|
|
|
March
2, 2000
CAMPUS BUZZ BY SANDY SMITH So close, yet so far: John Washington, administrative assistant in the Nursing School’s development and alumni relations office, missed a million bucks by just two inches last month. That’s how far away he was from a hole 10 inches in diameter, through which he had to throw a football from 25 yards. Washington got the chance at the million by winning the 1999 season on the Fantasy Football Net (www.fantasy-football.net). That in itself was no mean feat, as he was up against 15,000 other wannabe coaches. However, he’s philosophical about the near-miss: “I got a free trip to Sacramento, a $50 gift certificate and hats,” he said, “and I’ll get another chance if I win next year.” His exploits aired on WCAU’s “News 10 at 5” Feb. 18. Wack backpack attack: Stroke 9, an alt-rock band fronted by Penn grad Luke Esterkyn (C’95), appeared at the Theatre of Living Arts Feb. 19. The photogenic San Francisco quartet, characterized by one reviewer as “hit radio’s flavor of the minute,” is best known for its novelty tongue-twisting hit “Little Black Backpack,” about yes, those teeny accessories slung across the backs of many young, hip scenesters. The sold-out audience sang along to Stroke 9’s tunes and seemed to be thrilled when Esterkyn pulled a woman out of the audience to take the stage with him. A quick query: The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center is taking a good hard look at itself and would like you to help out. As part of a large-scale strategic planning project, the center staff would like to find out what you think about the center and its programs, what it does well and where it could improve. If you’d like to share your thoughts and ideas, drop by dolphin.upenn.edu/~center/survey.html and fill-out the on-line survey by March 10. We’re ready — are they?: Everyone in town is trying to make room for the Republicans this summer, and Penn is no exception. Republican National Committee officials have asked the University to be ready to host up to 1,500 people in Penn dorms during the 2000 GOP national convention this July. More than likely, those staying on campus would be members of affiliated groups and not the delegates themselves, but nobody will know for sure until the RNC makes up its mind about who’s staying where.
Penn in ink: The New York Times reported Feb. 21 on an unannounced effort to wipe Trenton, N.J., off the map, figuratively speaking. Ted Hershberg, professor of history and public policy and director of the Center for Greater Philadelphia, took a dim view of regional institutions failing to identify their core cities in their names: “It provides a very subtle, insidious way to sanitize the identity of an entire region,” he said... We already know that the chemicals found in cocoa powder make us feel good. But when you’ve got a craving for chocolate, only the real thing will do, said Psychology Professor Paul Rozin in a Feb. 13 Washington Times article on the food of the gods. “The primary motivation for using chocolate seems to be the experience in the mouth. It’s more of a sensory craving,” he explained.
What's the buzz? Tell us what's happening! Call us at 215-898-1426, send e-mail to current@ pobox.upenn.edu or drop a line to the Current at 200 Sansom East/6106.
|
