More than a mascot: Campus home to wild ospreys

By Ross Brooks
ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

Jen Quinn

Mascots are often a university's most recognizable feature. But tell someone you attend the University of North Florida and they're likely to ask you, "Now which school is that again, the alligator or the bull?"

While the UNF Osprey might not garner much mascot recognition in comparison to other Division I schools around the state, Harriet and Ozzie follow in the footsteps of other bird-brained mascots that came before, like Cocky from the University of South Carolina and the Hokey of Virginia Tech.

However, UNF has something these older, more storied programs lack. The UNF campus contains not only metaphorical ospreys (teachers, students, athletes, etc.) but real, wild, fish- catching, egg-hatching ospreys as well, which is one of the many reasons why the osprey was chosen as the official mascot for the university in 1979.

With a wingspan of more than five feet, eight razor-sharp talons and a beak strong enough to be mistaken for a pair of wire cutters, the osprey is far more intimidating than the armadillo, or seagull - two viable but ultimately unsatisfactory candidates in the 1979 election for mascot supremacy at UNF. Intimidation factors aside, the osprey is a unique predator that remains mostly misun- derstood by the student population at large.

According to Dianna Flynt, center supervisor at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Fla., an osprey's diet is 99 percent fish, which is why the birds are found anywhere near fresh and brackish water.

With a specialized diet comes specialized hunting tactics. Unlike most raptors, whose feet consist of three toes in the front and one in the back, the osprey is equipped with a "reversed" toe, according to Flynt.

"Ospreys are capable of taking their third toe and swinging it around to their back toe" Flynt said. "When they dive into the water and grasp the fish, they bring the one toe around the backside, and as they are flying they put one foot in front of the other to line the fish up with themselves, making them more aerodynamic."

Trick toes and an understanding of aerodynamics aside, ospreys stand out for their ability to adjust and survive amongst the ever-increasing destruction of Florida's wild places. Where a perfect osprey nesting spot was once a towering, limbless, leafless dead tree, logging and development have reduced the availability of such trees, forcing the ospreys to adapt.

"As we have come in and made changes to the environment, they are adapting to our changes," Flynt said. "One of those adaptations is to nest in poles, power poles and cell tower poles."

The destruction of wild places has left countless numbers of animals dead, injured or homeless, with the osprey being no exception. Fortunately, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey exists to help take in and rehabilitate some of these birds, including an osprey named Smedley, who was adopted by UNF in 2000.

Pierre Allaire, vice president for institutional advancement, said the funds to support Smedley range from $500 to $1,000 annually.

"Through conservation organizations and an account in the foundation, people can contribute to help Smedley." Allaire said.

Unable to divulge the names of past contributors, Allaire said the number of Smedley supporters lies somewhere between five and 10 individuals.

Allaire said the funds collected from UNF go toward helping Smedley and other birds at the center, and the donations would probably continue for some time as "birds of prey like that can live quite a long time in captivity."

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Students flock to academic advisers for guidance, help with scholastic planning

By Laurel Wright
STAFF WRITER

It's getting close to registration time and that means students may have to pay visits to their advisers, braving ridiculously long lines to get a few short questions answered or a hold lifted. But if students take advantage of advising offices before registration begins, a visit to an adviser doesn't have to be so horrible.

The academic advisors at the University of North Florida are here for more than just lifting holds, said Carlos Monell, College of Arts and Sciences academic adviser. Students should visit their advisers before the holds show up. Advisers can offer advice to help make the college experience go smoothly.

The most important thing advisers want students to do is to visit them with any questions before registration begins. The advising offices can have waits up to two hours during registration, said Kellie Woodle, associate director of the Academic Center for Excellence.

It can become very stressful and frustrating for students if they have to wait long to see an adviser, Woodle said.

"Advisers have a good idea of what classes will be offered each semester before the schedule is posted," she said. "It benefits students to come in early. "

Some UNF students have had difficulties with advising while others have benefited from the advising process.

"I haven't had any problems with advising," said Luke Hilderbrand, a senior accounting major. "I have only gone once, but I have heard of people having problems with being told different things by advisers though. There has been inefficiency in communication."

Garry Dulang, a freshman chemistry major, said his advising experience has been mixed. "I had to change a major and they helped with that, but the line was really long. They said the wait was going to be around 40 minutes but it was really over an hour long."

Freshmen and sophomores should visit the Academic Center for Excellence for advising where they can review requirements for their first 60 credit hours. Advisers can help students understand procedures, like withdraw and its effects on scholarships. The advisers can also help students investigate different majors if the student is not sure what they would like to do.

