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Cowboys in Miami: Country Bay brings Southern vibes to the Sunshine state

Osvaldo Espino
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Cowboys in Miami: Country Bay brings Southern vibes to the Sunshine state

Miami is known for its wide variety of music scenes, hosting festivals like Ultra, Rolling Loud and III Points. Aside from that, Miami is the source of the 2016 SoundCloud rap explosion that helped bring Florida rap into the mainstream.

Apart from contributing to the electronic and rap scenes, Miami has always been a hub for Latin music, covering everything from Reggaeton to Salsa. The question arises: could a country music festival thrive and sell in South Florida?

The answer to that is a resounding yes.

Headliner Thomas Rhett performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023.
Headliner Thomas Rhett performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023. Photo credit: Manny Hernandez

In its inaugural year, the Country Bay Music Festival was held on Nov. 11-12 next to the abandoned Miami Marine Stadium, was famous for hosting boat races and concerts for Jimmy Buffet, Ray Charles, Queen and other legendary acts.

Headlined by Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt, the lineup also featured respected country artists such as Lainey Wilson, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Chris Young, Elle King, and Chris Lane.

Some of the festival’s unique features included a swimming pool in the VIP area, yacht parking to enjoy the festival sounds from the comfort of your boat and carnival rides available to the general public.

Various food vendors serviced the two-day festival, including Miami Street Tacos, Turkey Legs, La Cantrina, The Cook Miami, Lumpia Bros and Miami favorite, Burger Trap. Festival grounds exuded a more mature atmosphere with the several bars and tobacco vendors, along with sponsorships from Jack Daniels, Coors Light, White Claw and Zyns.

Despite the raging Miami sun, numerous attendees showed up in full-on western gear with their cowboy boots and hats.

The crowd’s energy was incredible with everyone being very kind and respectful, challenging stereotypes that those from urban areas might hold about country enthusiasts.

The easy-going energy l reminded me of growing up in Texas. It almost felt like I was transported out of Miami until I bought a twenty-dollar drink and reality set back in.

Even more surprising was the number of people line dancing to country classics like “Country Girl (Shake It)” by Luke Bryan and songs like “Low” by Flo Rida.

It was one of my favorite experiences — along with the Coors Light Boots and Beer Garden, the only place to watch the UM vs FSU game. The unique atmosphere resembled the lively scenes in Tallahassee as alumni and fans gathered to cheer for their teams.

Once UM lost, most fans left the bar and went to watch Lainey Wilson give one of the festival lineup’s best performances.

Lainey Wilson performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023.
Lainey Wilson performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023. Photo credit: Manny Hernandez

Currently the “it girl” of country music, Wilson came off an amazing year in which she toured with Luke Combs and snatched five CMA awards for her album, “Bell Bottom Country.”

The Louisiana native came out in her signature bell bottoms and put on a marvelous show that included her hit “Watermelon Moonshine,” which the entire crowd sang while holding up their phone flashlights.

She also included her rendition of the 4 Non Blondes track “What’s Up?” and her collaboration with HARDY “Wait in the Truck.” Wilson ended her set with “Heart Like a Truck,” leaving a lasting impression on the crowd with her amazing set.

After Lainey’s set, the Miami sun had set and the on-site carnival was lit up like a Las Vegas strip. The ferris wheel gave incredible views of the festival and the Miami skyline.

Thomas Rhett came out and started off his headlining setlist with “Vacation,” then went on to perform hits such as “Look What God Gave Her,” “Unforgettable” and “Die a Happy Man.” He also brought out Nate Smith to do a rendition of Rhett’s track, “Beer Can’t Fix.”

The second day was just as exciting, with both BRELAND and Blanco Brown having some of the more entertaining performances. Both have been known in the country scene for their combination of country melodies with hip-hop beats and flows.

BRELAND performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023.
BRELAND performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023. Photo credit: Manny Hernandez

BRELAND performed his viral hit “My Truck” and Brown rocked the crowd with “The Git Up.”

A performance from Elle King lit up the place as she performed her multi-platinum hit “Ex’s and Oh’s” along with crowd favorites, “America’s Sweetheart” and “Jersey Giant.”

Off stage activities included a mechanical bull inside the Ford Blue Saloon. Jack Daniels had a cornhole game that gave out prizes such as sunglasses, iron on patches, phone stands1 and koozies.

