Profnets of the Week

by jill ~ July 18, 2008

It’s time again to take a look at some of the strange/interesting/culturally spot-on stories being written about this week - thanks to Profnet, a service that sends us journalist queries and calls for sources dozens of times throughout the day.  Enjoy!

1. ANIMALS: Kitten Season and Climate Change — Scripps Howard Foundation Wire
I am writing an article about “kitten season,” the spring-summer time when cats mate more often because the weather is warm. I want to find out how global climate change and longer hot weather seasons could be affecting kitten season, and, in turn, the rate of feral cat births. Contact: XXXXXXX, XXXX@shns.com

2. RELIGION/TODAY: Can You Be Blessed by the Dalai Lama? — News Journal (DE)
On his visit to Philadelphia yesterday, many people wanted to touch and be touched by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Is that considered a blessing? How is that different from being touched by the pope, a Hindu holy man or Billy Graham? Reporter with Delaware’s largest daily and a contributor to the Gannett News Service seeks experts to weigh in on this form of “spiritual transmission.” Contact: XXXXXXXXX, XXXXX@delawareonline.com

3. WORKPLACE: Office Eavesdropping — WSJ/CareerJournal.com
I’m writing a story about office eavesdropping and am looking for some sources. Do you ever go out of your way to overhear office gossip? When people are having a private conversation near you, do you ever pretend to be doing something else (reading, put on earphones, working on a big report) but in reality you’re listening in? Or, do you avoid eavesdropping at all costs so you won’t get wrangled into office politics? I’m looking to speak with sources who have done any of the things above. Also, if you’ve eavesdropped and got caught doing so I’d love to hear it. Same goes if you’ve caught someone eavesdropping on you. I’m especially interested if your motive for eavesdropping is paranoia with what’s going on in the economy. Are you nervous about layoffs/mass firings due to companies scaling back and listen in on conversations to learn more about your fate? Contact: XXXX, XXXXX@wsj.com