the magazine of the students of the university of miami
THE EXTRA ISSUE
SUMMER
2011
Consider Communication. Be critical. Be creative. Be unconventional. Immerse yourself in theory, research, and history. Change the world with your words and visuals. Join the School of Communication’s graduate programs in broadcasting, communication studies, English and Spanish language journalism, motion pictures, multimedia and public relations. Accepting applications for Fall 2011. Contact us:
http://www.com.miami.edu/ graduate-programs
Email: socgrad@miami.edu Phone: 305-284-5236 Graduate Studies Office School of Communication University of Miami 5100 Brunson Drive, Room 4025 Coral Gables, FL 33146
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SUMMER 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS
17 ahead of the curve
7 in the margins
17. I-95-ing it, the ultimate road trip 18 - 19. the miami music scene, an inside look 20. life is good at WVUM and summer music festivals 21. the breakdown of Miami’s drug scene 22 - 27. carnival daze fashion spread
7.the bucket list May calendar 8. an intimate affair, Distraction’s guide to lingerie 9. Q&A with Real Houswife Adriana De Moura 10 - 11. stats on smoking, the new UM app & how you are wasting all those dollars 12. learn to drink bravely with Mark Oldman 13 - 16. through the lens, Ultra Music Festival
28 in the loop 28. trial run: bartending and the martini
34 the main event
29. misperceptions of female athletes 30 - 31. the NCAA debate, pro and con 32 - 33. fake id
42 end notes 42. that’s so u:
34 - 35. the business of
manscaping
social media
43. rant: dear v
36 - 38. a night at Alex
44. person of interest:
Rodriguez Park
miami maniac
39. how to beat the
46 - 47. dining guide
study abroad system
43. distraction of the
40 - 41. male online
issue: DIY bar crawl
addictions design_ claudia aguirre illustration_ carlos mella photo_ jessica hodder 2
The crowd at the 2011 Ultra Music Festival goes wild and loses themselves in the music for the second night of the event.
3
DEAR DISTRACTION, HERE AT DISTRACTION, we write for all you University of Miami students who need exactly what our magazine’s name means. Whether it’s between classes, sipping coffee, riding the bus or to just take your mind off of the crazy world around you, we’re here to provide you with a different kind of distraction that is both entertaining and informative. We always welcome feedback so we can improve and give you the best possible Distraction. Here’s what a few of you had to say about the February 2011 issue. words_nancy oben. design_claudia aguirre. distraction
THE MAIN EVENT
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
WITH
ERY
URG TIC S
PLAS
The plastic surgery scene continues to expand in Miami. Younger generations are turning to doctors for quick fixes to create the perfect body but sometimes it’s taken too far. words_ivana cruz. design_ivana cruz. photos_jessica hodder.
AMANDA SCHEFER UNUSUAL BEAUTY: Again, Apa purposefully frames her photos to isolate one section of the body, in this case the abdomen and chest, to highlight strength in body parts that are often overlooked. This South Beach-inspired shirt effectively shows off this part of the model’s body, highlighting its unusual beauty.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Canes, I never thought this third issue would come to fruition. We were short on funding, time and energy to produce it. But thanks to a dedicated staff and an adviser that wouldn’t give up, here in your hands is this last and final edition of Distraction for the year. It’s hard for me to not get nostalgic with less than one month left of college. For those of you who are freshman, sophomores or juniors, this issue is really for you. Use this magazine as your guide to UM and cherish every moment, even on those nights when you’re stuck in the freshman towers because your fake I.D. was taken away at Moe’s the night before (pg. 32). And go see a baseball game! Some of my happiest moments are from sitting in those stands sipping a milkshake (pg. 36). Go to Ultra, if you didn’t already check it out this year (pg. 13). But think twice before rolling, or at least know what you’re getting yourself into (pg. 21). And adopt “Miamisms” like the bi-weekly reading of Dear V, guys Manscaping and listening to our awesome campus radio station, WVUM. It’s all packed in this “Extra,” Summer 2011 issue. We didn’t think it would happen but it did. So find a glider or break from studying for finals and read on for an Extra Distraction. Go Canes,
36
16
I thought that the Through The Lens section of this issue was absolutely fantastic. The photos were so beautifully taken and executed. I am a dancer myself with an interest in photography and I love when the human body is portrayed so magnificently. I have never picked up Distraction Magazine to look through before, but this issue definitely peaked my interest and I will now be a frequent reader. Great Job! TAYLOR WHITE, SOPHOMORE Being born and raised in Miami I know firsthand all the problems discussed in “Obsessed with Plastic Surgery.” I’ve seen plenty of friends get plastic surgery
even though it’s completely unnecessary. Not only is it dangerous and risky but it’s so expensive too. People need to learn to become comfortable with themselves. HEATHER SMITH, SOPHOMORE Every issue of Distraction captures my eye and makes its home on my coffee table. The color and design of every infographic is congruent and transitions perfectly between articles. By showcasing Miami and the city’s brightest students in such a beautiful way, this magazine makes me proud to be a Cane.
The rant of the issue was very relatable. It is always frustrating when hell week rolls around and it is nice to know that I am not the only one suffering. Maybe some professors will read that article and try and spread their work out but I think that may be wishful thinking.
4
P.S. To the friends I ignored during deadline nights, I apologize over and over again. To my Distraction staff, friends, professors and most importantly, to my family, thank you for supporting me through these three issues. I couldn’t have done it without you.
ON THE COVER the magazine of the students of the university of miami
MARIA CARTOLANO, SOPHOMORE WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. SEND US AN EMAIL AT FEEDBACK. DISTRACTION@GMAIL. COM.
ERIC HURLEY, SENIOR
Distraction magazine is published once or twice a semester for the entire student body at the University of Miami, 5100 Brunson Drive, Wolfson Building, Coral Gables, Fla. 33146-2105. Questions or comments can be sent to the editor at PO Box 248127, Coral Gables, Fla. 33124-2105, or via email at h.carney1@umiami.edu. All articles, photographs and illustrations are copyrighted by the University of Miami. For additional information, please visit distractionmagazine.com. Thank you.
CONTACT US
Heather Carney
THE EXTR A ISSUE SUMMER
2011
Summer 2011 issue THE EXTRA ISSUE. The editorial staff had so many ideas for this last magazine so we decided to compile it into an Extra issue. This photo shows the ferris wheel at the Miami-Dade County fair and is the perfect representation of the coming summer months. photo_rachel steinhauser. design_claudia aguirre
The Issue Eight, Summer 2011 Distraction
dubbed “The Extra Issue.” Students at the ABOUT US isUniversity of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla.
produced 6,500 copies of Distraction and City Graphics and NU-PRESS, Miami printed the magazine. Distraction is printed on 8.5 x 11 inch, 60 pound gloss text paper with the cover being 100 pound gloss. The entire magazine is printed four-color and perfect bound. Most text is nine-point Chaparral Pro with 1.8 points of leading set ragged with a combination of bold, medium and italic. Folios are set in seven-point Helvetica Neue combinations. All pages were designed using Adobe Creative Suite five software InDesign with photographs and artwork handled in PhotoShop and Illustrator.
distractionmagazine.com
MAGAZINE STAFF 2011 EDITORIAL Heather Carney EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Danielle Kaslow EXECUTIVE EDITOR Claudia Aguirre ART DIRECTOR Ivana Cruz ASSISTANT ART Rachel Steinhauser PHOTO EDITOR Jessica Hodder ASSISTANT PHOTO Abigail Garner WEB EDITOR Sarah Bromley FASHION EDITOR Nicole Adlman COPY CHIEF
Andrea Concepcion THE MAIN EVENT Nancy Oben IN THE MARGINS Kelsey Pinault AHEAD OF THE CURVE Debora Rubi IN THE LOOP Abigail Garner END NOTES Josh Chazen BUSINESS MANAGER Mason Clark ADVERTISING DESIGNER Jonathan Borge PR MANAGER Nick Maslow GRADUATE ASSISTANT Randy Stano FACULTY ADVISER
WRITERS
PHOTO
Kristen Avvento Ana Calderone Rebecca Casamayor Rico Dominguez Nadia Ismael Rebecca Lattanzio Katie Lee Patrick Riley Amber Robertson Gina Shub Amilynn Soto Brittany Weiner
Brittney Bomnin Natalie Edgar Steven Stuts Raquel Zaldívar
COPY EDITORS
ILLUSTRATION
Michelle Avalos David Furones Annika Jensen Danielle Landau Sandra Montalvo Carmen Rodriguez Hannah Romig Kyli Singh Nancy Varghese
Taylor Lucas Carlos Mella Monica Penin
DESIGN Sopianna Bishop Sarah Bromley Ashley Brozic Melanie Kleiner Monica Penin
CARLOS MELLA ILLUSTRATOR
PATRICK RILEY WRITER
Carlos considers himself a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, photographer and kind-of crazy person. He is originally from the Dominican Republic and is always roaming around campus doing random assignments, usually ranting about whatever nerdy thoughts are going through his head. When he’s not working at the Hurricane, Ibis or contributing to Distraction he is usually watching a movie on Netflix or jamming out to whatever song comes up on his iTunes.
Patrick grew up outside of Innsbruck, Austria. He alternated between playing ice hockey, soccer and skiing. He always loved to write but wasn’t sure if he wanted to do it for a living until he read his first Bill Simmons article. Simmons’ style captivated Patrick and he decided that he would do the same thing: write about sports and make people laugh. Patrick is majoring in journalism and ports administration.
NATALIE EDGAR PHOTOGRAPHER
MASON CLARK WRITER
With the art of capturing moments, Natalie brings out the beauty along with the reality of our society, where there’s still much to be changed. Natalie is of Ecuadorian decent, and was born and raised in Miami. She discovered her passion for photography the first time she traveled to Nicaragua for a service trip. Through her pursuit of degrees in psychology and visual journalism, she hopes to creatively bring awareness to global issues.
Mason is a junior from Delray Beach, majoring in public relations and sociology. He just transferred from Santa Fe College in Gainesville. In his free time Mason likes going to the beach, hanging out in the Grove and doing triathlons. He hopes to end up working in Washington D.C at a PR or lobbying firm. He started working for Distraction last semester as a creative way to get involved and meet new people within the School of Communication. Go Canes! 5
1.
2.
RIDE THE MECHANICAL BULL AT TEQUILA RANCH
4.
3.
VISIT THE CORAL CASTLE
5.
8.
9.
DANCE ON THE ROOFTOP AT THE CLEVELANDER ON SOUTH BEACH
12. 16.
13. SWIM AT THE VENETIAN POOL IN CORAL GABLES
17.
GO ON A BOAT RIDE AT BAYSIDE MARKET PLACE
20.
SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS AT ESMERALDA ISLAND
21.
GULFSTREAM PARK: WATCH THE HORSE RACE, GO TO THE CASINO, DINE AND PARTY AT MI6
24.
KICK IT POOLSIDE AT THE MARQUIS HOTEL
25.
GO ON A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
28.
GO CANOEING AT OLETA RIVER STATE PARK
29.
SHARE A 36 OZ. GIANT DRINK AT OCEAN’S 10 ON SOUTH BEACH words_nadia ismael illustration and design_monica penin
LADIES’ NIGHT AT GEORGE’S RESTAURANT IN SUNSET
10.
RIDE THE MECHANICAL BULL AT TEQUILA RANCH
FEED THE GIRAFFES AT ZOO MIAMI
PARTY AT LIV
6.
TAKE A LESSON WITH THE FLYING TRAPEZE SCHOOL IN BAYFRONT PARK
CATCH A PERFORMANCE BY THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
may
VISIT THE WORLD EROTIC ART MUSEUM ON SOUTH BEACH
RAPIDS WATER PARK IN WEST PALM BEACH
14. DRINK A HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAIL AT THE RALEIGH HOTEL ON SOUTH BEACH
18. JET SKIING IN KEY WEST
22. GO ON A ONE DAY CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS
26. BOATING TO THE SANDBAR IN HAULOVER AND VISIT THE BEER CAN ISLAND
30. HELICOPTER RIDE ACROSS MIAMI
7. PLAY POOL AT FELT
11. POOL PARTY AT ARKADIA AT THE FONTAINEBLEAU
15. SNORKELING IN THE KEYS
19. PARTY AT MIA AND AMUSE LOUNGE IN DOWNTOWN MIAMI
23. TAKE A RANGE ROVER ROCK COURSE TEST DRIVE
27. PARTY AT NIKKI BEACH
31. DRINK A PK3 AT MONTY’S 7
Intimate Affair
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
An
words_joanie oben. illustration and design_ashley brozic.
