NSU faculty member designated a Fulbright Specialist
Joseph Harbaugh, professor of law and Dean Emeritus became the first NSU faculty member to be designated a Fulbright Specialist in Negotiation and Mediation. Harbaugh plans to teach negotiation at Roma Tre University in Italy this summer. The institution is NSU’s academic partner.
NSU provides free dental services to violence victims
NSU is using a $850,000 grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration to provide dental services to domestic violence victims. Children of the victims can also receive free services.
Pembroke Pines reconsiders pricy memorial
Pembroke Pines city commissioners are reconsidering building an elaborate 9/11 memorial. The nearly $1 million plan would be funded with leftover culture and arts funds from previous years as well as increased taxes for the residents through 2035. But the final price was more than estimated. The commission will review the project again before making a decision.
Gay parenting most common in the South
A census conducted last year showed that same-sex child rearing is most common in the South. Gary Gates, a demo-grapher in the University of California, identified the pattern. He said Black and Hispanic gay couples are twice as likely to raise children. Jacksonville is one of the cities with the highest number of gay families in the country, according to the latest data of the Census Bureau.
Raises for the farm workers
Florida farm workers got a raise last week from an agreement between local tomato growers and several corporate food companies. The farmers, who fought for the raise for more than a decade, received an increase of about a penny more for every pound of fruit harvested. Many big buyers, like McDonald’s, agreed to the new rules. Farmers, who have one of the lowest salaries in the country, are expecting to add thousands to their income.
2010 shatters heat records
The year 2010 tied for the warmest year globally with 2005 and was the wettest ever recorded. The land surface tem-peratures were 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the 20th century average. The data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests that global warming is still a valid and dangerous issue.
Zodiac sign introduced
Due to the changes in the tilt of the earth’s axis, zodiac signs have shifted by about a month and a 13th sign, Ophiuchus, was added. According to astro-nomers and astrologers, the recently-popular news was known for thousands of years, since the ancient Babylonians. However, professionals assure that the previous zodiac signs are still valid and the changes apply only to those born after 2009.
Gabrielle Giffords transferred to Texas hospital
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was transferred to Texas to continue her recovery on Jan. 21. Reports said that although the congresswoman’s health improves every day, she is not ready for rehabilitation. Giffords was shot in the head during a killing spree in Tuscon, which left 13 people wounded and six dead.
