Release Date: January 15, 2003 This content is archived.
A report on major stories in the news media during the month of October 2002 involving the University at Buffalo, its faculty, staff and students. If you are interested in receiving a copy of a story in this log, please contact Connie Rieck in the Office of News Services at 645-5000, ext. 1420 and she will gladly fill your request.
For a report on stories that appeared in the national radio, television and Web media during the month of October 2002, click here.
For a report on stories that appeared in the local media during the month of October 2002, click here and here.
NATIONAL PRINT MEDIA
Newspapers
USA Today, Oct. 22, article reports that when medical devices are recalled, patients are almost never required to be advised of the recall. Robert Baier says that even the third owner of a used Chevy gets recall notices -- but not the owners of pacemakers or other medical device.
USA Today, Oct. 18, article reports that Montgomery County's "eye witness" deliberately gave unreliable information to the police. Charles Patrick Ewing said this development is a public-relations nightmare that costs a lot of money and manpower.
USA Today, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
USA Today, Oct. 7, article discusses the difficulty in arresting killers who kill randomly, without good reason, so that police cannot link victim, circumstances and perpetrator. Forensic psychologist say they are difficult to profile. Charles Patrick Ewing said that the victims are random, but the killings are well planned and organized.
US News and World Report, Oct. 21, article discusses the extreme random nature of the DC sniper's attacks. Serial killers usually murder because of the high level of excitement brought on by the act -- but that requires face-to-face encounters or some interaction with the victims, which are absent in this case. Charles Ewing said that these are not random killings -- they are random victims.
The New York Times, Oct. 20, article reports that James C. Kopp has admitted to the killing of Barnett Slepian, but says that it was an accident; he meant to injure, but not kill him, in order to stop the doctor from performing more abortions. Charles Ewing says that the necessity defense is common in politically charged crimes, but it is a limited defense, which the judge may not accept.
The New York Times, Oct. 20, article reports on Karen Allen's research concluding that spending time with a pet can reduce stress levels, while talking to a spouse may have the opposite effect.
The New York Times, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
The New York Times, Oct. 1, article reports on Karen Allen's research concluding that spending time with a pet can reduce stress levels.
Baltimore Star Tribune, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
Baltimore Sun, Oct. 24, article reports on the ongoing negotiations between the Montgomery County police and the Washington area sniper, which are taking place through the media. Charles Patrick Ewing says the sniper does not want dialogue or negotiation, but simply wants to keep terrorizing the community.
Baltimore Sun, Oct. 17, article reports that investigators in the Washington area are carefully crafting the words they speak in front of TV cameras, regarding the sniper shootings, and quotes Charles Ewing.
The Washington Post, Oct. 26, article reports on a letter found at the sight where the Washington snipers killed one of their victims. The letter demands $10 million dollars, to be made available on a stolen credit card. Charles Patrick Ewing was struck by the oblique dare to the police to "catch us now" rather than catch us when we withdraw the funds.
The Washington Post, Oct. 25, article reports on a low-budget movie, "Manna from Heaven," produced by Five Sisters Productions, literally five sister from Buffalo, whose father, Roger Burton, taught at UB.
The Washington Post, Oct. 21, article reports that groups opposed to war in Iraq are planning a rally and a march on the White House. Matthew L. Schwartz, a UB freshman, has helped charter two buses to Washington.
The Washington Post, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
The Washington Post, Oct. 15, article reports on the 1996 federal law that bars providing "material support" to terrorist groups. It is an obscure law, and constitutionally dubious, but has become the cornerstone of the Bush administration's efforts to prosecute suspected al Qaeda members. Lee Albert said that the arrests of six Yemeni men in Lackawanna will provide a significant test of the statute's reach.
The Washington Post, Oct. 1, article reports on a study by James Meindl regarding President Bush's rhetoric and word usage in speeches since Sept. 11, 2001. While the president's language has become increasingly "aggressive," using words such as "leadership" and "strengthen," "enemies," and "killers," he has conspicuously refrained from using Osama bin Laden's name. The strategy seems to have worked: Americans used to say that the war on terrorism could not be called a success without bin Laden's death or capture, but now, with the President's silence on the matter, the number of people who believe this has dropped significantly.
San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 12, article reports that the DC sniper is a different sort of serial killer; he is not interested in getting to know his victim, neither are the crimes sexually motivated -- which is more typical for these types of killers. Charles Patrick Ewing says the sniper does not want dialogue or negotiation, but simply wants to keep terrorizing the community.
San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 11, article reports on the impersonal nature of the DC sniper's attacks. Most serial killers prefer to get to know their victims and then murder them up close in a "messy profusion of mayhem." Charles Patrick Ewing said that this killer's objective seems to be to cause widespread terror in the community, which is why he kills from a distance and then slips away.
Augusta Chronicle, Oct. 15, article reports that UB Bulls' mascot Victor E. Bull has been named as one of the 12 members of the first-ever Capital One All-America Mascot Team. Fans are asked to vote for their favorite mascot to be named the Capital One National Mascot of the Year.
