Attention undergraduate writers! Finally, there’s a forum for UM writers of both fiction and non-fiction.
The College of Arts and Sciences plans to offer ENG 306, a new magazine publishing class that will be offered in spring 2003.
The course is open to any student who has taken or has tested out of ENG 105 and will count toward three credits in literature.
ENG 306 students will publish an online literary magazine called Cane ‘Zine, filled with both fiction and non-fiction writing from UM students.
“I’m a cheerleader for the program,” said Dr. Peter Bellis, chair of the English department. “We’ve had literary magazines featuring students’ work in the past, but they’re always started by junior or senior students.
“As soon as they graduate, the magazines fall apart. This is a chance to start a continuous publication.”
Margaret Marshall, director of English composition, had the idea last year to start a class for the UM 75th anniversary that published a print edition of the Arts and Sciences magazine.
According to those involved in the project, over 80 students submitted work and the abundant interest in the course led the department to try a more versatile publication this year online instead of a print version.
“We decided to make it web-based because of the low cost,” said Gina Maranto, who will be teaching the class next semester. “Also, the web makes it available to an international audience. There are print-based journals like the Canyon River Review and the Mississippi Review from other universities. We can be the same, only on the web.”
Recently, Maranto received an A+ on her evaluation from students on the website myProfessorSucks.com.
According to the course description book for the English Department, one of the objectives of the course is to introduce students to the process of editorial development and layout and design of both magazine and internet publishing.
“I’m from a magazine background, so this is perfect for me,” Maranto said.
Many students wonder why there wasn’t an undergraduate magazine at a university of this size.
“We tell students that they’re part of a community of thinkers and writers, but what does that really mean?” Maranto asked. “Professors publish the results of their work, but often, students do their work and it is all but invisible.”
The class also gives interested students a chance to work hands-on in all aspects of the publishing environment, including editing, researching, writing, rewriting, fact checking and web publishing, as well as layout and design.
The magazine will be published every spring; however, if the magazine gets a strong response, the department will consider running the class every semester.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity for students to contribute and put their work out into the world,” Bellis said.
Cane ‘Zine is also part of an effort to boost UM’s status as a research institution.
Any UM student can, and is encouraged, to submit writing for publication in the magazine.
Students can submit non-fiction work directly to Professor Maranto via e-mail at glmaranto@earthlink.net.
Fiction and poetry writers should contact Fred D’Aguiar or Maureen Seaton of the Creative Writing Program.
For more info on the class itself, visit the English Composition website at http://www.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,8543-1;14700-3,00.html.

Jaclyn Lisenby can be contacted at j.lisenby2001@yahoo.com.

The Wellness Center, along with the assistance of the STRIKE team, will sponsor luncheons to prepare smokers for the Great American Smokeout.
“If students are interested in quitting, they can see if they are ready to make the next step to quit permanently,” said Janet Tiberian, Wellness Center assistant director.
During the luncheons, non-smokers will adopt smokers and join them for lunch.
Jennifer Pinto, assistant director of employee wellness, will provide participants with techniques and tips to help smokers give up smoking for a 24-hour period on Nov. 21 in celebration of the Great American Smokeout.
Pinto could not be reached for comment.
Some students feel that the luncheons will be beneficial.
Others feel that the luncheon could be inspiring, but may prove to be ineffective.
“I think it’s a good idea but I don’t think it will really work,” freshman Susan Dilonzo, a periodic smoker, said. “A big factor is that everyone smokes [at UM] – it makes it hard to stop.”
“The luncheon sounds non-threatening,” Mima Isabirye said. “I am trying to quit myself.”
The Great American Smokeout began in 1971 when a Massachusetts resident asked people to give up smoking for a day and donate the money they would have spent on cigarettes to a local high school.
The Californian American Cancer Society picked up the idea in 1976, and one million smokers quit for the day.
The idea went national in 1977 and is held on the third Thursday of November each year.
Besides preparations for the Great American Smokeout, The Wellness Center offers a variety of other programs throughout the year.
According to Wellness Center staff, the Be Smoke-Free program helps smokers find ways to quit smoking.
The program, formerly known as Kick the Habit, offers pharmacological treatments, quit kits, group support, acupuncture and hypnosis in addition to seven sessions which inform participants of ways to deal with quitting, held over a six-week period.
The center revamped the program to appeal more to students.
“Since we have began remarketing the program we have seen an increase in student interest,” Tiberian said.
Senior Shani Simpson, a non-smoker, thinks the program is beneficial.
“It’s an initiative that can help students reap benefits for their long term health benefits,” Simpson said.
The program costs $84 and all UM health care plan members will receive a voucher worth $12 for each classroom session they attend.
According to those involved with the program, efforts to obtain state funding for fee waivers are still pending.
To learn more about the Be Smoke Free program, the luncheons being offered, or other programs at the Wellness Center, contact Jennifer Pinto at (305) 243-3209 or visit www.miami.edu/besmokefree.

