Many students find it strange that Sylvester Stallone earned his degree in Theatre Arts from UM in 1998 at the age of 52.
Some think that he could have possibly been suspended sometime during his undergraduate enrollment at UM because he filmed a porn flick at the School of Communications.
Others believe he brought a fake bazooka to class during the taping of Rambo and was immediately arrested and expelled.
Some even say that Stallone used his professors for practice during the taping of Rocky.
“I’m not a big fan of the guy, but I’ve definitely heard all of the rumors,” John Hoyas, sophomore, said. “Something pretty bad had to have happened for his graduation to be delayed for so long.”
Stallone was actually a drama student at UM in 1969, but left to pursue an acting career in New York City.
Records show that he was three credits short of graduating when he dropped out.
It was while in New York that he appeared in a softcore porn film entitled Party at Kitty’s and Studs, which was later marketed as The Italian Stallion after he became famous.
“Maybe he didn’t film the movie at UM, but I bet he thought about it,” Hoyas said after he was told that Stallone was actually featured in a porn film.
It wasn’t until the late 70s and much of the 80s, when Stallone’s popularity was at its peak, that rumors ran rampant around the UM campus that Stallone had been suspended from UM because he was caught filming a porn in the Film Department.
“I was always under the impression that he had been discovered after his superb performance in the films he starred in and produced,” Gina Maslow, a former UM student, said. “Looking back, I should have known there was nothing too impressive about him.”
“I would have never thought he was actually a porn star,” Maslow said.
Despite the evidence, some students still believe the rumors.
“I want to do what he did,” Carlos Consuegra, senior, said. “That’s my idol.”
“What I want to know is what his porn name was – what was the plot?” Shannon Daion Harris, junior, said. “I bet he was UNICCO Man: ‘I’m here to take out your trash.'”

The UM Urban Legends Series has been concluded. In total, eight urban legends and rumors were investigated by the Miami Hurricane. The Miami Hurricane will consider the possibility of establishing another series if suggestions are brought to our attention.

Anyone interested in having an urban legend or rumor researched is encouraged to contact Jorge Arauz, News Editor, at xxarauzxx@yahoo.com.

Former SEC chairman speaks at UM about investors’ rights
On Wednesday afternoon, Arthur Levitt, former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC], spoke in the Storer Auditorium at the UM School of Business.
Levitt first became a broker in 1963.
“I’ve had kind of a screwy career,” Levitt said during his speech.
He graduated from college with a drama degree and was employed by the Air Force and by Life Magazine before he took on a more interesting job – selling cows in Kansas City.
Five years later, his friend told him: “Arthur, if you can sell cows, chances are you can sell stock.”
This idea materialized into a firm, known today as Citigroup.
Previously, Levitt was also the chair of the American Stock Exchange. Currently he is a private advisor to several firms.
Between 1993 and 2001, as the 25th chairperson of the SEC (appointed by President Bill Clinton and replaced by Harvey Pitt, the appointment for George W. Bush), Levitt primarily dedicated his temporary bureaucracy to investor protection and helped to create the Department of Investor Education and Assistance.
He also fought for the strengthened independence of auditors and the founding of a website to provide very accurate corporate information.
“The eight years I spent in Washington were by far and away the most amazing of my life,” Levitt said. “My job at the SEC was to keep our markets fair, as fair as possible, and it’s my belief that investor confidence makes our market special.”
Levitt provided some commentary concerning recent corporate scandals, such as that involving Enron and its auditing/consulting firm, Arthur Anderson.
Levitt, in his stay as chair of the SEC, warned often of the declining quality of financial reporting and monitoring, and the widespread conflicts of interest among those who were supposed to account for the dollars of a company.
He reproached Congress for its failure to establish legislation to prevent and prohibit this auditing/consulting conflict, a failure that continues somewhat to this day.
“On which side is the auditor going to come down when money is on the line: will he favor the interests of management, or the interests of shareholders?” Levitt said. “I think the answer’s obvious.”
“There is no such thing as a totally efficient market,” Levitt added. “There will always be corporate fraud.”
His best solution is increased investor education, rather than more stringently enforced rules and regulations.
“Investing today is a more sure action than any time in the last 15 years,” Levitt said. “We are rapidly approaching a globalized electronic market. In addition, the American market is in the midst of a process of self-cleansing.”
After the lecture, Levitt provided free, autographed copies of his recent book, Take on the Street: What Wall Street and Corporate America Don’t Want You to Know; What You Can Do to Fight Back, to any student with a valid ‘Cane Card.
In his book, Levitt encourages the common investor to fight for power and influence.
“I believe the most potentially powerful lobby in America-the investors-are totally impotent,” Levitt said. “I believe the right of individuals to sue is the cornerstone of investor protection.”

