War 'sportsspeak'

The Baghdad incursion is a 'slam dunk'--bombing raid is a 'touchdown'--a 'rope-a-dope' on Saddam--tanks lined up like 'linebackers'--'Hail Mary' scud missiles.' Bob Pondillo, assistant professor, electronic media communication, is disturbed that embedded journalists and studio anchors have resorted to 'sportsspeak.' "I believe that this kind of language constricts our understanding of the humanity involved and turns any meaningful debate into a locker room discussion. ... I am concerned that many reporters are treating the killing fields of Iraq like the playing fields of pro sports."

Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465.
pondillo@mtsu.edu

'Take Back the Night'

Next week is "Sexual Assault Awareness Week," and several events are planned on the MTSU campus. The Clothesline Project--10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday (April 14-17) on the KUC Knoll--is a stark and dramatic display of originally designed T-shirts bearing messages from people who have experienced violence and abuse; Rape Aggression Prevention class, 4-6 p.m., April 15, KUC 322; "Take Back the Night" 5K March and Rally, starting at 4:30 p.m., April 16. Media welcomed.

For more details, contact Tennisha Smith at 615-898-2193.

Rebuilding a nation

Because Saddam Hussein eliminated any opposition to him within central Iraq, it will be hard to find acceptable figures to help build a new government, says Dr. Andrei Korobkov, assistant professor, political science and international relations expert. Attempts to find legitimate figures among the emigrant groups in the west also were not successful. "So the state- and nation-building phase will probably be much more complex than the military one and will require a comprehensive approach, involving the formation of new institutions, finding a compromise between regional groups and grooming new political elite as well as providing mass economic support."

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

TR EXTRA: TONIGHT, 7 p.m., at Hastings on Memorial Blvd. Is there a 'Grand Designer' or is the natural world, with all its complexities, the result of mindless, purposeless forces? Dr. Eric Klumpe, MTSU assistant professor, physics and astronomy, astronomer and astronautical engineer, will discuss both sides of the faith-and-life debate and offer comments on the scientific prospects for a resolution. Free and open. Contact Klumpe at 615-898-2130. Media welcomed.
TONIGHT (7:30) AND TOMORROW (7:30 p.m.)--The Magic Flute, presented by the MTSU Opera Class, Wright Music Building. Free and open, donations accepted. Media welcomed.
TOMORROW, April 12, 4:30 doors open--MTSU International Banquet with food, exhibits, dancing, music--all to celebrate our diversity; Tennessee Room, James Union Building; tickets are $12 per adult; $10 children 12 and under; $6 MTSU students with ID; $3 MTSU int'l students. Contact Sandy Brandon at 615-898-2238. Media welcomed.