A DC Discussions event presented by

Heinz College Washington DC and
The Center for International Policy & Innovation (CIPI)

Featured panelists:
Ngiste Abebe, Co-author, Bidding for Development
Trina Bolton, Co-author, Bidding for Development
Dr. Dennis Coates, UMBC, Department of Economics
Chris Watts, Managing Director, 4POINT4

Moderator:
John A. Flaherty
Distinguished Service Professor and Director, Heinz College DC

Thursday, November 13, 2014
6:00 – 8:00pm
Heinz College Washington DC
Hall of the States, 3rd Floor
444 N. Capitol Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

This panel will explore the complex business of bidding for mega-events. The panelists will weigh a city’s potential for long-term strategic development against the extreme price tag of bidding to host. The dialogue will focus on the largest global mega-event, the Olympic Games, and span dynamic policy areas from transportation and urban development to sports economics and diplomacy. Panelists will also share insights from the recent Springer publication, Bidding for Development: How the Olympic Bid Process Can Accelerate Transportation Development.

Refreshments and beverages will be served. Space is Limited. Reserve your seat by Monday, November 10th.

https://heinzcollege.wufoo.com/forms/heinz-college-dc-discussions-panel/ 

The Council on Hemispheric Affairs, based in Washington, D.C., recently published an op-ed by Felipe Filomeno, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, about recent events in Brazilian politics.

In the column, Filomeno argues that the tight victory of President Dilma Rousseff in her bid for another term and the election of a more conservative parliament signal the exhaustion of Lulismo as a mode of governing and strategy of national development. He writes that the Workers’ Party (PT) now faces the challenge of forging new connections with the civil society to promote progressive changes in a context of economic difficulties and political polarization.

“Now, either the PT will be able to turn the difficult elections of 2014 into a ‘labor pain’ from which a new social pact for development could emerge, or it will see a revitalized President Rousseff immobilized in the face of stronger conservative forces waiting for a new ‘interrupted construction,’” Filomeno writes.

To read the full column titled “Brazilian Elections: Labor Pain?” click here.

In an article published October 31 on Vox.com, Psychology Professor Robert Provine was quoted extensively about his research on hiccups and the evolution of behavior. He discussed how there’s little scientific knowledge about hiccups and how they are difficult to study.

“We still don’t know what hiccups do, and our cure for them hasn’t improved since Plato,” said Provine. “You can’t just go into the lab and ask someone to hiccup for you.”

Provine also discussed holding breath as a possible cure for intractable hiccups. “You’re blocking the motor pattern as well as leading to a buildup of carbon dioxide,” he said.

In an article published on Today.com discussing a recent episode of “The Tonight Show” in which Bradley Cooper and Jimmy Fallon couldn’t control their laughter throughout a ten-minute interview, Provine was quoted from a 2010 interview he participated in with NBC News.

“All laughter is unconscious,” he said. “You do not choose to laugh the way you choose to speak.” The article also cites Provine by stating: “And laughter and humor aren’t as closely tied as people might think. Babies laugh without understanding a joke or that knowing that pratfalls are hilarious, according to Provine.”

To read full versions of both articles, click below:
The mysterious science of hiccups: Why we get them and how to stop them (Vox)
This is why Jimmy Fallon and Bradley Cooper couldn’t stop giggling (Today.com)

With such a diverse major, there are so many areas in this field to explore!

Becoming a student researcher will give you the option to:

> Engage in hands-on projects with faculty and peers

> Travel (to Costa Rica, Turkey, or Sweden; it's up to you!)

> Publish your findings

> &/OR Get paid to keep going!

Check out the link below for more info and to see some of the cool research other peers in your field have done!!

Our Biggest Sale of the Year! 

The Holiday Countdown Sale starts Monday, December 1 with 30% off all UMBC clothing and insignia items.  The earlier you shop, the more you can save. Discount drops 1% each day (29 % off December 2, 28% off December 3 etc.). 20% off December 13 - 21. View the online catalog and place your order. Visit the UMBC Bookstore website for details.  

Textbook Buyback 

December 8-19 students may sell back their textbooks to the UMBC Bookstore for up to 50% of the new retail price.  We pay cash on the spot!  Hours and buyback prices may be found on our website: http://bookstore.umbc.edu/

Rented textbooks must be returned by December 18th to avoid replacement fees.

November is Children’s Book Month and Native American Heritage Month

All children’s books are 30% off in November & December.

Native American related general books are 25% off through November 29.