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Today is National Unplugging Day—Here’s why you should join in

By
Jarrod Houseknecht
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Photo credit: flickr.com

National Day of Unplugging, a holiday created to bring awareness to the hold that technology has on the everyday person, is next Friday, March 5. A holiday you may not have heard of, participants in this annual tradition bathe in a digital detox for 24 hours– no cell phones, no laptops…just mindfulness.

The holiday originates from a Jewish nonprofit called ‘Reboot,’ an organization that started in New York City but is rapidly growing in cities across the country. If you’re thinking, “I’m not Jewish,” don’t worry. The holiday is for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.

In recent years, the event has had hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide, and it is looking to be a major hit again this year. According to the celebration’s website, it aims to help participants “start living a different life: connect with the people in your street, neighborhood and city, have an uninterrupted meal or read a book to your child.”

Audrey Cleary, a University of Miami licensed clinical psychologist, spoke with The Miami Hurricane about why putting your phone down for a bit to focus on the world around you might not sound as bad as you think.

“Mindfulness can be as simple as becoming aware of what is around you– experiencing the sounds, sensations and your senses as a whole,” she explained. “You can deliberately become mindful in the moment with effort, but in general, focusing on one thing helps. Also, focus on gratitude and appreciation. Take time to focus on what you’re appreciative for. It can improve your happiness and overall well being.”

Cleary also spoke about the negative side effects of cell phone overuse, often seen in college students across the nation.

“Cell phone usage can be too much when it starts causing problems in your life. The distraction from academics it brings, and conflict in relationships. Not being present with the people around you can be a sign,” she said. “Social media can also bring on negative comparisons to other people. You don’t want to compare yourself to the negative, edited versions of someone else.”

According to Cleary, the benefits of unplugging can be monumental. Breaking the habit of always having to check your cell phone over and over again for notifications can be a positive experience. Yes, technology has provided many benefits into everyday life, but no one should want to feel locked down by their cell phone.

“It can be healthful to not have to focus on your cell phone and other technology. Kicking away that demand on your attention can help a person get reconnected with their natural environment. Getting aware of your emotional experiences can make the urge of your cell phone less powerful. Even just being present and aware of the negative emotions in your mind like sadness or anxiety can help you feel better about them since you know they are there.”

She continued to list the specific benefits of unplugging, saying that the awareness and physical contact with other people around you to be especially powerful. She says that when you are face to face with a person, your communication can often feel way more authentic. According to Cleary, an improved sleep schedule is another benefit worth mentioning.

Psychologists and researchers have begun identifying disorders that exist when individuals are unable to go lengths of time without their cell phone. One such disorder, known as ‘phone separation anxiety,’ is a struggle that many students deal with every day.

This disorder may sound funny or peculiar, but according to Cleary, it is not a joke. It is defined as “a sense of fear and panic when separated from a mobile phone and the overwhelming fear of anxiety coming from the inability to immediately respond to a notification or have your device in your hand.”

“If having immediate contact with your cell phone is something you’ve learned to depend on, it’s definitely real,” she explained. “If students are feeling anxious about not having their cell phone, it’s important to really think about why. Identify what the fear is, and challenge your fears associated with the phone.”

She listed several questions that students who think they may have this disorder might want to consider in order to try and cure their separation anxiety.

“What do you think you’re missing out on? Do you feel like you’ll really miss out on those things? Are the consequences really as bad as you think they are?”

Whatever the case is, she assured that phone separation anxiety does not have to be permanent. It can be overcome with a little cognitive work.

So, whether you unplug or plug in, make sure to think again about your technology habits. While 24 hours away from a cell phone may not immediately cure problems, everyone has to start somewhere.

Featured image from flickr.com.

University leaders work to increase minority representation at RSMAS, rated lowest in diversity of all UM colleges

By
Patrick Mccaslin
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The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science has the lowest rates of diversity among all University of Miami colleges, with 27% of students identifying as a minority race. Despite this, the school ranks better than many national universities in terms of minority representation within STEM fields. Photo credit: Michael Mok

According to the University of Miami’s 2020-2021 factbook, 53% of undergraduate students at UM are Black, Latino, Asian-American, Pacific Islanders or American Indian. At the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), only 27% of students identify as any one of these races.

RSMAS sticks out as the least racially diverse school at UM, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

While UM has prioritized greater racial diversity in its faculty and student body over the last 15 years, it was ranked 100 in a recent U.S. News study judging universities on “where students are most likely to encounter undergraduates from racial or ethnic groups different from their own.”

“When you see there’s not a lot of people that look like you in those classes, there’s a sense of unease,” said Justin Jenkins, treasurer of Rho Rho Rho, UM’s Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society. “You feel like you don’t fit into that major.”

Despite the school’s relatively low diversity rates, the recruitment and enrollment of underrepresented minority students at RSMAS is well above the national average for degree programs in the natural sciences, according to the latest data from the National Science Foundation.

The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science has the lowest rates of diversity among all University of Miami colleges, with 27% of students identifying as a minority race. Despite this, the school ranks better than many national universities in terms of minority representation within STEM fields.
The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science has the lowest rates of diversity among all University of Miami colleges, with 27% of students identifying as a minority race. Despite this, the school ranks better than many national universities in terms of minority representation within STEM fields. Photo credit: Michael Mok

However, issues with racial diversity plague Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas of study across the country, particularly within the geosciences. Nationally, only 15.7% of undergraduate students in geosciences are members of a racial minority.

Common explanations of this trend are varied and at times contradictory.

“From my experience, there’s issues within Black culture of promoting people going into STEM,” Jenkins said. “There are reasons for these issues, and I feel like it’s slowly being addressed.”

However, lack of participation does not necessarily signal a lack of interest, said David Die, an associate professor and co-chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) at RSMAS.

“Many communities don’t have access to the ocean in terms of recreation. They haven’t had the chance to grow connected to the ocean,” Die said.

Adrianne Wilson, a fifth-year doctoral student at RSMAS and a former member of the DEIC, said she agrees with the notion that minorities are underrepresented within UM’s marine science department.

