STORY TIPS This and every University Communications news release is available on the Internet and World Wide Web. Our Web address is www.acs.ohio-state.edu. LIVE TV SHOW LINKS 200 OHIO SITES FOR SCHOOL FUNDING DEBATE--Feb. 1. Funding Ohio’s Future is a public television special that takes an in-depth look at the Ohio Supreme Court decision that found the state’s system of funding schools unconstitutional. Originating from WOSU-TV from 1-2 p.m., the panel discussion will be seen before an estimated 500 people in the WOSU audience at the Fawcett Center. It will also air on public TV statewide and be made available to Ohio’s public radio stations and radio reading services. In addition, the program will be seen in some 200 town meeting sites, such as public schools and libraries, in 70 Ohio counties. Following the broadcast, facilitators at each town meeting will open the floor for public discussion. The program is a joint project of WOSU-TV, the League of Women Voters of Ohio and more than 30 supporting organizations. CONTACT: Don Scott or Jennifer Johnson, WOSU, 292-9678. OHIO STATE CELEBRATES HERITAGE AND LEGACY OF BLACK HISTORY--Feb. 1- 28. African Americans: Celebrating and Creating Legacies is the theme for the 28th annual celebration of United Black World Month at Ohio State. The month kicks off with a presentation by Dennis Kimbro, professor of business at Clark Atlanta University and author of Think and Grow Rich - A Black Choice, at 4 p.m. Sunday (2/1) in the Ohio Union Conference Theater, 1739 N. High St. The kickoff features music, dancing and a recognition for university staff who have contributed to the needs of minority students on campus. Other events include: --A panel discussion about the effect of affirmative action on higher education hosted by state Sen. Jeffrey Johnson, D-Cleveland, at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Ohio Union Conference Theater. --Children’s Cultural Hours, which teach history and promote pride for African-American culture, Feb. 3, 10 and 24 at 9:30 a.m. in the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave. -- Cookies and Conversations on Black Culture: Hair-raising Tales of Life in the Perm-lane, a discussion of the politics of beauty, femininity and social acceptance of black hair, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. in the Ohio Union Stecker Lounge. -- Strength through Diversity: Increasing African-American Representation in the Environmental Field, a workshop led by Alice Cowans, an urban conservation advocate, at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Hale Center. CONTACT: Cynthia DeVese, African American Student Services, 292- 6584. ICY LUNCH TOPIC--Feb. 5. The Byrd Polar Research Center offers a series of Brown Bag lunches with researchers on Thursdays throughout the quarter. Scientist Keith Hines will discuss Atmospheric Modeling of Antarctica's Global Influence at noon, 240 Scott Hall, 1090 Carmack Rd. CONTACT: Tara Belcher, Byrd Polar Research Center, 292-6531. CARROT TOP PERFORMS ON CAMPUS--Feb. 5. Comedian Carrot Top, the host of Cartoon Network’s “Carrot Top’s A.M. Mayhem,” will perform Thursday at 7 p.m. at Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St. Ohio State students, faculty and staff can purchase a limit of two tickets for $5 each at the Wexner Center box office. Others can purchase tickets for $15 at the Wexner Center or any Ticketmaster location. Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and the Hillel Foundation. CONTACT: Tracy Stuck, director of student activities, 292-8763. COMMUNITY SERVICE: MAKING A DIFFERENCE--Feb. 5. Looking for ways to plan programs that can make a difference? A workshop exploring how to create fun and rewarding community service programs will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Royer Multipurpose Room, 85 Curl Drive. Learn the how-to’s, why’s and other information needed to create successful community service programs. CONTACT: Steve Yacovelli, student activities, 292-6061. BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETS--Feb. 6. The Board of Trustees will hold its regular February meeting at 11 a.m. Friday in the Prior Health Sciences Library, 376 W. Tenth Ave. (NOTE NEW LOCATION) Committee meetings, where most of the discussion takes place, begin at 9 a.m. CONTACT: Emily Caldwell, University Communications, 292-8309. SEMINAR INVESTIGATES LIVING LONGER WITH NEW HIV TREATMENTS--Feb. 6. Thanks to new treatments, people with HIV are living longer. But can patients keep up with the rigors of the complex and expensive treatments? Albert Wu, M.D., a professor of internal medicine and health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University, is the second speaker in a 15-part HIV/AIDS Research Seminar Series. The interdisciplinary program, organized by university faculty, presents national experts in HIV/AIDS and health promotion. Wu will discuss Measuring Quality of Life for Persons with HIV, 10 a.m.-noon in 172 Newton Hall, 1585 Neil Ave. CONTACT: Martha Shortland, College of Nursing, 292-8222. MEDICAL CENTER USING NEW, MORE ACCURATE PAP TEST--The conventional method of screening for cervical cancer has been the Pap test. A new version of the test, ThinPrep Pap, being used at the University Medical Center and by its affiliate physician offices, may eventually replace the test that has been used for more than 50 years. In clinical trials, the ThinPrep Pap greatly improved detection of low-grade and more severe lesions as compared to the standard test. CONTACT: David Crawford, Medical Center Communications, 293-3737. The person listed as the contact for each item will have the best information about the story. However, feel free to call on our news services staff for assistance with these or other Ohio State news stories-- Amy Murray, 292-8385; Ruth Gerstner, 292-8424; Tracy Turner, 688- 3682; and Emily Caldwell, 292-8309. Compiled by Amy Murray, University Communications, (Murray- Goedde.1@osu.edu).