Home Blog Page 164

From social media to stand-up: Connor Wood to bring his viral humor to Miami 

Get ready for a night of laughs as comedian Connor Wood, better known as @fibula to his millions of social media followers, makes his Miami Improv debut on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The 28-year-old California-based comic rose to fame during the pandemic, and now he’s bringing his unique blend of comedy to Miami as part of his “Fibs & Friends” tour.

Wood’s comedy career began in 2020 when he, like many, found himself with a lot of extra time during the COVID-19 quarantine.

“I went to UT Austin for marketing and business, worked at places like Bumble and Bird, and then the pandemic hit. I got let go, had so much time, got on TikTok, started doing some silly little jokes, messing around,” Wood said in an interview with The Hurricane. “Then I was like, this is real. This is comedy.”

Since then, things have only gone up. Wood has amassed millions of likes across his videos and co-hosts the popular podcast Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast with fellow comedian Brooke Averick, known to many online as @ladyefron.

Last year, he was named one of the “Comics to Watch” at the 2023 New York Comedy Festival, where he sold out four headlining shows. And now, Miami gets to experience his comedy live.

Wood is excited about performing in Miami for the first time, and he’s got a soft spot for Florida.

“I have some random connections to people in Florida. Maybe it’s Texas or maybe it’s just like, you know the Florida man,” Wood said. “I’m just excited to meet the Florida man.”

Known for his relatable rants and sharp observations about everyday life, Wood’s material resonates with audiences everywhere, including Miami.

“My original material was written for you,” Wood said. “I feel like it’s going to land perfectly. I might pick up some new material too, being in Florida.”

When asked how he would pitch his show to University of Miami students, Wood emphasized the interactive and community-driven nature of his comedy.

“It’s a lot more interactive than people think,” Wood said. “It’s a fun thing to do during the week. You get to sit, relax and I talk to the crowd. I get to know people.”

Wood’s shows also feature local comics, making it a great way to experience fresh talent. Even if you’re flying solo, don’t worry — according to Wood, many of his fans come alone and leave with new friends.

“Comedy brings people together. Comedy in person brings people together,” Wood said. “It’s like, I shouldn’t say it’s like church, but the community is tight and everything’s really nice.”

Whether you’re coming with friends, on a date or flying solo, Wood promises a night filled with laughter and surprises.

“It may be your first comedy show, but it’s never anybody’s last,” Wood said.

Catch Wood during his “Fibs & Friends” show at Miami Improv on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at this link.

Cohen: Takeaways from Miami’s sloppy victory over Virginia Tech 

0

The lights shined bright on a hot and humid night at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night. However, Miami couldn’t fully handle that light. Yes, the Hurricanes ended up winning the game but underperformed on both sides of the ball. 

As linebacker Fransisco Mauigoa said in his postgame presser, the Hurricanes “will have to go back to the drawing board” and show why they deserve to be at the top of the ACC.

Miami’s defense fell apart

After stellar defensive play through the first four games of the season, allowing a total of only 41 points, defensive lineman Tyler Baron and the rest of his defensive crew couldn’t find much success. The Hurricanes’ run defense allowed a staggering 206 rushing yards, 141 of those yards coming from Virginia Tech’s starting running back, Bhayshul Tuten.

Miami’s pass defense was also poor. Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones threw for 189 yards and converted key plays with his arm throughout the game. 

UM defensive back Mishael Powell did have an interception, but his coverage was not nearly as effective as it usually is. Virginia Tech wide receiver Ayden Greene caught a fourth-quarter touchdown pass over Powell, hauling in three receptions for 33 yards, including a touchdown.

Cam Ward didn’t have his best outing 

Even though Cam Ward threw for 343 yards, he did not play the same way as he did in the season opener against Florida or even last week’s game against the University of South Florida. 

From the start of the game, he played more rattled than he had previously. Ward gave the ball away three times over the course of the game, one of which was an attempted pass to wide receiver Xavier Restrepo in Virginia Tech’s territory that ended up in the hands of former Hurricane defender Kaleb Spencer. Spencer ended up running it 77 yards deep onto Miami’s side of the field.

However, Ward did show some signs of greatness. Late in the game, he evaded two would-have-been sacks and flipped a chest pass to tight end Riley Williams, which resulted in a big gain. In the first quarter, Ward pinpointed a pass in the end zone to Jacolby George, just barely splitting two Virginia Tech defenders. Later in the first half, Ward executed a beautiful ball fake and hit tight end Elijah Arroyo down the middle of the field for a 43-yard touchdown.

