UO E-Clips is a daily report prepared by the Office of Communications (http://comm.uoregon.edu) summarizing current news coverage of the University of Oregon.
Media mentions for September 12
Oregon's economy goes slack over summer
Register-Guard: The summer doldrums have hit Oregon's economy again -- a repeat of the past two summers -- according to the University of Oregon index that tracks the state's economic activity. "We've had some issues the last couple years and we're seeing those crop up again," said UO economist Tim Duy, author of the index. "Not surprisingly (they revolve) around the same issues -- Europe and threat of global slowing, and slowing activity in China." Duy said that if he had to pick the most worrisome part of the report it would be the slide in new orders for nondefense, nonaircraft goods.
Oregon, OSU gain top 199 rankings
Register-Guard: The U.S. News & World Report college rankings today brought good news for Oregon parents and high schoolers. Both of the state's big research universities ranked in the best 199 of 1,400 colleges and universities in the country. The University of Oregon ranked 115th, along with Rutgers University's Newark campus, University of Dayton, University of South Carolina and Clarkson University in New York ... The U.S. News rankings can be a helpful starting point for high school students and their parents who are overwhelmed by the number of choices, said Roger Thompson, UO vice provost for enrollment management.
Willamette Week: Between now and the Nov. 6 election, promoters of a vast new 3,500-slot-machine casino in Wood Village hope to keep voters' attention off gambling and on other shiny features of their proposed development--a water slide, concert venue and farmers market. ... But supporters of Measures 82 and 83, which would authorize the casino, probably won't be talking about one financial analysis that sinks their arguments. ... The bottom line: The casino would probably cost state and local governments money and, on a broader basis, actually shrink the Oregon economy. "In most of these scenarios, they are claiming a negative result for both the private sector and the public sector," says University of Oregon economics professor Tim Duy, who reviewed the analysis at WW's request.
Pac-12 trying to build its fan base in China
Los Angeles Times: In an era of mega-conferences -- generating mega-revenue -- the Pac-12 simply cannot match rivals such as the Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten when it comes to rabid fans. But with schools dotted along the Pacific Rim, it can pursue a different sort of consumer. Sport business experts say the conference and its new television network are well-situated to establish a foothold in China, broadcasting games and selling merchandise to an enormous, sports-hungry market. "It's a land grab over there," said Paul Swangard, managing director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon. "You have this built-in population of fans, and basketball seems to be one sport that has a tremendous following."
County eyes wide tobacco use ban
Register-Guard: Lane County anti-smoking advocates say they want to "inhibit and potentially prohibit" tobacco use in thousands of acres of parks, campsites and other open spaces managed by Lane County government. They're holding a town-hall-style meeting tonight to talk about the potential restrictions. ... In recent years, smoking bans have been spreading beyond specific buildings to include broader areas. For example, the University of Oregon banned smoking on its campus and other properties, including sports venues, starting Sept. 1. Lane Community College bans smoking on campus except in two small designated areas in its parking lots.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Late mentions for September 11
Port of Portland dispute hampered Oregon's economic growth in July, new index shows
Oregonian: A labor dispute at the Port of Portland weighed on Oregon's economy in July, according to an index that measures the state's growth. The Oregon Measure of Economic Activity fell largely because fewer goods traveled through the Port, according to a statement outlining the index. The Port dispute caused ships to bypass Portland this summer. It could also hinder August's economic growth, said Tim Duy, a University of Oregon economist who tracks the measure. But it's likely a temporary weakness, Duy said, not a sharp economic decline.
Oregon track & field: Robert Johnson calls his elevation to head coach 'an amazing opportunity'
Oregonian: In a widely expected move, the University of Oregon announced the promotion of Robert Johnson to head track and field coach Tuesday. Johnson succeeds Vin Lananna as UO coach. Lananna has been coach/associate athletic director since coming to Oregon in 2005. He will retain the title of associate athletic director and continue to oversee the track & field program, but will not coach any UO athletes. "This is an amazing opportunity to be the guy at the University Oregon," Johnson said. "This place is special in track and field. The challenge is to continue to do what we're doing, We're the six-time defending Pac-12 men's champions and the four-time defending Pac-12 women's champions. The bar is definitely set high here."
Smoking bans on college campuses to be White House initiative
WJLA ABC 7: The option to grab a quick smoke between classes may soon be long gone. Several colleges nation-wide are moving to ban smoking on campus. The University of Oklahoma, the University of Oregon, Montgomery College and Montana State University are among the higher education institutions that have already imposed the campus-wide bans.
Tribe Invites UC Researcher to Study Acorns
Two Rivers Tribune: The ground outside the test plot seemed littered with acorns in every possible condition. Arielle Halpern reached through the foot-deep maze of young tanoak starts and grabbed a handful ... Dr. Kari Norgaard, an environmental sociologist now at the University of Oregon, with Ron Reed, Karuk cultural biologist, issued a paper titled "The Effects of Altered Diet on the Health of the Karuk People." The Norgaard-Reed paper traced the erosion of health among Karuk people with the loss of traditional salmon and other fish in their diets and specifically listed spikes of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, tuberculosis, hypertension, kidney disorders and strokes.
'Beaver turnovers' featured in new UO Ducks cookbook
KGW:"Cheese Quackers" "Eugene Hippy dip" and "Beaver turnovers" are just a few of the treats in the new University of Oregon Ducks' cookbook. Portland freelance writer C. J. Gifford put together the collection of appetizers, entrees, drinks and desserts as the 2012-13 season is under way. The spiral-bound book is $14.99. Click here to preview a PDF sample of the book. Next up is Tennessee Tech Saturday at noon.