The most action students usually see at Lake Osceola is a fish jumping out of the water or a bird skimming across the surface in search of food. But Monday saw a frenzy of news reporters, video cameras and curious students who gathered around the lake in hopes of witnessing the removal of a crocodile that has taken residence there.

“The University, with the permission of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is working to humanely capture the wild animal and relocate it to a proper habitat,” said Margot Winick, executive director of UM Media Relations.

Signs surrounding the lake misleadingly warn of alligators in its waters, which are known to be more aggressive than crocodiles. To date, there is no record of a crocodile attacking a person, since they are usually scared off by human activity.

“I’ve seen them here every once in a while,” Tom Mattison, junior, said. “They’re real small. They’re not doing any damage. [The lake] is their habitat and we’re just building around it.”

“Why would they suddenly say take it out? Hasn’t it been here for, like, a year?” Kaleigh Renard, freshman, said.

CROCS VS. GATORS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Crocodiles have long, pointy snouts. Alligators have broad, short snouts.
Crocodiles are olive brown. Alligators are more blackish.
Crocodiles lay eggs in a mud or sand nest. Alligators lay eggs in a mound of vegetation.
American crocodiles are endangered. Alligators are found all over Southeastern U.S.
source: National Park Service, www.nps.gov

In fact, there were three crocodiles in the lake in February which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was hired to remove. As crocodiles are known to do, one of them has returned to Lake Osceola. This time, the state hired Todd Hardwick of Pesky Critters, who specializes in removing wildlife animals from residences and other places where they may be a nuisance.

The “critter” is actually a nine-foot-long, 250-pound American crocodile, believed to have reached the lake through Coral Gables waterways. American crocodiles are endangered and it is against the law to feed, harass or approach them in any way.

“Even though it is not an immediate threat to people, [the lake] is not the safest place for him,” Winick said. “We’re not trying to harm the animal – we just want him relocated.”

According to Hardwick, the crocodile is being removed because it has gotten too comfortable with the students, oftentimes seen onshore. However, many students enjoy sitting around the lake because of its tranquility and don’t see the crocodile as a disturbance.

“I’d rather have them around,” Jason Lefert, senior, said. “They’re just cool to look at. Every now and then they move.”

Pesky Critters will be returning to campus until the crocodile is removed, though it may be difficult since all the media attention on campus may have scared it off.

“He’s very shy and timid now because of the media,” Hardwick said. “The danger [of the crocodile] has been reduced – a scaredy-cat crocodile is a good crocodile.”

Natalia Maldonado can be contacted at n.maldonado@umiami.edu.

TODAY

Last day of classes

The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies and Casa Bacardi are hosting Noche Magica de Musica Cubana (A Magic Night of Cuban Music) at Olga-Carlos Saladrigas Hall at Casa Bacardi beginning at 7 p.m. Seating capacity is limited. For more information or to R.S.V.P., call The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at 305-284-CUBA (2822).

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs [MSA] is hosting Finals Fiesta from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the plaza between the Registrar’s Office and the Rat.

Want to celebrate and enjoy the last day of school? ‘Canes Night Live is hosting Winter Wonderland after Finals Fiesta from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the UC patio. There will be a holiday feast, decoration of holiday treats, penguin bowling, snowball toss, jazz music under the skies and candy kebobs. For more information call 305-284-6399

MONDAY

The Miss UM info session will be held at 9 p.m. in UC Room 211. The pageant requirements, the production schedule and scholarship awards will be discussed. If you have questions or are interested in participating but cannot attend the meeting, please email Steve Priepke, Miss UM Executive Director, at spriepke@miami.edu.

TUESDAY

MTV’s MADE will be holding an open casting call at the UC Flamingo Ballroom D from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MTV will be holding two-to-five-minute preliminary interviews. Fame seekers, professional singers, film actors, models and those over 21 need not apply. Go to www.mtv.com under casting calls and MADE to download an application.

Finals begin.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 12

The Chamber Singers of UM’s Collegium Musicum will lead a candlelight service of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas at 6 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Center located by the Stanford Drive gate. All are welcome.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16

Commencement begins. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2005!

