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Alexander Haig speaks to The Hurricane

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Since World War II, few Americans have been as involved in the development of United States government policy as former Secretary of State Alexander Haig. Since graduating from West Point in 1947, Haig has served under presidents Nixon, Carter, Ford and Reagan.

More than 20 years after his retirement from public office, Haig is still a highly sought-after guest on a variety of news channels. That demand has only increased since the war in Iraq.

Haig supports the decision to go to war with Iraq, despite the fact no weapons of mass destruction [WMD] have been found.

“There’s no question that [Bush] was justified in going to war,” Haig said. “The WMD issue became a part of our logic in taking the action because of the wrong-headed decision to go back to the UN for another resolution.”

According to Haig, the United States should have gone to the United Nations and asked for an ultimatum instead of a resolution supporting the war. The UN would have had to support the United States because otherwise, it would have meant acting against its own resolutions, in effect destroying its credibility.

WHO IS HAIG?

* Graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1947
* Served in the Korean War on Gen. MacArthur’s staff (1950-1951)
* Served in the Vietnam War (1966-1967)
* Deputy National Security Advisor and White House Chief of Staff to President Nixon (1969-1974)
* NATO Commander during the Ford and Carter presidencies (1974-1979)
* Secretary of State to President Reagan(1981-198)

Haig added that the decision to go to the UN for another resolution was influenced by the same wing of the Republican Party that advocated leaving Saddam Hussein in power at the conclusion of the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

“The survival of Saddam made him the hero of the Arab world, and also the terrorist world,” Haig said. “He was one of the most significant factors in the war on terrorism.”

Reviewing the current operational plan of United States forces in post-war Iraq, Haig expressed concern.

“I don’t think they’ve pursued the correct strategy, and time has confirmed that that’s the case,” Haig said. “It’s important to remember that the six-month delay that the UN deliberations entailed gave Saddam and his henchmen an opportunity to prepare an ‘after conflict.'”

He added that this time delay allowed for the organization of cells and the placement of a multitude of weapons, supplies and money caches all around Iraq, resulting in the country’s waging guerilla war.

Concerning the United States’ proper course of action in the world, Haig believes that the national interest must be placed at the center of the nation’s strategic concerns.

“There seems to be a belief that we can’t do anything in this world unless we have a global mandate of approval,” Haig said.

Scott Wacholtz can be contacted at s.wacholtz@umiami.edu.

CALENDAR

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TODAY

Go out and exercise your right to vote! The Florida Democratic Primary is today. If you’re registered, go to your local polling site and let your voice be heard.

In honor of Safe Spring Break Week, PIER 21, the AOD and the NCAA host speaker Will Keim on the topic of sexual assault, at 7 p.m. in the UC ballrooms. For more information, please call 305-284-6120.

Rennard Strickland, the Phillip H. Knight professor at the University of Oregon School of Law, will give the lecture, “What the Presidential Candidates Need to Know About 21st Century Native Americans,” from 12 to 2 p.m. in Room 109 of the School of Law. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call Mitzi Wilkinson at 305-284-3076.

As part of the fifth annual Communication Week, several workshops will be held on campus featuring professionals in the communications field.
“Producing for a Hispanic Audience” with Luca Bentivoglio, CEO of Latino Public Broadcasting, will be held from 10:50 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 130 of the Whitten Learning Center.
The workshop “Media Management” with Charles Bortnick, chief operations officer of Westwood One radio network, will be held from 10:50 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room 4027 in the Wolfson Building.
A discussion on “What’s Happening with HDTV” will be held from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. in room 130 in the Whitten Learning Center. The panel includes Steve Ellis, assistant chief engineer at WPLG-TV; Joe Garcia, director of broadcast operations and engineering at WFOR-TV/WBFS-TV, WTVX; and Steve Kaplan, director of operations and engineering at WTVJ/WSCV-TV. The moderator for this discussion is UM broadcasting Professor Michel Dupagne.

WEDNESDAY
Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol [GAMMA] will be holding its annual candlelight vigil in memory of those who have lost their lives due to alcohol related incidents on the Rock at 7:30 p.m. Reverend Skip Flin ond Gina Cancelliere will speak prior to a silent walk to the Panhellenic courtyard. For more information, please contact Dave Fenster at fenfen110@hotmail.com or Rachel Inman at rachelinman@hotmail.com.