Austin American-Statesman, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
Business Review, Oct. 31, article reports that more than 80 immunologists from research centers across upstate New York, including UB, will participate in the Upstate New York Immunology Conference this week.
Dayton Daily News, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
(Rochester) Democrat and Chronicle, Oct. 27, article focuses on R. Wayne LeChase, chief executive and managing partner of LeChase Construction in Rochester. LeChase earned a law degree from UB in 1968.
(Rochester) Democrat & Chronicle, Oct. 13, article reports on Rob Gross' success as the new CEO at Munro Muffler Brake Inc., headquartered in Rochester. Gross has a graduate degree in accounting from UB and said that knowledge of finances has helped him to understand how to increase retail sales.
Grand Forks Herald, Oct. 21, article reports that a two-count indictment has been handed up against six Lackawanna men accused of supporting terrorism and providing material support to al Qaeda. Lee Albert says that the central issue is whether visiting a training camp is a criminal violation.
Herald Tribune, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
Miami Herald, Oct. 21, article reports that a two-count indictment has been handed up against six Lackawanna men accused of supporting terrorism and providing material support to Al Qaeda. Lee Albert says that the central issue is whether visiting a training camp is a criminal violation.
Milford Daily News, Oct. 13, article reports that the DC sniper is a different sort of serial killer; he is not interested in getting to know his victim, neither are the crimes sexually motivated - which is more "normal" for these types of killers. Charles Patrick Ewing says the sniper does not want dialogue or negotiation, but simply wants to keep terrorizing the community.
Patriot-News, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 9, article reports that only one of the six Yemeni-American terror suspects in Lackawanna, was granted bail. Lee Albert said the bail decision was a sign of the times and that the government has a weak case because it presented no evidence that the men were planning to do anything wrong after they returned to the US.
(Syracuse) Post-Standard, Oct. 12, article reports on a bridge being built across the Utica-Rome Expressway, which collapsed as the concrete was being poured. Michael Constantino said that the bridge's twisting motion indicates a flaw in the design of the bridge.
Salt Lake Tribune, Oct. 29, article reports on Karen Allen's research concluding that spending time with a pet can reduce stress levels, while talking to a spouse may have the opposite effect.
St. Petersburg Times, Oct. 21, article reports on sightings of the supernatural made at the French Castle at Fort Niagara. Joe Nickell of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) interviewed employees at the Fort. Paul Kurtz, professor emeritus at UB, founded CSICOP in 1976, when he noticed that his students "believed as much in astrology as they did in astronomy."
Sun Herald, Oct. 6, article discusses the constitutionality of the 1996 Anti-Terrorism and effective Death Penalty Act, under which the "Buffalo Six" were charged. The court has made conflicting rulings in the past and Lee Albert said the debate over the statute is relevant for purposes of the bail hearing, because the strength of the charge is one of the circumstances being weighed.
Tennessean, Oct. 3, article reports on Karen Allen's research concluding that spending time with a pet can reduce stress levels, while talking to a spouse may have the opposite effect.
Virginian Pilot, Oct. 19, article reports on parents who kill their children and the reasons why this happens. Charles Patrick Ewing said that treatable depression often is a factor and that public education about depression and postpartum depression can help.
Washington Times, Oct. 10, article discusses psychological profiling in the DC sniper case. Charles Patrick Ewing says that profiling is not successful when so little evidence exists and could lead to the police overlooking a viable suspect.
Yale Herald, Oct. 11, article reports that, generally, on-line distance learning programs have failed. Around the country, universities, including UB, have made substantial investments and then abandoned attempts to market degree programs over the Internet.
Wire Services
United Press International, Oct. 30, article reports that UB researchers may have saved a man from having a heart attack during an examination that showed he had a protein S deficiency. Alfredo Aguirre said that, undetected, the deficiency can cause strokes and/or heart attacks.
PR Newswire, Oct. 28, article reports that UB Bulls' mascot Victor E. Bull has been named as one of the 12 members of the first-ever Capital One All-America Mascot Team.
PR Newswire, Oct. 28, article reports that UB researchers may have saved a man from having a heart attack during an examination that showed he had a protein S deficiency. Alfredo Aguirre said that, undetected, the deficiency can cause strokes and/or heart attacks.
Associated Press Newswires, Oct. 21, article reports on efforts by Chief Charles Moose to communicate with the Washington-area sniper through the media. Charles Ewing says he is skeptical that the person sending the messages to Moose is the sniper, when the real sniper could simply pick up the phone and call the police directly if he wanted to speak to them.
Associated Press Newswires, Oct. 17, article reports that police are saying very little about the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
Scripps Howard News Service, article reports that the DC sniper is a different sort of serial killer; he is not interested in getting to know his victim, neither are the crimes sexually motivated - which is more "normal" for these types of killers. Charles Patrick Ewing says the sniper does not want dialogue or negotiation, but simply wants to keep terrorizing the community.
Magazines
American Health Live, Oct. 22, article reports that when medical devices are recalled, patients are almost never required to be advised of the recall, and quotes Robert Baier.
