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Reshaping more than waistlines: Medicine in the age of Ozempic

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January 3, 2024

Reshaping more than waistlines: Medicine in the age of Ozempic

Oh-oh-oh, Ozempic.

Not since Botox has a drug brand become so popular so quickly.

Currently FDA-approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes and clinical obesity, Ozempic and other similar GLP-1 receptor agonists provide life-saving medication.

However, these drugs stand as a new landmark in our diet-obsessed culture – revolutionary medicine that can actually help people lose their stubborn excess weight, unlike the fad diets and supplements that have inundated our lives and that mostly fail.

The problem is not Ozempic itself. There’s no doubt it can save the lives of those who need it by decreasing the risk of disease and increasing longevity. The problem is the misuse by people looking for fast solutions to cosmetic concerns without addressing the root of the issue.

Also, these miracle drugs are likely to distract from more seriously addressing our society’s stigma and shame around fatness, a social disorder that cannot be remedied by simply popping pills or injecting a medicine.

The Ozempic injection contains semaglutide, and works by stimulating insulin release to lower blood sugar levels and slow digestion, so users feel satiated for longer periods of time. Because it also subdues the user’s appetite, some seek out the drug to slim down.

Developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and approved by the FDA in 2017, Ozempic is one of several new medications used to treat obesity. When doctors noticed that patients were losing weight as a side effect, Novo Nordisk began clinical trials on obese and overweight individuals to confirm the observations. A higher dose semaglutide remedy specially to treat obesity, called Wegovy, was then marketed to treat America’s obesity epidemic, as about 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese and an additional 30% are overweight.

Ozempic was not originally intended as a quick fix to get thin. Medical discretion is used to prescribe it to those who require it, such as those who are obese or overweight. However, in some cases, patients who do not meet the criteria are still getting their hands on it.

The drugs have taken Hollywood by storm, forcing its unrealistic beauty standards to manifest themselves in stars taking extreme measures to keep up youthful appearances. Aesthetic procedures like cool sculpting, injections and Brazilian butt lifts allow celebrities to dictate trends, shape beauty standards and influence entire generations.

Ozempic and other similar drugs have become the subject of conversations about weight loss and thinness in Hollywood. An easy, painless and near-instant remedy is appealing, especially in the realms of fashion and entertainment where looking a certain way is a professional requirement.

All this is happening despite a significant change in the popular discourse on bodies since the end of the 20th century, when a slim figure was celebrated and sought after. We began to embrace body positivity and representation in curvy and plus-size models and influencers on social media.

When the craze for drugs began, countless celebrities started to lose noticeable amounts of weight. Which celebrities are using Ozempic became headline stories, as seen with Kim Kardashian losing 16 pounds in three weeks to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s dress for the 2022 Met Gala. Only a select few have openly admitted to using these medications, as Elon Musk did about Wegovy.

The appeal of weight-loss drugs has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the average American adult gained 29 pounds . Losing excess weight could increase one’s life by decreasing risk of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, having a stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

“People still believe that it’s a personal choice and a lifestyle choice that somebody makes, and this is at fault for their obesity,” said Dr. Scott Butsch, director of Obesity Medicine at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.

Should obesity be perceived as a personal failing, a lack of adequate self-control and self-discipline? Or is it a chronic disease whose prevalence and severity are largely outside individual control?

BIPOC and low-income communities disproportionately experience higher levels of obesity, but lack the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medications such as Ozempic when insurance won’t contribute. How can we ensure access for those with a greater need for these therapies, rather than widening existing disparities?

A month-long Ozempic injection pen costs approximately $900 before insurance. Wegovy, only approved to treat obese/overweight patients or those with a coexisting condition related to weight, is more than $1,300 for a month’s supply. These costs can be made cheaper with qualifying insurance, but coverage can be hard to come by.

Hollywood elites, however, are willing and able to pay the full cost out of pocket, exhausting demand, overwhelming pharmacies and making it difficult for people who actually need the drug to get their prescriptions.

We also don’t understand how these drugs will impact users in the future. Common side effects users experience include nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain and more. Severe allergic reactions, hypoglycemia and pancreatitis can also occur.

For those who only look at the immediate effects of these drugs, they are neglecting the risks associated with long-term usage, including how easy it is to regain any lost weight after treatment. These risks should only be taken if it is meant to protect your health, as recommended and prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.

