Pension Plans at Stake as Congress, Courts Consider Issues
The future of American workers’ pensions will be at stake in 2004 as legal and legislative decisions are made during the year, a University of Alabama pension expert says.
Faculty & Staff
Alzheimer’s ‘Cocktail Therapy’ Expected in 2004
Americans will see the beginning of “cocktail drug therapy” for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in 2004, say Drs. Lou Burgio and Lucinda Roff, co-directors of The University of Alabama’s Center for Mental Health and Aging. The professors liken the new treatment to current drug combinations used to treat HIV.
New Motor Trends Include Hybrid Electric Vehicles and More Diesel Engines
While sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are the most popular vehicles on the market today, two University of Alabama engineering professors predict hybrid electric vehicles will join the SUV upsurge next year.
More Computer Viruses, Less SPAM Predicted for 2004
As if 2003 did not experience enough computer problems, three University of Alabama computer science professors predict there is more to come for computer viruses and SPAM in 2004.
2004 will be ‘The Year of the Internet Wars’ as Congress and Terrorists Enter the Fray
E-commerce is reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce to have ballooned to about $55 billion in 2003 — accounting for nearly 1.5 percent of all retail sales in the United States — but 2004 will be a difficult year for Internet retailers, says Dr. Robert Robicheaux, Bruno Professor of Retailing at The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce.
Roy Moore to ‘Take His Show on the Road’ in 2004
Ousted Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore will “take his show on the road” in 2004, seeking test cases to keep the Ten Commandments issue before the courts and support for a constitutional amendment to protect public officials’ “right to praise God,” predicts a University of Alabama constitutional law expert.
Iraq to Cost Bush Re-Election, Barring Dramatic Changes
One year ago, a University of Alabama expert in military and political affairs predicted that war in Iraq in 2003 would equal defeat for President George W. Bush in the 2004 election. Now, some 11 months prior to that election, Dr. Donald Snow predicts the post-war situation in Iraq will gradually deteriorate in coming months and only dramatic developments will save the president from defeat.
Bush will Win Re-Election While Republicans Make Gains in Congress
Despite lingering worries about unemployment and continuing American casualties in Iraq in late 2003, President George W. Bush will be re-elected in the 2004 presidential election, a University of Alabama political scientist predicts.
News Channels will Continue ‘Crisis of the Moment’ Coverage to Keep Viewers
Not only will television news channels continue their rise in popularity in 2003, but so will the “crisis of the moment” coverage on cable news channels that reached its height after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, says Dr. Gary Copeland, professor of communication and information sciences at The University of Alabama.
Look for Reduction in Terrorist Attacks, but Expect More Deadly Incidents
Dr. Walter Enders, whose research into the connection between economic conditions and terrorist activity has garnered national attention, says Americans can expect a reduction in the number of terrorists incident directed against the United States in the coming years, but the attacks that do occur will likely be more deadly.