The Miami Hurricane - Feb. 19, 2009

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February 19 - 22, 2009 THE MIAMI HURRICANE BASEBALL SPECIAL SECTION I

FIRST PITCH

MIAMI VS RUTGERSFEB. 20-22, 2009

MARK LIGHT FIELD AT ALEX RODRIGUEZ PARK

February 19 - 22, 2009 THE MIAMI HURRICANE BASEBALL SPECIAL SECTION IIIII BASEBALL SPECIAL SECTION THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

PROJECTED OPENING NIGHT STARTING LINEUP

University of Miami shortstop Ryan Jackson is not entering the 2009 college baseball season empty handed.

While he is still working on win-ning a College World Series ring, Jackson is now the proud owner of a Seminole patchwork jacket as he is a newly initi-ated member of the Iron Arrow Society. The highly selective and secretive group, founded in 1926, is the highest honor that can be attained at UM.

The tapping process, which took place the Friday of Homecoming Week, involves marking the new member’s forehead with orange, white and green stripes. The ritual took the new baseball co-captain by surprise.

“I was just caught really off guard,” the junior sociology major said. “I was planning on going to eat breakfast and lift, then all of a sudden I’m walking around with paint on my head and a jacket on.”

Jackson admits that he knew little about Iron Arrow before he was tapped, but he has quickly learned all about the honor. A candidate for Iron Arrow needs to receive unanimous approval by every member of the society and must exem-plify several important characteristics: scholarship, leadership, character, humil-ity and love of alma mater.

Hurricane coach Jim Morris, who was inducted into Iron Arrow in 2002, said that Jackson’s attributes fit the bill.

“He’s only the second baseball play-er in my 16 years here at Miami [after pitcher Alex Santos in 1999] so it’s a huge honor,” Morris said. “He’s an outstand-ing player and student. He’s a very hard worker, a great kid, and he’s very respect-ful. He’s all the things that you look for to represent your school.”

The 6’3” Miami Springs native puts as much effort into his schoolwork as he does his fieldwork. When Jackson was younger, the motivation was obvious.

“The way I was brought up with my parents was that if you didn’t get good grades in school then you couldn’t play,” he recalled.

His parents, Leonard and Sally Jack-son, noticed his ability to use the same

passion he had for sports in the class-room.

“Academically, he’s always worked hard. School and athletics went hand in hand,” his mother said. “He liked getting good grades and enjoyed the achieve-ment.”

Last season Jackson took his game to the next level by unleashing a much-improved offensive repertoire. His batting average jumped a whopping 124 points from the previous season, increasing his .236 average in 2007 to .360 in 2008.

His two biggest fans - his mother and father – were not surprised.

“We knew it would happen. We knew that the development was coming along,” Sally Jackson said. “He always figures it out. That’s the thing about Ryan.”

His hot bat and good glove have landed him on a number of exclusive preseason lists, including the College Baseball Foundation’s 2009 Brooks Wal-lace Player of the Year Watch List, the Golden Spikes Award Watch List and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers As-sociation Preseason All-America Team.

As for the College World Series ring, it remains the top priority for Jackson heading into the spring.

After UM fell short last season, Jack-son went on to play for the USA Baseball National Team. The team didn’t lose a game, finishing 25-0. He hopes to bring that winning mentality to a young Hurri-canes squad that lost the majority of their offense to the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

In order to help the underclassmen mature quickly, Morris says the team needs Jackson and co-captain and junior right-hander Kyle Bellamy to do more than just lead by example.

“He’s got to step it up, help take con-trol of the younger guys, and lead them in the right direction,” Morris said. “He’s very solid defensively and offensively and he works hard. The leadership role is something that he’s going to have to ac-cept and get done.”

“I just want to win. At Miami if you don’t win, it’s not a good season,” Jackson said. “If Miami doesn’t end up in Omaha [for the College World Series], it’s not a success. Whatever I’ve got to do to help us win is what I’m going to do.”

Scott Braun may be contacted at [email protected].

Shortstop solid both on and off the diamond

During the first week of Octo-ber 2005, the first of three phases of construction began on the new-ly christened Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park. Now, a little more than three years later, reno-vations have been finished just in time for tomorrow’s season opener against Rutgers at 7 p.m.

New York Yankees third base-man Alex Rodriguez, who initially signed a letter of intent to play at UM, donated $3.9 million towards the project.

Last season, permanent con-cession stands were finished in time for postseason play. Three floors have been recently complet-ed behind the grand stand: the first houses the coaches’ locker room, clubhouse, merchandise center and weight room, while the second con-tains a conference room. The third has a press box with a suite on ei-ther side, each with a balcony.

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at [email protected].

Jackson tapped for Iron Arrow Society

BY SCOTT BRAUNCONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER

A-Rod Park opens for Rutgers game

BY CHRISTING DE NICOLAASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

OUTFIELDOne of the biggest questions this year is in

the outfi eld: how can Miami replace a combined 27 home runs, 34 stolen bases, 123 RBI and an on-base percentage over .400 from MLB draftees Dennis Raben, Blake Tekotte and Adan Severino?