“I haven’t had any Black professors while I’ve been here,” Wilson said. “Usually, I am one of one or two Black students in my labs.”

However, Wilson pointed to organizations such as Black Women in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Science (BWEEMS) and Minorities in Shark Science (MISS) as evidence that interest in STEM studies exists within the Black community.

Part of the issue, Die said, stems from how UM used to advertise RSMAS as an option for prospective students.

“Five years ago, we were not paying attention to that particular issue,” Die said. “We have paid a lot more attention to the advertisements that we have about the school so that they portray a more diverse body of students and faculty.”

Marketing can play a big role in the diversity and makeup of a university’s student body, Die said, which has prompted UM to significantly alter the way it advertises itself in an effort to attract a more diverse student body.

“Over the last five years, we have paid a lot more attention to the advertisements we have about the school,” Die said. “We portray a more diverse body of students and faculty.”

Additionally, Die said, RSMAS has more proactively recruited minority students from HBCUs, held speaking events with scientists of minority backgrounds and organized town halls for community discussions on race and inclusion.

RSMAS has also focused on utilizing several programs and partnerships to attract more high-achieving students from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds, the university said. The Master of Professional Science program established the new Rosenstiel Opportunity Award for minority graduate students at RSMAS.

The university said its initiatives have produced tangible results.

“Since 2018, the number of undergraduate minority students has increased by 48% ; the number of graduate minority students during that period has risen by more than 200%,” the university said.

However, the disparity remains apparent in UM’s most recent factbook.

Jenkins encouraged STEM students to open conversations about these issues within their respective organizations, then expand their discussions to the greater university.

UM Student Government President Landon Coles, inaugural director of the standing diversity, equity and inclusion committee and former president of United Black Students, suggested focusing on developing long term goals and a concrete plan of action.

“At the university level, developing specific, time oriented plans and goals regarding recruitment, ensuring the existence of support systems for students and looking at the diversity of backgrounds in the staff can create a less isolating environment,” Coles said.

Coles urged RSMAS students that desire change to speak up.

“While student leader’s voices hold weight, it does not carry the same when it’s not coming from people who occupy those spaces in that area of the campus. Only those students know specifically what it is that they experienced,” Coles said. “It’s important that they tell those stories.”

Coles encouraged students interested in voicing their opinion to reach out to him or the student government executive team. Die commended the work of UM’s student body to foster a more inclusive environment.

“In May 2020, people that have suffered discrimination and people that are conscious of the bad outcomes of discrimination have said ‘that’s enough,’” Die said. “I’m very proud of the initiatives the students have put together.”

Today, students and UM continue to work to affect change.

“The challenge is ensuring that those people who are here feel valued, feel seen, feel included and feel heard,” Coles said.

Students question effectiveness, need for Cane Card access to campus buildings

By
Harrison Hayes
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Sophomore Nicholas Forcone, a meteorology major, swipes his Cane Card to enter the Arthur A. Ungar building on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus on Sept. 22, 2021. Photo credit: Harrison Hayes
Sophomore Nicholas Forcone, a meteorology major, swipes his Cane Card to enter the Arthur A. Ungar building on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus on Sept. 22, 2021.
Sophomore Nicholas Forcone, a meteorology major, swipes his Cane Card to enter the Arthur A. Ungar building on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus on Sept. 22, 2021. Photo credit: Harrison Hayes

Still in the grasp of the pandemic, the University of Miami started the Fall 2020 semester with several COVID guidelines, including requiring students, faculty and staff to use Cane Cards to access buildings on the Coral Gables campus.

The policy, which remained in effect during Spring 2021 semester, is still in place this fall but with fewer restrictions. Cane Cards are no longer required to enter “more publicly available spaces,” including Richter Library, Shalala Student Center and the Whitten University Center.

But some are questioning whether the Cane Card access policy, touted as a measure that “safeguards the health of the community,” is needed now that a majority of students, faculty and staff have the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I don’t understand how having access to a building will restrict the spread of COVID-19,” said Elena Ruiz, a senior chemistry major. “I feel like it’s a safety measure that is not necessary. I think it makes our lives very difficult, especially when we forget or lose a Cane Card, then we’re locked out of many buildings for no reason.”

Though accessing classroom and campus buildings can be frustrating, Ruiz said students find other ways to get access.

“If you don’t have your Cane Card to open up a building, you can text a friend or someone can open the door for you,” Ruiz said.

On any given classroom day, wastepaper baskets and other objects can be seen propping open doors prior to the start of class.

Ocean sciences professor William Drennan say the access protocol does contribute to a healthy campus.

“I think it certainly helps with stopping the spread,” Drennan said. “You don’t want random people to access buildings if they’re not masked and not vaccinated outside of class hours. I think as long as there is the potential for exposure to happen, even without contact tracing, I feel it’s a good idea.”

Drennan says RSMAS employees needed their identification cards to enter buildings on the marine campus before the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“We’ve had it at RSMAS actually for a long time before this,” Drennan said. “So, it’s a little bit of a different culture. I think it’s certainly been useful to have during the pandemic.”

On the medical campus, university community members are required to have their Cane Cards displayed on their person while present on the campus.

Freshman football player Chris Washington, a sports administration major, welcomes fewer access restrictions but prefers the return to full access.

“It’s always in the back of my mind, second-guessing if I can get into this classroom or not,” Washington said. “I don’t think there’s any reason to really have the need to swipe into classrooms other than for protection reasons for students.”

Student Government President Landon Coles concedes that the access policy may not prevent the spread of the virus but said the policy is important for a safe campus.

“It serves as a wise and valiant measure to combat against external members to the university community entering on-campus facilities,” Coles said. “Preventing those who are not members of the university community from entering on-campus facilities is an additional deterrent to any harmful actors.”

The Faculty Senate Office, reached for comment on the Cane Card access policy, said the senate is not yet in agreement as to whether the Cane Card access policy should become permanent, said Faculty Senate Robyn Hardeman.

