Profnets of the Week

by jill ~ July 9, 2008

At Mediashop, we use Profnet, which is a service that sends us journalist queries and calls for sources dozens of times throughout the day. We often pitch our own clients based on what reporters are already writing about so it is a great tool for publicists. But Profnet is also sometimes a great source of amusement. From the last week or so, here are some of the queries that have made us laugh or shake our heads. Enjoy!

1. SCIENCE: Sex in Space — AOL Men’s
I need a scientist or expert with a specialization in space travel who can speak on what it might theoretically be like to have sex in space — i.e., would it make you sick? Would body parts be floating everywhere? Etc. The article, of course, is somewhat humorous but we want an honest scientific response. This is for an article for AOL’s men’s Web site (www.asylum.com). Contact: XXX XXXX, XXXX@asylum.com

2. HISTORY: Sheep During Jesus’ Time — Author
I’m working on a nonfiction book that includes a look at the Biblical passage of Luke 15 on the lost sheep. I need to know several things. Does anyone know if, in Jesus’ day, the shepherd actually owned his sheep? (If you know, how do you know? Give me your source.) I was thinking the shepherd in Jesus’ time didn’t, because there’s another passage that talks about a hireling, someone who is hired to watch the sheep. So there is a distinction. Anyone have a good source to point me to? Also, I am trying to draw a modern-day comparison and want to know the dollar value of a sheep today and the dollar value of one beef cow. Contact: XXXX XXXX, XXXX@embarqmail.com

3. LIVING: How to Wrap a Towel Around Yourself — Cloaked
A journalist with a national women’s magazine sends the following query: For our service box in our “embarrassing moments” page, we are looking for someone to give a smart technique to wrapping a towel around your body so it doesn’t fall off. [This reporter has asked us to withhold her name and contact information and to direct all responses to her ProfNet inbox. To respond from your own ProfNet inbox, please log in.]