Replacing Raben in right fi eld will be senior Dave DiNatale, who has a fl air for the dramatic. Last season he had six game-winning hits and was namedthe ACC tournament’s MVP en route to UM’s fi rst ACC title. However, DiNatale led the team in strikeouts. He has been hurt most of this month when he pulled his lat muscle lifting weights, but he says he is 100 percent.

Florida Christian standout, freshman Nathan Melendres, will take the reins in center fi eld. Other than Ryan Jackson, he had the best fall practice. Melendres has played infi eld his whole life and must make the transition to outfi eld.

According to head coach Jim Morris, it will be a coin toss as to who will get the most playing time in left. Look for senior Jonathon Weislow to see some action there. If freshman Harold Mar-tinez is not the designated hitter, he could play left. Junior Jason Hagerty and senior utility man Ryan Perry are also in the mix.

Justin Antweil may be contacted at [email protected].

press box & 4 VIP suites

concessions no longer behind visitors dugout. underneath general seating area

NEW STADIUM, NEW SEASON

ALEX BROADWELL // Hurricane Staff

FOCUS: Hurricane Ryan Jackson fi elds a ball and attempts to tag a sliding player. Jackson, a shortstop, is the fi rst baseball player to be tapped for Iron Arrow since Alex Santos in 1999.

INFIELDAlthough UM lost three of its fi ve starters around

the diamond to the draft, junior shortstop Ryan Jack-son remains and continues to receive accolades.

Known for his defense, he proved to be one of the nation’s best hitters with a batting average of

.360 last season, which was 124 points better than his freshman campaign.

“If you let it get to your head, it’s going to change the way I go about my business,” he said. “I am keeping the same approach I had last year.”

Junior college transfer Scott Lawson will play second. He has quick feet, drives the ball and has good plate discipline. Like former Hurricane Jemile Weeks, he bats second, plays second and wears No. 2.

The hot corner will feature new faces as junior

college transfer Chris Herrmann replaces Mark Sobo-lewski at third. Herrmann was drafted in the 10th round by the Baltimore Orioles. Junior Jason Hagerty, a backup catcher last year, will see most of his time replacing fi rst baseman Yonder Alonso, the seventh overall pick.

Head coach Jim Morris believes that sophomore Yasmani Grandal is one of the best defensive catchers in the country. He came on strong late last season with only one error in the fi nal 16 games.

This year’s baseball team will have to rely

on small ball – bun-ting, stealing and tak-

ing aggressive turns around the bases.

Miami lost more than 70 percent of its

home run production from last season. Ver-

satility is a strength for this ballclub, as

multiple players can play several posi-

tions. The Hurricanes return only two of its

eight starting posi-tion players from last year’s squad

that compiled a 53-11 record and fi nished

fi fth in the nation.

Nathan Melendres CF FreshmanFirst year every playing

outfi eld

Scott Lawson 2B Junior(JUCO stats) .468, 40 RBI,

22 stolen bases

Ryan Jackson SS JuniorJunior First Team All-ACC.

Raised BA .124 points

Chris Herrmann 3B Junior(JUCO transfer) Drafted

in 10th round

Jason Hagerty 1B JuniorMoved to fi rst base and

outfi eld this year

Harold Martinez DH FreshmanDrafted in 19th round by

Texas Rangers

Yasmani Grandal CSopho-more

Threw out 10 of 35 base stealers

Dave DiNatale RF SeniorACC Tournament Most

Valuable Player

Jonathan Weislow LF SeniorGood speed, started just

six games in two years

COMPILED BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL

POSITIO

N

YEAR

NAME SPECIA

L NOTE

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BY JUSTIN ANTWEILCONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The lineup: Hurricanes aim to fi ll holes left by drafted players

new bleachers to be built for general admission seating along baselines

PHOTOS BY CHELSEA MATIASH // PHOTO EDITOR

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February 19 - 22, 2009 THE MIAMI HURRICANE NEWS 1

THEATREGOES ‘NUTS’!

Ring hosts two plays on classic comic strip

EDGE pages 8 & 9

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2 NEWS THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

The Miami Hurricane is published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business offi ce of The Hurricane are located in the Norman A. Whitten University Center, Room 221.

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The MiamiHURRICANE

EDITOR IN CHIEFMatthew Bunch

BUSINESS MANAGERNick Maslow

FINANCIALADVISERRobert DuBord

FACULTY ADVISERBob Radziewicz

ADMINISTRATOR ASSISTANTMaria Jamed

NEWS EDITORChelsea Kate Isaacs

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORErika CapekEd S. Fishman

SPORTS EDITORChristina De Nicola

EDGE EDITORHilary Saunders

OPINION EDITORJoshua W. Newman

ART DIRECTORShayna Blumenthal

PHOTO EDITORChelsea Matiash

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORTanya Thompson

DESIGNERSFelipe LobonLaura Patricelli

WEBMASTERBrian Schlansky

ASSISTANTWEBMASTERShayna Blumenthal

MULTIMEDIA EDITORLauren WhiddonDanny Bull

COPY CHIEFNate Harris

COPY EDITORSarah B. Pilchick

EDITOR AT LARGEGreg Linch

PUBLICRELATIONSJacob Crows

PRODUCTION MANAGERJessica Jurick

ACCOUNT REPSNico CilettiAlly DayBrian SchumanElliot Warsof

©2009 University of Miami

Stretching your way to fi tness Check out what’s exclusively available at

TheMiamiHurricane.com.

