Back to School Edition

Coffee time is bad for the brain
Will your teen be spending time (and money) at Starbucks instead of sitting in science class this September?

The number of teens drinking coffee in restaurants or cafes has increased 12 percent this year over last, which itself was up 15 percent over the year before, according to NPD Group, a New York-based market research firm. Dr. Cynthia Mannion, assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing, says there are nutritional dangers in these high-fat, low calcium concoctions that may include heartburn, headaches and a jump in blood pressure.

Teens need to be aware that while the lure of coffee is compelling, there are better choices for beverages while studying or chatting with their friends.

Dr. Cynthia Mannion
Phone: (403) 210-3848
Email: cmannion@ucalgary.ca

Executive Education

Forget about grade-schoolers, more and more executives are buying school supplies and are heading back to school…executive style. Haskayne School of Business has taken note of the executive education trend.

The school now provides an education opportunity for those further along in their careers through their executive education program. The program exposes students to new concepts and emerging business issues in an integrative learning environment.

Deborah McCaig, director of the Executive Education program, can speak to
the trend of executive education and what it can do for your career.

Deborah McCaig
Phone: (403) 220-8581
Email: deborah.mccaig@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Time Management

Go to class, go to work, do homework, group meeting, volunteer, call home…it’s time to go back to school and the common frenzy that accompanies the careers of most post-secondary students will begin again. How does a student juggle between classes, work, homework and other commitments? Dr. Bob Schulz, professor of strategy and global management, can talk about time management for students and how best to prioritize in the upcoming school year.

Dr. Bob Shulz
Best reached by email: bob.schulz@haskayne.ucalgary.ca.

Education faculty launches rural MT option

The Faculty of Education is working with Chinook’s Edge School Division to provide teacher training closer to home for students in the community of Olds, 72 kilometres north of Calgary. The first cohort of 17 students in the rural option of the Faculty’s Master of Teaching (MT) program begins studies in early September.

The rural MT students will do their practicum work in classrooms in Chinook’s Edge. All received bursaries of $2,000 from the school division and have been guaranteed interviews for positions upon graduation in the hopes of retaining teachers for rural schools. The faculty plans to expand its rural teacher initiative to Lloydminster, in partnership with Athabasca University, in 2008.

Contacts:
Cynthia Prasow, teacher preparation office, Faculty of Education, Phone: 220-6288
Allison Wedhorn (rural student), Phone: 973-1184
Allan Whitehead (rural student) Phone: 466-9354
Jim Gibbons, superintendent, Chinook’s Edge School Division, Phone: 403-227-7070

U of C experts create Islamic history books

From coffee and cheques to the three-course meal, the Muslim world has contributed many innovations to society throughout history. To help Canadian teachers and students learn more about Islamic culture and traditions, a group of curriculum, multiculturalism and language experts from the U of C Faculty of Education has created a set of history books for grades 1 to 6 as part of Islamic History Month Canada, a new initiative set to launch nationwide in October 2007.

The books, and teachers’ guides, are now available to school boards and the community at large in English and French. Plans call for the project to be expanded to grades 7 to12.

Contact Dr. Rahat Naqvi for more information about this initiative.
Dr. Rahat Naqvi
Phone: (403) 220-2047
*Speaks French*

New U of C initiative creates new leaders

Employees are looking for more than book smarts in graduates. They’re also looking for young workers with leadership experience in the community. That is why, for the first time, UCL, a non-credit certificate meant to supplement academic experience, is getting wanna-be leaders into the community to practice their leadership skills.

This new portion of UCL focuses on the development of critical consciousness and encourages
community engagement through service – 40 hours in the community, to be exact. The new UCL program in Community Leadership is an opportunity to explore how we can build healthy, sustainable and just communities, says Aryne Sheppard, coordinator of student leadership programs at the U of C.

For more information visit http://www.ucalgary.ca/ose/uclwhat
Aryne Sheppard
Phone: (403) 210-9611
Email: alsheppa@ucalgary.ca

Forget about the mac and cheese it’s time to celebrate!

Mac and cheese sales may go down due to U of C having more money to give students through scholarships this year - up three quarters of a million dollars from last year. Visha Pang, Marcus Desireau and Vishal Varsheney are first year students and Chancellor's Club outstanding achievement award recipients.

These students are happy to share their experiences so far, along with their dreams and hopes for the future. Yisha Pang, 18, has lived in Calgary for eight years, used to live in the United States and was born in China.

Phone: (403) 969-0072
Email: yishap@gmail.com

Marcus Desireau, born and raised in Calgary, will be starting classes at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business.
Phone: (403) 246-5001
Email: mdesireau@shaw.ca

Vishal Varshney, 18, born and raised in Calgary.
Phone: (403) 210-9829 (work), (403) 251-1573 (home), (403) 478-8474 (cell)
Email: cricketkid555@hotmail.com
Contact Kathleen Massey, from Student and Enrolment Services, to talk about the increase in scholarship funds.

Encouraging post-secondary education for Aboriginals

For some students thinking about attending post secondary institution can be a daunting idea. But through the Native Ambassador Post-secondary Initiative (NAPI) ambassadors serve as positive role models and serve as real-life examples showing that barriers can be overcome and success is possible to questioning aboriginal teens.

Aboriginal students of all grades and ages are encouraged by NAPI to consider pursing a postsecondary education to questiong aboriginal teens. A new component of the initiative teaches teens how to be successful leaders. Ryan Franke, past coordinator and ambassador of NAPI, says the partnership with the U of C Leadership program gets teens talking and excited about what it means to be a good leader.

Franke says teaching teens about leadership ties in to NAPI’s primary goal to motivate Aboriginal students to consider pursuing a post-secondary education. Aboriginal student ambassadors of NAPI meet with youth and talk about the different post secondary institutions in Calgary and share personal stories.

Ryan Franke
Phone: (403) 999-1307
Email: ryanfranke@hotmail.com
Native centre phone: (403) 220-6034

STORY: Pine beetles in Alberta’s Forests

Dr. Ralph Cartar
Forest ecology
Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science
Phone: 220-3640
Email: cartar@ucalgary.ca

Dr. Mary Reid
The reproductive strategies of bark beetles
Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science
Phone: 220-3033/220-8313
Email: mreid@ucalgary.ca

STORY: Virginia Tech response too slow after first shooting, says report

Lanny Fritz
Director, Campus Security
Phone: 220-4108
Email: lfritz@ucalgary.ca

August 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s breast milk!
Breast milk is best for your baby. It provides the right mixture of protein, fat and carbohydrate but also disease fighting compounds like immunoglobulan and particularly IgA, according to Dr. Cynthia Mannion, assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing. Immunoglobulins help babies stay healthy during the early days of their life. Along with breast milk’s disease fighting properties, it is safe, fast, cheap and always at the right temperature and has benefits for mothers too, says Mannion. Breast feeding helps mothers recover from child birth faster and reduces their chances of getting breast cancer. Mannion is available to talk about the benefits of breast feeding and to talk about breast feeding myths.

Dr. Cynthia Mannion
Phone: (403) 210-3848
Email: cmannion@ucalgary.ca

Going to rehab…again?

Did Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan waste their time?
Going to rehab doesn’t look like it was successful for Lindsay Lohan, and people are still questioning Britney Spears’ stability. Celebrities are known for their substance abuse problems and their visits to rehab – but do the rehabilitation programs actually work? Psychologist Dr. David Hodgins can discuss addictions and the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment programs, like the ones Lohan and Spears have attended.

Dr. David Hodgins
Phone: (403) 220-3371 or (403) 220-6169
Email: dhodgins@ucalgary.ca

Golf

Golf is in full swing in Calgary
Dr. Dave Paskevich, a sport and exercise psychologist with the Faculty of Kinesiology, can talk about the inner game of golf and provide duffers and pros alike with strategies for improving their game.

Phone: (403) 220-3434
Email: dpaskevi@ucalgary.ca

___________________________________

*Unless otherwise noted experts do not speak French*

Weekend to End Breast Cancer July 27-29

Breast cancer survivor and U of C nurse educator takes part in 60 km walk
One in nine Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That alarming statistic attracts thousands of women and men to the national seven-city Weekend to End Breast Cancer, July 27-29. Faculty of Nursing professor, Dr. Annette Lane, knows the importance of this event, not only as a nurse educator, researcher and health care professional, but also as a breast cancer survivor and can speak candidly about why she wants to be involved in the 60 km walk.
Annette Lane
Phone: (403) 210 3843
Email: alane@ucalgary.ca

The business behind breast cancer research

During this year’s Calgary Stampede Calgarians proved they were tough enough to wear pink – a fundraising campaign to support breast cancer research – and many Calgarians will show their support again by taking part in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. However, there are a number of marketing and strategy issues relating to fund raising and breast cancer, according to Dr. Debi Andrus, in the Haskayne School of Business.

Those responsible for raising money and raising awareness for breast cancer research or breast cancer programs must be managed carefully due to issues of credibility.

From the corporate side of the equation companies or event planners wanting to contribute have to decide if a fundraising event is worthwhile supporting. Cause-related marketing is more than just doing the right thing, according to Andrus. And from the public/participant perspective they want to feel as if they are part of a solution.

“With a cause such as breast cancer, it does touch most people and people really want to help do something, not just sit by and watch women die from the disease. That is why it is a great event,” said Andrus.
Debi Andrus
Phone: (403) 220-7150
Email: deborah.andrus@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Bug season

Precautions people should take against pests
Blue skies beckon people to enjoy sunny days while insects welcome them to play in the grass. People need to be aware that they should take precautions to protect themselves against insects carrying infectious diseases including West Nile virus. Faculty of Medicine assistant professor of paediatrics and medicine, Dr. Susan Kuhn, can answer questions about the proper bug precautions that people should take before heading outside.

People might want to know what the recommendations are for using an insect repellent and a product containing sunscreen at the same time. Can pregnant or nursing women use insect repellent? What should parents be aware of when using a repellent on their children? What are some possible reactions people should watch for when using a repellent?
Dr. Susan Kuhn
Phone: 955-7813

Who is the Stampede Cowboy?

Is he a blast from the past? A contemporary western worker? An imagined figure of mythic proportions? An athlete? Is he Canadian? American? And what about the Stampede cowgirl? These are just some of the questions students explore in a summer course at the U of C on the Culture of the Calgary Stampede. According to Dr. Tamara Seiler, professor of Canadian studies, the cowboy is a complex combination of myth and history. As a major American cultural symbol, the pop culture cowboy doesn’t fit easily into Canada’s national mythology. These contradictions make him particularly useful as a regional symbol, she says. Both the city and the Stampede draw on American cowboy mythology to construct our distinct “maverick” identity and to market the excitement of the Old West.