“Busy.”
That is the only way to describe Cristina Maria Arriaza’s schedule.
But no matter how hectic her life gets, she would not change it for the world.
“Since she began to talk and could understand what the adults would say, she would always be in their business,” her father said. “Whenever anyone would say they had to do something, she always jumped and wanted to do it herself, no matter how heavy, how high, how difficult or impossible for her age.”
“She really wasn’t a problem child,” her mother said. “The most trouble she ever gave was waking up in the mornings, which she hates, and always wanting to do what her much older siblings did that obviously weren’t appropriate for her age.
“She always wanted to be older than she really was.”
“My college experience wouldn’t have been so memorable without my involvement,” Arriaza said. “I have made long-lasting friendships, connections and everlasting memories.”
“I am proud of her all-around character: her sweetness, her tenacity, enthusiasm, creative ideas, constant search for change and improvement, that she is a wonderful friend, sister, aunt and an exemplary daughter,” her father said. “I see that the family being together and helping each other is something that she enjoys and we enjoy from her as well.
“It all began when she was appointed in charge of the household between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Under her command were two Cuban senile grandmothers of about 70 years as compared to her simple age of 7. I guess this is where it all began. Today she is a confident and assertive leader with a creative zest that conquers all.”
“I am most proud of her drive to be better, not only herself, but to make the things she participates in better as well,” her mother said. “Barriers do not exist for her. She’s not afraid of anything.”
Arriaza is a 21-year-old senior at UM majoring in Spanish with minors in business and Portuguese.
Currently, Arriaza is the vice-president for the Federacion de Estudiantes Cubanos [Federation of Cuban Student] in which she has participated since her sophomore year.
Within the organization she works on event-planning and making sure that everything falls into place and runs efficiently.
She also keeps an eye on all of the committees and acts as the president’s right hand.
“She exhibits incredible leadership skills but doesn’t consider herself at the top of the food chain,” Melissa Matos said. “Approaching Cristy is never an issue, whether it is a personal or an organizational inquiry.”
Arriaza is also the marketing coordinator for Committee on Student Organizations and an orientation staff member.
She was a member of the Student Government Senate for one year and represented the Cuban and Cuban American constituency and was part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee in 2001.
In the past, she has participated in Thanksgiving Cans Collection, Holiday Hope Tree, Toys for Tots, Latin Day and Funday.
“She can always be depended on to finish whatever she has started,” Rafael Birriel said. “If she volunteers for a job, one can always expect her to accomplish her objective.”
On top of school activities, Arriaza also volunteers at the Sts. Peter and Paul fair, Calle Ocho, and with senior citizens at Domino Park in Little Havana.
For five years, she also taught children religion in preparation for their first communion.
“I volunteer because it gives me a sense of purpose; I am using my time in a productive manner to help others,” she said. “I gain even more out of the experience than those I am helping.”
Arriaza also finds time to work at Gilbert’s Bakery, a popular local bakery that her family owns. There, she helps to coordinate events for the employees, including such activities as community meetings.
“I believe she always shows her leadership and ability to make people do things correctly and quickly according to her discretion,” her father said. “At work, she is an incredible sales associate. Many customers say she can sell a freezer to a penguin.”
Arriaza says that during the holiday season, she may work as many as 60 to 70 hours a week at the bakery.
“The balance is difficult,” she said. “It takes incredible time management skills and prioritizing.”
“I must force myself to assess each situation in a manner that will lead to the improvement of my overall character.”
In her free time, Arriaza hangs out with friends, goes to the movies or to the Grove, sings Karaoke and makes ceramics.
Arriaza will be graduating from UM in May 2003.
She is looking forward to getting a job in her field while simultaneously making some changes in her family’s bakery.

