(U-WIRE) DURHAM, N.C. – Recent reports seem to indicate a light at the end of the tunnel for the U.S. economy and job growth. However, they could also signal a dead end for the Democratic party’s presidential ambitions in 2004.

During the third quarter, which ended in September, the nation’s economy grew at a 7.2 percent annual rate, its highest growth rate since 1984. Consumer spending accounted for two-thirds of this growth, increasing at a 6.6 percent annual rate. Additionally, unemployment dropped to 6 percent in October.

The Bush administration points to a number of its economic policies coupled with low interest rates as the stimulants for this surge of improvement. Since May, income taxes for many Americans have been cut and rebate checks have been sent to millions of families. The federal government also increased spending by 1.4 percent in the third quarter.

The upturn of the economy has the potential to significantly impact next year’s presidential election. Michael Munger, chair of the department of political science said Democrats could be in “real trouble” in 2004 if the economy is strong.

“The Democrats criticized the president for a bad economy,” said Munger, who is also a professor of economics. “When the economy turns good, they’re stuck. They don’t have an issue.”

A November Gallup poll indicated 37 percent of people surveyed believed the greatest problems facing the nation today are economic, down from 46 percent last month. Most people polled were more concerned about non-economic problems, and the war in Iraq topped the list. Munger pointed out that unless things take a turn for the worse in Iraq, President George W. Bush’s odds for reelection will be high.

“It’s very difficult to imagine Bush not winning by a lot if the economy is good,” Munger said. “In a good economy the incumbent wins, and that’s just that.”

Republican politicians are confident that the economy will remain strong. In a recent statement, Commerce Secretary Don Evans said he expects economic growth and productivity to continue in the coming months.

Business leaders are also confident that current trends will be sustained. Seventy-four percent of Chief Financial Officers recently surveyed by the Fuqua School of Business and Financial Executives International said they were more optimistic about the upcoming fourth quarter than they had been about the third.

Nevertheless, Democrats are skeptical about how substantial the economic growth is and how sustainable it will prove to be. Duke Democrats Co-Presidents Jared Fish and Zeb Smathers weighed in with their opinions on the state of the economy.

“Economic growth figures say very little except that someone is producing more and someone is making a profit,” said Fish, a sophomore.

“The important question is ‘Who?’ Unemployment can fall, but that means less than the fact that the income of the wealthiest 20 percent of the population is 200 times greater than that of the poorest 20 percent. Economic growth is no growth if only the top 1 or 10 or 20 percent benefits.”

Nearly 9 million Americans are still unemployed, 23 percent of whom have been searching for jobs for 27 weeks or more. Additionally, 19 percent of the 286,000 jobs added to the market since July are designated temporary.

“I have a hard time believing that anything with the word temporary is good,”said Smathers, a junior. “Americans want stable jobs. These are dangerous jobs.”

Munger, however, explained that the relatively high percentage of temporary jobs is not an anomaly.

“It’s misleading to focus on these temporary jobs,” he said. “They’re common, particularly near the holiday season.”

Munger instead pointed to manufacturing and job benefits as the most important issues to consider when looking at the future of the nation’s economic growth.

“The recession is over, the economy is back up,” he said. “The question is how many manufacturers will open plants here and not overseas. Also, a thing that could stall the recovery is if there’s not some plan to decrease health care costs.”

Munger added that partisan bickering over the recent economic upswing is unwarranted. “Democrats are wrong to doubt and Republicans are wrong to claim it,” he said.

