UM locked in epic online turf war with other Florida universities
UM’s armies are locked in an epic clash with other Florida universities in a Risk-style game called GoCrossCampus.
The game, featured in the March 21 issue of The New York Times, was created by students at Yale and Columbia Universities. It divides the state of Florida into 70 territories to be conquered by various Florida universities.
Presently, the University of Florida is in the lead with 54 territories and is increasing their roster as a result of an article published in their campus newspaper. UM has 112 players to FIU’s 272 and UF’s 364.
Any student, alumnus or faculty member can register to play online at florida.gocrosscampus.com by placing armies on the state of Florida map. Players are able to elect commanders to lead their university in campaigns to attack other universities in a battle of conquest. Battles take place every day at 8:30 p.m.
The game is as in depth as people want it to be. Casual players can log on for as little two minutes a day to place armies and issue orders. More serious players can become involved in plotting strategies with other players or just spend their time trash talking on the public chat.
Players such as Ashley Ahearn, a senior, enjoy the game because it provides an opportunity to socialize and cooperate with people she doesn’t normally socialize with.
“All UM needs to win the Florida Championship is more players who are willing to log on for two minutes a day and play a game,” Alexei Bordas, a freshman, said. “If they want to get more involved that’s great and more fun, but just participating and helping our team really does not take much more than a few minutes per day.”
– Fernando Ospina
11-foot, 600-pound crocodile captured near Coral Gables campus
Pesky Critters, an animal-control company, captured an 11-foot, 600-pound crocodile from a canal in South Miami near 58th Street and Southwest 64th Avenue, just blocks from the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus, CBS4 reported.
For safety reasons, authorities were forced to capture the crocodile due to complaints of residents who had frequently seen the reptile in the area. However, because crocodiles are an endangered species, they are not destroyed when captured. Instead, they are released back into the wild or kept in captivity.
Todd Hardwick, the man who caught the reptile, said it was one of three crocodiles that have been seen in the area’s canals and ponds. UM’s Lake Osceola is home to two crocodiles. One crocodile is five feet in length and the other is six to eight feet in length.
– Chelsea Kate Isaacs
Coping mechanisms for finals time available around campus
It’s crunch time. With finals two days away, the university is offering students a few respites from studying:
Tonight there will be a Learn to Meditate Night-Time Workshop in the Wellness Center from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The Midnight Breakfast in the Mahoney-Pearson and Hecht-Stanford dining halls is Tuesday starting at 9 p.m.
Green and orange hammocks are being placed in the McLamore Plaza in front of the McArthur Engineering Building for students to relax.
– Ivette Figueroa
Etc.
On May 3 and 4, the entrance gates at Dickinson Drive and Merrick Drive will be closed for the 2008 Zimmerman MS Bike Ride, a fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Walsh Avenue will also be closed from Dickinson Drive to Merrick Drive, on Saturday, May 3, from 5:30 to 9 a.m.
Entrance and exit from the Coral Gables campus will only be possible through Stanford Drive during this time. All gates/roads will re-open at 9:00 a.m. Police will be directing traffic along Stanford Drive as the bike riders leave campus. Questions or concerns may be addressed by calling Parking & Transportation Services at 305-284-3096.