Read Sarah B. Pilchick’s 2009 Academy Awards preview.

Read a story about economic journalists speaking about the current crisis at Comm Week 2009, from Danielle Kaslow

Read letters from Hurricane readers on Earth Hour and a

proposal of Lionel Moise’s ticket.

Richard Walker, the assistant vice president for Student Affairs, is one of three fi nalists for the combined position of dean of students and associate vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Michigan.

The two other fi nalists are Karen Boyd, the senior associate dean of Student Life at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Laura Jones, the interim dean of students and director of the Offi ce of Student Life at

the University of Oregon.“There was a large candidate pool so being one of the three

fi nalists is impressive,” said Linda Hancock Green, Michigan’s direc-tor of communication for the Division of Student Affairs.

These three candidates are being interviewed to replace Susan Eklunb, the previous associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, who is now retired. Sam Goodin is currently serving as the interim assistant dean of students.

Walker came to the University of Miami in 1987 to become the assistant dean of Student Personnel. In 1989, he became the as-sociate dean of students for Greek Affairs and Judicial Affairs before being named to his current position in 2003.

All three candidates will be visiting Michigan from Feb. 17 to Feb. 19 and will be available to speak to students and faculty.

Efforts to contact Walker in his offi ce and over the phone were unsuccessful.

- Ed S. Fishman

UM’s assistant vice president for student affairs among three candidates for position at University of Michigan

ON THE COVER:Molly Robinson as Lucy and Matthew Mickenberg as Charlie Brown perform at a dress rehearsal for “Youre a Good Man Charlie Brown” on Monday night.

MEGAN TERILLI // Hurricane Staff

REACH FOR THE SKY: On Wednesday afternoon, Green Monkey sponsored a “Yoga on the Green.” UM students were welcome to participate in a free yoga study break on the lawn in front of the library. The class was led by a professional instructor from the Green Monkey company.

RICHARD WALKER

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Introducing your (likely) SG executives

When you’re among the most active juniors on campus, you might want to dial it down a bit for a relaxing senior year. But rising senior Lionel Moise is taking a dif-ferent route: running for SG presi-dent. With no formal opponents, it looks like he’ll be adding one more accomplishment to his resume.

Moise has a wealth of knowl-edge and experience guiding his decision making. He was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and is majoring in broadcast journalism and psychology. Now a Residential Assistant at the University Village, Moise was an orientation leader this past year and is a member of the President’s 100. He is also the first vice president of United Black Students and the chief of staff in-ternal for UM, a role for which oversees five advisory boards: the library, dining services, parking and transportation, UMPD and the auxiliary board.

“I have always wanted to be involved in Student Government, and this is a perfect opportunity for me. I want to be the voice of the students,” he said. “I still plan on campaigning so I can show the stu-dents what I am all about. I am not assuming anything.”

Moise, along with his vice-presidential candidate Kristen Weaver and treasurer Jeremy Kru-ger, have big aspirations for next year if elected. Their motto is “U Matter, U Decide, U Win.”

Veronica Alvarez, a junior and the first vice president of the Association of Commuter Stu-dents (ACS), has known Moise the past two years. They both work on the auxiliary board and cross paths at events when ACS gets together with UBS.

“Lionel is always on task and never complains about having too many things to do,” Alvarez said. “He is constantly leading by ex-ample.”

Some of the goals they have set are establishing a movie rental service in the UC. They want to expand the hours of the shuttles to Coconut Grove and Sunset Place

on the weekends, and hope to im-plement a new shuttle that stops at Miracle Mile and also travels once a month on Saturday afternoons to Key Biscayne.

Moise and his team have also placed a priority on making envi-ronmentally conscious decisions. They plan on adding more garbage cans around campus and adding bins clearly marked for recyclable items, so people don’t accidentally

waste perfectly reusable products. Another goal of the ticket’s is to abandon the trays at both dining halls. They claim it wastes lots of water due to the washing of unnec-essary trays.

Furthermore, Moise and his team want to lengthen the quiet hours in the library, particularly on the second floor that closes at mid-night during weekdays.

Moise seems prepared for the

challenge ahead of him.“I am taking some politi-

cal science courses this semester which are helping me,” the unop-posed candidate said. “I also spoke with Brandon [Gross] about the re-sponsibilities of being student body president. I realize what it takes, and I am here for the students.”


Moise active in many organizations

BY JUSTIN ANTWEILCONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

TANYA THOMPSON // Hurricane Staff

ONE TICKET STANDS ALONE: Lionel Moise, Kristin Weaver and Jeremy Kruger, the only executive board offi cially entered in SG elections, have many ideas for the university.

This year’s Student Government presidential race may be over before it even begins.

This election year, no longer will students walking through the UC Breezeway be bombarded by numerous political campaigners run-ning for SG president, vice-president and treasurer. This year there will only be one political team handing out flyers and preaching to get your vote.