As part of the fifth annual Communication Week, a discussion on “Covering Civil Disturbance” will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Wolfson Building Room 3033. The panel includes Tim Chapman, Miami Herald photographer; Al Crespo, photographer, Robert Duyos, Sun-Sentinel photographer; Patrick Farrell, Miami Herald photographer; Manny Garcia, Miami Herald reporter; and Beth Kaiser, Associated Press [New York] photographer. The moderator for this event is UM Journalism Professor Sam Terilli.

THURSDAY MARCH 11
There will be an opening reception for the Cuban Heritage Collection’s new exhibition “Treasures from the Ramiro Casaas Collection” at 6 p.m. in the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion on the second floor of the Otto G. Richter Library..

The Reach Out and Read Program would like to invite all UM students and staff to join them for lunch at noon in the Rosentiel Medical Science Building 3rd-floor. Learn how to volunteer your time reading to children between the ages of 1-9 years old, while they wait to see the doctor. Please RSVP to David at ROR@med.miami.edu or at 305-243-5264.

FRIDAY MARCH 12
The Professional Development and Training Office is offering the first session in the Leadership Skills Development Program from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. During the seven full-day sessions, participants will gain a greater understanding of such topics as leadership, quality, continuous improvement, ethics, and values. For more information, including criteria for application and the application process, visit the https://www.miami.edu/development-training/LeadershipApplicationSpring2004.doc.

SATURDAY MARCH 13
The Alumni Club of Greater Miami will host the second annual Murder Mystery Dinner to benefit University of Miami scholarships. This year’s event will take place at the Calusa Country Club and includes a beef, chicken, or lasagna dinner, and entertainment. The cost is $40 for club members and $45 for guests. This year’s show will feature members of Theater Lovers Community (TLC). For more information, call Richard Webster at 305-519-3720.

SUNDAY MARCH 14
If you are around during Spring Break, attend a free meditation/yoga seminar between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Mahoney-Pearson classrooms 101 and 102. Join internationally renowned meditation facilitator and yoga therapist, Rijuta Tooker for a one-day intensive seminar including personal interviews and healthy refreshments. Space is limited and advance registration is required. For more information please call the Wellness Suite at (305) 284-LIFE.

GREEK WEEK Fraternities, sororities partake in a week of unity, pride, and benefit for greater causes

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Greek Week is over, and in the end, all Greeks united on the UC Patio for Sunday’s closing ceremonies to find out the winners of all the different competitions held throughout the week. Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Phi Epsilon came out on top. Overall, UM Greeks raised $9,892 for their annual charity, United Cerebral Palsy [UCP].

Monday’s blood drive kicked off Greek Week, collecting 829 total units of blood. The teams donating the most received monetary awards. Other events included Olympic Day, Organized Cheer, Mystery Event, Song Fest and a Dance-A-Thon.

Throughout the week’s events, spirit among the Greeks intensified. Before the closing ceremonies began, each fraternity and sorority – donning their respective shirts – waited with anticipation.

“Greek Week is the hardest event of the year – We spent so much time on it,” said Mehmet Yarangumelioglu, a Lambda Chi Alpha freshman. “If we don’t win, I’m not doing it again.”

Lauren Johnson, a Delta Delta Delta freshman, said Organized Cheer was “a lot of fun but also a lot of work – but in the end it was worth it because we all had fun and did our best.”

Zeta Tau Alpha could not join the festivities this year because they were participating in a fashion show.

Delta Phi Epsilon sisters Cara Marie Rogers, sophomore, and Meredith Mulligan, junior, said they loved Greek Week this year.

“It was a pretty close call and everyone did well,” Rogers said. “We’re so excited about winning, and most of all, we are proud of everyone.”

Shalu Patel can be reached at s.patel16@umiami.edu

THE WRAP

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WMC – THE END
With WMC closing, these are the last few parties that should rank high on the list…
Tonight, Simple Life media sluts Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie host an evening at new Capponi venue, Mansion, featuring a Rosa Cha fashion show.