Dr. Tamara Seiler
Phone: 403-220-5320
Email: tseiler@ucalgary.ca

Stampede parade: A complicated ritual

There is little that compares to an event where 350,000 people converge on the streets of downtown Calgary to observe a spectacle of order and chaos, otherwise known as the Stampede Parade. Dr. Lorry Felske, professor of Canadian Studies, says when we go to the Stampede Parade, observers are participating in a complicated pattern of rituals we aren’t even necessarily aware we are a part of.
“The Stampede Parade is much more than people walking down the middle of the street,” says Felske. “For example, one of the rituals during Stampede is to inculcate equality and make everyone think they’re the same as everyone else from the mayor to the average Joe. So we dress up as cowboys, which is a way to hide social class.” The ritual of the parade dates back to early part of the 20th century when parades were launched to deal with times of great crisis or great celebration. The Stampede Parade was created in 1912 when the Big Four (George Lane, Archie McLean, A.E. Cross and Pat Burns) were trying to remember and commemorate the disappearing era of open ranching.

Dr. Lorry Felske
Dr. Felske is available for interviews after June 18.
Phone: 403-220-5781
Email: felske@ucalgary.ca

There’s more to Alberta than beef

Alberta beef is recognized around the world for its quality and has become a staple of the culture of the West. But why? Dr. Gwendolyn Blue, professor of science, technology and society, says our steaks and burgers have gained more attention off the barbecue than on. “The tourism and beef industries have been aggressively marketing Alberta beef, while beef consumption in Alberta has been declining over the last 20 years,” she says. She says we rarely discuss Alberta elk, Alberta lamb or Alberta bison, even though these are all part of Alberta’s diverse agricultural industries. “The history and identity of Alberta’s regional food culture has been constructed as much by tourist images and beef industry marketing, as it has by what Albertans actually consume.”

Dr. Gwendolyn Blue
Phone: 403-220-4845
Email: ggblue@ucalgary.ca

Journey of the chuckwagon: From the kitchen to the race track

Dr. Aritha van Herk, professor in the Faculty of Humanities, says the Stampede chuckwagon races are Western Canada’s unique version of the ancient Roman chariot races. In fact, it was Guy Weadick, the mastermind behind the first Calgary Stampede and Exhibition, who first developed the sport. “He knew the people wanted entertainment and the excitement and adrenalin rush of a race,” she says.

The chuckwagon was originally a food wagon or movable kitchen that accompanied cattle drives and round-ups on the expansive western prairies. Van Herk discusses how the sport of chuckwagon racing links the domestic origin of the open-air kitchen to the rush of the high stakes sport we associate with the Calgary Stampede today.

Dr. Aritha Van Herk
Phone: 403-220-5481
Email: vanherk@ucalgary.ca

Art and the Wild West

We don’t tend to think of the Stampede as a patron of the arts. But Dr. Brian Rusted, professor, of communications studies, says the Calgary Stampede is historically tied to a community of western artists.

“Guy Weadick’s ability to put on the first Stampede is tied to the fact that western artists were already creating an appetite among the general public for images of the west,” says Rusted. Rusted explains how artistic representations of the west were the key to gaining support and public participation in the event in the early days of the Stampede. He also discusses the link between the Stampede and modern day western art through the Stampede’s annual Western Art Show and Auction.

Dr. Brian Rusted
Phone: 403-220-7766
Email: rusted@ucalgary.ca

Stampede as marketing tool

Dr. Harry Hiller, an urban sociologist, is fascinated by the growth of the Stampede as a year-round entertainment centre rather than a residential community. Hiller can speak about the importance of urban festivals for city life and the Stampede as a signature event for the city and as a marketing device in a globalized world.

Harry Hiller
Phone: 403-220-6048
Email: hiller@ucalgary.ca

Stampede: a stomach lurching experience

A big part of the Calgary Stampede are the rides and Dr. Phil Langill, a physics and astronomy professor can tell you why your stomach jumps when you cross the hump of a rollercoaster and why you may feel woozy after a spin in the Tilt-a-Whirl. His expertise reaches far into the fun and exciting world of midway rides, such as those presented at the Calgary Stampede.
Phone: 403-874-1877
Email: pplangil@ucalgary.ca

First-ever graduate social work program
for Red Crow Community College

The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work signs a formal agreement with Red Crow Community College on Friday, June 8 to deliver the first-ever graduate social work program at the College.

The Faculty’s existing Master's of Social Work (MSW) program has been adapted to reflect the contextual and cultural needs of indigenous communities in Southern Alberta. This unique program builds on the successful Learning Circles undergraduate program, which the faculty has offered at Red Crow since 2000. The new MSW program will serve a number of BSW graduates who have the desire and capability to further and deepen their knowledge and expertise through graduate studies. Sixteen students will enter the program this September as a one-time cohort.

The signing ceremony will take place at 4 pm on Friday, June 8, at Red Crow Community College on the Kainai Nation near Standoff, Alta. Dr. Gayla Rogers, dean of the faculty, and Dr. Marie Smallface-Marule, president of the college, will sign the agreement. Media are invited.
Contact: Dr. Betty Bastien, Red Crow MSW Program Coordinator
Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
Phone: (403) 737-2868
Email: bastien@ucalgary.ca

Be a good friend to your feet

Baby-boomers are ageing and so are their feet. Three out of four people develop foot problems as they age and many of these problems can be prevented or managed. Faculty of Medicine podiatrist Dr. Brent Haverstock talks about how to prevent cramps, develop muscle tone and buy the best shoes. People often become accustomed to sore feet and may not notice something as serious as a fracture. Haverstock, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, says “people who feel pain on the outside of their foot should seek prompt treatment. Walking on or failing to treat a fracture may lead to complications including bone deformities, chronic pain or arthritis."
Dr. Brent Haverstock is available from June 5-19 by appointment.
Phone: (403) 221-8345
Email: brent.haverstock@calgaryhealthregion.ca

Seniors Week 2007

Albertans of all ages will celebrate the achievements and spirit of Alberta’s older citizens during Seniors’ Week 2007, from June 4 to 10. Many do not know the seniors population is growing at a faster rate than the rest of the Albertan population. By 2031, approximately one in five Albertans will be over the age of 65. This changing demographic brings both new challenges and opportunities for Alberta, says Dr. Peter Donahue in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. In order to address these challenges, Donahue joins with a number of his colleagues nationally and internationally in a new collaboration known as the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, a Networks of Centres of Excellence New Initiative (NICE).

NICE brings together academics, policy makers and practitioners from medicine, nursing, social work and other allied disciplines to translate the existing research knowledge into practical tools to assist those providing care to older adults and their families. The group is also working to assist in the training of those committed to working in the field of ageing. Too often, the research stays in the academic realm and never makes its way down to the people who need this information to improve the care for older adults, says Donahue. NICE is working to remedy this.
Dr. Peter Donahue
Phone: (416) 565-4778
Email: pdonahue@ucalgary.ca

New interpretive centre at Rothney Astrophysical Observatory leave visitors starry-eyed

Travelling around Alberta just got a little more exciting this summer now that a new interpretive centre and monthly open houses for public star-gazing are available at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. The Rothney is a popular summer attraction, public education centre and tourist stop along Alberta’s infamous Cowboy Trail.

When local rancher and late philanthropist Sandy Cross donated a quarter section of land to the University of Calgary in 1970, he envisioned a place where astronomers could gaze into the heavens and discover bright new worlds. Thirty seven years later, the Rothney is home to both Canada’s most powerful domestic research telescope and the world’s only telescope that searches Northern Hemisphere skies for killer asteroids that could one day impact earth.
Contact: Jennifer Howse
Phone: (403) 931-2366
Email: jhowse@phas.ucalgary.ca

Albertans' input needed to develop land-use framework

During the last two days of May the Government of Alberta has inspired Calgarians to give their input on the future of land use in the province.

Province-wide public sessions will take place to get Albertans' input on a vision, guiding principles, land-use issues of greatest concern, directions and outcomes. This will build on what the government has heard at stakeholder sessions.

Dr. Sasha Tsenkova, professor and director of planning at the University of Calgary, is able to share her views on the future of land use in Alberta. She says the natural environment is a vital part of our wealth in Alberta. The long-term perspective of growth management requires an emphasis on sustainability and planning efforts that protect the environment and address the needs of cities. The urban future calls for policy measures and planning solutions that enhance economic competitiveness, social inclusion and environmental sensitivity.

Dr. Bev Sandalack, professor and director of the Urban Design Program at the U of C, says there is a need for both strong regional planning and strong urban planning and design to influence development of more compact settlements with higher urban quality.

For more information on the sessions visit www.landuse.gov.ab.ca. Sessions in Calgary take place on Wednesday, May 30 and Thursday, May 31 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Trade Centre - Radisson Hotel Calgary Airport, 2120 -16 Avenue NE.
Dr. Sasha Tsenkova
Cell: 703-9437
Email: tsenkova@ucalgary.ca
Dr. Bev Sandalack
Cell: 615 4655
Email: sandalac@ucalgary.ca

Summer Music Festival

The University of Calgary is celebrating original Canadian composers at the first ever Summer Musical Festival this year. The festival celebrates original compositions by Canadian composers and musicians. According to Dr. Jeremy Brown, department head for music in the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Summer Musical Festival shows that Alberta is developing a regional prairie music perspective as well as forging a Canadian identity of music.

2007 marks the first year that summer music programs and performances at the University of Calgary are being consolidated under the banner of the Summer Music Festival. The festival celebrates, in a cohesive way, the rich diversity of musical offerings available to students and the general pubic on and off campus every summer between June and August. Most importantly, the Summer Music Festival is an invitation to experience campus life in the spring and summer - as a student or as an audience member - to learn, to be entertained, and to be inspired by the diversity of musical talent present in our community and at the University of Calgary.
Jeremy Brown
Phone: 220-5376
Email: jbrown@ucalgary.ca

Up the creek without a paddle? It doesn’t have to be that way

As thermometers start to rise and the number of people on the water increases, recreational boating safety becomes a primary topic of discussion this spring. Unfortunately, the Red Cross and Royal Lifesaving Society report over 200 boating deaths a year, with almost 90 percent of those drowning victims not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Rob Vickers, rafting program coordinator at the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary, stresses the importance of wearing the proper gear, preparing in advance and using common sense on the water. Vickers says every person should wear a personal flotation device (PFD); the boat should be equipped with an extra paddle, a sounding device, a water bailer and 15 feet of floating line; ropes should be stowed away to prevent them from becoming a hazard; routes should be planned ahead of time (carry a map of the river and know the potential hazards that may be encountered); and one should always travel with at least one other boat/canoe/kayak/etc. – although three are preferable.
Rob Vickers
Phone: 220-2579
Email: rhvicker@ucalgary.ca

Is Canadian television in trouble?

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) recently introduced changes to the way it regulates conventional television broadcasters. The changes include a deadline for the transition from analog to HD and the issue of the decline in production and broadcast of Canadian programming.

