Dean Thomas recently announced that he will be stepping down as Dean effective July 1, 2006. MIST was able to get an appointment with him for a video interview to cover this news. On Thursday, October 20, Jeff Gartman, MIST president, sat down with Dean Jim Thomas to discuss his departure announcement. They discussed the school’s current standing, what he has done as dean, and what the future of the school will be.

Jake Thorwart sat down with Dean Thomas to discuss a variety of issues and events concerning the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State, University Park, PA.

By Melanie Rodriguez
Many people have heard stories about arranged marriages in most parts of India where parents believe it is their responsibility to decide the fate of their child. The parents take care of their children from birth and the children obey their parents. Since marriage is one of the most important decisions an individual will ever make, it is crucial that …

On the way to the Nittany Mall, I am sure most of us have seen the Centre Furnace by corner of East College Avenue and Porter Road. Not till recently did I know its historical significance. Our own Happy Valley sustained a large iron-making community in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Centre County Historical Society located right opposite the Centre Furnace has celebrated the rich heritage of Centre County for 100 years. It is the oldest and largest of the county’s historical …

By Jake Thorwart
The Dave Matthews Band, caught in the middle of a winter tour spanning 13 shows, set up camp in the Bryce Jordan Center on the eve of December 6th: intending to combat the cold weather outside by performing a warm, entertaining show inside. They succeeded.
Boy, did they succeed.
After an enthralling opening act from Soulive, a funk/jazz/hip-hop trio out of New York City, Dave Matthews (acoustic guitar, lead vocals), LeRoi Moore (saxophone), Carter Beauford (drums), Boyd Tinsley (violin), Stefan Lessard (bass guitar), and Butch Taylor (keyboard) made their way …

By Rick Pettinato
With the ever-increasing gasoline costs and the constant turbulence in the Middle East, people and governments alike are searching for ways to reduce their reliance on petroleum products.  Over the past few years, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles have been making their way into popular markets and finding a home among both the environmentally conscious and …

By Angela Govila
“An eye for an eye only leaves the whole world blind”.
I am always startled every time I think of the essence of this statement and of the astounding strength of a simple man who not only transformed himself into the Mahatma, but also helped force the British Empire out of India without firing a single shot. In the military age, he proved that the powerless had power and that force of arms would never prevail against force of spirit. I am talking about …

By Angela Goliva
If you think the term “Identity theft” is a warning only for the rich and famous – you are wrong. Identify theft is the numero uno cause of consumer complains to the Federal Trade Commission. It occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your …

By Joe Lewis
On what better weekend to have Kanye West come to Penn State than this year’s Homecoming weekend? Despite the Homecoming parade and fireworks scheduled for that night, October 28, it was still wonderful to see so many Kanye fans eager to see him perform. Kanye is currently on the Touch the Sky tour featuring artists such as Fantasia Barrino and Keyshia Cole. Common is also another highly acclaimed artist on the tour but he was unable to make to it due to the fact that he is currently …

By Adithi Shetty
Humor is a perspective that enables one to view stress and pain with a softer edge. Though not an immediate cure for trauma, chronic illness, or emotional difficulty, humor can be a therapeutic tool. It offers relief outlets for chronically ill patients and also for stressed medical and corporate staff.
Until the New England Journal of Medicine published the Norman Cousins case study in 1979, few considered the therapeutic uses of humor. The first documented case of humor positively affecting disease was in …