Zelle opened up a “Purple Paradise,” which was part art installation and part viewing experience at the festival, allowing you to enjoy elevated views around some of the most colorful backdrops.

After exploring more of the festival, Lee Brice held an electrifying show that included an ludicrous drum solo during a cover of Boston’s “Foreplay” accompanied by water jetpacks and fireworks by the yacht dock.

It was then time for the final headliner of the weekend: Sam Hunt. Even though Hunt has only released two formal albums, he’s been quite the superstar with a plethora of singles and features that have helped cement his reputation as one of country’s best singers.

Hunt came out immediately flowing into some of his biggest hits such as the dynamic “House Party” as well as the anthemic “23.” Hunt had one of the most perfect sounds at this festival as his pop-like approach to country engaged the crowd. His set was filled with modern classics such as “Body Like a Back Road” as well as covers of country staples like “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

After Hunt’s set, a firework display officially called for the end of the inaugural Country Bay Music Festival. If the banner next to the exit didn’t make it obvious enough, next year’s festival will be held on Nov. 9-10, 2024.

Country Bay offered a comprehensive experience, with admission covering access to rides, food stands and giveaways. The kindness of attendees stood out, fostering a hope that this festival will become a staple in Miami’s rich musical tapestry.

REVIEW: “Loki” season two breaks Marvel’s curse

Osvaldo Espino
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REVIEW: “Loki” season two breaks Marvel’s curse
Tom Hiddleston as Loki at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International in San Diego, California.
Tom Hiddleston as Loki at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International in San Diego, California. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the wake of a tumultuous Phase Four that left fans uncertain about the future, we now find ourselves in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Since the remarkable conclusion of Marvel’s Phase Three in 2019 with the release of “Avengers: Endgame” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” fans were eager to see what lay ahead.

The unveiling began during the COVID-19 pandemic with “Wandavision,” the first Marvel show on Disney+ that received mostly positive reviews. Then came the less well-received “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”

This trend set the stage for a diminishing interest and hype surrounding the once-beloved MCU, culminating in the lowest box office opening for any Marvel film with “The Marvels.”

However, amidst the uncertainty, one project stood out — the “Loki” series.

Despite being part of the post-Endgame releases, Loki received acclaim for its first season in 2021 and recently concluded its second season.

The narrative revolves around Loki (Tom Hiddleston) plucked from a different timeline and serving as an agent for the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an organization created by a variant of Kang The Conqueror.

The first season introduced Kang, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, and expanded on his character in “Ant-Man: Quantumania,” a film that faced harsh criticism.

Since its introduction, Marvel fans have received much information on the “multiverse” and how it functions, with introductions of variant superheroes in “Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness” and the reintroduction of the Spiderman characters originally played by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.

Returning cast members include Mobius (Owen Wilson) and Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) with the introduction of Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan as Ouroboros, the head technician of the TVA.

The second season can be divided into three acts, with every two episodes acting as one act. In the first act, we meet Ouroboros as Loki can’t control his spontaneous time traveling. Loki and Mobius are also searching for Sylvie who may have answers to the future of the TVA.

The time loop that was originally kept to keep the multiverse stable is also about to collapse, adding a sense of urgency throughout the season.

The second act involves Victor Timely, a Kang variant from 1892 who grows up knowing how to manipulate time and create inventions much earlier than he’s supposed to. Loki and Mobius must stop the rogue Renslayer and Miss Minutes from using him to take over the TVA. Loki and gang succeed in stopping Renslayer and we are thrust into the last arc.

In the show’s final act, Loki and the gang, with the help of the Victor Timely variant, are doing their best to save existence, but ultimately fail. This leads to what would’ve been a final scene had it not been for Loki finally figuring out how to manipulate time.

After going back and forth between different moments of his life, he finally figures out that the only way to stop He Who Remains is to destroy the temporal loop and spend the rest of eternity as the God of Stories, who watches over the multiverse.

This ultimate self-sacrifice at the end of series goes to show how much the Loki character has grown over the past fourteen years, from benevolent mischief maker to the hero no one ever thought he could be.

With Eric Martin as head writer, there was little doubt that the show would be a miss. There isn’t as much an effort to connect to fan service, which helps make Loki a better show. There’s an emphasis on story that’s lacking in other MCU films and shows.

