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United we must stand or divided we will surely fall

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It is 5:09 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2004. Despite the extreme exhaustion and fatigue that overwhelms me, I cannot sleep. I cannot sleep due to the depth of the knowledge that within the next 16 to 24 hours, history’s course in this nation-that I love so dearly —- will be altered severely. I cannot sleep because I fear the challenges we face will not be faced as a united people. I cannot sleep because I know those challenges cannot be dealt with by a divided nation.

The war on terror cannot be won by a nation terrorizing itself from within. The wounds created by an embattled election cannot be healed by continuing political attacks on the winner. The man elected president must be given the mandate by the people to lead. Partisan lines must be torn down for the good of the country. If we handicap the winner of this election, we are handicapping our very ability to fight and win the war on terror.

The name given to our country by its founders is indicative of from where this great nation draws its strength. The United States of America. When the declaration of independence was signed, we stood united. When Pearl Harbor was bombed, we stood united. When directly faced with the threat of communism taking the liberties and freedoms we hold dear away from us, we stood united. It was because of our unity in those trying times that we were successful in defending our nation. For us to be successful in the war on terror, we must have that same unity again.

It is important to realize that Bush and Kerry both have inspiring qualities; John Kerry honorably served his nation in the Vietnam war, George W. Bush instilled faith and hope in a nation at one of its greatest times of need after we were rocked by the attacks of Sept. 11.

Intelligent disagreement is always a necessary part of our country, but the vicious onslaught of attacks from both parties that began in 2000, and have continued through to today must be ended. You can disagree with the philosophies these two men employ in leading, but it is illogical to discount the merit of either man’s candidacy. I refuse to believe nearly half of this nation would so fervently support a man not capable of doing the job.

With that in mind, we must all realize the importance of moving forward and repairing the fractures in our society. We must move forward and remember that whoever is in the oval office realizes just the same as you and I that the enemy does not congregate on one side of the aisle in congress, they congregate all across the globe- and they aim to destroy our way of life.

The only way for us to lose the war on terror, is to falter from within. Resolute and unified, we will not lose this war. It starts right now. Whether I am speaking of the re-elected President Bush or President-elect Kerry, I am calling for Americans everywhere to stand behind our leader. From California and New York, to Texas and Georgia; we must feel the urgency and come together as one. United we must stand!

Don Donelson can be contacted at d.donelson@umiami.edu.

Election results are marred by personal tragedy

The Miami Hurricane
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There were the campaigns. There were the commercials. And, in the end, there were two less-than-tantalizing candidates. With the finger-pointing, lack of accountability and generally negative political atmosphere, all signs pointed to Tuesday being anti-climactic, no matter who won.

Then I woke up.

It was 6:45 a.m. and I was giddy like a kid on Christmas. I rushed out to my precinct (#34) in Miami Beach to vote. Easier said than done. There were three polling places surrounding the Miami Beach Convention Center, and, without having received a voter ID card, I chose both the wrong ones first. Finally, I arrived at my precinct, only to be bombarded with all kinds of liberal pamphlets from Kerry supporters. As a journalist, I was hoping to be nonpartisan, but suddenly I was parading around with Kerry stickers and pictures of Bush that proclaimed, “You’re fired!” I was rooting for the underdog like it was March Madness.

Yes, Kerry was the man who I saw “less unfit” to be president. Then, Jimmy Morales for mayor. Betty Castor for Senate. It seemed as though all my votes went to the Democrats, but not because my choices were better; rather, it was only because the alternative seemed worse.

Pundits knew that this race would come down to the wire. California would not miraculously turn red on the network screens, nor would America’s heartland begin to bleed blue. So, I waited, until Bush had won Florida and taken a decisive lead in Ohio-the state predicted to be this year’s election hold-up. I went to bed crushed, subconsciously feigning a concerned involvement with the Democratic Party. I would wake up the next morning with nothing hanging heavier over my head.

Then I woke up.

