ProfNets of the Week

by admin ~ July 30, 2010

FOOD: Tailgating 2010 - Freelancer Tailgating is an all-American phenomenon that gets into high gear with college and NFL football, NASCAR, major league and minor league baseball, Jimmy Buffet concerts, and even high-school and youth sports. Some of the most creative food is prepared and served here and the cocktails, wines, beer and iced tea seem to be constant trendsetters. My annual series of columns called Tailgatin’ Down South and Gourmet Highway are devoted to this outdoor feast and celebration now and on through the Super Bowl. These appear in many markets, in my print and online columns, and will be included in my new radio show “Southern Ways.” I am looking for a consensus as to the most popular spirits and cocktails (or is everything margaritas and Bloody Marys?), new and distinctive, even healthier mixes, whether wine has a growing presence or if new canned/bottled beverages are emerging that still are not well known. Who are the best tailgating cooks? What places and events do tailgating with flair? Is there a beer trend, like crafts, gaining? Low-resolution photos of people enjoying themselves beside a grill, or under a tent with nicely presented food and beverages are welcomed, particularly when team loyalty is apparent. Families, good friends and good cheer have top priority. Contact: XXXXXXX

NON-EXPERT: Breaking a Baby’s Bad Habits — Freelancer
I’m working on a potential story for American Baby on breaking a baby’s “bad habits,” like using a pacifier, needing to be rocked to sleep, only napping in mom or dad’s arms, etc. I’m looking for moms to share what their child’s habit was and how you got them to break it. Contact: XXXXXXX

LAW: ‘Nanny State’ Laws in California — Sunday Times of London
‘Nanny State ‘Legal moves to calm San Diego beaches, including seeking to plug a loophole that allows drinking on inflatable tires in three feet of water but not on the sand, follow recent local California laws to ban “beer pong” in Huntington Beach, mooning at trains in Laguna Beach, etc. There appears to be a growing gulf between what outsiders think of as Californian hedonism — free and easy silliness — and local laws designed to protect Californians from themselves. First, I am seeking other examples of California and other state/city/local legal clampdowns on human foolishness — and then comments about what this means in the “land of the free.” Contact: XXXXXXX

RELIGION/TODAY: Religion and Notre Dame Football — Medill News Service
I am looking for an expert on the intersection between religion and football at the University of Notre Dame. Contact: XXXXXXX