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

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.

Nine-run inning from Texas eliminates Hurricanes baseball from NCAA Tournament

The 2023 Miami Hurricanes’ baseball season is officially over. It ended in the same place it has been for the prior two seasons: the regional round.

This time, Texas put the nail in the Hurricanes’ coffin on Sunday night at Mark Light Field by beating them 10-6 in the Coral Gables Regional.

“It comes to a sudden end, it’s abrupt, it’s quick, it’s hard, it’s disappointing,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said. “It’s disappointing not to reach our goal, but I’m very proud of this team.”

The game started well for the ‘Canes. Miami shortstop Dominic Pitelli blasted a three-run homer to right field to give Miami a 3-0 lead in the second inning. It was his 13th home run of the season.

Junior infielder Dominic Pitelli hits a three-run home run at the top of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023.
Junior infielder Dominic Pitelli hits a three-run home run at the top of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

But Texas came up to bat in the third inning, which was one of the worst frames of the season for UM.

Texas not only got back the three runs that Miami led by but also scored an additional six with the 13 batters it had up. The Longhorns were able to tie the score at three with consecutive RBI hits – a double from first baseman Jared Thomas and a single from third baseman Peyton Powell – off of Miami starting pitcher Ronaldo Gallo.

It prompted Miami to change Gallo out for senior pitcher Carlos Lequerica, but this did not stop Texas’ destruction. Garret Guillemette was able to string a grounder past third base to bring home Powell and right fielder Dylan Campbell to give Texas its first lead of the day, 5-3. Campbell’s single before that extended his Big-12 record-hitting streak to 38 games.

Junior right-handed pitcher Ronaldo Gallo speaks with his coach and catcher during a mound visit in the bottom of the third inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023.
Junior right-handed pitcher Ronaldo Gallo speaks with his coach and catcher during a mound visit in the bottom of the third inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

After two walks that made the bases loaded, designated hitter Jalin Flores skied a ball to center field for a grand slam that made it nine runs for Texas, sealing Miami’s fate in the Coral Gables Regional.

“It happened fast,” DiMare said. “We’re just thin in the bullpen. It’s tough. We were trying to get as much out of it.”

Texas scored another run in the sixth, but the ‘Canes were not ready to quit. With runners on first and second, third baseman Yohandy Morales struck the first pitch he saw into the scoreboard to cut Texas’s lead to four in the seventh. The homer was the 20th of the season and the 49th of his career, which is the fourth-most all-time by a Hurricane.

It wasn’t enough for Miami. In the ninth, Morales struck out in what could have been his last-ever Miami at-bat and freshman Blake Cyr followed suit for the game to be officially over.

Along with Morales, multiple key players from this squad are expected to leave Miami in hopes of being selected in the MLB Draft. Possible departures include Morales, Andrew Walters, Zach Levenson, CJ Kayfus, and Pitelli, who were all crucial to Miami’s success this past season. The draft will take place on July 9 and runs through the 11th.

“[Playing for Miami was] truly an amazing experience, I can’t put it into words,” Walters said. “The experience has made me a better man, better athlete, better in a lot of aspects of the game and in life.”

“Best three years of my life” Morales said.

Morales’ two home runs pushes Miami past Louisiana 8-5 in Coral Gables Regional

Facing elimination for the first time in the Coral Gables Regional, Miami third baseman Yohandy “Yo-yo” Morales made sure to have one of his best performances of the season. With two home runs and two singles, he pushed Hurricanes baseball to eliminate Louisiana by beating them 8-5 at Mark Light Field on Saturday afternoon.

The two home runs today from Morales marked the fourth time he has had a multiple home-run game this season and the seventh time it has happened in his career.

“It felt good,” Morales said. “Felt good getting the job done, now onto the next game.”

Miami continues its Coral Gables Regional elimination games against Texas at 6:06 p.m. at Mark Light Field. With one more loss, Miami is out of the NCAA Tournament.

But UM’s offense, spearheaded by Morales, bounced back strong against Louisiana to keep them alive for the time being.

Junior infielder Yohandy Morales celebrates his home run in the dugout at the top of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Louisiana at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023.
Junior infielder Yohandy Morales celebrates his home run in the dugout at the top of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Louisiana at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

After the Hurricanes left six runners on base in the first two innings of their previous game against Texas, Miami freshman Blake Cyr took advantage of the two runners in the first inning by slamming a fastball over the scoreboard to give the ‘Canes a 3-0 lead. With that home run, Cyr is now tied for second place in Miami history for most home runs by a freshman.

The Ragin’ Cajuns were able to find early hitting success as well. In the second inning, they were able to string a couple of singles together and score a run to cut the lead to two, and in the third, they did it again to grab another run and cut it to one.

“The team is a good team,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said. “They play hard, they battle hard, and we knew that coming in. Bottom line is I’m proud of our guys.”

