Celebrity Culture
Why you can get canceled and celebrities rarely do: Deseret News – July 25
Bill O’Reilly is back on bestseller lists. Jeffrey Toobin is again on CNN. And Chrissy Teigen racked up nearly 900,000 likes on Instagram while bemoaning her membership in the “cancel club.” Holly Grout, a historian and associate professor at The University of Alabama who has studied celebrity culture, agreed that celebrities can withstand punches that would level most private citizens, in part because they know their cultural relevance and market value “depends on their ability to elicit a public response, positive or negative.”
Summer Commencement
UA to hold summer commencement ceremonies: ABC 33/40 – July 26
The University of Alabama is holding summer commencement ceremonies on Saturday at Coleman Coliseum. More than 1,400 graduates are expected at the two ceremonies. No tickets are required for guests and there are no limits to how many guests each graduate can have. However, face coverings are required for everyone who is not fully vaccinated.
Tuscaloosa News
WVUA
Testament to Persistance
Hardship pushed back his graduation 25 years; his time has come: Tuscaloosa Patch – July 27
When Angel Narvaez-Lugo walks across the commencement stage on July 31 to receive his bachelor’s degree in religious studies, it will serve as a testament to how he’s overcome his challenging past, and as a gateway to a future of possibilities.
Coronavirus Risk Perception
Sustained surge at DCH brings more new virus patients Wednesday: Tuscaloosa Patch – July 28
… Dr. Wanyun Shao, an assistant professor of geography at The University of Alabama, has studied people’s perception of risk as it relates to the coronavirus. She explained that, based on past research, renewed mask guidelines and mandates alone will likely only have discernible effects on those who are concerned about the virus and who have probably already been vaccinated.
National Geographic
Venomous Caterpillars
Soft, cute, colorful nightmares: Venomous caterpillars of Alabama: Tuscaloosa Patch – July 30
Caterpillars can be cute, are generally soft to the touch, and sometimes even beautiful to behold with intricate, colorful designs. Plus, they transform into butterflies and moths — insects that even people who find most bugs creepy still tend to appreciate.
Understanding Psychology
We Rate Ratings: Allison Scrivner from Psychology: Crimson White – July 30
Episode 6 of WRR features Allison Scrivner, psychology professor and pomeranian mom of Snyper! Due to her love of animals, Monica and Josh discuss the ultimate argument: cats versus dogs. Once Allison comes on the show, she talks about how talking about Snyper helps students understand psychology and the lessons she teaches.
Rural Teacher Shortage
‘Where I’m supposed to be’: Black Belt program finds success in rural teacher shortage: Al.com – July 31
Whether it was for vet school or a doctorate program, Nicole Aledo always thought she’d leave her small Black Belt town. But fond memories of her high school chemistry teacher kept her wondering what it would be like to stay. Aledo returned to Demopolis last year to teach physical science – a subject so understaffed that it’s the target of a statewide incentive program. With every chemistry lab and circuitry project, Aledo is part of an ambitious effort to address teacher shortages in some of the state’s poorest districts. “Colleges of education have got to be more entrepreneurial and innovative in thinking about how we’re going to put teachers in the classroom,” said Natalie Adams, a professor of education, social and cultural studies at The University of Alabama who noted that regional universities like UWA have “done a better job” of placing new teachers in hard-to-staff schools.