The war's effect on us

Most of the college students who are visiting MTSU's Guidance Services have a relationship with someone who is fighting in Iraq, says Dr. Jane Tipps, director. "We approach the students from the perspective of learning coping skills and/or encouraging them to use existing coping skills," she notes. "Individuals who have never experienced a trauma seem to be more prone to immediately feel helpless as far as managing their thoughts and emotions." They are trying to regain a sense of control in their lives, she adds.

Contact Tipps at 615-898-2670.
jtipps@mtsu.edu

Destabilization

Dr. Andrei Korobkov reminds us that Nashville has the largest Kurdish community in the U.S. The Kurds reside in the northern part of Iraq. Maintaining a balance of power in this country composed of three distinct parts--Kurdistan, Sunni and Shi'ite--presents a challenge to any intervening government. Any kind of liberalization in the north or central regions could lead to demands for independence in the Shi'i south--"and this would lead to the strengthening of Iran." Any demand for independence in the Kurdish region could lead to the "destabilization of other countries having large Kurdish groups--Turkey, Syria and Iran." Any attempts by Turkey to occupy Kurdistan will lead to a major war, he adds.

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

Embedded

Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and Air Force veteran, says he has heard some criticism of the media coverage of the war. One radio commentator--"obviously a conspiracy buff"--said the public is getting only part of the truth. "Yes, those embedded reporters are operating under some restrictions, which is to be expected. Those restrictions became very obvious in the aftermath of the grenade attack at the 101st Airborne encampment. But if we consider the fact that the Iraqi government expelled CNN [for too negative reporting], then perhaps, on balance, the reporting has been fairly accurate."

Contact Burriss at 615-898-2983.
lburriss@mtsu.edu

NEW MTSU SOUND BITES ARE AVAILABLE AT: http://www.mtsu.edu/~proffice/audio/audio_clips.html 1st TOPIC: Home Front Readiness: Smallpox MTSU is helping to recruit and train volunteers to participate in smallpox inoculation clinics in the event a case of smallpox is confirmed anywhere in the U.S. Ellen Gray, acting director for the Rutherford County Health Department, says the volunteers could be asked to perform a number of duties.
2nd TOPIC: MTSU Tornado Warning System MTSU's weather alert system installed two years ago worked like a charm when severe weather struck last week. Interspersed with the sound of the siren was a voice advising people out in the open that a tornado warning was in effect and they should seek shelter immediately. Public Safety Director Jack Drugmand says the system will NOT be used for national security alerts.

TR EXTRA: THIS MORNING--It's picture perfect! Take pictures and talk to kids about their incredible inventions at the Invention Convention, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the James Union Building. More than 300 4th- through 6th-graders will display and explain their work. Media welcomed. Contact event director Dr. Tracey Ring at 615-898-5500.
TODAY and TOMORROW, March 27-28--Research scientist Dr. Carole Baldwin will talk about her Galapagos Islands research at 7 p.m. this evening in the Learning Resources Center, Room 221--and tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Business and Aerospace Building, Room S102. These are free and open. Media welcomed.
TOMORROW, March 28--Poet David Kirby will present a public reading at 3:30 p.m. in the MTSU Alumni Center. Media welcomed.
MARCH 30-APRIL 1--Eighth Annual Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference, "The Challenge Continues." Call the NPA office at 615-898-2919 for details regarding times and locations. Media welcomed.