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WEIGHING THE EVIDENCE -- In his course on evolution this semester, Temple biologist Richard C. Weisenberg has some advice for the future biologists and science teachers he is instructing: go on the offensive. "Take the high ground. Don't let the creationists have the high ground," he urges his students. "We as scientists should have the high ground. We have the facts, not them. We should be setting the agenda, not them. We don't have to defend evolution." When creationists argue that evolution is merely an unprovable theory because no one witnessed the universe's birth, Weisenberg replies: "No one alive today has ever seen George Washington, either. The only evidence we have of his existence is a handful of paper documents that could have easily been forged. By comparison, the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. We have millions of fossils, computer models, theoreticians who have worked out the details, and molecular data." He concludes, "When you weigh the evidence that George Washington existed and was first president of the United States alongside the evidence for evolution, evolution wins in a walk."
Reach Dr. Weisenberg through the News Bureau at 215-204-7476.
OVERCOMING TV'S THREE C'S -- As the new television season kicks off, the three big network channels--ABC, NBC, and CBS--still lag behind when it comes to showcasing minorities in major, non-stereotypical roles, notes Temple English professor Roland Williams. "Traditionally black representation on TV has been the three C's: clowns, crooks and cops," says Williams, noting that networks such as Fox and WB do feature more minorities. The success of those shows, and others like "Chico and the Man" and "A Different World" from years ago, show that the market is there, says Williams. "Executives often say certain minority characters will not sell on TV. But that has been proven wrong. It seems television's upper executives haven't quite caught up with contemporary America. They have no argument for not featuring more minorities in lead roles. It's reluctance, it's hesitancy to change. TV does have a social function. As the millennium approaches, network execs need to begin presenting Dr. Williams through the News Bureau.
This Week at Temple-- Tuesday, Sept. 14, noon: STUDENT PAVILION DEDICATION -- University officials will cut the ribbon on the new 30,000-square-foot Student Pavilion that nearly triples the Main Campus indoor recreational space where students can enjoy tennis, volleyball, soccer, badminton, and basketball, and more. It's also the new home of men's and women's intramural sports. (1901 N. 15th St.)
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 3-5 p.m.: INFANT LAB OPEN HOUSE -- Babies and parents are welcome to visit Temple's Infant Development Lab, a cozy, toy-filled space where nationally known psychologists Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Nora Newcombe research the mysteries of language and cognitive development. (Temple's Ambler Campus, 580 Meetinghouse Rd., Ambler)
Thursday, Sept. 16, noon: NEW RESIDENCE HALL DEDICATION -- It's a ribbon cutting at the new 472-bed Residence Hall in the heart of Main Campus that boasts "wired" rooms, a fitness center, aerobics room, computer lab and, on each floor, study and social lounges. (1940 Park Mall at Norris St.)
Thursday, Sept. 16, 8 p.m.: POETS & WRITERS SERIES OPENS -- Award-winning poet Mei-mei Berssenbrugge will kick off the fall Poets & Writers Series with a free public reading sponsored by Temple's English department and creative writing program. (Temple Gallery, 45 N. Second St.)
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September 10, 1999
VISIT THE NEWS BUREAU'S WEB SITE: http://www.temple.edu/news_bureau/
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