It was my mother, at 6:30 a.m., telling me my Papa had suffered another stroke-the second one in a couple weeks-and my dad was driving up to Sarasota to make sure everything was okay. Startled, I went on the internet, only to see that all the candidates I had voted for had lost, and Ohio was on the cusp of being Bush country. How could things be worse? I went back to bed.

Then I woke up.

It was an hour later; my mom called again: Papa had passed away.

I called my dad, who was on the cusp of Alligator Alley. Nothing makes a son cry more than hearing his own father’s tears, especially tears for his own father. All of a sudden, the next four years didn’t seem that appropriate to project. Red and blue states were just colors.

On a day meant for securing our future, nothing seemed more important than securing the present.

Ben Minkus can be contacted at b.minkus@umiami.edu.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Miami Hurricane
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RE: The election at the University of Miami

During my three and a half years at the University of Miami, there have been many occasions when I have been proud of our students. However, Election Day they demonstrated resilience, physical endurance, passionate commitment to our democracy, and good humor.
The lack of preparation, anticipation and flexibility by the Miami-Dade Elections Department was outrageous, and unacceptable, and possibly illegal.
I have demanded that the Supervisor herself meet with our student leaders as soon as possible to assure the entire community of her preparation for the next elections in the spring.

Donna E. Shalala
President

RE: “Immigration and lessons from the Klondike,” 11/2

By advocating that we codify “our identity” and “who we are” in his last column, Nicholas G. Moses made the only truly un-American suggestion I can imagine and committed a post hoc, ergo propter hoc fallacy in his rationale. I reply that freedom of belief is what makes America “a coherent nation.”
Moses’ correlation of “distressingly high abortion and suicide rates” and “decades of trenchant secularization” in Quebec without making any causal connection between the two un-quantified facts exhibits patently fallacious reasoning.
America may be a historically Western Christian nation in demography, but regardless of opinion, it is a liberal democracy that honors freedom of belief. The government can make and enforce laws, force me to pay my taxes and ban gay marriage if it wants, but it can never rightfully tell me that I have to approve of its policies and the beliefs behind those policies, try to involuntarily “assimilate” me or any “Spanish-speaking Mexicans,” or dictate what I believe and what my values are.
The first amendment is clear: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Jefferson made it clear in 1802 that the purpose of the amendment was to build “a wall of separation between church and State.” America is no theocratic or communist state that dictates values and beliefs and tells people “who they are” and it never will be as long as I am an American citizen.

William Hubel
Undergraduate
RE: Politics and professors

Understanding the heightened political atmosphere of the U.S. on Wednesday morning, I’m aware that many people felt high-strung and emotional, because the presidency was still up in the air as of 11:15 a.m. It’s understandable that there would be comments made in the classroom about politics, but one of my classes started with the professor clearly stating his political views against President George W. Bush.
I feel that he crossed a line, stating that the “American public are idiots” in reelecting Bush. When I spoke up, saying that I was glad this was not a political science class, the professor raised his voice, saying he had freedom of speech. I calmly withdrew from the classroom.
I understand that it’s not my place to tell a teacher how to run his or her classroom, but regardless of political standpoints, I strongly feel that politics have no place in a classroom. Students are paying professors for education of the class topic. Being given the job of a professor, one should know that there will be varying morals and values of all class attendees. No one person is more right than another when it comes to these issues, and this includes the professor. I have lost all respect for my professor’s position as a teacher.
If you have experienced something similar to this, please make a complaint to that professor’s academic dean.

Lori Todd
Undergraduate

Editorial Election’s over, now what?

The Miami Hurricane
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And so, after a year of politics and months of hardcore campaigning, we have reelected a president.

It was relieving to be able to say that the day after the election. We may have had to wait quite a few hours before knowing the election results, but the process was smoother than the one in 2000, and for that, we are all grateful.

