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Duke in the News: Oct. 29, 2007

Digging Into the History of the Humble Toothpick | Scientists Examine Climate Change in Bible Tales | Building Safer Bridges in Wake of I-35W Collapse, and more

DIGGING INTO THE HISTORY OF THE HUMBLE TOOTHPICK NPR's All Things Considered, Oct. 28 -- In his latest book, Henry Petroski, a professor of civil engineering and history at Duke, chronicles the toothpick's odd and funny history. ... Full story --Also, New York Times Book Review: Essay -- Consider the Toothpick ... Full story Charlotte Observer: Column -- Interestingly, His Books Can Make Small Things Big ... Full story

SCIENTISTS EXAMINE CLIMATE CHANGE IN BIBLE TALES NPR's All Things Considered, Oct. 28 -- Ellen Davis, who teaches the Bible and practical theology at Duke Divinity School, talks about biblical tales of environmental catastrophe that may have helped to shape today's attitudes about climate change. ... Full story

BUILDING SAFER BRIDGES IN WAKE OF I-35W COLLAPSE NPR's Science Friday, Oct. 26 -- Henry Petroski, author and professor of civil engineering and history at Duke, was among the guests discussing new ways to build safer bridges, and why the U.S. gets a nearly failing grade when it comes to maintaining infrastructure. ... Full story

DUKE DOING ITS PART TO USE LESS WATER (Durham) Herald-Sun, Oct. 29 -- Across Duke, conservation efforts are in full swing, even in medical facilities that account for nearly half of Duke's overall water use. ... Full story

COLUMN: CAMPUS PUTS VALUE ON EXPLORING VALUES (Raleigh) News & Observer, Oct. 28 -- Imaginations fly when the Rev. Canon Sam Wells, dean of Duke Chapel, joins Fuqua School of Business Dean Blair H. Sheppard for conversation revolving around the question, "What would you do with $100 million?" ... Full story

OH, THE SHAME! Washington Post, Oct. 28 -- Mark Leary, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke, reflects on the newest variety of performance art -- adults revisiting their teenage traumas and dramas. (See third page.) ... Full story

VOLUNTEERS JOIN TO CLEAN UP BULL CITY NEIGHBORHOODS Herald-Sun, Oct. 28 -- As part of the national "Make a Difference Day," Duke students and other volunteers converged on two Durham neighborhoods early Saturday morning to help residents with clean-up work and home maintenance. ... Full story

CITY SCARES UP OLD HAUNTS AND NEW Durham News, Oct. 27 -- Students in 14 residence halls on Duke's East Campus hosted special Halloween-themed events and gave out treats (traditional and low-sugar) to local children on Sunday afternoon. ... Full story