Monthly Archives: June 2009

N.H. same-sex marriage law a model?

In becoming the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage, New Hampshire’s strategy was to extend marriage equality while affirming religious freedom.  School of Law Professor Linda McClain, a family law authority, asks:  “Will this message from New Hampshire and other New England states — that separate is not equal in terms if dignity, respect, and […]

LRO: NASA’s first step to returning to the Moon

The most ambitious lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1992 is set for June 17, when NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) embarks on a year-long exploration — a key first step toward returning humans to the Moon. Harlan Spence, professor of astronomy is leading a team that will study how the lunar radiation environment will […]

Healthcare-reform debate intensifies

With major healthcare-reform bills expected to be introduced this month, President Obama is ratcheting up the public heat on Congress to agree on a measure to both expand coverage and cut costs.  School of Management Professor Stephen Davidson, author of the upcoming “In Urgent Need of Reform: Saving the U.S. Healthcare System,” can put the […]

Bad time for politics in England

After revelations of overblown expense accounts by members of Parliment and the resignations of several top cabinet ministers from P.M. Gordon Brown’s Labor government, Britain’s political system is hurting on election day today.  College of Communication Associate Dean Tobe Berkovitz, a political communications expert teaching in BU’s London program, can put the English mess into […]

Bulgaria Beats out US in Fast Food Taste Testing

According to a February study, 68% of people in Bulgaria like the taste of fast food too much to give it up, versus only 44% of Americans. For commentary on this study’s findings, and America’s “love/hate” relationship with fast food, contact Joan Salge Blake at salgeblake@comcast.net or (978) 436-0341 (cell).

Proposed FDA regulation of tobacco is weak

For Michael Siegel, MD, a long time anti-smoking advocate and professor of social and behavioral sciences, the proposed Food and Drug Administration regulation of cigarettes is really a smoke screen for Big Tobacco. Writing in the Los Angeles Times, he states that the legislation was crafted, in part, by Philip Morris in a deal with […]

GM’s post-bankruptcy ad campaign

General Motors is launching a post-bankruptcy advertising campaign targeting network TV, the Web, and Facebook, with the hook:  “We’re not witnessing the end of the American Car.  We’re witnessing the rebirth of the American Car.”  College of Communication Professor Christopher Cakebread, an expert on controversial ads, can discuss GM’s gambit. Contact Christopher Cakebread, 617-353-3476, ccakebre@bu.edu

Newspapers in Troubled State

Newspapers are in a quandry.  Print advertising revenues are dropping but Web ads can’t make up the difference, and the industry is reluctant to ask for a bailout from the government it covers.  In the latest move, the Sunday Times of London reportedly plans to launch a standalone Website and is considering charging readers for it.  College of Communication […]

Report: Tech Giants in Antitrust Probe

An “industry wide” antitrust probe reportedly is underway by the Justice Department investigating if technology companies are illegally negotiating with each other about the hiring of one another’s employees.  Targets reportedly include Google, Yahoo, Apple, and Genentech.  School of Law Professor Keith Hylton, an antitrust law authority, can comment about the possibilities. Contact Keith Hylton, […]

Obama and the Middle East

President Obama’s trip to the Middle East this week is a chance to change the political dynamic of U.S. relations in that region.  College of Communication Professor Linda Killian, director of the BU Washington Center and a senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center, says Obama’s message to Muslims should mix sensitivity and tough love.  […]