Junior Lionel Moise is running for president of Student Government unop-posed. For the first time in at least a decade, a candidate will run for the most presti-gious seat in office without any competition.

Former vice president for Student Affairs William Butler said in an e-mail that he never recalled an unop-posed race in his time at UM, which began in 1965.

“I still have to get 50 percent of the vote in order to win,” Moise said. “Stu-dents can always write in any candidate they want. What is most important for me, no matter what, is to have the respect and support of the students here at Miami.”

Current student body president Brandon Gross, a senior, is confused as to why more people are not willing to take the reins.

“I’m disappointed,” said Gross, who won in a runoff last year. “Not in [Moise], but we were able to get a lot of things done this year. You would think more people would see that and step up...Competition is always good. It forces you to keep your word and keep fighting.”


Unopposed SG presidential run unique in school historyBY JUSTIN ANTWEILCONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

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4 NEWS THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

Despite the univer-sity’s plan to cut costs across the board as a response to the current and expect-ed econom-

ic climate, the priority, according to President Donna E. Shalala, is

still in attracting and retaining high caliber students for the next aca-demic year.

“Our goal is to protect the

core education experience of our students,” Shalala said in a phone interview with The Miami Hurri-cane.

The university is trying to

minimize the impact that the cost containment proposals will have on students. However, students will still see an increase in tuition, room and board, and student fees for the 2009-2010 academic year.

According to Provost Thomas J. LeBlanc, tuition will increase by 3.9 percent, “the lowest increase in tuition we’ve had in 15 years.”

Tuition went up to $34,834 for the 2008-2009 academic year; an increase of 5.5 percent over the previous year.

Housing will also go up 4.5 percent for residence halls and the apartment area, and five percent for the University Village. Meal plan costs will increase by six per-cent primarily because of the cost of food, which according to Sha-

lala, has “skyrocketed” in the past year. Student fees will also go up by three percent.

What they are increasing,

however, is the amount of aid available for students who have suffered a “disastrous situation.” The administration is putting more money into scholarships and loans for students whose parents have lost their jobs.

“The focus in this climate is on need-based scholarships” LeB-lanc said.

Merit-based scholarships will remain the same for the time being, although the university plans to continue implementing a 10-year strategy which will gradually re-duce merit-based aid for students.

In addition to scholarships, there will also be an expansion in work study opportunities. Because of the newly approved stimulus bill, researchers will also receive money from the National Institutes of Health, which means that students seeking to work on research oppor-tunites will be able to do so.

While the administration is looking to reduce costs in many areas across the school, Shalala stated that she is not willing to reduce the amount of scholarship money, the number of students, or the improvements needed to enrich the educational experience.

“All the other cuts that we’re

doing are designed not to impact the students,” Shalala said. “We’re not going to start to nickel and dime our students.”

The university’s debt increased in late 2007 with the purchase of the Cedars Medical Center, now University of Miami Hospital, as patient care at the site and other UM medical facilities accounts for 41.4 percent of the university’s $1.8 billion.

While a big expenditure, the hospital is making steady revenue, according to Shalala, and no mon-ey from the Miller School of Medi-

cine or from the tuition paid by undergraduate students is geared

towards repaying that debt.“The hospital stands on its

own and it’s doing just fine,” Sha-lala said.

The tuition money paid by the student stays at the Coral Gables campus, according to Shalala, and goes towards paying the faculty members and services meant to en-hance the student experience.

“We will do everything we can so that [the students] don’t notice,” Shalala said. “They should feel like the university is continuing to get better and that their experience

continues to get better.”

Lilliam Albizu-Campos may be contacted at [email protected].

Shalala speaks on priorities during financial crisis

The focus in this cli-mate is on need-based scholarships.

–Provost Thomas J. LeBlanc, on the

focus of student aid

“

”

We’re not going to start nickel and diming our students.

–Shalala, on maintaining

student services

“

”

[Students] should feel like the univer-sity... and that their experience continues to get better.

–Shalala, on effect of cuts

“

”

Attracting high caliber students remains key

BY LILLIAM ALBIZU-CAMPOSSTAFF NEWS WRITER

PRESIDENT,DONNA E. SHALALA

3.9%Tuition

lowest in-crease in 15 years

4.5%

Meal-Plan

Housingkeeps with past raises

credited to the rise in the cost of food

Student-Feeslowest increase among hikes this year

3%

6%Price Increases for Academic Year 2009-2010

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Poverty conference comes to Miami

CHELSEA MATIASH // Photo Editor

DIRE STRAITS: The Miami Poverty Conference is educating college students in the Miami Dade area about the growing problem of poverty in the area. For the full preview, visit TheMiamiHurricane.com.

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6 OPINION THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

Editorial

“...the Slam Dunk Contest was fi xed.”– Matt Mullin, senior

UP!speak

‘Tis the season for midterms...What is your

favorite study spot?

KARL RENNALLSsophomore

“Under the sheets with my book as the pillow.”

RYAN DAUERsenior

“In the Dauer Clock Tower, baby!”

PAYAL PATELsenior

“At the Rat!”

opinion SG credibility

hurt by lack of candidates

What’s the point of democracy if there’s no competition to vote for?