Original Canadian programming is seriously at risk, says Debi Andrus, professor in marketing at the Haskayne School of Business. Debi is available to discuss the future of Canadian programming and the impact the CRTC changes could have on what little is left of Canada's presence in the airwaves.
Debi Andrus
Phone: 220-7150
Email: debi.andrus@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Leave spring cleansing to your liver

There are many types of body cleanses out there that claim to rid the body of accumulated harmful substances. Some consist of only drinking shakes for a week and others encourage the participant to avoid foods that are hard to digest such as milk and wheat products. But it turns out cleanses don’t really cleanse – our livers and colon do that for us already, according to Jane Rose, registered dietitian and nutrition coordinator at U of C’s TrymGym. And to top it off, she says there is a reduction in metabolism associated with some cleanses.
Jane Rose
220-4374 or 287-6067
jrose@ucalgary.ca

Birthmother’s Day – May 12

Birthmother’s Day is a chance to honour, remember and celebrate women who gave the gift of a child. This is a happy day for some and for others it is a time to grieve. Dr. Constance (Connie) Barlow, in the Department of Social Work, has extensive research experience with grief and loss. Social work PhD student Terri Spronk has many years of experience in adoption reunions and has been involved in Birth Mothers’ Day in the past.
Dr. Connie Barlow - will be available starting May 10
220-4686
cabarlow@ucalgary.ca
Terri Spronk
250-716-1379
taspronk@ucalgary.ca

Mother’s Day – May 13

These days mothers have to work smarter, says Dr. Josephine Hill, associate professor at the Schulich School of Engineering. Mothers typically have less free time than anyone else. So, when a work environment is developed to be more efficient everyone benefits – especially moms. In addition, Hills says just working longer hours doesn't mean that you are getting more done. Several studies have shown that people who work shorter hours are actually more productive. “I think that we all have to work smarter, not longer, so that everyone can spend more time with their families or at activities away from work,” she said. Hill can talk from experience – she has two children, over 100 undergraduate students, six graduate students, one research assistant and one post-doctoral fellow.
Josephine Hill
jhill@ucalgary.ca
210-9488

Return of the trumpeter swans

The arrival of spring means the return of migrating birds to Alberta, including the famous trumpeter swan, the largest and rarest swan in the world.

Dr. Len Hills, professor emeritus of geology and an avid bird watcher, has spent the last 15 years monitoring trumpeter swan numbers in the ponds west of Calgary as they pass through the region during spring and fall migrations. His records show that trumpeter swan numbers have dramatically increased over the last decade. Trumpeter swans were on the brink of extinction in the early 1900s but were saved by international conservation efforts that began in the 1930s. Hills visits ponds in the Jumpingpound area just off the Trans-Canada Highway every day and is available for media interviews and tours.
Len Hills
Phone: (403) 860-5836
Email: lvhills@ucalgary.ca

Upcoming provincial budget

Economics professor Dr. Frank Atkins can share his thoughts on this year’s provincial budget, to be announced April 19. Atkins wonders whether Premier Ed Stelmach will develop a rule about non-renewable resource revenues and what percentage will go to the Alberta Heritage Fund. For more predictions or comments please phone or email Atkins.
Frank Atkins
Phone: 220-5864
Email: atkins@ucalgary.ca

Road construction

There are potholes aplenty this spring and Dr. Lynne Cowe Falls, professor of civil engineering, can talk about what people who build roads can do to prevent these pesky bumps. When there’s construction, especially road construction, people are affected – Dr. Richard Tay, a professor in Schulich School of Engineering, can speak on any topic related to road safety engineering, traffic enforcement and driver behaviour.
Richard Tay
Phone: 220-4725
Email: rtay@ucalgary.ca
Lynne Cowe Falls
Phone: 220-5505
Email: lcowefal@ucalgary.ca

Student exam stress

When students go into a stressful exam, they are urged to “think success,” by U of C counsellor Jeff Vander Werf. Managing your thoughts and thinking positively are just a few ways to do better during a test. As Academic Success Coordinator at the Counselling Centre here on campus, Vander Werf is responsible for workshops on writing exams and helping students dealing with exam anxiety. Vander Werf has particular interest and expertise in issues that relate specifically to the post-secondary experience including: learning skills (study habits, academic anxiety, test writing), career decision-making, negotiating healthy relationships and concerns about transitions.
Jeff Vander Werf
Phone: 220-5893
Email: jpvander@ucalgary.ca
Web page: http://www.ucalgary.ca/counselling

Summer job availability not all it's cracked up to be

Although the help wanted signs posted all over the city means there a job for everyone, not everyone is getting the job they want. According to Bruce Halliday, director for the Career Centre at the Haskayne School of Business, all the talk of the boom is giving many students, new grads and parents false expectations about Calgary's job market. Halliday is available to talk about what is encouraging the false hope and what industries are most effected.
Bruce Halliday
Phone: 220-2145
Email: bruce.halliday@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Job boom levelling out this year

This year the job market looks good but it doesn’t compare to last year’s boom in Calgary, according to Voula Cocolakis, director of career services at the U of C. She says the boom is levelling out, but there are still many job postings in the areas of science and engineering, health and wellness and education. Cocolakis can also talk about how students are finding jobs, what they need to do to find jobs and where the hot jobs are right now.
Voula Cocolakis
Phone: 220-3806
Email: voula.cocolakis@ucalgary.ca

Spring Fever

Spring has sprung, the grass is ris’, keep an eye out for where all the bears is!
The lure of the great outdoors becomes very strong as spring approaches, but if you’re heading that way, it’s best to use a little common sense. Crystalee Mouland is the hiking, backpacking and wilderness skills coordinator for the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary. Mouland says that if the warm trend continues over the next couple of weeks, bears will emerge from hibernation. Mouland teaches backpackers the essentials of back-country bear safety. Things like: Always travel in groups of six or more (there has never been a documented bear attack on a group that size.) Check the conditions of the trails you’re planning to follow for bear sightings. Arm yourself with knowledge about the bears in the areas you’re traveling and learn the life-saving skills you need in the event of a bear encounter.
Crystallee Mouland
Phone: 220-5038
Email: cmouland@ucalgary.ca

Get the runner’s edge this spring

If you’re looking for some good advice on your car, you’d likely visit a mechanic. If you’re looking for some good advice on running, you should visit the internationally recognized experts at the Faculty of Kinesiology. On Saturday, April 14, the university is hosting the second annual Runner’s Edge, symposium. The symposium will feature some timely advice for runners getting back onto the streets and trails after a long winter. Featured speakers and available experts include the U of C’s Dr. Reed Ferber, Director of the Running Injury Clinic, Dr. Corrado Culterera, president of the Elite Performance Institute, Denise Beatty of Fitness Fix DVD fame, Tracy Mann, founder of Yoga Passage, and many more. Topics will include sessions on: Yoga for runners; core strength for runners; capnography – how to breathe; biomechanics of patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee); training your body to burn fat; hill technique: strategy and form and soft tissue and fascia therapy.
To arrange interviews contact: Don McSwiney, Director of Communications, Faculty of Kinesiology
Phone: 220-7652
Email: dmcswine@ucalgary.ca

Recharging the water table

It’s a good year for the water table in Alberta, says Dr. Masaki Hayashi, Department of Geology and Geophysics at the U of C. Based on the number of puddles in farmer’s fields – as soon as the ground thaws – water will go down quickly and recharge the water table. If you’re a homeowner and you’re worried about the high water table flooding your basement, there is no danger in the short term – but that could change depending on the spring rains.
Masaki Hayashi
Phone: 220-2794
Email: hayashi@ucalgary.ca

A Taxing Time of Year

The clock is ticking to April 30, the deadline to file your taxes. Professor Larry Wood from the Haskayne School of Business is an expert on personal income taxes and is available to comment on the tax season with tips to maximize your refund.
Larry Wood
Phone: 220-7167
Email: larry.wood@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

The war on drugs: We’re losing the battle

Shane Halasz, who teaches a U of C course on drugs and popular culture, says we are losing the war on drugs. According to Halasz’s research a significant problem is in how our culture talks about and represents the issue. “Images of drug addicts in film, television and news media are infused with a sense of evil and the knee-jerk reaction is moral panic. What is missing from the public discourse about this issue is a progressive discussion of alternatives to the current approach to drug control.”
Shane Halasz, Instructor of Communications Studies
Email: sdhalasz@ucalgary.ca
Media Contact:
Jennifer Myers, Senior Communications Manager
Phone: (403) 220-4117 (bus) 801-3965 (cell)
Email: myers@ucalgary.ca

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Albertans. Dr. Ron Bridges, head of the Division of Gastroenterology at the U of C, can speak about colon cancer screening, patient education and how to prevent colon cancer. According to Bridges, the risk of colon cancer increases with age so screening for colon cancer is recommended for all individuals 50 years or older. Those with a family history of colon cancer are at increased risk and should begin screening at a younger age. Other known risk factors for colon cancer, such as a personal history of ulcerative colitis, also increase the risk of developing the disease. A new Centre for Colon Cancer Screening is scheduled to open in fall 2007 and will be located in the University of Calgary’s new Teaching, Research and Wellness building on the Foothills Medical Centre site.
Dr. Ron Bridges
Phone: (403) 210-9356
Email: bridges@ucalgary.ca

March is Epilepsy Awareness Month

Uncontrollable seizures affect up to 2 percent of the population at some point during their lives. A common form of epilepsy (neocortical partial epilepsy), arises from a specific site on the brain surface. If this site is accurately localized, surgical removal of this area may provide a cure. However, the sites or brain circuits that underlie seizures in these patients are largely unknown. Dr. Paulo Federico, assistant professor, neurologist and epileptologist in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the U of C, is conducting research that uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a non-invasive tool to help understand where and how seizures are generated. His research may help reduce the need for invasive monitoring or surgery in this common group of epileptic patients. Federico can answer questions about his research, such as the difference between epilepsy and seizures and what procedures are available such as “imaging seizures.”
Dr. Paulo Federico
Phone: (403) 944-4091
Email: pfederic@ucalgary.ca

Another Chinook?

We often hear about Chinooks affecting the health of some individuals. When it comes to joint pain, many blame the weather and some claim Chinooks are the reason behind their discomfort. Dr. Jason McDougall, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, would be happy to talk about whether or not Chinooks do actually cause joint pain and stiffness. He also welcomes questions about any type of arthritis pain.
Jason McDougall
Phone: (403) 220-4507
Email: mcdougaj@ucalgary.ca

St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s day! What can I buy you?

The commercialization of holidays is nothing new, but when it starts to trickle down to the secondary holidays like St. Patrick’s day, you may ask: is it really necessary? Debi Andrus, assistant professor of marketing at the Haskayne School of Business, can speak to the trend of commercializing holidays and how much you should buy into.
Debi Andrus
Phone: (403) 220-7150
Email: debi.andrus@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

The history of Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was a Christian missionary and is regarded as the patron saint of Ireland. Dr. Anne Moore, specializing in western religions, in the Department of Religious Studies can talk about the history of St. Patrick and the life he lead in Ireland. Other interests of Moore’s include the formation and interpretation of scripture, women in early Christianity and religion and film.
Phone: (403) 220-3288/932-3059
Email: amoore@ucalgary.ca

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – MARCH 8

A time to reflect

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to discuss the impact our business decisions have on women around the world. Dean Neu, director of the Centre for Public Interest Accounting at the Haskayne School of Business, knows all too well the devastating impact globalization can have on women in developing countries. Neu is a member of the steering committee of Just Shirts, an organization that produces and sells quality clothing produced under sweatshop free conditions. Its business model is based on the pillars of social justice, non-profit, transparency, social re-investment and stakeholder participation.

