“At the end of the day, I am satisfied with my work because I do more good than harm,” says a character in Roger Michell’s Changing Lanes.

You have to hand it to Paramount Pictures for its marketing campaign. The studio created a trailer that seems to trap interesting characters under another road-rage plot, emblazoned with the menacing tagline “Every wrong turn deserves another.” This way, your typical no-brain movie fan would be lining up early at the multiplexes, while critics wouldn’t be expecting much more than another formula action-thriller.

They certainly wouldn’t be expecting one of the most intriguing dramas to come out of a studio in quite some time: A film that creates characters free from any sort of plot devices, one that challenges viewers and creates hard questions along the way, some without a correct answer.

Lanes tells the story of two men who have an important meeting in court on the morning of Good Friday. This is the only similarity these men share. One is Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck), an ambitious and wealthy young attorney rushing to court to present a file that would give his law firm control of an elderly millionare’s worth.

The other man, Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson), is an insurance salesman and recovering alcoholic, who rushes to court to present evidence that he has been approved for a loan that would buy a house for his ex-wife and kids in New York, so they won’t have to move to Oregon.

Jackson’s Toyota hits Affleck’s Mercedes in the middle of New York morning traffic. The two men get out of their cars, upset after what just occurred, but are polite and respectful to each other because they are good people. Jackson wants to handle the crash the right way, Affleck has no time to swap insurance cards and file reports. Affleck gives Jackson a blank check and shouts, “Better luck next time” while driving away.

The two men eventually arrive to their respective courtrooms. For Jackson, his tardiness means everything; the judge has already awarded full custody of the kids to his ex-wife, and doesn’t want to hear Jackson’s excuses. Affleck’s lack of punctuality isn’t a big deal– except that he dropped the crucial file during the accident, a file that is now in Jackson’s hands.

At this point, you’ll think you’ve seen this movie before and know Affleck will ask Jackson back for the file, and then when Jackson refuses, will make life a living hell for the struggling father. Lanes, however, is not that kind of movie, although there are moments of suspense and threats of violence. Some, you have seen in the previews, like Affleck hiring a fixer (Dylan Baker) to turn off Jackson’s credit. Others you haven’t, and I wouldn’t dream of spoiling the movie for you.

Instead of the usual people-in-distress formula, Lanes is filled with scenes that belong in the Thespian Hall of Fame, such as the scene where Affleck lies to his partner and father-in-law (Sydney Pollack) about what happens to the file and then has to tell the truth. Or the scene where Jackson struggles to tell the judge why he was late, and a close up of his face reveals true pain and anguish. Or the scene where Jackson’s AA sponsor (the sadly underused William Hurt) gives a speech about how Jackson has hit rock bottom. Or the scene where Affleck’s wife (Amanda Peet) tells her husband, “I could have married an honest man,” but didn’t, because “you don’t work on Wall Street that way.”

Lanes is one of those films that tells a story of people who are basically good, but are forced to do terrible things by spur of the moment emotions. The film’s most notable achievement is forcing the viewer to get involved in the movie, rather than watch and say, “These people are stupid and this is something I would never do.” The characters make mistakes they cannot correct with a simple apology. At the end of the day, we are satisfied with what goes on, but we want to spend more time with Doyle Gipson and Gavin Banek,

and get to know them better. Few movies are able to do all this, but Lanes is one of the exceptions. This is easily the best film of the year so far.

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE GRADUATE PROGRAMS RANKED IN TOP 50 BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Several programs at the School of Medicine are listed in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of the country’s “Best Graduate Schools,” which is on news stands this week. Highlights include:
* the graduate program in physical therapy is ranked third nationally;
* the AIDS program moved up to the eighth spot this year;
* the audiology program maintained its 28th spot;
* as a whole, the School of Medicine entered the top 50 in terms of research.