1-Debate ’04

Who will ever forget the chaos brought on by celebrity sightings, the media blitz, tight security and parking fiascos associated with the first Presidential Debate of 2004 held at the UM Convocation Center? More importantly, students got to experience history in the making, many even getting the opportunity to attend the Bush vs. Kerry debate.

2-Hurricanes

ne word: Lockdown. Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne devastated the Caribbean and put Florida in a state of prolonged emergency. Students stocked up on everything from bottled water to canned food, going in search of a full tank of gas. Luckily, despite the shutters being up for months, UM and the city of Miami were mostly spared.

3-2004 Elections: The People Decide

seemed the entire semester was building up to the day when the U.S. presidency for the next four years was decided. Students waited in line up to seven hours at the Convocation Center to ensure that their votes would be counted. Despite some minor setbacks, the election ran much smoother than in 2000 to the relief of many Floridians.

4-Dalai Lama Visits UM

A spiritual leader and world visionary for peace, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama addressed the University and spoke on A Human Approach to World Peace to a packed crowd at the Convocation Center.

5-Homecoming ’04: Evolutions

Parades, reunions, ceremonies and competitions marked this exciting week full of school spirit. Alumni and current students came together in celebration of UM’s alma mater, participating in time-honored school traditions, creating new memories while reminiscing the past.

Recently, a number of new Student Government [SG] senators were appointed to vacant positions left open after elections. Some students contacted SG about the vacancies but were told that positions were already filled, and the fact that there were vacant positions available was largely unknown among the student body.

Some students feel that SG did not do a sufficient job in publicizing the vacancies.

Anand Vakharia inquired to apply for a Senate position, but by then it was too late.

“[SG] told me there might be a position in the Supreme Court,” Vakharia said. “They seemed to have already picked out the candidates to fill the vacancies.”

Jeff Miller, speaker of the Senate, said the process for filling vacancies is actually very systematic and outlined in the SG Constitution.

When a Senate seat is vacated, either because no one ran for the position or because of excessive absences, applications are available to anyone interested.

“We publicize the seats, we post them on the [SG office] door, or on Ibis News,” said Miller, though he noted that SG didn’t send an announcement on Ibis News for the recent vacancies.

Anyone who wishes to run must fill out an application. If more than four applications are received, a council reviews them, conducts interviews and appoints senators based on their constituencies. For instance, a broadcasting major is more likely to be appointed to a School of Communication seat than a biology major.

Miller said that students find out about vacant positions through various methods. Emily Ershowsky, recently appointed School of Communication senator, found out by word of mouth. Her brother, Michael Ershowsky, is currently commuter senator. Arjun Parasher, who filled a vacancy for the College of Arts and Sciences, was working with Mike Levine, College of Arts and Sciences senator, on a committee to bring Middle Eastern and Asian Studies to campus. Parasher joined the committee through the Indian Students Association.

According to Miller, Parasher found out about the position “simply by getting involved.” He said usually people approach SG about the positions.

College of Arts and Sciences seats are generally the most competitive, as well as the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior senator seats. Miller said SG received five or six applications for a College of Arts and Sciences seat.

Patricia Escuder, Senate speaker pro-tempore, said that the word-of-mouth way of advertising the vacancies turned out more applicants than previous methods of advertisement. Vakharia was still unsatisfied with not being able to apply for a vacant seat.

“Next time, they should make it more publicized to allow more qualified candidates to run,” Vakharia said.

There are still four Senate seats available for student organizations to fill.

>> For more information on SG senate, contact Jeff Miller at SGSpeaker@miami.edu.

Jay Rooney can be contacted at j.rooney@umiami.edu.

The American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys and The Institute for Cuban & Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami are making plans to organize the Planning for the Humanitarian Impact on South Florida In the Event of a Change in Cuba workshops that will prepare interested local non-profit organizations to provide humanitarian aid if political change occurs in Cuba. Learning that Florida did not have a plan to help the Cubans if there was a change, the American Red Cross and UM worked together to come up with one. During the workshops, attendees will divide into groups discuss various issues including providing help for Cubans arriving in South Florida and addressing the concerns South Florida residents with family members in Cuba may have.

