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Women’s tennis makes quick work of FIU

The Miami Hurricane
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The FIU Golden Panthers turned out to be more of a test than the Hurricanes thought it should have been.
Nevertheless, Miami took care of business Saturday, winning 6-1 at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center. No. 21 Miami is now 6-2 while the Golden Panthers drop to 3-7 on the year. Still, head coach Page Yaroshuk wasn’t completely satisfied with the result.
“We have to play better than we did today,” Yaroshuk said. “We can’t have close matches with FIU and expect to beat great teams down the road.”
The Hurricanes started off on the right foot, winning each of the three doubles matches on the day. Junior Abby Smith and senior Igna deVilliers defeated Mei Ly and Bruna Discordia 8-2, while sophomore Megan Bradley and junior Mari Toro defeated Desanka Jovanovic and Christine Suard 8-3. In the last doubles match, freshman Melissa Applebaum and junior Sara Robbins made easy work of Courtney Jonson and Davina Duronio 8-0.
“We worked hard out there and we had good energy in each the one, two, and three doubles matches,” Smith said. “Our winning streak is now at two, but even though we played well as partners it is a team effort and it matters how everyone else plays as well.”
Singles play, though, yielded much closer results than expected. Three of the six matches went to a third set of play. Bradley defeated Jovanovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-0, Applebaum beat Discordia 6-2, 6-0, and sophomore Sihem Bennacer won against Surd 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Yaroshuk was especially pleased with Bennacer’s play.
“I was happy to see Bennacer in her No. 4 match win after coming off of mono,” Yaroshuk said.
The biggest surprise of the day was when Mei Ly defeated Mari Toro 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the No. 2 singles match. In No. 5 singles, sophomore Staci Stevens beat Jonson 6-2, 6-2, while Robbins rounded out singles play with a 6-2, 6-1, victory over Duronio.
Toro, ranked No. 94 in the country, had the most exciting match of the day, as the singles match went to a tiebreaker in the third and final set. Down 5-4, Toro broke Mei Ly’s serve to get even the score at 5-5 and proceeded to win the next game to take the lead 6-5. Mei Ly proved to be too much for the Miami junior as she took the next game and won the tiebreaker
Miami’s No. 1 singles player, Megan Bradley, fought back after losing her first singles set, eventually overpowering her opponent in three sets.
The victory was Miami’s second in a row, following Saturday’s 7-0 victory over South Florida. Next up for the ‘Canes is a home match against Boston College at 6 PM Wednesday.
“Our goal is better tennis and not only to win but to get the girls playing better than they have been,” Yaroshuk said. “I thought the girls played well, but they are going to have to step up their games as we have a big match coming up against University of Virginia at the end of the week.”

Doug Kroll can be reached at Dstorm13@aol.com

Sports Briefs

The Miami Hurricane
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Men’s Tennis
The University of Miami men’s tennis team fell 7-0 to No.1-ranked Illinois Sunday in Champaign, Ill.
Despite the loss, the Hurricanes received extraordinary play from doubles pairing Andrew Golub and Colin Purcell that defeated the No. 2-ranked doubles team Amer Delic and Michael Calkins 9-8 (4).
The loss was the second straight for the No. 32-ranked Hurricanes. With the defeat, UM fell to 5-3 on the season.
In singles play, Colin Purcell (Louisville, Ky.) put up the toughest fight for the Hurricanes, pushing No. 60 Ryler DeHeart to three sets (6-4, 1-6, 6-3).
The loss comes one day after the ‘Canes were dealt a mild upset Saturday when it lost 4-3 to No. 42 Indiana.
Coach Bryan Getz said that while the two teams were evenly matched in terms of talent and skill, the Hoosiers came to the court with more “mental toughness” than the Hurricanes.
Getz also noted that the young UM squad struggled to adjust to playing indoors, but added “that’s no excuse.”
UM took the doubles point as Golub and Purcell defeated Viktor Libal and Petr Novotny 8-6 and Todd Widom and Eric Hechtman defeated John Stone and Jakub Praibis 9-7.
In singles play, however, the Hurricanes were unable to counter Indiana’s resolve.
“We were fortunate to get the doubles point, but then we came out flat in singles,” Getz said.
Miami won two singles matches. At first singles, No. 18-ranked Widom defeated Praibis 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 and, in fourth singles, Hechtman beat Ryan Recht 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.
The Hurricanes’ next home match will be Thursday, March 6 when they host Georgia Tech at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center on the Coral Gables Campus.