The show allows us to connect to Loki, Sylvie and Mobius as reflections of heroes that are willing to make the sacrifices necessary for the greater good. That’s why Loki succeeds where other MCU shows fail.

While other MCU shows have an emphasis on setting up the next show or movie you need to watch to stay in the Marvel loop, Loki leaves more room to understand the psychology of the main cast.

Hiddleston’s performance as Loki will be remembered as one of the more iconic comic book character portrayals. Playing the role for over a decade, he paints the portrait of someone who is just misunderstood and lonely.

Quite the concept, “Loki” did not have a previous comic book storyline to bounce off and portray. It was a risky show to make, but the gamble was worth it.

If you’re a fan of the MCU, this is a required watch that lets you immerse yourself into the world of “Loki” and its unique concept of time travel.

With its linear story and outstanding cast, it’s easy to see why fans call this the best of the MCU shows.

“Screaming, crying, perfect storm”: A review of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”

Riley Simon
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“Screaming, crying, perfect storm”: A review of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”
Taylor Swift sings at her Eras Tour stop in Arlington, TX in April 2023.
Taylor Swift sings at her Eras Tour stop in Arlington, TX in April 2023. Photo credit: Ronald Woan from Redmond, WA, USA, via Wikimedia Commons

Welcome to “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” It’s been waiting for you!

The highly-anticipated, re-recorded 2014 album is here and dominating the charts. As per usual, the latest Taylor Swift album broke records.

On release week, eight out of 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 list were from her new album. “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version)” debuted at number one, marking her 11th number one hit.

In 2019, Swift announced that she would re-record her first six albums after her masters were sold to music executive Scooter Braun for $330 million. Subsequently, he sold those masters to Shamrock Holdings for about $300 million.

“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”, the first re-recording released in April 2021, included the term “Taylor’s Version” to signify that she owns the masters. The 2021 album included six previously-unreleased tracks dubbed “From the Vault,” meaning Swift had unlocked the vault of old songs that never made it on her initial albums.

“1989 (Taylor’s Version)” contains 16 original songs and five vault tracks. Most of the songs sound the same, if not better than the original 2014 record. The harmonies across the album are beautiful and are especially prominent in “Blank Space (Taylor’s Version).”

Swift’s vocal evolution can be seen in “Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version),” and her improved vocals take center stage on the track “I Know Places (Taylor’s Version).”

Songs like “Style (Taylor’s Version)” and “New Romantics (Taylor’s Version)” stick out for how distinct they sound from the original recordings. Some Swift fans, however, were disappointed that the electric guitar opening in “Style (Taylor’s Version)” sounds softer than the original version.

The more electric sound of “New Romantics (Taylor’s Version)” also came as a surprise to fans, as the original version was a popular track on the 2014 recording.

The lyrics from the vault tracks scream 2014 with their captivating hooks and rhymes, but the production leans more towards her album “Midnights,” likely due to her continued collaboration with Jack Antonoff.

Without further ado, here are my rankings of the five vault tracks, from least to most favorite.

Embed from Getty Images

5. “Suburban Legends”

Though it is an upbeat pop song with fun lyricism, “Suburban Legends” is my least favorite out of the bunch.

The song tells the story of two people in a relationship who were “born to be suburban legends.” This seemingly alludes to the fame of her 2012-2013 boyfriend Harry Styles, as they dated during the peak of One Direction’s popularity.

It packs a punch with lyrics like, “I broke my own heart ’cause you were too polite to do it,” but the song does not hit as hard as the other vault tracks.

4. “Say Don’t Go”

“Say Don’t Go” is the longest and most heartbreaking out of the vault songs. It’s about the end of a relationship, as Swift dedicated more time and energy than her partner did. The song features Swift’s deep alto notes, powerful metaphors and flowy lyricism.

The most heart-wrenching part of the gorgeously written track is, “I said I love you / you said nothing back.”

3. “‘Sl*t!’”

This was my most anticipated vault song and was completely different from my expectations. I thought it would be a fun pop song like “New Romantics,” but it ended up being a love song more akin to “This Love,” with a softer melody and image-provoking lyrics.

Though differing from my expectations, I adore the ethereal aesthetic and metaphorical lyrics about being in love.