UMIQ’s CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!
Be there LIVE to see us give away $10,000!
UMIQ is an all student Televised Game Show Tournament with teams composed of students from Mahoney, Pearson, Eaton, Stanford, Hecht, the Apartments, the Commuters and the Greeks. These eight teams began the Tournament in Nov. 2001 but now only the Greeks and Apartments remain.
COME BE A PART OF A LIVE TV GAME SHOW AUDIENCE! LIVE from the School of Communication Courtyard tomorrow at 6:30 PM. Visit them on the web: www.umiq.miami.edu

WORKS OF MICHELANGELO ON DISPLAY AT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
School of Architecture students will display dozens of drawings and models inspired by the Renaissance figure Michelangelo through April 18 at the School of Architecture Gallery. The School of Architecture Gallery is free and open to the public 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

APRIL IS NATIONAL STI AWARENESS MONTH
The Wellness Center will be distributing condoms and educational information in the Breezeway every Thursday during April between 11-a.m.-1p.m. to celebrate national STI Month. For more information on STI’s or condoms distribution, please contact 305-284-6524.

MENINGITIS VACCINATION CLINICS OFFERED IN BREEZEWAY
Student Health Center will be offering meningitis vaccinations in the Breezeway throughout the month of April for $49.99 (compared to the regular price of $70). Clinics are scheduled for April 11, April 18, and April 25 between 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. Cash or check will be accepted at the breezeway Clinics. Vaccines will be offered at the Student Health Center throughout the month of April for students who can not attend clinics.

All week, April 16-22 there will be an Alumni trivia contest from 10a.m.-2p.m. in the UC Breezeway for a grand drawing for a $100 gift certificate to All Sports. Stop by the UM Ambassador Table for entry forms.

Today
The annual Greek Community Apple Polishing Ceremony which honors outstanding students, professors, and administrators, will take place today at the Faculty Club. For more information call Dean of Students Office at 305-284-5353

Alpha Kappa Alpha is having a movie night at the Rathskeller at 8 p.m.
Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series featuring Barry Richard at 6:30 p.m. at the Lowe Art Museum. RSVP by contacting Office of Alumni Relations at 305-284-2872.

Earth Alert is holding its annual Earthday celebration “Earthfest” from 11a.m.-4 p.m. on the UC Patio.

The Otto G. Richter Library will have a used book sale 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Brockway Hall. Books will be priced from 50 cents up, most $1 or less; nearly all $5 or less. For further information, call Jay Kalvan at 305-284-3368.

CAC Film from 8-11p.m.

Wed April 17

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. A part of the “So fresh and so clean with pink and green” skee week there will be a poetry night at 8p.m. at the Rathskeller.

The Living Wage Coalition will be holding a Living Wage Speak-Out and demonstration on the Rock from 11:45a.m. -12:45p.m.

The Otto G. Richter Library will have a used book sale 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Brockway Hall. Books will be priced from 50 cents up, most $1 or less; nearly all $5 or less. For further information, call Jay Kalvan at 305-284-3368.

Comedy Night at the Rathskeller from 7-9p.m.

Thurs April 18

The Greater Miami’s Hillel’s Israel Programming Council will be hosting Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) at UM from 11a.m. until 2p.m. today on the UC Patio.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is having a Mr. So Fresh and So Clean, male auction from 7-9p.m. at the UC International Lounge.

Hurricane Productions welcomes film director John Waters to campus at 7p.m. for a lecture at The Storer Auditorium. The lecture is free to students and $10 at the door for all others. For more information call Hurricane productions at 305-284-4606.

Fri April 19

Alpha Kappa Alpha is having a Pinkyland at the Rock from 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m. as part of their “So fresh and so clean with pink and green” skee week.
Friday Groove on the UC Patio from 11:30a.m.-1p.m.

Sat April 20

Alpha Kappa Alpha is having a B-B-Q at 2-5p.m., location to be announced.
Free Princeton Review practice tests (MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE) at 11a.m. Please RSVP the Princeton review at 305-662-1464.

Wed April 24

Games night at the Rat, 7-9 p.m.

Fri April 26

Finals are approaching and so is crunch-time stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed with your studies, we can help! Join the folks at the Wellness Center for a relaxing day of movies and popcorn at the center Atrium. For more information contact 305-284-6524.

Classes End at 11p.m.!

What is the connection between social play and cocaine? What exactly causes adolescent dating anxiety?

Over thirty graduates and half a dozen undergraduates from the department of psychology displayed their recent work on such projects at the second Annual Psychology Research fair last Saturday.

These research projects were supervised by mentors within the psychology department.