People tend to not change their habits when on these drugs, which can bring long-term adverse consequences for the short-sighted.

Although Ozempic has been approved and prescribed since 2017, Hollywood’s wholesale adoption of the drug turned it from being an essential medicine to a status symbol, advertising that dramatic weight loss is at our fingertips, readily available for those who can afford it.

Weight loss isn’t always a cure for all ills and can be a distraction from real issues. Unfortunately, fatphobia continues to pervade society and as long as it exists, there will be a market for miracle medicines that help make people thin.

Lia Mussie is a senior majoring in ecosystem science and policy and political science with minors sustainable business and public health.

Takeaways from Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers

Luke Sims

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January 2, 2024

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Takeaways from Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers

With a big opportunity in New York, the Miami Hurricanes struck out in their bowl 31-24 loss to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This marks the 11th bowl game in the last 12 that the ‘Canes have lost. The second season in the Mario Cristobal era ends on an unfortunate note.

While the loss is a disappointing way to end the season, there are some positive things to take away from this game.

Jaccuri Brown showed potential.

Sophomore quarterback Jacurri Brown rushes to the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Miami had redshirt freshman quarterback Jaccuri Brown make his first start of the season, and despite his slow start, he did all he could to try and win the game for the ‘Canes. Brown was playing his first snaps of the season in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. The Georgia native led the ‘Canes in rushing and passing, totaling 238 yards and three touchdowns.

Brown was shaky to start the game as he threw an early interception, but towards the end of the first and into the second half, Brown looked sharp and settled into a rhythm. Brown totaled two touchdowns through the air and rushed for another as the focal point for Miami’s offense. The dual-threat QB rushed 15 times and was effective scrambling on designed runs. The running ability of Brown gives the ‘Canes offense something that it lacked with Tyler Van Dyke and Emory Williams under center.

While Brown was not the most efficient passer, completing 65% of his passes, he was under duress all day long. The makeshift offensive line was poor in pass and run protection. Brown made the most of a bad situation in the pocket.

Brown flashed the skills that made him a top recruit and played well for a quarterback playing in his first snaps of the season.

Miami’s defense was severely shorthanded, and it showed.

Scarlet Knight junior running back Kyle Monangai stiff-arms a defender and rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai ran all over the ‘Canes defense to the tune of 163 yards and a touchdown. Monangai was the entire Rutgers offense. The junior running back carried the ball 25 times for an average of 6.3 yards per carry and a long run of 40. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt only completed 7 of his 15 pass attempts for 84 yards. Wimsatt ran for two touchdowns, but that is about all the junior contributed to the Rutgers offense on Thursday.

Rutgers’ offense took advantage of the depleted Miami defense. Miami was missing three top-five tacklers in James Williams, Kamren Kinchens and Corey Flagg Jr.

Miami will look much different next year.

Junior linebacker Francisco Mauigoa reads the offense in the second quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

This was a bit of a sneak peek at what a team without most of its key contributors looks like. Miami was without its top running back, starting quarterback, a top interior lineman on both sides of the ball, both starting safeties and a rotational linebacker.

Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George will return to make a deadly duo for whoever is under center. But on the defensive side of the ball, Miami will look much different. Francisco Mauigoa and Rueben Bain Jr. will lead a new look ‘Canes defense that loses their leaders on the back end in Kinchens and Williams.

With a top recruiting class coming in, a lot of these prospects will get to play early. The impact of young players like Bain, Mark Fletcher Jr., and Francis Mauigoa was apparent this season.

On the back end and in the trenches, Miami will have freshman pieces to retool depleted units. Look for Zaquon Patterson, Justin Scott, and Armondo Blount to play important minutes early.

The bowl loss is disappointing, but not the end of the world for a team that has made much progress since this time last season.

Read this day-by-day recap of Miami Art Week 2023

Osvaldo Espino

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December 29, 2023

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Read this day-by-day recap of Miami Art Week 2023

Once again, Miami Art Week has come down to the shores of Miami for its 21st year. With Art Basel on Miami Beach being the central focus, there were so many events and other art fairs available to enjoy and explore.

Here’s an inside scoop on what went down for the 2023 edition of Miami Art Week.

Monday, Dec 4

Heading to the Design District’s Jungle Plaza, I went to the opening of “The Chronicles of Miami” mural by the world-renowned French artist JR.