You’ve got to get it up
Also tonight, Soho Lounge is going retro with their Tai Shan Ball, with live performances by D’Luna and Avenue D and the code for the evening including anything “leather and lace,” “fetish”, “glam electro-punk”, and “80s retro trash,” Soho is going to be ardente.

CROBAR + CAVALLI
Wednesday, March 10, the last night of WMC, Crobar and Roberto Cavalli team up for an Italian soiree. With two themed rooms and a fashion show, guests will be saying (Italian) by the time their bottles run dry.

A FEW SHOUT OUTS:

Note to Girlie Action Media: Tommie Sunshine does not have 1000 friends that need to have VIP passes to watch him spin.

To the resident of 5411 Granada Boulevard: You do not know how to throw a house party.

Four words: We love our groupies!

mmm, bunnies:
Attention: Playboy is coming to the University of Miami! On Monday, March 22 and Tuesday, March 23 Playboy will be conducting interviews to find fem fatales for its fall 2004 “Girls of the ACC” spread. So ladies, work on that tan and email collegegirls@playboy.com for more information.

CD REVIEW FERDINANd DRAWS indie rock lovers to a party!

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Over the past couple of years Indie Rock has become infected with the desire to step out on the dance floor and start a raging party for all those kiddies that never liked techno and are sick of dancing to hip-hop. While such New York groups as The Liars, Interpol, and The Rapture have become the vanguard of the scene, their studio output has always been a bit disappointing. So leave it to a group of Scottish art students that have avant-garde tendencies, who have nothing to do with the pretentious nature of the Brooklyn scene, to give fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for, an album comparable to the classics that the scene name as its influences.

This first full length from Franz Ferdinand clocks in at just under 40 minutes, the perfect amount of time for a sweat drenching dance party that needs a little something to help reach its peak. The band take their sound from late ’70s and early ’80s artists like Gang of Four and Public Image Limited, but instead of just sounding like recycled garbage it can stand beside “Public Image,” or even Wire’s “Pink Flag.” This is because while the influence is rooted in the post-punk scene this album has a surprisingly immediate sound and is catered for our generation

The album begins with Alex Kapranos sounding like Leonard Cohen in the opener to “Jaqueline” then quickly the beat kicks in and you are drawn into the party Franz Ferdinand wishes to share. The clever nature of the band’s lyrics immediately comes out with Alex crooning that, “I’m so drunk I don’t mind if you kill me.” The Doors are thrown a nod with “Tell Her Tonight,” that asks the listener just what turns you on about a girl. The song is structured exactly like “Hello I Love You” with lyrics updated for the 21st century and a punk twang. Franz’s exception first single is next, “Take Me Out” pulls you with driving chords then breaks down much like Gang of Four’s “Like a Tourist.” It’s a song for anyone that has ever eyed someone that attracted them at a bar with lines like, “You know I’m here waiting here for you/ I know I won’t be leaving here with you.” The next track, “Matinee,” sounds like Dismemberment Plan with a heavy distorted guitar that backs up the dance beat of the drums as Alex reveals that. “I time every journey to bump into you accidentally.” “Come On Home” recalls lost love over haunting synthesizers and off-chords as Alex says, “I replace you pathetically/ but how I needed you / Let’s not forget we are so strong /And I can not forget.” Other tracks on this self-titled debut give hints of the clever word play and sexual androgyny of The Cure, ’80s David Bowie, and The Smiths.

Franz Ferdinand on first listening jumps right out at you at the control and intelligence the band commands over their tracks. Their sound doesn’t need to be gritty and keeps things interesting by changing up their flow to steer away from making every track sound the same. This is the album the Strokes or The Liars should have made with an urgency and heartbreak that professes there is no better cure for the depression of modern society than dancing until the point of passing out, and then dancing for three more hours.

Ross Whitsett can be contacted at r.whitsett@umiami.edu.

MOVIE REVIEW The Barbarian Invasions: It’s not about barbarians

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Although the Oscars proved themselves to be an unreliable way of measuring film quality once again this year, they’re usually pretty good when it comes to a few of the smaller awards. This is especially true when, in the foreign language or documentary categories, the Oscars actually agree with some other non-Hollywood awards programs like Sundance or Cannes. It looked like a good sign, then, when The Barbarian Invasions was named the Best Foreign Film after a successful run at Cannes and a long list of rave critical reviews. But like so many other Oscar winners of past and present, The Barbarian Invasions is highly overrated.