Miami’s subsequent runs came in the top of the fifth inning, thanks to one of Morales’ singles that brought Edgardo Villegas and CJ Kayfus home to extend its lead to 5-2.

But Louisiana showed no signs of defeat. In the bottom of the fifth, it again hit two singles and brought in two runs to bring the score to 5-4. On the day, Louisiana connected on 11 hits – two more than the ‘Canes had.

But the game’s name isn’t the most hits; it’s the most runs.

Much of the Cajuns’ success came from Miami pitcher Alejandro Rosario. In the six-inning win he pitched, Rosario allowed seven hits with three earned runs and six strikeouts. He also threw a career-high 114 pitches, the most pitches a Miami Hurricane has thrown this season.

Junior right-handed pitcher Alejandro Rosario pitches in the bottom of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Louisiana at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023.
Junior right-handed pitcher Alejandro Rosario pitches in the bottom of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Louisiana at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

“Alejandro is outstanding,” DiMare said. “114 pitches is normally not the case, but when you get to this stage, you try to save guys.”

Lousiana’s center fielder, Carson Roccaforte, had a great game against Rosario. He led the Cajuns with three hits in his three at-bats against Rosario, with two singles and a double. The double was the 26th for him on the season and the most a Louisiana player has had in its history.

But Louisiana’s success changed once Miami brought out All-American closer Andrew Walters.

Junior right-handed pitcher Andrew Walters pitches in the bottom of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Louisiana at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023.
Junior right-handed pitcher Andrew Walters pitches in the bottom of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Louisiana at Mark Light Field on June 4, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

In his three innings pitched, Walters only gave up a solo home run from Caleb Stelly and three additional hits to ensure the Ragin’ Cajuns had not shot at rallying. He also had four strikeouts, bringing him up to 72 on the year, and ended the game with a strikeout with runners on the corners.

Walters had run support to help him. Morales’ solo homers came in the seventh and ninth innings, and a homer from Jacoby Long in the ninth brought Miami’s score tally to eight and clear of Louisiana.

UT’s Johnson becomes Miami’s kryptonite: Hurricanes baseball falls to Texas, 4-1

Saturday night at Mark Light Field featured a career game for one player, and unfortunately for Miami, it was not a ‘Cane. Texas pitcher Lebarron Johnson pitched a complete game and allowed just one earned run in the Longhorns’ 4-1 NCAA tournament win against the Hurricanes.

With Miami losing on Saturday night, it now faces elimination if it loses one more game in the Coral Gables Regional.

“Well that was a tough one obviously. [Johnson] threw really well for Texas,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said. “He’s a really good pitcher, he was on his game, and he got the better of us tonight.”

No matter what the situation was in the game, Johnson stayed cool and collected throughout the entirety of his complete game and 130 pitches. Miami was able to have the bases loaded in their first two batting innings of the game, but Johnson did not allow a single run from those two opportunities.

The only run he allowed was a solo home run from Dominic Pitelli in the fourth inning, his 12th of the season.

Junior infielder Dominic Pitelli hits a home run in the bottom of the fourth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 3, 2023.
Junior infielder Dominic Pitelli hits a home run in the bottom of the fourth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 3, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

“That’s one great game pitched by [Johnson],” Texas head coach David Pierce said. “This was a kid that didn’t play in the postseason last year. He’s one of the most humbling kids that you’ll ever be around, and he went out there and pitched his tail off.”

He made the ‘Canes seem like every other team on their home field. Their .300 season hitting average was not even close to that with Johnson on the mound, as Miami went 7-of-33, or a .211 average.

“My down away fastball was working,” Johnson said. “They’re definitely an aggressive team, so be able to execute that was key. My arm is feeling good right now, but tomorrow it’s probably going to be hanging.”

The Hurricanes faced hardship from the very beginning of the game. After a double from Jared Thomas on the first at-bat, outfielder Dylan Campbell homered past the scoreboard to give the Longhorns a 2-0 lead. In the second, Jack O’Dowd skied a solo homer to extend Texas’ lead to three. With the homer, Campbell extends his Big 12 record-breaking hitting streak to 37 games. He broke the record on Friday night against Louisiana.

“What [Campbell] has done – breaking the Big-12 record is pretty amazing,” Pierce said. “That record has stood since 2007.”

Texas’ offensive field day was from the hand of Miami sophomore starter Karson Ligon. In just his second start after coming back from injury, Ligon looked like a shell of himself. He allowed five hits, all four earned runs, and even hit Texas catcher Garret Guillemette in the head in the two innings he pitched.

Sophomore pitcher Rafe Schlesinger came in and relieved Ligon with a career night himself. In the seven innings he pitched, which was his longest appearance, he set a career high in strikeouts with nine and had a strike percentage of almost 72%.

