A NEW LOOK FOR INTERCOM ONLINE
In January, Intercom launched a redesign of its print version. Today, a redesigned Intercom Online is on the Web at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2000/Sept21/index.html.

This online redesign is a result of our taking a close look at what worked -- and what didn't work -- with the current site. The new design was guided by the results of the recently published Stanford-Poynter Project, which did extensive eye-track research to learn how people go about reading news online. To view information from the study, go to http://www.poynter.org/eyetrack2000. To give comments and suggestions on the new design, go to the Intercom Online and click on the "Contact Intercom" link under "Information." 

REMINDER; OLD MAIN OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW, SEPT. 22
Faculty, staff, students and parents and the area community are invited to the President's Open House from 3 to 4:30 p.m. this Friday in Old Main. Meet President Graham B. Spanier and Janis Jacobs, vice president for administration; tour the executive offices and the bell tower; and enjoy light refreshments. This open house is one of the few occasions when the tower is open to visitors. To take a virtual tour of campus, including Old Main, go to http://www.alumni.psu.edu/vrpennstate/virtualambassador/ 

FACULTY MEMBERS HELP LAUNCH "DECADE OF BEHAVIOR"
If the 1990s were the "Decade of the Brain," then the behavioral and social sciences appear to have staked their claim to the first decade of the new century. The "Decade of Behavior" initiative, which has been in the planning stages for the past two years, seeks to highlight the contributions of the behavioral and social sciences in addressing many challenges facing American society. The launch is set for Monday, Sept. 25, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with scientists, policy makers and representatives from scientific groups. 13 research exhibits will showcase the research of leading behavioral and social scientists related to the five major themes of the "Decade of Behavior"–improving health, increasing safety, improving education, increasing prosperity and promoting democracy. Connie Flanagan, associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, will present an exhibit summarizing her cross-cultural research on the development of civic behavior in children. Roger Downs, chair of the Department of Geography, is a member of the National Advisory Committee of 16 distinguished behavioral and social scientists who provide leadership for the initiative. The "Decade of Behavior" will include a campaign to address the compelling need for greater understanding by the general public and local, state and federal policy makers of behavioral and social science research. For more information go to http://www.decadeofbehavior.org 

CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS WILDLIFE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT
For professionals, agency personnel and homeowners concerned with wildlife damage management, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will hold a four-day conference, "Changes in Wildlife Damage Management for the 21st Century," Oct. 5-8 at The Nittany Lion Inn. Topics will focus on wildlife problems in the eastern part of the country such as problems created by geese. Gary San Julian, professor of wildlife resources, says geese populations are increasing on beaches, grassy areas, golf courses and sports fields. "In some areas, geese must be kept off the reservoirs so people can drink the water." Serious rabies concerns in the Northeast will also be addressed in presentations on oral vaccines for raccoons and a successful project by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to move bat colonies. New information also will be presented on contraception for deer.

"We're also seeing more bear-human interactions in back yards For more information, contact Gary San Julian at (814) 863-0401 or mailto: . for more on the School of Forestry and Wildlife Management, go to http://www.sfr.cas.psu.edu/