Sam Lockhart can be contacted at s.lockhart1@miami.edu.

TODAY
Come out and cheer the kids of Canterbury Pre-school as they walk their laps between the UC and the Ashe Building for the annual Walk/Stroll-A-Thon at 11 a.m. Afterwards, join the staff and kids on the Canterbury patio for a Pollo Tropical lunch complete with black beans & rice, plantains, soft drink and dessert. Tickets for the lunch are eight dollars. All proceeds support the school. For tickets contact Pam Lightfoot at 305-284-5437 or 305-284-6736, or purchase them the day of the event.

Communication Week continues at 2 p.m. in Whitten Learning Center Room 130 with Making it in Hollywood: Television’s Road to Feature Films.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28 and Saturday MARCH 1

Communication Week ends with a Newspaper Design Workshop, consisting of two days of one-on-one critiques by nationally renowned designers. The workshop is for newspaper professionals, students and anyone who publishes company newspapers or newsletters. Cost for SND members or UM graduates is $150; nonmembers $195; student SND members $35, or students $50. For details, http://www.miami.edu/com/snd/index.htm.

SATURDAY MARCH 1

The Friendship Club of China invites you to a free training opportunity on campus with the “Father of Modern Medical Qigong” from China, Grandmaster Weizhong Foo, TCMD. Qigong has more than 1000 years of history in China as an important part of traditional culture. Learn a simple and powerful Zen Qigong moving meditation form directly from the foremost expert on energy medicine to reduce stress and elevate energy, intelligence and success. Seating is limited. For more information contact www.dadaochan.com or 305-271-7342.

Just a reminder: the men’s basketball team takes on Boston College at 2 p.m. All students going to the game will receive free #1 fingers courtesy of Category 5. At half-time, former Hurricane Great Rick Barry and other former Hurricane basketball players will be honored. Remember to bring your ‘Cane Card!

MONDAY MARCH 3

Join Quantum entertainment and UM Anti-War in an afternoon of comedy and protest and see a reading of Aristophanes Lysistrata–a protest to the war in Iraq. This is part of a national project with over 500 readings in all fifty states and 36 countries worldwide! Come see the wit and charm of Lysistrata and her uproariously funny cohorts as they work together to stop the crude warring men of Greece at 4 p.m. on the UC Patio. Tickets are free, but donations are gratefully accepted!

The ‘Canes Gone Crazy Date Auction will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Rathskeller. Bids will start at five dollars and go up from there. They will be auctioning off all the hosts of the show as well as some other members of the ‘Canes Gone Crazy crew. There is a one dollar door fee.

TUESDAY MARCH 4

The 2003 Cobb Leadership Lecture will feature Dr. Steven B. Sample, President of the University of Southern California, at the School of Business at noon at the Storer Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Dr. Sample is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a tenured professor in the USC School of Engineering. His patents on digital appliance controls have been licensed to practically every major manufacturer of appliance controls and microwave ovens around the world. Over 300 million home appliances have been built using his inventions. For more information on the Cobb Leadership Lecture series or to RSVP, call 305-284-2875 or email eventsmanagement@miami.edu. Refreshments will follow the presentation.

The UM Ethics Society asks: “May I clone you?” What will be the consequences? Why should we have clones? Come to our discussion on the closely approaching phenomenon of cloning in today’s science and medicine. The discussion will be led by Dr. Colin Hughes, professor of biology. All majors and new members are welcome. The discussion will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at LC 140.

The University of Miami Board of Trustees has elected two new members.
E. Roe Stamps IV is a founding partner of Summit Partners, a leading private equity and venture capital firm. Stamps also serves as treasurer of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation. Stamps and his wife, Penny, recently gave a gift of $500,000 to the School of Music to establish The Stamps Family Distinguished Visitors Series. Hilarie Bass is a principal shareholder and national chair of the litigation department at Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Bass holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Miami. She has worked tirelessly for the United Way, serving as chair for Dade County from 1997 through 1999, and other prominent charities. Bass has also been active in the UM School of Law Alumni Association.