Sophomore left-handed pitcher Rafe Schlesinger pitches at the top of the fifth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 3, 2023.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Rafe Schlesinger pitches at the top of the fifth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Texas at Mark Light Field on June 3, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

“[Associate head coach/pitching coach J.D. Arteaga] has been getting all the pitchers in the right mindset,” Schlesinger said. “The roles aren’t really the roles anymore, it kind of goes off script. [Arteaga] says, ‘If you get out there you’re staying out there’ – so that’s what I really thought about. Just keep getting outs.”

The Hurricanes will face Louisiana on Sunday at noon for their first elimination game in the Coral Gables Regional.

“We have to turn the page and be ready for tomorrow, which our team has been doing all year long,” DiMare said. “I have all the confidence in the world from our team.”

Gallery: Miami massacres Maine, wins 9-1

The Miami Hurricanes easily defeated the University of Maine Black Bears in their Coral Gables Regional matchup, winning 9-1. Here’s a look back at the game.

The Miami Maniac watches warmups before the start of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
The Miami Maniac watches warmups before the start of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Freshman infielder Blake Cyr leans on the dugout wall before the start of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Freshman infielder Blake Cyr leans on the dugout wall before the start of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Head coach Gino DiMare stands during introductions before the start of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Head coach Gino DiMare stands during introductions before the start of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl pitches at the top of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl pitches at the top of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Junior infielder Dominic Pitelli heads home from second after junior infielder CJ Kayfus hit a double in the bottom of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Junior infielder Dominic Pitelli heads home from second after junior infielder CJ Kayfus hit a double in the bottom of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Junior infielder CJ Kayfus leads off of third in the bottom of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Junior infielder CJ Kayfus leads off of third in the bottom of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Junior infielder Yohandy Morales hits in the bottom of the fourth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Junior infielder Yohandy Morales hits in the bottom of the fourth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Junior infielder CJ Kayfus gets the out at first at the top of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Junior infielder CJ Kayfus gets the out at first at the top of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Head coach Gino DiMare watches the pitch from third in the bottom of the sixth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Head coach Gino DiMare watches the pitch from third in the bottom of the sixth inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Freshman infielder Blake Cyr heads for second after hitting a double in the bottom of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Freshman infielder Blake Cyr heads for second after hitting a double in the bottom of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Miami powers past Maine in regional opener

The Miami Hurricanes couldn’t have started their NCAA Tournament run any stronger on Friday night at The Light. Runs poured for them all night against the Maine Black Bears en route to a 9-`1 win in the Coral Gables Regional.

The scoring came from what this Miami team is known for: home runs.

Outfielder Edgardo Villegas started the home run party with a two-run shot in the second ‘Cane at-bat of the game to give Miami the early 2-0 lead.

“Our talk before the game was to get out in front early. Couldn’t script it better with the home run out of the gate,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said.

Junior outfielder Zach Levenson celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. The home run extended Miami’s lead to 9-1.
Junior outfielder Zach Levenson celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. The home run extended Miami’s lead to 9-1. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Yohandy Morales and Zach Levenson appeared at the home-run fest to extend the Hurricanes’ lead to seven and then to nine. Morales’ home run was his 17th of the season, the highest tally for the Miami team.

“It was special,” Morales said. “But the main thing is winning, and we came out with the win, so that’s the most important thing.”

To hit the multiple-run homers, Miami had put many men on base beforehand. Eight out of nine Miami starting batters made it on base, primarily thanks to the 11 hits the ‘Canes had.

Miami’s pitching was also outstanding.

Starter Gage Ziehl showed out in his career-first NCAA Tournament start. He struck out seven hitters in his six innings pitched and allowed no earned runs. His seventh strikeout, which came in the third inning against Maine center fielder Colin Plant, was his 100th strikeout of the entire season.

“I knew my job was to go out there and set the tone, and that’s what I did,” Ziehl said.

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl pitches at the top of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl pitches at the top of the second inning of Miami’s Coral Gables Regional game versus the University of Maine at Mark Light Field on June 2, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

In relief for Ziehl, Alejandro Rosario, Ben Chestnutt and Sebastian Perez didn’t allow a single Maine run in the final three innings. Rosario, who has been generally featured as a starter throughout the regular season, has impressed as a reliever in the postseason. In the 5.2 innings he’s pitched between tonight’s performance and in the ACC Tournament win against Wake Forest, he has allowed only four hits and one run.

“Our mindset was to save our bullpen,” DiMare said. “We did not want to go into our bullpen opening night, so we started Gage. We felt he gave us the best chance to save our bullpen.”

With a win under its belt, Miami will face the second seed of the Coral Gables Regional: the Texas Longhorns, who won the other Friday matchup against Louisiana, 4-2. Both Miami and Texas have had great success making it to Omaha.

“We played them in Omaha a few times,” DiMare said. “Two of the more storied college programs, the two teams that have made it to the College World Series the most.”