After the game, Ward owned up to his mistakes.

“Everything (Virginia Tech) did on defense, they showed on film. And you know I just got to be better next week,” Ward said.

This game gave Miami a reality check

The first four games for Miami was quite the cakewalk, as it defeated each opponent by a large margin. The start of ACC competition did not go the way the players or fans would like, just barely scratching out a victory against Virginia Tech. 

As previously mentioned, Miami’s defense struggled against both the run and the pass. Ward’s stats on paper looked great, but he missed several passes that he was making during the first four games of the season.

The competition for head coach Mario Cristobal and his players will likely increase as the Hurricanes face a gauntlet of ACC teams. 

Miami will travel across the country for next Saturday’s bout with California. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m.

Tim Burton revived Beetlejuice, but, like many other classics, he should have let it rest

0

When I was 13, I started my five-year obsession with the “Beetlejuice” franchise. I bought merchandise, watched the 1988 movie countless times and learned every song from the musical version. 

My mom even took me to see the musical off-Broadway, and I cried from excitement before the show started. To say I was equally as excited when the  “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” movie came out this month would have been an understatement.

That excitement lasted until I actually watched it. I sat in the theater on opening night, September 6, wore all of my merch and prepared myself to be amazed, but I left the theater feeling underwhelmed.

I probably should have known to significantly lower my expectations for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” I can’t recall a time where I was truly impressed by a sequel after such a classic — let alone one that came out 30 years after the first movie. While it has always been a trend to pump out sequels to old classics, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” proved that it’s time to stop disappointing fans and let classic storylines rest. 

Classic films transport viewers into worlds of new topics, characters, settings and ideas—many of which are completely unique to their cinematic universe and offer the audience a fresh experience. 

This was the case when “Beetlejuice” came out in 1988. Even though I wasn’t alive to see it on opening night, I still remember the first time I watched it. I was eight years old and staying up way past my bedtime in a hotel room. My mom turned on the TV, and “Beetlejuice” was on. 

I was amazed by and obsessed with Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and kind of grossed out —but in a good way —by Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. The edgy and comedic themes, along with Keaton’s iconic performance, made the film stand out among all the others I had seen as a horror-obsessed child. 

I can’t exactly say the same for the sequel.

In “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the same characters, jokes, tropes and storylines from the first movie were overused and easily tired. This time around, the best Beetlejuice joke was a grimy “spilling” of his guts during a fake couples therapy session. The rest of the jokes felt like they came straight out of the brain of a 13-year old boy who had watched the original once. The number of sex jokes, including one about a terrifying Beetlejuice baby, was kind of appalling. 

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” attempted to draw in viewers by casting one of the newest young movie stars (I’m looking at you, Jenna Ortega). Even though Ortega is a great actress, her character as Astrid Deetz was no match for the storyline and performance Ryder gave as Lydia Deetz. 

Ortega has also already played a Tim Burton character who falls in love with a guy only to find out that he’s a monster. I know this is a sequel, but we shouldn’t be copying from other movies as well.

The new characters were thrown together with extremely predictable storylines, and even though they tried to capture the magic of the original cast, they just fell short. I can’t even count how many films I have seen where the mother and daughter start with a strained relationship, only to escape impending doom and somehow heal all of their issues. Don’t even get me started on the “everything goes wrong on Halloween” trope. 

You’re telling me both Astrid and Lydia Deetz, strong women who became independent from a young age, don’t realize when they are being used by men? How many guys preying on the Deetz family do we really need in one movie? I think we can leave that sexist trope in the past. 

I feel like the main reason for the creation of these sequels is because of the money. In 1988, the original “Beetlejuice” only made $8 million opening weekend, and $77 million during its entire time in theaters, while “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” made a whopping $110 million during opening weekend alone. 

“Beetlejuice” became a “comedic classic” according to the New Yorker’s Pauline Kael whofirst reviewed the film in 1988. Many people, including myself, continued to consume the old content and spend money on the franchise even decades after the classic film was released. The production team saw the success the original film still has today and decided to push their luck with the sequel. The promise of more money is enough to make most companies jump at the opportunity. 

This logic could be the case for some of the other crazy-bad sequels we’ve also been subjected to. For example, the 2024 musical version of “Mean Girls” was slammed across Tiktok and Instagram for being generally bad and cringe worthy. It also featured a lot of poor product placement, which some viewers claimed made the movie seem like a big advertisement. This ties back to the money trend. “Mean Girls” 2024 made $104 million worldwide during its time in theaters. 