This coming weekend, the brothers of Sigma Alpha Mu, Mu Epsilon Chapter, will be hosting their second annual SAM SLAM philanthropic event. The purpose of SAM SLAM is to raise money for the Elizabeth Glazier Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Last year, with the combined efforts of multiple sororities who participated in the weekend-long event, the brothers were able to raise almost $1000 for the foundation. This year plans to be just as fun and exciting as last year, and the brothers hope to raise even more money. This year there will be such events as penny wars, a volleyball tournament between participating sororities, the annual SAM SLAM brother’s auction, the ever-popular SAM SLAM Manhunt and many more activities. The brothers would like to thank this year’s sorority competitors: Delta Gamma and Delta Phi Epsilon. Last year Delta Gamma won the first ever SAM SLAM trophy, and they are back this year to defend their title. Good luck to both sororities. The brothers would like to thank Zeta Tau Alpha and Delta Delta Delta for their generous donations. Anyone else who wishes to donate money can stop by the breezeway between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this week.

Ever seen Whose Line is it Anyway? The Canes of Comedy is a new improv comedy show airing on UMTV is looking for funny, enthusiastic people to be part of the program. Casting will be held for contestants, judges, a referee and hosts (those auditioning for the host will need to write and perform a one-minute monologue). Contestants on the show will be competing for fabulous prizes! Auditions will be Tuesday and Wednesday, March 4 and 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. in Mahoney 102. To sign up for a 45-minute slot, email canesofcomedy@hotmail.com. Hurry, slots will fill up quickly! All people chosen to participate in the show must be available Wednesday evening, April 9, for taping.

Casa Bacardi, at the University of Miami’s Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies, and the Lowe Art Museum will host an exhibition of recent acquisitions from the Lowe Art Museum’s Cuban Collection for the first time at Casa Bacardi. The exhibit will be on display from Friday, March 14 through May 18.

Today is the last day of the fourth annual Communication Week, the UM School of Communication’s intense eight-day series of panels, discussions and workshops for UM students and the community.
Communication Week was started as a way to allow students to network with professionals in the communication fields. It continues to serve this purpose, but now also educates students about the issues related to their fields and introduces different and unusual career ideas to communication students.
“It’s meant to be an eye-opener for students,” Bob Hosmon, associate dean for the School of Communication, said.
Hosmon went on to explain some of the more unusual seminars and workshops, including a session on war photography and a presentation on “the oldest city in the world,” in addition to the usual workshops on “alternative career opportunities for communication students” and more.
Also, four diverse films were shown at the Cosford Cinema, including The Trials of Henry Kissinger and How I Killed My Father.
Speakers came from far and wide to have discussions with UM students. Guests included Iscar Blanco, reporter from BBC Latin America; renowned photographer Peter Howe; Mirta Ojito, reporter for the New York Times; and award-winning filmmaker Bob Gardner, as well as professors from UM and Florida International University.
According to Hosmon, several speakers were from the Latin American communication fields, appropriate guests since many communications employees in South Florida will work in this aspect of the media.
“We are lucky to have talented alumni who are willing to come back and share their experiences,” Hosmon said. “We have [communication] alumni who are lawyers and business people, not necessarily just print or broadcast journalists.”
“This week is for students and others to talk to professionals about the opportunities they can have when they graduate,” Hosmon said.
All events were free except the newspaper design workshop which was comprised of two days of one-on-one critiques by nationally renowned designers.
According to organizers and participants, Communication Week has proved to be increasingly popular each year.
Approximately 75-100 participants attended each event on average for this year’s Communication Week, with some events, such as the screening of Gardner’s film, Forest of Bliss, bringing in many more people.
Students generally look forward to the Week and participate in workshops for both their intrinsic value and the opportunities for grade boosting that some teachers offer.
“I’m honestly interested in many of the workshops,” Cecily Chambliss, sophomore communication student, said. “The internship workshop sounds good. Plus it’s cool that teachers are encouraging students to go by giving extra credit.”
Some teachers even rearranged class plans to accommodate Communication Week for their students.
“I wanted to see Peter Howe,” Christina Malone, a photography major, said. “But then I saw it was during my class. I was upset that I couldn’t attend, but then I found out he was talking to my class.”
Malone also found Howe’s workshop to be directly relevant to her immediate life and to her future career.
If you missed Communication Week this year, don’t worry: the School of Communication is already beginning to plan for next year. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/com/communicationweek.htm.