“Got love struck went straight to my head / Got love sick all over my bed” are my favorite lyrics for their effortless flow and clever wordplay.

2. “Now That We Don’t Talk”

Though the shortest of the vault tracks, this song has quickly become a fan favorite. With a catchy beat and hook, this song can be played over and over again. Swift’s intelligent lyrics and Jack Antonoff’s upbeat production make for a fun song to sing and dance to.

My favorite lyrics are, “I don’t have to pretend I like acid rock / or that I’d like to be on a mega yacht / with important men who think important thoughts / guess maybe I am better off.”

1. “Is It Over Now?”

Swift saved the best for last with track 21, “Is It Over Now?”

Heartbreaking lyrics over a fun melody are a quintessential feature of iconic Swift songs. It’s no surprise that “Is It Over Now?” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 — this catchy song demands to be played on repeat.

Some Swifties even made a dance routine to the bridge which has gone viral on TikTok. Fans immediately became obsessed with the track and posted their theories about it online.

“When you lost control / red blood white snow” is thought to refer to the same snowmobile accident with Styles that Swift references in “Out of the Woods.”

“Is It Over Now?” is absolute perfection and one of her best vault tracks yet.

Rating: 13/10

Ken Masuhr hired as newest Miami soccer head coach

Elliot Farr
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Ken Masuhr hired as newest Miami soccer head coach

University of Miami Athletics has announced that Ken Mashur has been hired as the new head coach of the Hurricanes women’s soccer team, per a release from Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich.

“We are excited to welcome Ken to the University of Miami family,” Radakovich said. “Ken is a relentless recruiter and tactician who has a clear vision for how to build all aspects of a successful soccer program.”

Masuhr spent the previous six seasons as an associate head coach at Vanderbilt, helping lead the Commodores to yearly success under head coach Darren Ambrose. He helped the Commodores to five NCAA Tournament appearances, a Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season title in 2018, an SEC East title in 2019, and the conference tournament title in 2020.

“I am honored to begin this next chapter of my coaching journey at the University of Miami,” Masuhr said. “The opportunity to contribute to the storied legacy of the Hurricanes is both thrilling and inspiring. I look forward to working with the exceptional athletes and dedicated staff that make up this esteemed program.

Masuhr is known for his prowess at strengthening his teams’ defenses and reinforcing the back side of the field. His expertise helped Vanderbilt to have their first-ever player drafted to the National Women’s Soccer League – Myra Konte – who was selected 30th overall by the North Carolina Courage in 2021.

His defensive expertise culminated in a mere four goals allowed by the Commodores all season in 2020, a significant factor in their eventual victory in the SEC Tournament.

“I would like to thank Dan Radakovich and the search committee for making this process feel so seamless, and I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Vanderbilt University, Darren Ambrose, and Candice Lee for the incredible journey we shared. The memories and growth achieved during my time at Vanderbilt will forever be cherished. Leaving is bittersweet, but my family and I are excited about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at the University of Miami,” Masuhr said.

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me and am eager to bring my passion for coaching to the Hurricanes. Go Canes!”

The next season of Hurricanes soccer will begin in August of 2024.

Miami WBB Stays Undefeated With Win Over NJIT

Luke Sims
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Miami WBB Stays Undefeated With Win Over NJIT

Another game, another win for Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball.

The Hurricanes moved to 7-0 on the season with an 87 to 43 victory over the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Highlanders Sunday afternoon at the Watsco Center. This win keeps Miami in second place in the ACC.

Miami put forth a team effort, with six players scoring double figures. Jaida Patrick and Jasmyne Roberts led the team with 12 points each. Roberts also led the team with seven rebounds. The Hurricanes also moved the ball well against the Highlanders. Duke transfer Sheyeann Day-Wilson led the team with eight assists, accounting for almost half of Miami’s 19 total assists.

Both teams started strong in a fast-paced first quarter that saw the ‘Canes lead 25-12. Miami’s sharp shooting was a catalyst for much of their first-half success. It was directed by Patrick’s 5-8 shooting from the field. Patrick led the Hurricanes with 12 points in the first half. Kyla Oldacre ran into some foul trouble early, and Lazaria Spearman and Latasha Lattimore filled in admirably. Their combined contribution gave a 26-point lead for the ‘Canes at the half, as they were up on NJIT 48-22 at the end.

