miss a practice, always be on time and always be in the film room,” he said. “If I prepare like that then everyone will see I am doing well and taking advantage of the opportunities I have.” Michelle Salom may be contacted at msalom@ themiamihurricane.com.
Martinez recovers from leg injury BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SPORTS EDITOR
University of Miami third baseman junior Harold Martinez is stubborn. Since his freshman year in 2009, he started all 122 games he played in. In blowout affairs, he would be one of the few starters to remain in the game; he always wanted to stay on the diamond to get better. Martinez grew up playing with a taped ball in Cuba, where his love for baseball began. Nothing could interfere with that until the 123rd game of his career. The 2010 second team All-ACC selection was forced to watch the Canes lose to the Florida Gators 4-3 in 10 innings in game two of the Super Regionals from his hospital bedroom. “It was the worst thing ever seeing the game, we were one out away and I’m in the hospital,” Martinez said in an exclusive interview with The Miami Hurricane. “It was one of the worst times in my life not being there. I wanted to be there for my team. That’s what you dream of being in that situation. That’s what every good baseball player wants, to help contribute in an elimination game but I couldn’t do anything. Everything happens for a reason.” Martinez had a severe injury; he had a hematoma in his left shin. His leg was black and after game one of the Super Regionals, he couldn’t even walk to the shower. There was major swelling the size of a grape fruit. “I had a big hematoma after a while because I kept hitting foul balls off my shin. It just got infected. At the end of the season we had to rush me to the hospital because it was about to burst," Martinez said. Martinez's father, Alexis, knows how difficult it was for his son to miss the most important game.
ALEX BROADWELL // The Miami Hurricane
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THE MIAMI HURRICANE
September 23 - September 26, 2010
STEVEN STUTS // The Miami Hurricane
MAKING A COMEBACK: Harold Martinez bats against Rutgers in the season-opening series. He is excited to return. "We watched those seven errors from the hospital and it was so frustrating," he said. "He came to Miami to go to Omaha, it was his dream but Harold couldn't do anything. He was in serious pain. In the beginning you think about all possibilities, it was scary but he's fine now and the doctors and staff did a good job." Martinez's injury developed when, midway through the season, he hit a foul ball off his left shin. He didn’t make much of it and neither did the coaches or trainers because Martinez had an impressive sophomore campaign. He blasted a team-leading 21 home runs and tallied 69 RBI. He hit .295 and made a great middle of the order combination with former Hurricane standout Yasmani Grandal. But his shin got progressively worse as he kept hitting foul balls in the same area of his left leg. At the end of the season he didn’t even take batting practice and would only play in games to reduce the stress. Martinez had to watch the Canes commit seven errors in the season finale and saw their archrival, the Florida Gators, march on to the College World
Series. UM’s season was over, and there was a chance Martinez’s baseball career was over. “[The doctors] were scared it was going to hit my bone quickly,” said Martinez, who spent four days in a Gainesville hospital. “They were trying to figure out what the infection was so I had to stay in the hospital a couple of days. I was receiving antibiotics. You never know what could have happened, my leg was turning black so who knows what could have happened, maybe my leg would have been chopped off. I’m just fortunate it was contained early.” Martinez now declares himself 100 percent healthy. He spent the summer rehabilitating at UM and resting at his house. He resumed baseball activities earlier this month. “I just need to work on my timing because I haven’t done a lot of baseball activities,” the potential first round draft pick said. “I haven’t seen pitching in four or five months. Physically I’ll be fine and I’m looking forward to getting back out there.” Justin Antweil may be contacted at jantweil@themiamihurricane. com.
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dear ...
Dear V: Do I need to tattoo ‘dyke’ on my forehead?
, I’m your typical college woman. I like to look nice, don’t go out without makeup and my clothes always match. There never seems to be a shortage of men checking me out or flirting with me. The only snag is I’m lesbian and although I am flattered, the “it’s not you, it really is me” conversation is getting old. I know I’m extremely feminine (I was even a debutant!), but how can I send out the right vibes to the same sex without sacrificing my identity? Short of tattooing “DYKE” on my forehead, I don’t know what to do. Prada not Flannel Dear Prada Mama, Let me start out by making the most imperative point that I feel needs to be stressed: You never need to change yourself for someone else. Something tells me, call it my
amazing intuition, that you are quite aware of this notion already. Finding someone that you are truly compatible with, or at least compatible enough with to make it through a night (I’m not here to judge), is not an easy task- especially when your window of opportunity is much smaller then most. You need to remember that it is not the clothes, makeup nor the membership to the Home Depot that makes the lesbian. Please note the sarcasm. But rather, it is the aura and chemistry that one exudes, thus allowing women to make a real connection. There is no need to alter your appearance or demeanor in any way. Instead, work on your approach. I suggest you work on your “directness” in order to get your message across. Bashfulness, along with with that glass ceiling and a woman’s place in the kitchen, is best left in the past. When you notice a woman with whom you feel some attraction, initiate more eye contact. Repeat said eye contact and exude an overtly interested (not whorish or desperate) disposition. Far too many people feel that “the one” will
come along when the time is right and the connection will be effortless. PLEASE NOTE: Such strategies are best saved for teen dramas and will not work in the real world. You reap the rewards of your efforts. But keep in mind, this requires effort. Furthermore, I suggest you venture out into other areas within Miami. Search for when and where ladies nights are held (there is typically a large lesbian presence) or find a similar element where you feel comfortable. Despite how hopeless you may feel at times, remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea and you will catch yours. You simply need to leave out some bait, wait for a bite, then bring in your catch (and, to all my readers, possibly check it for mercury poisoning). Cast away, V Have a question for V? Hit up DearV@themiamihurricane.com.
GOT AN ACHY, BREAKY HEART? WRITE TO DEARV@THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM FOR ADVICE.
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THE MIAMI HURRICANE
September 23 - September 26, 2010
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