Canes fall to Clemson on late goal in shutout home loss

By
Chris Damond
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Junior goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais dives to make a save during the first half of Miami’s match versus Clemson at Cobb Stadium on Oct. 16, 2021. Dagenais had 7 saves in the Canes' 0-1 loss. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Junior goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais dives to make a save during the first half of Miami’s match versus Clemson at Cobb Stadium on Oct. 16, 2021. Dagenais had 7 saves in the Canes' 0-1 loss.
Junior goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais dives to make a save during the first half of Miami’s match versus Clemson at Cobb Stadium on Oct. 16, 2021. Dagenais had 7 saves in the Canes' 0-1 loss. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Miami goalkeeper Melissa Dagenais continues to excel. Jumping through the air, booting balls far downfield and diving left and right, the 6-foot-1 junior put on a clinic Saturday night, posting seven saves on eight Clemson shots.

“She really took charge of her development after last season and has grown tremendously,” Miami head coach Sarah Barnes said. “In particular, she’s grown from a mental standpoint. You can see that in her presence and the saves she is making. I think she has been outstanding all season long.”

Dagenais kept her team in the match with seven saves. However, it wasn’t enough as the Hurricanes (4-9-0, 1-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell to the Clemson Tigers (9-5-0, 4-3 ACC) 1-0 at Cobb Stadium off a dribbler from Clemson forward Maliah Morris in the 80th minute of play.

Despite the loss, Barnes was pleased with her team’s determination.

“I thought the team played outstanding today,” Barnes said. “They were relentless and competed for every ball. From a start-to-finish performance, I thought this was the best they’ve had all season.”

Miami played its heart out all game, but Clemson kept intense pressure on the Hurricanes throughout, as displayed in the first half. The Tigers did not allow a single shot on goal while racking up seven, which Dagenais continued to retrieve.

The second half proved to be much more even, given the Hurricanes’ added pressure. UM had three corner opportunities and a shot on goal, all of which couldn’t find their way in the net. Defensively, better performance was apparent, too, only granting the Tigers a single shot on goal, yet the sole chance proved to be the deciding factor.

Both teams endured physicality as well. Clemson had eight fouls and Hurricanes defenders Delaney Brown and Hallie Salas each received a yellow card in the first half for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Looking ahead, UM must improve on finishing matches, having suffered its fifth shutout of the season at the expense of Clemson.

“Finishing is something that we need to be more precise about in the final third,” Barnes said. “I think some of that is execution and some of that is taking the chances or creating slightly better opportunities. At the end of the day, the difference in the game is they finished their chance and we didn’t.”

Next up, the Canes travel to Blacksburg, Va., to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Janice Leao’s career night not enough as Canes fall to No. 4 Pitt

By
Daniel Toll
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In 2021, Miami proved time and time again that they are a capable, competent team in the extremely talented Atlantic Coast Conference.

Through the team’s first five matches, the Hurricanes posted a 5-1 record, sweeping three of their victories and falling only to No. 2 Louisville.

However, few matches can speak to the team’s grit and competitiveness more than Friday night’s loss to No. 4 Pitt at the Knight Sports Complex.

Miami (14-3, 5-2 ACC) entered the match fresh off of a five-game winning streak and looked to make a statement versus a Pittsburgh Panthers (16-1, 6-1 ACC) team that has dominated college volleyball all season long. While the Hurricanes ultimately fell short in four sets after winning the match opener, they held their own throughout, dropping the last three sets by less than 10 points each.

“Pitt has been the standard in our conference for a while. It’s the level everyone is trying to get to,” Head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “We aren’t quite there yet, but I think there’s lots to be encouraged by.”

The entire first set was a heated back-and-forth exchange of points between Miami and Pitt, and both teams struggled to establish a comfortable lead. With the game tied at 16-16, the Canes went on a 4-0 run led by two aces from Peyman Yardimci. The four-point advantage was more than enough insurance as the Canes and Panthers proceeded to trade points until a block from middle blockers Janice Leao and Aristea Tontai secured a 25-21 set win.

Despite the encouraging victory to open the match, fatigue struck the Canes deeper into the match and Pitt’s defense forced lengthy rallies and an uncharacteristically high amount of attack errors from Miami’s offense.

In the second set, the Hurricanes put forth their best offensive display of the night, posting a .300 hitting percentage and logging 14 kills. However, Miami’s best efforts were no match for that of Pitt’s, as the Panthers smashed 19 kills in 28 attempts with three attack errors for a hitting percentage of .571 to guide Pitt to a 25-22 set victory.

In the third and fourth sets, the Canes struggled to find an offensive rhythm and failed to reach double-figures in kills in both sets. Miami posted match-lows in hitting percentages with .056 and .049, respectively, and committed 11 attack errors.

While Pitt’s 13 attack errors in the final two sets served to Miami’s benefit, the Panthers’ 31 kills were more than enough to compensate for their offensive mistakes. Pitt posted hitting percentages of .265 and .231 in sets three and four, winning by scores of 25-16 and 25-18.

In the match, Leao stuffed the statsheet with 15 kills in 27 attempts and five blocks, and Savannah Vach led all players on the floor with 33 assists.

With their toughest opponents of the season behind them, the Canes look to return to their winning ways against Virginia (8-9, 1-6 ACC) on Sunday.

They will play the Cavaliers at the Knight Sports Complex at 1 p.m. to conclude a short two-match homestand before traveling to Winston Salem, North Carolina to take on Wake Forest.

UM Faculty Gallery teaches community more about the personality of campus staff

By
Martin Hidalgo
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Photo credit: Martin Hidalgo

What is art? Is it just a mere exercise of the creative part of our brains? Is it a psychological vehicle in which one can better understand one’s life and the stories lived?

Walking through the University of Miami Gallery at the Wynwood Building, it is impossible to avoid getting gripped by some of the pieces made by our day-to-day professors. These are the same professors that torment us with their energy to find within us a better version of ourselves. We are so preoccupied with our own lives and our futures, that we rarely stop to wonder, what about their lives?

Currently, art created by UM faculty is on display at the 2021 Faculty Exhibition.

Among the pieces, each one more interesting than the last, we can find Billy Lynn’s “Black Mandala,” occupying a significant portion of the gallery’s floor. Lynn is a professor in the department of Art & Art History.