Walking into Victoria’s Secret or that pricey little boutique can be a terrifying experience for some. Lace or no lace? Is white an off-limit color? And what about garters? Shopping for lingerie is all about looking hot and feeling confident. Distraction has created a guide to help all college fashionistas find their perfect version of sexy. Buying lingerie is all about finding what works best for your body. What looks amazing on your roommate may leave you feeling uncomfortable and vice versa. Lingerie should highlight your best features and will look amazing when you find something that works for your body type. For example, the apron style that is popular at Victoria’s Secret looks great on very thin girls, but someone with more of an hourglass shape should opt for a teddy. The loose fabric helps to hide flaws while highlighting your top half. Curvier girls should stay away from ruching on the sides because it adds fullness to one’s shape. But for girls with a straighter body type, it can help create an hourglass illusion. Ruffles always accentuate, so an outfit with some on the bust or the butt will make those assets seem larger. Lace has always been a coveted choice of fabric for lingerie. There are many styles to choose from, but if you’re buying a tighter piece be sure to try it on (trust us, it will help). Lace is normally skintight so a size up may allow for a more comfortable fit. Lace is like silk 8
and will show every flaw so, to wear it, confidence is key. Victoria’s Secret and other places like Forever XXI have a variety of lace pieces in this season and bright colors will pop on many skin tones for a great spring look. Color can add a certain mood for your night: Black and red ooze sex appeal whereas pale pink and brighter colors have a sweet vibe. Leave the white for the newlyweds and try a fun hue that you haven’t worn before. To garter or not to garter is a hard decision that many women have to make. A good thing about garters is that they make your legs look amazing and super sexy, but the problem is trying to get them on. You can buy pieces that have garter clips or, if you want to show more skin, you can purchase a bra and panty set with a
{
Guys,
are you shopping for
your girlfriend, slampiece and/or sex friend? Let Distraction help you navigate the lingerie store with these quick tips. Know her size- Bras come in very specific sizes. If you pick a small size you risk making her feel fat, if it’s too big she could think that you think she’s flat and fat, so know her size. Pick up the bra that is lying on the floor of her dorm room, since you’re buying lingerie we assume you see her naked regularly and thus a bra could be on the floor, or ask one of her good friends who can keep a secret to get the right size. Look at what she wears- Most girls who wear lingerie have a style that they prefer. Does she always show off for you in an lace teddy or does she wear tight corsets
matching garter belt. The clips are hard to open up and even harder to close onto your thighhigh stockings. This is not something to debut after a drunken night on the town but to wear instead on a planned occasion, like a formal event or an important anniversary. The clips will take time so make sure that they will be appreciated. There are many options that can be used to dress up the night. The best option is to go into the store with no time limits, a free afternoon and an open mind. Most importantly, take your time when trying on outfits to see what makes your curves look whistle-worthy and what doesn’t work for your body type.
and garters? If she isn’t comfortable in what you bought you will not see it again. So get something you both will like. Know You’re budget- Guys are easy targets for Vickie’s employees and they will always pick out the most expensive stuff and add all the extras. So come in with a budget in mind, your credit card will thank you. Besides, are those sequin fishnet tights and edible body chocolate really necessary? Most girls will answer with an “ew.” Ask for help if you need it- If you don’t know what to pick out for your girlfriend don’t be afraid to ask. Walk up to an employee and explain your budget, your girlfriend’s size and what she normally likes to wear. The associate will help you find something quickly and since she knows your budget she won’t persuade you into buying the whole store.
}
Q& A
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
with Adriana de Moura from the Real Housewives of Miami
words_ jonathan borge design_ claudia aguirre photo_ jonathan borge
Yes Miami, the Housewives have arrived. After six cities and five years, Bravo TV headed down to one of the world’s sexiest hot spots to film the seventh installment of their much talked about docu-series, “The Real Housewives of Miami.” The show premiered on February 22 and has delivered the promised bare skin, thick accents and, typical to any version of the Housewives, cat fights. Distraction sat down and snatched a few answers from a real housewife herself, Adriana De Moura, and her fiancé, Frederic. You mentioned speaking five languages but being able to get a man with no words. What five languages do you speak? > I speak Portuguese which is my native language, and I speak French, Italian, Spanish and English. What part of Brazil are you from? > I’m from Sao Paulo. What made you choose the city of Miami to be your home? >My favorite thing about Miami is that it reminds me of my country, you know. It has the same vibe [as] Brazil, the sun, the beaches, the people and the fact that there are many
people from many countries and many cultures. But, it still has the vibe of the laidback lifestyle that we have in Brazil. Between Brazilian and Latin culture, which is sexier? >I think Brazilians have a more sensual culture; the language is sensual, the music is sensual. We have a very sensual culture. Not sexual but sensual. You own an art gallery and, of course, now star on a hit TV show. How does it feel do be labeled a “housewife”? > Well, I guess I am the modern version of a housewife. I still have to go grocery shopping, pick up my son from school and take him to afterschool activities. But, I also have to be glamorous and I also have to take care of my business. So, it’s like five jobs in one. So what can viewers look forward to this season with The Housewives? > Well, my major drama will be in my space, in my gallery when I have the one man show and the artist is not performing as he should. We have a little drama there so stay tuned. Are fans already beginning to recognize you? Any paparazzi moments? > Yeah, I actually went to the mall two days ago and at the Chanel counter people were stopping to take a picture, “Can I take a picture, aren’t you the one from the Housewives?”
Writer Jonathan Borge spoke with Real Housewife Adrian de Moura after a promotional event in Miami Beach. Here are a few photos he quickly snapped on his smartphone exclusively for Distraction. If you had to decide which Miami housewife is the sexiest, who would it be? > A little girl named Adriana. On the first episode, you were dancing around with other men and being very flirtatious. How does your fiancé react to your playfulness? > You can ask him, he’s right here! No, he understands that I just play around. It’s part of my culture. Brazilians, we are very… we joke a lot and we play a lot. He understands that I just look but don’t touch. Are you also from Brazil? > Frederic: No. I’m from France. What do you think of Adriana’s flirtatious attitude? > Frederic: If she wasn’t flirtatious and playful I would not be with her. This is fun; we have a lot of fun all the time, that’s the most important. On the show you two drive away in a boat called “The Mojo.” What’s the meaning behind that name? > It’s like the mojo. It’s exactly us, the fun. 9
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
techtalk
UM app on the GO words_ amy sedeno Want to take UM with you wherever you go? Now that we have an app for that, you can. BlackBerry, iPhone and Android users will be able to enjoy the first official University of Miami Smartphone application. The app, called UM app, will be available for free in the iTunes store this April. The idea came to fruition through the collaborative efforts of the School of Communication, the Information Technology Department, Alumni Relations and Student Government. “I think students today will appreciate having access to a ton of information in app form. They can access it quickly and on the go,” said Student Government Vice President Pietro Bortoletto. The app’s launch to the student body will consist of three phases. The first, during the first or second week of April, will include a sports calendar, shuttle routes, maps and videos featured on the University homepage. More features will be released during the second and third phases throughout the fall semester. These will enable students to have access to dining menus, search and register for courses and take part of guided campus tours with the GPS capabilities on their mobile devices.
TOP 3 APPS ON THE ITUNES STORE
wasted
MONEY
WHETHER YOUR REALIZE IT OR NOT, QUICK PURCHASES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AROUND CAMPUS CAN REALLY ADD UP. words_ danielle kaslow
STUFF
3. CAMERA PLUS (photography)
ONCE
$ Grande Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino from Starbuck’s
5.19
Spicy chicken sandwich combo meal from Wendy’s
6.61
Bottle of soda from the campus vending machines
1.75
Mini cupcake from Misha’s
1.25
Large cheese pizza from Domino’s:
11.99
Apple Martini at a club in South Beach
17
Box of 12 Trojan Ultra Ribbed Condoms from CVS
12.99
1. ANGRY BIRDS (game) 2. TINY WINGS (game)
Pitcher of beer at the Rathskellar
X A WEEK/ MONTH
AN ENTIRE SEMESTER*
10.38
155.70
13.22
198.30
5.25
78.75
5.00
15.00
11.99
179.85
6.61
153.00
1.08
100.67
$
$
twice a week
twice a week
three times a week
four a month
one every Thursday after the Grove
three during the night
for one lucky night if you use a whole box once a month
4.99
* one semester = 15 weeks 10
$
9.98
two every Friday
179.85
design_ claudia aguirre illustration_ taylor lucas
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
SMOKING
STATS
words_ gina shub and ana calderone design_ claudia aguirre
STILL SMOKING? KICK THE HABIT AND SEE HOW WE MATCH UP TO OTHER UNIVERISITIES, CITIES AND STATES.
17.9 12.8 14.9 22 CITY PERCENTAGE OF SMOKERS
NEW YORK CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON NEVADA
O UN THE IVE R RS ITIE S
source: smokefree.org
17.7 15.8 miami
H
C
{} QUITTING? Check out UM’s award-winning smoking cessation program, “Be Smoke Free, which broadens treatment and education options.
new york city
northwestern university
83% of student don’t smoke 15.5% use tobacco regularly 17% used tobacco in the last month
30% smoked cigarettes before 16% are occasional smokers
M
university of minnesota
All time low smoking rate of: 2.6% in 2010 (3.7% in 2007)
All time low smoking rate of: 2.6% in 2010 (3.7% in 2007)
los angeles
$5.40 8.97 5.09 7.54 4.95
NEW YORK CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON NEVADA source: department of health
13
washington, d.c.
21.2 las vegas
N
university of hawaii
college of charleston
14
AVERAGE PACK PRICE FLORIDA
18.1%
FLORIDA
STATE PERCENTAGE OF SMOKERS
W
university of wisconsin @ Madison 35% occasional smokers
To find out more about UM’s Smoking Cessation Program, “BeSmokeFree” call 305-243-7606. 11
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
Learn to drink bravely words_danielle kaslow illustration and design_monica penin Drinking wine can make one feel mature and worldly, but many college students find it intimidating. Without a background in wineries and grapes, it can be easy to confuse a Merlot with a Malbec. Wine personality Mark Oldman seeks to demystify “the drink of the gods” and empower amateur wine enthusiasts. As an author of two books and lead judge of PBS television series “The Winemakers,” Oldman has been published in several lifestyle magazines, from Travel + Leisure to Everyday with Rachel Ray. He also lectures at the country’s top gastronomic festivals, including the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. Although Oldman is a renowned wine expert, he works to make wine accessible for anyone. “My bliss is to feel like I am enabling people, empowering people to feel confident with wine,” Oldman said. “I am giving people a sense of permission to experiment with and have fun with wine. You don’t have to talk about tomato leaves and flintiness to prove that you know about wine.” In his books, Oldman encourages readers to “drink bravely,” exploring different wines without selfconsciousness. “I like teaching wines that are just a little beyond your comfort zone, like how [the music website] Pandora introduces you to new music that is similar to your favorites but a little different,” he said. But what exactly makes a bottle of wine enticing? Oldman looks for personality with complexity. “Basically I like wine to have personality; when you smell it and taste it, you get something,” he explained. “I like wines that offer aromas and tastes that surprise, entice and seduce you, something different.” “You can have a sensational bottle of wine without having to spend a lot of money,” Oldman added. “The people in the know—sommeliers, chefs and wine shop workers—they tend to drink wines that are interesting and affordable.” In addition to simply enjoying a nice glass, Oldman feels there are important benefits to understanding wine that readers can gain from his books.
12
“From a purely business standpoint, wine is like the non-athletic version of golf; for networking and connections, people will enjoy wine together,” he said. “From a social standpoint knowing about wine can allow for a lot of opportunities.” Oldman suggests that novice wine enthusiasts start small and learn about one area in-depth, then explore based on what interests them. “You don’t have to learn much to open up a whole world of possibility,” Oldman said.
Mark Oldman’s wine recommendations for college students on a budget: WHITE VINHO VERDE “It’s a great value, averaged at $7 per bottle. It’s great for the spring and summertime because it’s incredibly refreshing” VIOGNIER “If you have a hot date, try this. It smells floral and sweet, but tastes dry and seductive. It puts people in the mood for romance. It’s a richer white and is a nice alternative to a chardonnay.” TORRONTÉS “It’s from Argentina and is the middle ground between the above two. It smells sweet, tastes dry and is lighter than viogner.”
RED MALBEC “It is smooth, easy-going but winemakers work hard to produce it. It’s a product of a great natural climate and is dependably excellent.” PETITE SIRAH “It has a big, full body and is great with ribs.” BEAUJOLAIS “It is a more light style of red and a nice alternative to pinot noir.”
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
THROUGH THE LENS: THE
The audience during Dutch DJ Fedde Le Grande’s set at the Carl Cox stage during the second day of Ultra Music Festival at Bicentennial Park on Saturday, March 26. Other headlining acts for the day included Armin Van Buuren, Kaskade, Deadmau5, Empire of the Sun, Cut Copy and Carl Cox.
ULTRA
EXPERIENCE design_ivana cruz. photography_rachel steinhauser and jessica hodder
13
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
Senior Aleah McGehee rocks out on the bassoon during Telekinetic Walrus and the Pride of Ions’ set at the UMF Radio stage on Saturday, March 26 of Ultra Music Festival in downtown Miami.
14
distraction
IN THE MARGINS
University of Miami alumnae Ashleyann Gosslein dances with colorful sequined flags during London-based DJ Mowgli’s set in the Root Society Dome on the second day of Ultra Music Festival, Saturday, March 26.
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distraction
IN THE MARGINS
Members of the audience reach for the white balloons that were dropped upon them during DJ Kaskade’s set at the main stage on the second day of UMF, Saturday March 26.
Steve Aoki DJs on the third day of Ultra Music Festival 2011, the three-day event was held at Bicentennial Park and was highly attended by many University of Miami students. 16
Colorful attire at Ultra is the norm. The neon colored beads and bracelets worn by Ultra-goers are known as “kandi” and are typically given to others to acknowledge past raves and to make memories at new events. Other items people usually wear to Ultra include brightly colored clothing, pacifiers, fuzzy legwarmers and tutus.
I95-ING IT
distraction
AHEAD OF THE CURVE
words_ kelsey pinault & gina shub design_ claudia aguirre
DELAWARE ART MUSEUM 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806
DE
SKYLINE DRIVE AND THE B L U E R I D G E M O U N TA I N S
VA
3655 US Hwy 211. East, Luray, VA 22835 By the time you make it to Virginia, you may be getting anxious to finally be home and won’t want to stop for anything. However, we can’t let you miss this beautiful state by passing it all by in a blur on the highway, so we have the perfect solution: Skyline Drive is a road stretching for 105 miles through the scenic mountains of Shenandoah National Park. For just a $15 entry fee, you can take a break from the highway and admire the beautiful colors and sights of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
95
NC
WORLD’S LARGEST CHEST OF DRAWERS 508 North Hamilton St., High Point, NC 27262 Whether or not you’re willing to admit it, the best part of any road trip is the assortment of random places you come across. After a stop in South Carolina where you filled up on Mexican delicacies, make a quick and free stop to see the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers. Built in the 1920’s by the High Point Chamber of Commerce, this attraction provides a perfect accent to the Home Furnishings Capital of the World- High Point, North Carolina.
SC
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
GA
3346 Highway 301. North Dillon, SC 29547
For over 60 years, South of the Border has caught the eye of travelers heading to and from local attractions in the area. With over 100 billboards on the interstate, it’s hard not to wonder what exactly South of the Border is. Complementing the Mexican theme of the attraction, there are six original Mexican restaurants and plenty of stores playing to theme as well, not to mention a list of fun attractions from Snake Lagoon to Pedroland, the local theme park.