Basically, The Barbarian Invasions is a good film, but not the great one it could have been. It lines up all the right parts of a great movie, but fails to execute these scenes in many places. The ending is great, and there are some really charming scenes and conversations, but the bad scenes are frustrating and they ruin the pace of the film.

The Barbarian Invasions centers around a middle-aged man who is slowly dying in a Canadian hospital. In his final days, he calls together his friends and family, some of whom he hasn’t seen in years, to look back on his life.

The plot sets up a forum for discussing various philosophies on death, sex, history, politics, drugs, and various other hot issues. Lots of filmmakers find ways to do this in their movies, two recent notables being Richard Linklater’s Waking Life and Bob Odenkirk’s brilliant Melvin Goes to Dinner. In one, dreamlike characters discuss and experience philosophical ideas in their daily lives. In the other, a handful of Los Angeles socialites meet for dinner and end up debating love, sex, and life for hours.

Both of these films are better than The Barbarian Invasions, although neither is as hyped. The Barbarian Invasions debuted at Cannes in 2003, winning two awards there for screenwriting and acting. It had a modest run in art-house theaters in the U.S. until the Academy Awards win, which will probably result in a slightly wider release, although this is not a film with much commercial appeal.

If you’re looking for good philosophical drama and thought-provoking conversations, rent the above films instead. You’ll enjoy The Barbarian Invasions from an emotional standpoint, especially with its touching ending. But the movie is not as smart as it wants to be, and its attempts at humor are usually corny enough to warrant eye rolling.

Some characters are annoyingly one-dimensional, like most of the random friends that show up at the hospital. His son, a wealthy commodities trader, is the most interesting part of the film, and sets up a few funny-yet-sad moments when he tries to buy his way out of every problem. If all the characters were as developed and well-written as the son, The Barbarian Invasions might reach the heights it desires. But as of now, this is just another solid foreign film. Fans of the self-pretentious style employed in French filmmaking will probably enjoy The Barbarian Invasions, as many have, but normal moviegoers and most Americans are probably not going to get into this film.

Shawn Wines can be reached at s.wines@umiami.edu.

CD REVIEW Truama and Drama Can’t stop them

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Much like the phoenix born again from its own ashes, The Living End has resurrected itself from the depths of adversity. With its most recent release MODERN ARTillery, the Australian band proves it’s back in the public eye and ready to perform.

The trio, composed of guitarist/vocalist Chris Cheney, bassist/vocalist Scott Owen and new drummer Andy Strachan, reflects upon this theme in its song “Rising Up from the Ashes.” This, along with the album’s remaining 13 songs, is a mix of fast paced punk and rock and roll.

Lyrically reminiscent of a mature Blink 182 and vocally suggestive of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, the Melbourne-based band presents its newest material under recording label Reprise Records.

Formed a decade ago Down Under, The Living End shot to success almost overnight in 1998 with the overwhelming response to its single “Prisoner of Society/Second Solution.” Two albums and tours across Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States followed. In 2001, injuries Cheney sustained in a car accident prevented the band from traveling and recording. Then, the drummer quit. MODERN ARTillery is the group’s reintroduction to its fans and the world.

The Living End stretches its style and deviates from its usual rhythm in a few tracks. “So What” stands out with its slower country twang. “In the End” is a throwback to true classic rock sounds. “The Room,” a winding, eight-minute roller coaster of melodies and vocals, concludes the album with a flourish.

The first song – “What Would You Do?” – seems to be a misplaced, poor introduction to the rest of the collection. With its powerful, politically charged lyrics and catchy chorus, “Who’s Gonna Save Us?” would have been a better choice. In the end, whether the question is answered or the band is saved, The Living End delivers.

Rachel Luhta can be contacted at r.luhta@umiami.edu.