Miami lost in the third quarter as NJIT outscored them by one. Miami head coach Katie Meier became more aggressive in the fourth quarter. Miami was able to stifle the NJIT offense in the fourth quarter, only allowing four points to the visiting Highlanders.

“We were getting beat and we were playing sloppy. We needed to play Miami basketball for 40 minutes regardless of the score and we weren’t. So we needed to wake them up.”

And wake up they did. The Hurricanes went on to outscore NJIT 23-4 in the final frame as Miami kept their undefeated season alive.

Alejand Zuniga was the leading scorer for the Highlanders with 15 points. The veteran guard also tied for the team lead in rebounds with four. Trini Williams was the leader in facilitating the ball for the NJIT offense with five assists. This loss drops the Highlanders to 5-4 on the season.

Miami looks to keep its undefeated record alive as it hosts the DePaul Blue Demons next Friday at the Watsco Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and will air on the ACC network.

Ukrainian Diploma Exhibition: Honoring students who have lost their lives in Ukraine

Anya Weller
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Ukrainian Diploma Exhibition: Honoring students who have lost their lives in Ukraine

With blue and yellow lights of the fountain shining behind them, the University of Miami Slavic Culture Club took a moment of silence to honor the students who have lost their lives during the ongoing Ukrainian war.

For ten impactful minutes, the club’s executive board read the names of 20 UM students who fell victim to the conflict in Ukraine since its beginning. The livelihoods of these students were honored, as their aspirations, interests and spirits were shared with the audience this past Wednesday. Their unissued diplomas surrounded the stage upon which the names were read.

The UM Slavic Culture Club found its beginning in a single class after five passionate students realized they all shared Slavic backgrounds. Those same students then created a club that would serve as a support system for over 100 other Slavic students at UM, all looking to find community as a home away from home.

This fall, the club was connected with a non-profit organization called “Unissued Diplomas.” Through this organization, the Slavic Culture Club was able to get the names and faces of UM students in Ukraine who tragically died as war casualties, stopping them from earning their diplomas.

“These are students just like us, freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors in college that were unable to complete their degrees because they lost their lives, whether it be to go fight in the war or whether it be as casualties,” said Nic Howell, the treasurer of the Slavic Culture Club.

With the newly emerged Israel-Hamas war, some speakers at the event discussed how the war in Ukraine has been overlooked despite the ongoing tragedies happening in the region.

“The battle is taking a backseat,” said Patricia Whitely, senior vice president of student affairs and alumni engagement. “But the war is still happening every day.”

With a significant Slavic population, UM’s student body has been tremendously affected by the war in Ukraine. Bella Raham, vice president of cultural affairs, feels she will never get to see where her parents grew up or learn more about her own cultural roots as a result of the war.

“I think at any point when you hear about war and how many people were killed, you sometimes need to gain a better perspective as to who these individuals are and be able to honor them specifically for what they did throughout their lives,” said Raham. “They’re not just another number.“

The event closed with a violin performance, delivered by Kostia Lukyniuk, a master’s student at the Frost School of Music. Lukyniuk was able to escape being drafted to Ukraine because of his letter of admission to UM.

In honoring the students who tragically lost their lives in Ukraine, the students of the UM Slavic Culture Club expressed their more urgent desire to bring back awareness to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine within the UM community. .

“We don’t hope to make this a sad vigil,” said Howell. “We hope to use this to spread awareness and to honor these students who never got the opportunity to be honored at their own graduations.”

Miami to play Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium

Luke Sims
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Miami to play Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium

A hard-fought season for Miami will end in a baseball stadium as the ‘Canes travel to New York to square off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

The 7-5 Miami Hurricanes get a Big Ten opponent in Rutgers, who finished the season at 6-6. This is the second time that the ‘Canes find themselves in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. The last time was in 2018, when they played the Wisconsin Badgers, also a Big Ten team.

Rutgers finished the season on a four-game losing streak after starting the season off 6-2. This Scarlet Knights team does not have a very explosive offense but has a sound defense. Its leading rusher, Kyle Monangai, rushed for over 1,000, but its leading receiver failed to break 500 accumulated yards.

The ‘Canes are likely to start sophomore Jaccuri Brown at quarterback. This game would be Brown’s first appearance of the season. With Tyler Van Dyke in the transfer portal and freshman Emory Williams injured, Brown is the only quarterback on the roster with experience.