The first pitch at Mark Light Field is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday.

CONCERT REVIEW: “The Charlie Live Experience”

Award-winning singer and songwriter Charlie Puth showcased his hit songs and multifaceted talents for an experience like no other this week. The singer took the stage of the FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on May 31 for the sixth show of his tour, “The Charlie Live Experience.”

Puth’s initial exposure came through the viral success of his YouTube song videos. He later signed with the record label eleveneleven in 2011 while songwriting and producing music for film soundtracks and other artists. A pitch-perfect Berklee College of Music graduate, Puth’s social media presence blew up over the pandemic as he showed his process of making a hit single.

At 7:30 p.m., Blu Detiger, an American singer-songwriter, bass guitar player and DJ based in New York City, opened the show. As the sun set behind the stage, her set electrified the audience and prepared them for the “Charlie Experience.”

American singer-songwriter, bass guitar player and DJ Blu Detiger opens the Charlie Puth concert at the FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on May 31.
American singer-songwriter, bass guitar player and DJ Blu Detiger opens the Charlie Puth concert at the FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on May 31.

The New Jersey native channeled his inner Miami and energized the crowd by playing “Gasolina” before taking the stage. In typical Miami fashion, the crowd got on their feet and danced to the familiar beat.

Puth’s set finally began around 8:45 p.m. with a unique intro. The stage was dark and a spotlight illuminated his silhouette in center stage.

In short sentences, he walked the audience through the inspiration behind his opening song, “Charlie Be Quiet!” Sound by sound, he constructed the song before the audience’s eyes, highlighting his effortless vocals and intense understanding of music theory.

Each song throughout the night followed a similar set-up, where Puth explained the backstory, inspiration and unique sounds that make up his viral songs.

Embed from Getty Images

From a creaking door to a light switch, Puth can make a catchy tune out of almost anything.

Near the middle of the concert, Puth played the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single “Stay,” the song he co-wrote for Justin Bieber and the Kid LAROI that stayed on the chart for a stunning 63 weeks. He made the track his own by transforming it into a mid-tempo piano ballad.

The set list included several new songs like the BTS and Jungkook collaboration “Left and Right,” “No More Drama” and “I Don’t Think That I Like Her.” Scattered throughout the experience were older hits including “Attention,” “BOY” and Selena Gomez collaboration, “We Don’t Talk Anymore.”

Puth closed the show with “How Long,” the second single from his sophomore album, Voicenotes. For the show’s encore, he returned to the stage with a powerful rendition of his sophomore single “One Call Away.” Running back on stage for a second encore, Puth ended the night with an emotional performance of 2015’s “See You Again.”

Singing from behind the piano, the singer-songwriter took the FPL Amphitheatre to church in a chill-inducing sing-along. An inspiring artist with undeniable talent, Puth had the Miami audience raving about his jaw-dropping performance long after leaving the amphitheater.

UM News Briefs: AAU, the Joe Carollo case and GRE adjustments

Note from the news editors: UM News Briefs are a new segment from The Miami Hurricane. News briefs provide a weekly snapshot of life at the University of Miami, in Miami and sometimes around the state, country or world. Stay up to date with UM News Briefs.

THIS WEEK AT THE U

UM joins the Association of American Universities

The University of Miami has been chosen as one of the newest members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a national organization of leading research universities founded in 1900. The invitation follows the University’s research and sponsored program expenditures totaling more than $413 million in the 2022 fiscal year.

Arizona State University, the George Washington University, the University of California, Riverside, the University of Notre Dame and the University of South Florida also received invitations to join the AAU this year. The six leading research universities bring AAU’s membership to 71 institutions, 69 American and two Canadian universities.

“We are very proud to have these six distinguished universities from across the United States join AAU,” said AAU President Barbara R. Snyder in a statement. “We look forward to working with all of these universities to continue advancing higher education and laying the scientific foundation that helps keep our economy strong and our nation healthy and safe.”

U KNOW MIAMI

Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo found liable; awards plaintiffs $63M

Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo was found liable in a federal civil lawsuit filed by two businessmen who accused him of attempting to destroy their businesses by means of political retaliation.

Jurors returned the verdict on Thursday, after less than a day of deliberation and found that Carollo violated the plaintiff’s First Amendment rights and awarded them over $63 million.

Bill and Marin, the businessmen behind the Ball and Chain restaurant and club in Little Havana, filed the lawsuit against Carollo claiming that the commissioner weaponized the city’s police to shut down their businesses because they supported his political opponent.

During the seven-week trial, witnesses testified that Carollo used the City of Miami departments to target the plaintiffs’ businesses.

Carollo’s attorneys argued that Carollo was a victim of harassment and was simply doing his job. Their evidence consisted of a series of violations where the plaintiffs began to do construction work without permits and then worked to get into compliance after being cited.