Swimming and Diving
University of Miami In addition to finishing among the top teams in the conference at the Big East Championships, two swimmers set new school records.
Last season, Hurricane standout and Big East Swimmer of the Year Manon Van Rooijen set new Big East Championships records in both the 200 and 100-freestyle events.
This season, Van Rooijen defended both of her Big East titles and improved on her time in the 200 free, racing to a 1:46.44 finish, setting a new championship record as well as one for the University of Miami.
Senior swimmer Elaine Schwartz, who produced an outstanding championship performance with two top-five finishes, set a new school record in the 400 IM. She placed third in the event with a time of 4:17.02.
The record in the 400 IM was previously held by Kristal Tellegen, formerly a standout swimmer and also a coach for the Hurricanes.
Van Rooijen holds records in both the 100 and 200-freestyle events at UM.

Miller’s quest results in first career collegiate victory

The Miami Hurricane
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The University of Miami has a new star on the rise, and she is already making a possible case to join the LPGA.
Sophomore golfer Tina Miller won the UCF Invitational in Orlando last weekend after shooting a tournament record 69 in the second round, following an opening day 76. The victory marked the first collegiate win for Miller.
“I was pretty confident going into the final round,” Miller said. “The putts dropped when they needed to and when they didn’t; it didn’t get under my skin.”
Success is something that is definitely not new to Miller. While attending Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School in Miami, she played for the men’s team, and was ranked fifth in Miami-Dade County Boys Golf in 2000-01. In 2001, Miller battled from nine strokes down on the final day to become the Florida State Girls Champion.
The Graphic Design major and four time All-Dade selection was heavily recruited by the Universities of Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. Even though she visited many schools, the Florida native knew that UM was the right place for her.
“I knew right there on my visit, that this is where I wanted to be,” Miller said.
Miller’s success can be attributed to whom the sophomore looks to as role models. Among her favorite golfers are Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam.
“I hope that one day I can give Annika a challenge and get all this hard work and dedication to pay off,” Miller said.
A typical workout for the UCF Invitational Champion and her teammates is warming-up for a half hour and then either playing a round of nine or 18 holes and then working on her short game. On the weekends when they don’t have a tournament, the ‘Canes play at Don Shula’s Golf course in Miami Lakes.
Like many other athletes, Miller has a few superstitions. Among them has been Miller’s tendency to play exclusively with orange ball markers.
“I just started using orange when I got here and I putted well, so I kept doing it,” Miller said.
The ‘Canes play next at the Lady Gator Invitational in Gainesville, beginning Sunday. With the way that she is playing, it doesn’t seem like Tina Miller will be changing her beloved orange ball markers in the near future.
“People are going to underestimate us, but hopefully after that last day, we’ll be the ones with the smiles on our faces,” Miller said.

