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1:13 p.m., Feb. 18, 2008--A roundup of recent news items about UD, its faculty, students, staff and alumni.

Debbie Jeffers of IT-User Services was quoted in a Feb. 17 News Journal story about Second Life, a virtual reality world that is being put to use by universities and government agencies. “Everyone has this misconception that it's a game, but it's not,” Jeffers told the News Journal. “It's a 3D environment for networking-like Facebook, but better.”

Suzanne Burton, associate professor of music, was quoted in a Feb. 17 Chicago Southtown Star story regarding online early childhood music programs. She was quoted, "What we know about music aptitude is that its development continues until age 8 or 9, so anything that's being done that is worthwhile musically will help a child maintain their music aptitude, which will serve them in the future," Burton said.

Tammy Anderson, associate professor of sociology, was cited in a Feb. 16 News Journal story about the auction of a single-digit Delaware license plate.

David Kirchman, Maxwell P. and Mildred H. Harrington Professor of Marine Studies, was quoted in a Feb. 15 Philadelphia Inquirer story about human activity and the toll it has taken on the world's oceans. “I don't think it means that the oceans are done, not by a long shot. It just means that we've touched all these areas,” Kirchman told the Inquirer, adding bits of plastic turn up everywhere, even “in these places we think are pretty pristine.”

Laurence Seidman, Chaplin Tyler Professor of Economics, was quoted in a Feb. 14 The Economist story about renewed interest in economic stimulation. Recent actions have provided “an excellent first dose,” he said.

James Corbett, associate professor of marine and earth studies, was cited in a Feb. 14 Associated Press story about pressure being placed on the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce ship emissions.

Lou Hirsh, director of admissions, was quoted in a Feb. 14 News Journal story about UD support for a family in Wilmington that received a new home through the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

UD President Patrick Harker was quoted in a Feb. 14 News Journal story about his presentation to the state's Joint Finance Committee.

Frederick Nelson, professor of geography and director of the UD Permafrost Group, was quoted in a Feb. 13 News Journal story about the appearance at UD of explorer Lawson Brigham, who signed the American Geographical Society Fliers' and Explorers' Globe and kicked off the William S. Carlson International Polar Year Events.

Helen Bowers, associate professor of business and economics, was quoted in a Feb. 12 News Journal story about Bank of America being added to the Dow Jones industrial average. “That's seen as prestigious. It makes investors more aware,” Bowers said.

Charles Elson, Edgar S. Woolard Jr. Chair and director of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance, was quoted in a Feb. 12 Bloomberg News story about attempts by Microsoft to take over Yahoo. “Ultimately, it's almost impossible to resist a strong acquirer with a strong offer,” Elson said.

James Newton, retired professor of black American studies, was featured in a Feb. 11 News Journal story about his Black History Month presentation at the Monday Club.

Joseph Pika, professor of political science and international relations, was quoted in a Feb. 10 News Journal story about the Democratic race for governor.

Harry Shipman, Annie Jump Cannon Professor of Astronomy and an amateur skater, was quoted in a Feb. 10 Baltimore Sun story about figure skater Kimmie Meissner and adjustments she must make on the ice as she grows.