War and Russia

The impending war with Iraq is extremely unpopular with Russia; however,its stance is much softer than that of France or Germany. The reason isChechnya, says Dr. Andrei Korobkov, assistant professor, politicalscience, and expert on international relations. "During his speech atthe U.N., Secretary of State Powell made a very important friendlygesture towards Russia, indicating that he considered as terrorists manyChechen militarized organizations. He also claimed that there existed alink between these organizations and al- Qaeda." Russia wants tomaximize benefits during the negotiating process, he adds.

Contact Korobkov at 615-898-2945
korobkov@mtsu.edu

An 'attractive' weapon

Just a few well-planned releases of the smallpox virus would bedevastating, says Dr. Stephen Wright, virology expert. Smallpox has a 30percent mortality rate. "Smallpox is particularly attractive as a weaponof mass destruction because it is spread from human to human (anthrax isnot), and even a single release would have a domino effect," he notes."Routine immunization of U.S. citizens ceased in 1972, and most of theworld represents a 'virgin population' in terms of immunity (it is feltthat immunity lasts about 20 years)."

Contact Wright at 615-898-2056
smwright@mtsu.edu

Carvers and potters and fry bread, oh my!

MTSU's American Indian Festival is the largest indoor [event of itskind] in Tennessee, says organizer Georgia Dennis. "A completely newarea has been developed that will showcase primitive skillsdemonstrations and a Tipi Village/River Camp. Fully furnishedplains-style tipis will be on display and a mountain man camp is beingplanned," she notes.Special foods, costumes, dances, music and drumming, arts and crafts˜allwill be part of a dazzling celebration tomorrow, March 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.and Sunday, March 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., MTSU Livestock Center; $6 foradults; $3 for children. Sunday will be recognition day for all veteransand service people. Media welcomed.

Contact Dennis at 615-898-2872 and visit http://www.mtsu.edu/~powwow.

TR EXTRA:TODAY and SATURDAY, Feb. 28 and March 1, 7 p.m., "A Woman Called Truth,"a drama about Sojourner Truth, MTSU Tucker Theatre, $10 adult, studentsfree with MTSU ID. Call 615-898-2640.

TODAY, Feb. 28, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Business and Aerospace Building, RoomS102, Faculty Development seminar with Dr. Harvey Brightman, includinginstruction in effective teaching attributes, writing learningobjectives, designing and delivering clear presentations, etc. Madepossible by a grant from the State Farm Insurance Companies Fund. Call615-898-2764. Media welcomed.

TONIGHT, 6:30 p.m., lecture on Jupiter and "Star Party," Wiser-PattenScience Hall, Room 220, telescope viewing following the lecture, weatherpermitting. Free and open. Media welcomed.

TONIGHT, Feb. 28, 10 p.m.-midnight, Recreation Center, "Up 'Til Dawn,"fund raiser for St. Jude Children's Research Center. Activities willinclude a spirit dance, St. Jude patient remarks, the band 24/7, blow-upgames, Karaoke, and more; $10 donation at the door. For more info, call615-904-8270. Media welcomed.

SATURDAY, March 1, 7 p.m., Wright Music Building, the final-round competition in the 7th annual ClavierFest, presenting student pianistsin grades K through 12. Contact the School of Music at 615-898-2469.Open to the public and media welcomed.

Need help in finding an expert? Contact Tom Tozer, director, Media Relations, at 615-898-2919 or ttozer@mtsu.edu.