Category: Uncategorized

Public Health prof. Michael Siegel comments on tobacco bill

Clark Rockefeller: Guilty

A Boston Superior Court jury has found Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter, a.k.a. Clark Rockfeller, guilty of parental-kidnapping.  School of Law Professor David Rossman, who directs the school’s Criminal Clinical Programs, can comment on the jury’s rejection of Rockefeller’s not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity plea. Contact David Rossman, 617-353-5011, drossman@bu.edu

Eying summer gas prices

Analysts now think gas prices will peak this summer between $2.45 and $2.65 per gallon at the pump, leveling out not so much because of normal supply-and-demand factors but because of the recession and joblessness.  Energy risk-management expert Mark T. Williams, who teaches finance in the School of Management, can comment. Contact Mark T. Williams, […]

As the Globe turns

Names of potential buyers for the beleaguered Boston Globe are emerging  as the paper’s largest union continues to fight parent company New York Times over a rejected contract offer.  College of Communication Professor Lou Ureneck, the Journalism Department Chairman and a former deputy editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, can discuss this ongoing industry drama. Contact Lou Ureneck, […]

Senate’s FDA oversight of tobacco remains flawed

The Senate-approved FDA regulation of tobacco does not go far enough to eliminate nicotine and will only create the perception that cigarettes are safer, as more Americans die each year from lung cancer, maintains Michael Siegel, MD, longtime anti-smoking activist and professor of social and behaviroral sciences. Contact Michael Siegel, 617-638-5160, mbsiegel@bu.edu

New Alzheimer’s test too simplistic

A British self-screening test that claims to spot early dimentia more accurately is not specific at all to Alzheimer’s disease. Robert Stern, Co-director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Clinic and Disease Program, maintains the “Test Your Memory” does not include any real delayed recall tasks, cannot separate those with poor memories from Alzheimer’s patients, but is […]

BlackRock creates behemoth

With the $13.5 billion purchase of Barclays Global Investors, the re-named BlackRock Global Investors will have more than $2.7 trillion in assets under management — about twice its nearest competitor.  School of Management Professor Israel Shaked, an M&A expert, can discuss the scope and impact of this deal. Contact Israel Shaked, 617-353-2665, shaked@bu.edu

Health-care reform debate eyes co-ops

With President Obama pushing for a government-run insurance option, a newly emerging option in the health-care reform debate on Capitol Hill is creation of member-run health-care cooperatives.  School of Management Professor Stephen Davidson, author of the forthcoming “In Urgent Need of Reform: Saving the U.S. Healthcare System” can discuss the evolving battle. Contact Stephen Davidson, […]

FDA rule over tobacco just smoke?

After decades of trying, Congress now will give the FDA regulatory contol over tobacco.  College of Communication advertising Professor John Carroll explains in a WBUR-FM commentary how the “smoke and mirrors” of cigarette marketing will likely still leave Philip Morris ahead of the pack. Contact John Carroll, 617-353-3493, carroll7@bu.edu

Crackdown on OTC derivatives coming

Sources say the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are drafting legislation to split responsibility for cracking down on over-the-counter trading of derivatives like credit default swaps.  School of Law Professor Tamar Frankel, an authority on securities law, can discuss the possibilities. “It’s time for regulators to remember their mission and cooperate.” Contact Tamar […]