EVEN FOR THE MERRY-GO-ROUND SET, PARKS ARE A THRILL --
Sure there are those who will flock to amusement parks this summer to ride the highest, fastest, scariest roller coasters. But what about the carousel crowd? What makes the amusement park just as much fun for those who don't enjoy the thrill seeking rides? Temple behavioral psychologist Frank Farley, who has studied thrill-seeking behavior for decades, says those other rides--the bumper cars, the whips and the carousels--provide different kinds of thrills. "The parks really provide thrills on a scale from zero to 10," says Farley, who has visited a host of major parks nationwide. "There's a real nostalgia to amusement parks and county fairs. It's familial and it's a social experience. That provides thrills of a different kind. Going to the parks is a wonderful tradition that helps to transmit the culture. It's a shared joy." Americans, says Farley, are a thrill-seeking breed, which is one reason the coasters are so popular. But that doesn't mean we forego enjoying the tamer rides of our youth, he notes. "Coasters do offer thrills. You can't put your body through contortions like that any other way. And where else in America can you throw up your hands and scream out loud? It allows you to be uninhibited. But bumper cars haven't changed in 50 years. They're still wonderful. And people of all ages really love them." Reach Dr. Farley at his office, 215-204-6024, or at home, 215-881-7776.
ACING THE INTERVIEW IS KEY FOR GRADS LOOKING FOR WORK --
You've just graduated from college with a 4.0 GPA, your career field is hot and you've got great references. But if you want to get that dream job, you still need to be prepared for the interview, says Temple Career Services associate director Kathy Gallagher. "Job-seekers need to be prepared to tackle an interview successfully and land the job," says Gallagher. "First, get your resume critiqued by a professional, then you need to study it so you know it by heart." To be really prepared, Gallagher suggests job-seekers play out the interview beforehand and compose one minute "commercials" about their strengths, experiences, and other potential topics. "You don't want to seem scripted, but at the same time you don't want to fumble to answer a question," says Gallagher. Gallagher's last pieces of advice -- get a once-over on your interviewing wardrobe and seek advice from a professional career counselor if you have any other doubts or questions. Reach Gallagher through the Office of News and Media Relations, 215-204-7476.
RISING GASOLINE PRICES: HOW HIGH IS HIGH? --
Remember to adjust for inflation before going into sticker shock over the current high cost of gasoline, advises Dr. Wes Roehl, research director at Temple University's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. "It's also important to keep a sense of history in mind," says Dr. Roehl. "People are reacting to the jump from three years ago when gas prices hit all-time low levels." And the high point of prices in 1981 during the Second Gas Crisis averaged $1.38, which--when adjusted for inflation--is equal to a 2001 price of over $2.30 per gallon. Vacationers who travel by car may substitute short-distance destinations for longer ones this summer, but it's unlikely they'll cancel vacation plans altogether. Reach Professor Roehl at his office, 215-204-5861, e-mail [email protected], or through Temple's Office of News and Media Relations.
Cheryl AfonsoOffice of News and Media RelationsTemple University[email protected]215.204.7476
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