Kathleen Fordyce can be contacted at K4Dice@aol.com.

Kosher Cane, the unofficial Jewish Publication on Campus, found its way into residence halls on campus three weeks ago.
“We realize that many on-campus organizations are not aware of the need for their publications to go through the student review board, but it is something we would like them to do,” said Norm Parsons, chairman of the Board of Publications.
Currently, those involved with the publication are in contact with the student publication board at UM. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 15.
The Kosher Cane is a collaborative project by members of the Mayer Simcha Chabad at UM (an organization of Jewish students), Florida International University [FIU] and Miami-Dade Community College [MDCC].
“We hope to bring a different perspective on certain issues that affect Jewish students on campus and anybody that wants to learn,” said Rabbi Mendy Fellig, director and rabbi of the Mayer Simcha Chabad at UM. “Although it’s a Jewish newspaper, I’ve had feedback from students who are not Jewish that feel it gives them insight into Jewish practices, opinions, and views.”
Among the articles from the first issue of the paper are an explanation on what Jewish tradition says about life in outer space and an article about the Faculty Israel Experience, a program that strives to “provide students with a first-hand Israel experience.”
In addition, there is a political cartoon, a listing of upcoming events and photos taken on the UM campus throughout the 12-page publication.
The latest issue of the paper contains a tribute to the memory of Mayer Simcha Leiter O.B.M., who led efforts to establish Chabad at UM and founded the Jewish Comparative Law Society.
“Everyone who knew Mayer, and many people did, will tell you that he touched their lives differently than other people,” said an article printed in the Kosher Kane about Leiter. “It made no difference who you were or what religion you practiced. It was with this special outlook he inspired those around him, at times single handedly, to change the world around them.”
Rabbi Fellig says that the publication will be printed four to five times a year.
According to Parsons, the student publication board is merely a tool that is meant to provide guidance to organizations or groups interested in creating and distributing a publication.
“We have never had to bar a publication based on content,” Parsons said. “Although we can, we basically serve as a watchdog to make sure that the organization has enough money to cover costs of printing, has an advisor and also to make sure that students are not getting themselves in a position to be held personally liable for anything distributed.”
Some Jewish students on campus have been unaware of the release of the Kosher Cane, although it is available at the front desk and lobby of each of the residence halls.
“I’ve heard of it but I haven’t seen it,” freshman Adam Rabinowitz said.
Editors of the Kosher Cane and students involved with the publication could not be reached for comment.

Dan Ceriano can be contacted at bazoom9546@aol.com; Jorge Arauz can be contacted at xxarauzxx@yahoo.com.

TODAY

Want to work and study at the Cannes International Film Festival or learn the Hollywood terrain one on one? Be part of The American Pavilion/Kodak Student Filmmaker Program or The American Pavilion’s L.A. Intensive Program. For more information please come to the meeting at 11 a.m. in Wolfson Studio 1008A. Representatives from The American Pavilion will be discussing student programs and answering questions. You may also visit the web site at www.ampav.com, then link to Student Program or L.A. Intensive.

Friday Groove proudly presents the funky New Orleans band, John Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentleman, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on the UC Patio.

