"Quote....Endquote"

"We should be preserving [the female ginkgo trees] as a symbol of the enlightenment that should be the essence of the University." Diana Horton, associate professor of biological sciences, defending the Pentacrest trees during a movement by some on campus to have them removed because of their foul odor (Chicago Tribune, Dec. 9).

"Our data shows that up to 75 percent of crashes are human error or something that the driver did contributed to the crash." Ginger Watson, research scientist for the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS), crediting NADS with pinpointing the cause of three quarters of all crashes (CNN, Dec. 20).

"[I'm] a minor tourist attraction in Iowa City."James Van Allen, professor emeritus of physics and astronomy, referring to his reputation as famed physicist and Time magazine's man of the year in 1961 (Des Moines Register, Dec. 27).

"Daris said that? He's an important figure. But I still don't think Bigfoot exists in any form." Russell Ciochon, professor of anthropology, questioning acclaimed fossilized primate teeth expert Daris Swindler's belief that there's proof the hairy giant exists (Denver Post, Jan. 5).

"Access to this university is part and parcel of being a public university. I don't want to see us price ourselves out of reach of Iowans." David Skorton, vice president for research and external relations and incoming University president, emphasizing one of the issues he plans to tackle in his new role (Omaha World Herald, Jan. 7).

"This level of interest certainly supports the need for the college to continue to offer such classes." Linda Maxson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, referring to the high numbers of students enrolling in or on waiting lists for three spring-semester courses on Islam (Iowa City Gazette, Jan. 12).

"My heart continues to lie with The University of Iowa and I will remain the coach of the Hawkeye football team." Kirk Ferentz, head football coach, uttering welcome words for many Hawkeye fans concerned he might leave the team for an NFL coaching position (Iowa City Press-Citizen, Jan. 16).

"Health insurance is like any other insurance. You don't find out what you have until you need it." Ann Madden Rice, associate director and chief financial officer of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, discussing the challenges of insurance plan changes for health care professionals and consumers (Iowa City Gazette, Jan. 16).

"I do want to register my genuine protest that a big company that really doesn't represent freedom of expression is trying to appropriate this phrase." Kembrew McLeod, assistant professor of communication studies, asking AT&T to stop using "freedom of expression" as a slogan because he registered it as a trademark in 1998 (New York Times, Jan. 23).

"The picture it gives of the voter is of someone who can only take a sound bite, who can't wrestle with complexities." Fred Antczak, professor of rhetoric, explaining the effects of putting a snappy slogan in the background behind President George W. Bush during a major policy speech (Fox News, Jan. 28).