The mural displays the portraits of 1,000 Miami residents who had their portraits taken in a mobile studio all over the city, including Liberty City, Coconut Grove, Little Haiti, Wynwood, Design District and Downtown.

An app linked to the mural allowed you to hear each featured person’s story when you aim your camera at their portrait, a unique concept from the 40-year-old artist.

The Jungle Plaza had multiple food trucks lined up, as well as a square bar in the center. A large DJ stage was set up underneath the mural as several of Miami’s local spin jockeys cranked out some tunes in the evening.

JR gave a special “thank you” to everyone who let him paint them for his mural before introducing the guest DJ of the night, Brazilian superstar Anitta.

Though known for her reggaeton hits like “Envolver” and her fiery personality, Anitta took more of a back seat as she showcased her DJ skills. Over the loud groovy beats of Brazilian funk, Anitta’s dancers turned the block into a giant Brazilian party.

Visitors view artwork on display at the Art Miami fair, one of many art fairs held during Miami Art Week 2023.

Tuesday, Dec 5

The morning kicked off with an exploration of the “Paradise Lost” exhibit, an artistic exploration into the life of notorious drug trafficker Griselda Blanco.

Created by Miami artist Flooded, the art displayed Griselda as an image of Betty Boop, a nickname she gave herself after her resemblance to the famous 1930s cartoon character. With the unique location of the Wynwood Hair Supply Company barbershop, it was one of the more interesting Art Week exhibits.

Also in Wynwood, The Art of Hip-Hop exhibit celebrated 50 years of hip-hop and the art behind it.

On display were portraits by legendary photographer Mike Miller, classic Wu Tang Clan artworks by Danny Hastings and memorabilia from the Super Bowl 56 Halftime Show, which included a costume from Kendrick Lamar’s dancers and a denim jacket signed by all the performers.

Art Miami returned for its 33rd edition as Miami’s original modern and contemporary art fair. Galleries came from cities around the world such as Tel Aviv, Venice, Berlin, Seoul, London, Tokyo, Paris, Milan and Hong Kong, as well as U.S. cities like Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Houston.

Works from artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, KAWS, Keith Harring and Jeff Koons were up for grabs. One of the more intriguing displays was KAWS’ Bronze Star Wars set sold by Burgess Modern + Contemporary Gallery for a whopping $1,000,000.

Some of the most interesting and compelling modern art of the week was found in these halls.

“[It shows] art as an enriching element of our lives,” said artist and curator Graciela Montich as she described her latest Art Week gallery exhibit titled, “CHROMA.”

Works from Brandon Clarke, Elidea, Enrique Alfonso, Graciela Montich, Gustavo Ramirez Cruz, Heather Lynn and Payal Tak were all on display at Montich’s exhibit. These international artists emphasized emotions in their work and used a combination of mediums.

Victoria Lopez and her installation “MOTIONS” was made with the intention of pulling the viewer into each individual movement that is first created digitally by the artist, and then presented in a physical form.

The Meridians section of Art Basel featured "Earth Play" by artist Seung-taek Lee, an inflatable balloon painted with a satellite image of Earth. Photo credit: Courtesy of Art Basel

Wednesday, Dec. 6

On the morning of Dec. 6, I went to the Art Basel opening media reception. Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner joined Jason Chandler, head of global wealth management for America at investment banking company UBS, Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz and Art Basel executives Vincenzo de Bellis and Bridget Finn to share their vision for this year’s Basel.

Mayor Meiner had some nice things to say about hosting Art Basel for the 21st time.

“Art Basel has been referred to as the Olympics of the art world, and literally we are right now in Miami Beach, the epicenter of the entire world of the arts and culture, world and as we look to enhance our arts and cultural footprint here.”

“Bringing together 277 premier galleries from 38 countries and territories. showcasing the highest quality of modern and contemporary art here, we’re thrilled to present a new platform and a new floor plan for the show adopted for enhancing visibility for galleries across all sectors of the fair,” said de Bellis when going over the large scale of this year’s Basel.

After the reception, I explored “Meridians,” the large scale exhibits that included 19 projects this year.

Following our tour of Meridians, I explored many profound works from legendary artists like Soroyama, Murakami and Picasso. The halls were filled to the brim with some of the most prestigious names.