The long lines of voters at the UM Convocation Center, in polling sites around Florida and throughout the country were inspiring. Even the most cynical of voters was excited to see citizens involved in politics. The air was undeniably charged on Tuesday, and we enjoyed the buzz.

Now comes the hard part.

After a political season marked by negative campaigning and mudslinging in both national and state races, the nation must regroup and unite. As heartening as it was to see voters flock to the polls on Tuesday, it was discouraging that people were often voting not for their party, their candidate or their issues but against the other party or candidate with anger and disdain. As we readjust to life without political ads on TV, we need to put aside our angry partisan biases for the good of the country. Wednesday was the day to celebrate or to be disappointed. Thursday was time, putting it bluntly, to get over it.

Those that voted for Sen. John Kerry should not give up their ideas or causes. It is undoubtedly a setback to lose the presidency and some seats in the House and Senate, especially after a rough and draining period of campaigning, but it would be worse for those that oppose the government to fade into the shadows. Now that one party controls the presidency and both chambers of Congress, the role of the opposition will be vital in bringing up differing points of view in the legislative process and ensuring that the minority’s opinion be heard.

Moreover, the stereotypes of student apathy that we defied these past few months should not be allowed to resurface just because Nov. 2 has passed. There are other elections to look forward to and be informed for, other bills we should be aware of, and constantly emerging issues that we need to debate.

The task for the president and the Republican legislators is to bring together a fractured electorate. Historically, presidents have had many achievements in their second terms, when they are not burdened by the looming campaign for reelection. President Bush will govern-for the first two years of his second term, at least-with a Republican Senate and House. This should make it easier for him to pass legislation and complete his projects, but he must be careful to do so without alienating the 48 percent of the country that voted for Kerry and the one percent that voted for Ralph Nader. In 2000, the president ran as “a uniter, not a divider,” a label he wore in the months following Sept. 11 but he has sometimes strayed from at other times. Now would be a good time to revert to that unifying role.

If this election was, in fact, as critical as it was billed to be before Nov. 2-as the most important one in our lifetimes-then the next four years may bring significant changes to the country and the world. Issues, legislation and policies are bound to come up that will affect all of us, stir our emotions and force us to choose sides. We will look towards our leadership to represent us-all of us-and guide us honestly and humbly.

GIVING MORE THAN BLOOD

The Miami Hurricane
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Hurricane O-Cheer ’04: Battle to the Beat

The Miami Hurricane
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The energy was pumping on a packed patio Wednesday when organizations competing in the Hurricane Homecoming competitions battled it out for the coveted first place in Organized Cheer [O-Cheer]. The annual Hurricane Homecoming O-Cheer is worth a precious 1,000 points for those competing for a prize in the competition.

The theme this year was “O-Cheer Head-2-Head: Battle to the Beat.” With the backdrop as a boxing ring and a bell to start each round, two organizations were randomly paired off and given two designated songs which each team had to include in an original Homecoming cheer, lasting no longer than five minutes.

“Each round the two organizations have two of the same songs,” Teja Veal, O-Cheer chair, said. “Whichever one uses the songs in the best way wins.”

Round one began with a battle between two first time participating organizations. ‘Canes Gone Crazy rapped, warning the Clemson Tide to “watch our for the Hurricane attack,” but Fusion pulled out a fancy, choreographed dance routine and an alma mater chant to a Michael Jackson song to win the round.

Each organization had certain requirements to include in its cheers. In addition to the overall Homecoming theme, Evolution – Remember, Relive, Recapture, it also had to include the O-Cheer theme, major Homecoming sponsors, at least one UM fight song, the designated O-Cheer battle songs, the two O-Cheer chairs’ names and the UM alma mater.

Among the criteria that the judges, who included Nanette Vega, associate dean of students, and Keith Fletcher, residence coordinator at Hecht Residential College, scored the cheers on were participation, originality/creativity, humor/creativity, style/appearance/school spirit, and usage of the required Homecoming information.

“There is a big emphasis on creativity and school spirit,” Vega said. “Of all the requirements those are weighed the most.”

