Untitled Document

Thursday, October 5, 2006

NOTE ON FORMATTING: When stories are transferred from the Web, certain punctuation marks and other marks in this report don't carry over and result in symbols and other formatting errors. To see or print the story in full without these translation errors, simply click on "full story" at the end of each item."

Total Clips: 5

	Date	Outlet
ALAS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month	10/05/2006	Opelika-Auburn News
USA. Port of Seattle security dogs Misha & Major to demonstrate bomb detection techniques	10/05/2006	BYM News
Oshkosh Truck Awarded $1 Million from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency	10/05/2006	Providence Journal
Animal rights group critical of Auburn veterinary care	10/04/2006	Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Sunrise	10/03/2006	KARK-TV (NBC)


ALAS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 10/05/2006 Opelika-Auburn News Amy Weaver		Return to Top
Auburn University seems to offer a group or organization for each and every student. And membership isn't exclusive. You don't have to be Greek to be in the Greek system, African-American to be in the Black Student Union or Muslim to be in the Muslim Student Association. The majority of the membership of the Auburn Latino Association of Students is not Latino, according to group president Kelly Mijares. The AU senior said ALAS attracts anyone with an interest in the Latino culture, with or without Latino roots. "The best way to foster awareness is if they're not Latino," she said. Growing up with a Louisiana-born mother and a Cuban father, Mijares has been aware of different cultures all her life. She has lived in several different places but it wasn’t until she got to Auburn in 2003, when ALAS resurfaced on campus, that she found people "a lot like me." ALAS was a place for her to belong and make a mark while a student. She hopes her experiences will help when she graduates with degrees in international business and Spanish. Dean of Students Johnny Green said it is important for Auburn to offer such groups because it improves retention rates. Not only do the various groups reflect the diverse nature of the university population, but students who find others with similar interests or backgrounds are more likely to stay at Auburn than those who don’t. "When students meet students like them, they are challenged and that sets a pattern for lifelong learning," he said. "It's like being part of a sports team. It makes the college experience richer." The main goal of ALAS is to promote awareness among students and the community, Mijares said. The biggest campaign of the year is on now as the group marks Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, with a series of events. Remaining events - a panel discussion about immigration issues tonight and the showing of the movie "In the Time of the Butterflies" starring Selma Hayek on Tuesday - will be held at 7 p.m. in room 3195 of Haley Center. The month will conclude with a party - Fiesta Latina - Oct. 12 on the lawn outside the Foy Student Union. The Black Student Union, Multicultural Center and Department of Foreign Languages and Literature are co-sponsoring the event that offers free food, music and dancing to the university and public population. "It's a fun, festive atmosphere - an amazing event, " Mijares said. "It shows a different side of Auburn. We truly want every one to come out." ALAS is one of many student groups under the Multicultural Center at Auburn, but Green wants to see it, along with the Asian Student Association, moved to his office. The change seems natural as both groups are federally recognized American minority groups and a goal of the Office of the Dean of Students is to help broaden such groups and increase retention rates at Auburn. ASA and ALAS would be funded by Green’s office, leaving more monies in the Multicultural Center for the remaining groups. "The university really wants to see us grow," said Mijares. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population in Alabama to be about 2 percent, the same as the Hispanic population at AU this fall. Jana Gutierrez, an assistant professor of Spanish and adviser for ALAS, sees only growth in the future. She said they are planning more philanthropic and social events. Future events could include a theater troupe and a Latino Literature Colloquium. "Even if you are only involved in a party we throw on the Foy lawn, at least when you graduate, you will know this university promoted diversity," Mijares said.
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USA. Port of Seattle security dogs Misha & Major to demonstrate bomb detection techniques 10/05/2006 BYM News Security news:		Return to Top
Mention's AU's Canine Detection Training Center. Elite detection dogs MISHA and MAJOR searching for hidden explosive materials to demonstrate how they work daily with their handlers at several of the Port of Seattle Terminals to scent suspicious materials and signal them without creating loud noises or sudden movements. Handlers Andre Head (57) and Nathan Viduya (24), who trained with these dogs at the Auburn University Canine Detection Training Center (CTDC) at Ft. McClellan, Alabama -- the nation's most respected canine detection training center. CTDC designed the canine detection program for the FAA. U.S. COAST GUARD personnel hiding explosives materials randomly in suitcases for Misha and Major to unearth as part of the demonstration. These two canine detection teams stay sharp by regularly training with the Coast Guard and other government agency and law enforcement K-9 teams. Overview of security issues and challenges at customer Terminals at the Port of Seattle by Secure Trans President Jeffrey Cohen and Operations Manager Erik White. Secure Trans operates canine teams, security officer contingents and electronic security at several Terminals at the Port of Seattle. The demonstration takes place Thursday, October 5, 2006 10 a.m. Terminal 18 Park: Immediately adjacent (South) to the Harbor Marina Corporate Center, which is 1131 S.W. Klickitat Way Seattle, WA: public parking available. Contact Operations Manager Erik White C.206.391.9029 for directions.