The Vagina’s came and conquered: A man’s perspective on The Vagina Monologues

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Truthfully, like a lot of other guys, I was hoping to avoid seeing the Women’s Resources Center’s rendition of Eva Ensler’s play The Vagina Monologues. This play has a firm, and, as it turns out, well deserved reputation for being anti-male. So I’d be paying $12 to be man-bashed for two and a half hours?

The main problem with this play is that one really needs to have “one” to get it. The 30-50 year old women sitting around me were in stitches almost the entire time. I thought I heard a guy laugh once, but it might also have been my imagination. The message delivered early on in the play was that men are evil, militant lesbianism (that’s “militant” not “mnage”) and new age mantras like “you are your clitoris” are the solution to all the world’s problems. Communally shouting words that can’t be printed in this paper also aren’t the answer, but giving all proceeds to charity is at least a healthy start.

On the plus side, a variety of women were profiled-from Afghan women under the Taliban, homeless women in the US to murder victims in Mexico. However, the performances, while heartfelt, weren’t very strong and some of the actors seemed to be mismatched with their material; material that was boiled down to an infinitely long, but occasionally interactive, two and a half hours followed by an additional twenty minutes thanking their sponsors, beneficiaries, faculty consultants, cast, crew (all of whom were already listed in the program).

I dare the Men’s Resource Center to sponsor The Penis Monologues next year (yes, it is a real play!). If run in tandem not only does it amount to theatrical intercourse, but creates a defacto inter-sex dialogue. Which reminds me, doesn’t having two or more performing each sketch defeat the purpose of a monologue?

The Women’s Resource Center sponsored the performance of Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues on March 3-4 to celebrate V-Day, a nationwide campaign to stop violence against women. Proceeds from the two performances go to support the Miami Victims Services Center, (www.vscmiami.org) which provides assistance to people recovering from violent crimes.

Jonathan Twiggar can be contacted at j.twiggar@umiami.edu

THIS IS THE LIST

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Tuesday,
March 9

:: Perfecto Presents….PAUL OAKENFIELD
Space will be exuding thumping beats and techno sounds as internationally renowned Oakenfield will be mixing it up tonight from 10 p.m. to noon. If you go check out one event, please make it this. Saving the best for the last, Oakenfield will be closing up the Winter Music Conference with this outrageous event.

:: M3 Summit
Sunset Sessions…
…hosts their Tuesday event featuring music spinning by DJs/Performers DJ Le Spam and the Spam AllStars [MIA locals!], Telefon Tel-Aviv, DJ Patife, Prefuse 73, DJ Heather, plus special guests. All of this will be going down at the Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Ave. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

:: PROTON RADIO @ CAFETERIA:
TECH HOUSE
With DJs/Performers: Casa Del Soul, Paula Coughlan (first-ever US appearance), Brian Ffar, Daniel Mnookin, Earth Deuley, Rob Dowell, Wes Mcgee, and Chloe Harris. Yes, Cafeteria hot spot on 546 Lincoln Rd will not only be serving up food tonight but good music. It’s from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free. Proton Radio has grown to become internet broadcasting’s gold standard for underground dance music and will be hosting this worthy event.

:: YOU GOTTA EAT SOMETIME!
MIXED ELEMENTS
WMC SHOWCASE
Mixed Elements presents delicious food by Joia downstairs and funky dance beats upstairs. DJs/Performers who will be mixing it up are Lee Cabrera, Juan Mejia, Michael Anthony, Dimitris Mykonos, Raoul Kahn, BaLi, John Early, Aaron Pope, Mike Giannini, Pat Allen, Sunil Kapadia, Solomon, Scarlett Etienne, DJ Torque, and Todd Prophet. Joia Restaurant and Upper Lounge is located at 150 Ocean Drive, South Beach. It’s going on from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and is free with RSVP [Trevor@mixedelements.com].