While those who were competing were excited to participate, spectators were just as energized.

“I am here to support my roommate and I’m really excited to see all the different cheers,” Emily Matos, sophomore, said.

The organizations must wait until Saturday at Homecoming Game to find out the competition winners.

>> For more information on Homecoming, visit www.miami.edu/homecoming.

Meghan Risser can be contacted at m.risser@umiami.edu.

All hail Homecoming royalty

The Miami Hurricane
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The UC Patio was transformed into a pageant runway Monday as 20 contestants strutted their stuff in the first-ever Homecoming King and Queen competition.

“We based this event off of Miss and Mr. UM last year,” Kelly Jackson, senior and pageant co-chair, said. “We wanted to change it to encompass more of the spirit of homecoming. Miss UM now takes place in the spring and they’ll still have their formal pageant.”

Tables were decorated with potpourri and candles, while elegant programs were placed at each chair. Pan Amore Bakery served all kinds of desserts such as the

Calendar

The Miami Hurricane
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TODAY
Homecoming 2004 Hurricane Howl will be at the UC at 7 p.m. It will feature a parade, pep rally, fireworks and free food. Wyclef Jean and the Refugee All-Stars close the night with a free concert at 9:45 p.m. on the Green.

To celebrate homecoming, the Chemistry Club will be giving UM students 1,000 orange and green glow sticks to show their school spirit at the Wyclef concert. Stop by the Cox Building between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to get yours.

ESPN2’s national weekday morning show “Cold Pizza” will be live at UM from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Co-host Thea Andrews and correspondent Zach Liebowitz will be at the Student Union, kicking off the Homecoming celebration and pre-game festivities prior to Saturday’s game against Clemson.

The School of Communication will host its Homecoming alumni reunion and groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of the new student center to the Wolfson building at 3:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Frances L. Wolfson building.

SATURDAY
It’s the 78th annual Homecoming game as UM takes on Clemson at the Orange Bowl at 7:45 p.m.

Due to the recent scheduling of the nationally televised UM homecoming football game, the Mike Epps comedy show at the Convocation Center has been postponed. The comedy show has not secured a new date, so tickets purchased for the event may be refunded at the point of purchase.

MONDAY
UMagine of the School of Communication is hosting the Future Search Contest, an opportunity to expand their knowledge about opportunities within the FBI. The first place prize is $500. For more information, visit www.umfuturesearch.com.

TUESDAY
The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre invites students to a free performance of As You Like It at 8 p.m. Come early as tickets are given away on a first-come first-served basis with your ‘Cane Card.

The Honorable James C. Cason, Chief of Mission, U.S. Interests Section in Cuba will address the seminar on Transition from Communism: Lessons Learned, Challenges Ahead for Cuba at 9 a.m. at the Omi Colonnade Hotel on Coral Gables. To make a reservation, or for more information, call ICCAS at 305-284-2822.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Hair, Quantum Entertainment’s latest production, will hold its debut performance at 8 p.m. in the Kutcher Auditorium at the UM Hillel. Tickets are $10 for UM students and can be obtained at the UM Ticketmaster outlet by calling 305-284-6399, or by visiting www.gotoquantum.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
The Indian Students Association is hosting Diwali Night 2004 Festival of Lights beginning at 5:30 at the North Miami Beach Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the UC Breezeway. For more information, visit www.um-isa.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Applications for FunDay group leadership are due in UC 240.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
The Office of Admissions is hosting Native American Day at the UC Patio from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
TODAY
Homecoming 2004 Hurricane Howl will be at the UC at 7 p.m. It will feature a parade, pep rally, fireworks and free food. Wyclef Jean and the Refugee All-Stars close the night with a free concert at 9:45 p.m. on the Green.

To celebrate homecoming, the Chemistry Club will be giving UM students 1,000 orange and green glow sticks to show their school spirit at the Wyclef concert. If you are going to the concert, stop by the Cox Building between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to get yours.