Through his hand on research and experience, Neu can speak to the impact of globalization on women, particularly single mothers, in South America and what can be done to lessen the negative effects and improve their lives and the lives of their children and community.
Phone: (403) 220-4836
Email: dean.neu@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Violence against women

Although violence against women is problematic at all socioeconomic and educational levels, says Dr. Claudia Emes, U of C’s advisor on women’s issues, less educated women of lower socioeconomic status often feel trapped because they can’t achieve financial self-sufficiency, they haven't been exposed to all the options that are available to them and they may not understand or be aware of their legal rights. Emes interests lie in education and the role of education in women's lives. From Emes’ role as the President of the YWCA board of directors, she learned about the role of education in the lives of women who are trying to escape poverty and build self-sufficient lives. Emes is available to media on February 26 and any day after the 26th.
Phone: (403) 220-7019
Email: cemes@ucalgary.ca

The importance of giving hope to women internationally

Stephanie Garrett, executive director, Women’s Resource Centre, can talk about the importance of International Women’s Day. Garrett just returned from Kenya two weeks ago with her mother and two colleagues to help set up a special international exchange program between the U of C and the University of Nairobi as well as to attend the World Social Forum. Garrett and her team met with dozens of women and community based groups working on a variety of issues surrounding education promotion (from health to poverty). While in Kenya their goal was to identify a handful of groups that would offer timely independent study placements for students doing exchanges to Nairobi.

The Women's Resource Centre is also contributing to the promotion of internationalization at the University of Calgary through a variety of programs that link women of different cultures and backgrounds. For example, the U of C’s Women's Global Voices program brings together female international students as well as spouses of male international students to discuss the subtle ways in which gender affects their cultural experiences in Calgary.
Phone: 220-3356
Email: stephanie.garrett@ucalgary.ca

VALENTINE’S DAY

Office Romance

Saint Valentine's Day is fast approaching and that means chocolate, roses and romance. Telling your loved ones how much you care is a great part of Valentine's Day, but is it OK to do so at the office?

Loren Falkenburg, associate professor at the Haskayne School of Business, can speak to workplace romance and what's appropriate when showing affection to colleagues, subordinates and supervisors on Valentine's Day or any time of year.
Loren Falkenburg
Phone: 220-7172
Email: loren.falkenberg@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

No significant other? Then give your heart some lovin’

Ahhh, February - the month of love. We all know emotional well-being is related to good heart health, but do you have to be 'in love' to get your heart pumping? Dr. Kathryn King, a cardiovascular nurse scientist in the Faculty of Nursing and also one of The Heart and Stroke Foundation's spokespersons this month, has completed studies on the importance of social support to heart health. According to King, it's about having friends and feeling connected to others and she can offer some heart healthy suggestions for those of you without romantic partners this Valentine's Day.
Kathryn King
Phone: 210-3953
Email: kingk@ucalgary.ca

History of St. Valentine?

According to Dr. Irving Hexham, professor in the Department of Religious Studies, there's not much to say about poor old Valentine who isn’t a saint and may not have lived at all. The story of St. Valentine’s is a folk custom which seems to have taken off in a big way in the eighteenth century - with the spread of printing and an opportunity to make a fast buck.
Irving Hexham
Phone: 220-3280
Email: hexham@ucalgary.ca

FAMILY DAY

Gay and lesbian parents

How prevalent are gay and lesbian parents, and how many are themselves raising children? Dr. Kevin Alderson, an assistant professor of counselling psychology (Division of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education) at the University of Calgary, says surveys suggest that about 20 percent of lesbian women and 10 percent of gay men are biological parents, while the 2000 U.S. Census revealed that 34 percent of cohabiting female couples and 22 percent of male cohabiting couples had children under age 18 living with them (although, Alderson cannot conclude that all of these women and men are “lesbians” or “gay.”). From the U.S. Census, this compares to 46 percent of heterosexual married couples who are raising children. Alderson’s areas of research interest include all aspects of human sexuality, gender studies and gay identity. Alderson can also talk about whether or not there are differences between the emotional adjustment and sexual orientation of children raised by homosexual and heterosexual parents. Throughout his career as a psychologist, Dr. Alderson has counselled hundreds of gay men and lesbian women and he currently maintains a part-time private practice.
Kevin Alderson
Phone: 220-6758
Email: alderson@ucalgary.ca

An ethnic Family Day

Ethnic families finding a way to deal with Canadian society can be a challenge. These families have to decide whether or not to become integrationists or isolationists or biculturalists, according to Dr. James Frideres, a professor in the Department of Sociology. These families have to decide whether or not they are prepared to adapt and integrate Canadian values, norms or whether or not they want to try and retain the culture of their origin within a Canadian context (which is possible given our multicultural policy). An alternative is to try and maintain two familial systems – public and private – which represent the attempt to maintain both family of origin and Canadian family structure. The latter is not easy but none of them are, says Dr. Frideres. Another area of expertise of Frideres’ is parent-child interactions within the family.
James Frideres
Phone: 220-2554/220-5521
Email: frideres@ucalgary.ca

Helping kids in multicultural classrooms learn how to read

Calgary’s recent wave of international immigrants is creating more multicultural and multilingual classrooms in local schools but the growing number of students who don’t speak English is proving challenging for teachers. To help them, education professor Dr. Rahat Naqvi has been conducting a pilot project in kindergarten classrooms at a northeast Calgary school (Falconridge) on the benefits of using dual-language books in multicultural classrooms with a high percentage of ESL students (books with text in English alongside a student’s first language). Her positive findings prompted her to create a database resource of duel-language books (many of them available at the Calgary Public Library) for teachers to use to create reading programs in multicultural classrooms. Naqvi can talk about the increase in multiculturalism and multilingualism in Calgary schools in the impact on teachers and students, the results of her pilot project, her new database resource, and the benefits of using duel-language books to increase literacy for ESL students.
Dr. Rahat Naqvi
Phone: 220-2047
Email: rnaqvi@ucalgary.ca
*Speaks French*

Wildlife counts

In Canada it is estimated that four to eight large animals/hour are hit by vehicles. This is both an issue of human safety and wildlife conservation, according Dr. Michael Quinn, Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary.

Highway 3 through the Crowsnest Pass in southwest Alberta is a critical area for wildlife movement. This is also an area with increasing traffic pressure from commercial truck traffic and Calgarians travelling to recreational properties in British Columbia. In response, the Province of Alberta is planning an expansion of the highway from two to four lanes. This expansion will include mitigation measures (e.g., underpasses, overpasses) to help people and animals travel safely through the Pass.

An innovative Web-based research project – Road Watch – supervised by Quinn is allowing residents of Crowsnest Pass to participate in data collection that will be instrumental in determining the type and locations of wildlife crossing structures. Initiated in the fall of 2004, Road Watch, has engaged over 65 people in reporting more than 1,250 animals, including grizzly bears, wolves and cougars. The information represents one of the best wildlife-highway datasets in North America and Road Watch is receiving international attention as a model for engaging citizens in science.
Quinn can also talk about wildlife-vehicle collisions in general – both from a human safety and wildlife conservation standpoint.
Dr. Michael Quinn
Phone: 220-7013
Email: quinn@ucalgary.ca
Web site: www.rockies.ca/roadwatch

Tap the gifted

An estimated 90,000 students in Alberta’s K-12 system are gifted but if their special needs aren’t adequately identified, research shows their talent will likely go untapped and may ultimately affect their health and well-being. To help parents and teachers assess whether a child is gifted, the University of Calgary’s Centre for Gifted Education is running its annual BESTS academic talent search across the province to help identify Alberta’s brightest students. The standardized above-level testing in English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning takes place in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie on March 3, 2007. Gifted Centre Director Michael Pyryt is available to talk about the test and why it is being held; the various kinds of giftedness; the challenges faced by gifted students and their teachers and parents; and what resources are available to parents and teachers of gifted children.
Dr. Michael Pyryt
Tel: 220-7799/220-6485
Email: mpyryt@ucalgary.ca

Aurora research blasts off

A research project to analyze the cause of the aurora borealis (also known as the northern lights) is reaching a critical stage this week as U of C scientists wait for a NASA rocket to launch their probes into a brilliant aurora from Alaska.

Department of Physics and Astronomy professor Dr. Dave Knudsen hopes the Joule 2 rocket launch will happen one night this week, while his graduate student Laureline Sangalli is in Alaska to attend the launch and can be contacted by phone. Instruments made at the U of C will study the electrically-charged plasma that makes up the northern lights in hopes of gaining a better understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind.
Dr. Dave Knudsen
Phone: 220-8651
Email: knudsen@phys.ucalgary.ca

New Year’s Resolutions

How do you select your health club? A lot of people will be joining health clubs this year, but what makes a truly great club? What makes a health club healthy - and how can you be sure you're getting the best advice and will still be using the club in April (or February for that matter!) Contact Carolyn Bedford, U of C facilities and personal training program supervisor, for the answers to those questions and more.
Carolyn Bedford
Phone: 220-7464
Email: cbedford@ucalgary.ca

U of C Athletes at FISU Games in Italy

Ten athletes, two coaches and one administrator from the University of Calgary are representing Canada at the FISU World University Winter Games in Torino, Italy – this month. Biathlons, cross country skiing, curling and short track speed skating are just some of the events on the schedule. Don Wilson, director of athletics, is Canada's Chef de Mission for the FISU Games. Wilson is in Italy and is available for interviews. For more information or to set up an interview, contact Ben Matchett, Assistant Sports Information Director.
Ben Matchett
Phone: 220-8143
Email: ben.matchett@ucalgary.ca

*Unless otherwise noted experts do not speak French*

Coping with the holidays

The gift of mental health

While most people look forward to the holidays and time spent with family and friends, some individuals feel sad, depressed and lonely during the Christmas season. Nursing instructor Annette Lane says there are strategies to address these difficult emotions that can ease some of the pain and brighten an otherwise gloomy outlook.
Phone: 210-3842

Grief and Loss during the Holidays

Facing the holiday season is tough for anyone mourning the death of a loved one, but for young adults who have recently lost a brother or sister, coping can be especially challenging. Ann Laverty, an expert on bereavement, especially in young people, is part of a Faculty of Education research team conducting one of Alberta’s first studies on sibling loss and how it affects post-secondary students. “It’s a critical time in terms growing up,” Laverty says. “We are interested in looking at what it means to lose a sibling at that time of life, because a sibling relationship is often anticipated to be one of the longest lifetime relationships that we have.”
Laverty can talk about the research project as well as general issues related to coping with grief and loss during the holidays.
Phone: 220-2619
E-mail: slaverty@ucalgary.ca

Dissecting Christmas Dinner

The recent Calgary Health Region report on the health of Calgarians indicates we eat too much, we drink too much and we don't exercise as much as we should. And with the holiday season almost upon us, this will be a fact for a majority of us. Dr. Cynthia Mannion, professor in the Faculty of Nursing, says there are ways to manage our holiday food and alcohol consumption, beginning with the traditional Christmas turkey dinner. She says we can still enjoy our meal without the risks and worry that frequently follow by, for example using a smaller plate (in the case of Christmas dinner) or for leftovers, only using one slice of bread for your hot turkey sandwich.

