Metro News/Deaths

OBITUARIES:<Insert: Photo of Slain Officer in full Dress Uniform>

MIAMI–Services for Officer Nomed Lived of the Miami Police Department were held at the St. John’s Church in west Miami on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Officer Lived was the killed in the line of duty Tuesday. He is survived by his parents. Donations can be made in honor of Officer Lived to the ‘Family Survivor Fund’ which is for the immediate families of slain officers. Send donations to the Miami Police Department.

Killer Bees Make an Appearance

BY REGINA BROWN

MIAMI–Entomologists from the University of Miami have begun investigating reports of aggressive bees in the area. The specialists have obtained specimens from a local apiarist claiming that the Africanized bees have made their way into his beehives.

Professor Thomas White of UM’s entomology department has confirmed that the specimens obtained from the beekeeper are Africanized honeybees. “African honeybees are much more aggressive than common honeybees when disturbed. The hybrid strain of honeybee was introduced into Brazil in the mid-1950’s. These ‘Killer Bees’ are characterized by their aggressive traits such as the tendency to mass swarm and sting with great frequency.” He went on further to explain “The bee was developed by a geneticist’s attempt to produce a commercial honeybee that was better adapted to the tropics. These bees have since spread north to the U.S.”

Professor White explained that there is no need for public alarm at this time, because the presence seems to be isolated to this one area. He did say, however, that the general public needs to be aware that the possibility that there may be more exists.

Living: Entertainment      

LITERARY REVIEW: _Heaven’s End_ By: Jordan Carter

REVIEWED BY CECILIA LEWINSKY

MIAMI–My Favorite genre this is not, but I must admit that being assigned to review this well written piece of work has been a surprising source of entertainment for me. In this novel, the author seems to struggle to get out of the stereotypical Science-Fiction plotline, and she /almost/ accomplishes her goal.

The reach of man has stretched far into the stars, bringing them into contact with some of the universe’s ‘other’ children. A new race of people has been discovered (the Morai), and the Council has sent out a diplomatic vessel to make contact with and attempt to recruit members of this ‘new race’ to take a seat with the other races of the Universe. Days after crossing the border, the ship vanishes. The Morai claim no responsibility for the loss of the ship and refuse to let any search attempts cross into their space to proceed to find and rescue the missing crew members. Put in charge of finding out what happened to the first ship and its crew, Captain Janison begins a brutal and frightening excursion that brings him closer to finding out who.. or what, the Morai have been protecting for all these years…Ahhh, you thought I’d tell you all…Tsk, Tsk, go get the book.. it is worth the read.

I have to admit, I did enjoy this book, but not because it was such a wonder, but because it is an excellent example of damn good writing.

I just need to know…Ms. Carter, WHEN are you going to do something with that God-given talent and write something a bit more creative? /I/ am looking forward to it!

Alligator Makes Himself At Home

BY GEORGE WILLIAMS

MIAMI–Area policemen were called to a home on Ocean Drive to investigate a break-in recently. A search of the home revealed no intruder, but a subsequent search of the surrounding yards found a ten-foot alligator in the shrubs surrounding the house in the front yard. The officers pursued the animal which traveled to the rear of the property to escape. Shots were fired and the alligator took cover in the bushes. Further pursuit of the officers resulted in the angered animal’s attack on Sergeant Arian of the MPD. Officer O’Leary shot the animal a few more times to stop the attack but ended the animal’s life. Sergeant Arian was admitted to the hospital with severe wounds from the bite sustained to his lower leg.

The Department of Animal Control re-emphasized the importance of leaving the animals alone and calling them to report sightings. “We cannot stress more emphatically the importance of keeping your distance from these animals.. they are not docile in any environment and even less so when in a stressful situation. They will fight back when cornered… when they feel there is no way to escape.” said a spokesperson from Animal Control.