HOSTEL IN THE FOREST
FL
To ensure the best road trip home ever, visit an art museum to throw some culture into the mix of attractions. The Delaware Art Museum has a vast amount of artwork with at least one collection for everyone to remember. Aiming to inspire people through the work shown, the museum is a non-profit art organization. Even better, it conveniently located near the highway so you don’t get too far off schedule.
3901 US Highway 82. Brunswick, GA 31523
After driving up the coast for another three hours and crossing over into the territory of the Yellow Jackets and the Bulldogs, you might feel like you’re ready to call it a night. We suggest a stop in Brunswick for a stay in the unique Hostel in the Forest. Take exit 29 conveniently located right off of I-95. The mission of this hostel is to preserve, respect and work with the environment. Staying in a small house in the scenic forest, guests have the option of an array of activities such as canoeing or hiking. If this seems like a place you would be interested in staying in rather than your car or truck stop, then be sure to call and make a reservation.
D AY T O N A B E A C H
1200 Main St., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
You start your trip at the bottom of Florida and after a good five-hour drive you’ll find yourself with leg cramps and close to a great place to stop and stretch – Daytona Beach. Right along the East coast in Volusia County, Daytona Beach is perfect for a long or short stay. The biggest attraction in the area is the Daytona Pier, with delicious restaurants, a great deal of different water activities and a constant hotspot for young adult vacationers. 17
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INSIDE THE MIAMI MUSIC SCENE
words_ rebecca casamayor design_ melanie kleiner & claudia aguirre photo_jessica hodder & rachel steinhauser
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With world-renowned events such as Ultra Music Festival and Art Basel, Miami has become known for its brightly colored artwork, South Beach and echoing club beats. But the city’s most unique treasures are the small, budding artists working to bring both the art and music scene together. Since he moved to South Florida, Wyatt Meagher, of the band Telekinetic Walrus and the Pride of Ions, has contributed to the Miami music scene through a series of events showcasing art and music.
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“The crowd in Miami is much different than in other places because people are open to a lot of music,” Meagher said. “My music can be considered experimental electronic, but it’s much more than that.” In an effort to end harsh competition between bands, Meagher has joined together with artists of other bands to create outlets where their work can be showcased together. “When I got here two years ago, there were a lot of feuds between bands who didn’t like each other,” Meagher said. “I want good hearts and good vibes coming together for the music and art.” Travis Duncan, of Lion King EleCtro, and other local acts have joined Meagher to incorporate sound artists, visual artists and burlesque dancers into their conceptual shows. “Any walk of life is welcomed at these events,” said Duncan. “Some genres include heavy dance, electronic, dub step vibe, jazz, and hip-hop. It features all sorts of acts from the community.” Since September, these local bands have put on a series of events, the most recent one in March. The main venue for the performances is the Awarehouse located in the Design District of Miami. From the outside garden space to the main event areas inside, the building is covered in art and sculptures. “The Awarehouse shows the constant progression of art in Miami and showcases some of the most progressive artists,” said Duncan.
“It’s a place where filmmakers, artists and enthusiasts can come and experience all these mediums connected.” REBIRTH: The Future of Miami, which took place in December, was one of Meagher’s events aimed at bringing Miami’s music scene closer together. For just a $5 cover, people were able to experience eight local bands, body painting, and burlesque dancing at Churchill’s Pub. Over 200 people attended this event to support the Telekinetic Walrus, Lion King EleCtro and other local Miami artists. “Personally, I believe this is the next generation of music, and it’s putting Miami on the map,” said Duncan. “The vibe is contagious once you experience it. It’s hard to detach yourself from it, you just keep wanting more.” GROW, Meagher’s second event aimed to popularize Miami’s music scene was held at the Awarehouse and attracted even more people than the previous event. But the most recent and popular event, titled BREATHE, was held in March at the Awarehouse. Music continued until 4 a.m. and donations were collected to benefit World Matters, a nonprofit that supports art and artists in South Florida. “The crowd was electric,” said Duncan. “Each event is getting larger, the music is getting better, the bands are evolving rapidly and there’s no stopping it. In 10 years, when people look back, they are going to be proud that these artists are from Miami.”
MEET THE ARTISTS TELEKINETIC WALRUS AND THE PRIDE OF IONS Since the beginning of this year, Telekinetic Walrus has carried out its vision of unifying the music scene in Miami. With the help of local bands, Telekinetic Walrus has organized three events, launched a t-shirt company called Rah Threads and made an appearance at the 2011 Ultra Music Festival. Telekinetic Walrus’ Wyatt Meagher is currently in the process of coordinating the fourth event of the series to unite the local bands once again. Until then, the band will be performing at local venues. To hear Telekinetic Walrus’ latest music and receive frequent updates, “like” their Facebook page called “Telekinetic Walrus and the Pride of Ions.”
LION KING ELECTRO ” In the month of March alone, Lion King EleCtro performed six shows in three different states — Florida, Alabama and Texas. Continuing to promote the emerging music scene, producers Travis Duncan and Miles Dotson are soon headed to Europe where they will perform in nine cities during a 30-day tour. Duncan and Dotson will be performing their music and promoting the use of recyclable resources, all while creating a portable food compost. For more information on Lion King EleCtro’s summer plans and to hear their music, visit them at www.lionkingelectro.com. Telekinetic Walrus and Lion King EleCtro are just two out of the many local artists associated with Miami’s music scene. For a complete list of the other participating artists and upcoming events, visit awarehousemiami.com. 19
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. e f Li . is
good. words_ amber robertson. design_ivana cruz.
WOODIE
MTV ULTRA
Every movie I have ever seen about Miami depicts the city as a debaucherous, tropicalinfused paradise, complete with tan women in skin-tight glimmery skirts walking along Ocean Drive or clubbing to salsa music. The reality is that a different, alternative type of Miami exists for a lot of us. While attending high school in Miami, I discovered a lot of the ‘indie’ artists I listen to today. My main sources were podcasts, Internet radio and MySpace. I was frustrated that the radio played the same songs over and over again, and played up to 10 minutes of commercials straight. Wasn’t there an alternative? Enter: WVUM. WVUM was playing these new bands I liked, bands and artists you were not able to hear if you turned on a mainstream commercial radio station. Today our objective remains the same: to play those bands. It amazes me when I hear someone say they have never heard of the radio station, yet it is what I spend 75 percent of my day working on. We have such an amazing product that it scares me sometimes.
MUSIC FESTIVALS around the country
HANGOUT http://hangoutmusicfest.com/ When: May 20-22 Location: Gulf Shores, Ala. Artists: Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Flaming Lips, Cee Lo Green, STS9, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Pretty Lights and more Why you should go: On the beach! 20
ELECTRIC FOREST http://www.electricforestfestival.com/ When: June 30-July 3 Location: Rothbury, Mich. Artists: The String Cheese Incident, Tiësto, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Stephen Marley, Kaskade, Shpongle presents the Spongletron Experience, Galactic, Skrillex and more Why you should go: Water Park, lake and Sherwood Forest!
WVUM has become a staple in Miami, with people constantly calling in, donating and listening to the station. This appreciation from WVUM’s Miami fan base recently manifested itself when the station was nominated for an mtvU Woodie Award for “Best College Radio Station in the Country.” Thanks to the community and the University’s support, we were able to win the prize and accept the award in Austin, Texas mid-March, and even had the opportunity to appear on live television on MTV, MTV2 and mtvU. Miami stepped it up for us and to give thanks we aim to continue to step it up for them. WVUM is not only a source of cuttingedge new music, but also a place to find out about events in the area. On campus, WVUM sponsors a biweekly showcase of Miami music talent on the campus’ University Center patio, called “WVUM Days Out.” Our sports programming took home two grand prize awards at the 2011 National Broadcasting Society’s Competition this year. Not to mention the hourly newscasts continue to provide an informative break from music, and it doesn’t stop there. We also feature full-length features on national issues and local non-profits. The on-air talent can even be found DJ-ing live in Miami, including SpinnZinn, Laura of Miami, Duncan Ross, and bands such as Telekinetic Walrus and the Pride of Ions. March was one of the most memorable, crazy, and successful months for WVUM. We took home a Woodie, participated in Winter Music Conference events and were media sponsors for Ultra Music Festival. Life. Is. Good.
words_ rachel steinhauser. CAMP BISCO http://www.campbisco.net/ When: July 7-9 Location: Mariaville, N.Y. Indian Lookout Country Club Artists: Disco Biscuits, Wiz Khalifa, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Death From Above 1979, Observatory, Yeasayer, Rusko, Lotus, Skrillex, Holy Ghost! and more Why you should go: Color War!
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Cocaine
LSD
Aka: Lysergeic acid diethylmide, Acid,
Dots, Mellow Yellow, Blotter Why: Distortion of sight and sound, feelings of detachment from reality, intensified sense of smell and sight, synesthesia (hearing or feeling colors, seeing sounds) What: Clear or white, water-soluble, usually in crystal form Short term: Hallucinations, rapid mood swings, increased blood pressure and heart rate, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, nausea, numbness, tremors Long term: High degree of tolerance, persistent flashbacks, psychosis Cost: $10-20 per hit of blotter
Aka: Coke, C, Blow, Crack Why: Immediate euphoria, feelings of
being energetic, talkative and mentally alert, especially sensitive to sight, sound and touch What: Fine, white crystalline powder Short term: Insomnia, decreased appetite, constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, seizures, sudden death Long term: Irritability, restlessness, panic attacks and paranoia, possibly leading to psychosis, loss of sense of smell, track marks, brain damage Cost: $80-100 per gram
Methamphetamine Aka: Meth, Speed, Chalk, Crystal Why: Increased energy, intense euphoric rush
What: White, odorless, bitter-tasting powder
Short term: Rapid heart rate, irregular
heartbeat, increased blood pressure and body temperature, decreased appetite, increased respiration Long term: Mood swings, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, severe dental problems, reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning Cost: $25-74 per one quarter of a gram
THE
OF MIAMI’S DRUG SCENE words_ danielle kaslow design_ ashley brozic
GHB
MDMA
Liquid E or X Why: Euphoria, feelings of being more sociable and uninhibited, similar to the effects of alcohol What: Odorless, colorless liquid or white powder material Short term: Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, visual disturbances and in high doses, seizure, unconsciousness, severe respiratory depression or coma Long term: Difficulty concentrating, hallucinations, headaches, amnesia anxiety attacks and insomnia during withdrawal Cost: $5 to $25, sold by the capful
Ecstasy, X FROM ULTRA MUSIC Why: Increased energy, euphoria, FESTIVAL IN MARCH TO enhanced perceptions and sense CLUBBING IN SOUTH BEACH, of touch What: Capsule or tablet drugs play a large part in the Miami nightlife Short term: Feeling scene. While many people are familiar with anxious or agitated, the immediate high felt when using drugs, they sweating, chills, dizziness, muscles tension, nausea, don’t understand the effects of hard drug use blurred vision, increased on their bodies. College students ignore the fact heart rate and blood that even occasional users are at risk for an pressure, clenched teeth overdose. Read on for Distraction’s breakdown Long term: Brain damage from just four hits of the most prevalent club drugs. If you ask Cost: $40-70 per tablet
Aka: Gamma hydroxybutyric acid,
Stimulants
Aka: Adderall, Ritalin, Uppers Why: Instant high, similar to cocaine What: Tablet Short term: High blood pressure,
irregular heartbeat, potential for seizures, feelings of hostility or paranoia Long term: Seizures, cardiovascular complications, psychosis (losing touch with reality and experiencing hallucinations) Cost: $5 per tablet
Aka: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine,
us, the temporary euphoria isn’t worth the potential psychosis or brain damage.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Distraction Magazine does not condone the use of illicit drugs. If you have a drug abuse problem, contact PIER 21, UM’s comprehensive prevention, intervention, education and referral program. To learn more information, schedule a visit or anonymously refer a friend, email pier21@miami.edu or call 305-284-6120. 21
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CARNIVAL
DAZE The time for all things color has arrived. And what better way to complement your surroundings with a full manifesto of white? Distraction shows you how to embrace the dreamy summer haze with this season’s minimalistic approach. photo_rachel steinhauser design_sarah bromley style_sarah bromley and ana calderone model_mariama donzo beauty_brie bickford
Opposite page: Mini lace dress, vintage, Miami Twice. 305.666.0127. Gold chain bracelet, vintage, model’s own. Purple tool turban, Reborn by JB.
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Lace blouse, Lovely Day, The Dressing Room. 305.668.4440. Jeans, Vintage Levi’s, Recycled Blues. 305.532.7358. Sunglasses,vintage, Recycled Blues. 305.532.7358. Knapsack, vintage, Recycled Blues. 305.538.0656. Shoes, model’s own. Ivory bangle, vintage, Miami Twice. 305.666.0127.
Lace it Up and Soften the Edge Blouse, Lush, The Dressing Room. 305.668.4440. Shorts, Nikibiki, The Dressing Room. 305.668.4440. Knot Ring, Miami Twice. 305.666.0127. Earrings, vintage, Recycled Blues. 305.532.7358. Lace headpiece, Reborn by JB.
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Sleeveless blouse, See You Monday, The Dressing Room. 305.668.4440. Lace Shorts, Zinga, The Dressing Room. 305.668.4440.Fedora, The Dressing Room, 305.668.4440. Ivory Bracelets, vintage, Miami Twice. 305.666.0127. Shoes, model’s own. 25
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E M B R A C E TEXTURE 26
Beaded top, vintage Cervelle, Recycled Blues. 305.532.7358. Linen shorts, Lush, The Dressing Room. 305.668.4440. Turqouise silver cuff, Miami Twice. 305.666.0127. Woven clutch, vintage Saks Fifth Avenue, Miami Twice. 305.666.0127. Tan pumps, Marc Fisher, Macy’s. Macys.com.