UM recently launched Collegetown, an outreach program to bring families living near campus even closer to the University. The aim of this program is to improve university-community relations and make the university accessible to its neighbors.
“Our approach is to bring families into the University,” said Sarah Nesbitt Artecona, assistant vice president for media and community relations. “We have a beautiful campus, and there is no city park in this neighborhood, so we want the neighbors to consider the campus their park.”
According to Artecona, UM has never created a community outreach program like this before. In the past, the University relied on its Community Relations Committee to exchange information with neighbors. Now these relations will be taken one step further.
Dr. Pat Whitely, vice president for Student Affairs and chair of the Community Relations Committee, said the University has been working on this project for a long time.
“I’m often asked how neighbors may access University classes and seminars or be notified about campus events,” Whitely said. “This program, which will offer special promotions just for our University neighbors, will keep them connected to campus happenings.”
According to President Donna E. Shalala, this outreach is essential to any university.
“Being a good community partner means opening your doors to your neighbors,” Shalala said. “This program gives our neighbors more opportunities to come to campus for a theatre production, athletic event or just to stroll around Lake Osceola.”
The program was launched late September, when a Collegetown packet was mailed to each household in the 800-home neighborhood radius bound by Red Road, Blue Road, Granada Avenue, and Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
The packet includes a letter from President Shalala, the quarterly Collegetown newsletter and invitations to the Lowe Art Museum and Festival Miami in the School of Music.
It also includes a community map that identifies the “Ibis walking trail”-a path for neighbors to use as a self-guided tour of campus. The trail leads neighbors to several spots, including the Gifford Arboretum, the UC, Lake Osceola, the Lowe Art Museum and the Wellness Center.
“The University is kind of hard to access, and it’s difficult to park, so we’re encouraging neighbors to walk to campus,” Artecona said. “They can jog, bring their kids, walk their dogs, form a walking group or go on a scenic stroll.”
According to Artecona, plans are under way to add to this scenic path by putting a butterfly garden in front of Eaton Residential College.
Also included in the packet is the community benefits guide inviting neighbors to take classes in the School of Continuing Studies. Furthermore, the Institute for Retired Professionals [IRP], sponsored by the School of Education, allows neighbors over age 50 to take courses taught specifically for senior citizens, such as how to use the Internet.
“At most universities, you have to be an alum to participate in programs like the IRP,” Artecona said. “We are opening it up to the community.”
Neighbors also received a ‘Cane Community Card, their equivalent to students’ ‘Cane Card. By showing this card, neighbors will receive a reduced neighborhood price for university events.
Artecona said a picnic and concert on the Green featuring jazz bands from the School of Music are planned for next semester.
For more information or to volunteer for community outreach events, contact Sarah Artecona at sartecona@miami.edu.

Patricia Mazzei can be contacted at pmazzei@umsis.miami.edu.

This week’s Senate meeting began with the swearing in of Commuter Central Senator Francine Madera, followed by the presentation of Mr. UM James “Kimo” Pascual’s winning talent of a medley of UM spirited songs.
Vacant seats in the Senate were discussed. These seats include the School of Communication Senator, the School of Music Senator, and the Senior Class Senator.
Senate also announced that it has been successful in having the library open 24 hours a day during final exams this fall semester. These hours are effective from Dec. 6-17.
Senators briefly discussed the smoking ban around the entrance to the residential colleges and are in the process of formulating a plan for the implementation of this ban.
A bill was passed during the meeting to modify the SG statues that will improve the efficiency of the Cabinet and will also allow better communication between the Cabinet and the Senate through a series of progress reports.
The Senate passed a resolution giving their support and endorsement to a decision for UM to allow students in the School of Communication to have a second major in the School of Business rather than in the College of Arts and Sciences, effective in the 2004-2005 school year. This will allow students who wish to work with a more business-focused aspect in communications to study precisely what they would like.
The Senate took photos for the new website that will soon be put online so that students can more readily see their representative and so that SG may be more readily accessible to all students.
Additionally, the “Speak Up, Speak Out” campaigns to promote an understanding of SG and reach out to the concerns of the students are being held this week. Look out for signs in the residential colleges or check out SG’s table in the UC Breezeway today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Rock.
For more information on SG, visit the SG website at www.miami.edu/sg, stop by the office in UC 214 or call 305-284-3082.
To contact SG, e-mail studentgovernment@umiami.edu.
Senate meetings are held every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. and are open to the public.
Patricia Escuder can be contacted at p.escuder@umiami.edu.