NOVEMBER 10

La Pena Cafe – The La Casa Cultural Coffeehouse. Attention ALL UM students: enjoy a free open-mic night with live performances, snacks and Starbucks beverages in the PRC classrooms at 7 p.m. Calling all poets, musicians, writers and bands. Sign up at the Pearson front desk for a time-slot to perform. Call up Pearson at extension 8-4211 with any questions.

NOVEMBER 11

It’s almost time for academic advising for the spring semester. Undergraduates should make appointments to see their faculty advisors Nov. 4 through 15. Even if you use the EASY system, you should consult an academic advisor. Registration for the spring semester will begin on Nov. 11. Courses for spring 2003 are already listed on the EASY system, so you don’t have to wait for the printed books to come out.

College Republicans will hold a general meeting to discuss election results and involvement opportunities at 5 p.m. in UC Flamingo Ballroom B. Call Armando Gutierrez, Jr., at 305-525-8833 for details.

STEP is sponsoring a Sleepout at the Rock at 8 p.m. as part of Hunger and Homelessness week.

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is holding their general meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the International Lounge of the UC. Enjoy light refreshments while you listen to special guest speakers. Everyone is welcome to attend.

NOVEMBER 12

Friday Groove presents the Aaron Katz Band, jamming on the UC patio from 11:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m.

STEP is sponsoring the Faces of the Homeless Luncheon in the UC Flamingo Ballrooms at 4 p.m. as part of Hunger and Homelessness Week.

NOVEMBER 13

Spend your lunch golfing at the Intramural Golf Scramble at the Biltmore Golf Course at noon. Registration is open to everyone within the UM community. For more information contact 305-284-8518 or email jcarroll@miami.edu.

NOVEMBER 14

College Republicans will be holding an open forum on the War in Iraq at 7 p.m. in the International Lounge on the UC, second floor. The forum will be hosted by Armando Gutierrez Jr. and Edmundo Simon and will consist of three faculty members and three students who will discuss and answer questions on the proposed war.

STEP is sponsoring the Empty Bowls Project in the UC Breezeway, from 10a.m. – 3 p.m. as part of Hunger and Homelessness week.
NOVEMBER 15

STEP is sponsoring Skip-A-Meal in Chartwell’s at 4:30 p.m. as part of Hunger and Homelessness week.

NOVEMBER 20

Join Cane Cares for a nutrition tour at Stanford Dining Hall between 7 and 8 p.m. For more information please contact 305-284-6524.

NOVEMBER 21

Before the Miami vs. Pittsburgh game, all UM students with a Cane card are invited to a free tailgate party courtesy of the U.S. Army. Feast on Hooters wings, Big Cheese pizza and drinks from 4-7 p.m. at Tailgate Lot E4, located across the street from the Gate 7 Student Entrance on the corner of NW 4th Street & NW 14th Avenue. For information contact Beth Cunningham, Hurricanes’ Corporate Sales Assistant at 305-284-5973.

CORRECTION:
In the Nov. 5 issue of the Miami Hurricane, Andrea Wagner was quoted as saying: “We have to keep in mind that there are families in the area that have kids who they may not want be exposed to unruly college students. . . I know I am personally annoyed and offended by some of the drunken college students who live in my apartment complex.” Her quote was not in any way meant to suggest that she is against city approval for the building of the University Village.

Students Together Ending Poverty (STEP) is sponsoring Hunger and Homelessness Week on the UM campus starting Nov. 11.

The College of Arts & Sciences and the Department of Art and Art History present an on-campus outdoor art installation titled The Sky Above Us, Nov. 15-27, created by artists and architects Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt. The installations will be located in three locations: the Palm Court on Memorial Drive, the lawn between the Ashe Building and the Memorial Building and the Horseradish Tree along the walkway from Palm Court up to Memorial Building. A reception for the artists will be held 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15 at the Palm Court. Their work spans from painting to the urban realm and melds the boundaries of architecture and the visual arts. Admission is free. For more information, call 305-284-2542.

