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No. 8 Miami heads to Tampa for in-state matchup against USF

Jayden Gonzalez
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No. 8 Miami heads to Tampa for in-state matchup against USF

Following a dominant performance last week against the Ball State Cardinals, the eighth-ranked Miami Hurricanes look to continue their strong play as the team travels north to face the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls.

This is the first matchup between the ‘Canes and the Bulls since 2013. Miami won the most recent matchup, winning 49-21 in Tampa. UM leads the in-state battle 5-1.

The 2-1 Bulls are coming off a road win against Southern Mississippi, in which their offense ran for 369 yards. South Florida’s rushing attack is averaging 268.7 rushing yards per game, good enough for eighth in the nation.

The week before, the Bulls hung around for over 45 minutes against No. 4 Alabama, staying within one point for over three quarters. Alabama pulled away in the fourth, winning 42-16.

“It doesn’t take what three or four clips watching them play against the University of Alabama for everybody to realize how good of a team that really is,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said to reporters. “We’re excited for a great challenge.”

USF is led by junior quarterback Byrum Brown. The dual threat signal caller does it all for the Bulls, being the team’s leading passer and rusher. In three games this season, Brown has thrown for 448 yards and run for 254 and has thrown for 448 while tallying two touchdowns as a runner and a passer.

In 2023, Brown joined Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels as the only quarterback in the nation with 3000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. Containing USF’s ground game will be a major focal point for Miami.

The Hurricanes’ run defense has been stout through the first three games of the season and will need another strong performance on Saturday. The ’Canes allow 65.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 12th in the nation.

UM’s offense will be spearheaded once again by Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward, who has thrust himself into Heisman conversations early on this season.

With Ward under center, the Hurricanes are averaging 53 points per game and throwing for 405 yards per game, good enough for fifth and second in the country, respectively. Ward this season has completed 73 percent of his passes, throwing for 1035 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception. South Florida head coach Alex Golesh sang his praises for the senior quarterback.

“He’s really special,” Golesh told reporters. “I mean, man, he can make every throw on the field. Moves around in the pocket extremely well, really confident. You watch all three games, and he’s a really, really confident young man. Without knowing him, he looks like he’s got incredible command of the offense, and everybody’s in sync.”

Ward’s connection with fifth-year senior wideout Xavier Restrepo has been a vital piece for Miami’s offense. After a 2023 campaign that placed the wide receiver on the All-ACC First Team, Restrepo hasn’t slowed down. In three games this season, Restrepo has 14 catches for 263 yards and four touchdowns.

UM is expected to walk into another tough atmosphere on Saturday. On Sunday, the University of South Florida’s X account reported record-breaking student ticket purchases, enough to open the 300-level of Raymond James Stadium for the first time this season. The crowd on Saturday night could hit upwards of 60,000 people. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. and will air on ESPN.

What makes Cam Ward so good as the Hurricanes QB?

Brendan Cafferty
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What makes Cam Ward so good as the Hurricanes QB?

In the history of the Miami Hurricanes football program there have been two Heisman trophy winners: Vinny Testeverde and Gino Torretta. The ‘Canes are now projected to add another, quarterback Cam Ward.

Ward has elevated his game in his senior season and smashed the expectations set for him coming to UM as a transfer. To those who knew him before, however, his performance has hardly been a surprise.

“I think Cam deserves to be mentioned with the best quarterbacks in the country, period. I think he continues to show that, and I think nationally we undervalue him and what he’s doing,” said Ward’s former coach at Washington State, Jake Dickert, prior to the 2024-25 season.

Ward’s play at WSU makes it clear why his coaches spoke so highly of him. The elusiveness and ability to extend broken plays that UM fans have recently been exposed to was on full display in his years playing for the Cougars.

In WSU’s 2023 matchup versus the nationally ranked Oregon State Beavers, Ward led his team to an upset victory, racking up 404 passing yards at an 82% completion rate. The game included a highlight reel play that saw him navigating a collapsing pocket at the end of the first half, and threading a pass into the endzone to receiver Josh Kelly for six.

Now, sporting the green and orange for the Hurricanes, Ward continues to make plays of that same nature.

In the ‘Canes recent contest against Ball State, in just over a half of play, Ward totaled 346 passing yards with five touchdowns. Ward’s short passing game was uninterrupted, with four of his five TDs being from 21 yds or less, showcasing his accuracy when faced with pressure, connecting with tight end Elijah Arroyo for six while fading back with a rusher in his face.