Chad Aarons
Tod Aronovitz
David Bailey
Julie Beltz
Matthew Bitner
Paco Castellon
Scott Centers
Carlos Echeverri
Joe Garcia
Roberta Goode
Dr. Samuel Gruber
Dr. Sherrill Howarth Hayes
Dr. Robert Hernandez
Edward Hudak, Jr.
Bryan Jones
Behram Kursunoglu
Chris Locke
Alexis Martinez
Dr. Robert Marx
Edith Osman
Alex Penelas
Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe
Kara Schickowski
Dr. Jeanne Shay Schumm
Patricia Shatley
Dr. Karen Simmons
Bonnie Solomon
Larry Solomon
Jason Starr
Dr. Peter Tarjan
Harley Tropin
Jay Weiss
Lauryn Williams
Dr. David Wilson

UM united alumni from all generations dating as far back as the 1950s in seven separate reunions last weekend to bring former Hurricanes back to campus for Homecoming and Alumni Weekend.

The reunion brought together alumni who have not seen each other since they were students as well as some who have stayed together over the years.

“We met at UM and we just celebrated our fiftieth year anniversary together a few weeks ago,” Fritz and Shirley Richter, class of 1952, said. “We look back on our time here as beautiful.”

Fritz was president of the student body and Shirley was the president of Panhellenic.

“Back then there used to be six to eight guys for every girl,” Shirley said. “There weren’t enough girls to go around.”

Fritz mentioned how tuition at UM in the 1950s was only $225 per semester, a huge difference from the current tuition rates.

“When I asked what I had to do to transfer to the University, they said, ‘You got $225, you’re in,'” Fritz said.

Shirley brought up how she used to be teased because of UM’s reputation as “Suntan U,” despite the fact that she considered it to be a very academically-conscious school.

“Everyone teased us even though we had some of the nation’s leading experts teaching our courses,” she said. “We had fun in the sun, but we also had a strong academic base.”

Fritz joined in and said he had a business law professor who practically wrote the book on the subject.

The Richters also mentioned that student leaders used to meet with their respective staffs in the same office as other organizations, sometimes at the same time.

“We all sat around and discussed our plans sitting on top of desks and making sure to speak quietly so the other organizations didn’t hear what we were talking about,” they said.

Also as part of Alumni Weekend, the “Old Timers Society” gathered for the 28th time in UM history at President Donna E. Shalala’s house to induct the Class of 1953 in honor of their golden anniversary.

The School of Communication hosted the “Shack Pack” reunion for those who worked on student publications from 1945-1955.

“We have yearned to gather again with those who worked in their spare time on student publications in what we selfishly think was the most exciting, determining decade in the development of a now-great University of Miami,” Ed Goodpaster, ’51, and Lory Snipes, ’52, said in a letter to Shack Pack members.

“Publications are the most fun you’ll ever have in your life,” Joan Nielsen, ’53 Ibis editor, said. “I was closer to the people I worked with than with my own husband.”

Nielsen is currently editor and publisher of Social magazine, South Florida’s premier society magazine, and author of several books.

“Everything I learned I learned in student publications,” Nielsen said.

Lois Helen Mondres, assistant section editor for the ’49 Ibis, said she has fond memories of her time at UM.

“I found the experience to be challenging, warm and welcoming,” Mondres said.

When asked what year she graduated, Mondres replied: “I didn’t graduate – I got married and had babies.”

Steve Avellone, 1977-78 business manager for The Miami Hurricane, said he physically built the entire newspaper office with the excess profits he and his sales reps earned.

“We had so much money left over, we rebuilt the whole office,” said Avellone, director of national sales for Cox Radio, Inc. in Orlando. “The place was in shambles.”