This year, there will only be one candidate running for Student Government president, Lionel Moise. That means only one possible voice to represent the entire student body. But apparently not many people care. Last year, a mere 21 percent of students voted, and that resulted in a heated three-way. There’s not much chance of increased participation with only one single candidate.

While our interactions with Moise have been quite positive, that doesn’t mean that a cakewalk to the top is the best. Surely no one can argue that the trials and tribulations that current SG President Brandon Gross faced in getting to the top spot didn’t put a little more fire in his belly. An election, a run-off and a last stand against the SG Supreme Court will make you work to prove that you deserve the job. The lack of any competition may dull the competitive spirit of Moise, but only time will tell.

It is true that the ability to lead follows the ability to overcome. With no challenge in his way, Lionel will surely cruise to the presidency. But that doesn’t mean the students cannot continue to challenge him over this next year. Urge your president to hear your voice. Tell him how you feel and what you want. He is there for the service of the student body.

As you read this, think about what it means to you to vote. It’s been beaten into our heads for months now with the recent presidential election, but it’s true as ever. Allow yourself to be represented. This Monday through Wednesday, vote, even if there is only one choice. Send a message that the students who will represent us for this next year are ones that truly represent what we want.

Speak Up answers are edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy.

compiled byJOE ALTIERI

[email protected]

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

As Nate Robinson walked into the locker room after his second dunk of Saturday night’s Slam Dunk Contest, I was a bit puzzled as to what was going on.

In a true moment of clarity, each moment of one of the most absurd nights in sports played back in my mind.

First, there was the Shooting Stars competition. Announcers Kenny Smith and Reggie Miller began by mocking some of the teams, calling their players bad shooters and saying that Bill Laimbeer was out of shape.

I understand that may be a factual statement, but you don’t have to embarrass the guy on national television.

But then, they took it a step further in the Slam Dunk Contest.

After failing to convert a very difficult – and arguably the best – dunk of the night in his allotted two minutes, Rudy Fernan-dez caught a pass off the back side of the backboard, swung in underneath, and threw down a Dominique-esque tomahawk.

Not able to get over the fact that he took so long to finally get it down, Kenny Smith said that their failure to convert ear-lier “just showed the amateurism of Spain.” Not Rudy Fernandez, an NBA rookie. Not Pau Gasol, who was making his first ap-pearance in the contest as Fernandez’s partner. They blamed it on Spain.

So when Robinson walked into the locker room, I didn’t think he was hurt. I knew where he was going. He was going to turn into his alter-ego, Krypto-Nate.

How was that possible though? Dwight Howard’s Superman persona, apparently

weakened only by Krypto-Nate, hadn’t even appeared yet, let alone secured a spot in the finals. But right on cue, a super-sized phone booth was rolled out next to the court. In walked Howard and out walked Superman, ready to dunk on a 12-foot basket.

Even though this was one of the most hyped dunks in recent history, it proved to be one of the most anticlimactic. Not only that, Superman had injured team mate Jameer Nelson toss him the ball. Talk about amateurism.

Somehow, Superman received a per-fect score of 50 for this, securing a spot in the finals, a battle to the death with arch-nemesis Krypto-Nate. Fernandez only re-ceived a 42 for his gem and was relegated to watching the death match from the bench.

When I finally was able to tie all these moments together in my mind, I could come up with only solution: the Slam Dunk Contest was fixed. This whole night was set up to revitalize an NBA tradition that has been fading in recent years.

So although Krypto-Nate may have won the battle, it looks like commissioner Stern has won the war, as this has been one of the most discussed contests in years. But was it anything more than going to catch the newest Spiderman movie, nothing more than a scripted drama with mediocre acting?

I guess then, in a way, Stern gave the public exactly what they had been asking for: a show.

Matt Mullin is a senior majoring in journalism and creative writing. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Curious about slam dunk ‘fi x’ationby matt mullin

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February 19 - 22, 2009 THE MIAMI HURRICANE EDGE 7

A beloved comic strip classic comes to life at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre when the University of Miami Department of Theatre Arts’ production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown begins its run Feb. 18, which continues until March 7. The play will be running in tandem with Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, a sat-ire that features the same Peanuts characters as wild teenagers.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is based on the legendary Peanuts comic strip created by the late Charles M. Schulz, which ran for 50 years and whose re-runs are still being printed in newspapers around the world.

The production will attempt to cap-ture the look and spirit of the comic strip and bring them to life on the stage. The play consists of several short sketches and songs, imitating the brevity of the comic strips, while the sets and wardrobes attempt to re-main faithful to the hand-drawn nature of the cartoon.

The show also presents the student ac-tors with the unique challenge of displaying their dramatic, comedic, and musical skills – an opportunity they enjoy.

“It is great to watch these actors hav-ing a great time,” said junior JJ Flores, the production’s assistant director and a stu-dent actor. “The fact that they are having so much fun gives the show this unmistakable energy.”

“I’m hoping that you can bring young-er siblings or a parent can bring their little kids,” said Vincent J. Cardinal, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts. “We’re in-troducing a whole other generation to the-atre.”

“I’m excited,” sophomore Alejandro Fonseca said. “I’m a huge Charlie Brown fan and I want to see if the production lives up to the comic strip and all the TV spe-cials.”

