School security

A new iris-scan security system is being considered for the three schools in the Plumsted District of New Jersey, in which a video camera records the colored ring around the eye's pupil. It's thought to be nearly foolproof. While effective and painless, the new technology is expensive and requires a technician on duty to operate it, says Dr. Ellen Slicker, associate professor, psychology, and school counseling expert. "Seems with all the educational cutbacks, a school district's money could be better spent on teacher salaries or student computers. It may keep strangers out, but it does nothing to deter the 'enemy within' the school."

Contact Slicker at 615-898-5966.
eslicker@mtsu.edu

AIDS in the South

A recent story claims that AIDS is rampant in the South and is emerging in rural areas and among female heterosexuals and African-Americans. Dr. Cheryl Ellis, professor, HPERS, and expert on AIDS education and minority and women's health issues, agrees that in the South, HIV/AIDS "is more and more taking on the appearance of poverty. There is a distinct link between poverty, inaccessible health care and perhaps racism," she says. Statistics indicate that more women are affected by the epidemic, and more women than men live below the poverty line. Additionally, some rural areas do not have easy access to health care.

Contact Ellis at 615-898-2893.
cellis@mtsu.edu

'Over Fences'

Tomorrow at 8:30 a.m., competition at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championship gets under way at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum (324 West Thompson, M'boro) with the Hunter Seat Team Intermediate and Individual Over Fences events. The day's events also will include USAE/Cacchione Cup and AQHA High Point and Open Reining events. More than 500 riders from universities around the nation will be competing, including perennial powers Ohio State, Auburn and Oklahoma State, among others. MTSU will be led by senior Sarah Elder of Maryville. "No other college has a facility of this magnitude," states Bob Cacchione, executive director of the IHSA. For a schedule, go to http://www.ihsa.com/2003Nationals/Schedule.asp. Media welcomed.

Contact Anne Brzezicki at 615-904-8481 or the NPA office at 615-898-2919, whose staff will help to arrange interviews with student riders, organizers and officials.

TR EXTRA: TOMORROW, May 2, 6:30 p.m.--a free and open lecture on "Star Clusters," in Wiser-Patten Science Hall, Room 220, followed by a star gazing through telescopes on the front lawn, weather permitting. These lectures are suitable for all ages and do not require technical knowledge. For more information, call Donna Wolke at 615-898-2130.