Paul Delaney, astronomy professor in York's Faculty of Pure & Applied Science, was quoted in a Globe and Mail story Aug. 28 on Mars. Delaney, who is head of York’s astronomical observatory, said the planet’s close pass would likely bring out those with even a mild interest in astronomy. "It's the right time of year. It's nice outside. School is over, so you don't have to worry about getting the kids to bed; a lot of people are on vacation, and you put the whole thing together and everybody says: 'Hey, a good opportunity to go see Mars.' "
Delaney also got extensive radio and TV coverage. He spoke to many outlets Aug. 27, including national CBC Radio; CKTB, St. Catharines; and CBC Radio’s "Metro Morning." Meanwhile, participants in Mars viewing at York’s observatory were interviewed by City-TV and appeared on several City-TV-based shows, as well as Global News.
Measuring bank performance
In a Globe and Mail article Aug. 28 relating to how banks are working harder to appease and please customers, James Savary, economics and computer science professor at York's Glendon College, was mentioned as being a member of the complaints organization for disgruntled banking customers – the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI). OBSI has 14 members, six of whom have ties to the financial services industry. The other eight members are independents and include former Ontario lieutenant-governor Lincoln Alexander. Speaking of the independents, including Savary, Globe writer Rob Carrick remarked: "You'd have to be pretty paranoid to worry about these guys working as a secret agent for the banks."
On air
- York psychology Professor David Wiesenthal, Faculty of Arts, was interviewed about road rage on "The Morning Show," CHQR-AM in Calgary Aug. 27.
- Dennis Raphael, health policy and management professor in York’s Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies, spoke on "Maritime Noon," CBH-FM, Halifax, Aug. 27 on his theory behind the surge in cases of Type 2 diabetes.
- City-TV's "City Online" Aug. 27 featured political science Professor Robert Drummond, dean of York's Faculty of Arts, who answered phone-in questions regarding Ernie Eves’s current popularity in the wake of the recent power blackout.