:: REMIX HOTEL POOL SESSIONS
Remix Magazine, XM Radio, Thump Radio and Breakbeat Science bring you DJs/Performers Junkie XL, Deepsky, Gray Area, Infusion, Low End Specialists, Alex Whalen (XM), and Behrouz (XM). Focal point here- the pool at the Ritz Plaza Hotel [1701 Collins Ave., South Beach] and the music- sun bathe to live music for free from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

:: SOUTH BEACH DIET
La Galleria located at 1626 Collins Ave will be keeping things slim in true South Beach Style today from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. An Atlanta and London contingency have brought together diverse talent for an entire 15 hours of flab-obliterating Underground Dance music. This party will not be about representing one style or clique spanning from DJs/Performers Terry Francis, Asad Rizvi, Alexander East, Alex Dean, Spettro, Michael Scott, DJ Inc, DJ Quiz, J-Luv, Jonathan, and Paul Soul. With the price at 5 bucks, you can’t pass up.

:: GET SOME IN BED
At B.E.D. restaurant and lounge that is… DJs/Performers 112 Crew – Bill Patrick, Dennis Rodgers, and Matt Licata will be spinning the sound from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for free so go hear for yourself.

:: “COMING OUT PARTY”
Jus-Ed and Kevin James will be coming out and introducing their new labels and websites. Record releases “Mid Summers Eve” and the premier hit “Sex Rain” U.Q. Limited promo CDs, vinyl, T-shirts, and accessories will be freebies.
Spinning it up will be DJs/Performers DJ Kevin James of M-Break recordings and DJ Jus-Ed of Underground Quality. Expect this going down all day from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lounge 16 located at 423 16th St. By the way, this one won’t be harsh on your pockets either-it’s free.

Wednesday,
March 10

:: Sun Dance instead of Rain Dance
For the third day in a row, the Clevelander Hotel hosts M3 Sunset Sessions, featuring DJs Deep, Franck Rogers, Charles Webster, Jay J, Jamie Thinnes, Duane and DJ Pap. The Clevelander is located at 1020 Ocean Drive and tunes will be spinning from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Must there be mention of the beautiful sun, beautiful bodies, and beachy drinks with an umbrella?

:: As the Tribes dance…
Presented by Global Allian, Y2K Entertainment, and Scene Magazine, less-than-a-month old club STATE opens its red velvet doors to DJ Peretz, Ming & FS, Josh the Funky One, and over a dozen more performers. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m., yeah that’s right, a Miami club is going to be open during the day, and will cost $20 before 11 p.m. In other words, go at normal peak club hours, approximately 12:00 a.m.

:: SUPERJANE PRESENTS ARE WE TIGHT ENOUGH FOR YOU?
Nocturnal Magazine and DJ peoples present “Are we tight enough for you,” at Blue on Espanola Way from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Spend the $10 and go to the nether part of SoBe where Espanola Way is it’s own world.

:: “STILL FUNKIN AROUND”
Underground Sounds & Rhinovinyl.com showcase Deejay 007, Round-N-Round and Invisible DJ, and Aldo Ron Sanchez at the Lily Hotel’s open air courtyard at 835 Collins Avenue. For exactly 12 hours and $5 celebrate Kind Recordings new label release lovingly called KIND0001: by Michael Knyte and RiotGear.

:: MIXING AUDI AND ASTROGLIDE
Happening at everyone’s favorite beach spot, Nikki Beach, special guest DJ from the UK and a slew of DJ Daves will be mixing and spinning from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Although the event is a little pricey, $30, attending an event sponsored by a lubricant, a car, and website called Xposed.com just speaks for itself. Can anyone say backseat car sex?

:: BEN SHERMAN AND FILTER MAGAZINE PRESENT X-MIX PRODUCTIONS
Felix Da Housecat (A DJ) takes over the Mansion from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., running amuck with Dave the Hustler and Junior Sanchez. Sponsored by clothing guru Ben Sherman and rock mag Filter, do some booty shaking with Felix Da Housecat and get lost in the Mansion.

:: A fashion
function…
Under the big tent, not the big top, models strut their stuff down the runway on 1st and Collins Avenue. Celebrating fashion and music, spring lines of Efren Jarquin, Sisley, Hummel, and Enyce will be showcased for half an hour each. Pass by the tent to feast your eyes on the hottest models, greatest music, and delectable drinks.

:: Fashion and Music: Made In Italy
Crobar and Roberto Cavalli team up for an Italian soiree. With two themed rooms and a fashion show, guests will be saying SoBe is ardente by the time their bottles run dry.

