HOLIDAY STORY IDEASBall State University experts are available to provide information and background on a variety of issues. Story ideas include:
HOMEWORK NOTHING MORE THAN A HEADACHE: Assigning homework to K-12 students over the holidays is unfair to youngsters and their parents who need a break from their academic chores. Students are already busy enough with travel, family obligations and other activities, says Larry Smith, an elementary education professor. He may be reached at [email protected] or (765) 285-8564.
NEW PETS DON'T FARE WELL DURING THE HOLIDAYS: A cute new puppy or cuddly kitten may seem like the ideal gift to a young child during the holidays, but it probably is not the best time to introduce a new family member. Preschoolers are too young to handle the responsibility of a new pet, says Dan Lapsley, an educational psychologist. He may be reached at [email protected] or (765) 285-8500.
CONSUMERS SHOULD PLAN HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Impulse buying, lack of planning and even shopping while hungry leads to financial problems for millions of Americans each year. John Fitzgerald, a finance professor, says consumers can avoid or alleviate the credit crunch by establishing a budget, only taking cash or a credit card with a low limit, planning all purchases in advance, being an informed shopper who checks all the advertisements and buying early to get the best deals. Contact Fitzgerald at [email protected] or (765) 285-8192.
HOLLYWOOD BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER: The holidays are a time for families to gather around the tree, exchange presents and then eat a traditional dinner. A fairly recent tradition is the holiday movie classic. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, American families will flock to theaters to watch the new "Harry Potter" movie or view "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on television, says Wes Gehring, a telecommunications professor. For Gehring's top holiday movies, contact him at [email protected] or (765) 285-1495.
COLLEGE STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Millions of American college students will leave their off-campus apartments and residence hall rooms for the holidays. To eliminate the potential for fires and related accidents, students should unplug electrical appliances, remove valuables and securely lock the premises, says Jill DeMuth, a safety specialist. Contact her at [email protected] or (765) 285-2815.
(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more stories visit www.bsu.edu/news on the World Wide Web.) Marc Ransford 11/13/01
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