Sculpture Garden

The story behind UA’s fallen robot with friendly, Frankenstein-esque face: Al.com – June 15

Woods Quad on The University of Alabama campus holds a surprise for passersby: A sculpture of a giant fallen robot with a personable Frankenstein-esque face and a Tin Man body.

Tobacco Use

Study finds older use of tobacco than previously thought: Cherokee One Feather (Monroe, Michigan) – June 15

A study into the use of tobacco has yielded some interesting findings including dating the practice to around 4,000 years ago – about 1,500 years older than previously thought … We would also like to thank members of the University of Alabama’s Office of Archaeological Research for supporting our research by providing time, labor, and access to collections.

Handshake Etiquette

How Donald Trump makes a mess of handshake etiquette video: Stuff (New Zealand) – June 17

It has long been a fundamental principle of etiquette that a handshake should be firm but not alarming, and enthusiastic but not too vigorous. In an 1891 guide to manners, Richard Wells counselled that “a gentleman who rudely presses the hand offered him in salutation, or too violently shakes it, ought never to have an opportunity to repeat his offence” … In one study, University of Alabama psychologist William Chaplin found women with strong handshakes were more open and intellectual – and also more liked than women with limp grips. (Men with stronger, longer handshakes – with prolonged eye contact – were considered less neurotic, more open and extroverted.)

Miss Alabama

Callie Walker, mother took different paths to Miss Alabama: Tuscaloosa News – June 17

More than the moment she became Miss Alabama, Callie Walker cherishes the moment that followed. After receiving her tiara, flowers and well-wishes June 9, The University of Alabama student took part in a reception by the Miss Alabama Pageant organization, where Walker was part of a group picture with other past Miss Alabama queens over the years. Next to her was her mother, Angela Tower Walker, who had been crowned in 1985. “It was such a special moment,” said Tower Walker, a ballet teacher at the Birmingham Dance Theatre.

Immigration

There is virtually no evidence to support the assumption that increases in immigration lead to more crime: Business Insider – June 20

In his first week in office, President Donald Trump showed he intends to follow through on his immigration promises. A major focus of his campaign was on removing immigrants who, he said, were increasing crime in American communities … Robert Adelman, University at Buffalo, and Lesley Reid, The University of Alabama: Research has shown virtually no support for the enduring assumption that increases in immigration are associated with increases in crime.

Crime in Tuscaloosa

Is crime in Tuscaloosa a culture issue?: WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – June 20

Jacob Wakeham, assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at The University of Alabama says there’s a bigger question? “The police … how do other officials support communities to develop this capacity for collective efficacy so they can police themselves and not rely so much on the police to keep their communities safe, they can keep their own communities safe.”

Summer Solstice

UA astronomy professor discusses summer solstice: WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – June 21

Dr. Buta, a professor for UA’s department of physics and astronomy says that the summer solstice is responsible for longer days and shorter nights. “And at the time the number of daylight hours in the northern hemisphere is largest and the number of nighttime hours is smallest. So, we have long days and very short nights on the day of the summer solstice.”

Martha Roby

Donald Trump endorsement helps Martha Roby dispel disloyalty claim: Al.com – June 23

For more than a year and a half, U.S. Rep. Martha Roby has tried to fend off critics who say she bailed out on Donald Trump when he needed her most … The University of Alabama political science Professor Richard Fording said the endorsement was a surprise to him considering Trump’s rebuke of South Carolina Rep. Mark Sanford, a Trump critic who lost his bid for reelection earlier this month.