UA physicist caught up in doomsday hype
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 11
A University of Alabama physicist’s paper on the subject of the collider has unintentionally become fodder for doomsday prophets who say it could potentially destroy the Earth. Benjamin Harms’ paper, published six years ago, theorized that the machine could be powerful enough to create micro black holes stable enough to escape. The paper pulled Harms into the fray this summer after a German scientist used it to back up his argument against flipping on the collider. The German paper that cites Harms and his co-author is used in one of the European lawsuits, although Harms said the lawsuit is unnecessary. On Wednesday, Harms said his paper was misinterpreted. It was meant to address the capabilities of the collider but was not focused on disaster, he said…
Hummer dealer fights shifting buying habits, pump prices
Birmingham News – Sept. 11
…The Hummer is not suffering alone. Other big sport utilities such as Lincoln Navigators, Ford Expeditions and even some midsized SUVs like the Ford Explorer also have experienced steep sales drops, said Peter Clark, a University of Alabama associate professor of chemical engineering who follows the petroleum industry. “It’s not surprising that GM is trying to sell the Hummer brand,” Clark said. “Right now, everybody wants a little car because of high gas prices. The same trend happened in the late 1970s during the oil embargo.”
GOP House candidate in Ala. runs 1st Palin ad
Associated Press State Wire – Sept. 11
…The chairman of the political science department at the University of Alabama, David Lanoue, said he expects other candidates will also take advantage of Palin’s popularity, which skyrocketed during last week’s Republican National Convention. “The convention showed she has a great deal of star power,” Lanoue said. “Candidates would be crazy not to take advantage of that. This is the time for them to do it, while her star is at its highest.”…
UA construction goes green
Crimson White – Sept. 11
…Tim Leopard, assistant vice president for design and construction for the University, said the University is working to fulfill its commitment to sustainability. One thing the University is doing, Leopard said, is installing more efficient heating and air electrical systems in Ridgecrest South residence hall…Low-flow toilets are also being installed to conserve water, he said. Leopard also said new construction has included the installation of motion sensor lighting in buildings…
More Crimson Ride Buses to Run After Game
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Sept. 10
This weekend the University of Alabama says you will see four additional Crimson Ride buses running after the game. They will go from the west side of the stadium to the campus drive deck. UA says wait time will not be eliminated, but the wait time will be shorter.
International Honors Program hosts convocation
Crimson White – Sept. 11
International Honors Program members were formally welcomed to the program during the IHP’s convocation Sept. 10 in the Ferguson Center ballroom. The convocation was held to familiarize the IHP students with each other and the requirements associated with the program…Fran Oneal, director of the IHP, presented the Ron Robel Spirit of International Friendship Award, named for the first director of the IHP…The honor was awarded to Kely Melo da Silva, a senior majoring in international finance. Melo da Silva studied in Belgium for a semester and said she encourages others to partake in the study abroad program…