Avellone said the protests and demonstrations of the time helped ad sales.

“We tried to make the paper a true editorial and entertainment resource for UM,” he said. “Everybody wanted a spot in it.”

The golden anniversary reunion was hosted at the Biltmore Hotel, also as part of Alumni Weekend, and featured a slide show and dancing to hits from the 1950s.

Jopie Theed Estaver, co-chair of the 50th year anniversary committee, said she remembers wanting to attend UM for its diversity.

“I remember meeting people from different cities and towns throughout the country that I would not have met otherwise,” Estaver said.

Estaver mentioned some of the benefits of being a college woman at a time when few women sought higher education.

“Oh, it was great – I had lots of dates,” she said.

Estaver, who studied interior design through the School of Architecture, said it took a while to be accepted by her male classmates.

“I was the only female around,” Estaver said. “Once they got used to me, I learned a lot from them and they were a big help.”

“It was a different generation back then,” Joe Feinberg, co-chair of the reunion, said. “The whole student body really blended together.”

Feinberg said he spent most of his time palling around with his fraternity brothers and going to local food hangouts.

“Most of our social events revolved around food,” Feinberg said.

Ronnie Khalil, BBA ’98, MBA ’01, said Alumni Weekend was just another weekend for him.

“Come back? I never left,” Khalil said.

For more information on alumni week or alumni-related issues, contact Alumni Relations at 305-284-2872.

Jorge Arauz can be contacted at um_newspaper@yahoo.com.

ALUMNI SHARE THEIR MOST PRIVATE MEMORIES
The following quotes were obtained by The Miami Hurricane during Alumni Weekend. The anonymity of the sources has been granted so as to protect the reputations they have established for themselves over the years since their graduation.

“My fondest memory? Hell, I used to love taking advantage of the motel across from Ponce. I’d go out for a burger afterward. That’s what life was all about. I miss those days.”

“All the guys are ugly and all the ladies still look wonderful. If the guys didn’t have name tags I wouldn’t recognize them. Hell, I wouldn’t even look twice at them.”

“The University has turned into Sun[less]tan U. I don’t mind though with all of these skimpy vixens roaming around in their hootchie-cootchie cutters. I like the direction the University is going in.”

As the FTAA summit gets under way this week, Miami-Dade County and UM administration and students are watching the situation closely. Already local police are preparing on land, sea and air should any problems arise. Local businesses in downtown Miami have boarded up, and local media has encouraged the public to stay away from the area.
“It’s going to be business as usual [during the summit],” Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas told The Miami Hurricane. “We do encourage residents to proceed with caution and use common sense.”
According to city officials, the county has established a hotline for residents to call for up-to-the-minute information on all county-related services such as transit updates and street closures. Local radio stations are warning the public via public service announcements of potential safety concerns that could arise if demonstrations become violent as they have in the past.
UM is taking steps to inform the University community as the summit proceeds.
“We will begin to monitor the situation closely Sunday and Monday and will update rumor control as necessary,” Dr. Pat Whitely, vice president for student affairs, said last Friday.
Additionally, the Center for Latin American Studies has planned various events to inform students about the FTAA.
On Nov. 14 the first event, “Stop! Hey! What’s that sound? Transitional advocacy and the FTAA,” was held to educate and provide an objective view of the FTAA.
The event featured speaker Jackie Smith representing the department of sociology at State University of New York at Stony Brook. Smith teaches courses on global sociology and international organizations.
During the event, police officers were present and scanned the outside perimeter of the Learning Center.
Tomorrow the centers for Latin American Studies, African-American Studies and Ecosystem Science and Policy, as well as the Dean’s Office, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Caribbean Literary Studies program will present a discussion with filmmaker Stephanie Black.
Black will also present two documentary films: H 2 Worker, tomorrow after the discussions, and Life and Debt on Thursday at Cosford from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Both events will be free and open to the public.
As of press time, the Political Science Department has not planned any special events pertaining to the FTAA summit, but professors of the department, including Dr. Robert Barr, said aspects of the summit will be discussed in classes.
UM students are monitoring the news closely and keeping up-to-date on the summit.
“I think the news is showing a lot of controversies surrounding the event but not educating people about what the FTAA actually is,” Eric Martinez, freshman, said. “I’m definitely going to watch the areas that could most be affected and try to stay away from them.”
For more information on the FTAA, go to www.ftaa-alca.org. For updates on issues regarding the summit, call the UM rumor control hotline at 305-284-5151. For information about county-related services call 305-468-5900.
The Miami Hurricane will continue to follow the FTAA summit as it progresses.