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L ENG THEN Y OUR OPTIONS
Long dress, vintage, Miami Twice. 305.666.0127. Poncho, Do & Be, The Dressing Room. 305.668.4440. Gold chain bracelet, vintage, model’s own. Tan pumps, Marc Fisher, Macy’s. Macys. com. Leather clutch, vintage, Recycled Blues. 305.538.0656. 27
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TRIAL RUN:
BARTENDING words_ivana cruz. design_ivana cruz. photo_rachel steinhauser
THE MARTINI The first drink learned in bartending school was the martini. Here is the classic recipe for the perfect martini, mixer and strainer not required.
When in need of extra cash, looking for an office job usually isn’t the best thing for college students. Instead, get creative. Act on the thought that runs across so many college students’ minds, “How about bartending?” Not that it’s easy. A 40-hour course and a graduating diploma are required before being able to play behind the bar. As a college student myself, I wondered what bartending school was really like. So I contacted our local ABC Bartending School and signed up for the challenge. As I parked my car outside their Miami Beach location, I was gearing up for four hours of learning to throw bottles in the air, catch them backwards and mix together the perfect Long Island Iced Tea. I thought I would meet other college students with my bartending curiosity. As I sat around the “bar,” complete with a back wall lined with rows of vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, bourbon and scotch with names I could hardly pronounce, I realized I was in for a surprise. The bottles were filled with tinted water and there were students of all ages and backgrounds. While most were looking for a fun way to make some extra cash, others simply wanted to learn more about the subject. I never considered myself an expert on liquor, but I thought I knew enough to defend myself in a bottle battle. I was wrong again. There is an extensive amount of information to learn about liquors and their usages, purposes, origin and ranking. For example, liquors are ranked from cheapest to most expensive as well, call, premium, top shelf and super premium (the $2.79 Four Lokos teenagers love so much isn’t even ranked). Did you know that the main difference between whiskey, bourbon and scotch is the region where it 28
is made? Or that vodka and gin can be used interchangeably in drinks? Or why James Bond liked his martinis shaken instead of stirred or on the rocks like they should be made? The only way a bartending student can truly master how to bartend is with experience. The class instructor, Lynnette Rodriguez, began bartending as a means to bring in extra income in the mid 90s but got hooked on it. She has since made the industry her full-time job. As a bartender, Rodriguez combined her salesperson charm, agility and high-energy into a profession that gave her enough sustainability to quit other retail jobs. But there is more to bartending than just mixing drinks. Alcohol is a drug and there are dangers that come with serving it. “I’ll turn down an $100 tip if it means saving the life of a costumer because that’s worth more than any money,” said Rodriguez, as she recounts the story of how she served a 21-year-old her last shot when she bartended in New Jersey. “There’s a responsibility that comes with bartending, but there’s only so much that’s in your control,” she said. The dangers of drinking, driving and under-age consumption come with the territory, but they aren’t enough to take away from the art of the profession. Like a painter has his brushes, bartenders have their shakers, measurers and stirrers to create cocktails from the basic rum and coke to the innovative spicy jalapeno martini. I may not have memorized all the drinks in the book yet, but the next time I hear a fellow student on the hunt for a part-time job I’ll suggest bartending. Try it if you’re up for a sport that will keep your blood pumping and the drinks flowing.
1/4 oz DRY VERMOUTH 1 1/2 oz GIN or VODKA OLIVE or LEMON TWIST
WHAT’S WHAT
Like English monarchies, liquor has its own hierarchy from low value to top-notch stuff.
CALL Vodka Gin
Smirnoff Tanqueray Bombay Bacardi Light Capt. Morgan Sky Absolut Ciroc Stoli Finlandia Kettle One Bombay Sa. Anejo 151 Grey Goose Chopin Belvedere Vincent Level
Rum
{
PREMIUM Vodka
Gin Rum
{
TOP SHELF Vodka
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The University of Miami Women’s Lacrosse Club cheer at the end of a game.
IN HER OWN WORDS:
MISPERCEPTIONS OF FEMALE ATHLETES words_ kristen avvento design_ sophianna bishop and claudia aguirre
March Madness is one of those rare times in the year where men and women playing the same sport equally share the spotlight on national TV. ESPN and the family of networks that cover the tournament have done a better job than ever of splitting coverage among the men’s and women’s teams. As a female athlete, this makes me realize how far we’ve come in receiving recognition. Despite this achievement, female athletes are still seen as outsiders. They are seen as stepping into a “man’s world” in the arena of athletics and are constantly forced to justify their actions instead of being praised for their skills. The question then remains: can female athletes ever surpass their own insecurities over how they are portrayed by the media? When playing a physically demanding and rugged sport such as basketball, women take extra effort to make sure that, during off court hours, their feminine persona is shown. They need to reinforce the idea that they are not what many people dub as overly masculine. Other
physically aggressive sports such as rugby and flag football also place the same demands on women: they are forced to break their “man-ish” behavior and show a more genteel side. However, attempts the break the status quo and challenge these stereotypes have been made within the University of Miami. Last year, for example, The Miami Hurricane newspaper ran an article called “Women’s Lacrosse: Not your average athletes” that profiled the Women’s Club Lacrosse team in an effort to debunk the gender stereotype. The story portrayed them as respectable athletes on field and, when off the field, they are just as feminine as any other college girl. This makes it seem like as long as the world knows these girls don’t wear their cleats 24/7, they can carry on with the love of their sport. While I appreciate this attempt to clear up the gender role stereotype, I feel like these situations just perpetuate the ongoing struggle. Would ESPN ever profile a men’s team to prove that they’re not as intimidating off the field to
increase their likability? No. I don’t want to hear that Dwyane Wade sits at home and knits when he’s off the court – I want to hear that he puts up impressive numbers in the weight room, has a tireless work ethic and remains an athletic phenomenon all the time. So why should it be any different for women? The underlying issue here is not the competition between males and females, but why females feel the pressure to overcompensate for their actions. We are all aware of the stereotypes that follow female athletes of any caliber and, unfortunately, the fear of being grouped into that category has everyone putting their femininity on blast as a defense mechanism. These girls should not be looked down upon for achieving athletic greatness, nor should they have to explain that this isn’t the only side of their personality. They are out there for the love of the game, the thrill of competition and the opportunity to showcase their skills. We should admire them for being the fierce athletes that they are. 29
distraction
the ncaa deb IN THE LOOP
pro
pay our players
words_ rico dominguez photo_jessica hodder College athletics is built around the idea that a free education is equal to the hard labor that goes into playing a sport at the collegiate level. This only assumes that athletes are getting a strong education. Besides the University of Miami, most graduation rates of college athletes at other Division I schools are around 50 percent. Furthermore, only one percent of college athletes will play their sport professionally. Last year a 21-year-old defensive end at the University of North Carolina wore a helmet that recorded the hits he took to the head for the season. It recorded 537 hits, two of which resulted in concussions. Between games and practices, the hits obtained in a week during the season are equivalent to experiencing a car crash at 40 miles per hour. On top of the contact pressures, throw in four or five classes a week, along with team meetings, weight lifting and studying.The average college athlete at UM starts their day around 5 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the weekends can include travel and extra “volunteer” practice. Some people argue that college athletes do get paid: they get free tuition, room and board, food, books, tutoring and a $190 monthly check. But that offer is only per year; it’s never guaranteed. If they get injured, have a bad season, get in trouble, get bad grades, have family issues or just aren’t a good fit for the program, their offer and future can come crashing down. What would you say if the financial aid office told you that you had to work seven days a week, go to every single class, lift weights, study, get good grades and you would get only $190 a month for expenditures? The only catch is that the school gets to make millions of dollars a year off of your hard work. Most of us would want a piece of that pie too, or walk away from it to enjoy a normal college experience. 30
Last year ESPN reported that UM made $46,849,990 in revenue from its athletic program, all of which was spent. It is hard to believe that none of the money was wasted on needless equipment or services.
$46,849,990
the amount of money ESPN reported that UM made in revenue from its athletic program
$190 how much each student athlete gets for monthly expenditures
$120 million the University of Texas spends on their football program a year
The NCAA argues that the money generated by big sports funds the smaller sports programs. If that were the case, then how would small schools be able to fund the same amount of sports as the big name programs without having to fundraise? How does the University of Texas spend $120 million when Florida International University can travel to away games and has the same number of sports programs as Texas, but only spends $20 million? Most big name athletic programs spend big money on some of the most redundant facilities just because of the excess amounts of money left from accumulated revenue. Athletic programs should not use that revenue on facilities and redundant expenses and instead pay the athletes who are generating it. But how would we pay the players? Why not start a trust to give athletes the ability to attend graduate school, or purchase a home in their future. Even making $1,000 a month would help athletes with future, postgraduation expenses. Give our athletes the ability to earn a car while in school, and show them hands on how to budget for their future. It’s about time we start rewarding our athletes who work so hard to make a name for our school. The NCAA must stop cheating student athletes of the money they work hard to earn for their university. What would the NCAA do if all college athletes refused to play? A small change in the NCAA’s regulations could make all the difference in fairness for these underpaid athletes.
Julian Gamble goes in for a shot during the University of Miami men’s basketball game against Georgia Tech held on Feb. 3.
ebate $176 million
what Chris Webber made in his 15 years as an NFL pro.
$120,000 what an average basketball player’s scholarship is worth on average
$1.4 million Average coaching salary in the BCS conferences
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con
funds for sustaining, not payroll words_ debora rubi design_ claudia aguirre
With University of Georgia receiver A.J. Green attempting to sell his jersey on E-bay to get extra cash and Cam Newton allegedly asking for money to sign with a specific school, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations over the financial compensation of athletes have become the topic du jour. The 30 for 30 Documentary “Fab Five” on ESPN provided a poignant portrayal of the issue. Chris Webber, after losing the 1992 National Championship, passed a store with his University of Michigan jersey on sale for $70. At the time, Webber strapped for cash, asked the reporter interviewing him to lend him money for lunch. According to the reporter, that was the moment he knew Webber would decide to go pro instead of remaining in school. The story seems to exemplify the exploitation of kids by a system that uses their hard work to acquire TV contracts and sell merchandise. It’s hard not to side with the student athletes facing financial problems against a cold billion dollar worth corporation. But the myth that athletes provide monetary benefits for the school is mostly false. Cases like Webber’s are rare and, when put in perspective, not as tragic as they sound. Webber made over $176 million in his 15 years as a NFL pro. Both A.J. Green and Cam Newton, even if they received stipends from the school, would likely still enter the draft early and gain million-dollar contracts. That is, they are just like many cash-strapped college students—except upon leaving school they have a confirmed million-dollar job.
Only a dozen athletic departments in the country actually make money for their institutions. Only a few dozen basketball and football programs in the country are self-sustaining or profitable for schools. Most of the money generated through the NCAA is used to sustain programs at other schools that are losing money. That is, the profitability of a couple sports programs gives life to dozens of smaller sports programs that cost the school money in the form of scholarships, travel, facilities and coaches salaries. Of the 400,000 athletes in the NCAA only a couple hundred are popular enough to sell their jerseys, like in Webber’s case. The rest live in anonymity, relying on the NCAA to fund them, paying athletes salaries or stipends would severely diminish the NCAA’s ability to do so. A study by USA Today found that an average basketball player’s scholarship in Division I is worth $120,000 in scholarship, advanced coaching, uniforms, equipment, promotion, medical care and future earnings (assuming player’s graduate with a degree). Ultimately, the attractiveness of college sports is that they are a remnant of the amateur sports of the past. No matter how supportive the fans may seem of player stipends, the allure of the game would be lost if they became semi-pros like the many ignored minor league players in the country. The solution is to only ‘pay’ them with academics so that those watching can believe they are watching the future of America not only in the football or basketball field, but in the field of academics, economics and philosophy. 31
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which was made by someone who worked at the DMV back home. Both Hendricks and Callahan know the consequences of getting caught and yet both agree that if their IDs were lost they would want to find a new At a college where fake ids are the one. norm and seemingly necessary, know Freshman Carol Brown* said that one the potential risks of owning and of her friends visited and made sure she got using one. a fake ID before coming to Miami because she knew it would be needed. “At other schools, IDs are not as much of a necessity. We have South Beach and a bar town while other schools just have their Ellie Golden* agrees. “Most of the girls fraternity parties,” she said. on my freshmen floor have [a fake],” she Rhonda Rapp, general manager of Fat said. Tuesday in Coconut Grove, said that about Both Hendricks and 10 percent of all the IDs she Golden got their IDs sees are fake. while they were in high “Minors are bold until we school and have been hand over the ID to the cops,” putting them to work she said. ever since. This is exactly what The University of happened to Hendricks when Miami’s Student Rights he tried to get in to Fat Tuesday and Responsibilities this semester. He originally handbook clearly states, argued with the bouncer about “Possession of an of all the IDs the legitimacy of his ID, but shown at Fat identification card that dropped the issue once a police Tuesday at the bears another person’s officer got involved. Grove are fake. likeness or contains While some bars take false demographic LEARN YOUR underage drinking very information is DRINKING seriously, Brown said she has HISTORY prohibited… been let into a bar even though Identification cards the bouncer told her he knew * Before The meeting any of her ID was fake. National Minimum these criteria will be Drinking Age Act “At the Burgundy Room the confiscated where was passed in 1984, bouncer just laughed and then the drinking age students are found in let me in,” she said. varied from state possession of them and Wesley Jean-Charles, to state. Florida will be turned in to the explained that the complied with the Dean of Students Office act and changed consequences for people with and/or the University the drinking age to fake IDs were never usually 21 in 1985. Police as evidence of serious when he worked as a misuse and policy bouncer for Club Lux. He said For the University’s violation.” he would just confiscate the ID policy on fake IDs Hendricks has two visit or not let a person in. IDs: one from his older http://www6. “Honestly, that problem miami.edu/UMH/ brother and a fake ID, [fake IDs] is so common that CDA/UMH_ which was recently there would have to be an Main/0,1770,2573swiped at Fat Tuesday in assigned cop there to pick up 1;7881-2;52666Coconut Grove. Callahan 3,00.html everyone we find,” he said. has only one fake ID, Although fake IDs are words_abigail garner design_monica penin photo_ raquel zaldívar
K A F
Picture this: It’s a Tuesday night and you are sitting in a cramped, messy dorm room. You are about to play some serious “Call of Duty,” maybe Facebook-stalk that hot girl from your Rocks for Jocks class and then call it a night. And when you hear a knock at the door it’s your buddy from down the hall. He comes in with a mischievous grin and asks, “Do you know what today is? Get dressed. We’re going out.” You ponder for a moment and realize that besides it being taco night in the dining hall, there is nothing spectacular about April 26. What could he be talking about? You admit your confusion: “What? I thought we were going to get a sick ‘Call of Duty’ game going while we let those burritos settle.” Then he whips out an ID. It is his fake ID’s birthday. Carlos Goldstein from Greenwich, Conn. is turning 22. So what if your friend’s actual name is Patrick Callahan and he resembles Ron Weasley more than a Hispanic Jew? So what if he isn’t actually 22? Heck, you’re both not even 20. It’s his fake ID’s birthday, and who is going to deny a guy on his birthday? You are going out. Does this situation sound familiar? If so, it is because fake IDs at the University of Miami seem to be as much of a necessity for underage students as tiger blood is for Charlie Sheen. “I would not know the people I know today if I did not have a fake ID,” said freshman Chris Hendricks*. “Most of the guys on my floor have one.” 32
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common, Jean-Charles also said that he felt people should not use fake IDs because there is an age limit for a reason: to protect those who are underage from precarious situations. Hendricks disagrees. He feels that 21 is an arbitrary age and that the drinking age should be lowered to 19. “Kids wouldn’t drink in high school; they’d just wait, and then it would be a right of passage freshman year,” he said. In the past, the drinking age was 18 until The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed in 1984. Most people do not know, however, that states are not required to comply with the act. A state can establish its own drinking age, but if it does not comply with the age of 21, it will face reduced highway funds under the Federal Highway Aid Act. Before The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed in 1984, the drinking age varied from state to state. Florida complied with the act and changed the drinking age to 21 in 1985.