IN CASE U MISSED IT

The GRE test is getting cut in half

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), the almost four-hour exam dreaded by many aspiring graduate students, is getting cut in half. The new exam will take less than two hours.

The Educational Testing Service, the nonprofit organization that administers the test, announced the changes Wednesday, May 31, acknowledging the test’s declining weight in graduate school admissions decisions.

Changes to the test include 46 fewer questions on the test’s quantitative and verbal reasoning sections and the elimination of an analytical writing task and an unscored section. Other changes include a faster release of scores.

The organization is planning on implementing these changes on the tests being administered in September.

Miami set to face Texas, Louisiana and Maine in Coral Gables Regional, look for vengeance from last year’s loss

The forecast in Coral Gables, Florida calls for hot and humid temperatures with a mix of rain as the Miami Hurricanes are ready to host Texas, Louisiana and Maine in the regional round of the NCAA Tournament. Although the weather is comparable to one year ago, the Hurricanes are expecting anything but a repeat of last year’s first-round performance.

“Obviously, last season, we kind of had like a down slip going into the regional and we used that as motivation to flip the script,” All-ACC closer Andrew Walters said. “This season, we’re on the way up and we’re playing some of our best baseball going into this regional. So, it’s a different feeling for sure.”

Miami’s 2022 season ended with an unexpected one-two knockout. A one-run loss to eventual champion Ole Miss created a second Hurricanes game on the same day, a matchup Miami lost 4-3 against Arizona.

Fueled by recent wins against No. 1 Wake Forest, NC State and Duke in the ACC Championship, the ‘Canes will deal with No. 2 seed Texas, No. 3 seed Louisiana and No. 4 seed Maine.

“We’re here at home for a reason. We’ve played well at home this year,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said, referring to UM’s 28-5 home record. “Our players have worked hard and hopefully, the fans will come out here and support them … We’re trying to get to Omaha. That’s always the goal.

From the Big 12, the Longhorns won the Big 12 regular season title, finishing 38-18, with a 15-9 record in conference play. A No. 1 seed in the Big 12 tournament, Texas had an early exit in its conference championship, losing to Kansas and Kansas State at Globe Life Field last week.

“So many times, we’ve went 0-2 and come home, rest, kind of regroup and play tremendously in our region and advance to Omaha,” Texas head coach David Pierce said. “There’s different routes on how to get there.”

The Longhorns are hardly an easy out, however, as the team plays five hitters who have hit at least 10 home runs this season. Led in longballs by outfielder Eric Kennedy (16), Texas’ unit ranks in the top three in its conference in home runs (85), batting average (.297) and slugging percentage (.504).

“It’s always fun, you know, playing when it’s win or go home,” Texas’ Dylan Campbell said, the Longhorns right fielder who is playing with a record 35-game hit streak. “I think that always brings the best out of me and I think it’ll bring the best out of the teammates as well.”

On the mound, Texas’ pitching staff ERA of 4.13 leads the Big 12. Starters Lucas Gordon and Lebarron Johnson Jr. have ERAs under 3.00, and the duo have a combined 176 strikeouts on the year.

Louisiana’s crazed mascot is symbolic of the way it can run the bases. With 161 stolen bags, well over two a game, the Rajin Cajuns are ranked third in the nation in stolen bases.

“I’ve been in the Miami regional before in 2010. It’s different than anything that you could draw up in your head or that you’ve been to,” Louisiana head coach Matt Deggs said. “It will be a test of resilience. It’s a hitter friendly ballpark that they know how to play very, very well in. It’s a great atmosphere, we’re just honored to get to make that trip.”

Two hitters stand out above the rest for Louisiana. Catcher Julian Brock is a top prospect at the catcher position, and along with shortstop Kyle DeBarge, the pair both made the All-Sun Belt Second Team.

A junior, Brock’s 63 RBI led the team. while DeBarge’s .370 batting average was the best of any member on the Ragin Cajuns.

With a win in the America East Tournament, Maine is in the tournament for the first time since 2011. The Black Bears have not made the College World Series since 1986, but they will attempt to return as a top two team in the America East conference in batting average (.293), ERA (5.77) and fielding percentage (.971).

“We think we have the team to really make some noise in the regional,” Maine senior Connor Goodman said. “We’re not done. I really think we can do some good things in the regional and shock some people.”

A first baseman, 6-foot-4 Jeremiah Jenkins has been the most dangerous in the Black Bears’ lineup. Jenkins leads the conference in batting average (.378), OPS (.1277), home runs (20) and RBI (75). Behind Jenkins, junior infielder Quinn McDaniel is a .355 hitter, scoring a team-high 76 runs with 32 stolen bases.

“What they did this season is really bonkers, video game-type stuff,” Maine head coach Nick Derba said when speaking of McDaniel and Jenkins.