Ernesto Zaldivar can be contacted at e.zaldivar@umiami.edu.

‘Vagina Monologues’ auditioning

If you are a female or live your life as a female and want to take a stand against violence towards women, here is your chance to audition for The Vagina Monologues. The annual benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues is part of the V-Day global movement to stop violence against women and girls. This year UM is honored to be sharing this performance with the campus and surrounding community during the spring semester. Auditions for women will take place on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. in UC 241. If you are interested, please note that no acting experience is required. They are looking for a diverse group of women who are committed to share their voice for those women around the world whose stories cannot otherwise be heard. If you have any questions, contact Nanette Vega at 305-284-2856 or nvega@miami.edu or Dana Ponsky at 305-284-5646 or dponsky@miami.edu.

‘Ibis” yearbook needs writers

The Ibis yearbook is in need of writers. The theme of the book this year is school spirit, and they want to include as many voices and reactions as possible in the book. The Ibis covers anything and everything that takes place on campus and even things off campus, like summer blockbusters or the World Series. Everyone is encouraged to submit their stories, even if they think it is not something that would be included. The stories are usually 250-300 words, but longer stories are also accepted. Stories printed in the yearbook are considered published work, so it looks great on resumes! The Ibis yearbook wins awards every year, why not be a part of it? All quotes and stories can be sent to ibiswriter@hotmail.com or dropped off at the yearbook office in the UC 229. Include your name, year and an e-mail address.

Holiday Hope Tree seeks donations

The Butler Volunteer Services Center is celebrating all the holidays by giving you a chance to buy a disadvantaged child a gift. Holiday Hope Tree information can be picked up at the University Center Information Desk.
Help wanted for St. Jude’s charity

Up Till Dawn is looking for people who are willing to help raise money for a great cause. St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital is a non-profit organization that treats children with life-threatening illnesses at no cost to the family. They also do research to try and find cures for these illnesses. If they find a cure or breakthrough, they share it nation-wide, free of cost. St. Jude’s is a hospital dedicated to making sure that no child is unable to receive treatment. If you or your organization would like help in this effort to raise money for the hospital, contact VSC at 284-GIVE.

TODAY

Adopt a Smoker and attend the Quit Cold Turkey Luncheon for The Great America Smokeout. Just “adopt” a smoker and attend a free turkey luncheon in the Wellness Center classrooms from 12 to 1 p.m. Call 305-243-3209 to RSVP.

UM students can attend the Ring’s production of Violet free of charge at 8 p.m. Violet is a toe-tapping musical journey of hope and healing told through the story of a severely disfigured young woman who travels by bus across the South in 1964 to be healed by a TV evangelist. This contemporary score is rich with gospel, rock, country and rhythm and blues. The production is directed by Michael McElroy, who received a Drama Desk nomination for his performance in the original New York production of Violet. Students are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 p.m., and don’t forget your ‘Cane Cards! For more information, call the box office at 305-284-3355 or log on to www.miami.edu/ring .

SABOR presents Puerto Rican week with Dinner and A Movie in Hecht at 7 p.m. Don’t miss the movie Almost a Woman and authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine.