“It’s a chance for undergraduate students to get hooked up with a research project, with a prepared, informed knowledge base,” said coordinator and psychology lecturer Victoria Noriega. “A chance to explore the possibilities, see what’s out there, and get to know the people who are doing this research.”

Noriega, her peer advisors, and other faculty in the psychology department, planned for and set up the second annual Psychology Research Fair, located upstairs in the University Center.

There were four oral presentations, round table discussions, and poster exhibits. Breakfast and lunch were served.

“Interactive events [like the research fair] will accomplish great things for the psychology department,” said undergraduate peer advisor Jennifer Hestand as she defended a poster on the interactions between social information processing and Sickle Cell Disease.

Hestand, along with many others at the fair, said they put great faith in the community atmosphere that is developing within the department.

Annmarie Bramwell, one of the graduate student speakers, presented her study on the efficacy of neuroprotective treatments, such as hypothermia and immuno-suppressants, on neuronal cell death in rats following closed head injury.

Through her research, Bramwell is studying possible procedures to be used to relieve brain damage following severe trauma.

“Here we can expose students to what’s going on in the department. People are too focused on what they are doing,” Bramwell said. “As they become more specialized, they become more separated.”

Noriega said she hopes that social events like these will “help to make the department a community in itself, where the people who belong to it feel like they belong to it.”

In combining social events with academics, Noriega said she hopes to get her students and faculty members to click.

Chairman Dr. Rod Wellens said that the new building for the department, located near the parking garage, and scheduled for completion next spring, will bring further unity to the highly diverse department, which currently occupies over half a dozen buildings.

He said that communication and coordination will be simpler, faster, and smoother, with the assistance of programs such as the Research Fair, he said.

Other oral presentations covered such topics as HIV disease progression, the development of the Mental Stimulation Questionnaire, and adolescent dating anxiety.

Other students featured their research on varied topics of stress and coping, chronic fatigue syndrome, learning, and social play interaction among cocaine exposed toddlers.

On Saturday, 7:30 P.M Jose Diaz returned victorious from Tallahassee.

As he walked into his grandmother’s house, he was greeted by his close friends and relatives with balloons, lasagna, cake, and music.

They were not just celebrating another of Diaz’s many awards-this one gave Diaz the title of the greatest student leader in the state of Florida.

It was not until Friday, at 3 p.m. that the Florida College Student Leader of the Year was announced in a ceremony that took place in the 22nd floor of the Capitol Building in Tallahassee.

The award, founded by Florida Leader Magazine, is the only one of its kind that recognizes outstanding campus leaders statewide who excel academically, support themselves financially, and volunteer in the community and on campus.

Diaz is the first student representing the University of Miami, and the first Hispanic to be chosen for the award.

Dignitaries including the Lt. Governor and the Education Commissioner were present as well as all 20 honorees, their parents, friends, administrators, judges, sponsors, and members of the media.

Accompanying Diaz in this moment of honor was also Director of the University Center and Student Life, Richard Walker, as a representative of the University of Miami on behalf of Dr. Patricia Whitely, Vice President for Student Affairs.

“When I knew I had won I was overwhelmed,” Diaz said. “This was a very cool experience although I didn’t know it was going to be this big.”

Diaz said that he has received a lot of media attention, and that a lot of emphasis is placed on UM.

“I think this will give the school a lot of publicity,” he said.

During his stay in Tallahassee, Diaz said he had a chance to meet all the other finalists and interact with people from all over the state.

“I met people from all over the world, and from all different walks of life,” he said. “This made me appreciate everything I have, and I felt very honored to be recognized as one of the best.”

The celebration that started Saturday night upon his return from Tallahassee carried on throughout the weekend.

On Sunday a barbecue was held in his honor. The fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon, of which Diaz is a member, and the sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, of which his sister is a member, joined in an afternoon of fun to honor Diaz.

“I feel so honored to be his sister,” said 19-year-old sophomore Angie Diaz. “My grandmother was crying, my parents and everyone was so proud,” she said.

Student Body President Mike Johnston, Diaz’ successor, said he was sitting in Dr. Whitely’s office when he found out that Diaz had won. He said he immediately tried calling him on his cellular phone.