Ben Wolf can be reached at b.wolf@umiami.com

A sinking feeling for men’s hoops

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Loss drops men’s hoops to cellar of Big East
Once again, the Miami Hurricanes’ struggling men’s basketball team displayed their inability to pull out a close game.
The Hurricanes were outscored late in the contest, falling Saturday 72-68 to Boston College at the Convocation Center. Eagles guard Troy Bell continued to make his case for Big East Player of the Year with 32 points in 38 minutes of play. Sophomore Jermaine Watson had a career night with 17 points in 26 minutes, including several clutch shots and free throws down the stretch.
James Jones and Armondo Surratt had career highs in points for the ‘Canes with 27 and 14, respectively.
The Hurricanes were forced to play without Darius Rice, who sprained his wrist against Villanova. Head coach Perry Clark is confident that his leading scorer will be back for Wednesday’s game against Virginia Tech.
“The doctor has said that it is a sprain and he is in a soft cast,” Clark said. “The timetable that they set for Darius has him coming back on Wednesday.”
The game was especially meaningful for Hurricane fans in attendance as they were treated to a reunion of many former basketball stars, like Tim James and Rick Barry, who received a stirring ovation as he was introduced to the crowd.
Barry addressed the crowd after he was introduced, thanking them for supporting all of the basketball alumni over the years. He also lobbied for more seats to be built in the Convocation Center and made a joke about how none of his sons were recruited by the Hurricanes in the past.
As for the game itself, both teams opened up the first half turning the ball over several times. The ‘Canes were only able to attempt three shots in the first seven minutes. According to Clark, the slow start is what ultimately cost the team the game.
“Obviously the turnovers early in the game really hurt us,” Clark said. “We were without Darius so I think the other players felt some pressure and were careless with the ball.”
The Eagles dominated the first half, going into the locker room with a 37-23 lead. Bell scored 19 of his 32 points in the first 20 minutes.
Seemingly energized by the halftime ceremony, the ‘Canes came out of the locker room with more intensity and went on an eight point run to cut their deficit to six (37-31). The ‘Canes hung tough for the rest of the game but were never able to take the lead because of Bell’s hot shooting and Watson’s tough play.
Boston College head coach Al Skinner was impressed with how the Hurricanes kept the game close in the second half.
“Miami just never seemed to go away,” Skinner said. “We were fortunate to win because they played a good game. They were probably the toughest team we’ve faced during out win streak.”
The loss combined with a Virginia Tech win over Villanova dropped the Hurricanes to last place in the Eastern division of the Big East with an overall record of 10-15 (3-11 in the conference). Despite the loss, Clark is impressed with how his team fought back in the second half.
“Our team has heart and character,” Clark said. “I am truly proud of how we gathered our composure and battled back in the second half. We just need some good things to happen for us this week.”
Clark also was impressed with Bell’s performance and how the guard was able to get off shots against the ‘Canes triangle defense.
“Bell made all of the difference for them,” Clark said. “He is definitely the best player that I’ve seen this year, and if he’s not Player of the Year in the Big East I’ll be shocked.”
Now the ‘Canes plan to focus on getting into the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York by beating the Hokies on Wednesday.
“Our future is in our hands,” Clark said. “We will continue to work hard and hope for a couple of breaks this week.”

-Eric Kalis can be reached at elk777bc@hotmail.com

Putting their troubles aside

The Miami Hurricane
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Baseball team down but not out
Hurricanes rebound to win series against the Citadel
The Miami baseball team faced adversity this weekend and beat it in the face.
After news of NCAA sanctions on Miami recruiting policies and the resignation of UM pitching coach Lazaro Collazo on Friday, the Hurricanes responded with a statement of resiliency. The ‘Canes fought back from an 8-7 loss Friday in which the team committed five errors, to defeat the Citadel 6-1 Saturday and 14-6 on Sunday.
The two victories gave Miami their third consecutive home series, and improved the team’s record to 9-3.
“We had to go out there and just dig in and play,” catcher Erick San Pedro said. “We went out there with Lazer in our heads and we knew how much he wants us to win.”
San Pedro hit his first two career home runs in the game, both of them to right field.
“Going up there against the lefty you try to hit it to right field,” San Pedro said. “The wind was blowing out to right as well and it was an added bonus for all of us.”
San Pedro was not the only Miami player hitting for power this weekend. Freshman Ryan Braun hit his third home run in as many games, as the designated hitter was bumped up to third in the lineup on Sunday.
“I just go out there and try to stay patient,” Braun said. “I haven’t done anything different. I’m just trying to make solid contact with the ball and fortunately the power is coming along with it. The wind helped us out a bit today as well.”
The ‘Canes exploded on Citadel pitching right from the get go as Miami put up an 11-1 lead after three innings including eight runs in the third.
Braun homered to lead off the inning, and after Citadel retired the next two Hurricane batters, things unraveled for the Bulldogs. Walks and errors allowed Miami to bat around in the inning, and Braun capped off the rally with an RBI triple to left. He later scored his second run of the inning on a wild pitch before Jim Burt was retired to end the 3rd frame.
“The offense really stepped it up today,” head coach Jim Morris said. “After everything that happened on Friday, I don’t think that any of us including myself had our heads in the game, but we came back strong and got these two important victories.”
Brandon Camardese recorded his second win of the season for the ‘Canes, going five innings and striking out four.
Miami started the weekend making numerous mental mistakes that the Bulldogs were able to capitalize on in order to steal the victory from the Hurricanes.
“We didn’t really play well at all on Friday for numerous reasons,” Morris said.
In addition to the loss, Miami starter Dan Touchet did not pitch due to a sore arm. Touchet underwent an MRI on Sunday morning and there is no timetable yet for his return.
“It is going to be tough without Dan,” San Pedro said. “He is our guy that goes out there on Friday and sets the tone for the whole series. We are really going to have to step it up against Tennessee next weekend without him in the rotation.”
UM pitcher J.D. Cockroft will continue to take Touchet’s spot in the rotation.
The ‘Canes rebounded Saturday, thanks to the effort from starter Vince Bongiovanni. The sophomore right-hander went 7.1 innings while striking out five batters, improving his record to 3-1 on the year.
Miami closer George Huguet also pitched for the first time this season, throwing a perfect final frame to close out Saturday’s contest.
“With George back, we don’t have a problem putting J.D. in the starting rotation,” Morris said. “He pitched well on Friday, it was the errors that hurt us. Our pitching will be fine and our team will be fine. Everybody knows they have to step it up and play Hurricanes baseball with the tough series coming up next weekend against Tennessee.”