.Danny Parra may be contacted at dparra@

themiamihurricane.com.

The two sides of Snoopy: Ring Theatre set to present ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ and satirical ‘Dog Sees God’BY DANNY PARRACONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

CHELSEA MATIASH // Photo Editor

GOOD GRIEF: Molly Robinson as Lucy, Kate Metroka as Sally, and Heath Saunders as Snoopy star in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. The show runs in tandem with Dog Sees God through March 7th at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre.

8


8 EDGE THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

From the start, Dog Sees God is pro-vocative and upfront. Coupled with sexual experimentation, drug use, eating disorders and violence, Charles Schulz’s beloved Pea-nuts characters are back in action in the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s production of this satire. .

CB, also known as Charlie Brown, is reeling from the death of his beloved Snoopy. He ponders life and death and questions the existence of heaven, trying to connect with his friends to find solace. Along with the au-dience, he discovers his childhood friends are very different people today; each has changed after overcoming loss and obstacles in their adolescence. Their experiences have shaped them into the characters audiences see before them onstage, though they clearly remain in-formed by their comic book counterparts.

“If you think of who the Peanuts charac-ters were in the comic strip around age eight, and fast forward eight or 10 more years, their neuroses follow what Schultz set up,” said Vince Cardinal, chair of the theater de-

partment and director of Dog Sees God. “For example, it’s appropriate that Linus, who al-ways fantasized and was lost in his thoughts, is now a pothead. Who they were in the com-ic develops to what you will see on stage.”

Angst-filled, aggressive, and self-con-scious, the characters are both honest and believable. The actors of Dog Sees God have honed their skills to put forth a shocking and thought-provoking performance.

Max Emerson, who plays Matt (an older Pigpen), said, “I think people will learn that theater is not passive. Old people will [proba-bly want to] walk out within the first scene...I think the word ‘fuck’ is said more than five times in one minute.

“But the content can be strong, because the message is so strong,” said the senior. “It’s putting the cartoons in the real world.”

In Dog Sees God, the Peanuts characters are used as a means to explore more adult themes and difficult topics, ones people of-ten feel uncomfortable discussing. However, fa-miliarity with the char-

acters allows the audience to be receptive to the play’s message and feel less intimidated by the plotline. Dog Sees God is a play about real issues, how people deal with them and finding one’s sense of self.

Additionally, sophomore Tim Murray, who plays CB, believes the play extends an important message of self-respect.

“We all have our own personal rain clouds, and when CB embraces his rain cloud at the end of the play it is a message to ev-eryone to accept who you are, because you cannot change it and there is no reason why you should want to,” he said. “Every day of rehearsal I’m reminded of how important it is to tell this story, and that’s an amazing thing.”

Danielle Kaslow may be contacted at [email protected].

BY DANIELLE KASLOWCONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

‘Dog Sees God,’ a counter-culture take on a classic plays at the Ring“Dog Sees God” closes Feb. 28th. Tickets can be purchased at the Ring Theatre Box Offi ce from 12 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information call 305-284-3355 or visit www.as.miami.edu/theatrearts/ring.

All other performances:

Regular admission: $18

Seniors; UM faculty, staff and alumni: $16

Students: $6

Friday & Saturday nights:

Regular admission: $20

Seniors; UM faculty, staff and alumni: $18

Students: $8

COURTESY Kent Lantaff

THE DOCTOR IS IN: Van, portrayed by Juan Gonzalez, contemplates life with CB’s Sister, played by Katie McClellan. Dog Sees God is an unorthodox look at the beloved Peanuts characters.

9


February 19 - 22, 2009 THE MIAMI HURRICANE EDGE 9

Producer Phil Ramone will be con-ducting a Master Class this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Victor E. Clarke Re-cital Hall in the Frost School of Music. The class will be open to the public on a first come first serve basis and is free of charge.

The recipient of 14 Grammy awards, an Emmy, and many other honors, Ra-mone has worked with a diverse range of musicians, including Billy Joel, Dionne Warwick, Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Quincy Jones, Liza Minnelli, Rod Stew-art, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti, and many others. Ramone has been an in-novator in both production and the tech-nology behind the music, producing the first CD ever pressed - Billy Joel’s 52nd Street, and was the first to use four-track recorders and apply optical surround sound in movies.

“I would call Phil Ramone the con-summate producer of our time,” said Rey Sanchez, Department Chair of the Music Media and Industry program at

the Frost School of Music. “I feel like the depth and the breadth of the work that he’s accomplished is unmatched at this point in time.”

The event is part of the Stamps Fam-ily Distinguished Visitors Series, which brings prominent figures in the music industry together with students through performances, lectures, and other activi-ties. Last fall, the Stamps series featured visits by composer John Corigliano and jazz artist Joshua Redman.

Ramone said he hopes students get a lot out of the Master Class, and prom-ises that no one will be silent during it. “I come from a school not of Q & A, but of participation,” he said.

Students are looking forward to the Master Class as well. “This is the man who produced Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. I want to hear what he has to say,” said sophomore Matt Jones.