There is a history with the head coaches of both programs. Mario Cristobal and Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano were both on the Miami staff during the 1999 season, when Schiano was the defensive coordinator and Cristobal worked as a graduate assistant. A season later, when Schiano took over as Rutgers’ head coach, Cristobal worked as tight ends and offensive line coach.

In the past 15 years, Miami has won a single bowl game. The last win the ‘Canes had was a 31-14 victory over then-No. 14 West Virginia in the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl.

Kick-off for this game is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28th at Yankee Stadium in New York. This game will also be televised on ESPN.

Sephardi Voices: A forgotten exodus commemorated at UM

Shelly Gottlieb
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Sephardi Voices: A forgotten exodus commemorated at UM

Through Sephardi Voices, an international NGO founded by Dr. Henry Green, a professor of Religious and Judaic Studies at UM, students were afforded the opportunity to learn about the plight of the Jews displaced from Arab lands.

Every November 30th, Sephardi Jews, Jews from Arab lands gather to observe Yom Plitim, a day to commemorate the expulsion of Jews from Arab lands in the 20th century.

Several notable speakers were in attendance, including Dean Ryan Holmes, Rabbi Jason Cook, Betty Srour, the Vice President of Engagement at UM Hillel, and Moroccan Jew, Jimmy Benaudis, each one contributing greatly to the event.

Junior media management major Eli Weiss is the president of Hillel, the center for Jewish Student life at UM.

“It was a great event to hear the stories of Sephardi Jews. For students who are Sephardi, it allows them to be seen and invites others to learn,” Weiss said.

For an immersive experience, students were offered traditional Sephardi foods, such as bourekas, a savory pastry, much like a pastelito, kibbeh, fried bulgur wheat traditionally filled with meat, and baklava, a dessert that consists of layers of phyllo dough, honey, and pistachios.

“I thought the event was important for students, whether they are Sephardi or not to attend. As someone of both Sephardi and Ashkenazi backgrounds, it is imperative that the voices of my ancestors are honored through events, such as these,” senior international studies majorJesse Fromer said.Inspired by his passion for human rights, Dr. Green created Sephardi Voices, an organization comparable to Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah (Holocaust) Foundation.

“What is interesting about Spielberg is that he collected about 52,000 interviews of Holocaust survivors and yet, only 100 of the Sephardi. Italy controlled Libya, they were sent to concentration camps in Europe. Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria were under the Vichy government” Dr. Green said.

Dean Ryan Holmes spoke on the limited information of Yom Plitim and the relevance of Sephadi Voices in history.

“When I looked for information, only 15 entries surfaced, as Google stated that all of the entries were too similar to be displayed,” Holmes said.“While we have the limited power to fix our world as a whole, we have more of an ability to do our part here at the U.”

Jimmy Benaudis, a Moroccan Jew, whose daughter worked for Sephardi Voices, shared his story with the audience.

Although Benaudis and his family lived well in Morocco, he faced antisemitism as a young child and was taught to believe that it was part of life.

“I left Morocco in 1978, I left France in 2002, because antisemitism was starting to pick up in France and I didn’t want my kids to grow up in an antisemitic environment. And now, I don’t know what to think,” Benaudis said.

Betty Srour, whose grandfather fled Lebanon at eight years old to Brazil and eventually moved to Israel, joined the Israel Defense Forces, where he met her grandmother. “Three generations, three different homelands,” Srour said. “Today, I am lucky and privileged to say that I go to the University of Miami, a campus that is so diverse and celebrates each of our differences.”

Srour’s planning of this event marks the first time that Yom Plitim at the University of Miami was spearheaded by a student.

“I didn’t really know what to expect from the event, but I learned so much and would love to learn more about the Sephardic Jews and their stories,” freshman nursing major Alanna Miller said.

If you would like to learn more about Sephardi Jews, Dr. Green is teaching REL 409: Special Projects Religious Issues this coming semester on Mondays from 2:30-5:00 pm. If this conflicts with your schedule, his book, Sepahrdi Voices is a way to learn more.