In his time at WSU, Ward’s talents were clear, but he flew relatively under the radar. In part, WSU struggled to give Ward adequate protection in the pocket. In 2022 and 2023, Ward was sacked 46 and 38 times, respectively. For reference, on the National Championship winning Michigan team last year, QB J.J. McCarthy was sacked 19 times. 

The effect on Ward’s play was clear, his hesitancy to remain in the pocket was clear in his time at WSU. His tendency to escape or drop back rather than climb the pocket was apparent in his film.

However, his improvement has been just as clear in his time in Miami so far. In his three games playing for the ‘Canes, Ward has made a statement as a changed player.

In such a short time, it is impossible not to see the drastic change in demeanor by the quarterback. Brimming with confidence on each drive, he remains composed in the pocket, dealing the ball behind a dominant offensive line.

So, it begs the question: What can fans expect from him going forward?

Ward’s strengths lie in the quick game. He looks to sneak the ball under the secondary to slot receiver Xavier Restrepo or tight ends Elijah Arroyo and Cam McCormick. He will also utilize the speed Miami possesses down the sidelines with receivers Isaiah Horton and Jacolby George, capable of getting large chunks of yards after the catch.

Throughout the season, as Ward begins to settle even more and develop chemistry with his teammates, expect him to rely more on his arm than his legs. Rather than drop back to give himself time to go through his progressions, Ward should gain comfort in his pre-snap reads and have a quicker release after the snap to then hit his receivers in stride.

With upcoming conference matchups, Ward’s play so far is a good sign for the Hurricanes. Based on what he’s displayed, it might not be too early to say expect the ‘Canes to keep climbing the rankings.

Unwind with free weekly movie nights hosted by HP’s Cinematic Arts Commission

Erika Guzman
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Unwind with free weekly movie nights hosted by HP’s Cinematic Arts Commission

Need a break from your schoolwork? Grab your friends and head over to the Bill Cosford Cinema, where the Cinematic Arts Commission is showing more free blockbuster films this semester. 

Whether you’re a horror fanatic, adrenaline junkie or just in need of a good laugh, CAC has curated the perfect list of films for this fall. Keep reading for this semester’s film lineup: 

Sep. 18 & 21 — Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 

This action-packed prequel to the “Mad Max” series offers an in-depth look at Furiosa. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the resilient, war-ridden truck driver from the previous films. 

Stop by Cosford to see  what life-changing events transformed an innocent little girl into the fierce, resilient warrior fans have come to love. 

Sep. 25 & 28 — Monkey Man 

Dev Patel’s directorial debut tells the story of Monkey Man, a man recently released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit. 

Monkey Man sets out on a journey to seek revenge from those who wronged him and the system that failed him. He navigates the chaotic world filled with corruption, greed and violence in modern-day India.

Oct. 2 & 5 — Inside Out 2

Get ready to dive back into the colorful world of emotions with Inside Out 2. As Riley prepares to enter high school, she is forced to navigate the complexities of adolescence. 

Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust return to help, but new emotions — including anxiety — join the crew. Will it be too much for Riley to handle? 

This sequel combines stunning animation with heartfelt storytelling. Director Kelsey Mann promises viewers, “It’s one everyone can relate to.” 

With so many touching moments scattered throughout the film, don’t forget to bring your tissues. 

Oct. 16 & 19 — A Quiet Place: Day One 

Get into the Halloween spirit with the prequel to the infamous horror franchise, “A Quiet Place: Day One.” 

Sam, a terminally ill cancer patient, fights for her life as New York City gets invaded by aliens that attack anything that makes noise. 

Watch these ordinary citizens adjust to a terrifying new reality where silence is the only way to survive. 

Oct. 30 & Nov. 2 — MaXXXine 

This third installment ends Ti West’s A24 trilogy following the films “X” and “Pearl.”. 

It picks up on the story of Maxine Mink (Mia Goth) as she moves  to Los Angeles to become a famous actress. As she chases stardom, a serial killer gets in her way and threatens to reveal her sinister past. 

Nov. 6 & 9 — Twisters 

Get your cowboy hats ready, and prepare to step into the eye of the storm with “Twisters.” Set in the American midwest, join meteorologist Kate Carter (DaisyEdgar-Jones) and storm chaser Tyler Owens (Glen Powell) as they fight for their lives in intense tornadoes.

Featuring electrifying special effects, captivating drama and songs by Luke Combs, this film will keep you on the edge of your seats. 