ESPN2’s national weekday morning show “Cold Pizza” will be live at UM from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Co-host Thea Andrews and correspondent Zach Liebowitz will be at the Student Union, kicking off the Homecoming celebration and pre-game festivities prior to Saturday’s game against Clemson.

The School of Communication will host its Homecoming alumni reunion and groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of the new student center to the Frances L. Wolfson building at 3:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Frances L. Wolfson building.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6
It’s the 78th annual Homecoming game as UM takes on Clemson at the Orange Bowl.

Due to the recent scheduling of the nationally televised UM homecoming football game, the Mike Epps comedy show at the Convocation Center has been postponed. The comedy show has not secured a new date, so tickets purchased for the event may be refunded at the point of purchase.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
UMagine of the School of Communication is hosting the Future Search Contest, an opportunity to expand their knowledge about opportunities within the FBI. The first place prize is $500. For more information, go to www.umfuturesearch.com. The contest runs through Nov. 13.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre invites students to a free performance of As You Like It at 8 p.m. Come early as tickets are given away on a first-come first-served basis with your ‘Cane Card.

The Honorable James C. Cason, Chief of Mission, U.S. Interests Section in Cuba will address the seminar on Transition from Communism: Lessons Learned, Challenges Ahead for Cuba at 9 a.m. at the Omi Colonnade Hotel on Coral Gables. To make a reservation, or for more information, call ICCAS at 305-284-2822.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Hair, Quantum Entertainment’s latest production, will hold its debut performance at 8 p.m. in the Kutcher Auditorium at the UM Hillel. Tickets are $10 for UM students and can be obtained at the UM Ticketmaster outlet by calling 305-284-6399, or by visiting www.gotoquantum.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
The Indian Students Association is hosting Diwali Night 2004 Festival of Lights beginning at 5:30 at the North Miami Beach Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the UC Breezeway. For more information, visit www.um-isa.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Applications for FunDay group leadership are due in UC 240.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
The Office of Admissions is hosting Native American Day at the UC Patio from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

News Briefs

The Miami Hurricane
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Orange Bowl renovations on ballot bond issue passed

On the Nov. 2 ballot, voters in Miami-Dade County considered eight questions on the “Building Better Communities” bond issue – one of which generated millions of dollars for renovations to the Orange Bowl, home of the UM football team. The passage of Bond Question Two to “Construct and Improve Parks and Recreational Facilities” yielded $680 million, including $50 million for Orange Bowl renovations, for more than 100 projects benefiting communities throughout the county.
The Orange Bowl, a facility owned by the City of Miami and used for a variety of sporting and other recreational events, will now undergo substantial improvements, including upgraded seating, installation of a jumbo television screen with instant-replay capability, new and expanded restrooms and concessions, and luxury suites. UM and the city will kick in nearly $90 million in additional funding for the stadium overhaul.

Haunted Greek houses scare give U. Rhode Island a fright

(U-WIRE) KINGSTON, R.I. – As each Halloween approaches, the old tales of haunted fraternities and sororities at the University of Rhode Island become more popular.
Among them, brothers from Lambda Chi Alpha have made reports in the past years that ghosts are among them at the houses.
Abagail, a very popular name on campus because of her story, is reported to live at the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
According to Eric Stevens, a senior brother at the Lambda Chi Alpha house, Abagail was the daughter of former Rhode Island governor T.F. Green. While at his summerhouse with Abagail, she fell down the main stairwell and was found dead two days later.
“I got out of the shower one day and looked in the mirror and saw a little girl standing next to me,” Stevens said. “This happened in the middle of the summer but at the instant I saw the little girl, it got suddenly cold.”
Hot and cold spots in the house are one of the many signs of haunting, according to Stevens.
Footsteps in the attic of the house while nobody is home and strange writings on the wall saying “help me” have all been proof to the brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha that a ghost lives with them.
Jeffrey Jackson, a freshman pledge at Lambda Chi Alpha does not live inside the house but is there on a regular basis and has seen some of these signs.
“I’ve always heard stories of Abagail ever since I pledged, but since I don’t live here, I don’t tend to see or hear as much as the people that do live here,” Jackson said. “The cold and hot spots are there, which gives me all the reason to believe that this isn’t just some fictional tale to scare the freshmen.”