Miami picks up their first ACC win of the season against Notre Dame

Jayden Gonzalez
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Miami picks up their first ACC win of the season against Notre Dame

Following a blowout defeat to No. 12 Kentucky at the Rupp Arena, the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (UM) (6-1, 1-0 ACC) looked for a bounceback win in their first ACC game of the year against the University of Notre Dame (UND) (3-4,0-1 ACC). After taking the lead halfway through the 1st half, the Hurricanes never looked back, winning 62-49 at the Watsco Center.

The ‘Canes displayed a team effort from start to finish against the Fighting Irish, with three of their five starters tallying double-digit points. This afternoon, one of the key performances came from Florida State transfer Matthew Cleveland. The junior guard was the team’s leading scorer, finishing with 14 points, five boards, and four steals to help propel the Hurricanes to victory.

From top to bottom, Miami’s defense was a massive part of the ‘Cane win today. While forcing 13 turnovers, the Hurricane defense stifled Notre Dame, shooting a poor 6-31 from beyond the arc and 28% overall. Even more, the Fighting Irish’s leading scorer, Marcus Burton, was held to just six points on 3-11 shooting. Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga attributed their success on Burton to superb defensive play from sophomore guard Bensley Joseph.

“A lot of the credit for our defensive stops goes to Bensley Joseph,” Larrañaga said. “He guarded Marcus Burton and he is the catalyst for everything that they [Miami] do.”

With about 6:50 left in the first half, freshman guard Kyshawn George hit a three-pointer to take a 22-20 Hurricane lead. From that point on, the ‘Canes never lost the lead. They used George’s triple to go on a 12-0 run to take command of the game. Despite the bench scoring only ten total points, coach Larrañaga gave a lot of credit to the second unit for today’s victory.

“I thought the bench really got us the lead,” Larrañaga said. “Kyshawn George and Christian Watson and A.J. Casey, when they were in there, I thought that they won their rounds.”

Despite maintaining the lead for over 30 minutes, Miami was never able to extend their lead past 13, mainly due to the relentlessness of the young Notre Dame roster. The Fighting Irish finished the game rebounding more than the ‘Canes in the offensive glass 15-6 and held UM’s leading scorer, Wooga Poplar, to nine points on 1-4 shooting from deep. Coming into the game, the junior guard was averaging just under 19 points a game on an impressive 55% shooting from three.

One of the biggest positives for the Hurricanes was the fouling, or lack thereof, for Miami big man Norchad Omier. While one of the best centers in the ACC, Omier has struggled with staying out of foul trouble, often racking up two or more fouls in the first half. Today, Omier didn’t pick up his first foul until seven minutes into the second half, which allowed coach Larrañaga to breathe a sigh of relief.

“You can’t imagine how much sleep I lose over him [Omier] getting in foul trouble,” Larrañaga said. “When he’s not fouling and when he’s not on the bench, he’s a huge contributor in every facet in the game.”

Omier finished the game with 13 points and 13 rebounds, racking up his third double-double.

Miami looks to extend its win streak against the Long Island University Sharks (LUI) (1-5) on Wednesday, December 6th, at the Watsco Center. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM on the ACC Network.

Hurricanes advance to second round of NCAA Tournament with 3-1 win over Northern Iowa

Luke Chaney
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Hurricanes advance to second round of NCAA Tournament with 3-1 win over Northern Iowa

Miami volleyball has moved on to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after defeating No. 8-seeded Northern Iowa, 3-1.

Sophomore Flormarie Heredia Colon began set one with an emphatic ace that established a winning tone for Miami for the rest of the match. The Hurricanes then went on a 7-2 run on their way to a 25-23 set victory. Freshman Grace Lopez, who posted a career-high 30 kills for the match, led the way with five kills.

Just like in the first set, UM was on fire to start the second. A 6-1 run that was shouldered by two blocks from graduate student Abby Casiano paved the way for a 25-19 set-two victory for the ‘Canes.

In need of a win to keep its postseason dreams alive, UNI opened set three with a 10-6 lead. Kills from Casiano and Lopez kept the Hurricanes afloat, but the Panthers finished as strong as they started and secured the crucial win, 25-20.

This third-set victory generated momentum for UNI that was quickly retaken by Lopez, who registered three early kills in set four to lead Miami’s 7-4 start. Lopez and veteran outside hitter Angela Grieve spearheaded a match-clinching victory for the ‘Canes, which was capped off by a record-setting assist from Savannah Vach to Janice Leao.