Ramone said he is looking forward to speaking at the university, particularly because he feels the musical world is not in the best shape right now. “I’ve been a big admirer of UM all these years,” he said, noting that many great artists have

come out of the school. “Music always cuts through somehow,” said Ramone. “Art survives in some of the craziest times. There have never been so many ways to see music, feel it.”

Getting youth excited about music

is something Ramone hopes to discuss during the class, he said. “Young people have the ability to hear and recognize good things... Nobody has to tell them what good taste is - I think that’s not nec-essary in our education,” he said.

Ramone said he hopes students leave his presentation with a deeper ap-preciation for music. “You need to use music for your quiet moments, the sad ones, the good ones,” he said. “It allows you to grow, be curious. It’s a gratifying part of your life.”

Lauren Shepherd may be contacted at [email protected].

BY LAUREN SHEPHERDCONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER

Legendary producer Phil Ramone to give Master Class at Frost School of Music

If You Go

What: Phil Ramone’s Master ClassWhen: Thursday, March 19th at 7:30 p.m. Where: Clarke Recital Hall, Frost School of MusicCost: Free

PHIL RAMONE

10


10 ADVERTISEMENT THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

11


February 19 - 22, 2009 THE MIAMI HURRICANE SPORTS 11

With an 80-67 loss to rival Florida State Wednesday night in Tallahassee, the path just got dark-

er for Miami’s chances to make the NCAA tournament.

The Hurricanes (15-10, 4-8) couldn’t overcome a poor display at the free throw line, missing 10 shots, while the Seminoles (20-6, 7-4) made an astonishing 31 of 35. Senior guard Jack McClinton was held in check to a quiet 13 points.

“We had opportunities,” head

coach Frank Haith said. “When you miss free throws, it’s like a turnover. We kept fouling them and they made them. They did a great job. We had opportunities. It didn’t go our way.”

Junior James Dews scored 19 points and made three 3-pointers in his return to the starting lineup.

McClinton, who had scored more than 30 points the last three games, shot an unprecedented 5 of 12 from the floor. He was either double or triple-teamed the entire game and took just four shots from behind the arc.

“They played hard on Jack,” Haith said. “They face guarded him like other teams do. They did a nice job.”

In his return to the court after missing the North Carolina game with a high-ankle sprain, junior forward Dwayne Collins failed to make a significant impact. Collins started strong but was held to one point in the second half and eight overall.

“They were moving faster than us,” Haith said. “They were moving quicker than us. They took control of that.”

Now the question becomes whether the Hurricanes can over-come three straight tough ACC losses and make a run heading into the ACC tournament. It may take winning out their four remaining regular season games, a stretch which begins at noon Saturday against Boston College (19-8, 7-5), as well as at least two games in the tourney.

Once again, their backs are against the wall.

“We’ve got to win. Simple as that,” Haith said. “We have to find a way to win. If it takes us to play six or seven guys, that’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to win.”

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at [email protected].

SPORTSFEB . 1 9 TO FE B . 22 , 2009 1

Number of 3-point shots hit

by Jack McClinton Wednesday

against Florida State 3.2

Number of three-point

shots McClinton averages a game this

season

Canes fall to FSU, dim NCAA chancesMEN’S BASKETBALL

MELINA VASTOLA // FSView Staff

STIFLED: Hurricane Brian Asbury attempts a shot at the game against FSU last night. The Hurricanes lost 80-67.

McClinton held to 5 of 12 shootingBY LELAN LEDOUXSENIOR SPORTS WRITER

I don’t care about Davidson’s S t e p h e n Curry. I don’t care about Ken-t u c k y ’ s J o d i e Meeks. I don’t even care about Wake For-est’s Jeff Teague. All

I care about is Jack McClinton.McClinton is one of the

elite college basketball players in the nation. Before Wednes-day night’s game against Flori-da State, he was averaging 20.3 points per game and led the ACC, arguably the top basket-ball conference in the nation, in every 3-point category.

The Baltimore, Md., na-tive should be nominated for the John R. Wooden award in March, which honors the most “Outstanding College Basket-ball Player in the United States” based on his performance in the regular season, conference tour-nament and postseason, as well as his character.

Last season, North Caro-lina senior forward Tyler Hans-brough took home the award.

If No. 33 is not even a can-didate, clearly the 1,000 voters don’t respect him.

“I think if he played at a higher profile place, he would be a first or second team All-American,” ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said before the season started.

McClinton is drastically underrated. When you You-Tube his name, only one high-light pops up, and it’s from a 19-point loss to Clemson. How-ever, you can find every shot Curry nails and every rebound Hansbrough grabs.

You don’t come across his first 30-point game against

Northwestern his sophomore year. You don’t see how he guided the Hurricanes in last season’s big games against Vir-ginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Duke and Texas. So far this year, he has gone to work on Connecti-cut, Kentucky, Maryland, Wake Forest, the Blue Devils, Semi-noles and Tar Heels.

After McClinton scored 32 points in a win over the Demon Deacons, head coach Dino Gaudio called it “one of the best performances [he’s seen] in the eight years [he has] been in the ACC.”