-Ryan Ellis can be reached at msgnyc@yahoo.com

War in Iraq is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved

The Miami Hurricane
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I mainly hear the liberal side about why war is catastrophic and how greedy President Bush and his cronies are-two premises I agree with. War can bring considerable consequences and George W. Bush and his buddies are avaricious. However, I’d like everyone to consider the reasons why I don’t think destructive war is likely in Iraq.
First, going to war in Iraq is not that easy. Bush and friends have billions of dollars worth of oil interests in the Middle East, including Iraq. Most Arab countries are part of OPEC, even Iraq. If we tick off OPEC and oil shipments to the US are cut, where are we going to get our oil from, Alaska? There’s too much controversy to drill there.
Second, war has nothing to do with freedom fighting on either side. Hey, Americans have also killed off cultures and then depicted them to be the bad guys, like Native Americans. Instead of freedom, war happens to be an interest in money by taking over world markets. If Iraq were to take over the world, then we have to live the Iraqi way of life because they would dominate the world market. We Americans are not used to being killed for our rather rebellious attitude and free speech. However, Americans dominate world markets so what’s the big deal?
Third, I do sympathize with Bush’s logic for preemption to take out Saddam Hussein. If no one wants to hear about oil, or oppressed people, or et cetera, then at least appreciate this aspect in American history. People did not consider much about Adolf Hitler or Josef Stalin as being ruthless, empirical tyrants who want to conquer the world during the heights of their regimes. Well folks, look what happened: World War II and the Cold War. Saddam Hussein is easily another Stalin judging by his ruthlessness to his own people. I think it is in our best interests to prevent any further acts of harm to us. Whether or not we might be oppressive is questionable. But ask yourself this: Who will die, you or they? Either way, it’s a lose-lose situation for concerned humanitarians.
Last, if war in Iraq were that imminent, wouldn’t we have done something already instead of waiting seventeen months after 9/11?

Seth Bleicher can be contacted at sethbleicher@yahoo.com.

These human shields are protecting the inhumane

The Miami Hurricane
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Recently, there have been many reports of Americans and citizens of other nations traveling to Iraq to offer themselves as “human shields” in the event of a US-led invasion of that country. I’m not quite sure from where the mentality originates that would convince a person that placing oneself in between a Joint Direct Attack Munition and its intended target will result in actually deterring the launching of said weapon. Therefore, this type of activity must be wholly symbolic.
I find it interesting that such an act of sacrifice would be undertaken for what will be, in all practical measure, the protection of Saddam Hussein’s regime. For if these “human shields” are successful and their “great” act of selflessness deters war, they will also have succeeded in prolonging the dictatorial rule of one of the most brutal tyrants of the last century. That will be quite an accomplishment. As to what this says about their stated concern for the welfare of the Iraqi people is anyone’s guess.
To an individual, these people probably support the right of civil dissent against a government’s policies as well as the struggle against government-sanctioned discrimination. What a shame that the government they’re protecting answers such displays of civil rights with deadly chemical weapons and brutal, summary punishment and execution. As to whether or not the United States government did anything substantial at the time the Kurds were gassed (they didn’t) is irrelevant. These so called “human shields” claim to care about human rights; many even go so far as to malign the United States’ human rights record simply because we have a federal death penalty. Yet, they are going over to Iraq prepared to give their lives for what will be the benefit of Saddam Hussein.
During the Civil War, a newspaper reporter asked the captain of a US Navy ship preparing to bombard Charleston, SC, how he felt about the fact that his own brother was commanding the defense batteries for the Confederate forces on shore. Hesitating for just a moment, the captain replied, “Then allow me to fire the first volley.” In the event of war in Iraq, when informed that American “human shields” are protecting an important facility, General Tommy Franks should reply, “Gentlemen, commence your bombing run.”

