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Researcher studies bin Laden audio libraryMore than 1,500 audiocassette tapes taken in 2001 from Osama bin Laden's former residence are yielding new insights into the radical Islamic militant leader's intellectual development in the years leading up to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Flagg Miller, an assistant professor of religious studies at UC Davis, is the first academic researcher to study the tapes. His work was profiled this week in both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. [ More… ] |
NEWS
Fall Convocation to focus on UC Davis centennial
It's nearly that time of year again — time to gather as a campus family at the annual Fall Convocation. But this year's gathering will be especially significant because it will launch our centennial year. "The Centennial Convocation: A Century of Doing What Matters" will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. in Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center. Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef will be joined at the podium by five members of our campus family who'll share brief personal stories about what they do that matters and makes a difference in the lives of others. A live webcast is also planned. [ More… ]
Jared Diamond to speak Sunday
Evolutionary biologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jared Diamond will present the opening keynote address for the Harlan II International Symposium on agricultural biodiversity at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. Registration for the conference is closed, but tickets for Diamond's talk can be purchased at the door of 123 Science Lecture Hall. Admission to the talk and the preceding reception will cost $50 per person. Diamond will discuss whether environmental factors, rather than pure chance, led to the uneven distribution around the world of plant and animal species suitable for domestication and agricultural use. [ More… ]
Walk, jog, run with Active Aggies after work
Staff members are invited to join Active Aggies, a group scheduled to meet after work three times weekly during the fall quarter for walking, jogging and running, plus training and nutrition tips. UC Davis Sports Medicine interns will lead the training sessions, which meet 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The cost is $30 for the quarter, with participants eligible to compete for $500 in prizes — for Active Aggies only — in the annual Davis Turkey Trot, this year scheduled for Nov. 22. [ More… ]
Looking for a book club? Go 'BackStage' with Mondavi
The Mondavi Center BackStage Book Club, which launched in January, was so popular that sign-ups far exceeded demand. So the center has expanded the program and added an online blog and discussion forums. Book club members will receive discounts on books on the reading list and access to discussions about the books by artists, lecturers and UC Davis faculty. This year's reading list includes Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres and Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains. [ More… ]
Shakespeare and Company's Mondavi Center performances of Hamlet not to be
Shakespeare and Company has canceled its scheduled performances of Hamlet at the Mondavi Center. Citing dramatic and unanticipated increases in travel costs, the Lenox, Mass.-based company has been forced to cancel its tour of the western United States, which had included three performances at the Mondavi Center on Oct. 18-19. The center's ticket office will notify ticket holders and issue refunds. [ More… ]
Interfaith housing opens at UC Davis
UC Davis has opened a new off-campus housing center that caters to students who wish to live in a religiously diverse environment. This news story, which aired on KOVR-13, features some of the 38 students living there and asks "what happens when you bring passionate believers of various faiths under one roof for one year?" [ More… ]
UC Office of the President recognizes Constitution Day online
Sept. 17 is Constitution Day, the anniversary of our country's founding document, and UCOP has created a Web site with links to historical information about the Constitution. UC President Mark Yudof invites all members of the university community to "join us in making, or renewing, your acquaintance with this extraordinary document, and reflecting on its historical and contemporary significance." [ More… ]
Leadership transition in University Communications
Mitchel Benson, who has led UC Davis media relations as News Service director for nearly four years, has been named the interim assistant vice chancellor for University Communications. He replaces Lisa Lapin, who was recently appointed Stanford University's assistant vice president for university communications. Andy Fell, a science writer in the News Service for the past eight years, will serve as acting News Service director during the leadership transition, which will involve a national search for a permanent assistant vice chancellor for university communications. [ More… ]
DIRECTIVES
Request for seed grant proposals — University Outreach and International Programs
UOIP is seeking proposals for new and creative initiatives in university outreach (continuing, distance, and lifelong learning, and academic engagement with the broader society) or international activities (international research, educational, and outreach programs). Funding ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27. [ More… ]
EVENTS
Children's author reading: The Toads of Davis
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m., Hutchison Child Development Center, 1055 Extension Center Drive
Hop on over to the Hutchison Child Development Center to hear Ted Puntillo read from his book The Toads of Davis. Books will be available for $10. [ More… ]
CreekSpeak — 'The Gift Where We Live: Recreation and Exploration'
Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m., Winters Community Center, Winters
Join Jeff Falyn, Lyndsay Dawkins and Nature's Theater to learn more about recreation and exploration at public access sites along Putah Creek. Jeff Falyn organizes the Stebbins Cold Canyon Guide Program and nature walks. Sponsors include the UC Davis John Muir Institute of the Environment. [ More… ]
Summer Symphony concert
Friday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Main Theatre, Wright Hall
The Davis Summer Symphony will perform Brahms' Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Mozart's Divertimento in F, and Saint-Saens' "Morceau de Concert." Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. [ More… ]