HOLIDAY STORY IDEAS
Ball State University experts are available to provide information and background on a variety of issues. Story ideas include:
PLANNING HOLIDAY SPENDING SHOULD CURTAIL BINGES: Millions of Americans will shop until they drop in the coming weeks, buying on impulse and overusing credit cards. To avoid large credit card debt and dwindling cash reserves, consumers should plan all purchases and use cash. When the cash is gone, shopping should end, said John Fitzgerald, a finance professor. Contact him at [email protected] or (765) 285-8192.
THANKSGIVING A FORGOTTEN HOLIDAY: A traditional holiday filled with turkey and football has been lost between the Halloween and Christmas celebrations. Only the restaurant industry remembers Thanksgiving, providing millions of Americans the option of dining out instead of slaving over hot stoves, said James Lowry, a marketing professor. Contact him at [email protected] or (765) 285-5180.
HOMEWORK NOT THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT: Assigning large amounts of homework over long, holiday weekends is not the proper use of time for youngsters. Teachers should allow students to use the holidays as a time to relax and recharge, said Lawrence Smith, an elementary education professor. He may be reached at [email protected] or (765) 285-8564.
PETS OFTEN THE WRONG CHRISTMAS GIFT: Giving a puppy or kitten to a child as a Christmas present is not in the best interest of the youngster or the animal. In fact, bringing a new pet into the family household on Christmas morning could be one of the worst times for both the pet and the household, said Dan Lapsley, an educational psychologist. Contact him at [email protected] or (765) 285-8522.
SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS FOR STAR OF BETHLEHEM: The biblical story of a bright star marking the birth of Jesus may have a scientific possibilities, including a comet, exploding sun or an unusual alignment of planets. For more information about the skies 2000 years ago, contact Ron Kaitchuck, astronomy professor and director of the planetarium, at [email protected] or (765) 285-8861.
(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more stories and information, visit the Ball State University News Center at www.bsu.edu/news on the World Wide Web.)
Marc Ransford
11/16/99
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