However, box office metrics don’t always mean a movie is good. The original “Mean Girls” received a Rotten Tomatoes critic rating of 84%, while the musical remake scored 69%

With all of the time between the releases of each movie, the anticipation and expectations built beyond what producers can actually pull off. It is hard for these movies to stand out due to the large shadow cast upon them from their predecessors. 

It is time we let classic films like “Beetlejuice” rest. We can still enjoy the original movies without needing a sequel to them. My advice? Save your money and a trip to theaters. Just re-watch the original version. It is still just as amazing as when it first hit theaters.

Richter Library takes a stand against censorship

“Fahrenheit 451.” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” “The Hunger Games.” “To Kill a Mockingbird.” These classics have one thing in common: they are all on banned book lists across the country. 

According to the American Library Association (ALA), 4,240 book titles were challenged to be removed from schools and libraries in 2023. This is a 65% increase in censorship from 2022 to 2023. 

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, said on their website, “Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs.”

Banned books have been a problem in our country for decades. From book burnings in the 1930s to present day censorship laws, book banning has remained a prevalent issue. 

As political trends make their way into our schools and libraries, more educators are highlighting the sheer importance of keeping books on shelves. This message is encouraged by the ALA’s Banned Books Week theme of the year, “Freed Between the Lines.”

“You are able to find a lot of freedom when you read books,” UM Peer Research and Learning Coordinator, Nyabi Benjamin said. “Especially books that are meant or thought of as controversial; those are usually the books that you find the most sort of perspective from.”

With more books being banned every year, more libraries across the country are showing support for keeping these books on shelves. However, with more state administrations instating censorship laws, it is getting increasingly difficult for public schools to support the cause. 

Even community colleges like  Miami-Dade College are facing issues with getting access to books requested by students and professors. Because UM is a privately funded school, the Richter library can celebrate Banned Books Week and listen to the University community. 

“You see that we have a lot of immigrants, we have a lot of queer people that we are, you know, voicing and helping to support,” Benjamin said.

Front and center at Richter Library, you will find a display of banned books that are available to check out, unlike many Florida colleges. There are also pamphlets and a PowerPoint that shows more information about censorship. 

Banned Books Week is celebrated from Sept. 22 through Sept. 28, but the displayed books are available to check out year-round. Benjamin stressed the importance of raising awareness for censorship.

“There’s a lot of people who genuinely don’t know that there are still book banning’s happening,” Benjamin said. “Censorship issues are definitely increasing unfortunately, so it’s something to just remain aware of.”

 Visit the Richter Library to show your support for Banned Books Week and see their website for more information. 

No. 7 Miami survives Virginia Tech as hail mary touchdown is overturned, winning 38-34

0

“Did that just happen?”

Down four with five seconds on the clock, Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones sent a prayer into the back of the endzone, looking to achieve the improbable.

It all came down to Hokies wide receiver Da’Quan Felton and Hurricane receiver-playing-safety Isaiah Horton. As the ball came down from the sky, both players came down with the ball.

The crowd at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday erupted after holding their breaths, as Horton showed the ball to the fans. But, the officials on the field ruled it a touchdown for Virginia Tech, causing the away team to storm the field.

After a tense, five-minute review that decided the game, the officials reversed the call, giving Miami the 38-34 win, igniting the crowd once again.

‘Canes football rushes the field to celebrate their 38-34 win over Virginia Tech after an overturned touchdown call at Hard Rock Stadium on Sep. 27, 2024. Photo Credit: Alexandra Fisher

“I saw an incomplete pass,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said.

Late in the fourth quarter, down three, Miami needed some fortune to complete a 10-point comeback.

On fourth-and-three, down three, UM senior receiver Xavier Restrepo caught a pass from quarterback Cam Ward while on his back, keeping the drive and the Hurricane hopes alive.

Two plays later, Ward evaded two potential sacks and threw a chest pass to sophomore tight end Riley Williams, who sprinted down to the one yard line.

Just after the two minute timeout, Ward found Horton in the endzone to complete the comeback.

It was tough sledding for Ward this evening, uncharacteristic of his first four starts. The Washington State transfer finished the night completing 63 percent of his throws, tallying five total touchdowns, throwing for 343 yards and committing three turnovers.