Nov. 13 & 16 — Challengers 

Who knew tennis could get so dramatic? “Challengers,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, is perfect for sports lovers. It explores the messy dynamic between personal ambition, love and competition. 

The film follows Tashi (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy, and her husband, Art (Mike Faist), a famous tennis player on a losing streak. In a tournament, he must face his toughest opponent yet,  his former best friend and her ex-lover, Patrick (Josh O’Connor). 

As the competition heats up, a web of lies and unresolved feelings are revealed. 

Dec. 4 & 7 — Deadpool & Wolverine 

Two of Marvel’s most iconic and beloved characters close out the fall 2024  CAC screenings. “Deadpool & Wolverine” stars Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, the wisecracking mercenary, and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, the indestructible mutant with a dark past. 

This film explores their clashing personalities as they  step into explosive action. 

From special screenings to exclusive giveaways, follow @hpmiami_cac on Instagram to stay updated. The Cosford Cinema is located on the second floor of the Dooley Memorial Building. 

Academics’ art: the Ashe Building student gallery

Morgan Fry
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Academics’ art: the Ashe Building student gallery

Step inside the Ashe Building at the College of Arts and Sciences to see this semester’s student exhibition. From remarkable paintings to poignant digital designs, UM’s best is displayed for the community. 

This is UM’s first undergraduate student gallery where students have been able to put their work up for sale. 

“Showcasing student art helps to highlight the importance of creativity and the arts within the academic sphere,” Milly Cardoso, one of the exhibition’s curators, said. “It demonstrates that artistic endeavors are integral to a well-rounded education.”

In order to be eligible to submit artwork, students had to complete at least one class in the Department of Art and Art History regardless of their major. 

The department’s senior staff, including Senior Preparator Devin Caserta, hung and installed the pieces.  

Feast your eyes on some of the best pieces UM has to offer at the Ashe Administration Building.

A Night in the Woods 

Matthew Bernard, a sophomore computer science major, completed this digital art piece using Adobe Fresco last spring semester. Freedom and equanimity are captured through the bison placed in the night sky. 

“Have you ever walked into a forest and stepped on the wrong branch or something and you’re like, ‘what’s that?’” Bernard said. “That’s what this painting is supposed to represent as we have a lot of dark colors. The idea is that even though you’re walking through the forest and you think you might see something, that shouldn’t stop you from being able to keep on moving on.” 

Impasse of Predicament Series 

Senior ecosystem science and policy major Nick Reynolds is interested in surrealist art and wanted to create an eerie feeling for the observer in his painting. It features a man sitting in a dark tennis stadium at night. It will make you want to look over your shoulder.

“I thought it would be very interesting to incorporate a setting like this where it’s kind of out of place, but it also works,” Reynolds said. “If this was taken during the day, it would be very different than me taking it at two in the morning.” 

Ode to Teofilo Victoria 

Juan Jose Chinchilla graduated in the spring of 2024, but that didn’t stop his work from being proudly displayed at this fall’s art show. Chinchilla had Teofilo Victoria as a professor, who passed away last spring. 

He dedicated this abstract piece to him using acrylic paint. The painting showcases a building that Victoria had students model their projects after. 

“I didn’t spend too much time actually painting it, that’s why it’s very gestural,” Chinchilla said.  “I felt like he was an amazing professor and professional.” 

The collection is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Don’t miss out on seeing the rest of the pieces. 

As curator Nathan Timpano puts it, “It’s always important to continually highlight to the larger UM community the remarkable skills and artistic talents of our undergraduate students.”

Be sure to take a trip to Ashe to experience the stretch of paintings along the walls. Whether you’re looking to take a trip into the world of abstract art or are fascinated by digital design, you’re sure to be inspired.

Comedian Ms. Pat brings the heat to Miami

Samantha Rodriguez
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Comedian Ms. Pat brings the heat to Miami

Patricia “Pat” Williams never wanted to be a comedian. Giving birth to her first child at fourteen changed her priorities. Selling drugs to support her children became her life. 

Struggling, her caseworker encouraged her to try comedy. Once Pat took the stage, she never looked back.

“I got on stage, and I was like, ‘Okay, this is me,’” Ms. Pat said.

Now, Ms. Pat has a Netflix stand-up special, “Ms. Pat: Y’all Wanna Hear Something Crazy?,” with raved reviews. Her hit series, “The Ms. Pat Show,” just earned its third Emmy nomination. And she’s not done.