Scott Wacholtz is a senior majoring in Political Science. He can be reached at aramis1642@hotmail.com

Mister Rogers, thank you for being my neighbor

The Miami Hurricane
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As each year passes and I grow older, I feel myself losing a grasp on my childhood. I turn 22 today-just a few months away from graduation and nervous about what is in store for me in the near future. But I am comforted, as I was as a little kid, that everything will be OK. Thank you Mister Rogers for helping me realize that.
The man who donned the cardigan sweaters and flipped his shoe while singing “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor, would you be mine, could you be mine, please won’t you be my neighbor?” passed away Thursday from stomach cancer. And with his passing, more of my childhood was lost.
I’d be lying if I said I still watched or even thought about Mister Rogers. But his death has brought back many fond memories of the man who taught countless numbers of children the values of life-values that I still hold dear.
Before there was Barney, there was Fred, who, in his simplicity and his love for children, helped generations come to grips with life’s challenges. He taught us all to push forward and attain all the possibilities that lie within us. He taught us to use our imagination. He taught us what was right and wrong. But most of all he taught us to be ourselves.
What Mister Rogers may have lacked in hipness, he more than made up with in charm and warmth. His 30-plus years on television inspired millions, and will continue to do so for years to come. And while he may no longer be with us, I take comfort in the fact that while my kids may never get to experience Mister Rogers’ guidance, the lessons he taught me will be passed down to them. He made us all stronger and wiser.
Mister Rogers leaves behind a legacy that may never be matched. He was as much a part of weekday mornings as Big Bird and breakfast.
Now as I push forward into the next stage of my life, I remember what he always used to say at the end of his shows: “There’s only one person in the whole world like you.”
But Mister Rogers, there’s only one person in the whole world like you, and I will miss knowing that you will no longer be my neighbor.

Jordan Rodack is a senior majoring in print journalism and political science. He can be reached at j.rodack@umiami.edu.

EDITORIAL

The Miami Hurricane
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Open those eyes, boys and girls, there’s a man running for President out of Miami. And no, we don’t mean away from Miami, he’s actually sticking around. Why didn’t Janet Reno warn him?
“I intend to be the Democratic nominee for president,” said Florida Democratic Senator Bob Graham in a statement on Thursday. “I am the best prepared to lead, and the most able to win.”
Our cracker senior senator just created a campaign committee (them’s your money-raisin’ folk), and filed the required paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to open a national campaign office in Miami Lakes.
For those of you bad with geography, this is not very far away. In fact, its probably closer than most of your commutes. Is it close enough for your participation, your contribution, or at least your attention? Read on . . .
Graham, 66, is recovering from a very recent open-heart surgery. He’ll wait for medical clearance (in about a month) before he formally launches his campaign and travels to key states on the calendar toward the 2004 Democratic nomination. So yes, like every other candidate he’ll turn his back on Florida for a few weeks next spring (it’s that close!) while he gives New Hampshire some lovin’, Bob-Graham-style. But rest assured, this is one candidate who won’t let Florida run down to the wire again on election night. If Graham survives the primaries and gains the nomination, he won’t let his home state, Florida (Graham hails from Miami), go to the Bush’s again. It promises to be a fun fight.
Its getting about that time to start paying attention to the run for President again. Oh, yes, we’re all so, so tired still from the last one. Sometimes you still find hanging chads when you’re cleaning out the couch for spare change.
Word has it (seriously) that Graham is interviewing prospective campaign workers. Attention, senior poli-sci majors. Opportunity is knocking, hell, banging on the door. As the race begins to gear up during the hot Florida summer, you can bet the Graham crew will be stocking up on speechwriters, public relations specialists, and staffers as fast as you can say “alligator alley.”
If you’re bitter about the Democratic loss of Florida, then take advantage of the presence of Senator Graham’s campaign headquarters and get involved early and headstrong.
If you’re a Bush supporter, then you’ve got some work ahead of you. Reelection will not be an easy fight. Make the Republican mark in this community now, or Graham will have it in his pocket by Christmas.
With Graham’s addition to the list, the number of Democratic candidates has hit nine. Most of them have been campaigning and soliciting for months; heck, this campaign’s halfway over. Chances are, as Miami residents, you’re soon going to receive a few dinnertime phone calls asking to “support Senator Graham!”
It’s not up yet, but if you’re still interested, check out www.graham04.com in a few weeks. This man has been committed to public service, and the citizens of Florida, for decades. Bet you didn’t even know he was Governor of Florida from 1978 to 1986, a state senator before then and a US senator since.
Even if you’re not totally thrilled with the Democratic Platform (who is? Certainly not most Democrats), this is an amazing opportunity in close proximity. Keep your eyes open, because the Presidential race (or carnival) is about to begin.