Texas and Louisiana will start the Coral Gables Regional with a matchup at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. After, top seed Miami will face bottom seed Maine at 7:00 p.m. Both games will be held at Mark Light Field.

Clemson extends win streak to 16, downs Miami in ACC Baseball Championship

The ride is over – for now. In an 11-5 defeat, the No. 11 Miami Hurricanes lost to the No. 6 Clemson Tigers in the ACC Baseball Championship final from Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Sunday afternoon.

Miami had won its first three games in the conference championship but failed to win the ACC in the last game. After the ACC Championship ride in North Carolina, a new Miami train will take off tomorrow when the NCAA announces who each of the 64 NCAA tournament teams will face in their respective regionals.

Though Miami lost the championship battle, it took a 5-3 lead late in the game. Clemson starter Ethan Darden and reliever Nick Clayton had allowed a combined five runs in 4.2 innings, three of which were taxed to Clayton.

With a two-run lead in the bottom of the seventh, the game took a turn for the ‘Canes. Hit after hit, the Tigers’ lineup taxed the Miami (40-19, 18-12 ACC) bullpen for eight runs.

Relievers Rafe Schlesigner, Alejandro Torres and Alex Walsh each allowed multiple runs in the inning. Designated hitter Billy Amick opened the avalanche with an RBI double, scoring outfielder Will Taylor. After two home runs from infielder Riley Bertram, Taylor plated a total of six runs, while an error from Miami left fielder Edgardo Villegas let Virginia native Benjamin Blackwell cross the plate.

Miami was held scoreless in its last four offensive half innings, and the Hurricanes lost 11-5 shortly after 5:30 p.m., awarding Clemson (43-17, 20-10) the ACC.

In total, Miami needed five relievers after starter Ben Chestnutt pitched three innings, allowing three runs and six hits. For the Tigers, a combination of left-hander Tristan Smith, graduate student Jackson Lindley and junior Ryan Ammons shut down UM’s batting order in the last few innings.

Lindley (3-3) earned the win, while Torres (4-1) was hit with his first loss of the season.

The Hurricanes started their championship week with wins against NC State, Duke top-seeded Wake Forest. Its loss to Clemson marked the 16th-straight victory for the Tigers, a nation-leading streak.

Miami upsets top-seeded Wake Forest, advances to ACC Tournament Championship

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On May 27, Miami baseball demonstrated its already proven dominion over the plate and defeated top-seeded Wake Forest in a 7-2 victory at Boshamer Stadium to advance to the ACC Tournament Championship.

UM recorded eleven hits, four walks, and two home runs. The Miami “Mashers” have lived up to the nickname, adding to their historic season with 109 home runs, the second-most in program history.

The Hurricanes rank second in homers, fifth in batting average, and fourth in hits among teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). It has also been an amazing season for the ‘Canes defensively. Miami has only recorded 40 errors (second-least in the ACC) and has a fielding percentage of .980 (second-most in the ACC).

Despite a slow start in the first two innings, Miami was able to break ice in the top of the third inning with a two-RBI single by third baseman Yohandy Morales, which brought infielders Dominic Pitelli and CJ Kayfus home to grant the team a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the third, Wake Forest made some noise and was able to get runners on base, but only cut the lead by one run.

Miami’s top performer, Morales, acquired two more RBIs with a solo shot to right field to add an insurance run in the sixth inning and an inside-the-park home run in the ninth to extend the lead. The third baseman has crowned himself a Hurricanes legend, as he ranks among the top five in home runs in the program’s history and recorded three hits, three runs, four RBIs and two home runs in this must-win game.

Right-handed pitcher Alejandro Rosario recorded his fourth win of the season. He dominated Wake Forest’s hitters in 4.2 innings by punching out three batters and allowing no runs. One of college baseball’s best closers, Miami’s Andrew Walters, was able to close out the game.

The Hurricanes (40-18) were able to triumph despite stiff competition. Wake Forest (45-9) has been dominant this season; however, Miami shocked college baseball fans by defying the odds. UM will face Clemson on Sunday at noon with an ACC title at stake.

UM News Briefs: Coach Larrañaga, Ron DeSantis and Tina Turner

Note from the news editors: UM News Briefs are a new segment from The Miami Hurricane. News briefs provide a weekly snapshot of life at the University of Miami, in Miami and sometimes around the state, country or world. Stay up to date with UM News Briefs.

THIS WEEK AT THE U

Coach Larrañaga extends contract through 2026-27

Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich announced Tuesday that the University of Miami and head men’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga agreed to a contract extension of an additional year following monumental achievements in program history and a recent induction into the UM Sports Hall of Fame & Museum.

In 2023, Larrañaga completed his twelfth year at the U with one of the program’s most decorated seasons. He led the Hurricanes to their first Final Four appearance, sharing the ACC regular season title and tied a Miami record with 29 wins along the way.