“Right now, I don’t feel good about this game,” Ward said. “We had three turnovers on offense, so there is nothing to feel good about.”

On the first drive of the game, Ward was trying to make something out of nothing. After avoiding defensive pressure on third-and five, Ward got hit as he tried throwing and fumbled the ball into the hands of Virginia Tech linebacker Sam Brumfield.

credit: Alexandra Fisher, Co-Photo-Editor // Senior quarterback Cam Ward lines up to throw the game-winning final touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Miami’s game against Virginia Tech on Sep. 27, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium. Photo Credit: Alexandra Fisher

Ward bounced back on his second drive, taking Miami 58 yards in five plays. Following a 45-yard catch by redshirt junior tight end Elijah Arroyo, Ward threw a rifle to senior Jacolby George for an 18-yard touchdown. 

One of the biggest differences in Miami’s offense this season is the use of tight end play. In 2023, UM tight ends totaled 154 yards and one touchdown all year. Five games into 2024, the tight ends have tallied 493 yards for six touchdowns.

The tide turned for the ’Canes in the second quarter, giving the momentum to the Hokies.

On third and goal, Ward tried forcing a pass to Xavier Restrepo but was picked off by Mose Phillips III, who ran the interception back 33 yards. 

Minutes later, senior running back Bhayshul Tuten broke a tackle, then broke free for a 55-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14.

Ward continued his struggles in the third, throwing his second interception of the game at the goal line to former Miami linebacker Kaleb Spencer, who ran the pick back 77 yards.

Perhaps the biggest boost for the Hurricanes came in the third quarter. Down 10, the Hokies faked a field goal attempt, but linebacker Malik Bryant read the fake right away and prevented Virginia Tech from extending the lead.

Following the turnover on downs, Miami outscored Virginia Tech 21-7.

credit: Alexandra Fisher, Co-Photo-Editor // Fifth-year redshirt junior defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor smiles and looks up to the crowd after Miami’s win against Virginia Tech on Sep. 27, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium. Photo Credit: Alexandra Fisher

One of the biggest concerns for the Hurricanes was stopping the Virginia Tech ground game, which UM struggled defending all night long.

The duo of Drones and Tuten torched the Miami defense. Against a program that allowed just 64.8 yards on the ground coming into the game, the Hokies ran for 206 yards.

Miami’s win over the Hokies is the first time the Hurricanes have started the season 5-0 since 2017, when they finished the year 10-3.

Following the wacky finish, the Hurricanes will head west for an ACC matchup with the California Golden Bears on Saturday. The game at California Memorial Stadium will start at 10:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Olivia O’Brien and Cheat Codes will perform at the 2024 Homecoming Concert

Oliva O’Brien and Cheat Codes will be performing at the Homecoming Concert presented by Hurricane Productions at 8p.m. in the Watsco Center on Oct. 24.

Oliva O’Brien is a pop star who went viral from her collaboration with Gnash called, “I Hate U, I Love U.”

Cheat Codes is DJ trio based in Los Angeles. Their single with Demi Lovato, “No Promises,” helped shoot them into stardom. The hit is certified Platnium by the Recording Industry of America.

Hurricanes soccer battles to the end with No. 6 Stanford, falling 1-0

0

The Miami Hurricanes soccer team (3-4-2) suffered defeat late Thursday night in Palo Alto to perennial powerhouse Stanford (10-1), with the final score at 1-0.

In a new normal for Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, the ‘Canes took a long flight to US West Coast for a matchup with the Cardinal. Stanford came into the game ranked No. 6 in the country, as the ACC has seven of the teams in the top 25 poll.

The ‘Canes redshirt freshman forward, Moira Flynn, kicked off the action with two shots within the first ten minutes of the match. Miami was able to get three corner kicks in the Stanford end during this time also, yet they were unable to yield a goal from these opportunities.

However, the Hurricanes were unable to get another corner kick for the rest of the game, and only one more shot was taken by Miami in the second half for a total of four shots in the game. Miami pushed the pace and had many promising situations in Stanford’s end in the second half, but nearly none resulted in shots even with Miami’s possession dominance.

Meanwhile, on the Stanford side, freshman defender Lizzie Boamah from San Diego netted the only goal on the night for the Cardinal in the 17th minute. This came off of an assist from Andrea Kitahata, a redshirt junior forward.

