Profnets of the Week

by admin ~ December 22, 2008

It’s time again to take a look at some of the strange and/or interesting 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!

BEHAVIOR: Obsessed with Cuteness — Athens Banner Herald (GA)
I am looking for experts to discuss why the modern Internet surfer is so obsessed with cute animals. Why do videos of someone bathing their pet guinea pig, a pug twirling in response to the sound of a blender, or a water-skiing squirrel rack up thousands more hits than videos about Bush’s auto rescue plan? What’s up with us and our love of cute? Contact: XXXXXX, xxxxxxxx@onlineathens.com

RESTAURANTS: Doggie Bagging — Freelancer
I am writing an article — in the query stage (possibly for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and/or Washington Post) — about doggie bagging. Today, with our economy in the dumps, we all feel poor. Are takeaways and doggie bags more prevalent than ever? Are guests not just taking away “little stuff,” but stealing? Are they lifting articles that may surprise us? What are restaurant owners/managers doing to thwart and discourage this activity? What *can* they do — arrest you? I will focus on doggie bagging in the modern age. I will interview people who take stuff, as well as restaurateurs, managers, psychologists and the police. I’ll include information about the origin of doggie bags — how it got started as a bag for unfinished dinners to take home for a customer’s dog (often a pretense to just take it home). I hope to find celebrities who are notorious for doing this. Contact: XXXXXXX, xxxxxx@aol.com

MEMBER INQUIRY/TODAY: Celebrities Who Recovered from Caffeine Addiction — Caffeine Awareness Alliance
For a book published by our non-profit organization, the Caffeine Awareness Alliance is seeking celebrities who have recovered from caffeine addiction and would be willing to be profiled to help create awareness and support the efforts of our organization. There may also be host committee opportunities with gala events and future editorial opportunities. Contact: XXXXXXX, xxxxxx@yahoo.com

BEHAVIOR/TODAY: Why Are Men Such Techno Geeks? — Reader’s Digest
I only need one response on this one, so I apologize in advance to anyone I do not get back to. I just need one amusing, insightful shrink or shrinkette who can explain why men like high-tech gadgets, extra buttons and anything cool that requires a manual. Contact: XXXXXX, xxxxxx@yahoo.com