Crain's Detroit Business, Oct. 14, article reports on the University of Michigan's attempts to improve technology transfers, or commercialization of research into products, in the area of life sciences. The article notes that institutions such as Harvard University, MIT and UB have more flexible policies and show more willingness to share resources with private companies/partners than UM does.
Current Science, Oct. 25, article reports on Chuck Kristensen of Arizona, and his Spider Pharm. Kristensen has 50,000 black widows, tarantulas and brown recluses which he milks for their venom. The venom is used by institutions such as UB, where researcher Tom Suchyna has discovered that is can suppress dangerous spasms that occur when heart cells are stretched by high blood pressure.
Diabetes Weekly, Oct. 14, article reports that UB researcher Carlos Crespo has found that hormone replacement therapy does provide some benefits for diabetic women; they were more likely to have their blood glucose under control and have lower cholesterol levels than women who had never used HRT.
Heart Disease Weekly, Oct. 20, article reports that UB researcher Carlos Crespo has found that hormone replacement therapy does provide some benefits for diabetic women.
Immunotherapy Weekly, Oct. 30, article reports that UB immunologists are the first to describe a human immune system component known to be essential to controlling the activation of T cells, the first line of defense against foreign antigens. Xin Lin said the findings could be used to design new drugs which enhance the immune system. Co-first authors of the study are Donghai Wang and Yun You.
Internet Wire, Oct. 10, article reports that UB Bulls' mascot Victor E. Bull has been named as one of the 12 members of the first-ever Capital One All-America Mascot Team.
Physician's Weekly, Oct. 21, article reports that UB researcher Carlos Crespo has found that hormone replacement therapy does provide some benefits for diabetic women.
Proteomics Weekly, Oct. 28, article reports that UB immunologists are the first to describe a human immune system component known to be essential to controlling the activation of T cells, the first line of defense against foreign antigens. Xin Lin said the findings could be used to design new drugs which enhance the immune system.
Women's Health Weekly, Oct. 17, article reports that UB researcher Carlos Crespo has found that hormone replacement therapy does provide some benefits for diabetic women.
INTERNATIONAL PRINT MEDIA
East African Standard, Oct. 18, article reports on the "Akiwuma Report," which was released by the government and implicates a number of people for incitement of and involvement in ethnic clashes, starting in 1997, which left over 100 people dead. Matua Makau hailed the release of the report just before the presidential election.
East African Standard, Oct. 16, article reports that Kenyan opposition parties have united and will field one single presidential candidate. Kenya Human Rights Commission President Makau Mutua welcomed the announcement and said it gave Kenyans the best opportunity to sweep President Moi from power.
Globe and Mail, Oct. 22, article by Miriam Schuchman, professor at UB and at the University of Toronto, looks at the long waiting times at doctors' offices and the unreachability of doctors in general. She discusses the pros and cons of using email to communicate with doctors and patients.
Globe and Mail, Oct. 15, article written by Miriam Schuchman looks at the blood shortages at the Canadian Blood Services. Ever since the "tainted blood tragedy," the process of giving blood has become more complicated and takes longer, but the need is very great, and many Canadians seem unaware of this.
Globe and Mail, Oct. 1, article written by Miriam Schuchman looks at the class of drugs called "statins," such as Lipitor, which are very effective at lowering cholesterol, but now are being discovered to cause serious side-affects such as hepatitis and myalgia, a muscle-wasting disease.
Guardian Unlimited, Oct. 17, article reports the type of information coming from investigators in Washington regarding the DC sniper. Charles Ewing said that televised information may not be accurate and that it is difficult to discern between information and disinformation.
New Straits Times (Malaysia), Oct. 12, article reports that the number of Asian students studying in the US has reduced this year. American representatives are in Asia to encourage potential students. Males from Muslim countries between the ages of 18 and 45 now must go through a cumbersome process to obtain a student visa. At UB, 12 of 47 Malaysian students have yet to receive their visas for the September session; however, the university plans to accept them in January of 2003.
Sunday Mirror (UK), Oct. 27, article reports on the motivations of the Washington snipers, who tacked a note to a tree, demanding $10 million. Charles Patrick Ewing said it was a roll of dice: you get the money or you get caught.
Times of India, Oct. 27, article reports on the extreme difficulties Ayesha Nariman is having in her run for Congress. Nariman, a native of India, has no money and no political clout. Her only employee is Meena Chainani, a UB business school graduate.
Times of India, Oct. 24, article reports that an herb commonly found in India, Enicostema Littorale, may have the potential to cure diabetes and control high cholesterol. MS University in India is collaborating with UB on an in-depth study.
Toronto Star, Oct. 21, article discusses the likely profile of the DC sniper. Elliott Leyton, a Canadian forensics expert says the killer is likely male, between the age of 25 and 45 and carrying a grudge. Although there seems not to be a pattern, likely it just has not been discovered yet. Charles Ewing said that these are not random killings -- they are random victims.
World News (New Zealand), Oct. 22, article reports that a two-count indictment has been handed up against six Lackawanna men accused of supporting terrorism and providing material support to Al Qaeda. Lee Albert says that the central issue is whether visiting a training camp is a criminal violation.