Hip Rabbi Comes To UM’s Hillel

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The Hillel, UM’s center for Jewish students, recently welcomed a new addition to its staff: Rabbi Sam Bregman.
Bregman, a 25-year-old, grew up in Boca Raton and is familiar with Jewish life in South Florida.
He graduated from Emory University with a law degree.
“Orgo knocked me out of pre-med, so what else could I do?” he said.
Bregman once thought that the Torah had little to offer him, since most of it was irrelevant to modern life, but he felt that there was something missing in his life.
“I was someone who had it all, but I knew that something was still missing, just a feeling I had in my gut,” he said.
Bregman did not realize until halfway through law school that spreading the Jewish faith was what he felt called to do.
Bregman attended Yashiva [seminary for men to study the Torah] in both New York and Jerusalem.
Bregman now resides in a house off of San Amaro Drive with his wife, Mandy, and their three-month-old son, Aaron.
Twenty-five might sound a little young to be called “Rabbi” [meaning teacher], but Bregman believes that his youth helps him to be a better teacher.
“Many people meet me and say, ‘Wow! You’re the youngest Rabbi I’ve ever met,'” Bregman said. “Most students have never had a relationship with a Rabbi so close in age and life experience, someone they can so easily relate to.”
“You can call me, the ‘Un-intimidator,'” Bregman said.
The Collegiate Learning Exchange, a group whose mission is to “provide authentic and meaningful Jewish experiences to college students,” offered Bregman a job in Miami, close to UM, hoping he would enrich the campus Jewish community.
Shortly after that, Bregman was also offered the job as Hillel’s campus Rabbi.
So far he is happy with both of his new positions.
“The Hillel staff has been very welcoming and friendly,” he said. “I have been impressed by their professionalism and commitment to the students.”
UM is equally thrilled to have Bregman here.
“Rabbi Bregman brings new energy with the Collegiate Learning Exchange,” UM President Donna E. Shalala said. “We are excited by his arrival and look forward to working with him to improve the quality of our students’ experience.”
Bregman’s goal for UM is ambitious, but he is confident it can be done.
“My main goal is to increase the number of Jewish students interested in Judaism,” Bregman said. “I aim to create a vibrant environment where Jewish students can come to explore their heritage in a user-friendly, welcoming environment, irrespective of their current level of involvement or denominational background.”
Although he has been here a only year, Bregman has already had several successful programs through Hillel, including a class on Kaballah [Jewish mysticism] last semester, as well as an ongoing project called PiT [Partners in Torah] in which prominent members of the Jewish community come to the Hillel so students can mingle with them.
The PiT meets every Wednesday from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Hillel.
Other programs include a “wildly popular” beginner’s service, in which Bregman explains the traditions of Jewish worship services.
Bregman frequently has students as guests in his home for Shabbat and has taken students on Jewish tours.
Last semester he took students to Atlanta.
This semester he has planned a big trip to New York City for Spring Break.
Students who have worked with Bregman reacted positively to the newcomer.
“Rabbi Bregman is perfect for the University of Miami, and his dedication to his students is infinitely appreciated because his efforts have provided insight and inspiration,” Adam Bernheim, freshman, said.
Bregman’s advice to students, having so recently been one, is:
“Take advantage of the college years to explore your heritage, whatever it is,” he said. “You’ll never have as much free time or intellectual curiosity.”

Rabbi Bregman encourages students with questions to contact him at RabbiBregman@aol.com.