"Advisers can guide a student when choosing courses because they have been through it (the classes) before," Woodle said. It's a good idea for students to have their own advisers.

"If you meet an adviser you like, request them," she said. "Then you have a relationship with them and you can call or e-mail them if you have any questions. If an issue comes up they know you and normally can accommodate your requests." After completing close to 48 credit hours students should return to the Academic Center for Excellence for a final degree audit. This audit will check to see what pre-requisites still need to be met and help students transition to their colleges.

"When a student nears 60 credit hours, they need to speak with an adviser from their college," Monell said.

This meeting is to clarify any questions the student has, ensure the correct major is declared, and there are no holds that may affect registration.

Students also need to meet with an adviser to plan a program of study before registration begins, Monell said.

The program mirrors the catalogue and gives students a list of the courses they have taken and the courses they need to take to graduate.

Advisers can help students with questions about pre-requisites and clarifying the differences between each discipline, Monell said.

They can also help students determine what classes can transfer from other schools, assist with study abroad course credits, letters of recommendation and evaluation of courses.

"Students need to come to advisers with questions about their majors, minors or goals," Monell said. "Come in to question or confirm things, students need to take an active part in advising. Come for substance not record keeping; the records are online."

Students should also speak with professors in their fields. Building relationships with professors is a good idea Woodle said. During freshman orientation professors can sign up to meet with students and talk about college.

"It's more about mentoring," Woodle said. "Developing relationships with professors can help students feel more like a part of the university. They can help guide students to more opportunities."

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'Lion King' brings movie to life

By Ace Stryker
PRODUCTION MANAGER

Disney

The Broadway rendition of the popular animated film plays through April 15 at the Times Union Moran Theater.

Good: Stellar performances and dazzling effects make the experience a night full of Disney magic.
Bad: A less-enthusiastic second half slowed the show's momentum.
Fix: More magic! More effects! More sparkles and booms and flying lions!

From the moment the curtain ascends at Disney's "The Lion King" and the audience is met with a booming rendition of "Circle of Life," the old familiar feeling of the company's magic at the peak of its creative odyssey pervades the room. It doesn't let up until the last orchestra members have taken their bows.

Audible "oohs" and "ahhs" ripple through the crowd in the beginning as near-life-size giraffes stalk into view from stage left and elephants and rhinos lumber down the aisles from the rear of the theater.

A 25-foot-tall Pride Rock rotates slowly into place, and the animals - now joined by antelopes, cheetahs, flying birds and a host of other species - gather round, singing and dancing in unison as their king and queen climb the steps to the pinnacle and wise Rafiki presents ... a small lion doll that does a weird kicky-twitchy thing to the rhythm.

OK, that part was a little off. But it's indicative of the success of the production as a whole - marvelous, breathtaking, larger-than-life, but occasionally marred by small quirks that briefly interrupt an otherwise totally convincing romp through the African savannah.

Generally speaking, the show leaves audience members entirely stripped of their expectations within the first five minutes and doesn't release them from the spell of wonder until the end.

The Circle of Life chorus, led by the arresting Phindile Mkhize playing Rafiki, leaves viewers awash in the finest sense of grandeur and harmony ever produced by a Disney undertaking.

The performances are vivid, the sets are extensive, and the special effects are, well, special to behold.

The best example of the effects, and perhaps the best scene in the show overall, comes in Act 2 when fully grown Simba searches for his father and is chagrined from beyond the grave.

The shimmering luminescent transitions and giant (we're talking giant) floating Mufasa head amount to what could easily be the most obvious display of high-budget harlequinade of the whole evening, but instead is so absolutely compelling it leaves little room for any reaction beyond wonder and astonishment.

It's moments like these - and the antelope stampede and the "Be Prepared" musical number - where the show really succeeds.

The nits to pick were mostly inconsequential, but present nonetheless. Very few of the actors are mic'd sufficiently.

Most of the time, one has to strain to hear what is being said or sung over the background music.

It doesn't seem as though the same amount of time and creative energy has been invested into Act 2 (with the exception of the Simba-Mufasa scene) - it's pretty straightforward and austere in presentation, especially the disappointing final confrontation between Simba and Scar.

And, of course, the new songs all fall flat in comparison to those concocted for the original film by the combined musical genius of Elton John and Tim Rice.

Standout performances belong to Mkhize, a South African native, as Rafiki, Mark Cameron Pow as Zazu, Dan Donohue as Scar, John Plumpis as Timon, and Dionne Randolph as Mufasa, who gave one of the strongest displays despite being the role's understudy. The producers might want to reconsider that one in future performances.