The Pearson Book Club brings us Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of JRR Tolkien’s trilogy. For just a $5 deposit, sign up at the Pearson Front Desk and receive a copy of the book. Meet on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. in Apartment 137 (across from the Front Desk) to watch the movie and have some Chinese food. Then hang around for a discussion of the movie and book with dessert. Please don’t sign up if you can’t make the dinner. Books won’t be given out after Nov 20. If you already have a copy of the book and just want to attend the dinner and movie, you don’t have to put down $5. This event is open to all students at UM as well.

Due to the construction work at the Convocation Center, the west end of Walsh Avenue will be closed for approximately three weeks. The Serpentine Lot will not be accessible from the east end of Walsh Avenue (close to Merrick Drive). The gate on Dickinson Drive will be left open with a security guard stationed to control access into Dickinson Drive. If you should have any questions or concerns, contact Eddie Lopez at 305-284-6184.

UM IQ Show #6: Greeks versus Pearson by Rachel Brill, Terri Maloney and Joshua Johnson, broadcast May 1, 2002 on UMTV Channel 24, received a 2002 College Broadcasters, INC. (CBI) award for “Best Technical Production.”

The UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center created the Braman Breast Cancer Institute last week thanks in part to a $5 million dollar gift from the Norman and Irma Braman Family Foundation.
“It is especially important for the University of Miami to have such an institute for many reasons, not the least being that the rate of breast cancer mortality in the state of Florida is among the nation’s highest,” Dr. Joyce Slingerland, director of the new institute, said.
“Breast cancer is something we all care about; it’s something we all worry about,” Irma Braman said. “Our hope is that someday breast cancer will be treated more effectively, so that every patient will be given increased length and quality of life.”
The Braman family owns eight auto dealerships throughout South Florida and Denver.
“Norman and Irma Braman’s generous gift will lead to important innovations in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment,” President Donna E. Shalala said.
“We will create a multi-layered, state-of-the-art institute to deliver the best possible breast cancer care to Miami and the region,” said Dr. Joseph Rosenblatt, scientific director of the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The institute will also conduct cutting-edge research to advance international knowledge of the causes of breast cancer and to develop new means of prevention, diagnosis and treatment.”
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be affected by breast cancer at some point in their life. An estimated 200,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and roughly 40,000 will die from it.
Slingerland is a world-renowned breast cancer researcher who was previously at the University of Toronto Her work is focused on breast cancer cell research.
“The hiring of Dr. Slingerland is an enormous catalyst,” said Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, director of the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “She has impeccable scientific credentials, including widely published discoveries about the role of cell-cycle regulators in breast cancer.”
“Many of the women receiving treatment at our center develop a very aggressive form of breast cancer at a younger age,” Slingerland said. “There may be new genetic markers that signal this predisposition, and this knowledge may allow us not only to devise new diagnostic tests that allow earlier breast cancer detection, but also to generate new forms of treatment.”
Reaction from students and community members has been positive.
“I cannot even begin to express the impact that cancer has on those who I have known that are affected by it,” said senior Raquel Gomez-Calderon, a former candy-striper volunteer at Miami Children’s Hospital. “Nobody should be worried about dying of cancer; they should be worried about living and enjoying every single day to the fullest.”
“I hope that this new institute will pave the way for developments toward the cure of this disease,” Gomez-Calderon said.
Suzanne Rodriguez stresses the importance of cancer research and of raising money to develop new treatments for the disease.
“As a breast cancer survivor, I appreciate all of the people who have worked hard and donated money towards cancer research,” Rodriguez said. “I also believe that if it were not for that money I would not be alive today to share many special moments with my kids.
“Thanks to cancer research, I will be able to live another day and will be able to fullfill my dream of living to an old age.”

Jorge Arauz can be contacted at xxarauzxx@yahoo.com.