Inauguration, Technology & Younger Voters: University of
Maine political science professor Amy Fried and several students
planning to attend the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect
Barack Obama are available to discuss the allure of Obama
campaign to younger voters and the campaign’s unprecedented use
of Internet technology to make the right connections.
What
Do Tough Economic Times Mean for Maine’s Crime Rate and
Prisoners?
Times are tough and one might assume that economic woes would
lead people to commit more crimes. But that might not be the
case according to University of Maine sociology Professor Steven
Barkan who is available to provide insight on the relationship
between the economy and crime rates. And what does Gov. John
Baldacci’s plan to send some of Maine’s prisoners out of state
to serve their sentences mean for those who already have been
convicted? Barkan’s not convinced the plan is what’s best for
the state.
Obama Inauguration in Historical Context:
President-elect Obama will take office in the context of
immensely challenging domestic and foreign affairs
circumstances. UMaine historian Howard Segal is available to
compare Obama's challenges to those that faced other U.S.
presidents at the beginning of their terms, including Franklin
D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.
Cluster Development & Maine: With Maine resident and
economic cluster proponent Karen Mills set to take the helm of
the U.S. Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C.,
UMaine economist Todd Gabe is available to discuss the
significance of cluster development and the Maine economy.
Significance of Inaugural Speeches: Barack Obama's
inaugural speech is sure to be historic, but what significance
do such speeches have? And what should we expect?
Beetles
with Potential to Devastate Forestlands Nearing Maine:
They haven’t been discovered in Maine yet, but with the Asian
Longhorned Beetle already making a confirmed appearance in
Massachusetts, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
entomologist Clay Kirby says there is a potential threat to
Maine’s forests.
Retailers on the Edge: Martha Novy-Broderick, an
attorney and lecturer in the Maine School of Business, is
available to offer advice about using gift cards from retailers
who may be at the edge of bankruptcy after one of the worst
holiday shopping seasons in recent memory.
Eating Better and Food Costs: When compiling a
list of new year's resolutions, many people vow to eat better in
the coming year. However, there is a perception that eating well
is expensive, and in today's sagging economy, food cost is a
concern.
Fitness for the New Year:
Getting in shape is at the top of everyone's new year's
resolutions list. Jeff Hunt and David Mahan of the University of
Maine Campus Recreation and Fitness Center and Robert Lehnard,
associate professor of kinesiology, can discuss why this
is such a hard resolution to keep — and share practical tips to
help people stick to it.
New
ADA Amendments Effective Jan. 1:
Elizabeth Depoy, professor of
social work and disability studies, is available to discuss the
significance of amendments to the federal Americans with
Disabilities Act, which become effective Jan. 1, substantially
expanding the population of people eligible for protection under
the law.
Tips for
Tax Season:
With tax season just around the corner, Ken Nichols, associate
professor of public administration and a former employee of the
Internal Revenue Service, is available to discuss basic but
important taxpayer tips as 2008 draws to a close.
Food-safety Tips, Proactive Measures in a Power Outage:
Last week's ice storm caused prolonged power outages in parts of
Maine. With another storm on the way, Kathy Savoie of the
University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers food-safety
tips and proactive measures consumers can take in the event of
another power outage.
Recessionary Job Loss: UMaine economist Philip Trostel
is available to discuss the historically comparative depth of
the current recession and how it may affect the job market
before the economy turns in a more positive direction.
Breaking the Cycle: Finance professor Robert Strong and
economist Jim McConnon are available to discuss how consumers
may be contributing to the recession by being overly concerned
about stock market fluctuation. Curtailing spending because of
market uncertainty contributes to economic gridlock and
deflation.
What President-elect Obama’s
Economic Recovery Plan Means for Maine:
On Saturday, President-elect Barack Obama announced five key
points in his economic recovery plan. He noted that the
initiative will help save or create at least 2.5 million jobs
while focusing on the country’s
infrastructure, education, and reduction of oil dependence. But
what does it mean for Maine? Several University of Maine
professors are available to comment on the various components of
the plan.
An
American Industry in Jeopardy?
History Professor Howard Segal, an expert on Henry Ford and the
automobile industry, is available to discuss the significance of
a collapsing American auto industry and how it might affect
Maine.
Safety when Heating your Home Important to Remember in Winter:
As Mainers struggle to heat their homes this winter, it’s
important to remember certain safety tips to avoid injury and
house fires. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension also
has a variety of information available regarding winterization
measures that can be taken to help cut heating costs and avoid
dangerous situations.
White House Transition & Congressional Power Balance:
UMaine associate professor of political science Richard Powell
is available to discuss the presidential transition,
President-elect Barack Obama’s cabinet and the new balance of
power in Congress.
Gift Certificates: Buyer Beware:
Martha Novy-Broderick, an attorney and lecturer in the Maine
School of Business, is available to discuss where consumers
stand if they receive a gift certificate from a business that
files for bankruptcy.
Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder: Seasonal
affective disorder, or SAD, can have sometimes serious
psychological effects on us as days get shorter with the onset
of winter. Sandra Sigmon, UMaine professor of psychology, is
available to discuss coping with SAD.