All things considered, "The Lion King" will leave viewers' expectations of what is possible within the confines of a stage performance somewhere in the dust of the Serengeti and take them on a wild ride abounding with the brand of magic Disney has spent 85 years perfecting.

Contact Ace Stryker at managing@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

ELP provides window to world

By Matt Coleman
FEATURES EDITOR

College is a difficult proposition for many students. Reading, studying, homework and tests are all serious roadblocks for prospective scholars. For some University of North Florida students, classes are made all the more difficult because their teachers are literally speaking a foreign language.

Maira Martelo, a native of Cartagena, Colombia, is concurrently taking graduate courses in education and working at UNF's English Language Program.

A resident of Jacksonville since summer 2006, Martelo is actively pursuing a doctorate in education. Her ultimate goal is to become a professor and teach at UNF.

She first came to Jacksonville to visit a friend. After learning of UNF's ELP, she decided it was the perfect environment for her to further her education.

When she started taking classes in the ELP, she found it difficult to overcome the language barrier.

"It was really frustrating," Martelo said. "You want to communicate, but you just can't."

Martelo, who taught communication while living in Cartagena, said the program helped prepare her for the university experience.

After months of intensive work, Martelo said she eventually became acclimated to speaking English.

"It is never ending because I'm always learning," Martelo said. "Sometimes I want to say something, but the words just don't come out. It comes with time, but it takes a large effort and you have to be really focused."

Martelo attributes her success to completing the coursework her professors assigned.

She said she didn't do the homework because it was mandatory - she completed the work to learn.

The ELP has been a part of UNF since 1997. Ruth Harrold, the director of the ELP, said the program started with the help of the Division of Continuing Education and its former director, Dr. Marcelle Lovett.

Harrold said the program started with six students and has expanded to accommodate 85 students this semester in the Intensive English class.

The program offers an intensive class, which is specifically geared toward applicants with Student Visas. Students meet for class more than 20 hours a week to practice and cultivate their knowledge of the English language. Students receive certificates for each of the four levels of the program they complete.

"This is the largest amount of students we've ever had enrolled during a semester," Harrold said. "Out of the 85 students, there are 24 different nationalities represented, and around 19 different languages."

Currently, the ELP employs one full-time professor and 11 part-time professors, with two staff members that help Harrold with clerical work.

For Martelo, her time with the ELP has not only allowed her to pursue her dream of receiving a doctorate, it has given her a valuable insight into American culture.

"Learning English is like having a new window to the world," Martelo said. "Through the language, you can learn the culture. The English Language Program has given me a new view of the world."

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Six months down, two to go: Tips to keep yourself healthy throughout the flu season

By Jamie Williams
STAFF WRITER

It's been to every country on every continent in the world. It's met many people: male and female; big and small; rich and poor; all races, creeds and cultures.

It travels fast, stealthfully, and is not intolerant against meeting anybody, be it for the first time or 10th. What is it?

It is influenza, better known as the flu. And college students are just as much at risk as everyone else when it comes to meeting this round-trip visitor, if not more.

Illnesses such as colds, sore throats and the flu are difficult to elude while in college.

With students, such as those at the University of North Florida, living together in dorms and apartments,sitting together in classrooms, and dining together in cafeterias, respiratory infections such as the flu spread effortlessly, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Every year, an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the United States population catches the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

At www.flufacts.com, students can get up-to-date statistics of flu activity in any area. Just enter a zip code, and it will bring up the respective city's flu activity compared to the national average.

A recent check showed Jacksonville at a slightly higher average than the rest of the country for influenza cases. Now in the heart of flu season, here are some helpful things to know.

Flu symptoms typically include high fevers, extreme tiredness, muscle aches, sore throats, headaches, dry coughs, stuffy or runny noses, and possible stomach symptoms, according to the CDC.

Further complications of the flu can include sinus infections, dehydration, ear infections, bacterial pneumonia and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes or asthma.

Flu viruses are primarily spread from one person to another through contact with germs from the sneezing or coughing of people with influenza, according to the CDC.

People may become infected simply by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their noses or mouths.

It's even possible to pass theflu to someone else before the infected person knows he or she is sick.

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.

To avoid contracting the flu virus, the CDC recommends these following tips: Try not to touch the eyes, nose or mouth to avoid the spread of contagious germs; wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if not near water; and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

According to the AAP, exposure to cigarette smoke and allergies to dust also makes people more prone to get cold symptoms.

