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UA In the News — July 12-15

Bama Bug Fest will feature variety of creepy-crawlies
Tuscaloosa News – July 15
A new event will have Tuscaloosa buzzing. The Bama Bug Fest, organized and sponsored by the Alabama Museum of Natural History, is set for 4-8 p.m. July 27 at the Mildred Warner Westervelt Transportation Museum, 1901 Jack Warner Parkway. Admission is free. Displays will feature a wide variety of creepy-crawlies, from ants to scorpions, along with fun events like a cockroach pull.

A number of reasons we need to talk about infidelity
BBC News (Indonesia) – July 15
We may tend to think the best in our partners, but maybe we shouldn’t believe it. Infidelity is the number one cause of divorce in the US. Acknowledging cheating will obviously hurt your partner’s feelings – but there are many variations in how people react. Greg Tortoriello, a psychologist at The University of Alabama has studied the effects of failure felt on people; in particular, people whose personalities react badly to failure. One example is narcissists, who seek the approval of others and are very aware of how they present themselves. “We assess two types of narcissists: grandiose and narcissistic vulnerable narcissists,” Tortoriello said. “A grandiose narcissist has a high sense of self-esteem, while a narcissist who is vulnerable is sensitive to other people’s judgments and usually has lower self-esteem. In both cases, few threats can activate aggressive behavior.”

University of Alabama’s CrossingPoints to launch new certificate program
Alabama News Center – July 14

The University of Alabama will debut an innovative, year-round academic program for individuals with intellectual disabilities beginning in the fall 2019 semester. The CrossingPoints Certificate in Occupational Studies is a three-year, non-degree certificate program that will include six students in each annual cohort. The CCOS will add a third tier to UA’s highly influential CrossingPoints, an on-campus postsecondary transition program that helps students with significant disabilities develop skills necessary for successful adult functioning. CrossingPoints launched in 2003 and has since added the annual Summer Bridge program to create a pipeline for the new certificate program.

Postcards from Bama
KPVI News (Anniston) – July 14

Wade Hall’s picture might not be in the dictionary next to the word “deltiologist,” but people like Hall are the reason a formal word meaning postcard collector had to be created. Before his death in 2016, the Bullock County native and English professor collected about 25,000 vintage postcards in his travels between holding positions at several universities. A traveling exhibit showcasing Hall’s collection, which was donated to the libraries at Troy University and University of Alabama, is set to visit Piedmont in July and Jacksonville in August.
The Anniston Star – July 14

Tuscaloosa County looks to build on success of University of Alabama, Mercedes-Benz
WVTM – July 13
Tuscaloosa County is looking to the future to help grow an area that’s already seeing economic success. WVTM 13’s Chip Scarborough explains why improving the workforce is critical.

THEATER REVIEW: Young cast of ‘Grease’ infuses musical with jolt of energy
The Tuscaloosa News – July 13

Reviews of shows such as Theatre Tuscaloosa’s “Grease” can be terribly simple or rather painstaking. So it’s fun, spirited, bright, full of high-energy dance, lovely voices and performances from pleasingly pure pop to surprisingly rich and inspired. It’s “Grease,” and yes, that’s the word you’ve heard, so check now, as nearly every performance is sold out. Apparently, it’s the one that folks want. Theatre Tuscaloosa’s added a show, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday July 21. Director Stephen Tyler Davis, one of the brightest sparks at The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance during his undergrad years here, in the early 21st century, might have projected his own sunny smile and style onto stage, possessing each and every performer.

New Report Suggests the Alt-Right Has Fallen Out of Love With President Trump
Atlanta Black Star – July 13

The alt-right movement’s steamy love affair with President Donald Trump is apparently on the rocks and may be beyond repair, according to a recent report by Vice News’ Tess Owens. University of Alabama professor George Hawley, who has written two books on the far right, argued that the frayed love affair between white supremacists and the president is a far cry from the relationship they had  when Trump was running for president. “Trump was a candidate they were genuinely enthused about,”  Hawley, an assistant political science professor, told Vice News. “They weren’t as excited about [Sen. Mitt] Romney or [Sen. John] McCain.”

Tuscaloosa Probate Judge believes UA’s College of Engineering can be catalyst to economic development in Tuscaloosa County
WVTM-NBC 13 – July 13
The University of Alabama and the Mercedes-Benz plant are two of the driving forces behind economic development in Tuscaloosa county locally…Rob Robertson says manufacturing is critical to the area’s future. He says there has to be a greater focus on workforce to help support manufacturing at places like Mercedes….That’s where Robertson says the University of Alabama plays a role a campus. He says the community has yet to take full advantage. “We have the largest school of engineering in the state. We are going to work to bring more of that out and develop the knowledge base sector of our local economy,” and by doing so Robertson says more out of state students are likely to remain in Tuscaloosa county.

UA study finds fortifying homes for hurricanes increases value
“On the Money” – a syndicated show which airs throughout the nation – July 13-14
Nationally, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety created a Hurricane Fortified Standard a decade ago, meant as a guideline for builders and owners. But so far, only 8,000 homes have that designation. Those that do, sell for 7% more, according to a University of Alabama study. The technology to fortify homes has advanced dramatically but the demand for it actually hasn’t and that may be because homeowners mistakenly believe that it is wildly expensive.