One of the more outstanding talents was that of Esai Alfredo, a gay Puerto Rican artist who had an exhibition all to himself. All of his paintings sold within the first 90 minutes of exhibition with a range from $11,000 to $32,000.

After Basel, I hopped over to the next street to see galleries decorated with the finest interior designs for sale at Design Miami..

Some of the best displays came from Gallery FUMI (who won Best Gallery), Adrian Sassoon, Ippodo Gallery and Galerie Patrick Seguin. There were also some exciting collaboration exhibits with Maestro Dobel, Birkenstock and Fendi.

Following that visit, I went over to the Untitled Art Fair, the leading independent art fair which returned to Miami Beach for its 12th Edition.

Located right on the beach, the art fair brought forth some of the best in independent art, with notable artists Oh de Laval being part of the Room57 Gallery, Colombian artist Andres Orjuela displaying Galeria La Basa and Katlego Tiabela with Southern Guild.

The Resy Lounge was also a notable addition to the fair, allowing patrons to indulge in complimentary bites and beverages by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.

Traveling across the bridge to the Design District, Atiba Jefferson held his first ever solo photo exhibition sponsored by Nike Architecture and OTW by Vans. The exhibit held a display of Atiba’s mementos and classic moments captured by the famed skate photographer.

Highlights included portraits of Dylan Rieder, an iconic shot of Eric Koston and Kobe Bryant and throwback photos of Supreme skaters Na-Kel Smith, Kevin Bradley and Tyshawn Jones. Atiba was also there in-person to sign prints and meet with fans, even indulging visitors in conversation.

A quick stop by the Red Dot Art Gallery in Mana Wynwood featured exhibits held by Renssen Art Gallery, Sachie Yoshino, End to End Gallery and Klamp Gallery.

I topped off the night with a collaboration event between Japanese female wrestling organization Sukeban and Out of Service Miami, the local female-run reggaeton party.

With the unique location of the Lot 11 Skatepark, we knew that we were in for quite the show. We watched as Japanese women came into the wrestling ring, put each other in headlocks, jumped off the top ropes and powerbombed one another for two hours.

Notable attendees included rapper Westside Gunn, Sabrina Fuentes of Pretty Sick and Miami-Dade legend Denzel Curry. Curry was kind enough to take pictures and talk to fans throughout the night, inviting some to his events on Friday and Sunday.

After the wrestling, Out of Service did what they do best and turned Lot 11 into a party zone. Perreo was all over the air as many danced the night away with the female DJs.

Thursday, Dec. 7

Pinta Art Fair, held at the Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove, displayed some of the best of Latin art during Miami Art Week. Inside their walls were exhibits from Rosas Ek Balam based out of Mexico City, MAP based out of Bogota and Imaginario based out of Buenos Aires. Notable art included that of Juan Roberto Diago and his work in the Galeria Artizar exhibit.

Alec Monopoly held an art show at The Eden Gallery, with many of his popular works on display for the first time. Monopoly made a late appearance at his own show to talk with some art enthusiasts.

Friday, Dec. 8

For the first time ever, Tribeca Film Festival partnered with Art Basel and held several panels across the street at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Under the gaze of the Miami sun, John Stamos joined Leila Cobo to give a retrospective on his life and career.

The topic of discussion was mostly the material in Stamos’ book “If You Would Have Told Me.” During the conversation, he gave an in-depth talk of his rehab, rough start in Hollywood, conversations with his mother and the mourning of his good friend, Bob Saget.

A touching moment came when Stamos recalled a moment after Saget’s death.

“I looked to the sky and said, ‘Bob give me a sign!’ Then I saw a white dove fly past me and I knew,” Stamos said.

When asked what advice he had for new actors, Stamos said, “I think everything you could do in your life goes into your career. If you’re a good enough actor or decent, you’d get a shot. You know? So big work on singing and dancing, acting, experience life. So when it’s time to get a job, you can bring all that with you.”

Once again, I headed over the bridge, but this time straight to Wynwood. Bowery Showroom brought their brick and mortar approach of streetwear to Miami. Held at 1-800-Lucky, fashion merchants from New York to Miami came to display their clothing, selling it under the Bowery banner.

After that was the main event of the night, the RCA Arcade being held and sponsored by RCA and Sony Music. The festivities kicked off with an exclusive, invite-only VIP launch event featuring a DJ set from RCA artist Channel Tres, with openers Barbara Doza and DRE WHO. Guests sipped cocktails by South Bound Tequila and played games to win merch.