The Atlanta native is bringing her raunchy comedy to The Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 4. Expect your jaw to drop. 

Ms. Pat made it her business to tell everybody her business. She feels her life is just another story to tell as she nonchalantly mentions her time being abused and shot during shows. 

“I don’t know why I went through the things I went through. But I do know I made it through, and I’m here to talk about it,” Ms. Pat said.

She’s inspired by Richard Pryor and Bernie Mac’s comedic storytelling. Her stand-up is meticulously planned, but she never shies away from improvising with her audience.

“I never look at myself as being funny,” Ms. Pat said. “I was just that person that would say things that other people were thinking.”

Her material is defined by her personal stories. Ms. Pat turns her tragedies into stand-up triumphs and uses them to make every joke better than the last.

“It’s what I went through in life, but it’s okay to laugh,” Ms. Pat said. “I made it through.”

Ms. Pat struggled growing outside Atlanta. Traveling to shows across the Midwest hurt her wallet, yet she was determined to make a name for herself.

Her podcast, “The Patdown with Ms. Pat,” became a hit. Her growing acclaim sent her to the Joe Rogan podcast. Her most popular episode appearance has over a million views. Ms. Pat’s podcast is now rated 5 stars with over six thousand reviews on Apple podcasts. 

Ms. Pat’s rising stardom put her on Hollywood’s radar. Imagine Entertainment reached out to her about starting a television series.

For the next five years, Ms. Pat and playwright Jordan E. Cooper spent day and night creating the pilot for “The Ms. Pat Show.” The show struggled to find its home, facing multiple rejections.

She knew achieving her dream wasn’t going to be easy.

“All I’ve ever heard was ‘no’ in my life,” Ms. Pat said. “So those ‘no’s weren’t going to kill me.”

She kept honing her comedy while eagerly waiting to see which network would bet on her. Hulu then bought the show and filmed the pilot. However, it didn’t air on their service, since it wasn’t “prestige” enough. Still, she never lost faith.

“I never felt like we weren’t going to get picked up,” Ms. Pat said.

A month later, Black Entertainment Television wanted to buy the show and put it on their new streaming service, BET+. BET bet on the show to launch their platform. 

When “The Ms. Pat Show” premiered, the BET+ app almost crashed. BET then realized they struck gold with Ms. Pat.

Filming an episode is like a “family reunion.” With a DJ and live audience, the fun doesn’t stop. At first, the show only had a twenty person live audience. Now, they struggle with overcrowding.

The sitcom has three Emmy nominations for outstanding directing in a comedy series. It gave BET+ its first nominations. 

Currently, she’s dominating the court comedy scene. Her hit series, “Ms. Pat Settles It,” is unprecedented.

As a “judge,” she decides if food stamps count as payment, and what is proper hair wig etiquette in real cases. With her friends as the jury, there’s no shortage of laughs.

“You don’t get that from court shows on mainstream TV,” Ms. Pat said.

She upped the ante in season two, which is now airing on BET. Despite already being on Jimmy Kimmel, Steph Meyes and Trevor Noah’s talk shows, Ms. Pat wants to go even further.

“I want to reach all of [the talk shows],” Ms. Pat said. “Just hold on.” 

She invites you to The Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 4 to see her “Hot & Flashy” stand-up tour.

“Expect to laugh, cry and feel,” Ms. Pat said. “I try to wake up every emotion I can in people when I’m doing my stand-up.”

Ms. Pat sets herself apart with her unique stories and unfiltered jokes. Don’t be surprised when she becomes the next Issa Rae.

Tickets for her Oct. 4 show are on sale on her website. Don’t forget to check out the hysterical “Ms. Pat Settles It.” Episodes are airing now on BET. See why “The Ms. Pat Show” got nominated for its third Emmy on BET+.

Does Joe’s Stone Crab live up to its reputation?

Morgan Fry
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Does Joe’s Stone Crab live up to its reputation?

If you’re a tourist in Miami Beach, one of the first things Google will tell you to do is visit Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant. What started as a lunch counter in 1913 has become a staple restaurant for its history and crab claws. 

Up until 1921, Joe’s served crawfish of all kinds, but not stone crab. That was until a researcher recommended using the abundant stone crabs from the bay. 

Joe’s began boiling and serving them chilled and cracked. The idea was an instant success.

Today, Joe’s continues to be family-run by the third generation. I had always wondered if the food was actually worth the hype and finally made my way over to Miami Beach to see for myself. 