Learning spanish how to understand and speak a new language z gas tecate telefono
Gas & Electricity – July 13

Have you ever tried to learn another language, only to abandon your efforts due to boredom or frustration? In this highly effective course, we’re pleased to present an approach that turns the tables on the problems so many people face in learning a new language. This course is designed to cover the curriculum 2015 electricity prices of a first semester college course in Spanish. Throughout the lessons, you’ll explore how to learn a language and start communicating. Your teacher, world-class language instructor Professor Bill Worden of the University of Alabama, has refined this approach over more than 20 years, distilling the step-by-step system that works the best for adult learners.

Warren snatches silver at World University Games
Trinidad Express (Trinidad, Tobago) – July 12

Portious Warren snatched shot put silver for Trinidad and Tobago at the World University Games in Napoli, Italy, yesterday. The University of Alabama student threw the iron ball 17.82 metres. Canadian Sarah Mitton grabbed gold with an 18.31m effort, while bronze went to Poland’s Klaudia Kardasz at 17.65.

Exploring Racial Disparities in Sleep Health and Neurocognitive Function
BioPortfolio – July 12
Despite longer life expectancies due to combination antiretroviral therapy(cART), the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persists thus affecting 52% of the HIV population. Poor sleep quality is commonly reported in older adults and has been related to neurocognitive impairments.  Compared to Whites with HIV, African Americans (AA) are disproportionately affected by HIV and are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. This primary goal of this 1-year cross-sectional study is to examine racial differences in sleep quality and neurocognitive function among 60 African Americans and Whites with HIV (age 50+).

UA College of Education holds training session
WVUA – July 12

While students are enjoying their summer vacation, educators including teachers, counselors and principals attended a conference today at the Bryant Conference Center here on the university campus. This is the first of several training sessions where educators look at all aspects of school diversity and discipline. The program is an effort by The University of Alabama’s positive behavior support office. Sara McDaniel says that teachers these days are dealing with students from all skill levels. Today’s training sessions were just the first of several that will be offered to some 150 schools that The University of Alabama’s College of Education supports.

UA researchers watch Tropical Storm Barry
WBRC-Fox 6 – July 12

A team of weather professionals at The University of Alabama are anxiously awaiting Barry’s landfall. Dr. Laura Myers the director of the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the school, is part of a team that monitors these storms and sends feedback to first responders.

Soon Your Phone Will Be Your Driver’s License, MetroCard and More
The Wall Street Journal – July 12
Rule: The word “magic” should not be used when referring to technology. E.g., a keyboard isn’t magic. It’s a keyboard. Exception: Using my smartphone instead of an easy-to-lose and hard-to-swipe New York City subway MetroCard. That is magic. Some promise can be found at colleges and universities. Working with a company called Transact, Duke University, the University of Alabama and others have building-access systems, meal-program kiosks, bookstores and more that accept iPhone and Android-based student IDs.
La Nouvelle Tribune – July 12

Five Scientific Findings That Could Lead to New Inventions
Smithsonian – July 12
While new technology can sometimes feel strange, almost other-worldly at first, the future of innovation actually involves researchers better understanding the natural world around us. And inventors are catching on, with more and more embracing biomimicry, or the process of designing products to function as animals and plants do after evolution’s fine-tuning. From mantis shrimp to bee spit, engineers are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to inspiration. “We speculate that at some point we could engineer a tape that could be applied strategically on aircraft surfaces, such as helicopter rotor blades, wings or certain locations on the fuselage where flow separation is occurring and causing an increase in drag or decrease in performance or maneuverability,” says Amy Lang, an aeronautical engineer at the University of Alabama, who presented the work at the American Physical Society March Meeting in Boston, in an email to Smithsonian.

UA hosts SITE Camp
Fox 6 – July 11

And speaking of camps, campers are having a blast at The University of AlabamaStudents from across the country converged on the Capstone today to build t-shirt launchers. It’s part of UA’s annual engineering camp that is celebrating its 28th year!

Renovations to campus buildings
ABC 33/40 – July 11
The University of Alabama’s campus will look different this fall. The Alumni Association tweeted out this video of the demolition of Friedman Hall. It was built in 1951.

New mental health law enforcement officers added in Tuscaloosa County
WIAT-CBS 42 – July 11

There are now four new mental health officers who are ready to respond to emergencies. The county probate judge expanded the program so more officers can help people with mental illness. Each law enforcement agency including: the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Northport, Tuscaloosa, and the University of Alabama police departments all have a mental health officer.

John Merrill: Voter registration hero or villain?
Alabama Political Reporter – July 12

In Secretary of State John Merrill’s announcement video for his 2020 Senate bid, Merrill said, “Doug Jones does not represent Alabama values.”  On most political issues, Merrill is a strict conservative, like many Alabamians. His beliefs about voter registration are no exception.  Merrill has said he views voting as a constitutional right, but one that requires some effort. “Well, I think [automatic voter registration] is a party matter, and probably, this is the party line. Because automatic voter registration is something that is catching on in the predominantly democratic states,” said Robert McCurley, adjunct professor at both the Cumberland School of Law and the University of Alabama Honors College.

Briefcase: July 13, 2019
Kankakee (Illinois) Journal – July 13
The Illinois Library Association recently announced that Kelly McCully is the 2019 Valerie J. Wilford Scholarship Grant for Library Education winner. McCully is the director of the Bourbonnais Public Library District. … She is currently pursuing her master’s in library and information science through the University of Alabama and will use the grant money to complete a course in professional paths.

Alabama announces honors
Independent Tribune (Concord, NH) – July 12
The UA Dean’s and President’s lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or to undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.
Wicked Local (Wareham, Mass.) – July 12