What labour shortages mean during the holidays

“Last-minute Christmas shopping” are four words most of us can't bear to think about. Crowds, cranky people and obnoxious holiday music all contribute to a stressful shopping experience. Find out about what to expect this year in Calgary with labour shortages and extra cash to spend. Lynne Ricker, marketing area chair and senior instructor at the Haskayne School of Business, is available to discuss what you can expect at the malls thanks to the economics/employment changes Calgary has faced this year.
Lynne Ricker: 220-8475
Email: lynne.ricker@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

The debt who stole Christmas

Serious, or even minor debt, can be a real grinch during the holiday season. Larry Woods, senior instructor in finance at the Haskayne School of Business, is available to discuss steps you can take to get yourself out of debt and start fresh for the coming New Year.
Phone: 220-7167
Email: larry.wood@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Gift ideas

The U of C Outdoor centre offers a ‘must take’ two-day course for anyone planning to go back country in the winter. The class introduces a range of topics including: How to recognize avalanche terrain, how to avoid avalanche terrain, how to recognize dangerous conditions, how to create a minimize risk and how to manage a self rescue.
For more information on avalanche safety courses visit http://www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca/avalanche-safety/

JACKRABBIT is a national program designed to encourage children to develop skills in cross country skiing and foster a spirit of fun. The ski activities are organized in three groups, based on age and ability. Parental involvement is part of the fun. Two or more parents will be out with each group, so parents can take turns skiing on alternate weeks. The program fee includes instruction, booklets, badges, game supplies and registration with Cross Country Alberta.
Email: outkids@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 220-7090.

Have your golf swing analyzed at U of C’s 3D Golf Lab. Compare your swing to Mike Weir’s and get a computer model of what your swing looks like. The 3D Golf Lab is the most advanced swing analyzer in the world today, and is a must for anyone wanting to improve their golf swing. Using high speed cameras the technician will film your swings with their special TaylorMade Driver, 6 Iron, or putters. You will receive an imaging disc with a copy of one selected swing. Teaching and coaching is not provided but you are free to bring in a golf teacher/coach. To book a time, contact Geoff Smith.
Phone: 220-4899
Website: http://www.ucalgaryrecreation.ca/fitness/3d-golf-lab/

Take a trip to the sunny Mediterranean but never leave Calgary as you dine on Portuguese, Italian, Lebanese, Moroccan and French cuisine. Taste the foods that link all cultures surrounding the Mediterranean and learn the origins of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Uncover the culinary secrets of the Phoenicians, Romans, Gauls, Moors and other cultures that have populated the Mediterranean for centuries.
Phone: 220-2866
Email: http://conted.ucalgary.ca/

Digital cameras are a popular gift this season but the technological now-how necessary to use one can be a bit daunting. So, why not accompany that shiny new camera with a one-day course aimed at the beginning photographer? This course is for those looking for a richer photography experience and an introduction to digital cameras. Topics include: file sizes and resolution; storage and media; and output options, including printing and using the Internet to print and share photos. Links will be provided to trial versions of software and many sources of current information.
Phone: 220-2866
Email: http://conted.ucalgary.ca/

Get a jump on Christmas news

Light up a home for the holidays

The University of Calgary-based Light Up The World Foundation (LUTW) is only $180,000 away from its goal of raising $1 million in 2006 to help bring safe, affordable and non-polluting lighting systems to communities in the developing world. The non-profit group has just launched Light Up a Home for the Holidays, its final fundraising campaign of the year, to try and reach the million dollar mark.

For a tax-deductible donation of $200, sponsors can cover the cost of installing a solar-powered lighting kit in a home in one of the many countries where LUTW is making a difference around the world.

Contact Roselyn Himann – Phone: (403) 210-7988 or Email: r.himann@lutw.org
Website: www.lutw.org
*Does not speak French*

‘Tis the season for spam

There are several different holiday-related ploys to watch out for in the upcoming weeks, according to Dr. John Aycock, professor of computer science and an expert in computer security.

Spammers with something to sell are custom-tailoring their messages for the holidays. Fake Christmas lottery emails and computer worms spread by mailing themselves to victims as fake electronic greeting cards are a few examples of what to watch out for, he said.

Scammers are known to take advantage of world events (for example, there were a number of phishing sites set up for ‘donations’ after Hurricane Katrina), and the holidays are as good an excuse as any,” said Aycock.

Phone: 210-9409
Email: aycock@cpsc.ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

Chinooks: heavenly or hazardous?

Calgary receives the warmth of approximately 40 chinooks a year, although, for obvious reasons, we notice them more in the winter, says Dr. Shawn Marshall, in the Department of Geography at the University of Calgary.

Presently it’s almost impossible to predict when the next warm winds will arrive but Marshall has just started on work trying to model chinook winds to see if forecasts can be improved.
Marshall can also talk about how chinooks work – the atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics involved.

Phone: 514-987-3000 ext. 3126
Email: shawn.marshall@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

Since joints are an enclosed space they are very sensitive to a drop or an increase in pressure. The changes in pressure are sensed by the nerves in our joints and for some people that triggers a pain response, says Dr. Jason McDougall, associate professor, in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, in the Faculty of Medicine.

McDougall’s lab is trying to understand why that pain response takes place so they can identify novel targets – drug therapies – which could be used to treat arthritis pain. McDougall has been taking part in arthritis research since 1992 and has been actively researching joint pain for the last seven years.

Media Contact: Robyn Hauck, media relations, Faculty of Medicine: 210-3835
McDougall’s email: mcdougaj@ucalgary.ca
McDougall’s phone: 220-4507
Website: http://www.arthritis.ucalgary.ca

Teachers and trauma

From school shootings and domestic violence to natural disasters and even terrorist attacks, helping students deal with major traumas is becoming an integral part of classroom life for teachers, according to Diane Axelson, a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education. Axelson, an experienced teacher, has recently begun one of the first studies undertaken on Alberta teachers’ experiences with students suffering trauma, and how it affects both them and their teaching. She is also exploring what support and training is currently available to help teachers deal with traumatic situations. She can talk about her study and trends in teaching and trauma.

Email: daxelson@rockyview.ab.ca
Phone: 220-2619 (Michelle Cook, Faculty of Education communications)
*Does not speak French*

Stress much?

Stress can increase susceptibility to illnesses ranging from the common cold to heart disease and cancer, according to Dr. Linda Carlson, a clinical psychologist at the University of Calgary. Carlson studies the mind-body connection, and is an expert in stress reduction programs for cancer patients, including meditation and yoga. Carlson can talk about holiday-induced stress.
Phone: 355-3209
Email: lcarlso@ucalgary.ca
Website: www.ucalgary.ca/~lcarlso
For more information contact: Robyn Hauck, media relations: 210-3835
*Does not speak French*

Cultivating a deeper physical awareness is a vital first step in the ability to make lasting change when faced with the challenge of reducing stress, says Valerie Campbell, an assistant professor in the Department of Drama, at the U of C, who teaches in the area of actor training with a specialization in movement. She suggests taking part in any practice or bodywork that encourages body awareness. It is well known stress has an impact on physical health, Campbell says. Therefore, it follows that changing certain physical habits can reduce stress. Campbell can comment on stress reduction through body awareness.
Email: vcampbel@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 220-6672
*Does not speak French*

Rich Alberta changes tourism

The economic boom in Alberta has affected countless industries, and tourism is definitely one of them. Brent Ritchie, professor in tourism management and chair of the World Tourism Education & Research Centre, can speak to how the tourism industry has changed in Alberta since its rapid economic growth. Ritchie can also talk about Alberta’s upcoming winter tourism craze.
Phone: 220-3800
Email: brent.ritchie@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
*Speak French*

Staying fit as a fiddle during flu season

While the possibility of a new human influenza pandemic continues to loom, the annual seasonal epidemic of influenza continues to have an enormous impact on the health of Canadians and on the health care system, according to Dr. Jim Kellner, pediatrician and infectious diseases specialist at the U of C, who helped develop provincial and federal plans to manage pandemic influenza. Currently, there are no perfectly effective measures to prevent and treat influenza, but there is still plenty that can be done to reduce the annual impact of influenza, says Kellner. He is happy to share his tips.
Phone: 955-7687
Email: jim.kellner@calgaryhealthregion.ca
For more information contact: Robyn Hauck, media relations: 210-3835
*Does not speak French*

It smells like war

Dr. Kevin Thurbide, an Analytical Chemist from the University of Calgary, is developing a hand-held detection device that (among other things) may be potentially used in the future by soldiers to help them detect the presence of highly toxic air-borne chemical warfare agents. Thurbide can speak about the challenges in developing such a device, its potential applications and the importance of developing this tool for soldiers compared to what they currently do to detect these agents.
Phone: 220-5370
Email: thurbide@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

Changing what we remember on Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day went from a simple, but deeply felt, acknowledgement of the shattering casualties of World War I in the 1920s and 1930s to a much broader remembrance of sacrifice in more recent times, according to Dr. Pat Brennan, associate professor in the History department.
Brennan can speak about the changing meaning of Remembrance Day in Canada since the Great War (World War I). Brennan can also speak generally about Canadian military history - the battle front and home front sides.
Email: brennan@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 220-5991, 220-6836
*Does not speak French*

Military and strategic studies expert

As protests in Canada regarding Canada’s military involvement in Afghanistan continues Dr. Rob Huebert, associate professor in the Department of Political Science, can share his thoughts on the matter.