After McClinton scored Miami’s last 18 points, finish-ing with 34 points including the game-tying deep 3-pointer to send the Hurricanes into overtime, he earned even more respect from Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

“It’s not luck. The kid is just a great player, a great shoot-er,” he said. “McClinton is just spectacular.”

Coach K even told Mc-Clinton after the game that he would do anything he could to help him get into the NBA.

“He is a gifted guy,” Flor-ida State head coach Leonard Hamilton said. “He can make the tough shots and if you give him space, he will make it. He has a unique skill because of his mentality.”

J-Mac will eventually be-come Miami’s all-time 3-point shooter and will hold the record for the best career 3-point shoot-ing percentage in the ACC.

“In 55 years in the history of the ACC, he is the leading man in history for 3-pointers,” said UNC head coach Roy Wil-liams Sunday night, when Mc-Clinton scored a season-high 35 points in a 69-65 loss. “That’s how good he is.”

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at [email protected].

McClinton is eliteBASKETBALL COMMENTARY

BY LELAN LEDOUXSENIOR SPORTS WRITER

12


12 ADVERTISEMENT THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

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dear ...The month on the calender shouldn’t affect your feelings...

,I just got back from my Valentine’s Day

date with my girlfriend of nine months. The dinner was going very well until my girlfriend told me that she loved me. I of course panicked and lied to her when I said, “I love you too.” Once she dropped that emotional bomb on me, I realized that I don’t have any romantic feel-ings for her anymore and want to end things. How soon after Valentine’s Day is it okay to dump her?

-The Heartbreak Kid

Dear Kid,

“Emotional bomb,” huh? You make romance sound like warfare. Duck and cover, your girlfriend loves you! You also make a little, pink Hallmark-holiday sound like a sacred, holy day. Here is the shocking truth: you went on a date last Saturday with a girl you’re seeing and she dropped the “L” word (gasp!).

The time of year should never dictate your feelings. You are entitled to move on whenever you’d like. That’s what dating is all about.

However, it is never a good time of year to mislead people. I know you don’t want to break her heart, because obviously she means something to you-- even if your

feelings aren’t romantic. So be honest. Tell her the “L” word scares you at this time because you aren’t at a point in your life when you are ready to make that declara-tion. There is nothing wrong with that.

It is all too common to see a guy who wants out of a relationship to start acting like a bachelor; never calling, talking less, lying, and dare I say it: slacking in the sack! Nobody wants that to happen. Can we agree on that? All the while, both you and your girlfriend can be spared. Don’t be a chicken. Man up.

If you want to end things, end things. Heartbreak is never pretty, any time of the year. But we are young, resilient people and her heart will mend. She’ll be okay!

You and your future-ex both deserve

to be happy. Prolong- ing a failed relationship is an obvious, surefire way to keep you both miserable.

And since you seem to care about the interests of both parties, I trust that you’ll do the right thing.

Best of Luck,V

P.S. Or you can always wait a few weeks and then start a meaningless fight... Just kidding!

Have a question for V? Hit up [email protected].

BRIEFSGOLF

Women place eighth at tournament in Miami Lakes

The University of Miami golf team fi nished eighth at the Qdoba Invitational at Don Shula’s Golf Resort in Miami Lakes, Fla., on Tuesday.

Sophomore Maria Ronderos shot an even-par 72 in the fi nal round, one of the lowest in the tour-nament, to tie for 16th. Her three-round total was 72, a season-low. Fellow sophomore Christina Hi-rano posted the second-best Hurricane score with a fi ve-over par 77 and a total of 230 for 22nd.

Georgia State took the team title with a 27-over par 891, while the Canes fi nished with a 67-over par 931.

Miami heads to the Edwin Watts/Kiawah Is-land Classic in South Carolina this weekend.

FOOTBALL

Three players named to All-ACC academic team

Senior center Xavier Shannon, freshman de-fensive back Brandon Harris and freshman receiver Laron Byrd were named to 2008 All-ACC Academic football team.

Shannon was one of only two players to start every game this past season, while Harris fi nished with 30 tackles and an interception. Byrd caught 21 passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns, includ-ing the game-tying TD against Virginia.

To be eligible for consideration, a player must have earned a 3.0 grade point average for the pre-vious semester and maintained a 3.0 cumulative average during his academic career.

TRACK/FIELD

Ahoure wins Performer of the Week for third time this season

For the third time this season, senior Murielle Ahoure received the honor of ACC Indoor Track and Field Performer of the Week, this time for her per-formance at the Texas A&M Invitational this past weekend.

Ahoure holds the world’s fastest time in the 60-meter dash at 7.17 seconds after breaking Lauyrn Williams’ record. In the 200-meter event, she won with a time of 23.14, which is also the fast-est time in the world. She has won all fi ve of her individual sprints this season.

-Christina De Nicola

Visit TheMiamiHurricane.com for additional coverage on:

Women’s basketball’s game against Boston College

Refl ections from Miami local and Canes pitcher Anthony Nalepa

Complete previews of Miami baseball’s position battles

IV


IV BASEBALL SPECIAL SECTION THE MIAMI HURRICANE February 19 - 22, 2009

The Miami Hurricane - Feb. 19, 2009

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Transcript of The Miami Hurricane - Feb. 19, 2009