UA class studies gender, presidential campaign
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 25
When the fall semester began at the University of Alabama, Janis Edwards a communications professor, already had a lesson plan lined up for her graduate class on gender and political communication. But when Republican presidential nominee John McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, Edwards changed her focus…The students will compare media coverage and public reaction to Palin with earlier reactions to Geraldine Ferraro, Walter Mondale’s running mate in the 1984 presidential election. They will also assess the impact of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who was one of the first viable female presidential candidate. The project is called the Palin Watch, and each student has individual areas he or she will study, including the impact of the Internet, political cartoons, the 1984 presidential election, print and broadcast media, political commercials and the influence of viral videos such as those available on YouTube…
Housing market mirrors U.S. trend
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 26
…The Alabama Center for Real Estate at the University of Alabama said 168 homes were sold in the Tuscaloosa market during August, down from 211 sold in July and down 64 percent from the 467 homes sold in August 2007…
Local economy is slowing, but still stable, officials say
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 26
…There are some factors that are having a positive effect on the area’s economy.
For every 1,000 new students enrolled at the University of Alabama, $5 million is pumped into area businesses and restaurants, Maddox said.
Mercury cleanup may take 2 to 3 days
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 26
…John Vincent, chairman of the chemistry department at the University of Alabama, said that mercury was normally used in old pressure-measuring devices such as barometers and thermometers and dental preparations and has fallen out of use in the past couple of decades. It is not a material that the average person could easily purchase, he said, especially in the quantities that were found at the four sites. “The average person can’t just pick up a chemical catalogue and place an order,” he said. “Chemical providers would not take that order.”…
Body language may spell out victor in tonight’s debate
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – Sept. 26
…The most crucial strategy is to radiate confidence, calm and strength, said David Lanoue, an expert on presidential debates who chairs the political science department at the University of Alabama. “Do the things your mother always told you to do,” Lanoue said. “Be as natural as possible. Stand up straight. Look at the people you’re talking to — in this case, the American people.”
Tutwiler RAs volunteer at Capstone Village
Crimson White – Sept. 26
On Sept. 16, a group of RAs went to Capstone Village, an assisted living home in Tuscaloosa, to visit with the residents…The residents are frequently visited by UA groups, and these meetings can provide a break for the students as well as the residents. Last week, members of the Million Dollar Band played for and visited with the residents…Part of the job of an RA is to get the residents involved in some type of community service, said Barbra Greene, community director of Tutwiler Hall. The RAs plan on making this a monthly trip, and while no residents went on the first trip, it is open for all the girls living in Tutwiler…
Award winner has 38 years experience
Crimson White – Sept. 26
Richard Smith has been working as a professional glassblower for 18 years at the University. With 38 years experience he spends his time repairing and making glassware for the University. This June, Smith was awarded the J. Allen Alexander Award, the highest honor of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society. He received a cash prize but donated it back to the ASGS for the Allan B. Brown Memorial Seminars. Smith was president of the ASGS in 1996…
Committee for off-campus living created
Crimson White – Sept. 26
…The committee will consist of seven senators who will organize events aimed at teaching students about their rights when living off campus and teaching them their responsibilities as leaseholders…