But people can actually help themselves more. By getting a flu vaccine, preferably before the flu season starts, the chances of getting the flu decrease significantly.

Jessica Townsend, a registered nurse at UNF's Student Medical Servies, said the flu season can begin in October at the earliest and last as long as May.

"Getting your vaccination as early as possible is best," Townsend said. "The best time is in October or November, but [it] can be given throughout the entire flu season."

If at some point a student does contract the influenza virus, UNF's Student Medical Services, located at Building 14, room 1501, can help.

Just a little more than five years ago, the SMS became a full service medical clinic, and its services are offered exclusively to students enrolled at UNF.

The current hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all appointments should be scheduled in advance.

If one begins to feel flu-like symptoms after SMS is closed, they advise seeking medical attention at Solantic, a walk-in clinic with eight locations in Jacksonville.

If symptoms are severe, going to the emergency room is strongly advised.

When someone has the flu, physicians recommend escalating the quantity of fluids taken in and receiving an abundance of rest, Townsend said.

They also advocate using medications such as ibuprofen - which should be taken as directed on the medication label - for aches, pains and fever, and throat lozenges for sore throats. Over-the-counter decongestants can also be taken if needed.

"Because the flu is a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics," Townsend said.

If one gets the flu, stay home from work, school and social gatherings. This will help prevent others from catching the illness.

Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue during coughing or sneezing, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco, as these will hinder the body's ability to fight off the virus.

The influenza viruses are insensitive globe trekkers that at some point in time, if they haven't already, are bound to find their way to each and every person.

With a little preparation ahead of time, people can delay not only their length of stay, but their visits altogether.

Contact Jamie Williams at espinnak@unf.edu -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

Ask Dr. Osprey

This week, Ashley Morris, a health education counselor gives her opinion on how to be happy in your own skin.

When looking into a mirror, some people may not like what they see. Some may see a fat, skinny or unproportioned image.

In this day and time, women are bombarded with how the media portrays the "perfect" body. Through extreme dieting, excessive exercising, and setting unrealistic goals, women believe they can fit this "perfect" image.

The problem is not every body is made the same. Society's image of women today tends to be eye-pleasing, often resembling unrealistic Barbie-doll proportions.

The Social Issues Research Centre found the current media ideal of thinness for women is achievable by less than 5 percent of the female population.

Body dissatisfaction can be linked to unhealthy eating patterns, increased depression and low self-esteem. All of these health issues can contribute to eating disorders, physical complications and emotional disturbances.

While it may be difficult to change our bodies physically, there are ways we can change the way we think about our bodies.

Try not to focus on why certain areas of your body don't resemble those seen in the media. Instead, look at your body as a whole.

When you feel good about who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful.

More information is available by contacting the Department of Health Promotions at 620-1570 or the Counseling Center at 620-1085.

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Oddball Antics

By Mike Pingree
MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE

NEVER MIND SIR, WE'LL PUT IT OUT
A drug addict accidentally set fire to his Chandler, Ariz., apartment while cooking methamphetamine in a toaster. After failing to douse the flames with water, he drove to a local Wal-Mart to buy a fire extinguisher. When he returned, the fire department was already there. He was arrested.

THIS ONE WAS RATHER EASY TO SOLVE
Police in Orangeburg, S.C., arrested a man with 43 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car. The reason they searched his vehicle was that he had crashed it into a state trooper's cruiser at 70 mph.

NO PROBLEM, THEY'LL BE NONE THE WISER
Teenage boys in New Zealand snuck out of their high school to watch Boobs on Bikes, a procession of women, naked from the waist up, parading through downtown Christchurch on motorcycles to promote a sex expo. They slipped back into school thinking they had gotten away with it. Alas, a picture of them in their school uniforms appeared on the front page of the newspaper the next day.

NOPE, HE DOESN'T LOOK FAMILIAR, OFFICER
Police were called to a residence in San Jose, Calif., by a woman who said that she came home to find a naked man on her couch. The officer who filled out the report said, "The two did not appear to know each other."

LOOKING FOR THIS?
A man burglarized a home in Titusville, Fla., but fled when he was confronted by a neighbor. When he realized he had left his cell phone behind, he went back to retrieve it. The cops had already found it and were waiting for him.

SO I SAYS, `THIS IS A STICK-UP'
A heroin addict who held up a drug store in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a samurai sword was caught because a police officer overheard him bragging about it only minutes after the robbery a short distance from the scene of the crime.

YOU'RE UNDER ARREST GRAMPS
A 7-year-old girl in Burnett, Wis., called 911 to report that her grandfather was cheating at cards.

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