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Oshkosh Truck Awarded $1 Million from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 10/05/2006 Providence Journal		Return to Top
AU is mentioned as a partner in developing this project. The story also appeared in the Milwaukee Journal. Oshkosh Truck Awarded $1 Million from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to Advance Its Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology OSHKOSH, Wis.--Oshkosh Truck Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced today the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded the company a contract to further develop unmanned ground vehicle technology in preparation for the third DARPA robotic competition, the Urban Challenge. DARPA granted the technology development award based on the merits of an extensive team proposal. The contract is valued up to $1 million. Oshkosh Truck brings considerable experience to the Urban Challenge, having competed in each of the previous two challenges. In October 2005, the Oshkosh robotic truck, TerraMax, was one of only five entries to complete the course. Team Oshkosh is also uniquely positioned as one of the few teams in the competition that will employ a modified U.S. military vehicle to compete in the simulated urban environment. Oshkosh has partnered with Teledyne Scientific Company, The University of Parma in Italy, Auburn University in Alabama and Ibeo Automobile Sensor GmbH to develop the capabilities required to operate in an urban environment. "We're extremely pleased to have been selected by DARPA for this technology development award. Team Oshkosh's efforts will be focused on enhancing the artificial intelligence and sensing systems of our TerraMax robotic truck to compete in an urban environment rather than desert terrain," said Gary Schmiedel, vice president of advanced products engineering for Oshkosh Truck. "Our experiences at the previous Grand Challenge events have given us an excellent understanding of some of the technological challenges we’ll be facing. We’re confident in Team Oshkosh's ability to field a highly competitive vehicle." The November 2007 Urban Challenge will build on the capabilities tested in the first two Grand Challenge events. The 2005 Grand Challenge was the first to produce robotic vehicles with the ability to complete a 132-mile desert course. Similarly, the 2007 Urban Challenge will test the unmanned vehicles' ability to execute a simulated military mission within the confines of an urban area. In an effort to accelerate the development of unmanned technologies capable of merging into moving traffic, negotiating busy intersections and other obstacles associated with urban environments, DARPA is providing additional funds to support technology development. To meet the technology development contract terms, Oshkosh Truck must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward pre-established technical criteria during four milestone development tests leading up to the competition. "The U.S. military hopes to make one third of its ground forces autonomous," said Don Verhoff, executive vice president of engineering and technology for Oshkosh Truck. "Because of the military focus for this challenge and the long-term goals of the sponsoring agency, we have every reason to believe that TerraMax represents the most realistic model for future defense applications." About Oshkosh Truck Corporation Oshkosh Truck Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty commercial, fire and emergency and military trucks and truck bodies. Oshkosh’s products are valued worldwide by fire and emergency units, defense forces, municipal and airport support services, and concrete placement and refuse businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, log onto the company Web site at
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Animal rights group critical of Auburn veterinary care 10/04/2006 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Associated Press		Return to Top
This AP story also appeared in the Gadsden Times and on WPMI-TV, WAFF-TV, WTVM-TV and WSB-TV (Atlanta). AUBURN, Ala. - An animal rights group claims its hidden-camera investigation at Auburn University's veterinary lab shows pets were mistreated during organ transplants. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, known as PETA, said it conducted the investigation at an Auburn research lab from February to October of last year. PETA spokeswoman Kate Turlington claims researchers were not giving animals proper care, including administering insufficient amounts of pain medicine after surgeries. Auburn spokesman Brian Keeter said the university is reviewing the allegations. He said it's "very important to remember these are unsubstantiated allegations and Auburn was providing a service to people whose pets were very sick." PETA also claims Auburn misrepresented the success rate of its dog kidney transplant procedure. Researchers said the procedure, which involves transplanting organs from one unrelated dog to another, allows dogs to possibly live out their lives without taking high doses of immunosuppressive drugs. Turlington said she believes the claim to be false and that every animal that underwent the $14,000 procedure died. PETA has filed claims with the USDA as well as the state attorney general's office, Turlington said. Karen Smith, an Ohio woman whose dog, Apache, died a few days after undergoing the procedure, said Auburn veterinarian Michael Tillson told her the procedure had a 70 percent success rate. "I would've been happier to let Apache die at home with his family instead of 800 miles away with strangers," Smith said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information from: Montgomery Advertiser, http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com Posted on Wed, Oct. 04, 2006 email this print this reprint or license this Animal rights group critical of Auburn veterinary care Associated Press AUBURN, Ala. - An animal rights group claims its hidden-camera investigation at Auburn University's veterinary lab shows pets were mistreated during organ transplants. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, known as PETA, said it conducted the investigation at an Auburn research lab from February to October of last year. PETA spokeswoman Kate Turlington claims researchers were not giving animals proper care, including administering insufficient amounts of pain medicine after surgeries. Auburn spokesman Brian Keeter said the university is reviewing the allegations. He said it's 'very important to remember these are unsubstantiated allegations and Auburn was providing a service to people whose pets were very sick.' PETA also claims Auburn misrepresented the success rate of its dog kidney transplant procedure. Researchers said the procedure, which involves transplanting organs from one unrelated dog to another, allows dogs to possibly live out their lives without taking high doses of immunosuppressive drugs. Turlington said she believes the claim to be false and that every animal that underwent the $14,000 procedure died. PETA has filed claims with the USDA as well as the state attorney general's office, Turlington said. Karen Smith, an Ohio woman whose dog, Apache, died a few days after undergoing the procedure, said Auburn veterinarian Michael Tillson told her the procedure had a 70 percent success rate. 'I would've been happier to let Apache die at home with his family instead of 800 miles away with strangers,' Smith said. Information from Montgomery Advertiser, http //www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
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Sunrise 10/03/2006 KARK-TV (NBC)		Return to Top
This television broadcast includes a segment on Neil Armstrong and a mention of AU's Jim Hansen, Armstrong biographer. WVIT (CT) and WWBT (VA) carried similar broadcasts. Good morning and welcome to k-a-r-k four today... I'm matt mosler... Mosler... And I'm melissa have you with us this Tuesday morning... October 3rd. 3rd. Taking a look at some of the stories making news this morning.... Morning.... A late night shooting outside of a little rock bar makes for a busy night for police.It happened just before midnight outside of grumpy's on green mountain drive.Police received calls of shots fired, and that The victim had left the scene.A short time later... A shooting victim showed up at a local hospital. There's no word on the victim's condition, other than he's alive. In little rock, police are investigating a suspicious death... That could turn into the city's 50th homicide.41 year old sherry jones' daughter and landlord found her lying on the floor of her apartment on west roosevelt. Police say there was some sort of trauma to jones' head. Her body is at the state crime lab, for an autopsy. An apparent case of arson does thouands of dollars worth of damage to a little rock home.It happened around 10 thirty last night at a home at 10th and barber streets. There were three people in the house at the time... But no one was injured. 'the occupants stated that they saw someone in the rear of the house at the time the fire was set.' set.' investigators hope to know later this morning.... What was used to start the fire. You'll want to check your water, before you wash, this month. All this month, the little rock fire department will be testing fire hydrants around town.You should know your water may may be discolored for a day or two, around the check. It's okay to drink, but could stain your clothes. You can go to our website, kark dot com, to find out when hydrants in your area, will be checked. Little rock national airport could soon be ort. Airport. Airport officials say mexican airline 'mexicana' has expressed interest in offering flights out of little rock to guadalajara and Mexico city.The airport's director of marketing says the flights probably wouldn't be available for a couple of years -- because airports are required to have customs, or federal inspection stations for non- stop international flights, and little rock national doesn't have one right now. But, he also says flights to Canada may soon follow. Let's send it over to mike francis for a Check of your forecast. Forecast. Unseasonably warm temperatures continued across the natural state today as high pressure aloft remained in control. This unusually strong ridge for early October will be the dominant weather feature through next weekend keeping warm and dry conditions in place. Just a few high clouds were spread across the southeastern region of the state today other wise sunny skies prevailed. Humidity was also elevated with afternoon temperatures climbed into the mid 80s to lower 90s. These highs are about 10 degrees above normal for this time of the year. Winds did pick up briefly during the afternoon but have have subsided since. At the 9 pm hour...Skies were generally clear except for a few high clouds across the north. Temperatures were still mild f an australian journalist and space buff, who also creates computer software, has probably solved one of the great quotation leaps of mankind. Using a voice analysis computer program, he's dissected exactly what neil armstrong said when he landed on the moon. And discovered...The history books may need rewriting. More on the story from chris clackum. What neil armstrong thought he said when he stepped on the surface of the moon in 1969 wasn't what was heard back on earth... 'that's one small step for man....' what armstrong intended to say was ..'that's one small step for 'a' man...One giant leap for mankind'. Auburn university professor james hansen is armstrong's biographer. 'he thought saying 'one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' was like saying...It was inane.' one way or the other, armstrong's missing word has been in dispute for 37 years.. Until now. 'this is the part here that proves neil armstrong said it correctly...'for a man...' australian software creator, journalist and all around space buff peter ford used a voice analysis computer program to listen more closely than ever to armstrong's words. 'that's one small step for a man...' 'it was quite clear that he said 'small step for 'a' man...' the problem is that the 'a' was only 35 thousandths of a second long.' ford is pretty adept at computerized voice analysis. He's developed a program to help severely paralyzed people like famed physicist stephen hawking .. Talk. And actually met with armstrong to share his discovery. 'these details are really important...Not just for the us space program...But for mankind.' and it's mankind that may need some serious re-writing of history if ford's analysis holds up. Chris clackum, NBC news.