U KNOW MIAMI

After a parent’s complaint at Bob Graham Education Center, Amanda Gorman’s book, “The Hill We Climb” was yanked from shelves for K-5 students. The parent cited “confusion” and “indoctrinated student” according to her complaint form. She also incorrectly labeled the author as “Oprah Winfrey” and left some of the prompts blank.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava tweeted at Gorman, saying she would be happy to host a reading of Gorman’s inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb.”

IN CASE U MISSED IT

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enters the presidential race

After a glitchy presidential debut on Twitter, many believed that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis missed his chance to present himself as a serious contender against former president Donald Trump.

DeSantis later found footing on Fox News, a far more familiar and effective way of communicating to his primary voters, to finally lay out a substantive case for what a DeSantis presidency would look like.

The New York Times called DeSantis the “the candidate of educated right-wingers” as during his speech DeSantis regularly referred to his blue collar roots, speaking to the college educated Republicans as opposed to those without college degrees, who heavily favor Trump.

On Wednesday, DeSantis made it clear he was not ready to punch Trump just yet, but laid out a general groundwork of where he is to aim when the time comes.

Rock icon Tina Turner dead at 83

Tina Turner, the eccentric singer whose vocals and energy made her an unforgettable performer, died on Wednesday at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, at 83.

Bernard Doherty, her publicist, announced the singer’s death in a statement but did not provide the cause. She suffered a stroke in 2013 and was known to have been struggling with a kidney disease and other illnesses.

Turner leaves behind a star-studded, seven-decade legacy that blazed the paths for today’s icons including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera and Amy Winehouse.

The 12-time Grammy winner, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is the voice behind the classic hits “River Deep — Mountain High,” “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Better Be Good to Me.”

Born Anna Mae Bullock on Nov. 26, 1939, she began singing at age 11 in Nutbush’s Spring Hill Baptist Church choir. Turner launched her performing career in her late teens after meeting her future husband, bandleader Ike Turner, at the Manhattan Club in East St. Louis. Ike and Tina began a streak of mainstream success in 1966 when they signed to Wall of Sound producer Phil Spector’s Philles label and released the international hit “River Deep — Mountain High.”

In 2009, Turner retired from performing, but continued her legacy carried on through a jukebox musical on Broadway and two memoirs titled “My Love Story” and “Happiness Becomes You.”

“All fun all the time”: Frost alumni and high school senior in “Hot Pursuit” of original music

Where else would a high-school senior and two graduate students make an entire EP together? Look no further than the Frost School of Music’s Young Musicians’ Camp, the place where soon-to-be high school graduate David Vandelay met UM alumni Erik Gunnarsson and Camilo Salas.

Recent graduates of the masters media scoring and production program, Gunnarsson and Salas taught a production course at the summer camp last July. As their final assignment, students in the class wrote and produced original songs.

“I had used my computer to record it in class, so I had David’s vocals on my computer,” Gunnarsson said. “So that summer after that camp, me and Cami remotely built out a demo production just because we wanted to.”

This song, now titled “Sweet Pacifist,” marked the summer program’s culmination. What Vandelay didn’t know then was that it would also jumpstart the making of his first EP.

“I remember when they sent me the demo of the song — it’s called ‘Sweet Pacifist’ — and it was such a vibe switch,” Vandelay said. “When I did it myself, it felt like a 90s ballad-type thing and then it turned into this really R&B soulful thing.”

The following semester, Salas and Gunnarsson were tasked with producing an EP in their production class. Vandelay was sitting in his dorm room when the pair reached out to collaborate.

“I looked over at my roommate and I was like, ‘I think I just got a mini record deal,’” Vandelay said, laughing.

The trio recorded six songs together during the week of Thanksgiving. The EP’s first single — “Hot Pursuit” — drops this Friday, May 26, the same day Vandelay graduates from the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.

UM alum Erik Gunnarsson, David Vandelay, and UM alum Camilo Salas sit in the recording studio in Miami. Photo credit: Valeria Peñaranda
UM alum Erik Gunnarsson, David Vandelay, and UM alum Camilo Salas sit in the recording studio in Miami. Photo credit: Valeria Peñaranda

Few would guess that the voice on the track belongs to a 17-year-old.

“I think we found a very complete and mature package with him — a person who writes really well, who sings really well, and who is willing to make more music and release music and build a career,” Salas said.

Gunnarsson echoed these sentiments, noting that Vandelay holds a wide range of musical skills.

“A lot of people can sing well, but to have really compelling lyrics, I find to be even more rare,” Gunnarsson said. “Having the pop sensibilities, good melodic instincts, having a more mature voice and being able to actually have an interesting story to tell.”

The storyline of “Hot Pursuit” draws from real-life students at Vandelay’s school. Though he planned to release the song before attending the summer camp, his self-produced version was “light years behind where it is now.”

“For some reason, I thought I was so late because Taylor Swift released her album at 17,” Vandelay said.

