ProfNets of the Week

by admin ~ October 9, 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!

COLLEGIATE: Professor-Student ‘Friending’ on Facebook — The Insider (PA)
The Insider, the college newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, is working on a story about professors and students who “friend” one another on Facebook. We’re exploring the pros and cons of those in an instructor-pupil relationship having access to the personal details of someone whom they evaluate or who evaluates their work. Contact:XXXXXXX

BEHAVIOR: Why Women Are Attracted to Vampires — SheKnows.com
I’m doing a feature for SheKnows.com on why women are attracted to vampires, and I need to talk to psychologists/experts. From Robert Pattinson to the stars of “True Blood,” what is it about vampires (even the fictional kind) that women find so attractive? If you’re an expert, please e-mail me your take on what this attraction is all about and some science/research/studies to back it up. If your client would be a good source for this article, e-mail me his/her contact information so we can set up an interview or e-mail correspondence. I’m a freelancer. Contact:XXXXXXXX

DISASTER RESPONSE: Survivalist — Howcast Media Inc.
The how-to Web video is called “How to Become a Survivalist.” It could be seen by millions and would outline the basic steps to be prepared for the end of the world as we know it. Contact: XXXXXXX

PRODUCTS: Tangerine — TravelLady.com
I’m doing a roundup on the flavor tangerine. I’m looking for tangerine experiences — drinks in bars, sauces in restaurants, spa treatments, scented candles, perfumes, cosmetics, fruit drinks, desserts, candy, lotions, potions. Please describe. Do not send jpg until I contact you that you are included in the roundup. This story will run on TravelLady.com, which gets 6 million hits a month. Tangerine and cocktails will run on CocktailAtlas.com. My deadline is Oct. 22 — the sooner, the better. Contact: XXXXXXX

HEALTH: Health/Holiday Story — Real Simple
I’d like to report a way you can put fallen tree needles from a Christmas tree to good use, and I just read that “pine needle tea” has five times the amount of vitamin C found in citrus fruits. I’m looking to confirm this information with the proper source, and to get a tip on how to prepare it (needles to water ratio, basically.) Additionally, I’d love to find surprising advice about how to deal with blisters/sore feet. (The idea here is that you’ve been on your feet all night — in fabulous party shoes — as the hostess, so how can you make your feet feel better the next day?) Contact: XXXXXXX

GARDEN: Gardening Experts — Real Simple
I’m looking for someone who can tell me how wet coffee grounds and club soda can help with gardening and/or houseplants. Also, is it true that you can use pieces of tree garland to protect delicate plants from frost? Contact: XXXXXXX