ProfNets of the Week

by admin ~ August 21, 2009

It’s time again to take a look at some of the strange and interesting queries from ProfNet, a service that sends us journalist queries and calls for sources dozens of times throughout the day. Enjoy!

BEHAVIOR: Saying the Right Thing - Cloaked
A reporter with a national health magazine sends the following query; I’m looking for a source who can offer advice on saying the right thing in typically awkward (or uncomfortable) moments — like stuck in an elevator, standing in line, being told bad news. Authors, speakers, comedians, etc., would be great possibilities. I’d need to talk to him/her sometime this week, but I’m available to communicate by e-mail because of the time issue. I would like for the source to have some humor in their answers. Due to the number of responses, it will not be possible for me to reply to everyone. [This reporter has asked us to withhold her name and contact information and to direct all responses to her ProfNet inbox.

DIVORCE/TODAY: Sour Economy’s Impact on Divorce — Orlando Sentinel (FL)
For an Orlando Sentinel Metro column, I’m seeking experts to discuss a recent Orlando Sentinel article that looked at how couples who might otherwise divorce are staying together because of the economic crisis — they can’t afford to divorce. Is this a bad news trend, or a good news trend, in that some couples who might have been splitsville have reconciled because of the extra time afforded by the overarching fiscal woes? Contact:XXXXXXXX

BELIEFS: Addicted to the Horoscopes — Body & More
[Re-send] I’m looking for two types of sources: psychologists and other experts who can tell me what prompts certain people to read their horoscopes each and every day. What role do the ’scopes play in their lives? What are the benefits and drawbacks of being addicted to the ’scopes? And — in a more philosophical vein — what’s the importance of ritual and routine in everyday lives? I’m also looking for real women who are extremely fond of the horoscopes — good stories about staying in bed all day or otherwise acting according to the daily horoscope would be most welcome. The story will run in a fall issue of Body & More, a collection of health and wellness editorial pieces circulated to newspapers (a la Parade magazine) around the country. I’m a freelancer. Contact:XXXXXXXX

LIVING: Women, Men and Housework — Forbes.com
Why are women still doing more housework? I’d like to talk to experts about the division of household labor — where it’s at now and what future changes are expected. I’d also be curious to hear some experiences of career women sharing housework with their husbands, i.e., how much sharing is actually happening. Contact:XXXXXXX