‘Canes look to avoid letdown

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The baseball team will look to continue an impressive season at the plate this weekend against Elon at Mark Light Field.

Elon, a small university in North Carolina, is no stranger to the baseball team. Head Coach Jim Morris played his college ball there.

The Elon Phoenix enter the series with a 6-6 record on the season. However, Elon has been a thorn in Miami’s side in the past, winning three times in the last two seasons against the ‘Canes.

“Elon is a good program,” Morris said. “They almost swept us last year and won a game two years ago as well. They have proven that they are capable of winning against us.”

After several disappointing starts, the Hurricanes decided to make a change in their starting rotation. With a healthy George Huguet and a reinstated Sean Valdes-Fauli back on the team, the Hurricanes have enough depth in their bullpen to insert Cesar Carrillo into the rotation. Carrillo will pitch the series opener Friday, with Dan Touchet hurling Saturday, and Brandon Camardese Sunday. Opening day starter J.D. Cockroft has been struggling as of late and will be in the bullpen for this weekend’s series, in an effort to get his 2003 form back.

“J.D. has been struggling a little bit so we needed to change,” Morris said. “He would rather be in the rotation, but he’ll go out there and try to win that spot back.”

The Hurricanes, who have been snake-bitten by injuries this season, are beginning to get healthy again. Along with a rested Huguet, Brian Barton is back to full-time duty and should resume his role as one of the more productive hitters in the lineup.

I knew [San Pedro] had power and he’s gotten stronger, but I didn’t expect him to be the guy to lead us in home runs – JIM MORRIS, COACH

One of the surprises early on has been the power of Erick San Pedro. San Pedro currently leads the team in home runs with four.

“San Pedro will catch the majority of the games for us. I knew he had power and he’s gotten stronger, but I didn’t expect him to be the guy to lead us in home runs,” Morris said.

One of the keys for the Hurricanes this weekend will be playing well defensively. The team has had some defensive problems early in the season, but did a much better job last weekend in picking up three straight victories, including a 17-0 shellacking of La Salle.

“We just need to work hard in practice,” third basemen Gaby Sanchez said. “We’ve done better defensively the last couple of games.”

If the Hurricanes jump out to an early lead against Elon, it could shatter their confidence. The ‘Canes have not been able to do this in the past.

“We always come in with the mentality that every team wants to beat us,” Sanchez said. “We need to get the lead early because that will force them to play our game.”

The Hurricanes were once ranked first in the Baseball America poll and were in the top three in every poll. However, three losses have dropped the team’s overall standing. They are ranked eighth in the USA Today poll, which determines who gets to host the regional series. The top eight teams will get that honor.

“The rank matters because our goal is to be in the top eight and the higher you are, the more advantages you get,” Morris said.

Darren Grossman can be contacted at d.grossman@umiami.edu.

Katin has breakthrough weekend for Hurricanes

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Outfielder Brendan Katin has been making the most of a difficult adjustment from junior college baseball to competing against the likes of Florida and Tennessee on a regular basis.

Katin, a junior transfer from Lake Sumter Community College, broke out this past weekend with two home runs, including a grand slam in the Hurricanes’ victory over LaSalle. The Fort Myers, Fla. native struggled in the ‘Canes’ first two series but was able to improve his batting average to .320 as of Mar. 2.

“This past weekend was a big confidence boost,” Katin said. “I’ve been struggling a bit trying to solidify a spot in the line-up…the big difference was that I wasn’t striking out. I was putting the ball in play.”

If facing elite pitching wasn’t enough of a culture shock for Katin, the former catcher was moved to the outfield by Head Coach Jim Morris when Danny Figueroa and Brian Barton were sidelined with injuries. Figueroa is not expected to return to the Hurricanes until April, so Katin will have plenty of chances to improve.

While Katin has played in the outfield before, he was a catcher during his final year at Lake Sumter. He said that the transition to the outfield has come naturally.

“I am definitely most comfortable in the outfield,” he said. “I have only caught two full seasons, in high school and my sophomore year in junior college. The big thing for me is being able to hit no matter where I play.”

Morris said that Katin will primarily play in the outfield for the ‘Canes.