In spite of the loss, the performance of Hurricanes goalkeeper Gray Willson should be noted. She played for all 90 minutes and was able to net a career-high nine saves, including six in the first half. Her performance allowed for Miami to stay within one goal for the duration of the evening.

Coach Ken Masuhr praised Willson and her teammates after their performance Thursday night while speaking to Hurricanes Athletics.

“Credit to Gray Willson who had a stellar performance with several key saves, as well as the rest of our four freshmen that started tonight. Our team is capable of a result on Sunday against Cal, and we will prepare over the next few days to give ourselves the best chance to bring one back.”

The Hurricanes will look to bounce back Sunday afternoon against Cal in Berkeley, California. Kickoff is set for 4 PM ET from Edwards Stadium on September 29.

Miami men’s basketball’s conference games revealed

0

With the basketball season right around the corner, the University of Miami men’s basketball team has released its conference schedule. The Hurricanes ended last season on a 10-game losing streak, all in conference, so no game can be taken lightly.

That being said, outside of the ACC opener against a Clemson team that made the Elite Eight last year, Miami won’t even play a team that even made the NCAA tournament until midway through January when it heads to Duke.

The Hurricanes’ schedule eases up from there as they take on the ACC’s new teams – SMU, Stanford and California – in a three-game stretch. Of these three, only SMU was over .500 last season, and none of these teams made it to March Madness. Stanford held one of the worst defenses in college basketball in 2023-24, ranked No. 304 out of 362 teams. Miami will take on Stanford and California on the road in back-to-back games.

After that West Coast road trip at the halfway point of the season, Miami will take on Virginia, which finished third in the ACC last year. The next six games after they’ll face teams with an average win percentage of 44%, including Notre Dame and Louisville, which surrounded Miami as the 13th and 15th ranked teams in the ACC, respectively.

Miami’s hardest stretch is within its last four regular-season games. Three of the final four games are against Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina State – the conference’s strongest teams last year. NC State struggled in ACC play last year but came alive to end its season strong, winning the ACC and losing in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. Duke and North Carolina will likely remain strong, but NC State lost DJ Burns Jr., who was the engine of their Cinderella run. 

Miami’s struggles late in the season, especially in conference, killed a team that started the season 11-2.

In response to this, the Hurricanes went through an offseason of changes.

New faces like freshman Jalil Bethea and transfers Jalen Blackmon, Lynn Kidd, and Brandon Johnson are expected to be instant contributors. Head coach Jim Larrañaga will need time to find the right lineups and there will be growing pains. This light beginning of conference play overall gives Miami a chance to build some momentum, work out the kinks and be ready to attack the back stretch of the season.

If the Hurricanes can brave any early season woes that come with the roster changes, it could prime them for a bounceback year. Miami’s season starts in just over a month on November 4 with a matchup against Fairleigh Dickinson.

No. 7 ‘Canes kick off ACC schedule against Virginia Tech on Friday

0

After cruising in the second half to a win over in-state adversary USF on Saturday, the seventh-ranked Miami Hurricanes football team prepares to face their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent in the Virginia Tech Hokies at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night.

This will be the first meeting between the Hokies and Hurricanes since 2022. It was previously featured as an annual rivalry between the schools who were both members of the ACC’s Coastal Division. Although the Hokies are no longer on the schedule every year for the ‘Canes, it has been considered a rivalry by some amongst the program as Virginia Tech consistently has been one of the better teams across the ACC. Miami leads the all-time series 25-15.

The Hokies came into the year with very lofty expectations, with some analysts such as Pat McAfee predicting that they would win the ACC and grab a top-four seed in the College Football Playoff.

However, these goals were quickly washed away for the Hokies, who lost in Week 1 to Vanderbilt, falling 34-27 in overtime in the matchup on August 31. After rattling off two ensuing wins against Marshall and Old Dominion, the Hokie squad led by third year Head Coach Brent Pry fell 26-23 last Saturday against Big Ten opponent Rutgers.

In spite of their rocky start, Virginia Tech is without a doubt the best team on paper that the Hurricanes will have faced up to this point in their 2024 campaign. 

Coach Mario Cristobal told reporters Monday that Virginia Tech is “one of [Miami’s] storied rivals” who “are as talented as anybody that we have faced, and then some.”

“They’re very organized, they’re really good tacklers. On defense, they’re long; a lot of athletic ability, a lot of speed…They’re a loaded football team. Their quarterback is an extremely explosive, dangerous, accurate player; a great leader.”