Her piece, she tells me, was intended to understand the gravity and number of the 700,000 deaths produced by COVID-19.

“I decided to use black aquarium rocks for the piece, and thought that three, 20 lbs bags would be enough,” Lynn said.

After counting rock by rock, she figured she would need something closer to 175 Ibs of rock.

“This is just the U.S deaths,” Lynn said, explaining the severity of how much material was needed to represent this many deaths.

On Oct. 6, the night of the gallery’s opening, Lynn performed around the piece, giving the mount of rock the shape of a mandala, her own way of introspectively understanding and mourning the deaths that stood before her. Spontaneously, Lynn wrote on the floor, “May This Be a Blessing,” transforming the somber piece into a beacon of unity and hope. The mandala will continuously grow in size week after week until the end of the exhibition.

"Black Mandala" by Billy Linn
"Black Mandala" by Billy Linn Photo credit: Martin Hidalgo

In the gallery we can also find Xavier Cortada’s “Fearscape, Articulo XIII and Alumbron,” a tryptic of rusted metal and newspaper cutouts, serving as homage to Cuba’s fight for liberation.

Cortada, who is a professor in multiple departments including the department of Art & Art History, the Miller School of Medicine and the UM School of Law and a renowned artist, first exhibited the piece at a show named “No Tengan Miedo” at the Latin American Art Museum in Miami back in 2001. Originally, it was conceived after the visit of Pope John Paul II to Cuba in 1998. His message to the Cuban people was “no tengan miedo,” translated into English as “don’t be afraid.”

Cortada believes the recent resurgence of liberatory protest brings back the message with full force.

“When I created these works 20 years ago, they heralded the changes in Cuban civil society being ushered in by the 1998 papal visit,” Cortada said. “In the ensuing two decades, my optimism for a free Cuba waned…that is, until the #PatriaYVida protests a short few months ago.”

At the center of the piece, you can find Christ at the cross, a symbol of resistance, of hope. Cortada ended his statement with the chant “Viva Cuba Libre!” or “Long Life a Free Cuba!”

"Fearscape, Articulo XIII, and Alumbron" by Xavier Cortada
"Fearscape, Articulo XIII, and Alumbron" by Xavier Cortada Photo credit: Martin Hidalgo

Every piece represents a story. It helps one understand both the artist a little more intimately, and the world they encompass. More often than not, their world is our world and understanding them better helps one understand the collective spirit of all the people who walk in and out of the university every day, to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

"Torsos" by Carlos Prado
"Torsos" by Carlos Prado Photo credit: Martin Hidalgo

The 2021 Faculty Exhibition will run until Nov. 5. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at the University of Miami Gallery, Wynwood Building at 2750 NW 3rd Avenue, Suite 4.

Don’t miss the chance to rejoice in the art and gain a better understanding of our campus community!

Hurricanes fall 45-42 on last-second interception, drop to 2-4

By
Cal Friedman
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Head coach Manny Diaz watches a replay on the video board during the third quarter of Miami’s game versus the University of Virginia at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 30, 2021. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Down by three with seconds left on the clock, freshman quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage and intercepted to end what could have been an 18-point, come-from-behind Hurricanes victory.

The Miami Hurricanes dropped their fourth game of the season on Saturday to North Carolina, falling 45-42 at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The game came down to the wire, with Miami controlling the ball on the last possession.

“We’re an imperfect team,” Miami head coach Manny Diaz said. “There’s a lot of imperfect teams in college football, but the one thing this team has is that it’s got fight.”

While the Hurricanes (2-4, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) only trailed 14-10 in the second quarter, a deeper look into the first half stats showed domination from North Carolina (4-3, 3-3 ACC). The Tar Heels out-gained UM by over 100 yards in the entire half, but the Hurricanes were able to stay in the game by taking advantage of their opposition’s mistakes.

After trailing 7-0, defensive end Jahfari Harvey read an under-thrown screen pass from UNC quarterback Sam Howell and returned the pass 33 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. It was Harvey’s first interception and first score as a Miami Hurricane.

“I saw the bubble screen and just put my hand out, trying to get the ball,” Harvey said. “Then, it was full speed to the end zone.”

UNC piled more points on the Hurricanes later in the quarter. Three penalties (illegal use of hands, offsides and pass interference) for 40 yards pushed Miami’s defense down the field. The drive stalled just outside the red zone after Tar Heels linebacker Tomon Fox’s sack, but freshman kicker Andres Borregales sunk a 44-yard field goal to keep the Canes alive.

Dominating the second quarter, UNC scored 17 of the 24 points posted during the frame. A pair of Van Dyke interceptions benefitted the Tar Heels’ attack, as safety Cam’ron Kelly and Cedric Gray contributed to the next 10 Tar Heel points.

Following Gray’s interception, UNC kicker Grayson Atkins drilled a 48-yard field goal to open up a 14-point cushion at halftime, 31-17.

At the end of the first half, a comeback looked bleak for Diaz and company. UM was out-gained by 195 yards, had one touchdown drive and had averaged only 1.9 yards per carry.

Both coaches made their halftime adjustments, and UM seemed to figure out North Carolina.

Despite an injury to starting running back Cam’Ron Harris on the opening play of the second half, the Hurricanes exploded on the ground for the remainder of their 25-point half.

Freshman running back Jaylan Knighton missed the first four games of the season due to a team-related suspension, and made up for lost time in just one half. Knighton scored a trio of touchdowns, his first coming in the second quarter, but two important plays followed in the second half.

With UM trailing 38-27 in the third quarter, Van Dyke found “Rooster” in the flat and Knighton did the rest, breaking a tackle and running down the sideline for a 60-yard touchdown to bring Miami within four. In just his second game back, Knighton finished the contest as the Hurricanes’ leading rusher with 92 yards on 17 carries and tied for the leading receiver (73 yards on two catches), averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

“Anything I try to do, I stay humble,” Knighton said. “I stepped out today…I ran downhill, make the first man miss, and keep going. That’s my mindset when I get on the field.”