“We are going to see if he can play first base and catch a little bit, but we think his best position is in the outfield,” Morris said. “The strength of his game is his power. The ball jumps off his bat better than anyone on the team.”

Katin said that playing for the Hurricanes is far different from junior college in terms of preparation, skill level, focus, and the mentality of each player.

“We have guys here that are playing to win, while in junior college players are trying to move on to the next level,” he said.

Katin said he has not played for a winning team in recent memory.

“We are 7-3 right now, which is probably the best starting record I have had since Little League…it is a huge difference here,” he said.

Another aspect of Hurricane baseball that Katin has had to get used to is the anxiety of each start. He said that each at-bat is filled with pressure to maintain his starting spot.

“On this team, if you don’t perform, you are out of the line-up,” he said. “Even when you are playing, you have the feeling that you have to perform well in order to stay in the line-up.”

Katin had knee surgery in the fall, so his progress was delayed until the spring. With the preseason and early schedule out of the way, he said that he is close to full strength and has been happy with his improvement up to this point.

That said, Katin is not completely satisfied.

“I would like to be more consistent at the plate,” he said. “I need to have more two and three hit games as opposed to having a big game and then going one for four the next day.”

While Katin may be a bit hard on himself, Morris said he could not have expected more from a player in his unique situation.

“It’s a tough process [adjusting to Miami baseball],” Morris said. “He’s playing good competition every day. I am sure it was tough for him coming in [at the beginning of the season]. With the schedule that we play early on he kind of got thrown into the fire.”

Eric Kalis can be contacted at e.kalis@umiami.edu.

Briefs BASKETBALL, TENNIS

The Miami Hurricane
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Men’s Basketball

Darius Rice scored 20 points, helping Miami snap a 10-game losing streak in a 59-56 win over Villanova on Tuesday night.

Gary Hamilton and Armondo Surratt added 10 points for the Hurricanes (14-15, 4-11 Big East).

Allan Ray scored 27 points and Mike Nardi had 14 for the Wildcats (14-14, 6-9), who have lost four in a row and are in danger of missing out on an NIT bid. Villanova, which lost in overtime to Connecticut last week, finishes the season Saturday at No. 6 Pittsburgh.

The Hurricanes scored the first seven points of the second half to pull within one, and then Ray hit a three-pointer. Rice made it 43-41 after a three, but Derrick Snowden followed with a basket. Rice got Miami within one again with another three, only to have Nardi answer with one on the other end.

Miami finally took a 52-51 lead when Rice hit a jumper with 4:28 to go. Villanova tied it at 54, and then Surratt hit the winner. The Hurricanes shot 58 percent from the field in the second half.

Villanova had 18 turnovers, wiping out a solid 47 percent shooting effort from the floor.

Villanova seniors Andreas Bloch, Tom Grace and Derrick Snowden were honored before the game.

Men’s Tennis

The No. 33 University of Miami men’s tennis team rallied to win five of six singles matches after losing the doubles point en route to a 5-2 victory over Big East foe No. 43 Notre Dame Sunday afternoon in South Bend, Ind.

The Hurricanes (7-0) fell early in the match with Notre Dame sweeping at the No. 1, 2 and 3 doubles spots to take the doubles point and a 1-0 lead over UM.

Miami would respond in singles play when sophomore Eric Hechtman downed Brent D’Amico in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3 at the No. 2 slot. Teammate sophomore Tim Krebs followed suite at the No. 4 spot, winning, 6-2, 6-3 over Barry King to give the Hurricanes a 2-1 lead over the Irish.

Freshman Josh Cohen improved to 7-0 in singles play on the season with a win over Notre Dame’s Matthew Scott, 6-2, 6-3 at the No. 1 position.

Miami led the match at 3-1 when the Irish struck back with Stephen Bass defeating sophomore John Hoyes, 7-5, 6-2 at No. 3.

Sophomore Jeremiah Fuller took the fifth and final point for the Hurricanes, upending Eric Langenkamp, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), (10-7).

“This was a big win for us, beating one of the Big East’s best teams in Notre Dame,” Head Coach Bryan Getz said.

Miami will return to action on Wednesday, March 3, hosting in-state foe Central Florida at 6 p.m. at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.

-Compiled by the sports information department.

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