It was so exciting to win the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones at this event along with other merch available in the form of a claw game. The event was attended by RCA artists Fousheé and Skillibeng and other notable visitors such as rapper Bktherula, influencer Perris Howard, Gen Venom, Kev Mansfield and super producer Yeti Beats.

Throughout the weekend, more guests had the opportunity to receive exclusive merch items and tour through archival images of RCA’s vast history of chart-topping artists, in addition to viewing paintings from RCA artist Doja Cat.

Saturday, Dec. 9

The morning kicked off with the second annual Abloh Invitational hosted by Nike Architecture at Lot 11 Skatepark. The event gave skate enthusiasts the opportunity to skate alongside pros such as Na-Kel Smith, Louie Lopez, Mason Silva, Evan Mock and more.

Photographer Atiba Jefferson and filmmaker Davonte Jolly captured the event, which included opportunities like a cash for tricks contest and the opportunity to win free Nike merch. The big highlight was the unveiling of a new giant spoon obstacle that was added to Lot 11 and skated by all the pros in attendance.

The final event I attended was the Tribeca Film Festival panel that included JR and legendary actor Rober De Niro.

The two sat down and discussed De Niro and his relationship with his father as well as that of his own children. Apparently JR had inspired De Niro to open up his father’s old art studio where he started archiving several momentos.

JR then got the idea to begin a project focusing on De Niro and his father. The project has been in development for two and a half years, and audience members saw a preview that was gravitating and emotional.

My favorite moment which summarized all of Miami Art Week came when JR said, “Each artist’s work is a definition of life. Of their own experiences, what they’ve gone through, and what they transform.”

Miami finishes season with Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers

Jayden Gonzalez

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December 29, 2023

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Miami finishes season with Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers

Hurricanes football fought hard in a New York battle, facing a challenging atmosphere from a Rutgers-heavy crowd in Yankee Stadium as the Scarlet Knights defeated the Canes 31-24.

Miami gave the nod to Sophomore quarterback Jacurri Brown in the Bronx yesterday afternoon, his first start of the season. Brown’s running ability was on full display this afternoon, tallying 57 yards and scoring two touchdowns with his legs.

Sophomore quarterback Jacurri Brown slides into the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Miami’s start to the game could have been better. In the game’s opening drive, Rutgers gashed through the Hurricane run defense, running the ball 11 times for 55 yards before quarterback Gavin Wimsatt ran it in himself for the score. Wimsatt, the junior quarterback, only threw the ball 15 times for 84 yards but scored two touchdowns with his legs.

To make matters worse, in Miami’s first drive, freshman running back Mark Fletcher Jr. went down with an apparent left foot injury. Fletcher was reportedly unable to put any pressure on his foot.

Head Coach Mario Cristobal told reporters the running back’s X-rays were negative, but “there was something there.”

Fourth-year junior running back Henry Parrish, Jr. goes down with an injury in the first quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. — Fourth-year junior running back Mark Fletcher, Jr. goes down with an injury in the first quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Fletcher was making a name for himself in a deep Hurricane depth chart, running for 500 yards, averaging five yards per carry, and scoring five touchdowns on the year.

After finding themselves in an early 14-0 deficit and turning the ball over, Miami seemed to finally wake up halfway through the second quarter, scoring 17 unanswered against the Scarlet Knights.

One of the critical reasons for this success was the connection between Brown and junior receiver Xavier Restrepo. Restrepo was targeted 17 times by the quarterback, making his presence felt. Restrepo finished his last game of the season with 11 grabs for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Restrepo became the sixth receiver in Miami history to record a 1000-yard season, ending his campaign with 1082 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Fourth-year junior wide receiver Xavier Restrepo stands for the national anthem head of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

With seven Hurricane starters opting out of the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, Miami felt their presence missed defensively.

Throughout the game, Rutgers was able to have their way in the rushing attack, tallying 208 yards on the ground. Junior running back Kyle Monogai did the most damage to the Hurricanes, rushing for 160 yards on 25 carries and scoring a touchdown. To cap it off, the 5’95’9 running back received the Pinstripe Bowl MVP with his performance.