The question remains: if a state like Florida were to lower the drinking age, could this create a significant enough increase in tourism revenue to make up for reduced highway aid from the national government? Until laws are changed back to the way they were prior to 1984, it is safe to say that the business of the creation and sale of fake IDs will continue to boom both locally and nationwide.
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*Names were changed to protect the identity of the individual. Distraction magazine does not endorse the use of, creation or sale of false identification.
GOT AN FAKE ID? Many students at the University of Miami have fake IDs and they seem to be as much of a necessity for underage students as tiger blood is for Charlie Sheen.
IN THE LOOP
SOUTH BEACH TONIGHT? words_katie lee
These three words are conceivably the most common ones a Miami student will hear uttered around campus on any given weekend. Don’t have a fake ID? Unless you plan to have a solely fraternity-based social existence in Miami, you may have to take the effort to bother a few individuals with “hookups” so that you can enjoy the South Florida nightlife. At the University of Miami, one can almost guarantee that there will be someone around them who is ready to go out and party like they were born in ’89. Distraction asked Chelsea [Last name withheld by request], a freshman microbiology major, to tell us about her personal experience with fake IDs. Distraction: How did you get your fake ID? Chelsea: A friend of a friend makes them and I did it through an email. I didn’t even meet the person. Distraction: How long have you had your ID? Chelsea: I had [a fake] before this one, so I’ve had one since high school, but it didn’t work down here. I’ve had my college one for a couple of months. Distraction: How much did it cost? Chelsea: Mine was $125 for two, but it depends where you get it. Distraction: What state is your ID from? Chelsea: Mine’s Pennsylvania, which I think is pretty common, but I’ve even met some kids with Florida ones! Distraction: Who is the person in your fake ID? Chelsea: It’s just a picture of me. Some people use their sister’s or brother’s, though. Distraction: Has your ID ever been taken away? Chelsea: Not yet! Distraction: Do you only use it to get into bars and clubs or do you use it to get alcohol, too? Chelsea: I’ve personally never used it to buy alcohol except in high school, but obviously other kids do. Distraction: Do you think it’s necessary to have a fake ID to have a social life at UM? Why do you have one? Chelsea: Yes. The Grove and South Beach… a lot of the social life is just that. There aren’t that many frat parties plus it’s nice to do something different, especially when it’s so close. I love to go out and experience what none of my friends at other schools can. Distraction: Describe a funny experience you had with a fake ID. Chelsea: I was checking into my dorm after a night out and I accidentally put my fake ID where my Cane card usually is, so when I went to give my card for it to get swiped, I handed them my fake one accidentally. Obviously it said I’m a 21-year-old – I shouldn’t be living in a freshman dorm. The card swiper shook his 33 head and said “Try again!”
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THE MAIN EVENT
THE
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MEDIA word_ rebecca lattanzio illustration_ sophianna bishop design_claudia aguirre
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First came MySpace: Funky profile backgrounds, funny quizzes and pictures with high school girlfriends. Five million users later, Facebook has monopolized social media, taking over even more of much needed study time. More recently other social sites like Blogster, Tumblr and Twitter have emerged as popular outlets for the over-sharing generation. Most students have faint memories of a time when social media wasn’t available to them. Most have probably never used a phone book or haven’t received a physical event invitation since the eighth grade. Flirting, friendships and family dynamics will never be the same thanks to the fact that ex-boyfriends, co-workers and even moms have Facebook accounts now. But how has this social phenomenon changed the face of business, job-hunting and entrepreneurship? Everyone is taught that the less pictures there are of you on the web doing keg stands, the better, but students have learned to use social mediums in a proactive way. Surprisingly one of the first social networking sites wasn’t designed for photo sharing or gossip, but rather for a professional purpose. LinkedIn, the go-to site for developing an online profile for the job market, was launched in early 2003, months before MySpace. Sophomore Tyler McIntyre found that the best way to keep the negative consequences of social media to a minimum is to keep your business life and personal life completely separate. “I am a uniquely [private] individual on Facebook,” McIntyre says, “I keep a very strong disconnect between [business and personal]. You can’t go on my Facebook page and click a link to my LinkedIn profile.” Students like McIntyre have found that one way to balance social media’s pros and cons is the Launch Pad. The center was created
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THE MAIN EVENT
in 2008 with students like McIntyre in mind. Now it hosts over 100 free events every year, offers one-on-one basic consulting and intense venture coaching for young adults looking to make leverage on their ideas. The Launch Pad uses social media to branch out to students across campus and it teaches its clients how to use social media advantageously. He has used it to start up his own mobile application business. “Lucid Messenger,” his most successful app has caught iTunes attention by combining messaging capabilities across iPhone, Blackberry and Android phones. According to McIntyre, the most noticeable effect of social media on business is advertising. “Social media is the only way that I advertise. I have zero budget for advertising,” McIntyre said. “In a previous company I had, I spent thousands of dollars advertising on Google.”
“WHATEVER YOU POST WILL BE THERE FOREVER” said Launch Pad co-creator, Dr. Susan Amat. “I think with maturity comes more responsibility and unfortunately many students got involved with [social media] in their early teen or even tween years and didn’t think about the long-term effects.”
As a young entrepreneur, McIntyre is using networking and new technology to make his dreams a reality. The Launch Pad has taught him that not only do you have to use social media in today’s world, but that it’s how you use it that counts. Not all social media, however, is as fun as Facebook and Twitter. In fact, at the Launch Pad mass messaging on these networks is discouraged because of its ineffectiveness for long-term goals. Some of the most useful social mediums being used by student entrepreneurs today are programs like StartPR, a tool that checks into various social networks looking for references to their company name. For sites that are used when starting up businesses or looking for job and internship postings, the Launch Pad tells students to remember that reputation and branding is everything, so it is better to keep Facebook, Twitter and Blogster posts professional and
uncontroversial. “Whatever you post will be there forever,” said Launch Pad co-creator, Dr. Susan Amat. “I think with maturity comes more responsibility and unfortunately many students got involved with [social media] in their early teen or even tween years and didn’t think about the longterm effects.” Amat is a professor in the business school at UM and has seen the backlash that personal networking can have on students’ career paths. Some of her students have even returned from job interviews and reported that their Facebook pages had been pulled up during the interview. However, Amat believes that social media is more helpful than it is harmful to the business world. “We all have the horrible family member that posts the pictures of us in our bathing suit that we would rather not see, but other than that there are few negatives,” Amat laughingly said. “[Social media] allows people to be more efficient, especially in cost and time, with their companies.” Even Launch Pad ventures that have nothing to do with the web or social media use these tools as ways to connect to donors and create focus groups. Wildfire Interactive is a popular downloadable network that links several networks, blogs and even non-profit sites to help companies develop communication between hundreds or even thousands of users at once. David Sargent, a senior at UM, is enrolled in a class for entrepreneurial journalism where he is learning to create an interactive social website that measures emotion demographics in different cities. Like many other students across campus, Sargent is a part of Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and LinkedIn in order to stay constantly connected around the world. “I am conscious [of the fact] that everyone can read what I post, so I’m not going to put up anything that I think could seriously tarnish my reputation,” Sargent says. “My posts are more abstract, nothing too opinionated or personal.” Social media sites are beginning to affect the business world as much as it affected the way people interact on a day-to-day basis. In this digital age, where not knowing when your best friend is at any given moment seems barbaric, students everywhere are learning to cope with the fact that their photos, tweets and videos can become viral – out there for a world of potential employers and business partners to see. “Social media is definitely more advantageous for me. It simply helps me navigate and stay in touch with people I need to, but you’re not going to see me tweeting that I’m eating a turkey sandwich,” Sargent said. “That’s just a waste of everyone’s time.”
SHOW ME THE $$$$ words_ nicole adlman Ever wonder what your degree is actually worth? Or, more importantly, if what you majored in for four years will secure you a viable job? We have. Here are the top five majors most likely to land you in the money and top five least likely to cash in your degree for a yearly salary. MOST LIKELY TO LAND YOU A JOB: Engineering – Most people go into this major not knowing what to expect… except a sizeable paycheck after college. In a career with so many subfields (computer, aerospace, and nuclear to name a few), finding a job that suits your expertise shouldn’t be too much of a struggle. Nursing – A degree in nursing is a great stepping stone for a stable and well-paid career in medicine. It’s not a doctor’s salary but it’s a good head start over other professions. Finance – Money, money, money. In a postBush economy, a major that teaches you how to manage your finances may be the most valuable of them all. Computer Science – It’s pretty on-trend for the nerds who were beat up in high school to become the multi-billionaire honchos of their own online startups. Math – Who knew your least favorite subject in middle school could be so lucrative? A math major has a realm of options after college: whether becoming an actuary or going on to earn a Ph.D., this degree will draw in big money. MOST LIKELY TO LAND YOU IN DEBT: English Literature – Reading is knowledge. Knowledge is power. But for English majors, power doesn’t usually translate to a plump paycheck. That said, doing what you love for a career is an excellent consolation prize. Psychology – Just plain ol’ majoring in psychology won’t have you rolling in the money after college. In order to get a well-paid position in the field most psych majors will need to pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. after college. Communications – This one can go either way but, for the sake of an argument, we’re going to point out that most journalism majors will have a starting (and mid-career) salary far below what their words are really worth. Religious Studies – Getting closer to God won’t exactly get you closer to a six figure salary. This is a major where the “do what makes you happy” philosophy can come in handy. Social Work – Pure, unadulterated irony: working for the greater good of society is a more than worthwhile profession that is seriously lacking in funds. 35
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THE MAIN EVENT
Alex rodriguez PARK
As Miami’s late afternoon sun pours over the neatly trimmed field, large shadows fill the light green sea of grass. Cast by bleachers, trees and large poles that bare the lighting, these shadows slowly creep towards the freshman towers and engulf the illuminated specs on the field. Then suddenly a sharp noise cuts through the air. This first clap is followed by another and then one more. The tempo starts to pick up. More and more claps join in and soon the intervals between them become shorter. As the noise reaches its apex it becomes one continuous hammering sound. In the distance, a small white ball flies through the air. From the elevated ground it slices through the sky at breakneck speed and eventually comes to an abrupt 36
halt when it reaches its final destination: a brown leather glove Enter Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park. This is a baseball stadium where what happens in the stands does not take a backseat to the action on the field. This is the park where die-hard fans congregate to form memories they will never forget. It is a place where grown men turn back into little kids, trying to catch foul balls with their gloves, but at the same time they comply with their paternal duties by educating their “champs,” “sports” and “chiefs” about the complex game of baseball. “It’s perfect,” said David Schuster, who flew down from New York City to watch his first Canes game with his sons. Schuster’s enthusiasm for Alex
Rodriguez Park is fueled by the intimacy of the ballpark and, of course, the pleasant Miami weather. His two “baseball fanatics” seem to enjoy the experience as well, running around the stands like so many other young fans do when their interest in the actual game fades. For Chris Abrams, a season ticket holder and regular at Alex Rodriguez Park, the situation is a little bit different. His son plays on the field. “He’s been coming with me here since 1999. So he grew up here,” says Abrams, father of right-handed pitcher Sam Abrams. But the Miami native never expected his son to take the mound for a team that he had been watching and rooting for every spring. He just wanted his children to enjoy a family atmosphere and harmonic
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AN INTERVIEW WITH MITCH FREEDMAN How did you start selling milkshakes at the baseball stadium? We’re now in our 26th year here. It started with just cones and sundaes but we realized that people would eat dinner at the stadium or eat dinner right before coming to the stadium and then wouldn’t want dessert until later into the evening. We wanted to find a way to encourage people to get ice cream from the beginning so we added milkshakes. At first it was just a few flavors, the basics. Slowly but surely the milkshakes grabbed a following. People would come back to get the same shake over and over again so we started naming them after customers. Now, the milkshakes are 80 percent of our ice cream business.
chocolate as chocolate can be.” So we made him a chocolate and all fudge milkshake. But then he became more health conscious. He started asking us to “back it off a little.” So instead of doing so much hot fudge, we put some Oreos in there with chocolate ice cream.
Your milkshakes have such a following with students on campus... Yeah, we’ve noticed something weird over the past few years. Students are using the milkshakes as a sort of “study break destination.” They don’t come to watch the game but they just go to Mark Light for the shake. It’s interesting.