Trailing by four in the fourth quarter, Miami elected to go for it on fourth-and-3 at UNC’s 42-yard line, but was unable to connect, giving the Tar Heels good field position. UNC would cash in, leading an eight-play, 58-yard drive ending with Howell running in an 11-yard touchdown to increase the deficit to 45-34.

After being pinned down at their own 3-yard line, the Hurricanes led their best drive of the game.

A 12-play, 97-yard drive capped off on Knighton’s third touchdown sparked UM back into the battle. With all of the momentum, the Hurricanes’ defense held Carolina to punt, resulting in one last chance to win.

UM’s final hope came down to a third-and-4 play at the UNC 12, and with under fifteen seconds remaining, everyone at Kenan Stadium knew it was the game. Redshirt junior wide receiver Charleston Rambo ran a slant into the middle of the field, but Van Dyke’s intended pass was tipped at the release. As it hung in the air for two seconds, Gray sprung to the ball for his second interception of the game, sealing the Hurricanes’ fate.

“There’s a really good team in that locker room,” Diaz said on his Hurricanes. “We don’t have a good record, and we are what our record says we are.”

UM’s record now stands at 2-4, 0-2 in its first two conference games. With Pittsburgh’s win at Virginia Tech, the Hurricanes remain three games back of the Panthers for first place in the ACC Coastal division.

Up next, UM welcomes Atlantic division opponent North Carolina State to Hard Rock Stadium next Saturday, still looking for their first conference win of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Students celebrate conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlight diverse communities on campus

By
Sara Ebrahimi
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UM's Mexican students organization "Mexicanes" gather together at their first general body meeting of the year on Sept. 27. Mexicanes reunited during this year's Hispanic Heritage Month and hosted numerous events to celebrate their culture. Photo credit: Jessica Diez

Waving vibrant flags, blasting upbeat music and preparing cultural dishes, proud ‘Canes shared the richness of their cultures throughout Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) — Sep. 15 to Oct 15.

The annual HHM coincides with national independence days for several Latin countries including Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico.

Given that over 23.6% of UM’s student population identifies as Hispanic, the university’s student organizations collaborated to showcase the diverse cultures at UM and throughout the city of Miami.

“HHM means acknowledging and sharing the historical yet current contributions of current members of the Latinx and Hispanic community,” said Kennedy Robinson, assistant director of multicultural affairs for the university. “It means celebrating our students and the leaders on campus and really being able to display and show the culture here.”

Student cultural organizations across campus including Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Federación de Estudiantes Cubanos (FEC), MexiCanes, Por Colombia, Salsa Craze and UFuerza collaborated to plan celebratory events throughout the month to teach students about aspects of their cultures.

ALAS organized several collaborative events throughout the month by uniting Hispanics of different backgrounds. They led an opening ceremony at the start of the month at the Rock with representatives from the Hispanic, Latino and Caribbean organizations on campus. Each table had various games and activities including trivia games based on hispanic countries.

The organization worked with other cultural clubs to set up events including a “Spanish Slang Off” and a HHM themed event with Category 5 at a football game. The organization held a “Latin Pool Party” with Hurricane Productions (HP) to end the celebrations for the month. Students were invited to decorate chanclas, which are a Mexican type of open-toed footwear and collaborate on other arts and crafts activities at the University Center pool.

“I am proud of being Hispanic and it brings me a lot of joy to share that feeling with the rest of the university through this month full of events,” said sophomore Juan Flechas, vice-president of ALAS.

Hoping to share their culture and history, FEC collaborated with ALAS, CAC and HP to do a screening of the musical “In the Heights.” Before the movie, the organization invited a band to play salsa music while students played dominoes and ate food provided by Vicky’s Bakery. Following the event, FEC partnered with UM dining to host “Taste of Cuba” or Cuban dining day at the university’s dining halls.

Students indulged in traditional Cuban foods including yuca, tostones and tamales. FEC followed the culinary celebration with a “Brave Spaces” event, hosted in partnership with the Multicultural Student Association, during which students were able to share their immigration stories and talk about pressing issues in the Hispanic community.

“Hispanic Heritage month is a way that we can embrace and celebrate our culture at the same time as spreading it around,” the secretary of FEC, Adriana Ramirez, said. “I personally was born in Cuba so it hits really close to home when I see things such as dominos or hispanic music around campus.”

Mexicanes, UM’s Mexican students organization, was relaunched during HHM after weeks of little activity. The group hosted multiple dinners at off-campus Mexican restaurants and a general body meeting to get to know new members. The organization celebrated Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 16, with a meal where participants shared memories and bonded through their Mexican heritage.

“We plan on extending this celebration as Dia de los Muertos comes up by having a Loteria Night, a field trip to the Fort Lauderdale Festival and a “Coco” Movie Night with amazing food,” said junior Alexander Walch, vice-president of Mexicanes. Lotería is a Mexican game of chance sometimes referred to as Mexican bingo.

UM&squot;s Mexican students organization "Mexicanes" gather together at their first general body meeting of the year on Sept. 27. Mexicanes reunited during this year&squot;s Hispanic Heritage Month and hosted numerous events to celebrate their culture.
UM’s Mexican students organization “Mexicanes” gather together at their first general body meeting of the year on Sept. 27. Mexicanes reunited during this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month and hosted numerous events to celebrate their culture. Photo credit: Jessica Diez

Por Colombia held multiple events including a jersey day, during which members of other Hispanic student organizations were encouraged to wear their national team’s soccer jersey. They also held a “Cafecito at the Rock” event, where members passed out cafe con leche or coffee with milk.

The club members had the opportunity to get to know each other while salsa dancing and bachata. With hopes of bonding over soccer, they held soccer streaming events at their meetings.

“We did stream the soccer games at our meetings which brought a lot of soccer fans together to a point where we started an unofficial Colombia soccer team for intramurals,” said Flechas, treasurer of Por Colombia.

To learn about Latin dancing and music, ‘Canes also had the opportunity to learn traditional salsa dancing with SalsaCraze, as well as attend bachata workshops with UFuerza Latino Dance Team.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and serves as a time to celebrate Hispanic and Spanish-speaking individuals and cultures all over the world. Students interested in showing their cultural heritage are encouraged to reach out to their respective student organization for more information.