The game’s turning point came from the Rutgers’ special teams. With the score at 17-14 Miami, the Hurricane offense was forced to punt from their 13-yard line. Rutgers special teamer Trevor Yeboah-Kodie blocked punter Dylan Joyce’s kick, which Rutgers’ Timmy Ward scooped up in the end zone to regain the lead.

After the blocked punt, Rutgers never looked back, smothering the Hurricane offense and controlling the clock for a chunk of the second half.

However, Miami fought until the end, scoring a one-yard quarterback keeper from Jacurri Brown, followed by cornerback Te’Cory Couch recovering an onside kick.

With about 11 seconds left, Brown hit Restrepo about a yard short of the first down marker on fourth down, ending the game at 31-24.

Today’s loss for Miami signifies the ‘Cane’s first-ever loss to Rutgers. Coming into the Pinstripe Bowl, Miami was a perfect 11-0 in the all-time series against Rutgers, dating back to 1993. The Hurricanes had previously handled the Scarlet Knights comfortably, winning by an average score of 46-10 during this span.

Rutgers players celebrate their 31-24 win over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Miami wrapped up their season with a 7-6 record in Mario Cristobal’s second year but will still be looking for his first bowl game victory in his tenure. Miami has lost five consecutive bowl games and 11 of their last 13. The Hurricane’s previous bowl victory was in the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl, where Miami defeated West Virginia.

Miami will begin the 2024 season in Gainesville with an instate matchup against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Pinstripe Bowl Preview: Miami vs. Rutgers

Luke Sims

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December 28, 2023

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Pinstripe Bowl Preview: Miami vs. Rutgers

The Bag Boy Motors Pinstripe Bowl is on the horizon for the Miami Hurricanes. Miami is hoping to secure its first bowl-game victory since 2016. The ‘Canes will go to battle against the 6-6 Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

This ‘Canes team will look a bit different than the one that went 7-5 this season. Miami has lost talent on both sides of the ball. Three defensive leaders, Kamren Kinchens, James Williams and Leonard Taylor III, are off to the NFL Draft, while Corey Flagg and Jahfari Harvey entered the transfer portal. Flagg is off to Missouri, and Harvey will take his talents to SMU to play for former Miami offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee.

On the offensive side of the ball, two starting offensive linemen, Javion Cohen and Matt Lee, are off to the NFL Draft. Key offensive contributors in quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, wide receiver Colbie Young and running back Donald Chaney Jr. are in the transfer portal. Van Dyke is headed to Wisconsin, Young to Georgia and Chaney to Louisville.

Miami is left shorthanded at the quarterback position, with Van Dyke gone and freshman Emory Williams injured. That leaves redshirt freshman Jaccuri Brown to make his first appearance of the season for the ‘Canes. The dual-threat quarterback looks to give Miami’s offense a different dimension in its bowl game.

With Young gone, Brown will be looking for receivers Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo even more. Freshman Nathaniel Joseph may also see more reps with the loss of Young. Freshman running back Mark Fletcher Jr. will also need to be an anchor for the Miami offense without its preferred quarterbacks and two starting offensive linemen.

Rutgers struggles in the passing game. Its quarterback, junior Gavin Wismatt, has thrown for just 1,651 yards on the year.

The Scarlett Knight offense is headed by its strong running back – junior Kyle Monangai. The 1,000-yard rusher has seven touchdowns on the year and averages over five yards per carry. He’ll be a focal point for the ‘Canes defense. As a team, Rutgers’s rushing attack is very strong. The Knights average over 165 yards rushing per game, with Wismatt and Monangai being threats to score at any time.

ESPN gives Miami a 66.5% chance to win on Thursday afternoon. If the ‘Canes can stifle the strong rushing attack from Rutgers and get solid quarterback play from Brown, they should be well on their way to snapping a four-game bowl losing streak.

Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN.

Meet the creatives behind UM’s first undergraduate feature film, “COLLAGE”

Samantha Rodriguez

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December 27, 2023

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The artist (Dimiter D. Marinov) and his muse (Carl Nowak) eat while tied to each other with a rope during the filming of “COLLAGE.” Photo credit: Anna Carl Lucchese @annalucchese @framedmemoridesandtories and Sage Kirk @selenophil.c

UM students and aspiring filmmakers Chiara Padejka and Evan Friedmann are working with fellow students to produce “COLLAGE,” the University’s first-ever undergraduate feature film.