I’ve seen some of the baseball players in line for a milkshake before the game. Is eating a milkshake before playing a game or any college sport a good idea? Yeah, well when Coach Fraser was there, the players weren’t allowed to eat at the stadium before the game. When Coach Morris came, he lightened that up. These are growing boys. They eat a lot. A cheeseburger is two bites of food to them. Having a milkshake at 5 or 5:30 p.m. before a game isn’t going to do any harm.
Where did your love of baseball come from? I’m a frustrated athlete myself. I was a baseball player at the University of Rochester for two years. I partied too much the next two years to play. At that time, there was such thing as a “utility player.” I played third base, second base, left field, anything. When I realized that I wasn’t going to make it professionally, I wanted to be an umpire but my wife completely nixed that idea because of the traveling. I would have been gone all spring. So I decided to merge my two loves – sports and food. environment. “The energy that’s here with the fans [makes it] a different kind of sport and it’s more like you’re in a park with friends than at a football game where everybody hates everybody for everything,” Abrams said. Ira Stanley, Director of Facilities for Athletics, whose staff is responsible for all the countless games, quizzes and events between innings, agrees. “We have [a marketing team] that does a great job with creating these different themes to bring more [families] to the ballpark,” said Stanley, a local who has been running Alex Rodriguez Park since 2006. “The purpose behind it is actually to create a family atmosphere, but also to expose a lot of young people to the game and to get them involved… to get them out
How many shakes do you sell a game? Somewhere around 200. What’s your favorite? The Nester Special – it’s a coffee shake with a scoop of hot fudge. An old UM fan that has since passed created it. But the Nester’s far behind the top three sellers: the Jayro, Oreo and Chocolate.
You’re originally from Boston and the New England area. Why Miami? I’m a Miami football fan, Miami basketball fan and of course, a Miami baseball fan. My sons went to UF and FSU, but they grew up as Miami fans and particularly Miami baseball fans. I guess you could say we’re a house “tri-divided.”
What about the ingredients in the shakes? I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you...but really, our ingredients are the best ingredients. We use whole milk because it mixes better and a combination of real ice cream and fat free yogurt. If you used all real ice cream in a milkshake it’d be way too thick and heavy for people to want one every day. The fruit milkshakes have real fruit, real strawberries, raspberries and pineapples.
Would you consider selling the shakes on campus year-round? I’d love to sell them year-round or more than just during baseball season. When Tad Foote was President, he wasn’t involved. As long as the sports teams brought in money he stayed out of things. But Shalala is really involved and she responds to the students. If students want this, then all they have to do is suggest selling milkshakes year-round and she’ll make it happen.
What’s the most popular shake? The Jayro burst on the scene as a recent edition and now it’s number one. It’s named after the stadium announcer, Jay Rokeach. He’s probably one of the only guys who has been here longer than me. The milkshake started like this…Jay used to be on the heavier side. He would say, “I don’t care what you put in it, it just has to be as
What makes you come back year after year? There’s been one constant in my whole 26 years here – the type of kid that plays baseball at Miami. They’re all level-headed, modest, hardworking and they have an immense love for baseball. From year to year, that doesn’t change. It’s a different type of player than the football or basketball players. I love that. 37
to the ballpark, to make them grow up as Miami fans,” he said. Like David and Helene Valentine. The Miami natives are two of many die-hard Hurricanes fans at A-Rod Park that rarely miss a game. “We’re totally Canes college [sports] fans!” said Helene. Not only have the two been attending games for 13 years, they have also left their mark on the game experience. The stadium fixture yells out “Baaaaaaaahhhhhll twoooo!” for every time the opposing pitcher records two balls during a Miami at-bat. The crowd then responds with the same cheer. “It’s been a tradition here and the guy who was doing it bequeathed it to me because he was leaving,” said David. “We always wanted to find out the history, but apparently it’s been going on for like 40 years or more. It has been three or four, five guys who have done it and they picked him because he has a projective type of voice,” said Helene. While the “Ball-two guy” has baseball written all over it, some nicknames seem like they would be more appropriate for a Western than for America’s favorite pastime. “They call me ‘Rag Arm’,” said Stu Glassman, a New York City native. As with “Ball-two guy”, the opposing pitcher is 38
once again the one who has to endure the ridicule. Every so often, Glassman belts out “Raaaaaahhhg Aaaahrm” right as the pitcher is about to release the ball. Sometimes, if the pitcher is at risk of walking a Miami batter, the fans follow the “Rag Arm” chant up with a friendly “Waaaaahlk him.” But just like “Ball-two guy,” Glassman is not the inventor of the infamous cheer. “No actually there was somebody doing it when we first started and I liked it. I used to do it with him and then he stopped coming so I just took it up,” Glassman said. Besides the “Rag Arm” chant, he has other duties as well. For every time the Miami starting pitcher strikes a batter out, Glassman turns around, faces the crowd and calls out the number of strikeouts the pitcher has recorded so far. Then he counts upward until he reaches the number of strikeouts the Hurricane player has to his name. The crowd follows his lead. Afterwards he puts up a little “K” on the railing in front of him. But Glassman’s involvement in the fan experience at Alex Rodriguez Park does not stop there. If you decide to get one of the park’s famous milkshakes you might stumble across a familiar name. “Oh I have one named after me. There
is a “Rag Arm” shake. It’s a strawberry shake with hot fudge in it… I used to come and ask for that and one year Mitch [the ice cream guy] decided to name one after me,” said the Hurricane faithful, who has been coming to games for 20 years. At Alex Rodriguez Park, milkshakes and baseball are inseparable. “Milkshakes are the best and I think the best possible raffle we could ever do, would be a fast pass to the milkshake line,” said freshman Michaela Hennessy. “It doesn’t even have to be free milk shakes, it just has to be [for getting] to the front of the line.” Of course the milkshakes aren’t the only reason the Massachusetts native attends games at A-Rod Park. “It’s a nice, comfy atmosphere. And seeing a lot of alumni is really cool, seeing people that have been going to games for, you know, 20 or so years.” She might just be talking about honorary alumnus Lois Kirr. The Miami native works as a volunteer in the Hurricane’s baseball office and has been coming to games since the mid-80s. “I go to every UM baseball game. I travel with the team. I go to all the away games and, yes, I go to football games to pass the time [until] baseball gets here.” Kirr has seen a lot of great games over the years, but when it comes to naming her all-time favorite moment she recounts the game as if it were yesterday. “The grand slam by Jason Michaels in the Regionals against Arizona State. If we lost that game, Arizona State goes off to the [College] World Series, but if we won the game, we have to play them again because we’ve already lost a game in the Regional and they’re undefeated... we’re down by four runs going into the ninth. We get one run in and now we’re down by three runs. And [Jason Michaels] gets up, and he hits a grand slam! We win the game. We win the second game. We fly to Omaha, they fly back to Arizona.” Richard Hill, a local who has been attending games with his family for several years, has a different favorite moment. “When they went to walk Pat Burrell and he didn’t like it. He stepped almost on the plate and he smacked the ball for a hit,” he said. Some memories are more recent than that. “Our first game went into overtime. I don’t [remember] who we were playing but the left fielder caught the ball in foul territory, the guy on third tagged up and came home and we won. It was great,” remembers freshman Zach Weinstock. While every fan has his or her own cherished memories of games at Alex Rodriguez Park, there is one thing everybody agrees on. “Their first experience,” said Stanley. “It won’t be their last.”
A B B E R A T O A D
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Studying abroad is a big deal: each year, Miami students scramble to get their applications completed to go overseas for a full semester or summer session. While traveling may be a dream, the process to get there is not always easy. Here’s a guide to getting what you want out of your travels before you even set foot on a plane.
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GO WHERE YOU WANT TO GO The first thing anyone thinks about when going abroad is, well, where. Our study abroad office is run by a “first come, first serve” mantra; it’s best to get your application in early so the process of getting you in the right place is started. If you wait too long, you may get caught in the swarm of students who have already applied to where you want to go. Elyse Resnick, assistant director for UM Study Abroad, has seen the office get chaotic near program deadline time. “[It get’s overwhelming] when there is a lot of the same process happening at the same time,” she said. “It gets hectic.” The key is to be early for every step of the process. You want to avoid the hassle of scheduling an interview when everyone else is, and have your classes approved and available when you apply for them. If Prague is the worm you seek, you better be the first bird to land in the park. Reality check time: The advisers want to see you in the country you want to be, but it doesn’t always happen. Either way, they’ll try to make wherever you go work for you. “The most [important] part of my job is figuring out where a student fits,” Resnick said.
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HOW TO GET IN In addition to getting in your materials early, you have to get accepted. First and foremost, make sure your application is complete. Missing materials can slow or even halt the process. Research the place you want to go (research well – until there’s nothing an advisor could say that you wouldn’t be prepared for) and be ready to show up to your study abroad interview with knowledgeable questions.
Find an advisor who knows your program like the back of their hand and stick with them. Getting to know someone beyond the fact that they file your application could be to your benefit: advisors want to help every student that applies, but it may be easier for them to look into a situation for someone they know more about. “I want to spend more time with everyone. But because we have to do it in such a short time I get frustrated,” Resnick said. Don’t be the student who gets the advisors frustrated. Stay calm and collected, even if your program is filling up or you haven’t heard back from an advisor in weeks. Visit the office as frequently as you can and make sure your papers are in the right place. Finally, don’t let the surly front desk staff throw you off your mission – it’s your trip, not theirs. Sign in and hightail it to your advisor’s cubicle. The more they see your face, the more likely they are to remember it.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT Go for the scholarships, and not just the ones offered at Miami. Summer programs, unfortunately, have few resources for financial support – to get the money you need you may have to look outside of the university system. Have realistic expectations; don’t expect the study abroad office to shower you with grant opportunities. The advisors cannot secure you money from their end of campus – they work with the financial aid office but on a case-by-case basis. “We try not to touch financial aid issues. It’s something the students choose to disclose to us if they need to,” Resnick said. “We try to defer to [the financial aid office]. We work well with them.” Take charge of your own situation – apply for UM scholarships available and visit sites like fastweb.com to see what’s available outside of the school for financial aid. Don’t let money be a hindrance to your travels; apply early and contact the scholarship committees to make sure your application is received and in review.
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Semester programs have it a little easier. If you have a merit-based scholarship to UM, you can use that towards your tuition abroad. If you do not, looking for outside scholarships might again be the best option.
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MAKE IT COUNT (TOWARDS YOUR DEGREE) One main question Resnick hears on a weekly basis: “Will my credits transfer over?” Getting your professor’s approval for a class before you apply is key (and necessary – it’s typically part of the application). Securing classes is a major component to getting the most out of your chosen location; and it matters whether or not the credits will count towards your degree. If the program is faculty-led, try to go for the trips where the professor is a part your degree program. While abroad, it is likely that you will not be taking as many classes as you would at Miami, but make those three to nine credits count – you don’t want to be behind when you step back onto South Floridian soil.
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FOLLOWING UP To get what you want out of study abroad you must be proactive. It’s important to not wait for the last minute and to always follow up. Think about visa and flight fees before it gets near to takeoff time. Flights are cheaper when you buy them early and you don’t want to get caught in a situation where you are unable to obtain a student visa. It happens, and the last thing you want to hear from an advisor is: “Don’t get your hopes up.” Wherever you end up, just appreciate the opportunity you have; not every college student gets to rage in another nation and call Miami home at the same time. “I’ve worked here for 11 years and for the most part people like where they choose to go. I’ve only had a few students complain about where they went,” Resnick said. Bottom line: don’t let this office be a dead end – make the most of the process so you can have an experience abroad that far exceeds your expectations. 39
distraction
THE MAIN EVENT
INSIDE THE XY ONLINE MIND
+
=
CALL OF DUTY, FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE, ESPN, FACEBOOK, VIC FIRTH DRUMSTICKS, NO-XPLODE FRUIT PUNCH POUND POWDER AND KYB SHOCK ABSORBERS, COOL CARS, DVDS... CYMBALS, SHIRTS, BASEBALL MEMORABILIA, GUY HARVEY GEAR, TV, CHICKEN NUGGETS, BEER.
