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News
Study shows worldwide hunger more a political problem than a supply problem – The key to helping developing countries with hungry populations is not just providing more food. It is also eliminating war and providing stable, democratic governments. Craig Jenkins, a professor of sociology and political science at Ohio State, says, “food supply is not the central issue in reducing hunger. Hunger is largely a political issue.” Jenkins studied 53 developing countries and found that high levels of child hunger in these countries was linked most to high levels of internal war and violence, political repression, high levels of arms trade, and population pressures. Food imports from governments and charities in the United States and elsewhere seem to do some good, but their effects are modest when compared to political factors affecting the countries. Jenkins said the current situation in Afghanistan is a good example. Jenkins says, “years of war and Taliban rule have all contributed to a major hunger problem in Afghanistan. Creating a stable government and institutions is as important as providing food in terms of eliminating hunger in Afghanistan.” Contact: Craig Jenkins, (614) 292-1411; see http://www.osu.edu/researchnews/archive/chldhngr.htm

Experts
Ohio State Faculty Experts guide is on the Internet. The Ohio State University offers journalists the expertise of faculty and staff from one of the nation's leading public research universities. The resource offers experts in 17 different areas, as well as listings for media liaisons, key administrators and academic resources such as labs and centers. Subject areas include: Agriculture; Animals, Wildlife and Veterinary Medicine; Arts; Business & Economy; Communication & Media; Education; Energy, Engineering & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Health, Medicine & Nutrition; Human Behavior & Family Life; International Issues; Languages, Cultures and Humanities; Life Sciences; Ohio; Physical Sciences & Mathematics; U.S. Political & Legal Systems; and Women & Minorities. Ohio State’s Office of University Relations will soon publish the listing in book form, but this resource is available now at http://www.osu.edu/news_db/experts_index.php Contact: Amy Murray, University Relations, (614) 292-8385.
Events
Columbus firefighters conduct training sessions at doomed houses – Feb. 4-6. The Columbus Division of Fire will conduct training exercises next week at three old houses owned by the university at 209-211 West 10th Ave. The houses are scheduled for demolition shortly to begin construction on new student housing projects there. The sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (2/4-6). There will be two or three fire vehicles at the sites during the sessions, but traffic will be maintained and impact should be minimal. The training will involve smoke, but no actual fire. Firefighters will practice cutting holes in roofs and simulated search and rescue using artificial, non-toxic smoke. Reporters and photographers wishing to cover the sessions should report to the scene and ask for the senior officer at the site. Contact: Capt. Jim Lewis, Cols. Div. Of Fire, (614) 221-3132 Ext. 5354; Brian Rowley, OSU Student Affairs, Facilities Planning, (614) 292-5232.

Former presidential advisor will speak at Ohio State – Feb. 5. David Gergen, former editor of U.S. News and World Report and advisor to four U.S. presidents, will look at the future of leadership in a public lecture at 4 p.m. on Tuesday (2/5) at the Wexner Film/Video Theatre, 1871 North High St. An audio mult-box will be available. Media seating is in the back right side, closest to the entrance. Gergen served as an advisor to four different Presidents (Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton), and as editor of U.S. News and World Report. In 2000, he published the best selling book, “Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton.” He currently co-directs the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School, is Editor-at-Large at U.S. News and World Report, and appears as a regular analyst for ABC. Gergen’s lecture is sponsored by The John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy, and is part of a lecture series entitled “Odyssey 2000+ New Issues for a New Century.” The lecture will be live on the Internet at http://streaming1.osu.edu:7070/ramgen/encoder/live1.rm Contact: Dorie Herman, Glenn Institute, (614) 247-6369.

The history of the Black struggle at Ohio State – Feb. 5. Ohio State celebrates United Black World Month with a look at the history of the student movement on campus. Ako Kambon, an Ohio State alumnus and speaker, will present “Our Voices Among Many: The History of the Black Struggle at Ohio State University,” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday (2/5) at the Kuhn Honors & Scholars House, 220 W. 12th Avenue. Kambon will discuss the student protest movement that led to the formation of the Black Studies Department (now the Department of African-American and African Studies) and the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center. A complete calendar of events for the month is available athttp://www.osu.edu/ubwm. Contact: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821.

Global health expert to speak – Feb. 8. Jordan Kassalow, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, will discuss “Why Health Is Important to U.S. Foreign Policy,” at 12:30 p.m. on Friday (2/8) in room 518 of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. A noted expert on global health issues, Kassalow says Americans are at greater risk now than at any time in recent history from diseases spread by bioterrorism and from recognized and emerging infectious diseases that can easily be spread across national borders. He says supporting public health worldwide will enhance national security, increase prosperity at home and abroad, and promote democracy in both developing nations and those in transition. The talk is sponsored by the Center for HOPES and School of Public Health. Kassalow is author of the report “Why Health Is Important to U.S. Foreign Policy, “ which is available at http://www.cfr.org/pubs/Kassalow_Health_Paper.html Contact: David Crawford, Medical Center Communications, 614-293-3737.

The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story – Elizabeth Conlisk, (614) 292-3040; Randy Dunham, (614) 292-8295; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.