The Wesley Foundation invites you to attend Successful Interviewing and Resume Techniques at 8 p.m. Chad Naylor, regional recruiting supervisor for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, will present the forum. Refreshments will be served.

CAC presents a Sneak Peek of Gothika at 9 p.m. at Cosford Cinema.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER19

The Great Smokeout continues with Cigarette Trade-In Evening at the Wellness Center Atrium from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Trade your cigarettes for a UM visor.

CAC presents Pirates of the Caribbean at 8 and 10:30 p.m. at Cosford Cinema.
Don’t miss Fiesta Patronales with live music, dancing, food and more as part of SABOR’s Puerto Rican week from 12 to 2 p.m. on the UC Patio.

Hillel presents guest lecturer Amy Kronish who will discuss contemporary trends in Israeli cinema by looking at the issues and developments over the past 15 years, including the relationship between Arabs and Jews and issues of gender and human dilemmas. The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies in the Merrick Building. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Hillel at 305-663-6948.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20

Myra and Company is returning to campus to cut and style for Locks of Love. Remember, in order to donate, you must have at least 6 inches cut. However, you do get a free haircut by a very elite and expensive salon, a free t-shirt, entry into a raffle for one of two massages from the Wellness Center and the knowledge that your hair is going to a good cause. If you want to participate stop by the Rock or inside the UC on the first floor (depending on the weather). To sign up either visit the event or sign up online at www.miami.edu/studorgs/link.

Cigarette Trade-In Day takes place in the UC Breezeway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trade your cigarettes for a UM visor.

HP presents Patio Jams with One Drop from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on the UC Patio.

Be sure not to miss hearing Janet Reno, Dr. Michael Gaines, Dr. Bonnie Levin and Professor Catherine Arcabacio discuss Biology in the Courtroom at 6:30 p.m. in Cox Auditorium Room 126.

SABOR presents their second annual Despierta Boricua in Pearson Residential College classrooms at 7 p.m. This open forum discussing the political status of the island will feature prizes and Puerto Rican Cuisine.

Don’t miss Thirsty Thursday at the Rat from 7 to 10 p.m.

The UM Society of Composers and the Society of Composers National Student Conference present a concert at 8 p.m. in Clarke Hall.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21

There are many poetry slams on this campus, but Afrocentria is the only performance slam where everyone is welcome to share all talents, in all languages, from all over the world with no anxiety. It is the only place to find food, performances and a local band that performed at this year’s World Series, all for free. Don’t miss it at 7:45 p.m. on the UC Rock. For more info visit www.miami.edu/studorgs/asu .

Don’t miss the UM Society of Composers and the Society of Composers National Student Conference concert at 2 p.m. in Gusman Hall and at 8 p.m. in Clarke Hall.

Hurricane Productions presents Belly Bust hosted by Lav Luv and headlined by Finesse at 7 p.m. at the Rat.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22

The ‘Canes Chess Club invites you to participate in a chess tournament in the I-Lounge at 12:30 p.m. Entrance fee is free for members and $6 for non-members. Win cash prizes! For more information, contact caneschessclub@yahoo.com.

UM Society of Composers and the Society of Composers National Student Conference present two more concerts at 2 p.m. in Clarke Hall and at 8 p.m. in Gusman Hall.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26

CAC presents Bad Boys 2 at 8 and 10:30 p.m. at Cosford Cinema.

Bright stars dotted the night sky as a cool breeze swept through the UM campus. University students and their families, faculty, staff and alumni lined Stanford Drive along with the Coral Gables community, anxiously waiting for those creative floats to drive by.

At about 7:30 p.m., flashing police lights and the steady beating of the drum of Iron Arrow Society-the most prestigious honor society at the University-signaled the beginning of the Homecoming Parade.

The parade would only be the beginning of a long night of Homecoming festivities known as Storm Watch.

“I believe that it’s the most exciting night of Homecoming,” said Robert Castro, chair of the Homecoming committee and member of Iron Arrow.