“The Institute is pleased to take part in this planning session and to be part of the solution to this growing problem,” said Jaime Suchlicki, Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies director at the University of Miami. “Together with the Red Cross and other non-profit agencies throughout the country we hope to help the Cuban people and this community be prepared,” he added.

For more information about these workshops, call 305-248-2822 or email ctp.iccas@miami.edu.

(U-WIRE) KINGSTON, R.I. – If you ever wanted to know how to fake an orgasm or win a root-beer-pong tournament, the University of Rhode Island Student Entertainment Committee will provide the answers.

The SEC is declaring the next two weeks “Wintercourse” and sponsoring a series of sex-related events. The events start Tuesday with a presentation by nationally recognized author Jennifer Worick. Worick will discuss her “Worse Case Scenario Survival Handbooks,” which offer advice on how to hook up in a library, survive class when hung over and determine the gender of your date.

“It’s the kind of stuff people want to know but they would never ask,” explained secretary and treasurer of the SEC Speakers’ Committee Amma Marfo.

On Thursday, students can hear some “downright dirty” comedy from “Full House” television star Bob Saget.

“Most people think of Bob Saget from his ‘Full House’ days, where he’s clean cut,” Mohanty said. “What’s special about this show is he’s very dirty and it shows a different side of Bob Saget than people normally see.”

Next week, the SEC will hold a root-beer-pong tournament for those who prefer direct involvement in the action.

“It’s similar to the drinking game beer pong. However, [the SEC version] uses root beer,” said Persico, who refused to comment about the sex-themed prizes for the winning teams.

103.5 The Beat’s Bakapalooza, hosted by the Beat’s Morning Drive show hosts, the Baka Boyz, will feature Ludacris, Lil Jon, Jackie-O, Lil Flip, Ciara and Lil Scrappy will happen tomorrow night at the Convocation Center. Also scheduled to perform are Pitbull, Mr. Vegas, Special Ed and Geto Boys. Tickets are on sale through all Ticket Master outlets, UM Convocation Center Box Office or TheBeatMiami.com with ticket prices starting at $15. For more information visit UMConvocationCenter.com.

To the delight of UM students everywhere, despite the fact that it’s in honor of final exams, the Richter Library, the Convenience Store [C-store] and Starbucks will have extended hours until the end of the semester.

“The bottom line is that the University wants to provide the best possible on campus services to students during exam week by keeping these key facilities open,” said Mel Tenen, director of Auxiliary Services, who oversees all of the dining and vending services on campus.

During the reading and exam days, Starbucks will be open nightly until 2 a.m., and the C-store and library will be open 24 hours a day to afford students a round-the-clock study environment and places to refuel and get that extra “buzz” to power them through tedious study sessions.

“Of paramount importance is convenience for the students during exam week,” Tenen said.

Students have responded with gratitude and enthusiasm towards the temporary changes on campus.

“Even though I think that Starbucks should be open 24 hours during the week of finals, I am very excited about the extended hours of the facilities and think that it’s going to help getting through these next weeks,” Suchita Thakkar, sophomore, said.

Charlie Ellis, junior, also feels that the extended hours are appropriate.

“Those resources are there for a reason, and they should be used efficiently and made available to students when they need them,” Ellis said.

Now that students have the coffee, munchies and study area, the final piece is some advice on preparing for exams. Both students and faculty agree that cramming is not the answer and that planning ahead and studying little by little is the way to go.

“My advice to new students is that last minute studying doesn’t work – careful planning, pacing yourself and time management are key,” Ellis said. “Personally, I evaluate which classes have assigned most material and then schedule more or less time studying depending on the class.”

Sigman Splichal, program director for journalism and photography in the School of Communication (and senior adviser for The Hurricane) stresses that students should “get organized, budget [their] time, establish priorities, and stay away from the Grove and South Beach for the next two weeks.”

Teressa Dalpe can be contacted at t.dalpe@umiami.edu.