Huebert is an international relation and strategic studies expert. His specialities include arctic sovereignty and security issues, maritime security and Canadian defence policy – Huebert’s research and writing focus on Canadian defence, foreign and security policy.
Phone: 220-3995
Email: rhuebert@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

A universal grief

Remembrance Day often inspires feelings of loss and sadness, even in those who have not lost a loved one in a war-time situation, says associate professor Dr. Nancy Moules of the Faculty Nursing. Moules says that memories of the loss of someone close are always with the bereaved, and the poignancy and pain of grieving for that deceased can be sparked by others' grief and loss.
Email: njmoules@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 220-4635
*Does not speak French*

Youth gain respect by dilemma maze

Dr. Hanan Yaniv can speak on the development of the new educational discovery room of the Military Museum (formally "Museum of the Regiments") as an adventure maze. This unique approach for integrating the virtual and the real is constructed using state of the art technologies and learning environments design methodology aiming to get Canadian youth to respect its heritage and those who fought for it. The maze is a dilemma maze – Teams of students will face human war time issue they will need to take a stand about, make educated decisions that will form the adventure.
Email: hyaniv@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 210-9656
*Does not speak French*

North Korea nuclear test

Experts from the University of Calgary’s Centre for Military and Strategic Studies (CMSS) are monitoring the diplomatic fallout from North Korea’s testing of a nuclear bomb on Sunday.Political scientist James Keeley specializes in international regimes and nuclear non-proliferation.
Phone: (403) 220-6555
Email: keeley@ucalgary.caCMSS director David Bercuson is an expert on global security and the war on terrorism.
Bercuson can be reached through the CMSS office at:
Phone: (403) 220-4031 or (403) 220-4038Political scientist Robert Huebert is an expert on the military and international security.
Phone: (403) 220-3995
Email: rhuebert@ucalgary.ca

Political leadership races

U of C political scientists and other experts are available for interviews and commentary as the provincial Conservative and federal Liberal parties’ leadership campaigns unfold in the coming weeks. Environmental issues and climate change policy have emerged as key issues in both federal and provincial leadership races. Renowned climate change scientist David Keith, and economist Michal Moore in the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE) can discuss the science, politics and economic impacts of climate change.
David Keith, Phone: (403) 220-6154
Email: keith@ucalgary.caMichal Moore, Phone: (403) 220-4386
Cell: (303) 882-4192
Email: mcmoore@ucalgary.caPolitical scientists and commentators who are also available for media interviews include:Political Science professor Doreen Barrie
Phone: (403) 220-3624
Email: dpbarrie@ucalgary.caPolitical Science professor Barry Coooper
Phone: (403) 220-5764
Email: bcooper@ucalgary.caCommunication and Culture professor David Taras
Phone: (403) 220-7575
Email: dtaras@ucalgary.ca

Halloween a howling success

Halloween has developed into a full-on consumer holiday. From costumes to candy to kitsch, Halloween season means sales hikes for many Calgary retailers. Haskayne School of Business marketing professor Lynne Ricker is available to discuss the impact of Halloween on the Calgary retail market.
Phone: (403) 220-8475
Email: lynne.ricker@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Bats and other nocturnal creatures are a big part of Halloween and nobody knows more about them than U of C biology professor Robert Barclay. Barclay is a leading expert on bats and is available to discuss Calgary’s bat population, the role bats play in the ecosystem and answer any questions related to winged mammals and other animals.
Phone: Office (403) 220-3564 or Lab (403) 220-3561
Email: barclay@ucalgary.ca

The pagan history of Halloween and its evolution into a modern celebration of ghosts and goblins can be discussed by Rebecca Sullivan, a professor in the Faculty of Communication & Culture.
Phone: 220-5885
Email: rsulliva@ucalgary.ca

Halloween doesn’t mean kids have to eat vast quantities of junk food and candy, according to U of C nutritionist Cynthia Mannion. Mannion, a professor in the Faculty of Nursing, can provide healthy trick-or-treat options and discuss the dental problems and other health impacts of Halloween
Phone: (403) 210-3848
Email: cmannion@ucalgary.ca

Coyotes on the prowl

The end of summer means less natural sources of food are available for the coyote population in Calgary and other cities and residents may notice urban wildlife searching for food in garbage cans and back alleys. Geography professor Shelley Alexander and graduate student Victoria Lukasik are conducting a study of Calgary’s coyote population and can discuss trends they are seeing in coyote diets.
Contact Shelley Alexander at:
Phone: (403) 220-5597
Email: shelleya@telusplanet.net

Caregiver study

According to census data, the number of Calgarians reportedly providing unpaid care and assistance to a senior person increased 24 per cent between 1996 and 2001. People over 65 will comprise over 20 per cent of the population within the next two decades; and as their numbers increase, so do the demands for family/informal care. These statistics are the backdrop for Dr. Daniel Lai’s recent research project. Lai is a professor and Alberta Heritage Health Scholar in the Faculty of Social Work at the U of C. This research aims to identify challenges facing family caregivers in Calgary. The findings are important for identifying policy priorities and future focuses of community investments in view of the global trend of population aging.
For his study Dr. Lai is looking for family caregivers, aged 35 or older, in Calgary providing non-paid care to a relative or friend aged 65 or older.
Phone: 220-2208
Email: dlai@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

Give thanks not stress this thanksgiving

Waving your butter knife in rage at your drunk uncle or hiding under the table will not make anyone feel better this Thanksgiving. Instead, Dr. Bryan Hiebert, in the division of applied psychology in the Department of Education, suggests you take a deep breath, let it out slowly, thank the person for their contribution to the family gathering and change the subject to something pleasant.

Hiebert says it will be easier to stay calm if you had a good night’s sleep the night before, if there has been shared responsibility in putting the meal together, or some division of labour (e.g., mom (or dad) does the cooking and the kids do the serving, etc) so that you are not feeling too frazzled to start with. In really tough situations, you may need to set some ground rules (the topics we will discuss, sharing air time, etc.) and in extreme situations you might only buy 3 bottles of wine for 8 people and when you run out, that's all there is). The point being, some preplanning to deal with the predictable possible hassles usually pays off in making a more relaxed gathering.
Phone: 220-3761
Email: hiebert@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

Staying neutral is key to a good Thanksgiving meal

Someone getting your goat? The key is to stay neutral. Even when a guest during the meal feels the need to convince you of something, according to Lee Handy, in the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary, staying neutral is a type of good communication that does not shut down the person sharing his or her opinions, which both strong disagreement and strong agreement can do.
Phone: 220-4069, 220-5893
Email: handy@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

Salaries not soaring for all

The economic boom has brought many changes to the quality of life for Calgarians. Many are reaping the benefits from increases in salary and property value, but not everyone is getting their share of the pie. While the cost of living has increased across the board, salaries have not. Pay cheques are no longer enough to cover the costs. Bob Schulz, professor of strategy and global management at the Haskayne School of Business, is available to discuss this issue further.
Email: bob.schulz@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

100 more spaces for Schulich School of Engineering students

With the growing demand for engineers in Alberta it is fitting that 100 new spaces have been made available in the Schulich School of Engineering this year. Petroleum engineering programs benefited the most from the new spaces created, according to Dr. Laurence Turner, Associate Dean (Academic) of the Schulich School of Engineering. He says the spaces were needed because employers are making it clear that there is a growing demand for petroleum engineering graduates and an increasing number of students want a degree that will get them in to the oil and gas industry. Also new this year is the addition of an energy and environment specialization which may be taken by students in civil, chemical, electrical, geomatics and mechanical Engineering programs.

Dr. Laurence Turner, Associate Dean (Academic), Schulich School of Engineering
Phone: 220-4192
*Does not speak French*

Jason Motkoski, chemical engineering student, Schulich School of Engineering, first year scholarship winner
Phone: 466-1801
Email: jwmotkos@ucalgary.ca
*Does not French*

Bob Schulz, a professor in the faculty of Business, can speak to the issue of labour shortages of engineers and what it means for businesses in Alberta. He can speak on the general shortage and the need to import engineers from other countries – particularly Venezuela.
Email: bob.schulz@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

The challenge of providing education during conflict or disaster

The recent conflict in Lebanon destroyed 50 schools and damaged 300 others but it is only one of many crises worldwide that has cut off access to basic education for thousands of children. In Afghanistan, Kosovo, Africa and Southeast Asia, the daily school routine continues to be disrupted by war, disaster and re-construction activities. For these regions to effectively re-build, children need to be able to return to their classrooms.

In late September, education professor Duffie Van Balkom will be facilitating one of the Canada’s first workshops on how to maintain education in emergencies. Organized by the U of C Faculty of Education, it will involve participants from countries in crisis or re-construction, along with NGO representatives, local educators and U of C researchers.

Professor Van Balkom hopes the workshop will lead to further discussion among Calgary-based educators and others about the ways in which Canadian expertise and innovation in education can be used to support development in areas of the world challenged by conflict, crisis or emergency. Prof. Van Balkom can speak about the challenges of providing education in conflict/disasters; the newly established minimum standards for education in emergencies, the increasing need for post-conflict development work in education, and what role Canada can play in education-related international development.
Phone: 220-7512
*Does not speak French*

Unique course examines the culture of the U of C

In celebration of the U of C’s 40th birthday, a special course examining the culture of the
university will be offered to students this fall. Inspired by the Faculty of Communication
and Culture’s popular Culture of Calgary Stampede course, this unique class examines
the evolution of the university and its place in society. Similar to its predecessor, the
course offers a series of guest lectures. Professor Paul Stortz, who has published on
the history of universities, will have students examine the U of C’s role in shaping social,
political, economic, academic and intellectual cultures and identities in Canada –
particularly in Alberta and the West.
Email: pjstortz@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*

Students in the electronic loop

U of C students want to stay connected with their campus and they want to be informed
by the most modern communication tools available. U of C students are deciding what is
newsworthy to them and getting the information posted on giant flat screen TVs
displaying up-to-date news and events, which will be scattered across campus. Widgets
will also be available for students to download onto their computer desktop, where
current news will load directly to their computer. An overhauled student online magazine,
called the UofCzine, will also be available.

Kim Gordey, Communications Manager for Student & Academic Services
Phone: 210-8664
Email: kgordey@ucalgary.ca
*Does not speak French*\

Labour Day - Just a name?

Technologies for communication are now so pervasive (cell phones, blackberries, email,
instant messengers) that there is no longer an easy separation of work and home, and of
work and vacation. People are literally “always on, always reachable and potentially
always distracted by work communications,” said Saul Greenberg, professor in the
Department of Computer Science at the U of C. One of Greenberg’s interests lies in
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Phone: 220-6087
Email: saul@cpsc.ucalgary.ca
Website: http://grouplab.cpsc.ucalgary.ca/
*Does not speak French*

Dressed for success

Dr. Kevin Alderson uses psychology to attempt to debunk the mysteries behind what it
takes to become a successful student. Self hypnosis is just one technique Alderson
suggests for students to improve their grades.
Phone: 605-5234
*Does not speak French*

Language is the new black

Early immersion has long been considered better than late immersion for achieving
fluency in a second language. It is better to learn a language when a child is young, but
more recent findings indicate that some students may benefit from late, rather than early,
immersion, according to Dr. Sylvie Roy, assistant professor in the Faculty of Education.
She says the old ways of teaching language don’t work any more and second language
teachers need to adopt new, inquiry-based approaches by questioning issues related to
language learning and teaching.

Roy can also talk about the increase in interest of second language programs, and how
parents are encouraging their children to learn languages.
Phone: 220-5641
Email: syroy@ucalgary.ca
*Speaks French*

Education can do wonders

Preparing children who have been sexually assaulted to testify in court can be a daunting task. The Calgary Child Witness Court Preparation Program has been successful, since 1994, in helping children as young as 3 years old feel less threatened and more prepared in a courtroom, according to Dr. Leslie Tutty, in the Faculty of Social Work. Tutty recently finished analyzing the program in July and says the benefits of the program are impressive. Over 800 students have gone through the six session program and children are coming out of it more confident and are prepared to testify. For young children, puppets of judges, lawyers and police officers are used to help them understand the roles of each.

