Section A · Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
Friday, April 24, 1998
By Aaron Knopf and Lisa Stevens John aknopf@ksteens.com john@ksteens.com
Kansan staff writers
Computer monitors not deadly, study says
Computer monitors and many other electrical appliances emit electromagnetic radiation, and some people say the rays might cause cancer.
But, Ruth Douglas Miller, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Kansas State University, said the rays probably are not harmful.
"I think, at this point, the evidence strongly suggests that there is no link," Miller said. "There are some scientists who suspect that that there is a link. If there is one, it does not affect most of the population."
Miller and John Neuberger, physician and associate professor in preventive medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center, conducted a study in which they looked for a connection between brain cancer, leukemia and electromagnetic fields.
"What has been looked at is exposure to power frequency magnetic
fields, the electricity in our houses." Miller said. "The magnetic fields exist only when current flows. An electrical outlet doesn't emanate any magnetic fields until you plug something in and turn it on."
Miller said these fields, if harmful, would be more likely to affect people who already have a predisposition to cancer, or who are already influenced by another cancer-causing agent. Miller said the only evidence the study found was an association between the radiation and childhood leukemia.
"It would not concern me what appliances my child uses," Miller said. "But there are scientists who would disagree with me. They are a minority."
Neuberger agreed with Miller's assessment.
"I don't think we have sufficient information right now to make this a top priority when there are other cancer issues out there that we know the causes of and that we need to address," Neuberger said.
Some entrepreneurs are capitalizing on fears that electronmagic
waves from appliances, such as computer monitors, could be a problem
Steve Hoffman, owner of the company that makes the MagnoTech Radiation Shield for computer monitors, said no one had determined whether the radiation emitted from computer monitors is harmful.
"We do know the rays are out there hitting us," Hoffman said. "But we don't know what's happening."
The $60 shield snaps on to the front of the monitor to reduce the radiation that is emitted from the screens, he said.
Aguina, owner of Sahen International, Inc., which makes SOMASHIELD, said his company's product was like health insurance.
"It's there for protection whether you need it or not." Amina said.
The $149.95 SOMASHIELD also attaches to the front of the computer monitor. Aguina said it is made of the same material X-ray technicians wear to protect themselves on the job.
"We've just been living on the assumption that anything we use in America is safe for us," he said.
Arbor Day honored with tree planting
By Emily C. Forsyth
forsyth@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
Four University of Kansas honor society chapters spruced up campus yesterday afternoon with the dedication of a tree.
Golden Key, along with help from Mortar Board, Owl Society and Order of Omega purchased and dedicated a red maple tree in honor of Arbor Day.
Members of the honor societies gathered in front of Watson Library, where the tree was planted, and handed out free cake to passers-by.
Michelle Dennard, Chapman senior and member of Mortar Board, said the activity was a good way to bring together members of the honor societies.
"This is one of the few activities that all the honor societies participate in," Dennard said. "It's nice to see everyone together. It's neat because Arbor Day is a little-known holiday."
Chris Lovorn, Overland Park senior and 1997-98 president of Golden Key, said the activity was the beginning of an effort to bring the honor societies together more often.
"A lot of honor societies have similar mission statements," Lovorn said. "Along with promoting education and awarding academic excellence, we're also very committed to giving back to the campus and the community." Lovorn said.
A plaque with the groups' names inscribed on it was installed near the tree. The tree cost $200 and the plaque cost $150. Golden Key contributed $200, and the other three groups donated $50.
Gloria Flores, chapter adviser for Golden Key, said it was important to bridge relationships between the groups.
"I think this is a good collaborative effort for the honorary societies to participate in, especially in light of the Earth Week celebration," Flores said. "Community service and outreach is important to Golden Key, as I'm sure it is with the other honorary societies."
Flores said she hoped the groups would continue such projects
"I think it's up to the incoming officers to continue this effort," she said. "I think it's important for these organizations to work together."
Members of campus honor societies hand out cake in front of the tree they helped plant. The tree was planted in honor of Arbor Day. Photo by Roger Nomer/KANSAN
Minority seminar teaches etiquette
By Susie Gura
sgura@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Chew with your mouth closed, don't slouch and elbows off the table. These were the lessons learned at a simulated business lunch for students in the minority student scholars leadership seminar yesterday at the Adams Alumni Center.
Students enroll in the seminar for one or two semesters.
The seminar covers everything from time management to stress, anything to improve the college experience, said Vincent Edwards. Wichita freshman
Mike Parks, Newton freshman, said the seminar offered students diverse opportunities.
"We do something different every week," Parks said. "It is a hands on experience where we interact with a diverse group."
Sherwood Thompson, director of the Office of Minority Affairs said the class developed leadership skills.
"We had this meal to demonstrate how to handle themselves when eating." Thompson said. "We wanted them to be comfortable in all settings and to know what is appropriate."
Thompson said it was appropriate to use etiquette at all meals.
Emily Fitts, alumni center banquet manager; Bryan Greve, Learned Club manager at the center; and Steven Berger, center assistant manager, directed the class through the business meal.
"As leaders we teach by example, and this is an interpersonal aspect of leader ship."Thompson said.
"We are going to teach you what to do and what not to do." Berger said.
The 12 students who attended the lunch learned the proper way to conduct themselves during a four-course meal. Center staff gave advice for each course, and the students asked questions.
"The best feeling is to know a little bit and enjoy yourself," Fitsa said.
The students said they learned things about etiquette they did not know.
"I realized a lot of things that aren't true that I thought I knew, but I didn't," said Raheisha Nard, "Topeka freshman."
Thompson began the lunch last year after corporate executives recommended students learn proper etiquette.
"We wanted to expose students to dining etiquette that they can use during interviews," he said.
Thompson said he was pleased with the lunch and he wanted to make it an annual thing for his class.
"I think it worked out very well," Thompson said. "It is a reward for the students at the end of the course."
The alumni center staff has provided the etiquette sessions three times, twice for Thompson's class.
"It is the little services that we do that are fun," Berger said. "It is a nice thing to do that benefits people."
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Let's Dance!
(816) 756-5858 kc@markshale.com
Friday April 24-KU Student Union Ballroom~7:30 PM
~Enter the K.U.
Swing Challenge
*Prizes for top
six couples*
~Music for your
entertainment by
D.J. Terry Rupp
~Dance exhibitions
by Flamingo Dance
Studios
The Kansas Union Ballroom is located at 13th & Jayhawk Blvd. on the K.U. campus in the student union (5th floor)
Friday, April 24th 7:30-11:30 PM Admission is $6 a person ($5 for students with I.D.) Sponsored by Flamingo & Hideaway Dance Studios in conjunction with the K.U. Ballroom Dance Club
ickets are available at the door-For info. call (785)331-2227 or (913)897-4622
Alumni Weekend Lecture
8p.m.
Saturday
April 25,1998
120
BUDIG HALL
Vouchers available at the SUA Box Office For more information call 864-3477 http://www.ukans.edu/~sua
60th Anniversary
KU
STUDENT UNION ACTIVITIES
SUAK
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANASB
Student Union Activities
University of Kansas
1930-1998
Special thanks to:
School of
Journalism