Quantum Entertainment is holding a scriptwriting contest this semester. The writer of the winning script will receive funding, technical help and casting services to produce their film next semester. Applications are available in the Hurricane Productions Office (UC 206) or in the Student Activities Office (UC 209). Scripts are due Nov. 12. Email mzuckerb@umsis.miami.edu for more information.

The People Have Spoken High voter turnout reelects Bush

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High turnout on Election Day
Slow voting process doesn’t turn away students

Students displayed their interest in politics and resilience as they battled the long lines outside the UM Convocation Center to vote on Election Day Tuesday.

According to the unofficial results posted at the Miami-Dade Elections Department website on Wednesday, of the 1,737 registered voters in the Convocation Center (precinct 640), 1,078 voted – a 62.06 percent turnout. Of those votes, 710 (65.86 percent) went to Sen. John Kerry and 355 (32.93 percent) went to President George W. Bush, who declared victory on Wednesday.

It was the first time the Convocation Center served as a polling site.

“We strongly felt that the University of Miami should have a polling place that was more accessible to students, on campus,” Dr. Pat Whitely, vice president of Student Affairs, said. “The University petitioned for it to happen.”

Whitely admitted that there were long lines that were moving slower than anticipated.

“President Shalala had gotten about 20 pizzas to hand out to the students, and they were really, really happy about that,” Whitely said.

STUDENTS DECIDE

As students stood in line, they were divided on whom they had voted for in the presidential race.

“I think Bush’s the one that’s going to protect us the best,” Tony Martinez, freshman, said. “He’s decisive.”

Lauren Pedic, freshman, disagreed.

“I don’t agree with Bush’s plan, acting as global police,” Pedic said. “That’s wrong.”

Shaena Langley, junior, missed a class to vote for Kerry.

“My whole family is Republican,” Langley said. “They support my right to have my own opinion, but I haven’t talked to my dad about it much.”

Many students stood in line for several hours. They criticized the slow process and the fact that there were five machines at the polling site.

“It was terrible, absolutely terrible,” said Hannah Deletto, sophomore, who voted for Bush. “I was in line for three hours and 15 minutes, but it was worth it. I missed two classes, and if my professors have a problem, I don’t care.”

“I kept telling myself I was in line for a club, where no one would mind waiting,” said Jendayi Muntu, junior, who arrived at the Convocation Center at 7:15 a.m. and waited two-and-a-half hours to vote for Kerry. “There should be no work on Election Day to encourage voting.”

According to Gilbert Arias, assistant vice president of Student Affairs, upon seeing the long lines at 1:30 p.m., the University requested extra voting machines but was unable to get any because they had all been allocated to other precincts. The Department did deliver more paper ballots at the University’s request to speed up the voting process once voters entered the Convocation Center.

Despite the lines, Arias said the students were willing to wait.

“It was very positive, and they weren’t leaving,” he said.

Students were still waiting outside the Convocation Center after 8 p.m., when polling sites were scheduled to close. Arias said that when he left the site at 11:30 p.m., there were still 150 students waiting to vote. The site remained open until after midnight.

SHALALA TAKES ACTION

University President Donna E. Shalala sent Constance Kaplan, supervisor of elections of the Miami-Dade Elections Department, a letter regarding the problems at the Convocation Center yesterday. Shalala wrote to file a formal complaint of inadequate provision of voting equipment and staffing at the polling site.

“It was widely publicized that our students had registered by the hundreds for this election,” Shalala said. “The registration numbers were generated by and available to your office well before Election Day.

