Story Ideas for Media 01-26-04

Ohio State's news, experts and events give you more on the news

Experts

Ohio State expert says losing weight is likely a matter of getting your number -- To know your resting metabolic rate is to know how many calories you can eat in a day to maintain, lose or gain weight. The trick is finding the accurate number. Newly available devices cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now are in use at select fitness centers, and they can accurately gauge the amount of energy a body needs just to function each day, which translates into an indicator of the number of calories a body requires. “People need a starting point to know what the real numbers are so they can adequately decrease their intake of calories to achieve weight loss, if that’s their goal,” said Dr. Shirley Kindrick, who directs Ohio State’s Comprehensive Weight Management Program. Contact: Emily Caldwell, Medical Center Communications, (614) 293-3737.

Research

Statistical research model from Ohio State offers new forecast of El Niño -- A statistical model from Ohio State is forecasting sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean in a new way. The model gives scientists a way to quantify the uncertainty that surrounds the climatic phenomenon known as El Niño, which triggers severe weather changes in North and South America and Australia and endangers crops and wildlife, said Noel Cressie, professor of statistics and director of the university’s Program in Spatial Statistics and Environmental Sciences. While there are many methods for forecasting El Niño, this model is unique because it includes detailed measures of uncertainty, explained Cressie. Such measures are important for quantifying risk when, for example, farmers and insurance companies make decisions about the next harvest. For more information, see http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/ninostat.htm Contact: Noel Cressie, Department of Statistics,(614) 292-5194; or Pam Frost Gorder, University Relations,(614) 292-9475.

Events

Best-selling author, screenwriter to discuss life, books – Jan. 27. -- Best-selling author and screenwriter E. Lynn Harris will speak at The Ohio State University at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday (1/27) in the east ballroom of the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. The event is free and open to the public. In his talk, titled “Just as I Am,” he will discuss his writing and his life, including being Christian and a member of the gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender (GBLT) community. Harris has written eight novels about Black culture. “If This World Were Mine” is one of five books that have appeared on The New York Times best-sellers list. He recently completed his autobiography “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.” Contact: Liz Cook, University Relations, (614) 292-7276.

Fair showcases information about renting in the off-campus area – Jan. 29, 30. -- Off-Campus Student Services is holding the 2004 Housing Fair from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 30, in the 2nd Floor Main Lounge of the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. Local property owners who are registered with Off-Campus Student Services will set up booths and advertise their available units for the 2004-2005 school year. Information will be offered on housing, utilities and moving. Contact: Shannon Wingard, University Relations, (614) 247-6821.

United Black World Month begins Monday at Ohio State – Feb. 1-29. -- Political activist, writer and hip-hop historian Kevin Powell, comedian Chris Rock and an African American musical celebration highlight United Black World Month (UBWM) at The Ohio State University Feb. 1-29. “Celebrate – ‘Our Diversity, Our Strength’” is the theme for the 34th annual celebration. Most events are free and open to the public. Powell will deliver the UBWM keynote address at 7 p.m. on Thursday (2/5) in the main ballroom of The Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. He is the author of five books including, “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight? Manhood, Race, and Power in America,” and contributed to The New York Times bestseller “Tupac Shakur.” Powell also was an original cast member on the MTV series “Real World.” Contact: Liz Cook, University Relations, (614) 292-7276.

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.