Story Ideas for Media - 05/09/05
Experts
Criminal law experts can discuss highway shooter mistrial
Criminal law experts in the Moritz College of Law are available to comment on the mistrial of Charles A. McCoy Jr. Joshua Dressler, the Frank R. Strong Chair in Law, says the hung jury was a victory for the defense, and it will make it more difficult for the prosecution to move forward with the case. According to Alan C. Michaels, Edwin M. Cooperman Designated Professor of Law, the case also shows that the idea of an insanity defense can still be effective. CONTACT: Joshua Dressler at (614) 688-3145 or Alan C. Michaels at (614) 6878-3451.
Expert says confusion over insurance benefits a barrier to regular mammograms
Women often cite cost as one reason they don’t get regular mammography check-ups, but a new study finds they often misunderstand or simply aren’t aware of benefits in their insurance plans that might help offset any financial burden. The study authors concluded that mammography screening campaigns may want to include information about insurance and health plan benefits to help reduce what appears to be a major barrier to the exams for some women. Dr. Electra Paskett, a member of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in the School of Public Health, can discuss the study with media. CONTACT: David Crawford, Medical Center Communications, (614) 293-3737.
Research
Girl juvenile offenders exhibit more problems, risks than boys
Girls in the juvenile justice system exhibit are at a greater risk than boys for certain problem behaviors that may lead them to get in serious trouble, according to new research. Girls had more problems than boys in areas such as family and peer relations, physical health, mental health, traumatic events and accountability issues. The only area in which boys had a greater propensity for trouble than girls was in prior criminal offenses. The results suggest that the juvenile justice system needs to devote more attention and resources to the problems of troubled girls, said Stephen Gavazzi, co-author of the study and professor of human development and family science in the College of Human Ecology. http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/juvjust.htm CONTACT: Stephen Gavazzi, College of Human Ecology, (614) 292-5620; and Jeff Grabmeier, University Relations, (614) 292-8457.
Service
OSU Extension invites University District families to 4-H Festival of Fun – May 14.
4-H youth development programs for the University District will be showcased at the 4-H Festival of Fun, from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday (5/14) at the OSU Extension Connection Center, 2350 Indianola Avenue (at the corner of Maynard and Indianola – the Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church). The festival, which is designed for University District children, youth and families, offers a petting zoo, trolley rides, and opportunities to participate in gardening, sewing, arts & crafts, photography and birdhouse-making. CONTACT: Amy Murray, University Relations, (614) 292-8385.
Non-perishable food item is ticket for student production of ‘42nd Street’ – May 13, 14.
Off the Lake, Ohio State’s student-run musical theater group, will present its annual spring musical that will benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. People may bring one non-perishable food item to see the production of “42nd Street.” Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday (5/13) and Saturday (5/14) in Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave. The production will feature a 40-member case and a 15-piece orchestra. This marks the ninth show put on by Off the Lake. Last year, more than 1,500 pounds of food were donated. CONTACT: Lisa Huneke, Off the Lake, (614) 297-1944.
Events
Center for Integrative Medicine hosts open house – May 10.
The OSU Center for Integrative Medicine will hold an open house from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (5/10) at the center, 2000 Kenny Road. Integrative medicine incorporates the art and science of caring for the whole person -- body, mind and spirit -- to treat and prevent disease. The center combines mainstream medicine with complementary therapies for which there is high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness, and is part of the OSU Primary Care Network. CONTACT: Emily Caldwell, Medical Center Communications, (614) 293-3737
U.S. Army Major to speak at National Nurses Week celebration – May 11.
To celebrate National Nurses Week 2005, Maj. Susan R. Orcutt-Cloft will present “A Nurse’s Journey to Iraq” at 1 p.m. Wednesday (5/11) at the Blackwell Inn, 2110 Tuttle Park Place. Orcutt-Cloft, an Army Nurse Corps officer who returned to the United States from Iraq in February 2004, will discuss her experience supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as her other extraordinary encounters in the United States and overseas. “A Nurse’s Journey to Iraq” is presented by Ohio State College of Nursing and Mount Carmel College of Nursing. CONTACT: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821.
Paraplegic rock climber is Adventure Recreation Center – May 11.
Mark Wellman, a paraplegic rock climber, will present “No Barriers,” the story of a life-threatening climbing accident which resulted in his injuries, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (5/11) at the new Adventure Recreation Center. Wellman is a nationally known author, filmmaker, and two-time Paralympian and former Yosemite Park Ranger. The event is sponsored by the Office for Disability Services and Recreational Sports’ Adaptive Recreational Sports Program. CONTACT: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821.
CEO of Deloitte & Touche will discuss ‘New Age of Accountability’ – May 12.
Jim Quigley, CEO of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, will speak on what he calls the “New Age of Accountability,” based on principled leadership and a values-based approach to individual action. The event is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday (5/12) in 140 Pfahl Hall, 280 W. Woodruff Ave. Quigley joined Deloitte 30 years ago after graduating from Utah State University. Quigley is an active member in many prestigious associations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Economic Club of New York and the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of New York. CONTACT: Laura Bowers, Fisher College of Business, (614) 292-8937.
The James hosts ‘Celebration for Life’ – May 14.
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute will host this year’s Celebration for Life from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday (5/14) at the Smith & Wollensky restaurant at Easton Town Center. The dinner is held annually to benefit The James Fund for Life, an annual fund campaign at OSU chaired by Abigail and Les Wexner dedicated to raising money to purchase leading-edge technology used in the fight against cancer. CONTACT: Michelle Gailiun, Medical Center Communications, (614) 293-3737.
Land Grant Opportunity Scholars, parents to attend campus event – May 15.
High school students who were awarded Ohio State’s Land Grant Opportunity Scholarships and their parents will attend an event on campus to learn more about Ohio State. The event begins with a lunch at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday (5/15) in the Blackwell Inn, 2110 Tuttle Park Place. From about 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., students will learn about opportunities available as Ohio State students and, in a separate session, parents will learn about other issues, including financial aid. The Land Grant scholarships are offered as part of a program designed to offer more low-income, high-ability students a chance to go to college. The university has committed to spend nearly $1.5 million this year on the Land Grant Opportunity Scholarships, so named because of Ohio State’s status as a land-grant university and its mission to remain accessible to Ohio citizens. CONTACT: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821.
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; Liz Cook, (614) 292-7276; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385, and Shannon Wingard, (614) 247-6821.