“I was very excited even though I was already expecting it. I am very familiar with the Student of the Year award and I know that his accomplishments are amazing,” Johnston said.

Johnston said that student government is very proud of Diaz, since this is an honor that has never happened before. He said that he feels very privileged to hold the position that Diaz last held.

“Speaking as his successor I hope I can live up to his standards,” Johnston said. “He’s been my good friend and mentor and I am very proud of him.”

Diaz has been an honors student and scholarship recipient during his four years at the University of Miami.

He has held important government offices including Speaker of the Senate and student government president.

“Pepi Diaz is the best student government president I have ever worked with,” said UM President Donna E. Shalala.

“This was a well deserved award,” said Walker.

Diaz will enjoy his share of $60, 000 as the winner of this prestigious award.

“I also got some free plane tickets,” Diaz said. “I think I might go to the Bahamas and enjoy everything that I received.”

“I’m going to have a good time, that’s for sure,” he added.

“Aloha!”

Friday night UM students, family, and friends, took a journey through the South Pacific as the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and Aotearoa, New Zealand were brought to the Coral Gables campus.

“Its so much fun, every year attendance gets bigger and bigger,” said senior Nalani Arnold, who has performed at this event for the past three years.

Entertainment was provided by the much-acclaimed Drums of Polynesia, who livened up the crowd with their traditional songs and dances.

One of the evening’s highlights was New Zealand’s “War Dance,” which was once used during battle to intimidate the enemy.

With feet stomping and boisterous chanting, the men from Drums of Polynesia adorned with ornate costumes, captivated onlookers.

Ever heard of a “Fire Dance?”

The audience at this Hawaiian Luau experienced firsthand the astounding and very dangerous dance.

Using two batons lighted on fire at both ends, a Samoan performer threw the “knives” high in the air catching them just seconds before hitting the ground. He held the burning “knives” between his legs, and also executed many other hazardous stunts.

As the night progressed, members from the crowd were chosen to take center stage with the male and female dancers from Drums of Polynesia and show off their dancing skills. Hips jetted from side-to-side, feet rhythmically tapped the floor, and legs vigorously maneuvered these dancers into a Polynesian state of mind.

The university’s very own hula dancers also enhanced the evening with their bright blue floral skirts and enchanting moves they had been practicing twice a week, they said.

Attendees’ hunger was satisfied with authentic Polynesian cuisine, and souvenirs such as T-shirts, picture frames, and other arts and crafts.

A raffle was held and tickets could be acquired for $1.

The winners walked away with boxes of chocolates, flower arrangements, and gift certificates to The Rusty Pelican for a romantic dinner for two.

As the adventure through the South Seas came to an end, audience members walked away feeling euphoric, for they had experienced customs from another part of the world- the main goal of International month, organizers said.

To learn more about the Hawaiian performers Drums of Polynesia, visit them at their website at www.drumsofpolynesia.com.

After much anticipation, the Homecoming executive committee, comprised of co-chairs Julio Barroso and Lucy Evans, and 32 Committee members, has released the theme for Homecoming 2002 as “The Road Home.”

“This year Homecoming is going to be huge,” said Roger Alvarez, homecoming committee member working with participation and recruitment. “It’s much more imaginative than ever.”

Homecoming will take place earlier this year due to the home football schedule. Opening ceremonies will be held on Friday, Sept. 27 and closing ceremonies will be on Sunday, Oct. 13.

“We have the added obstacle of trying to ensure and increase involvement while making sure that everyone is aware that Homecoming will take place much earlier in the semester than they have been accustomed to in the past,” said committee member Julio Barroso. “Through the hard work of our committee members, we are overcoming this problem and are way ahead of schedule with the planning of all events.”

“We’re trying to get students, organizations, fraternities, and sororities involved this year that haven’t participated in the past because they were not aware of all the things going on,” said Alvarez. “The more people that get involved, the more exiting and fun everything will be.”

Alvarez said he also hopes to get the residential colleges actively involved in this year’s activities.

“It would be really good if students living on campus could participate in the events as teams,” said Alvarez. “We are working on finalizing this idea, but it would definitely be great to have students living in the dorms to participate as a group, especially if they are not involved in any other organizations on campus.”