Men’s basketball secures verbal commitment from Whitney Young power forward A.J. Casey

By
Cal Friedman
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The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team secured a verbal commitment from four-star power forward recruit A.J. Casey on Friday, its third player in the 2022 recruiting class.

Casey announced his commitment to the Hurricanes via social media. The 6-foot-8 Chicago native joins forwards Christian Watson from Washington, D.C., and Milwaukee product Danilo Jovanovich, who also committed to Miami Friday.

“First I would like to thank all the programs, college coaches and staff that put time, effort and energy into recruiting me and building relationships,” Casey said in a Twitter post. “I would like to give a special thanks to coach Larranaga and coach Courtney for the opportunity they have given me. With that being said I will be committing to the University of Miami.”

As a current forward at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, Ill., Casey is ranked as a consensus four-star recruit and the nation’s No. 6 power forward by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. Casey committed to UM over DePaul, Gonzaga, Memphis, Michigan and Florida. It’s an important recruit for UM head coach Jim Larrañaga, with the Hurricanes having finished below all the teams listed above.

UM assistant coach DJ Irving posted on Twitter, “Great day to be a Cane!” following Casey’s announcement. Casey is slotted as the No. 57 player in the ESPN 100 listing for 2022, while remaining the highest-ranked power forward to commit to the Hurricanes since Dewan Hernandez in 2016.

Casey’s timing will be important when he arrives on campus. Unless the Hurricanes land a transfer, he will likely serve as the backup power forward to junior Anthony Walker in the 2022-2023 season. With sixth-year redshirt senior forward Sam Waardenburg departing after this year, Casey will likely have a critical role in his freshman campaign.

Although Casey is currently listed at 6-foot-8 and 180 pounds, he has the entire year to grow at Whitney Young, which has produced numerous stars at the collegiate level, including Jahlil Okafor, Quentin Richardson and D.J. Steward.

With two verbal recruits and the addition of Christian Watson with still months to go in the recruiting window, things are looking up on the recruiting front for Miami.

5 great Miami getaways to enjoy some fall fun

By
Ligna Patidar
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Instagram: @pintosfarm Photo credit: Instagram: @pintosfarm

The Horrorland Miami

Located at the Aventura Mall

The Horrorland is perfect for adrenaline junkies. This drive-through haunted attraction will have you quivering in your seat. Instead of only one house, there are eight themed houses in this attraction. There’s nothing short of horror at this attraction, with zombies, clowns and ghosts- you’ll be the star of your very own horror movie. This event is perfect in the midst of COVID-19 and it takes around 35 minutes to complete. The Horrorland is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Instagram: @theberryfarms
Instagram: @theberryfarms Photo credit: Instagram: @theberryfarms

The Berry Farms Harvest Festival

13720 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170

If you’re looking for the classic fall day, look no further because The Berry Farms’ Harvest Festival will have everything you need. First, put your navigational skills up to the test in the corn maze. Afterwards, enjoy a corn pit tractor ride and play some corn holes. If you’re feeling hungry, don’t worry — there are a wide variety of yummy foods and fresh juices. The sunflower fields and pumpkin patches will make for the best Instagram pictures and this destination is also pet-friendly. Weekday tickets are $11 and weekend tickets are $17.

Tinez Farms Fall Festival

16405 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33187

If pop-up food vendors and live music sound like the perfect weekend activity, then check out the First Annual Fall Festival at Tinez Farm. They also have classic fall festival activities, like a hay bale castle, a maze and pumpkins. While listening to the live music, take a look around the pop-up shops and try some fresh honey and roasted corn.

Instagram: @pintosfarm
Instagram: @pintosfarm Photo credit: Instagram: @pintosfarm

Pinto’s Farm Pumpkin Patch

14890 SW 216 St, Miami, FL 33170

Nothing says fall more than pumpkins. If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve, head over to Pinto’s Farm. Admission includes one pumpkin, a tractor ride, a pedal boat ride and a walk-through to meet the animals. Not only is this the perfect picture place, but there are also tons of rides and activities, including a magic show.

House of Horror Haunted Carnival

Located at the Miami International Mall

Are you a fan of haunted houses? Then the House of Horror is the perfect place for you! Dubbed as the scariest event in South Florida, you’ll get to experience four different haunted attractions for the price of one. First, you will be greeted by demonic sales clerks at “Mall Mayhem” before descending into the “Toxic Apocalypse”, where you will feel a sense of paranoia. If you’re still up for it, check out “1455 Asylum” and “Scare-X”. Some carnival rides and attractions are included with the ticket. This Haunted House is open from Tuesday through Saturday, with weekday tickets being $25 and weekend tickets being $35.

Featured image taken from Instagram: @pintosfarm

Miami hopes to turn corner on Tobacco Road against struggling North Carolina

By
Wyatt Kopelman
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Running back Cam'Ron Harris leaps over the pile to score a touchdown against Virginia on Sept. 30, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium. Photo credit: Josh Halper
Running back Cam'Ron Harris leaps over the pile to score a touchdown against Virginia on Sept. 30, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Running back Cam'Ron Harris leaps over the pile to score a touchdown against Virginia on Sept. 30, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium. Photo credit: Josh Halper

The last time Miami and North Carolina stepped on the same turf, almost nothing went right for the Hurricanes.

On a cooler, mid-December afternoon in Miami Gardens, graduate quarterback D’Eriq King and the then No. 10 Miami football team took the first snap without a loss at Hard Rock Stadium in 2020.

But approximately 40 minutes later, the Hurricanes’ visions of a return to the Orange Bowl stage snapped. A Mack Brown-led Tar Heels attack changed the entire complexion of the day UM had circled on its calendar for over a year.

“It’s only natural when you have a game like a year ago that’s going to leave a [bad] taste in everybody’s mouth,” said Miami head coach Manny Diaz, who has yet to collect a win against North Carolina as head coach at UM. “Anybody who was around that day has to remember the pain that we felt in our performance in what happened that day.”

Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell orchestrated a North Carolina running game of a jaw-dropping 554 rushing yards, culminating in scoring drives on the team’s first six possessions. Former North Carolina running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, now each competing professionally in the NFL, combined for all but 10 of those yards, setting a new Football Bowl Subdivision record.