When I arrived, there was a free parking lot for those attending the restaurant, which was a huge bonus, considering parking is hard to come by in the city. 

The decor followed a Spanish revival style with columns and greenery surrounding a fountain in the courtyard. The main dining room had black and white checkered tablecloths and dim lighting, adding to a more casual feel. 

The first thing our waiter brought out was an assortment of breads. There was everything from white rolls to brown bread with raisins to onion rolls and pretzel bread. 

It was all warm and fresh. I added a bit of butter, which melted right on. 

I decided to take part in the Miami Spice Menu that is available throughout August and September. It is a three-course prix fix menu for $60, which was a great deal at Joe’s. 

A stone crab entree usually runs anywhere from $60-$135, so I was glad to try the crab claws at a better price. 

I ordered the stone crab bisque for my appetizer. It came out almost immediately. 

It was presented in a smaller cup that the waiter then transferred into a larger bowl. This bisque was one of the best I had ever had. 

The creaminess from the heavy cream and sweet pieces of crab made for rich, decadent bites. I also opted for fresh cracked black pepper on top, which complemented the dish well. 

I did not finish all of my bisque, as I wanted to save room for the rest of the meal. It made for great leftovers the next day. 

For my main course, I went for the Taste of Joe’s, with a quarter fried chicken and three stone crabs. 

The fried chicken was definitely solid, with lots of flavor. It came perfectly crispy and was salted just the right amount. It wasn’t anything mind-blowing, but I don’t have any complaints. 

The real star, of course, was the stone crab. I am not used to eating my crab chilled, but I was pleasantly surprised. The crab was nice and sweet and was even more delicious dipped in the brown butter. 

I can also appreciate the amount of meat that came on the claws, as well as the fact that I didn’t have to crack it myself. It makes sense why Joe’s is known for this dish. 

My meal also came with a side. I chose the sweet potato fries, but I have to say, I have had much better. Maybe it was the fact that I already had so much food, but they were a bit oily and heavy. 

I finished the meal off with their key lime pie. It had everything a key lime pie should have: buttery crust, tart filling and sweet whipped cream topping. 

I would say it’s one of the better key lime pies I have had, and the fresh ingredients were definitely evident. 

So, did Joe’s live up to the reputation? I would say yes. I am glad I was able to experience a restaurant that was here even before the city. 

I don’t think I would make it a point to go back anytime soon, as it is definitely more touristy, and Miami has so many other great restaurants. 

However, you have to experience Joe’s at least once while living here, and you won’t be disappointed by the meal.

 

Your dating history, the parental mystery that doesn’t need solving

V'S Take
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Your dating history, the parental mystery that doesn’t need solving

For this year’s Family Weekend moms and dads flocked to campus, frats and any club their daughters have a promoter to. I’m sure everyone saw Red Cup’s coverage or any frat risk managers snap story to see what hijinx our favorite tuition payers got up to this weekend. 

However, a less known struggle of Family Weekend is the fear of your parents running into your “someone special” or maybe not so special. 

It’s one thing when you spot a sneaky link while out with your friends. You secretly point, squeal, make a face and go about your night. That’s because your friends know all the lore. 

Unless you want to describe the emotional and psychological intricacies of a situationship to your parents, here are some ways you can explain the complexities of a college dating history to your parents.

Use words they know 

Hookup, link, ‘fwb’ — your parents have no clue what those words mean. Sometimes you have to take a step back and realize that you can’t just tell your mom that pledge captain is a bop and move right along.

The terms ‘talking stage,’ ‘going steady’ and ‘booty call’ are all things your parents should be familiar with, even one night stands — the demure cousin of a Tinder hookup. Just think back to all the episodes of “That ’70s Show” you watched on Nick at Nite and build up your lexicon.

Names not nicknames

It’s common in a friend group to refer to members of the roster as anything but their name. The nickname can stem from a sloppy dorm, a sloppy kiss or some sloppy top. But, having to explain what earned someone their title can spiral into a story unfit for the dinner table. 

Bring out that class registrar and floor GroupMe, because it’s real names only. Tiny Tim will have to go by Cole when you’re talking to the rents.

Water it down

Keeping your parents in the loop about who you’re talking to is great, but the same recap you tell your friends might sound clinically insane to your parents. Let’s skip the Instagram stalk, star chart analysis and psychoanalyzation and stick to the basics.

Just be normal for once. 