In their fictional mockumentary, videographer David Torres records artists Luna Monroe and Vasil Daskalov tied together by a rope for a year-long creative experiment. Torres captures every second of the artist’s joy and heartbreak as they test humanity’s ability to coexist.

Dimiter D. Marinov, from Apple TV’s “For All Mankind,” Indy Shorts’ “Pickled Herring” and the Oscar-winning film “Green Book,” will star as Daskalov. New York avant-garde model and actress Carl Nowak joins him as Monroe with filmmaker Gavin Hulberg as David.

The filmmakers reached Marinov’s agent to send their dream actor the “COLLAGE” script. Since then, Marinov has championed the project. Nowak’s unique charisma and dynamic performance made her stand out in the nationwide casting call.

After years of planning, “COLLAGE” concluded filming this January at the Wynwood art district with UM film professor and award-winning cinematographer Edmund Talavera. The team is committed to delivering an unique cinematic experience entering post-production.

“The film is shot in a handheld documentary style,” Talavera said. “The camera is an actual character in the movie. The actors must deal with it and react to its operator as he intrudes into their lives.”

Its Bulgarian press release describes “COLLAGE” as a “twisted tale of love and art.”

“The story of ‘COLLAGE’ is an exploration of how we have been feeling in this kind of post-pandemic world,” Padejka said. “We wanted to test the lengths to which people would go to get a human connection.”

Padejka, a senior studying motion picture production and art, found the COVID-19 pandemic to be a universal relationship test.

“The pandemic really showed us that when you have to live with someone in really close quarters, or if you’re isolated and really far away from people, how that affects you psychologically and physically,” Padejka said. “You learn something about your partner or yourself that you really never would have found out otherwise.”

Both writer-directors aim to explore a relationship without privacy.

“[There’s a] heavy theme of secrets, and what we do in the shadows must come out in the light,” Friedmann said. “When you’re with someone for so long, that mask that you kind of put up, it’s hard to keep it up.”

UM student Chiara Padejka and film professor Edmund Talavera during the filming of “COLLAGE.” Photo credit: Anna Carl Lucchese @annalucchese @framedmemoridesandtories and Sage Kirk @selenophil.c

Friedmann, a senior studying criminology and film, was inspired by a real-life creative experiment titled, “Rope Piece,” which follows two artists tied together by a 6-foot rope for one year.

A relationship between two characters bound together captured Padejka and Friedmann’s imagination.

“It’s very different than what we are doing,” Friedmann said. “Whereas [in] ours, the rope is sort of an excuse to get these two people stuck in the room, and it’s not about the rope. It’s about these two characters and their relationship.”

The creative team dedicated endless hours of research to understand their characters. Watching documentaries about artists like Marguerite “Peggy” Guggenheim and Jackson Pollock and HBO’s “Scenes from a Marriage” grew their understanding of artists and strained relationships.

Personal connections with the characters in “COLLAGE” added to their understanding.

“Chiara’s family comes from communist Bulgaria, which is a similar background to Vasil. And then my grandparents came from occupied Germany,” Friedmann said. “[We tried] to grasp at each piece of relatability, and that really grew from the first draft to where we are now.”

The young filmmakers faced challenges with logistics, hiring actors and trying to accommodate various interests while maintaining their creative vision.

“Most directors will say making movies is just problem-solving,” Friedmann said. “It’s just about having a plan A, B, C and D — just all the way through — and you can never be prepared for everything.”

Balancing “COLLAGE” and academic responsibilities tested the filmmakers’ time management skills. Padejka recalled sacrificing commitments to produce “COLLAGE.” With every sacrifice, the filmmakers aim to show production companies the power of young storytellers.

“It’s just two characters exploring their relationship,” Friedmann said. “We can make those movies too.”

Padejka and Friedmann want to show future film students the importance of risk-taking.

“It’s better to make a bad film than no film,” Padejka said. “That’s why we can take a chance like this because we’re young and we still have time.”

“COLLAGE” is expected to be completed by the year’s end and submitted to various film festivals. Supporters can donate to the “COLLAGE” Venmo @Collage-Film to help the film reach theaters and beyond.

Meet the creatives behind UM’s first undergraduate feature film, “COLLAGE”

Samantha Rodriguez

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December 27, 2023

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Meet the creatives behind UM’s first undergraduate feature film, “COLLAGE”