The Homecoming Parade has been celebrated every Homecoming since UM’s humble beginnings, when students would decorate their cars and parade them through the downtown area.

Over time it has evolved into the parade celebrated today, with the imaginative floats and the “Best Float” competition.

The Homecoming Parade, themed “Taking Shelter from the Storm,” brought smiles to many faces as students drove their floats down Stanford Drive.

Student organizations such as Zeta Beta Tau, Kappa Kappa Gamma, United Black Students and Salsa Craze participated this year, along with the Band of the Hour marching band, the Miami Hurricanes cheerleaders, Newberry Preschool and Riviera Middle School.

The grand marshall this year was Perry Clark, head coach of the men’s basketball team, followed by President Donna Shalala. Sebastian the Ibis, the school’s mascot, interacted with the audience and made children laugh.

“It was great, a lot better than last year,” said Bonnee Binker, whose son is in the marching band. “The floats, the weather, everything.”

“I think it showed a lot of UM spirit, got people out, and it was very good,” said Alex Mephaber, UM alum and faculty member in the School of Medicine.

Even “Super Cane” made an appearance.

“Super Cane stands for truth, justice and school spirit, because that’s what being in Miami is all about,” said Bryan Bingman, the senior who plays Super Cane. “I just want to be there for my team. They’re always considered superheroes and I want to be along with them.”

Once all the participants had shown their school pride and all the floats were judged, spectators moved to the UC Patio, where a pep rally was held to fire up the ‘Canes spirit.

The UM cheerleaders and Sebastian the Ibis led the crowd through different cheers to get them excited for the Homecoming game against the Syracuse Orangemen after the Band of the Hour performed all of the ‘Cane fight songs.

“It’s always enthusiastic,” said Ibis Recio, the wife of a professor who was invited by students celebrating their 40th reunion. “They’re having a lot of fun.”

The winners of the Miss UM and Mr. UM beauty pageants were introduced and further enthused the crowd.

After the pep rally, when everyone felt as if they could bleed orange and green, the crowd was led to the banks of Lake Osceola, where they were handed candles and led in singing the Alma Mater.

After the Alma Mater was the infamous boat burning, in which a raft-like boat is sent into the middle of Lake Osceola and set on fire.

Legend has it that if the mast breaks before the boat sinks, UM will win the Homecoming football game.

Everyone watched as sparks and small fireworks were shot out of the boat, setting it on fire, before the boat exploded into a large cloud of flames.

“I thought it was a really good gesture. I liked it, and I didn’t expect that explosion at the end at all,” said Zack Gershman, freshman.

The legend was supported by UM’s 17-10 victory in the Homecoming football game the next day.

Following the boat burning, a grand fireworks display lit up the clear night sky. Everyone sprawled out along the banks of the lake to enjoy the show.

“I thought the fireworks were extraordinary; the finale was so special,” Ava Zaken, a UM alum of the late 1970s, said.

The night was not over yet. ‘Canes Night Live sponsored the Homecoming After-Party, where students, alumni, faculty and their families partied until the early morning hours.

Students of all ages danced the night away as the band Libidos lit up the stage with music from all generations, including disco, salsa and hip-hop.

Dinner included a free barbeque with hamburgers, hot dogs and popcorn. The Rat was open as well, serving drinks throughout the night.

According to those present, there was something for everybody at this year’s Storm Watch: music, food, a parade, fireworks, a boat burning and plenty of school spirit.

“I’m glad to see that our tuition money is being put to good use,” Annette Ponnock, sophomore, said.

Christine Dominguez can be contacted at c.dominguez3@umiami.edu.

Hello all. This is a new column entitled, “Campus Betterment.” We encourage all UM students who see or hear something of a troubling nature on campus to contact us. Your identity will not be revealed, but if you have doubt concerning this, feel free to contact us anonymously. Since Campus Living section is new, the staff did not have the opportunity to rely on students’ cooperation and responsiveness. For this column only, journalists on the Campus Living staff and their friends substituted for you. But remember, we are students too.