For example,“I think about him every waking second of every day” becomes “yeah, I like them a little.” And, “when we stopped talking I entered a 5-day rot where I didn’t leave my dorm” becomes “we stopped talking, it sucked, but whatever.”

“Oh, I had a class with them once.” 

A perfect sentence to easily brush off lingering suspicion. Sure, you might know their last name, home address and what posters they have above their bed — but this line writes them off as a neutral acquaintance. 

Never let them know your next move

There is nothing more embarrassing than telling your parents about someone you’re talking to because you believe it might go somewhere, only to have to explain it’s over at Thanksgiving dinner.

A word to the wise, unless you are actively dating, keep it on the down low.

And of course, most of these awkward conversations can be avoided if they think you’re practically celibate. Sure, it might seem like you have no game when you go back home, but it’s definitely better than being the family whore.

V vs. Gainesville

V'S Take
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V vs. Gainesville

Much to everyone’s surprise, the Hurricanes were able to pull a win out of their ass this weekend in the Swamp. I was one of the lucky Hurricanes in attendance who got to watch that miracle happen live. I’m thankful for that win too, because if I had to haul myself to Gainesville to watch us get creamed I would’ve been submitting my transfer application.

I’m not usually the most informative in this newspaper, but I’ll paint the picture of Gainesville for those who didn’t make the trip.

UF’s campus is stationed right next to a large strip on University Ave filled with stores and bars. Think if Dooly was right across the street from the Grove. Which is great… in theory.

Without needing an Uber to get to the bars and clubs of note, practically the entire campus was out and about. It gave a whole new meaning to “campus club fair.”

Knowing Miami wallets were in town, UF bars did not play with their prices. Multiple bars had covers from $30-$50??? Miami students are used to high covers, but for actual night clubs. There was no way I was going to pay $50 to be sandwiched next to freshmen in a dive bar the size of a Richter study room.

To give the Gators some credit, their stadium was very nice. Not physically — it looked and smelt like a high school locker room — but the vibes were very college.

They’re so committed to their school in their orange and blue they couldn’t even follow their own whiteout instructions. But to be fair, there were maybe 3 people of color in their student section, so I guess they did?

The fans also live up to their name as Gators with their very dangerous mouths. I was able to get my hands on stude-nt section tickets and had to show it like a badge to each Gator around me who accused me of stealing someone’s seat.

One man even threatened to rip my shirt off if I stayed in their section. Odd threat — I wanted to ask what he would do next but I wasn’t about to engage in stadium hanky panky.

The heat was bad, but nothing us ’Canes can’t handle. Being hot, wet and sandwiched next to big men is just the norm at any frat tailgate.

It was a nice trip, but nothing to write home about. Seeing all of the Gator fans file out of the stadium by halftime brought a smile to my face. For the first time in years, it was them abandoning their team not us.

Hopefully our team can make a winning streak from this victory and I won’t hate every second of the 45-minute shuttle ride to and from Hard Rock.

Centennial Village, check your privilege

V'S Take
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Centennial Village, check your privilege

If you are one of the lucky freshmen that got the chance to live in the new Centennial Village, congrats! But also, I hate your guts! Most of us have served our nickel in the Hecht and Stanford penitentiaries, though you’re all waltzing in with mommy and daddy and your BÉIS luggage set like you own the place.

The floor plan is so open and spacious, hell you have Regatta hammocks in your hallway. An experience usually reserved for the drunkest of Friday nights. And every floor is co-ed meaning you can just bumble down your hallways between sylly week sneaky links like you’re trick-or-treating.

And, the bathrooms are a slap in the face to me. Multiple stalls with full doors complete with a toilet, sink AND shower? You’re missing out on the quintessential college experience of being able to shake hands with the person you’re showering next to and the person they brought inside with them.

Freshman year is supposed to be about making the best of the crappy dorm situation you were put into. You laugh when your random roommate spits up bong water onto your speaker and when you find black mold in your AC, hoping it gets you sick enough to miss class. This year half of you are living in the Ritz Carlton of dorms, so what is there to laugh about? That the girl down the hall doesn’t have Prada shower shoes?

I walked past Centennial the other day and the lack of LED lights was appalling. Where’s the whimsy? The fun? What else will the boys use to “set the mood” before giving you the most average sex of your life? Just because the building is shaped like a square doesn’t mean you have to be one too. Put up some trashy posters and proudly display your stolen traffic cone.