Jaclyn Lisenby can be contacted at jlisenby2001@yahoo.com.

Feedback from workers helps administration determine needs
Last year, the Living Wage Coalition brought forth the needs of contract workers on campus, particularly those of the UNICCO employees. They specifically focused on the need for an hourly pay raise to meet the living wage requirement set forth by Miami-Dade County. They also fought for health care and other benefits. University administration, in turn, formed a committee and provided UNICCO workers with courses and programs to help them to improve professionally and locate discounted and effective healthcare options.
“We sat down and thought: ‘Let’s not think so much about the wages, but what we can do to provide opportunities for the contract employees to do things better,'” Dr. Luis Glaser, executive vice-president and provost for UM, said. “All of these things happened without them losing pay.”
Glaser said that providing the workers with courses that would allow them to learn English was a key issue that continually arose in conversations with workers.
“A number of these people have language problems; they’ve come from other countries, and they need to learn English,” Glaser said. “The reality is that many of them realize that to function well in this country, you need to speak English.”
Glaser says that, so far, about 130 workers have graduated and roughly 75 are enrolled in English-proficiency classes. Also, 30 to 40 individuals are enrolled in computer classes. “That’s a lot of people when you think that the total number of contract employees is somewhere between 600 and 700,” Glaser said. “That’s a great success.”
“The computer lessons offered to the UNICCO employees are invaluable in this world’s increasing technology,” Sam Havener, junior, said. “Even McDonald’s employees must have computer knowledge.”
UNICCO workers are also being given the opportunity to earn a GED [Generalized Education Degree] through the Miami-Dade County Public School system.
“High school equivalency is another way of getting a better educational experience that allows for the potential to get better jobs,” Glaser said.
Additionally, Glaser says that UM is providing UNICCO workers and their families with a personal liaison who answers questions, helps fill out forms and gives advice on where to go and what to do in medical emergencies.
“You don’t get very far if you’re not healthy,” Glaser said. “There are a lot of opportunities to get healthcare for people of low income if they know how to access them.”
According to Glaser, in Miami-Dade County there are several free clinics available to individuals with low income.
“If these folks qualify, which many of them would, they just need to know how to access the system, where to go and how to do it efficiently,” Glaser said. “Knowing where to go and how to do it is important and it is particularly true for people who haven’t had to do it before and don’t know how to access the system.”
Glaser also says all workers are entitled to paid sick days per year, and if they do not use these days off, they will be paid extra for working them.
“This has been an extremely successful event,” Glaser said. “All of us know that we need to do certain things sometimes, and if that means less pay, we are caught between the two.”
“Maybe it’s going to the doctor or getting a driver’s license renewed; regardless, having the option of taking the days off has been viewed by the employees that we have talked to with great success,” Glaser said.
Some students are still working toward the living wage issue, despite the programs, classes and assistance that UM has provided to UNICCO workers.
“I don’t see what the point of the classes is if they don’t have the time to take them,” said Laurel Bernstein, junior and member of the Living Wage Coalition. “They have to work two jobs and support their families. We appreciate the administration’s acknowledgement, but it’s totally unacceptable.”
“The groundwork may have been paved with opportunities and computer classes, but there still remains bumps within the program. The primary bump is the lack of hourly wages offered to UNICCO employees,” Oscar De La Pena, senior, said. “Indeed, UM has developed initiatives to diversify UNICCO’s employees with added skills, but there has to be an initiative to increase their wages.”
Most students, however, feel UM administration has found an effective middle-ground concerning the issue.
“I think that the University has met the needs of the employees in a really creative way,” said Will Sampson, sophomore. “If the University had given the employees raises then they probably would have had to lay-off some of them. This way everybody wins.”
“The classes can only help the employees better themselves which can help them earn other jobs, either off campus or even managerial positions on campus,” Tricia Wayne, freshman, said. “UM has found the balance between employees’ needs and business needs – I think that it will work really well.”
Glaser says he and the administration involved in these initiatives are open to suggestions and will continually revise and reevaluate the program’s effectiveness.
“We are continuing to see what we can do to make things better,” Glaser said. “We obviously ask people what their experience has been to the extent that will allow us to help them.”
“It’s been good and I think that we’ve done something positive and I’m glad,” Glaser said.

Leigha Taber can be contacted at l.taber@miami.edu.