After “Hot Pursuit” drops on Friday, the trio plans to release a song every month leading up to the EP’s release. Though details have yet to be finalized, Vandelay wants the EP to be “fun.”

“It’s not a super lyrical album — It’s more just fun, vibey songs,” Vandelay said.

Working titles include “Are You Having Fun?” or “All Fun All The Time,” a phrase Vandelay and his father used to say frequently.

The South Carolina native learned the piano from his father, who enrolled him in music lessons after noticing his son’s growing passion for music.

“I learned guitar, bass and drums…and once I had all the instruments, I wanted to make songs,” Vandelay said. “And then I learned GarageBand and Logic, and that just inspired me to write songs.”

The father-son duo frequently play at local venues like restaurants and country clubs, performing both Vandelay’s original music and covers of pop songs.

His musical inspiration comes from Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR” album, Tom Misch’s jazzy, funk-pop tunes and Joshua Bassett’s heartfelt pop ballads, among others. Artists like Bazzi, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Ella Fitzgerald, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and more decorate his dorm wall.

“I just love all pop music,” Vandelay said.

David Vandelay plays the guitar in a recording studio in Miami. Photo credit: Valeria Peñaranda
David Vandelay plays the guitar in a recording studio in Miami. Photo credit: Valeria Peñaranda

The popular genre influences both his sound and his songwriting, skills that the 17-year-old is still developing.

Recalling a moment in the studio where he questioned some song lyrics, Vandelay remarked how advice from Salas changed his perspective of both music and daily life.

“Cami said to me, ‘There’s really no reason to be nervous about releasing lyrics now because this is just where you are in your life, and that’s just the truth of the situation,’” Vandelay said. “I am so much less ashamed of all sorts of stuff day-to-day because this is who I am right now.”

Reflecting on how this advice impacts his everyday life, Vandelay recalled how the song “You Belong With Me” brought him to tears at a recent Taylor Swift concert.

“[It] is not a sad song at all,” Vandelay said. “You listen to it when you’re happy, but when that chorus hit and it was so loud, and the bass was so — just the production of it all is so well done. I literally burst into tears.”

Core memories like this motivate the young musician and his producers. For Gunnarsson, one of his first memorable music moments involves a clock radio and late night listening.

“I’d stay up past my bedtime just so I could hear ‘Larger in Life’ by the Backstreet Boys come on again,” Gunnarsson said.

Talking about what drives him, Gunnarsson said moments like that encompass “a lifetime of listening to music and being curious about it.”

“[It’s] certain moments in songs that give you a real burst of energy and a real strong emotion, and just trying to recreate those moments,” Gunnarsson said.

Until coming to Miami, Gunnarsson only did music in his free time — his statistics background landed him a job at a software company. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he found himself working from home and exploring music further.

“Everything up until coming to school had just been me in my free time on my own making music,” Gunnarsson said. “The biggest thing I was hoping to get out of school was a chance to be with other people, other musicians, other producers…to get in touch with the community, and that’s what I got.”

Salas, on the other hand, started music composition in Colombia where he worked as a music producer.

“Miami is such a great place for me to develop as a producer, as a songwriter,” Salas said. “I always wanted to make music in English.”

The Colombian native sees music as a painting.

“[It] creates a visual, tangible moment of your life that you release and that is gonna be there forever,” Salas said.

"Hot Pursuit," the first single that Vandelay will release from his debut EP, drops on Friday, May 26.
"Hot Pursuit," the first single that Vandelay will release from his debut EP, drops on Friday, May 26.

After graduation, he expects to stay and find himself as a producer in the U.S. Vandelay also plans to pursue a music career after high school.

“I can’t envision doing anything else, so why not?” Vandelay said.

For the next year, Vandelay has a post-graduation plan figured out: he’s taking a gap year to study in Spain as a foreign exchange student.

“My family had a foreign exchange student — Vera — from Sweden stay with us this past year and she was so awesome,” Vandelay said. “I just decided, ‘I wanna do this too,’” Vandelay said.

What comes after Spain is less certain. After not getting into UM or New York University — his top two choices — he’s set his sights on Middle Tennessee State University.

“I hope to make music everywhere…I wanna come back to the U.S. and record an album full of music I wrote in Spain,” Vandelay said.

The ambitious teen has already attended music camps at NYU and Berkeley along with getting a prestigious education at the Young Musician’s University in South Carolina and the Governor’s School. Even with these accolades, the budding artist stays humble.

His secret to making a hit? There isn’t one.

“I don’t think music is that hard,” Vandelay said. “That’s the secret. I actually don’t think anything I do is that difficult. I think I’m just fooling everybody.”

“Hot Pursuit” drops on streaming services on Friday, May 26. Follow David Vandelay on Instagram @davidvandelay and on TikTok @vandelaydavidmusic to stay updated on future music releases.