It’s obvious I’m just bitter, but come on could you blame me? Your dining hall has TWO FLOORS, we were lucky if there were two remotely edible options for dinner every night. Now that your parents have left the chefs will hopefully stop trying to make the meals look worth the tuition. Enjoy the good old “vaguely ethnic stew.”

Enjoy your cushy dorms for now, until you have to fight tooth and nail for a spot in Lakeside. Freshman year is always an interesting experience and Centennial is a great spot to have it. Just remember, every day you wake up and walk outside into that beautiful square, I hope you choke on Stanford’s dust.

V’s Take is The Miami Hurricane’s most controversial and longest-running column. V’s take is satirical work published biweekly by students and for students using our generation’s “colorful” language. V addresses all things love, sex and gossip on campus. V is not for the politically correct or easily offended.

News Brief: Skyscrapers, Hurricane Francine and voter rights

Isabella Cely-Garcia
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News Brief: Skyscrapers, Hurricane Francine and voter rights

Miami skyscraper cheers on UM

The Paramount Miami Worldcenter skyscraper in Downtown Miami was lit up for the kickoff of the college football season, showcasing the green and orange logo of the University of Miami in support of the Miami Hurricanes as they prepared to face off against the Florida Gators. Other displays included the “Sebastian the Ibis” mascot and the phrase “Go Canes” moving vertically down the building. 

The skyscraper is the creation of developer Daniel Kodsi, CEO of the Royal Palm Companies and an alum of the University of Miami class of 1990. The real estate mogul graduated from the Herbert School of Business and has a daughter in the freshman class at the U. 

The Paramount is known for lighting up during special events, holidays, and to show support for local sports teams. 

Hurricane Francine surges on

Category 2 Hurricane Francine made landfall on the Louisiana coast on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 

knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of residents and strewing damage in its wake. While meteorologists initially believed Hurricane Francine would not strengthen past a tropical storm, the storm caught a second wind mere hours before crashing into Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, the city that received the brunt of Francine’s strength.

Louisiana’s smaller communities along the coastline are still recovering from hurricanes 

that passed through in 2021, like Category 4 Hurricane Ida. 

By the next day, Francine had weakened into a tropical storm. Local officials and residents continue to navigate flooding and debris. 

Florida Supreme Court sees case on protections for minority voters 

A case regarding discrimination and redistricting in northern Florida was heard at the 

Florida Supreme Court on Thursday, Sept.12. This case is one of the many being brought forward by voting rights groups fighting against the state’s new congressional map. 

The plaintiffs consist of representatives from several nonprofit organizations, including the 

Equal Ground Education Fund. Their goal is to push back against Gov. DeSantis’ reconfiguration of the 5th Congressional District in northern Florida. 

Originally, the 5th Congressional District was a historically majority-Black community, 

and their electoral choices at the polls represented this. However, in 2022, DeSantis split the district into four, making it difficult for the Black communities in those districts to elect any one representative of their choice.  

The appeal’s court that had previously seen the case failed to identify discriminatory 

intent on the part of the state. The state’s argument reinterprets the Florida Constitutional provisions against gerrymandering as only being applicable if the district is “geographically compact,” something they say the former 5th district was not. 

The case could potentially go to the United States Supreme Court sometime in the next few years.

Students react to Trump and Harris face-off in key debate

Giancarlo Lopez
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Students react to Trump and Harris face-off in key debate

University of Miami students tuned into the high-stakes presidential debate aired on ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 10, as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off.

The debate left students with different impressions of both candidates, raising questions regarding what the next four years could look like politically. 

“It kind of solidified more that I was gonna vote for Vice President Harris and Coach Walz,” said Giovanni Lopez, a junior from Miami, double-majoring in biology on the pre-med track. 

Jonathan Medina, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, felt Trump put on a strong display and defended himself well while tackling statements from both Harris and the moderators. 

“[Trump] exuded the energy I think our country needs right now,” Medina said. “It’s good to have a strong leader in our country.” 

Many felt that Harris made a strong impression in her performance. They also feel that she got her policy across in a concise, informative manner while responding to Trump’s statements. 

“I think Harris was pretty strong in the debate,” said Emil Vazqeuz, a freshman studying political science and member of the UM College Democrats. “She has on her website stated a plan that she backed up in the debate.” 

Despite this, students found that she failed to clearly share her stance on key issues.

“Some things she also really didn’t address in terms of like the gun regulations,” said Lopez. 

Vazquez echoed this thought, “I wish she wouldn’t have avoided as many questions as she did.” 

