ProfNets of the Week

by admin ~ October 23, 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!

NON-EXPERT: Loud Wedding Music — Freelancer
This is for a piece in a top U.S. daily on loud wedding (and event) music. I am specifically looking for the following: newlywed couples or bar-mitzvah parents who have set out earplugs for their event or who have signed a contract stating that the bandleader/deejay does not get paid if the decibel level exceeds a certain volume. I’m also looking for audiologists or ENTs who can provide patients, who must give permission to be quoted by name, who have documented hearing damage (of any kind, from tinnitus to aural fullness to permanent threshold shift) they believe came from a loud wedding/bar mitzvah. I am not interested in hearing damage from concerts or iPods. Contact: XXXXXXX

FOOD/TODAY: Squash and Kids — Sacramento Bee (CA)
I need a cookbook author or professor to interview for a story I’m doing about spaghetti squash and its appeal (or lack thereof) with kids. Its texture seems to make it somewhat popular with kids because it’s “noodly.” I’m looking for someone to put its popularity in perspective against other squash. Contact: XXXXXXX

PARENTING/TODAY: Kids’ Unhealthy Food Choices — Kiwi Magazine
I’m looking to learn how parents can best deal with situations when their kids are offered foods (in social situations, school, etc.) that wouldn’t ordinarily be served at home. For instance, if Suzie’s mom only lets Suzie snack on fruits and veggies in between meals, but Suzie snacks on Oreos at her friend’s house after school, what’s the best way for Suzie’s mom to handle the situation (by talking to Suzie, by talking to the friend’s mom, etc.)? Contact: XXXXXXX

FINANCE: Log Home Financing — Country’s Best Log Homes
For Country’s Best Log Homes’ Annual Buyer’s Guide, this piece looks at financing your log home purchase. What do buyers need to know about key factors such as finding log home comparables in their area, down payment, and the paperwork they should have in hand? Are there still log-specific lenders in the market? How can buyers find them? What about other options, such as working with a local bank? Please e-mail me. I’m a freelancer. Contact: XXXXXXX