You can contact us at UMCampusBetterment@hotmail.com or UMBetterment on AOL IM. Everything sent will be considered and possibly forwarded to a faculty member if deemed necessary.

On Friday, November 14, at around 1:35 a.m. I saw several white males in the McDonald Tower of Hecht on Floor 4 drinking beer and cursing incessantly.
-Anonymous

A flyer was put under my door in Stanford Residential College, Walsh Tower, for a party on Saturday called “Beerial.” The week before, flyers for a club in Coconut Grove were put under my door as well. I wish this would stop.
-Anonymous

I think there a few guys on my boyfriend’s floor who are plotting to steal the ducks from campus. If I hear anything, I’ll definitely send you another email.
-Xoxo, Umeyes034.

Last week, several people told me that two white males were seen walking near the Architecture Building committing a lewd sexual act. I walk at night near there and I am frightened for my safety. Is there anyone I can call about this?
-Anonymous

Hi. Thanks for contacting Campus Living’s “Campus Betterment.” Yes, you can contact Russell Clusman at Public Safety at (305) 294-1653 or email him at rclusman@miami.edu.

Campus Living Writer

So, my friends and I were talking yesterday while having dinner at Moon on South Dixie about how rarely we’ve gone inside the University Center (or the UC) to shop or see what’s really in there…and we’re juniors for chrissakes! My boyfriend Robert and I met for lunch at the StormSurge Cafe – my sandwich was only okay and it was raining and the sky was already dark outside (it was only noon) – which might’ve had something to do with it, huh girls? I don’t usually go to the food court – excluding my sophomore Jamba Juice craze – and Sbarro’s just looks greasy and unhealthy. For whatever reason, when I need an ink pen or condoms, I go to the Eckerd’s across from school and I just use the vending machines to buy Dasani or bring an Evian from our pad in Oasis. This got me thinking: What is in the C-Store on campus? Well, my new fellow readers, I decided to do a little research and find out! Here is what I found – if you live off campus, just use this as your guide and thank me later. There are two entrances to the C-Store, one of which is past the ATMs of the UC outside and through two double-doors (which are not automatic). On the way there, there’s a Ticketmaster in the middle – it’s just a tiny window where some freak works all day – it’s okay, I didn’t know that either! The other entrance is from the inside of the UC past the aforementioned StormSurge Cafe. There’s a park-like bench and two matching chairs right outside of the store for students to read a paper or wait on a friend. I decided to take a seat and observe which entrance was more popular (just for a half-hour). During this time, I counted six people who entered through the “Ticketmaster entrance” and eleven people enter through the inside entrance – all employees were excluded.

The employees at the C-Store who were working on a Sunday were all 30-50 year old nice women and one guy who went into the back and didn’t come out until I had probably left. Their attire was orderly, if a little drab for UM standards: black work shoes, black work pants, knit green collared shirts, and nice, burgundy aprons. After a little confusion trying to explain that I write for Campus Living, I took a “little” look around. There are only four aisles in the C-Store, which I found surprising – I thought it was bigger – a common mistake on my part. Before we start, remember that I am going from left-to-right upon entering the store. Based on the few minutes I was there, aisle one seems most popular – it’s the aisle with the coolers of drinks, starting with various white, chocolate, and strawberry milks (McArthur Dairy), bottles of Star Bucks Frappuccino and, yes, I was stunned too, sushi. According to a sign outside, the sushi is “prepared fresh daily” (maybe by that guy in the back) from fresh tuna, salmon – nothing fancy – and sells for $4.40 – think platters from Winn-Dixie – a tiny hint of class that probably distinguished UM’s C-Store from other colleges. There are also Lunchables Deluxes (for visiting children) and cold-cut sandwiches that look disgusting. Before we breeze through the soft drinks – there’s also H