Kyron Drones, the Hokies’ starting quarterback who is actually a cousin of Miami’s Cam Ward, has been nationally recognized and was on multiple preseason Heisman Trophy watchlists. As Coach Cristobal pointed out, he can make plays all over the field and create many problems for defenses.

Drones has thrown for 765 yards through four games and is second on the team in rushing, with 209 yards on 52 carries. He only trails senior running Back Bhayshul Tuten, who has 391 yards on 67 carries.

However, the Hurricanes defense appears to be as stout as ever. Led by Francisco Mauigoa and Simeon Barrow Jr., the unit has yet to allow more than 17 points in a game this season. The group stifled the USF offense led by a similarly explosive quarterback in Byrum Brown.

Additionally, preseason all-ACC defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. could possibly return Friday night, Coach Cristobal told WQAM’s “The Joe Rose Show.” It would be a big help for the ‘Canes to get back one of their stars before moving into the toughest part of their season.

As always, look for quarterback Cam Ward and star receiver Xavier Restrepo to utilize their dynamic connection down the field. On the season, Restrepo has reeled in 20 catches for 362 yards and five touchdowns. 

As the ‘Canes have continued to stack wins in their 2024 campaign, expect a large crowd on hand for Friday night’s ACC duel. With no other ranked college football teams playing Friday, expect the eyes of the nation to be on the ‘Canes also.

The game kicks off at 7:30 PM Friday, September 25. The game will air on ESPN.

Hurricanes Volleyball suffers road loss at Florida State

0

The Miami Hurricanes volleyball team took a tough loss on Wednesday night in a five set battle against rival Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. 

After the game’s start was moved up from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. as a storm precaution for Hurricane Helene, a lengthy match of back-and-forth play began. 

Although the match was a relatively close one, it was clear that Miami was outscored in every statistical category besides attack errors. From the moment both teams stepped on the court, they brought a level of intensity that has not yet been seen in ACC play, but FSU’s polished performance emerged victorious and left the ‘Canes in shambles.

Both teams had earned their way to a final set when the Seminoles got hot, tallying a fifth set kill percentage of .500 to seal the win.

Junior Flormarie Heredia Colon put up a remarkable performance with 19 kills, 16 digs, and led the leaderboard with an astonishing 62 attacks for the ‘Canes.Miami knew from the very beginning that they would have to work twice as hard if they wanted to beat a team as skilled as the Seminoles, but their best efforts were not enough in this loss. 

The ‘Canes look for redemption as they face FSU once again at their home court on Sept. 28.

Fall in love with Starbucks’ 2024 fall drinks

0

As the fall season of midterms, quizzes and projects approaches, Starbucks once again welcomes the cozy autumn vibes with their fall 2024 lineup of signature drinks. 

This year’s offerings are a blend of familiar favorites and a few new creations that capture the essence of the season.

Pumpkin Spice Latte 

The pumpkin spice latte continues to be a fan favorite. Offered hot or iced, it’s a perfect blend of espresso, steamed milk and the iconic pumpkin spice flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. 

The drink can be topped with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice. While some may argue it’s overhyped, the latte is a symbol of fall itself—still worth revisiting for those who love a sweet, spiced treat.

Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso 

This new drink brings an innovative twist to a classic autumn flavor. Starbucks took its beloved iced shaken espresso and gave it a seasonal makeover with apple crisp syrup and oat milk, delivering a smooth, subtly sweet drink that’s lighter than a traditional latte. 

It perfectly balances coffee and fall flavors, making it an ideal choice for those who want a cold, refreshing option with just a hint of seasonal sweetness.

Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato 

The apple crisp oat milk macchiato is a delicious, non-dairy addition to the fall lineup. The drink combines rich espresso with apple crisp syrup and creamy oat milk, delivering a lightly sweet, spiced flavor. 

The apple, cinnamon and brown sugar notes evoke spices, while the oat milk adds a smooth and nutty depth. Available both iced and hot, the macchiato adapts to your preference—refreshing when cold, indulgent when warm. 

With its balanced sweetness and warm apple flavors, it’s a perfect choice for those looking for a comforting yet sophisticated fall drink that’s also dairy-free.

Apple Crisp Non Dairy Cream Chai 

This addition offers a delightful fusion of warm chai spices and autumn-inspired apple flavors. This drink blends the boldness of chai tea with the sweetness of apple crisp syrup and a rich, non-dairy cream, creating a perfectly balanced, cozy beverage. 

