Story Ideas for Media - 11/08/04

Experts

Expert can discuss the future of the Middle East without Arafat -- Palestinian President Yasser Arafat’s critical illness has caused many to question how his death could affect the future of the Middle East. Don Sylvan, associate professor of political science and a fellow in the Mershon Center, has studied issues involving Israel and Palestine for years. Among other topics, he can discuss the infrastructure of Palestinian politics. CONTACT: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821.

Research

Racial differences, poverty linked to mammography use -- Better detection and treatment are helping to reduce death from breast cancer in America, but poor, rural and minority women -- especially Native Americans -- face barriers that keep them from taking advantage of cancer screenings that could potentially save their lives, researchers say. The new study will be published Dec. 1 in the journal Cancer. Electra Paskett, director of the Center for Population Health and Health Disparities at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, led a team of scientists at Ohio State and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in studying hundreds of women in Robeson County, N.C. For more information, see http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/barrier.htm CONTACT: Michelle Gailiun, Medical Center Communications, (614) 293-3737.

Events

National Book Award winner to discuss stories, ideas behind latest work – Nov. 9. -- National Book Award winner and author of “The Woman Warrior” Maxine Hong Kingston will discuss stories and ideas behind her latest work, “The Fifth Book of Peace.” The event is at 8 p.m. on Tuesday (11/9) in Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St. Among other topics, she will offer answers to the question, “What can a peaceful individual do at the time of war?” The event is sponsored by the President and the Provost’s Diversity Lecture Series, the Creative Writing Program in the Department of English, the Comparative Ethnic and American Studies Committee, the Wexner Center and the Department of Comparative Studies. CONTACT: Karen Simonian, Wexner Center, (614) 292-9923.

Award-winning author to speak about universal usability– Nov. 10. -- Ben Shneiderman, distinguished researcher, keynote speaker and award-winning author of books and publications on the relationship between humans and computers, is the next speaker for the Technology Days series. He will discuss universal usability, which is when nearly all households of people can use information and technological services successfully. The event is at 9 a.m. on Wednesday (11/10) in the Ohio Union\'s Stecker Lounge, 1739 N. High St. For more information, see http://cio.osu.edu/communications/community/2004/shneiderman.html CONTACT: Cathy Bindewald, Office of the Chief Information Officer, (614) 247-6980.

Center for Chemical and Biophysical Dynamics open house to be held – Nov. 10. -- The Department of Chemistry will hold an open house at its Center for Chemical and Biophysical Dynamics at 2 p.m. on Wednesday (11/10) in 2015 McPherson Laboratory, 140 W. 18th Ave. The Center studies the nature of chemical change using ultra-fast laser pulses. The open house will include technical presentations about research at the facility and comments by distinguished speakers, including Barbara Snyder, executive vice president and provost, and Richard R. Freeman, dean of the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. CONTACT: Melissa L. Weber, College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, (614) 292-2254; or Ben Lewis, College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, (614) 688-4892.

‘Fiesta in the Fall’ brings Ohio State Hispanic community together– Nov. 10. -- Fiesta in the Fall will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday (11/10) in the main lounge of The Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. This event provides an opportunity for new and returning students to meet Hispanic faculty and staff from the Ohio State and surrounding communities. Music and entertainment will be provided by Yumbambe, Musica Latina, Folclor Hispano and Club Tropical as well as members from the Hispanic Business Student Association performing the Salsa. For more information, see http://multiculturalcenter.osu.edu/articles.asp?ID=239 CONTACT: Multicultural Center at (614) 688-8449.

International Education Week event focuses on Afghanistan, Iraq – Nov. 15. -- The “Teach-in: Afghanistan and Iraq in the Post 9/11 Era” will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday (11/15) in the Mershon Center, 1501 Neil Ave. Panel members include: Alam Payind, director of the Middle East Studies Center; Rick Herrmann, director of the Mershon Center; John Quigley, professor of law; and Margaret Mills, professor in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. The moderator is Jerry Revish from WBNS-TV. This event is part of International Education Week at Ohio State. For more information on International Education Week, see http://oia.osu.edu CONTACT: Amy Weir, Office of International Affairs, (614) 292-1993.

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.