For Diaz, the afternoon will always be thought of as “humiliating.”

As 10 months have elapsed since the Tar Heels’ 778-yard explosion, Miami (2-3, 0-1 ACC) has since attempted to improve physicality at the defensive line to limit opponents’ explosive plays at points of attack. Starters, including King and offensive linemen Corey Gaynor and Jalen Rivers, have been sidelined to season-ending injuries ahead of UM’s rematch with North Carolina (3-3, 2-3 ACC) inside Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Saturday.

After starting its 2021 campaign ranked 10th in the country, the Tar Heels, similar to the Hurricanes, only won two of its first four games. An upstart Virginia Tech team gave the preseason Coastal Division favorite a rude 17-10 awakening and Florida State dismantled North Carolina’s defense behind three touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Jordan Travis on Saturday.

Aside from the Tar Heels’ recent inconsistencies, Diaz’s defense knows not containing Howell will likely lead to disaster, let alone a third straight loss to its Coastal Division foe. Howell, who possesses the third-most passing yards, threw for 321 yards without an interception in North Carolina’s blowout win over Duke on Oct. 2. The 6-foot-1 native of Indian Trail, North Carolina, then rushed for 108 yards versus Florida State Saturday.

“What he’s doing right now with his legs is really creating a problem,” Diaz said. “First of all, you’ve got to cover up what they’re trying to do. To me, he’s always been phenomenal throwing the deep ball, he’s got such great command of the RPO game. Now if you try to take it all away and get him off his first look and have the play break down, he’s running for first downs, which keeps them on schedule.”

“He’s the complete guy. He’s the reason why he was the player in our league, and I don’t think he’s done anything this year to suggest that he’s not,” Diaz continued.

Besides facing six sacks against Virginia Tech and eight from Georgia Tech, Howell has yet to shy away from launching the ball to wide receiver Josh Downs. The 5-foot-10 sophomore totaled 119 receiving yards last season and has since elevated his yardage to over 450 through four games.

“He’s very patient off the line of scrimmage, he’s got a lot of ‘mess around’ before he declares his routes,” Miami defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson said. “He’s a really talented guy, and the thing that we got to do a really good job of is tackling which we had issues with against Virginia…This guy can cut back across your defense and make you look crazy.”

UM’s offense, on the other hand, has sputtered out of the gates, most recently exhibiting a three-point loss to Virginia on Sept. 30. The Hurricanes’ rushing attack simmered in the second half behind freshman quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s 24-yard rushing score and junior running back Cam’Ron Harris’ 57-yard rushing touchdown, until Miami fell short on a missed 33-yard field goal.

Aside from everything that folded early, Van Dyke receives the starting nod once again. This time, however, another first awaits the quarterback who offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said played “lights out in the second half,” against Virginia.

“Honestly, it is like playing on Greentree every day,” Van Dyke said on his first ACC start on the road. “It is 11-on-11 and I have a lot of confidence in our guys. It is going to be a different atmosphere in front of their fans, but it is just football.”

Van Dyke stressed the importance of trusting receivers’ abilities against North Carolina after settling into the ACC landscape in his second college start.

“Giving guys chances to make catches because we have great outside receivers, great inside receivers, great tight ends,” Van Dyke said. “My teammates were there for me when I was down on the sidelines, so I really feel like that vamped me up going into the second half.”

The lackluster drives have only remained a small part of the Hurricanes’ shortcomings. As many times as late heroics have failed to remedy their slow starts, lapses in tackling and interceptions have remained far more glaring.

“We’re playing good football for the majority of the time, it’s just explosive plays that we’re giving up that’s creating a problem within the defense,” Robinson said. “Why do you have explosive plays? Lack of communication would probably be the number one thing. And then for us, the thing that has been for the most part this year is the leveraging on the football and doing things right on the perimeter. Whether it’s setting the edge of a defense or whether it’s attacking the proper leverage and not waiting on a guy to cut back or anticipate where he’s going and actually going where the ball is at. I think that’s one of the things that we emphasized this bye week.”

Robinson added that UM’s cornerbacks and safeties watched an immense amount of film on the explosive plays relinquished against Virginia in order to identify the causes and prevention strategies against what he noted as “a big-time running football team.” Miami will hence maintain a sharp balance between man-to-man and zone coverage.

The loss stung Miami’s chances of attaining improved postseason success in a conference with multiple teams underperforming on both sides of the field. A player’s only meeting was hosted after a fight broke out during practice amidst the team’s bye week, and Diaz knows a turning point may arise in the most painful yet critical point of its 2021 campaign.

“I think the most encouraging thing was last week, every day was designed to make them do a lot of things that they didn’t like doing and that they wouldn’t like doing,” Diaz said. “To see whether they would persevere through it, when some guys wouldn’t be able to handle it and I think the most pleasing thing is that how everybody sort of came together and they fought through all the stuff we put them through.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Miami will wear its all-white uniforms.

Florida Panthers season preview: A reinforced squad hungry for results and success

By
Elliot Farr
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For many Panthers fans, the end of last season was nothing new as a franchise that has waited decades to win a playoff series fell short of its goals once again.

However, coming off of a season in which they posted the best point percentage, 70.5 percent, in franchise history, an underwhelming result meant the best was yet to come for the Panthers; it further motivated the organization to make the necessary moves to get over the hump and become a true contender in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the first time in decades.

With second-year general manager Bill Zito at the helm, the Panthers have done just that.

This year’s offseason moves have put the Panthers in prime position to take the next step in working towards championship hopes.

Most of the offseason was focused on retaining pieces that brought the Panthers success last season, which included re-signing upper-line forwards Sam Bennett and Anthony Duclair and extending forward Carter Verhaeghe, who had a major breakout season in 2021.

One surprising move was the addition of seasoned veteran Joe Thornton, who turned 42 in July. Entering his 24th season in the league his leadership presence in the locker room will be a valuable asset to this team.

In addition, the offseason saw the return of key defensive players as well. Gustav Forsling was re-sign ed to a three-year $8 million extension this summer after a breakout season that saw him receive significant time on the Cats’ top defensive pairs.