MALE ONLINE ADDICTIONS
“Hi, I am the typical college male and I am addicted to fantasy leagues, frivolous online spending and countless other things that I have found on the Internet.” “Welcome, typical college male.”
words_amilynn soto design_ claudia aguirre
40
As a student, there are often many troublesome issues that tend to go
?
unnoticed simply because they are the norm in our society. In the same way that girls might incessantly shop or stalk crushes on Facebook, guys may engage in just as many distracting and dysfunctional behaviors but on a level of stealth. It is no surprise that sports are at the epicenter of today’s most popular online phenomena.
distraction
THE MAIN EVENT
Fantasy sports leagues have become extremely popular in recent years, with ESPN, CBS and Yahoo! as the main providers of the entertainment. The widely played fantasy sports are football, basketball and baseball but there is practically a league for any reputable sport. Essentially, each participant takes on the role of a team’s general manager and with that title comes the responsibilities of choosing your players, managing your roster and hoping your players perform well on the field. Your players’ success in real life determines the success of your online team. The creator of the league is referred to as the commissioner while all the members he recruits are deemed the owners of their respective teams. Each league can have about eight to 20 members and each provider has countless leagues. For those not familiar with this sort of system, think of it as a forum with an immense number of chat rooms, each chat room containing eight to 20 members vying for the number one spot. For football leaguers specifically, Sunday is the Sabbath. No, that does not mean they attend a worship service. Sunday is the day that the game results are posted as well as your players’ updated stats. As for the other sports, they have games all throughout the week. “I am a Miami Dolphins fan and I watch all of their games,” said freshman Chris Wittyngham of the WVUM Sports staff, “but without fantasy or some variation of it, fans would have no reason to watch the other games because they have no rooting interest. Because of fantasy, you root for the players on your fantasy team.” Have no athletic ability? That’s okay. The qualifications to join a league are far from inconceivable. One, you need Internet access, and second, an affinity for that particular sport. Without background knowledge on the sport, not only will your success be hampered, but also the game will not be as stimulating for you. With such lenient requirements, the game’s increasing popularity is no surprise. “It allows you to have a more vested interest in a sport that is already a huge part of your life,” said sophomore David Bahamon. Bahamon is constantly on the football field as a member of the school band. Fantasy allows him to play more of a part in the sport’s action. “I played football in high school,” said Bahamon, “and being unable to play now, playing fantasy football lets me still feel connected to that sport in some small way.” However, one characteristic is needed to join this online community: you need time to
invest in your team. “For football, I probably play two to three hours a week,” said Wittyngham. “And then all day on Sunday [you follow] the games and the scores of your players.” It might appear to be a tedious hobby, reliant on clicking and scrolling, but it can get intense, especially when entry fees are involved. “There are leagues that have anywhere from $5 to $500 entry fees and there are some high-stakes leagues where you find a lot of the addicts,” said Wittyngham, “In my case, there is a $25 entry fee in the league and the money is divided up between the winner and runner up.” Some would be surprised to find out that another addiction many males suffer from is online spending. When women get a chance to go shopping, they might head to the malls and do some serious damage on their credit cards. Men can do just as much damage from the comfort of their own desk. A full-on shopping addiction is referred to as oniomania, but most who shop on a routine basis and less severe level are considered to have onionmanic tendencies. The array of consumer products that can be bought through the Internet is limitless. Guys will put down money for anything from video games to clothing to DVDs, or even to the oddly specific such as Vic Firth drumsticks, No-Xplode Fruit Punch Pound Powder and KYB shock absorbers. “I think the stuff that girls want can easily be found at specific stores,” said sophomore Jason Soriano, who prefers online shopping to taking a trip down to a mall. “But guys tend to splurge on items that are harder to find. The Internet makes it easier.” The consensus on male spending seems to be the following: while girls spend money on many items of a relatively lower cost, males purchase less items at much higher costs. In other words, Jane Doe will spend $70 on jeans and two shirts while John Doe will buy a car part for $120. The category of the items bought depends on the guy. For example, Giordany Loffredo, a freshman at Florida International University, uses his money to buy diet supplements on vitaminshoppe.com, while Miami resident Daniel Higuera typically spends his online spending money on instrumental gear on samash.com. “I bought a cymbal online once for $390,” Higuera said. Another reason why online purchases have become such a norm in the male world is because of the ease with which men can wear clothing. “Girls tend to try on clothes and make
A G I R L’ S G U I D E T O F A N TA S Y F O O B A L L LEAGUES • What is x fantasty football? x x Fantasy football o o o o oo is an online o o competition with imaginary teams that participants own, manage and coach based on statistics generated by actual professional players or teams. • How is it played? Participants choose their lineup based on the players overall ability, weekly match up and current health status. • What makes it so addicting? Now, you no longer have to be 250 pounds or run the 40-yard dash in four seconds to get competitive action on the turf and add a whole new level of excitement to gameday.
sure that it hits all the right places at the right angle,” Soriano said, “At least for me, a shirt and some pants is enough if it’s in the right size. I don’t mind buying something without being able to try it on.” Of course, there is no problem with making online purchases. The problem is when it interferes with the budgets that one establishes. “I have friends who can’t regulate their online spending and then end up broke for the rest of the week,” said Soriano, “I try very hard not to find myself in those situations.” Like spending in general, online compulsive buys are dangerous, even more so in that options are presented to you by a click of a mouse rather than having to walk or drive anywhere. Fantasy leagues and online shopping are just two of a variety of different obsessions that can consume any male with a soft spot for indulgence. These addictions shouldn’t be overlooked: A of couple years from now, we might have Leaguers Anonymous and Online Shoppers Anonymous. It will be the same process as Alcoholics Anonymous but instead of a twelve-step process, it will be thirteen, the first step being to turn off your computer.
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T H AT ’ S S O U
MANSCAPING:
enter the AGE OF
MIAMI
METRO sexuality
Nik Martinez shows how men are taking a greater interest in shaving and grooming their body hair.
words_nicole adlman design_ivana cruz
We’re women and we admit it: beauty can be a fulltime job. But don’t worry ladies, University of Miami men have started to catch up on the routine. Manscaping, which, put simply, is to shave, wax, trim or otherwise dispose of facial and body hair, is an undercover campus craze: everyone does it but not everyone wants to talk about it (to girls, at least). Here’s what we do know: a Miami man is a well-kept one; he knows every hair on his body and why it’s there. And there’s a general consensus that a Mufasa-like mane is not a good look for the nether-regions. “I don’t let it grow,” said one junior student.· “I just trim. It looks weird if that hair [down there] gets curly.” Another male student, from New Jersey, is not opposed to waxing. “I only wax my eyebrows,” he said. “If I’m single I shave all the time. If I’m with someone I don’t care as much; I just trim. They’re going to be with me anyway.” (Editors’ note: No we won’t.) One junior student steers away from the hot wax and clippers but shaves for his significant other. “I manscape out of mutual respect for my girlfriend and personal comfort,” he said. “I wouldn’t want a mouthful of hair so why would I expect someone else to?” Chest hair is making a comeback, but not for everyone. Guys and girls are split on the issue: while some prefer a silky smooth canvas for tanning and feel, a grow42
ing number of students are in favor of a more rugged, made-for-the-outback look. “I don’t mind chest hair as long as you’re not a gorilla,” said junior Ali Grana. Many women agree. A light dusting is sexy; a full on shag rug is not. But in Miami, most guys like to keep it clean. Amy Moody, an employee at Uni K Wax in South Miami for the last five years, sees a steady stream of male clientele come into the salon each week. From UM, the numbers are a little less than expected, mainly because men avoid waxing in favor of at-home hair removal. “We’ll see a couple of UM students during the week, on average like five or six,” Moody said. For the males that do come in, treatments vary but are less focused on the bikini area; guys like to handle the family jewels themselves. “Back and shoulders are the most common treatment. Stomach [too],” she said. For a brave few, bikini waxing is a must for vacations and special occasions. “One or two do bikini, but not always,” Moody said. “Maybe for spring break but not all the time.” Well, we wondered, why? “It could be the pain but they might be embarrassed too sometimes,” she said. Don’t be embarrassed, boys – it’s cool to be clean. And remember, we return the favor.
AVERAGE COSTS OF MALE GROOMING:
$34
BIKINI WAX
$49
BRAZILIAN WAX
$50
FULL BACK WAX
$27 CHEST WAX
$22
STOMACH WAX
$22
EYEBROWS
$20 HAIRCUT
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RANT OF THE ISSUE
, V r a e D words_anonymous. design_ivana cruz. illustration_carlos mella
What happened to you? Three years ago, as The Miami Hurricane advice columnist, you were that warm friend to whom we could comfortably spill our problems to over a cold Frappuccino at Starbuck’s or while on a bench soaking up rays by Lake Osceola. Like a fresh embodiment of Sue Johanson and Oprah or Dr. Phil, I admired your tact when dealing with our oh-so-human issues of sexuality and relationships. Remember the likes of “Not Sweet Enough,” who wrote to you about how to improve the horrible flavor of his...ahem? While a question like that might have some of us remixing Kelis’ hit single “Milkshake” into a it sad, male version (his milkshake ain’t bringin’ the girls to his yard), you delivered a respectful response with down-to-earth humor, opening with a sobering “Sex and the City” reference and ending with a classic “that’s what she said” joke. You were insightful and optimistic, but never blindly idealistic. In another column, “G.I. Woe” came to you distressed and torn between a love of serving his country through the military and a love for his girlfriend, who was outspokenly against him enlisting. He also failed to tell her that he had already begun the application process. You could have easily pulled out the worn Beatles card and told him that “all he needed was love.” But, instead, you called him out on lying and delivered some realism tinged with optimism: “You still end up with at least one of those things you love. And if things turn out ideally, you end up with both.” Enough eulogizing. The newest columns have me wondering when I’m going to receive your funeral invite. Or alternatively, expecting to stumble upon some contract in which you smothered your soul in the flames of the hot topic of sex.
It seems to me that the new columns lack perspective. Why waste time answering a girl who wants to know what the typical length of the inner labia is? I could easily and privately Google the answer in under four seconds.
Your new responses do nothing to polish your good qualities, they just show a V who likes shining her (and you have made it obvious you are a girl) big ego. Your offer to take up an ‘M’ role in the S and M fantasy of an advice seeker who was a self-proclaimed dominatrix in a recent column is one cue for the curtain. The “new” V also responded to “Hot and Bothered” who asked what he or she should do about getting turned on whenever answering a sexual question. You took the time to express flattery: “Damn, boy or girl (who knows)! You make me feel like Lil’ Momma still gots it!” Sex sells, but you’re too young, V, to sell out. Is the old V ever coming back? Sincerely, Concerned Reader
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PERSON OF INTEREST
THE MIAMI
MANIAC because in a game you have to entertain the crowd, but you also have to lead the cheers. So, you always have to be alert and aware of the situation, not only in terms of how the game is going along, but also in terms of promotions. It’s really fun because you get to interact with all of the fans. D: How did you get involved in being the Maniac? M: When you are the Ibis, you double as the Maniac, but not a lot of people know that. D: How did you get the job? M: There was a tryout. You put on the costume for the first time and they ask you to do a number of different things, from the spellout, to acting like you are running the football team out of the tunnel. And then they base it off how well you did.
MANIAC While Sebastian the Ibis leads cheers at football games and other events, at baseball games it’s all about the Miami Maniac. If you’ve been to a baseball game then you’ve no doubt seen the neon orange and green furry creature, with an awkwardly long nose wearing the number “1/2” jersey over a slight pot belly. The Maniac has become something of a legend at UM baseball games; cheering in the stands wouldn’t be the same without this wacky and weird mascot. But who knew that the Maniac began as “Cocky,” the mascot for the University of South Carolina? Apparently, former Coach Ron Fraser saw the South Carolina student, John Routh, play the Gamecock’s mascot and stealthily lured him to UM to become the Miami Maniac. The former “Cocky” Gamecock agreed. Since that ‘Midnight Move,’ The Maniac hasn’t changed except for the people playing the orange, fuzzy, lovable mascot. Read on for an exclusive interview with the current Miami Maniac. Distraction: How does it feel to be the current Miami Maniac? Miami Maniac: It gives you a lot to do 44
D: How many people made it during your tryout? M: Just me. At the time, there were 10 people trying out. D: How many Maniacs are there right now? M: There are 5 of us. D: What’s one thing that you know about our school that not everyone else knows? M: Well, one thing that people assume is that Sebastian the Ibis created the spell-out, the C-A-N-E-S. Actually, that was John Routh. He created it through the Miami Maniac. He was the original. D: It’s obviously a very time consuming job. How do you handle schoolwork on top of being the Maniac? M: Since the games are at night most of the time, it really doesn’t interfere all that much. I mean, the nights are long because they are upwards of three-hour games, and then after you’re exhausted. It’s a lot of fun, so you don’t really feel the three hours. Just after, you’re exhausted. D: How would you describe the Miami Maniac? M: The Miami Maniac is more of a laid-back
words_ brittany weiner design_ ivana cruz photo_steven stuts
type of mascot. He’s been compared to the Philadelphia Fanatic. But, he’s definitely more laid-back then the Ibis. The Ibis is a lot more intense. He thinks he’s all that. He’s cocky. The Manic takes a step back. He’s friendlier… not that the Ibis isn’t friendly. D: What’s something that you think that you bring to being the Miami Maniac, that others might not? M: The Miami Maniac likes to dance. So, whenever they put a song on, I like to take out anyone from the crowd and dance with them. Also, one thing that I really try to do is interact with the fans as much as possible. I believe that those smaller interactions create a lot of the environment that you see at the games. There have been kids that I’ve seen grow up throughout the years, and there are fans that know when it’s me and when it’s not me. They pay attention. D: What is your favorite cheer? M: Well, it has to be the Canes spell-out. It gets them all riled up and excited about the game. But most importantly, it occurs after we score, so it’s a good indication of how we’re doing. D: Where are you from? M: I’m from Miami. I was born in Columbia. D: Do you think being from Miami has an impact on your involvement with UM sports? M: I think it does. From a young age I’ve gone to the baseball games here, and football games. A lot of students don’t go to the baseball games, and they don’t know that there is a separate mascot. When they go, they are surprised that they don’t see the Ibis, and there’s some weird creature in his place. D: What is one thing that you have been asked the most? M: What is the Manic? D: Well, what is it? M: I always say, I have no idea. Heather Carney contributed to this article.