Shalala criticized the Department’s “lack of flexibility and inability to adjust” to the circumstances at the Convocation Center.

“We repeatedly telephoned and asked for more machines, but were rebuffed by polite workers who seemed less than anxious by this situation,” she said.

Shalala also praised the students and neighbors that missed classes and jobs to vote in the letter.

“If they had been elderly voters without much endurance, they would have been disenfranchised,” Shalala said.

Finally, Shalala requested that Kaplan meet with student leaders at UM to ensure adequate preparation for the next election.

ELECTION CELEBRATION

Once the polls closed, students gathered for free pizza, fried chicken and cookies at the Election Celebration in the UC Lower Lounge to watch the election returns.

“It’s a good place for students to get together after everyone’s been involved in the campaign to watch the results,” Daniel L. Westbrook, director of the University Center, said. “It’s a natural follow up to the debate watch party.”

Students discussed the election as news outlets began calling states based on their projections.

“I’ve gotten to eat, I brought books, I have a vantage point of different TV channels and I get to discuss with my peers,” said Alex Ortiz, senior, who was wearing a T-shirt that read “One-term President” and watching both CNN and MSNBC.

“I’m rioting if Bush wins,” Bethany Quinn, sophomore, said.

Some students attended the celebration but did not vote.

“There was a five-hour line wrapped around the Convocation Center in the hot sun,” said Donald Matsuura, sophomore, who didn’t know whom he would have voted for. “I would have eeny-meany-miney-moed it.”

Patricia Mazzei can be contacted at p.mazzei@umiami.edu.

EXCESS

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It’s a bird, it’s a plane…
Warner Bros. has announced that the new Superman will be played by once soap star Brandon James Routh. Production of the new Superman movie starts in 2005.

Bras and Boobs
Diamonds are yet another reason to stare at the bombshell supermodel known as Tyra Banks. The model has been sporting a 112-carat bra that features 2,900 diamonds set in white gold with a crowing 70-carat pear shaped diamond right in the center. As if her size C breasts weren’t enough.

Cold Pizza
ESPN’s weekly morning show Cold Pizza will be filming outside the UC this Friday, with guests Coach Larry Coker, Miami Athletic Director Paul Dee, Jesse Armsted and Heisman-winner Gino Torretta. The UC is place to be for sports fans. Plus you might get to be on TV – duh.

CD REVIEW ACOUSTIC SYNDICATE Long Way Round

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Smooth-flowing vocals and clean-cut edgy lyrics are two of the many qualities that you can use to describe Acoustic Syndicate’s new album Long Way Round. An eclectic clash of pop country and soul, Acoustic Syndicate is breaking all barriers and reaching new heights with a tough country image.

Welcoming two additional members to their group, Acoustic’s music provides an innovative fresh sound and shows fast growing improvement in their fitted genre, bluegrass jazz. Adding Lloyd Maines, legendary Texan producer, and Jerry Saunders, an exquisite saxophone player, to the powerhouse country quartet, Acoustic Syndicate is establishing a gentle yet strong appeal to their music and attitude. Emphasizing more on vocals than instrumental play, Lloyd Maines quotes, “Man…the vocals are so soulful that it has to be out front.”

Acoustic Syndicate’s musical flavor is unlike any other artist’s. With an elaborate and complex combination of styles and sounds, the band employs tasteful saxophone solos and unique banjo play. Its vocal skills are also intriguing, leaving the listener in complete awe and amazement. Acoustic can be best described as having “the vocal sensibility of the Eagles”.

With 13 different tracks, each song contributes something special to the album. “The Pilot” is a good example of one of the songs that shows off the band’s superior skills while “The Blue Bird Train” exhibits strong saxophone play. Other hits include “Just As It Happened” and “Wake”.

Long Way Round has all the qualities of a solid album: superb instrumental play and tasteful lyrics. It is truly a work of art.

Keith Preciados can be contacted at k.preciados@umiami.edu.

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