Returning defensemen also include mid-season trade acquisition Brandon Montour, who signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract to stay with the Panthers, as well as Radko Gudas, who provided serious energy and hits on the Panthers’ blue line, leading NHL defensemen in hits with 250 in the 2020-2021 season.

“I think that the players are proud to be Panthers,” Zito said of the team’s new culture going into the new year.

Despite the strides the Panthers made in the regular season, Zito is adamant about performing in the sport’s biggest stage.

“To me, it wasn’t good enough. We didn’t win, and we are measured by our results on the ice,” Zito said.

The acquisition and retention of key forwards and high-energy players on both sides of the puck are what gave this Panthers team its unique identity in 2021: a fast, mean, and aggressive scoring team.

That was reinforced with the highlight of Florida’s offseason this summer: the trade acquisition of star forward Sam Reinhart from the Buffalo Sabres.

Reinhart, a consistent 20-plus goal scorer in Buffalo and second overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft, had grown disgruntled with the Sabres organization amidst a decade-long playoff drought and the team’s unwillingness to keep him long-term.

After learning that he had become a member of the Panthers, Reinhart was eager to have a fresh start with a new team.

“It’s exciting and has that extra level of motivation, knowing the group of guys they have, knowing the talent level that’s there and what they’re setting out to do, what their goals are,” Reinhart said.

With a roster this deep and competitive heading into a new season, fresh off a playoff berth, the expectations for the Panthers to finally make the jump are higher than ever.

“I think internally there’s expectations, as teammates, as linemates. I think that’s a healthy situation to be in,” Head Coach Joel Quenneville said. “Our division is going to be in a position where you’re going to have to have a heck of a year just to make the playoffs.”

And yet, mentioning the depth and potential of this Panthers roster as it is now would be remiss if the number of exciting, young prospects entering the roster were to be glossed over.

The brightest spot from the wave of Panthers’ prospects is highly-touted goaltender prospect Spencer Knight, who was the top-ranked goaltender in college hockey.

The Panthers officially signed Knight to the roster with a three-year entry-level contract towards the end of last season. Knight shined in his debut against Columbus on Apr. 20 and led the Cats to a playoff victory against the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions in the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Florida’s prospects coming up the pipeline also include touted forwards Anton Lundell, Justin Sourdif, and Logan Hutsko, as well as defenseman Matt Kiersted, who also made his debut in 2021.

However, the burning question that dominated the offseason was the extension status for the Panthers’ superstar forward and captain, Aleksander Barkov. Barkov was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2021-22 season, but he signed an eight-year $80 million extension Monday to remain with the Panthers.

Barkov scored 26 goals and 58 total points in a condensed season, while also winning his first ever Selke Trophy award, given to the forward with the best overall defensive play of the season.

“Wearing a Panthers jersey is a huge honor for me. I’m really happy where I am right now,” Barkov said. “The team is getting better. The organization is getting better. I am really excited about everything that’s going on here.”

In the 2021-2022 season, high hopes and expectations will follow this reinvigorated Panthers squad as the team looks to bring Lord Stanley to South Florida.

The Cats will get their first chance to pursue that goal tonight at 7:00 p.m., when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at the FLA Live Arena.

Late Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller’s mixtape ‘Faces’ to drop on streaming services posthumously

By
Alex Eubanks
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"Mac Miller Live Concert @ Dour Festival-7577" by Kmeron is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Photo credit: "Mac Miller Live Concert @ Dour Festival-7577" by Kmeron is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Lost in the process of distancing himself from the frat-rap haze of the early years of his career, Mac Miller wandered into becoming a hip-hop pioneer.

Finding his style in a dark, drug-induced stupor, Miller drove an entire era of the genre. His influence and personality helped make him such a beloved figure among his peers, the outpour of love only working to make his tragic overdose on Sept. 7, 2018, even more heartbreaking.

Miller’s estate announced on Sept. 15 that alongside a music video for the track “Colors and Shapes,” that the Grammy nominated rapper’s successful 2014 mixtape “Faces” would be rereleased.

Embed from Getty Images

Coming to streaming services and vinyl for the first time on Oct. 15, the mixtape features a previously unreleased song, simply titled “Yeah.” This follows the release of 2020’s wonderful posthumous album “Circles” and Miller’s breakthrough mixtape “K.I.D.S” rereleasing on its 10th anniversary.

For those who found the intimacy of “Circles” to be entrancing in the wake of the death of the “Good News” and “Weekend” rapper, “Faces” will be a similar experience.

Miller was gifted with complete openness that few artists have despite not possessing the technicality of Kendrick Lamar or the in-your-face aggressiveness as his close friend Earl Sweatshirt.

Embed from Getty Images

Never one to build walls between himself and his audience, “Faces” is an all-out barrage on the listener as Miller takes you into his coke-addled psyche. Known for making longer albums than your average rapper, “Faces” is Miller’s longest core project, with the extended rerelease sitting at 25 tracks and 90 minutes. Nonetheless, no moment is wasted.

There’s an eerie Cobainesque sense of impending mortality in “Faces.” “Funeral” and the closing “Grand Finale ” introduce an element of existential dread that, while mildly present in his earlier music, never left his system, even as the drugs did.

“It Just Doesn’t Matter” features some of the most brutally honest lyrics Miller wrote.

“I’m on drugs, all my new shit wack, remember that,” Miller said in his lyrics.

The gallows humor used as a way to express feelings on his followup “GO:OD AM” are not found here.

Embed from Getty Images

One of Miller’s many talents, he produces the majority of the album under his Larry Fisherman pseudonym. With full creative control, Miller uses it to create his exact vision of addiction, whether it be the out of control “Thumbalina,” the psychedelic “Colors and Shapes” or the isolation of “Happy Birthday.” He can create all of it.

“Faces” is a dark listen, but with its arrival to streaming platforms for the first time it brings the truest and most open listening experiences of one of the most beloved figures in modern music.

Featured image “Mac Miller Live Concert @ Dour Festival-7577” by Kmeron is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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