Students also perceived a distinct lack of formality and professionalism in the debate, explaining that this reflects poorly on U.S. politics. 

“This time, it was chaotic and lacked the basic politeness expected in such an important event, which would decide the next leader of the country,” said Yahima Crespo, a freshman majoring in biology on the pre-med track. 

“It was embarrassing and made the whole process feel less serious than it should be,” said Crespo. 

According to the Rolling Stone, following the debate, Harris Campaign Manager Jen O’Malley Dillon told reporters, “Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?”

In a post to Truth Social on Thursday, Sept. 12, former president Trump responded to this comment.

“When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, ‘I WANT A REMATCH’,” Trump stated. 

If another debate does not take place, this debate would be the only impression student voters at UM will get of the two candidates before election day. 

Follow the Miami Hurricane for more election coverage and information as the 2024 Presidential election approaches.

House divided: Social media intensifies political vitriol and division

Lazaro Chavez
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House divided: Social media intensifies political vitriol and division

American politics are well into a digital age where social media has become a crucial tool for any candidate who wants to win an election. However, the increased role of social media in public affairs is worsening polarization and spreading misinformation.

That’s leading to rising tensions in the two-party system. As Pew Research reports, “Americans have rarely been as polarized as they are today,” and social media has only “exacerbated” it according to the Brookings Institution. But social media is also important for political campaigns targeting the youth vote. 

Voters aged 18-24 tend to not turn out to the polls in large numbers. Only 23% of young voters cast a ballot in the 2022 midterm elections. With the potential  to grow those the number of Gen Z votes dramatically, the candidates for president are leaning heavily into social media to attract members of that demographic to the polls.

Vice President Kamala Harris has jumped on numerous TikTok trends since she declared her candidacy, including the “brat”viral sensation based on Charli XCX’s newest album, even posting related memes. Harris also invited over 200 content creators from various platforms and sat them in the front row of the Democratic National Convention. 

Former President Donald Trump has also been targeting young voters through social media. Trump has appeared multiple times on different influencers’ podcasts and streams. Trump also uses his own social media platform, Truth Social, to send out video memes and campaign ads to his potential supporters. 

While social media offers an unprecedented opportunity for political engagement and outreach, it has also become a digital battlefield, contributing to the country’s partisan divides that continues to get deeper. according to a 2023 Axios report. 

Social media intensifies political polarization by amplifying extreme views, which leads to a greater ideological divide, according to a research article by Dr. Sounman Hong, a professor in public policy at Yonsei University. It also reduces the exposure to other viewpoints, which makes it harder to bridge the divide if all someone is seeing is their ideals and beliefs. 

An NYU Stern study conducted in 2021 concluded the same thing, saying social media has contributed to partisan polarization. It also reported that political “leaders” contributed too.

Now, both of the two major party candidates are active on social media, making it easier than ever to pour gasoline over the already blazing flames. Both campaigns have frequently used alienating language on social media, risking deepening our country’s polarization and making the spread of misinformation easier than ever before. 

The New York Times reported that social media amplifies false content, with Yale insights saying social media platforms “inadvertently encourage users to spread misinformation.”  

With that being said, there are specific kinds of social media content that push division. 

False information and polarizing content on social media raises the temperature in an already scorching political climate, which is important as 46% of Gen Z turns to social media as its primary source of political information, according to a study by Michael Berman, a freelance writer.

Misinformation such as the claims about the 2020 election, AI imagery falsely depicting different celebrities endorsing candidates, and the Harris camp continually accusing Trump of being part of Project 2025 despite him repeatedly stating his non-involvement adds further rips in the fabric of American politics. 

The Harris team and other Democrats have continually referred to Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, as “weird”, even pushing a fake story about Vance having intercourse with a couch. 

Trump and his team have shared AI-generated content, including his opponents in prison jumpsuits and Harris giving a speech in front of communist flags, among many other fake pieces of content. 

Where do we go from here? Social media allows us to reach one another, making it easier for politicians and their campaigns to grasp the minds of voters, but it can also be used to turn us against one another. It can even shape the very way we see reality. 

American voters must cut through an awful lot of divisive, often angry, noise. 

The challenge for voters is to navigate this landscape with discernment, ensuring that our political decisions are informed by fact rather than fiction. 

As the election approaches, it is in the best interest of the republic to see past the vitriol and discourse that separates us, and instead look to have discussions that unite us. To quote President Abraham Lincoln, “A house divided against itself can not stand.” 

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