A study conducted almost 10 years ago in Ontario by Dr. Deb Peplar and Wendy Craig found that less than 4 per cent of students tell their teachers or others about being bullied. With that in mind students in the masters of teaching program in the Faculty of Education were invited to learn more about bullying and were given strategies to address bullying by Dr. Tanya Beran from U of C in the faculty of Applied Psychology and Calgary's Action Committee on Violence and Bullying. The project, called More Than 4%, was successful and although it initially developed as a one time project Tutty hopes in the future it will be available to all masters of teaching students.
Phone: 220-5040 or 249-4943
*Does not speak French*

Back to school shopping

What are students shopping for as they head back to school this year? Highest on the list of items are, in order: clothing/accessories, electronic/computer, shoes and school supplies. Research suggests that most companies have changed their back to school marketing tactics, focusing less on targeting parents and advertising directly to students, as they now have more influence over their purchasing choices. Debi Andrus, professor of marketing, can speak on the topic. Lynne Ricker, senior instructor in the marketing department, can comment on the retail effect of back to school shopping.
Andrus: 220-7150
Ricker: lricker@ucalgary.ca or 220-8475

Technology overload

Most college students are obsessed with technology and in recent years more and more students living in U of C residence are packing their rooms full of gadgets and gizmos. Moms, dads and even grandparents will help unload flat screen TVs, laptops, Palm Pilots and iPods into U of C residence buildings on September 4 and 9. Joel Lynn, residence services director, says he has noticed an increase in the amount of technology being loaded into residence rooms. What has stayed the same over the years, according to Lynn, is the amount of stuff students bring with them; students come with U-Hauls and quickly realize it might be more of a challenge than they initially thought to find space for everything.
Phone: 210-8774
Email: jlynn@ucalgary.ca

Time Management

Go to class, go to work, do homework, group meeting, volunteer, call home…it’s time to go back to school and the common frenzy that accompanies the careers of most post-secondary students will begin again. How does a student juggle between classes, work, homework and other commitments? Bob Schulz, professor of strategy and global management, can talk about time management for students and how best to prioritize in the upcoming school year.
Best reached by email: bob.schulz@haskayne.ucalgary.ca.

House System

In order to create a greater sense of spirit and community amongst students at the Haskayne School of Business, The Social Exchange (TSE) undergraduate student club, created a ‘Harry Potter-esque’ House System. The system divides all business students into one of four houses, which compete over the year in spirit and charity events. Entering its third year of operation, these competitive business students have raised almost $20,000 for charity. Find out more about this unique program at the TSE orientation BBQ on September 9 at the Red & White club. Over 850 students are expected between 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
For more information contact:
Morgan Quinn, vice-president events, TSE.
Email: mtkquinn@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 220-6114
Andy Jackson, president, TSE
Phone: 220-6114
Lynzey MacRae, marketing and communications coordinator, Haskayne School of Business
Phone: 220-6072

Teachers to watch out for

Dr. Ron Glasberg in the Faculty of Communication and Culture could be described as a quirky professor who sings, laughs and acts and his way through classes about Western civilization and great philosophers. Glasberg has received the Students' Union Teaching Excellence Award 10 times (1990, ‘91, ‘94, ‘96, ‘99, 2000, ‘02, ‘04, ‘05, ’06), the President's Circle Award for Achievement in Teaching Excellence in 2001 and the MacLean's Magazine Popular Prof in 1998 and 1999.
Glasberg’s email: rglasber@ucalgary.ca
To set up an interview with one of Glasberg’s past students contact Meghan Sired, U of C media relations, at 220-4756 or mssired@ucalgary.ca

Controversial teaching method

Is it acceptable to deceive students in order to enlighten them with knowledge? Two professors at the Haskayne School of Business are being recognized for their award winning teaching technique that actually provoked a class of business students to unionize against them. The intense theatrical activity, which included convincing students their professor had been fired and their class work no longer counted for credit, was meant to simulate what might happen when a corporation is taken over and employees are laid off without warning or reason. Available to speak about this innovative teaching technique are:
Daphne Taras
Phone : 246-4196 or Cell: 607-3105
Email: daphne.taras@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
Piers Steel
Email: piers.steel@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Ron Bond Organ starts on a high note

A festival of concerts, master-classes, and a symposium will be held at the University of Calgary from September 22 to October 1, 2006 to celebrate the inauguration of the Ahrend organ. Neil Cockburn, U of C’s Cantos Music Foundation Organ Scholar, will host the event.
Phone: 440-5648

Health at the Stampede

Members of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team (CPRSMT) are in the process of trying to convince rodeo administrative groups to implement certain safety rules. The group has formed an agreement statement that underlines the importance of the management of rodeo athletes that sustain concussions and support for mandatory helmet and face protection for boy steer riders and novice bull riders. Dale Butterwick, the current President of the CPRSMT and senior instructor and head athletic therapist in the Faculty of Kinesiology, says there has been recent success regarding these statements with the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association. The team also provides on-site assessment, management, and rehabilitation services to rodeo contestants. CPRSMT goes to rodeos throughout Western Canada, including the Calgary Stampede.
Phone: 220-7546
Email: butterwi@ucalgary.ca

The Annual Stampede Sport Medicine Conference will be held on July 7 to 9. Topics to be addressed include wrist injuries, asthmatic athletes, back pain in young athletes, sleep dysfunction in athletes and the role of acupuncture in sport injury treatment.
For more information contact Erin Wyse, academic support coordinator at the Sport Medicine Centre.
Phone: 220-8563
Website: www.sportmed.ucalgary.ca/SSMC2006/default.htm

It’s hard to make healthy food choices at the Stampede when you’re surrounded by corn dogs, soft pretzels, cotton-candy, popcorn, mini-doughnuts, candy apples, snow cones, beef on a bun, hot dogs, pizza, burgers, subs, tacos, onion rings, battered fish and chips, ice cream and fudge. But, Cynthia Mannion, assistant professor in the Department of Nursing, says it is OK to eat some unhealthy Stampede food but it all boils down to compensating for your overindulgence the week before and after the Stampede by increasing the intake of vegetables and fruit you eat.
Phone: 210-3848
Email: cmannion@ucalgary.ca

Urban Society

Harry H. Hiller, an urban sociologist, is fascinated by the growth of the Stampede as a year-round entertainment centre rather than a residential community. Hiller can speak about the importance of urban festivals for city life and the Stampede as a signature event for the city and as a marketing device in a globalized world.
Phone: 220-6048
Email: hiller@ucalgary.ca

Education

U of C’s one-of-a-kind Stampede Course is back – with a twist. Visiting professor and sociologist Fiona Angus will instruct this year’s Culture of the Calgary Stampede course. Angus, who conducted her PhD research on midways and spent eight months as a carnival employee, will focus two of the course’s lectures on the midway at the Calgary Stampede. These lectures will be located on the fair grounds during Stampede Week.
This course runs from July 4th – 25th and is open to anyone with an interest in the stampede. You do not have to be a student of the University of Calgary or any other post-secondary institution to attend.
To set up an interview with Fiona Angus contact:
Christianne Wile, Communications, University of Calgary
Phone: 220-4117
Email: cwile@ucalgary.ca

Stampede-goers may come across Jessica Huggins, as she conducts research for her documentary on the Calgary Stampede. The U of C student is the recipient of the Undergraduate Research Award, and will spend her summer studying the impact of Stampede culture on the City of Calgary. Jessica and her crew will be filming and interviewing subjects on the fair grounds throughout Stampede week.
Jessica is also enrolled in the Culture of the Calgary Stampede course as part of her research.
Phone: 685-6890
Cell: 922-2095
Email: jessicahollyhuggins@yahoo.ca

History

Warren Elofson has extensive knowledge of the late 19th to early 20th century cowboy. Elofson, a professor in the department of history, has also researched frontier ranches on the northern Great, ranching history, the origins of rodeos, the Calgary Stampede and almost anything else associated with that period.
Phone: 220-6428
Email: elofson@ucalgary.ca

Published author, University of Calgary Professor and resident Stampede expert, Max Foran, is available for interviews about the history of the Calgary Stampede. He recently published an academic article on the history of the relationship between the City of Calgary and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.
Phone: 931-3768
Email: mforan@ucalgary.ca

Tourism

The Calgary Stampede reinforces our brand Calgary Heart of the New West. This is very important as we try to build the value and recognition of our brand, according to Lorn Sheehan, assistant professor at the Haskayne School of Business. He says the Calgary Stampede is a very good way to showcase the community’s cultural history to Calgarians and visitors alike.
One of the reasons it is especially important to the tourism industry is because the Calgary Stampede is a worldrenowned event that attracts people from other parts of
Canada, U.S. and overseas, says Sheehan. These people are drawn to Calgary and Canada for the event but once here they purchase many other tourist services and may travel to other destinations within Alberta or western Canada.
Phone: 220-7734
Email: lorn.sheehan@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Alberta provincial tests

For students in the K-12 system, June is exam time. Between June 14-27, schools throughout Alberta will be administering provincial tests in Grades 3, 6, and 9.