“I didn’t get to participate much in last year’s activities particularly because I didn’t know any one that wanted to go,” said sophomore Lacey Hickle. “I think it’s a great idea to have residential floors go and participate as a team in the events.”

“Even though I live off campus now, I think I’m going to give blood and do some community service for Hurricanes Help the Hometown,” Hickle said.

Homecoming committee members have also been working on several other Homecoming events including Mr. UM, Miss UM, and the Organized Cheer.

“We have the cream-of-the crop as our committee members this year,” said Barroso. “They have all done a great job organizing everything and are definitely pulling their own weight.”

An organizational meeting will take place April 22 in the International Lounge of the UC at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is open to organizations, volunteers, and willing participants.

“The purpose of this meeting is to encourage the organizations and individuals that want to be involved in the Homecoming activities to start planning early so that all those interested have the opportunity to participate come the Fall semester,” Barroso said.

“I think the theme this year sounds great,” said one student. “I’m going to show up with a cowboy hat, a snake-skin belt, and some boots- I’m from Texas.”

By Sunday, the people of Venezuela had been though four political upheavals-the overthrow of President Hugo Chavez from power, the instatement of Pedro Carmona, head of the country’s largest business association as president, Carmona’s resignation and Chavez’ reinstatement into power.

Back to square one and all in the space of three days.

With all of the realized and potential unrest going on in their home country, the sizeable Venezuelan student population at the University of Miami is on tenterhooks, waiting in anticipation to see what’s going to happen next.

Cristina Vanessa Vila is a freshman who has lived in Anzoatequi, Venezuela for most of her life. Her parents and little sister still reside there. They say the situation is just getting worse.

“People are locked up in their houses and they’re afraid. There are riots and civil war and they’re just killing people. It’s affecting the people in every possible way,” Vila said.

“All my family is there. It’s not good,” said freshman engineering student, Silvana Mateo, who is from Caracas.

“There is no safe place right now,” said freshman engineering student and Valencia resident Irene Rojas.

Chavez, a vowed proponent of the poor, managed to incite his non-supporters to strikes, protests and demonstrations ending with his removal from office by military leaders last Friday, because of what they called his authoritarian regime, according to a CNN.com article posted on April 14, and his replacement of top officials at the state oil company in February.

“There is not a soul in the streets. My brother said that CNN shows only about 20 percent of what is going on,” Rojas said. “Nobody knows. There are no channels [of information]; only the government channel and they are not allowing expression of any kind.”

“He pretended to be anti-corruption, anti-poverty. Then he started to show his communist ways, passing laws that made no sense. Things began to deteriorate slowly,” she added.

“From the day he was elected everyone knew that this was going to happen. The poor population in Venezuela is very large and he promises them the world for their support,” Vila said. “Meanwhile he is deteriorating the country.”

Chavez regained power with the help of three thousand members of the National Honor Guard-which protects the presidential palace and has remained loyal to Chavez, according to CNN.com.

“There are a lot of urgent things to take care of now,” Chavez said. “We must fix that light that has been broken. I call for peace. I call for strength within all Venezuelans.”

But UM Venezuelan students are not expecting peace anytime soon.

“My mother says that it doesn’t seem to be getting any better, just worse,” Vila said. “Now that he’s back in power he’s bitter. He’s going to be doing things directly to those who put him out of power.”

“Everything is just going to be worse. It’s like living through the whole Cuba situation, Vila said.

“Everyone I’ve talked to is down, sad. It is so ironic after thinking that he was off the presidency that he just bounces back,” Rojas said. “He killed who knows how many hundreds of people when he allowed the military to open fire on our citizens. It’s scary.”

The biggest concern, of course, is for the students’ families still in Venezuela.

Vila had already bought her airline ticket to return home at the end of the semester but now, it is unsure what her summer plans will be.

“Get my parents out of there. They’re getting everything in order to get back here. I am happy to be in Miami but my parents and my little sister are in Venezuela and I am worried constantly,” Vila said. “I mean, I don’t care what the situation is, I want to be there right now.”

“My concern is for my family’s well-being. Economically, my parents are both doctors and no one knows what’s happening. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to continue my studies,” Rojas said. “It is affecting me directly.”