Vach’s assist to Leao was her 5,209th, which now sits atop Miami’s all-time leaderboard.

For the match, the Hurricanes totaled 57 kills, 50 assists, 48 digs and 14 blocks.

Miami will face off against top-seeded Wisconsin on Friday at 5 p.m. with a chance to advance to the third round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003.

Five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott commits to Miami

Luke Sims
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Five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott commits to Miami

On Wednesday night, Miami’s 2024 recruiting class jumped into the top five of 247Sports’ rankings with the commitment of interior defensive lineman Justin Scott. The former Ohio State commit had been committed to Columbus since July. Head coach Mario Cristobal and Miami’s constant and consistent pursuit of the big man eventually was enough to sway the star prospect to the sunny beaches of Miami.

Scott is the highest-rated prospect to flip his commitment in this recruiting cycle. The Illinois native sits at the top of Miami’s 27-player class. The senior is the only five-star prospect in the class and is trailed by a plethora of four-star prospects. Scott’s commitment pushes the Hurricanes into the top five among 2024 recruiting classes, trailing only the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, Florida State and Alabama.

As for Scott himself, not many defenders have the combination of speed and skill that Scott does. He has played both sides of the ball while also playing multiple sports. Scott was named The News-Gazette’s All-State Player of the Year in Illinois last season and was an impactful player on the hardwood. Scott also grew up playing baseball, hockey and soccer in addition to football and basketball.

Playing time as a freshman is hard to come by, but the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Scott may be good enough to see the field right away. If he earns it, it’ll be needed with the losses of Branson Deen and Leanard Taylor III. There are spots open along the interior for Scott to take.

This is a huge addition to the Hurricanes’ recruiting class and a testament to the recruiting process of Cristobal and the rest of the coaching staff. Scott and the rest of Miami’s recruiting class are expected to sign their letters of intent in the coming weeks.

REVIEW: “The Marvels” brings a mixture of humor and disappointment to fans

Alice Reich
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REVIEW: “The Marvels” brings a mixture of humor and disappointment to fans
Photo credit: "Brie Larson at Captain Marvel premiere" by farihajanam is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Photo credit: "Brie Larson at Captain Marvel premiere" by farihajanam is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The world has been asking for a comeback for the beloved character of Captain Marvel and the message was received. While “The Marvels” may entertain and amuse fans of the superhero franchise, the movie’s plot is mediocre.

The sequel to the 2019 film “Captain Marvel,” this recent release hit theaters on Nov. 10 and was directed by Nia DaCosta, who is now the first Black woman to direct a Marvel movie and the youngest ever at 34 years old.

Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), takes back her identity from the dictatorial blue-skinned militaristic race, the Kree. After retaliating against the Supreme Intelligence, she is faced with the consequences of her actions when the universe is thrown into havoc.

On her mission, she encounters a wormhole directly linked with the Kree revolution that intertwines her powers with two other superheroes, super-fan Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) and Captain Marvel’s alienated niece Captain Monica Rambo (Teyonah Parris). They come together to form the Marvels.

The active cheerleaders of “The Marvels” include Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Kamala’s father (Mohan Kapoor), her mother (Zenobia Shroff) and her brother (Saagar Shaikh). The leaders of the Kree revolution are Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) and her partner-in-crime, Ty-Rone (Daniel Ings).

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The Marvel franchise has taken a turn for the worse in recent years, failing to deliver quality movies that satisfy its die-hard fans.

As a Marvel fan, I go into each new movie with both hope and low expectations. This time, I was less disappointed than I had been in the past. The storyline itself was not exciting, but the spirit of the movie was alive and kicking, and its humor kept me looking forward to the next joke.

The film also conveys a powerful message of the importance and beauty of teamwork as the Marvels learn how to work together and become a sort-of family.

The soundtrack — which included songs like “Double Bubble Trouble” by M.I.A. and “Memory” by Barbra Streisand — mirrored their efforts to become one during pivotal moments like a fight scene, a training montage and an entertaining cat chase.

The music did not just span the pop genre. To my surprise, there were two original songs featured sure to please any theater kid presenting, spoiler alert, yours truly Captain Marvel herself.

“The Marvels,” though not a stimulating superhero movie, illustrates through comedy how we could go higher, further and faster, together.

Rating: 3.5/5

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