MONDAY, JAN. 27 – SUNDAY, FEB. 2
RESEARCH
TORTURE PREVALENT, EFFECTIVE IN POPULAR MOVIES, STUDY FINDS — The majority of popular films, including those for children, have at least one torture scene, and the scenes are usually depicted as achieving the torturer’s goal, according to a study involving a UA researcher. For assistance, contact Adam Jones in UA communications at 205-348-4328 or adam.jones@ua.edu or Jackie Bridges of communications at Gardner-Webb University at 704-406-2542 or Jbridges9@gardner-webb.edu. Dr. Erin Kearns, the UA researcher, is only available for interviews by phone or email at emkearns@ua.edu.
BEST BETS
MEMBER OF ‘EXONERATED FIVE’ TO GIVE MLK LECTURE — A wrongly convicted member of the “Central Park Five” will give the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lecture at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, in the Ferguson Center Ballroom. Yusef Salaam was 15 when he and four other teens were wrongly accused of the 1989 rape and murder of a jogger in New York City’s Central Park. The teens spent between seven and 13 years incarcerated for a crime from which DNA evidence later exonerated them. Since his release more than 20 years ago, Salaam has committed himself to educating people on the issues of mass incarceration, police misconduct, race and the law and disparities in America’s criminal justice system, especially for young men of color. To participate in an on-campus, in-person media availability with Salaam at 2 p.m. Jan. 27, contact Chris Bryant before noon today at 205-348-8323 or chris.bryant@ua.edu.
UA AMONG FORBES’ BEST EMPLOYERS FOR DIVERSITY — UA was recently recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, the only institution of higher education in the state of Alabama to receive the honor. UA was the second-highest ranked employer in the state and No. 21 nationally among institutions of higher education. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA communications, bryant.welbourne@ua.edu or 205-348-8325.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR FREE JOB SKILLS TRAINING – Free job skills and financial literacy training sessions will soon be available to West Alabama adults, including veterans, and teens through UA’s business college. Culverhouse LIFT, or Learning Initiative and Financial Training, will begin classes for its spring 2020 term Tuesday, Feb. 4. Registration and specific course descriptions are available on the Culverhouse LIFT website. Sponsored by the UA Culverhouse College of Business and the Culverhouse School of Accountancy, LIFT’s sessions include computer skills, bookkeeping and introduction to coding. The sessions take place at community centers around Tuscaloosa, including The EDGE and the VA Medical Center. For interviews, contact Lisa McKinney, UA accounting lecturer, by text at 205-535-0907 or lmckinne@culverhouse.ua.edu. For assistance, contact Zach Thomas in Culverhouse marketing at 205-348-8318, zthomas@culverhouse.ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
THINK SUPER BOWL ADS HAVE LOST THEIR SHINE? HERE’S 5 MILLION REASONS YOU’RE WRONG — You may feel some of the buzz surrounding Super Bowl advertising has faded, but companies are spending about $5 million per 30-second national slot during the Feb. 2 game. Dr. Coral Bender, a UA instructor of sports communication, says live sporting events have not yet succumbed to large-scale DVR-viewing, and the massive captive audience of the NFL’s biggest game is valued. Digital platforms only increase the reach of ad buys. “If I like an ad, I can share it with everyone on Twitter, and I can have instant feedback. I don’t have to wait until Monday morning when I’m having my cup of coffee to share my thoughts.” To interview Bender on various aspects of Super Bowl advertising, contact her at bender@apr.ua.edu. She’s most accessible Tuesday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For assistance, contact Chris Bryant in UA communications at 205-348-8323 or chris.bryant@ua.edu.
FEB. 3 IOWA CAUCUS LIKELY LESS IMPORTANT TO BIDEN – In America’s heartland, the appeal of Democrat presidential candidates to primarily white voters will undergo a critical test, said Dr. Richard Fording, a UA professor of political science. Joe Biden is leading nationwide, and he has strong support among the African American community, and so winning the Iowa Caucus is likely less important for him than it is his opponents, Fording says. He is available to speak with the media today, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and he has available slots Wednesday and Friday. Reach him directly at rcfording@ua.edu or 205-348-5528. Dr. Regina L. Wagner, UA assistant professor of political science, is also available to speak with the media regarding the Iowa Caucus. Contact her at rlwagner1@ua.edu. For assistance, contact Jamon Smith in UA communications at jamon.smith@ua.edu or 205-348-4956.
WASHING HANDS HELPS PROTECT FROM CORONAVIRUS, EXPERTS SAY – A new coronavirus that appears to have begun in China has been detected in other countries. UA’s Dr. John Higginbotham, an epidemiologist, says the virus is believed to spread much like the flu, with “person to person contact, including being exposed to droplets from coughs or sneezes. Cover coughs, wash your hands, and, as suggested by the CDC, no unnecessary travel to Wuhan, China,” Higginbotham suggests. To arrange a potential interview with Higginbotham, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu or 205-348-8325.
HIT TV SHOW PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON DEMENTIA – A favorite character on “This is Us” is showing signs of dementia. Nearly 50 million people worldwide suffer from some form of the disease. Dr. Ian McDonough, UA assistant professor of psychology, says it’s atypical for television to depict early phases of dementia as “Rebecca” appears to be experiencing. Will this top-ranked show heighten awareness of the disease? At what points do occasional memory slips become concerning? McDonough is available for interviews this morning and Wednesday morning. Reach him directly at immcdonough@ua.edu or 205-737-3442. For assistance, contact Melissa Parker in UA communications at melissa.parker@ua.edu or 205-348-0825.
LOOKING AHEAD
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