The non-dairy cream adds a smooth, velvety texture without overpowering the chai’s spice, while the apple flavor adds a subtle fruity twist. 

Ideal for those who enjoy chai but want a seasonal flair, this drink is comforting, flavorful and a great option for dairy-free customers seeking fall-inspired warmth or refreshment.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew 

This returning favorite pairs smooth, bold cold brew coffee with a rich layer of pumpkin cream cold foam, offering a lighter alternative to the traditional pumpkin spice latte. 

The cold foam, infused with pumpkin and warm spices, adds a creamy texture and sweetness without overwhelming the coffee’s natural flavor. 

Topped with a dusting of pumpkin spice, it’s the perfect drink for those who love autumn but prefer a less sugary option. Its balance of pumpkin flavor and strong coffee makes it ideal for cool, crisp fall mornings.

Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai

Another returning fall favorite that blends the rich, spiced flavors of chai tea with the seasonal sweetness of pumpkin. 

The chai’s bold notes of cinnamon, cardamom and clove are complemented by a layer of creamy pumpkin foam, creating a perfect balance between spice and sweetness. 

Served over ice, this drink offers a refreshing take on the classic autumn chai, with the pumpkin adding warmth. For those who enjoy chai but want a seasonal twist, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai is a delicious and satisfying choice. 

Overview

Starbucks’ fall 2024 menu caters to both tradition and innovation. Whether you’re a loyal pumpkin spiced latte devotee or seeking something new like the apple crisp non dairy cream chai, there’s something for every kind of fall drink lover. 

While the staples like pumpkin spice latte remain strong, newcomers like the iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso breathe fresh life into the season’s offerings, giving customers more variety than ever before.

‘Just completely unexpected:’ Néstor Carbonell on winning his first Emmy for ‘Shōgun’

Most actors won’t gain twenty pounds and grow out a scruffy beard for a guest role. Néstor Carbonell isn’t like most actors. Now, he has an Emmy to prove it.

“Never in a million years did I think something like this would come of it,” Carbonell said.

On Sept. 8, Carbonell, a UM parent, walked up on stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to accept his Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for “Shōgun.” He helped bring the show’s total Creative Arts Emmy award wins to 14.

His role as Vasco Rodrigues, a foul-mouthed Spanish pirate, brought comedic relief to the tense drama. The unforgettable banter between Rodrigues and Cosmo Jarvis’ Blackthorne made Carbonell more than a guest actor to the Television Academy. 

Carbonell’s world came to a standstill when he heard Jaime Lee Curtis announce his victory.

“It was lovely to be honored that way by the Academy,” Carbonell said. “To win was just completely unexpected.”

His first prime time gig was as a guest actor in “Law & Order” 33 years ago. To win while directing an episode of “Law & Order” made the award all the more sentimental.

“It was meaningful to me in a very full circle way, but also as an actor in a way to remind me how valuable that role is,” Carbonell said. 

As a guest star, Carbonell had to steal the show while not taking the spotlight from the main cast. Viewers and the Television Academy found his technique masterful.

The novel “Shōgun” was previously adapted into a television mini-series in the 1980s. Carbonell refrained from seeing its portrayal of Rodrigues by John Rhys-Davies to deliver his own take on the infamous joker.

“I remember loving it as a kid, but I didn’t want to go back to it,” Carbonell said. “I just wanted to have my own sort of take on the role and not be colored by it.”

He was awestruck walking through recreations of imperial Japanese villages in Vancouver. Wearing the costume designer Carlos Rosario’s hand-made accessories took him back in time.

Crew members helped him perfect his Japanese and Castilian accent. Learning Japanese customs, like how to properly bow, was part of the routine. 

“When you have that much talent around you and you do as much homework as you can, it just helps you get into that character even more,” Carbonell said.

Despite his family’s demands to keep it front and center, he keeps his award tucked away.

He’s taking his acclaimed skills to the director’s chair. Carbonell is directing an episode of “Law & Order” and prepares to return to Apple TV’s “The Morning Show” for its fourth season.

“‘The Morning Show’ is keeping me more than busy in the best way possible,” Carbonell said. “It’s such a beautifully written season by Charlotte Stout.”

The Emmy-winning drama series will be shooting through Thanksgiving. 

Don’t lose track of Néstor Carbonell’s growing, impressive filmography. Catch him on “The Morning Show” and prepare for “Shōgun” season two by watching his award-winning performance on Hulu.