DININGGUIDE words_natasha ramchandani. design_claudia aguirre. photos_ rachel steinhauser
CORAL GABLES/ SUNSET BAGEL EMPORIUM
1238 S. DIXIE HWY., CORAL GABLES, 33146 305.666.9519 Get New York street style bagels in Miami Daily. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. | Price: $
BANGKOK BANGKOK
157 GIRALDA AVE., CORAL GABLES, 33134 305.444.2397 Heaven for all Pad Thai lovers. Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun. 5 p.m.10 p.m. | Price: $$
CAFÉ PASTIS
7310 S.W. 57TH AVE., SOUTH MIAMI, 33143 305.665.3322 Funky little bistro in the middle of South Miami. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m.; Sat.: noon-2:30p.m.; Dinner: Mon.-Thur. 6 p.m.9:30 p.m.; Sat. 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Price: $$$$ | www.cafepastis.com
CAFFE VIALETTO
4019 S. LE JEUNE ROAD 305.446.5659 Fine Italian dining experience nestled in the heart of Coral Gables. Mon.-Thur. 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 12 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Price: $$$$ | www.caffevialetto.com
CANTON CHINESE
GREEN GABLES CAFÉ
327 ALAHAMBRA CIRCLE, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 305.445.7015 This family owned and operated café is fully committed to their local and organic ingredients, and present a vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu. Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Price: $$| www.greengablescafe.com
HAVANA HARRY’S
4612 S. LE JEUNE ROAD, CORAL GABLES, 33146 305.661.2622 A modern restaurant inspired by Cuban, Spanish and Latin American cuisine; the unique décor and atmosphere provides an inviting space for casual social gatherings. Mon.-Thur. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.11 p.m. Price: $$ | www.hharrys.com
HOUSTON’S
201 MIRACLE MILE, CORAL GABLES, 33134 305-529-0141 American classics let the exceptional quality of ingredients take center stage. Mon. & Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10p.m.; Tue.-Thur. & Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.-midnight. Price: $$$ | www.hillstone.com
6661 S. DIXIE HWY., SOUTH MIAMI, 33143 305.666.5511 Tasty Americanized Chinese food that has satisfied for decades. Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.midnight; Sun. 2 p.m.-12 a.m. Price: $$ | www.cantonrestaurants.com
VILLAGIO RESTAURANT
SANDBAR SPORTS GRILL
STEVE’S PIZZA
3064 GRAND AVENUE, COCONUT GROVE, 33133 A sports restaurant serving Baja Southern Californian food. Try their five-pound burrito challenge. Mon-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. SatSun 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Price: $ | www.sandbargrove.com
360 SAN LORENZO AVE., CORAL GABLES, 33146 305.447.8144 Stylish inside and romantically lit outside at Merrick Park. Daily 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Price: $$$
16285 KENDALL DRIVE, MIAMI, 33196 A local pizza place famous for its three person challenge to eat a ten pound, thirty inch pizza in 45 minutes. Sun – Thurs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Price: $ | www.steves-pizza.com
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KEY
Price designations are based on the average entrée for one person. $ up to $10 $$ $10 - $15 $$$ $15 - $25 $$$$ $25+
MINT LEAF INDIAN BRASSERIE
276 ALHAMBRA CIRCLE, CORAL GABLES, 33134 305.443.3739 Exotic décor and flavorful Indian food. Daily. Lunch: noon-3 p.m.; Dinner: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Price: $$ | www.mintleafib.com
MOON THAI & JAPANESE
1118 S. DIXIE HWY., CORAL GABLES, 33146 305.668.9890 Casual atmosphere with two menus and a plentiful selection of Thai and Japanese dishes. Mon.-Fri. Lunch 11:30 a.m. -3 p.m.; Dinner 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 12:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Price: $ | www.moonthai.com
ORIGIN ASIAN BISTRO & SUSHI
5920 S. DIXIE HWY., SOUTH MIAMI, 33143 305.668.8205 Modern Asian with a French influence; a truly unique dining experience. Sun.-Thur. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-midnight Price: $$ | www.originpanasian.com
TALAVERA
2299 PONCE DE LEON BLVD., CORAL GABLES, 33134 305.444.2955 New to the Gables; homey Mexican cuisine. Daily 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Price: $$$ | www.talaveraspot.com
LA CREPE BISTRO
7340 S.W. 57TH AVE., SOUTH MIAMI, 33143 305.665.8778 Run to Paris and back for a quick bite. Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.- 4 a.m. | Price: $
YARDHOUSE
320 SAN LORENZO AVE., CORAL GABLES, FL 33146 305.447.9273 Enjoy 250 different taps of beer and your favorite game….the food is not half bad either. Sun.-Thur. 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m 45
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COCONUT GROVE GREEN STREET CAFÉ
3110 COMMODORE PLAZA, COCONUT GROVE, 33133 305.444.0244 Outdoor lounge and restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine. Mon.-Tue. 7:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Wed.-Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun. 7:30 a.m.-midnight. Price: $$$ | www.greenstreetcafe.net
LE BOUCHON DU GROVE
3430 MAIN HWY., COCONUT GROVE, 33133 305.448.6060 A friendly little restaurant in the middle of the Grove offering a French menu. Mon.-Thur. & Sun. Lunch: 10.30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. Lunch: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: 6 p.m.-midnight. Price: $$$ | www.lebouchondugrove.com
JAGUAR CEVICHE SPOON BAR & LATAM GRILL
3067 GRAND AVE., COCONUT GROVE, 33133 305.444.0216 Variety of ceviches, served by the spoon. Mon.-Thur. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Price: $$$ | www.jaguarspot.com
CALAMARI
3540 MAIN HWY., COCONUT GROVE, 33133 305.441.0219 Italian favorites prepared to perfection. Mon.Thur. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.11:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. for brunch. Price: $$ | www.calamarirestaurant.com
SCOTTY’S LANDING
3381 PAN AMERICAN DR., COCONUT GROVE, 33133 305.854.2626 Casual waterfront dining and a popular spot with locals. Mon.-Thur. & Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Price: $ | www.sailmiami.com/scottys
SLICE & ICE PIZZA
3024 S.W. 27TH AVE., MIAMI, 33133 305.461.9190 New York Style pizzeria and gourmet italian ices. Tue.-Thur. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-4 a.m.; Sat. noon-4 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-midnight. Price: $ | www.grovepizza.com
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EAT IF YOU DARE words_jonathan borge Steve’s Pizza Three people. Ten pounds. Thirty inches. Forty-five minutes. Can you do it? Steve’s Pizza Challenge dares you to dive into a 30 pound, 10-inch pizza with just two of your friends. Eat it up in 45 minutes or less and you’ll have a free meal, a new t-shirt and a spot on the Wall of Fame. Sandbar Sports Grill Ah, the Grove… home to reckless nights, embarrassing dancing and a five-pound burrito. Located inside one of the most popular bars in town, Sandbar hosts an under the radar five-pound burrito challenge. The task is simple: load up on a five-pound burrito in under an hour, and you too can join the few whose picture is hung for all to see. Shula’s Steak House It’s no surprise that Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food,” caught onto this indulgent Miami Beach restaurant. Shula’s Steak House, home of Mr. Miami Dolphin himself, is proud to boast the 48 oz. Steak Challenge. That’s right: chow down 48 ounces of a Porterhouse steak, otherwise known as “The Shula Cut,” and join the ranks of the 36,473 members of the Shula’s 48 oz. Club. Burger and Beer Joint Behold the Mother Burger: 10 pounds of prime Angus beef, layered between a fourpound sesame seed bun. This burger is sure to be the biggest you’ve ever seen, and it is probably the hardest to scarf down. For those brave enough to order this beast of a burger beware of the larger than life cutting device… a saw! Need proof that this monstrosity exists? Check out Adam Richman’s experience on “Man vs. Food.”
BOMBAY DARBAR INDIAN RESTAURANT
3195 COMMODORE PLAZA, MIAMI, 33133 305.444.7272 Indian dining experience. Mon.-Wed. 6 p.m.10 p.m.; Thur.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m. Price: $$ | www.bombaydarbarrestaurant.com
ALADDIN’S GRILL
3415 MAIN HWY., COCONUT GROVE, 33133 305.442.2600 Middle Eastern food with occasional live belly dancing. Mon.-Thu. & Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Price: $$$ | www.aladdinsgrillmiam.i.com
MONTY’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
2550 SOUTH BAYSHORE DR., MIAMI, 33133 305.858.1431 Outdoor raw bar with fresh shrimp and stone crabs. Mon.-Thur. & Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Price: $$$ | www.montysbayshore.com
NEW YORK ROMA PIZZA & PASTA
2985 MCFARLANE ROAD, COCONUT GROVE, 33133 305.476.6018 Let your tastebuds fly to NYC. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 a.m. | Price: $
TAURUS
3540 MAIN HWY., MIAMI, 33133 305.444.1723 Casual style authentic Italian. Mon.-Wed. 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Thur.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.-midnight. Price: $$
THE LAST CARROT
3133 GRAND AVE., MIAMI, FL 33133 305.445.0805 Sandwiched between a local convenience store and a Subway, this 40-year-old café supplies pitas with freshest local ingredients. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Price: $ | www.lastcarrot.com
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DOWNTOWN/ BRICKELL
PERRICONE’S MARKETPLACE & CAFÉ
15 S.E. 10TH ST. MIAMI, 33131 305.374.9449 Nestled in a quiet park behind the skyscrapers of Brickell. Sun.-Mon. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tue.Thur. 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Price: $$ | www.perricones.com
CVI.CHE 105 RESTAURANT
105 N.E. 3RD AVE., MIAMI, 33132 305.577.3454 Traditional Peruvian dishes in a modern presentation. Mon.-Thur. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 12 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-9 p.m.| Price: $$ | www.ceviche105.com
DOLORES, BUT YOU CAN CALL ME LOLITA 1000 S. MIAMI AVE, MIAMI, 33130 305.403.3103 International fusion cuisine served on a rooftop. Mon.-Thur. 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-11 p.m. Price: $$$ | www.doloreslolita.com
LA MOON
144 S.W. EIGHTH ST. MIAMI, 33130 305.860.6209 A variety of Colombian arepas and perros for that hangover-taming 5 a.m. refill. Mon.-Wed. 11 a.m.-midnight; Thur. 11 a.m.-4 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 a.m. Price: $$ | www.lamoonrestaurantmiami.com
SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE AT THE ALEXANDER HOTEL 5225 COLLINS AVENUE MIAMI BEACH, 33140 An upscale steakhouse modeled after the Miami Dolphins’ perfect season. It’s also known for the 48 oz. steak challenge. Mon - Sun 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Price: $$$| www.donshula.com
NOVECENTO BRICKELL
1414 BRICKELL AVE. MIAMI, 33131 305.403.0900 Casual elegant European style bistro with Latin American influences in a seductive environment. Mon.-Thur. & Sun .11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Price: $$$ | www.novecento.com
DININGGUIDE MR. YUM MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO 4312 NE 2ND AVE., MIAMI, FL 33137 305.576.6066 Situated in a 1940’s house with blue door frames, this restaurant serves Greek and Turkish food using only fresh local ingredients. Mon.-Sat. noon-11 p.m. Price: $$ | www.mandolinmiami.com
FRATELLI LYON DRIADE
4141 NE 2ND AVE., MIAMI, FL 33137 305.572.2901 Organic cheeses, sustainable seafood, fresh pastas, and grass fed beef are all part of the experience at this authentic Italian restaurant that finds inspiration from the different regions in Italy. Mon.-Thur. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Price: $$$ | www.fratellilyon.com
BURGER AND BEER JOINT
900 S. MIAMI AVE STE.130, MIAMI, 33130 This Brickell restaurant (there’s a second South Beach location) pairs delicious burgers with one of 99 beers. Try their 10-pound angus beef burger challenge. Mon-Thurs noon to 12 p.m. Fri-Sat noon to 1 a.m. Price: $$ | www.bnbjoint.com
LITTLE HAVANA/ CALLE OCHO HY-VONG
3458 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI, 33135 305.446.3674 Vietnamese cuisine. Wed.-Sun. 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Price: $ | www.hyvong.com
VERSAILLES
3555 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI, 33135 305.444.0240 Iconoclastic Cuban diner with wall-to-wall mirrors, a constant buzz of activity and a mammoth menu. Sun.-Thur. 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-4:30 a.m. | Price: $$
1945 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI, 33135 786.360.2371 Artistic presentations of Japanese and Thai. Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. Price: $$ | www.mryummiami.com
LA CARRETA
3632 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI, 33135 305.444.7501 Cuba’s signature staples are all on the menu. Sun.-Thur. 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-5 a.m. Price: $$ | www.lacarreta.com
SAN POCHO
901 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI, FL 33130 305.854.5954 Fast-served Colombian food Daily 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Price: $ | www.sanpocho.com
LA CAMARONERA RESTAURANT & FISH MARKET 1952 W. FLAGLER ST., MIAMI, 33135 305.642.3322 Cuban fish fry. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Price: $$ | www.lacamaronera.com
GARCIA’S SEAFOOD GRILLE & FISH MARKET
398 NW NORTH RIVER DR., MIAMI, 33128 305.375.0765 Sit on the dock next to the Miami River and chow down on a freshly grilled Mahi sandwich. Daily. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Price: $$ | www.garciasseafoodgrill.com
LAS TAPAS DE ROSA
449 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI, 33130 305.856-9788 Small Spanish restaurant with some of the best tapas in town. Mon.-Tue. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed.-Thur. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Price: $$$ | www.tapasderosa.com
MI RINCONCITO MEXICANO
1961 S.W. EIGHTH ST., MIAMI, 33135 305.644.4015 Authentic Mexican food in Miami. Sun.-Thur. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Price: $$
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END NOTES
DISTRACTION OF THE ISSUE
BAR CRAWL T H E
D I S T R A C T I O N
words_ mason clark. design_ivana cruz.
Get distracted with Distraction’s Lincoln Road Bar Crawl. The theme? Olympics. Crawlers pair up into teams of two and dress up like a particular country. Best night to crawl? Any Friday. Best route? Hit up Lincoln Road. Want to be even more adventurous? Here are seven steps to creating a unique bar crawl of your own…
START
1. Pick a location that has a high density of bars within walking range of each other. 2. Create a theme for costumes and games that can be played at each bar. 3. Set a date for your crawl when a majority of your friends can join. Drinking alone is not fun. 4. Map out your route for the crawl. 5. Create challenges for each bar that correspond to the theme. 6. Create a guide for your group with the bars, theme and route so your friends don’t get lost. 7. Final step: call a cab for a safe ride home. Drinking and driving never mix well.
Zeke’s Roadhouse | 625 Lincoln Rd. | Featuring: One hundred beers from around the world in addition to a selection of wines. Challenge: Order a beer with the accent of the country it comes from. If you order a Domestic Beer use a Western, Southern or New York accent.
Hofbräu München | 943 Lincoln Rd. | Featuring: German style food and beer. Challenge: Drink a whole boot of beer or ask people walking by if they would “like to try your _”, inserting random menu items, such as Holzfaellerbrett’l.
Polar Bar | 938 Lincoln Rd. | Featuring: A cold oasis from the hot Miami sun. Challenge: Order any drink that is blue or has blue in the name. For example, Blue Moon or a blue Long Island iced tea.
Finnegan’s Too | 942 Lincoln Rd. | Featuring: An Irish-style sports pub. Challenge: Order Irish car bombs or take a picture of your team downing a drink on the throne chair.
END
Doraku Sushi | 1104 Lincoln Rd. | Featuring: Your final crawl stop. Challenge: Enjoy sake bombs and sushi to celebrate the completion of your crawl!
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