It’s a very sad day in the neighborhood

The Miami Hurricane
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He was known for his zip-up cardigan sweaters and worn tennis shoes. His manner was gentle and reassuring. Millions of young children grew up watching Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, including our own generation, and his death last Thursday came as a shock to all those who loved and knew him.
“I grew up watching him,” Elizabeth Reese, sophomore, said. “It was very sad to hear he died because you don’t expect people you grew up watching to die.”
Rogers died last Thursday in his Pittsburgh home after fighting against stomach cancer for a short time. He was 74.
“I felt bad about his death, although I didn’t watch the show,” Mohammed al Saegh, sophomore, said.
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood has been described by many as a children’s television show that redefined the children’s television industry. The show was produced at Pittsburgh’s public television station, WQED. It was first broadcast in 1966.
At the beginning of each show, Rogers would step into his television living room, pull out a sweater and slip into a pair of tennis shoes, all the while singing, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” his signature song. This is how many remember him.
In his personal life, Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister who genuinely cared about children. A recurring theme on his show was that every child is special and unique.
Some students describe Rogers as a comforting voice to many children, primarily because he addressed many issues on his show like death and divorce – something that many kids have a hard time understanding and parents have a hard time explaining.
“I watched the show religiously,” Grace Salisbury, sophomore, said. “He was like a father figure.”
Throughout the decades, Rogers earned five Emmys, two Peabody Awards and, more recently, the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work.
Although Rogers was an American television figure and icon, those who did not grow up watching him still know who he was and what he did.
“I grew up in another country, but even I know who Mr. Rogers is,” Reem Alkhaledi, sophomore, said. “I know he has influenced the youth of this country in many ways.”
The last episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood was taped in December 2000 and aired August 2001.
“I hope other people will produce shows like his, with a similar concept,” Silvia Guzman, junior, said.
The legacy of Mr. Rogers will live on as the show continues to air on more than 300 channels throughout the world.

For more information, visit http://pbskids.org/rogers.

Angelique Thomas can be contacted at aperivale@aol.com

African heritage event brings food and facts

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Approximately 200 students learned about African heritage through a series of lectures and food last week at Pearson Residential College as part of Black Awareness Month [BAM].
The presentation was primarily sponsored by the History Department and the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society
“The event was used to encourage people to think about historical issues and the influence of history,” Lina Delcastillo, secretary for Phi Alpha Theta, said.
“We want students to open their minds and think critically about the present by studying the past,” Chanelle Rose, vice-president for Phi Alpha Theta, said.
During the event, students enjoyed a free sampling of Caribbean and African Cuisine while African dancing played on a television in the background.
Ceci Walker, sophomore, is majoring in African-American studies and says that she attended the event to broaden her insights of African heritage.
“African-American studies has always been an interest of mine,” Walker said. “My dad told me the history when I was very, very young and now I want to pursue it as a career.”
As part of the event, Dr. Robin Bachin gave a lecture entitled “Race, Politics, and Popular Culture in Jazz-Age Chicago.”
Bachin gave students insight into the development of the Jazz and African-American society in Chicago during the 1920s and 30s. She also described how blacks migrated from the South to escape discrimination laws but faced residential segregation when arriving in the North.
Bachin believes the presence of jazz music helped break some of those social blockades as whites and blacks mingled in jazz clubs.
“I hope they’ll get a sense that history still influences questions and controversies we have today,” Bachin said. “I also hope that they will make connections between pop forms like jazz with links to hip-hop.”
Dr. Edmund Abaka, who also presented, integrated humor into his lecture: “Threads that Bind: The African Diaspora in a Global Perspective.” He asked students if they had ever thought about the state of black music in other countries such as China and Russia.
He also discussed the influence and presence of blacks in the Persian Gulf, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
“History needs not only be taught in the classroom – history should be discussed in other locations,” Abaka said. “Events like this give students the chance to converse in some degree and make history come alive.”
Many students were surprised to find that black slaves existed in places like India.
“It was interesting to see blacks spread out in China and Persia, a dispersion in places you wouldn’t expect to see,” Ashvin Reddy, senior, said.
“I found it interesting to learn about slave trade in China,” Greg Wiaterek, senior, said. “It was an educational experience.”
Organizers hope that students left more educated and interested in aspects of African-American culture and traditions that have affected how the world is currently.
“I hope students have learned something new about African and African-American culture and the African diaspora,” Rose said. “I hope they become enlightened and their curiosity is peaked, and they become interested in issues that indirectly affect them.”

Marquita Bell can be reached at m_bell01@hotmail.com.

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