These standardized tests do not fairly assess English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students, according to* Hetty Roessingh*, assistant professor in the Faculty of Education. With 20,000 ESL students now in the Calgary Board of Education alone, that’s about 1 in 5 kids who will not be assessed equitably in the English exam, says Roessingh, who spent 30 years teaching in the K-12 system. Roessingh can offer some more equitable testing alternatives. She can also speak to how the current test may be affecting this group’s overall grade average coming out of Grade 12 and, by extension, their ability to get into university. “We’re losing bright kids who may be smart enough to get into engineering but whose English 30 grade is skewing their average and their chances.”
Phone: 403.220-6442
Email: hroessin@ucalgary.ca

Richard Heyman, professor of education, is also critical of standardized testing but for different reasons. For Heyman, it is a question of communication. “The test does not tell us what it should,” says Heyman, who’s authored several practical guides on effective conversation, including How to Say it to Teens, and How to Say it to Boys. “With this type of test, the person marking cannot possibly know what the student is really thinking.” Heyman can speak about more effective ways to assess student knowledge based on his work in the areas of conversation analysis and social interaction.
Phone: 403.288.1672
Email: rdheyman@ucalgary.ca

Despite its critics, standardized testing appears to be producing results. A prime example is the success of Alberta 15-year-olds in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). When tested against students in 40 other countries, Albertan students scored the highest marks in reading and were among the top three in science and mathematics. But, asks Prof. Yvonne Hébert, does this success come at a price?
Yvonne Hébert
Phone: 403.220.7361 (o) 403.286.3559 (h)
Email: yvonne.hebert@ucalgary.ca

Hébert and PhD student Marie Farrell can share findings from their recent survey of teachers on the impact that Alberta’s intense focus on testing and educational reform has had on their teaching practices and classroom culture.
Marie Farrell
Phone : 403.281-2702
Email : mtfarrel@ucalgary.ca

For more information, contact:
Michelle Cook
Senior Communications Manager
Faculty of Education
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Tel: 403.220.2619
Cell: 403.869.2619
Mail: mcook@ucalgary.ca

An aging population

With summer trips in the family car fast approaching Donald Kline, in the department of psychology, can talk about the impact of age-related visual loss on the performance of real-world tasks such as driving.
Phone: (403) 220-4969 or email: donkline@ucalgary.ca

On Friday, June 16 David Hogan, professor of Medicine, will be participating in the annual Shades of Grey meeting that deals with health concerns relevant to older patients. The topic this year will be delirium - A mental state characterized by disorientation and confusion. Hogan is a specialist in geriatric medicine and holds the Brenda Strafford Foundation Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Calgary. Hogan’s research interests include cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, acute confusion, delirium, falls, frailty, drug therapy for older individuals, the organization of care/housing for older individuals and medical education/training as it pertains to the care of older individuals.
Phone: (403) 220-4578
Email: dhogan@ucalgary.ca

Understanding the social and economic costs of the family caregivers who are providing care to elderly persons in Calgary is a project Daniel Lai, a professor of social work, is fascinated by. This project involves using a city-wide survey to identify the prevalence and costs associated with family care-giving for the elderly.
Phone: (403) 220-2208
Email: dlai@ucalgary.ca

Calgary Gay Pride

The Calgary Pride Parade, Sunday June 11, is the kick-off to the Pride Festival in Calgary.

Gay Pride events, especially in Calgary create a biased view of what the gay and lesbian community looks like, according to Kevin Alderson, assistant psychology professor at the University of Calgary. Although there are benefits to holding gay pride events most gays and lesbians in Calgary lead closeted lives to a greater or lesser extent. Consequently, they will not participate in most of the activities for fear of being “outed." Alderson can speak more about what the benefits and drawbacks to celebrating gay pride are as well as any other aspect of gay and lesbian life.
Phone: (403) 220-6758
Email: alderson@ucalgary.ca

Darren Lund has had to deal with backlash from the extremist homophobic community for many years now. Lund, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, believes in the rights of all people even though he has been criticized for that belief. Over the years he has helped students organize the first ever Gay Straight Alliances (GSA an Alberta school, in Red Deer. Lund says he seems himself as a person who is trying to be a helpful ally for the LBGTQ community (as a straight person and researcher) – no matter the homophobia he encounters along the way.
Email: dlund@ucalgary.ca

United Nations Refugee Day - June 20

The Canadian Red Cross is presenting a festival celebrating United Nations Refugee Day. The festival, Bridges of Hope, aims to welcome all refugees to Calgary, present refugee artists and communities and raise awareness of unique issues facing this population.

Yaak Dut is the newest refugee student admitted to the University of Calgary in Septmeber 2005. He was able to attend the U of C with the help from the Students Union who works with the World University Service of Canada. Dut was on of the Lost Boys of Sudan – he left war-torn southern Sudan as a young boy and traveled with a group of male minors to Ethiopia. Later Dut made his way to Kenya where you stayed at a UN supported refugee camp which housed 80,000 refugees. Patti Spady, Student Rights’ Advisor of the Students Union, says one refugee is funded a year – the program has been running since 1987. The U of C contributes 10 courses and Residents Services provides free housing. The Students Union gives the student funds for food, spending money, books and clothes. Another refugee student will be arriving this September.
To speak with Patti Spady or Yaak Dut please contact Spady at:
Phone: (403) 220-3909
Email: sra@su.ucalgary.ca

There are 5 refugee students at the University of Calgary now and 1800 international students on campus. Glynn Hunter, Director of the U of C International Student Centre, believes the university benefits from diversity brought to the campus by these students. After a year of settling in international and refugee students are usually very happy to talk about their experiences growing up in another country. Hunter says the students’ stories personalize certain issues that are brought up.
Phone: (403) 220-5581 or Email: ghunter@ucalgary.ca

As a result of the violence refugees have encountered or witnessed (for example, torture, environmental destruction and rape) some refugees may suffer from post traumatic stress disorders (PT SD), according to Dave Este, Associate Professor Faculty of Social Work. Este can speak about the experiences that refugees have experienced in their country of origins (victims of different forms of violence, witnessing different forms of violence), the impact on the health and well being of these individuals and what they had encountered or viewed, and the settlement and adaptation issues that confront refugees in their efforts to become part of Canadian society.
Phone: (403) 220-4756
Email: deste@ucalgary.ca

Tourism

Dianne Draper, geography department head, has research interests in working toward sustainable tourism in communities such a Banff and Canmore. She is available to talk about what makes a ‘good’ tourist area and how it can be sustained over the long term as a place where people would like to go.
Phone: 220-5585 or Email: draper@ucalgary.ca

When deciding on a good time to purchase a tourist home, it is a population’s demographics that should be considered, says Jim Dewald, an instructor with the Haskayne School of Business. With baby boomers retiring in the next 15 to 20 years there will be an increase demand for retirement homes, which means those who can afford to purchase a home in the near future in a tourist location, anywhere that has ocean, mountains or nice weather, would be making a secure investment for the future. Dewald, who has been in the development business for 28 years, can talk about fractured ownership, long term property investments and what makes a good tourism home investor.
Phone: 861-7417 or Email: jim.dewald@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Larry Wood, Haskayne School of Business instructor, is available to talk about what financial planning has to do with tourism homes as an investment.
Phone: 220-7167 or Email: larry.wood@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Environment

Why would Canada decide to withdraw from Kyoto? Harrie Vredenburg, professor of sustainable energy management, can give some suggestions and speak more about the possibility.
Phone: 220-7450 or Email: harrie.vredenburg@haskayne.ucalgary.ca or

Understanding how the West Nile virus induces neurological disease is an important step to help treat the virus, says Guido van Marle, in the faculty of Medicine. Generally, the West Nile Virus is a transferred from birds to mosquitoes to humans. The virus can be fatal or can be very debilitating and there is no real treatment for it. Van Marle is in the process of obtaining funding for research aimed at understanding West Nile. One question van Marle hopes to find an answer to is, why are different people affected by the virus in different ways? Some who become infected have differences in personality while others are debilitated physically, he says.
Phone: 210-3923 or Email: vanmarle@ucalgary.ca

Robert Longair has a fascination with insects. He can talk about general insect inquiries or specific ones like why wasps seem to always know when the food at a picnic is being served. He is a senior instructor at the U of C in the department of Biological Sciences.
Phone: 220-7387 or Email: longair@ucalgary.ca

Geography professor Shelley Alexander is an expert on the use of non-lethal methods for deterring coyotes from attacking livestock and pets and can discuss precautions homeowners can take to minimize conflicts with animals. Alexander is also an expert on ecology and conservation issues relating to carnivores including wolves, cougar, lynx, marten and wolverine and is a leading authority on the impact of roads and highways on wildlife habitat.
Phone: 289-8317 or Email: shelleya@telusplanet.net

Flames Fever

The Calgary Flames are gearing up for another run at the Stanley Cup, and hockey fans are anxiously waiting for the first playoff season since 2004. Kinesiology professor, Dr. Doug Brown, is an expert on the history of sports and can comment on the importance of hockey to Canadians.
Phone: 220-7922 E-mail: dbrow@ucalgary.ca

Meantime, business owners are preparing for another big payday. During the last playoff run, thousands of people gathered in bars and restaurants across the city to watch the game, and spend money. Debi Andrus from the Haskayne School of Business can comment on influx of sales due to Flames Fever in the city.
Phone: 220-7150 E-mail: deborah.andrus@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

Gambling

Addiction experts from around the world are meeting at an international gambling conference this week in Toronto. One of the big topics is the popularity of online gambling, and the number of young people who are getting hooked. Alice Holub, a clinical psychology doctoral student, is currently researching personality factors in problem gambling.
Phone: 210-9500 or 243-2861 E-mail: aholub@ucalgary.ca

Music to Parent’s Ears

The iPod has quickly become a pop culture phenomenon. It seems as though everywhere you turn you see the dangling wires of the ear buds. Dr. Kathleen Scherf, Dean of Communication and Culture, says 14 million iPods were sold in the Christmas quarter alone. Scherf is in the process of investigating the insurgence of iPods in our society.
Phone: 220-5885 E-mail: kath@ucalgary.ca

The sheer number of people glued to their iPods and MP3 players has caused health care professionals to question the safety of these personal listening devices to hearing, especially in children. Apple has recently introduced new software that allows iPod users to lock the volume at a specific decibel level. The new capability is aimed at parents who are worried about their children's hearing being damaged. Dr. Jos J. Eggermont is a professor in the Faculty of Medicine, a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and holds the Campbell McLaurin Chair for Hearing Deficiencies. He says, "Besides the risk of immediate hearing loss due to long exposure to loud sound, there is also the potential for slow damage to the auditory nerve that will only manifest itself in adulthood. This may gradually lead to changes in the brain that can give rise to all kinds of auditory problems such as ringing in the ears. Thus, the move by Apple is a very wise one. My only concern is that it could be possible to hack the code and bypass the volume lock".

Dr. Eggermont can be reached at 220-5214 or eggermon@ucalgary.ca until April 18th.

A Taxing Time of Year

The clock is ticking to April 30th, the deadline to file your taxes.
Professor Larry Wood from the Haskayne School of Business is an expert on personal income taxes and is available to comment on the tax season with tips to maximize your refund.
Phone: 220-7167 Email: larry.wood@haskayne.ucalgary.ca

GST Reduction

By now Canadians have gotten used to factoring 7 per cent into the cost of most goods and services. However, consumers will soon have a new figure to deal with. The Tory government says it will fulfill its election promise and reduce the GST to 6 percent. While an exact date for the change hasn’t been announced, it will be a part of the next budget, which is expected in late April or early May.

Economics professor Dr. Frank Atkins can comment on the impact this will have on the economy and on personal spending.

Dr. Frank Atkins, Economics Professor, 403-220-5864, atkins@ucalgary.ca

Daycare Reform

Another Conservative priority is daycare reform. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is promising to give parents $1,200 a year for each child under six to spend on whatever child care options they choose. This will replace the previous Liberal government’s agreement with the provinces to expand child care spaces – a $5 billion dollar plan.

Dr. Karen Benzies, a nursing professor, is an expert on the impact of social policy on children and families.

Dr. Karen Benzies, Faculty of Nursing, 403-220-2294, benzies@ucalgary.ca

More Prosperity Cheques

This month Alberta balanced its 13th consecutive balanced budget, and a $4.1 billion surplus could be in our future. Because of the healthy economic picture, Premier Ralph Klein has hinted another round of prosperity cheques are a possibility.

Dr. Ron Kneebone, an economics professor, is available to