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Meet Baylor’s nationally recognized expert on spirituality and pop culture
Why is U2 so popular across the globe? How much of our idea of heaven and hell is actually from the Bible? And why are we so obsessed with zombies? Garrett’s unique, critical look at religion and pop culture has garnered the attention of media such as Christianity Today, Austin Monthly, and even overseas in the Irish Times. If you’re someone who searches to deepen your faith and study how it fits into daily life, it’s worth taking a look at a Greg Garrett book for yourself. Source:
Baylor Presidential Rhetoric Expert Featured in USA TODAY re: Scalise, GOP shooting
Martin Medhurst, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Rhetoric and Communication, is featured in this USA TODAY story regarding the role of rhetoric in the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and four others. Medhurst, a renowned expert on presidential rhetoric and political communication, helped put into historic context the role of violent and divisive rhetoric in American history. "You can go back to the election of 1800 between Jefferson and Adams and find a whole lot of quite outrageous statements made on both sides," he told USA TODAY. "The same is true throughout American political history. We had one guy, [Charles] Sumner, who was caned on the floor of the Senate and almost killed. We have a long history of violence in this country, both rhetorical and otherwise." "I think what has changed in the 21st century is the nature of the different media of communication and especially the rise of social media, where people apparently believe that they can pretty much say anything," he said. Source:
People who are phone snubbed – or “phubbed” – by others are, themselves, often turning to their smartphones and social media to find acceptance, according to new research from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. Building on their earlier study that phubbing can damage relationships and lead to depression, researchers Meredith David, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, and James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing, have found that the circle nearly completes itself as the offended parties frequently jump online to find affirmation in the likes and shares and positive comments of social media. Their study, “Phubbed and Alone: Phone Snubbing, Social Exclusion, and Attachment to Social Media,” is published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. The research investigates the relationship between phubbing, social media attachment, depression, anxiety and stress. “When an individual is phubbed, he/she feels socially excluded, which leads to an increased need for attention. Instead of turning to face-to-face interaction to restore a sense of inclusion, study participants turned to social media to regain a sense of belonging,” said David, lead author of the study. “Being phubbed was also found to undermine an individual’s psychological well-being. Phubbed individuals reported higher levels of stress and depression.” “We’re looking online for what we’re not getting offline,” Roberts said. “It’s a vicious cycle.” As part of their research, David and Roberts surveyed more than 330 people across two studies. They found: * Nearly half of those who were phubbed reported spending more than 1.5 hours on their phone each day. In addition, one-quarter of those phubbed reported spending more than 90 minutes per day on social media sites. * More than one-third of phubbed individuals indicated that they turn to social media to interact with new people. * More than half of individuals who said they were phubbed indicated that social media enhances their life and makes their life better. The majority reported that people’s comments on their social media posts makes them feel affirmed and more accepted. “Although the stated purpose of technology like smartphones is to help us connect with others, in this particular instance, it does not,” David said. “Ironically, the very technology that was designed to bring humans closer together has isolated us from these very same people.” Source:
World Oceans Day and #OceanOptimism
Today, people around the globe are celebrating World Oceans Day, and discussing how we can all work together to make them cleaner, healthier and more sustainable. On Monday, a five-day long United Nations conference kicked off in New York. Rising sea levels, marine resources, pollution, sustainable development, and ocean degradation were just some of the key issues being discussed. Can our oceans recover? How bad is it and how did it get to this point? That’s where the experts at Cedar Crest College can help. John A. Cigliano is a Professor of Biology and an expert in marine conservation. Recently, he delivered a lectured titled "#OceanOptimism: Why It Is Not Too Late." Dr. Cigliano says despite the issues currently facing our oceans, he doesn't believe they are doomed. He can draw on success stories from around the world as well as his own research conducted with Cedar Crest College students to illustrate that point, and to outline what we can all do to help. Dr. John Cigliano is available to speak with media regarding World Oceans Day or any topic related to marine conservation, ecology and the ocean. Simply click his icon to arrange an interview. Source:
Prior to seeing the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, audiences are introduced to a flurry of previews for upcoming films -- big-budget sequels centered on blockbusting standards: warring apes, animated cars, web-slinging and hammer-bearing superheroes, and space-based lightsaber battles between forces of good and evil. Chris Hansen, M.F.A., independent filmmaker and chair of the film and digital media department in Baylor University’s College of Arts & Sciences, is available to talk about the market for big-budget sequels and the challenges for original screenplays. Is there any hope for the original story? “One of the biggest considerations in determining which movies get made, from the studio’s perspective, is marketing,” Hansen said. “That process is made much easier if the intellectual property already exists in the minds of the general public. People know who Batman is. People know who The Avengers are. Half or more of the marketing work is done. When the intellectual property is original, the studio’s marketing arm has to spend a lot more time and money acquainting viewers with the concept and generating interest.” “It’s hard to say what people are really interested in seeing. They say one thing, but they often vote differently with their box office dollars. This sometimes comes down to an economic decision for audience members. They have less disposable income than they used to, so they see fewer movies in the theater. And if they’re going to have to choose between several movies to see in an actual theater, they’ll often choose the one that has more spectacle, because there’s a feeling that it’s more ‘worth it’ to see something like that on the big screen, and that smaller movies won’t suffer from being seen on the TV in your living room.” Source:
With the return of warm weather and mosquitoes, the Zika virus is also sure to make a comeback in the United States. Spread through the bite of a mosquito, Zika can cause fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis and muscle pain in those infected, and unborn children are at the highest risk. Zika – which can cause birth defects and encephalitis in unborn children – was found in pregnant woman in 44 states across America. Last year 77 unborn children died in the womb due to Zika, and 51 others were born with Zika-related birth defects in the United States alone. Furthermore, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in 10 pregnant women with Zika gave birth to a child with serious birth defects. Zika may be a new reality during the spring and summer, and it’s likely not going away. But what can be done? Is there a vaccine? Are there ways to prevent the spread of the virus? What should young mothers do and who is the most at risk? There are many questions and much to learn. This is where the experts at Augusta University can help. Dr. Jose Vazquez is an expert in the realm of infectious diseases. He studies and treats infectious diseases, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs and fungal infections. A leader in his field and a go-to expert for media regarding this topic, Dr. Vasquez is available to speak with media regarding the Zika virus. Click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:
Mission to Mars – Pack Light on Materials and Heavy on Innovation
On Tuesday May 09, the Humans to Mars Summit kicks off in Washington D.C. This will be a meeting of some of the most powerful, brilliant, creative, scientific and corporate minds on earth. Together they are working on a way that someday soon we will visit Mars. Since 2010 this expanding group is realizing that exploring the red planet is within their grasp and possible during our lifetime. To get there, it will take innovations in science, technology and engineering like we have not seen in generations. Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering is part of a team that is making this trip a reality. The NASA-sponsored multidisciplinary Space Technology Research Institute (STRI) is working on new a composite material that makes use of engineered carbon nanotubes and will be much lighter—but much stronger—than what is currently available. Space craft need to exit and re-enter atmospheres. To do so, they need to be strong or the results are disastrous. Space travel and the concept of exploring other planets is high science and not easy for most earthly mortals to comprehend. That’s where the experts at VCU’s School of Engineering can help. Ibrahim Guven, Ph.D., assistant professor in the VCU School of Engineering Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, is an expert on peridynamics, a branch of mechanics that looks at the effect of deformities and fractures. Peridynamics is essential to planning for space travel and to understanding what it takes to get from Earth to Mars. He can explain these concepts in a simple manner and is available to speak with media. Simply click on his profile to arrange an interview. Source:
Are you one of the Canadians most likely to get a tax audit this year?
Every year, Canadian taxpayers fear the worst - a notice from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) informing you that you’re going to be audited. You should always prepare and file your income tax return under the assumption that your return will be looked at and scrutinized. The reality is, there very few are actually checked by the CRA - but that does not do you any good if you are the one. Apart from a random selection process there are many reasons why your return might be pulled for review or audit. If this is the case, the best advice we offer is to get your accountant involved immediately. Far too often our clients will start the process alone, answering a few questions that they think are simple and straightforward only to find they have simply provided the auditor with reasons to further pursue his or her review of your taxes. This is not to suggest that the questions are misleading. We are simply pointing out that you might not be aware of the implications of your answers and you can do yourself a disservice by providing an answer that simply leads to more questions. If you have prepared your return yourself go over it with a professional as soon as you receive your letter from CRA and let that individual deal with the CRA representative going forward. If you used a professional to prepare your return - get them involved immediately. Michael Burch is a managing partner at Welch LLP in Ottawa and is an expert in the fields of business, corporate/personal taxation and finance. He is an excellent speaker and is available to talk with media regarding this important topic. Simply click on Michael’s icon to arrange an interview. Source:
A Party Divided - Will Infighting Lead to a Government Shutdown in Washington Friday?
President Donald Trump will celebrate 100 days in office Saturday. But one day shy of that milestone, he may see Washington and the rest of America’s government grind to a halt. But with Republicans controlling Congress, the Senate and the Presidency – a standoff of this nature seems almost impossible. There is almost guaranteed to be negative consequences publicly and financially – and to follow it through just doesn’t make any political sense. So why? Is it President Trump’s demand for a funded wall that he promised to be built along the Mexican border? Are there left-over aspects to the Affordable Care Act that have some members of the GOP divided? Other issues that have the GOP at a boiling point? Or, is there a way out so each side can make a point but save face in the end? Politics is seldom simple and almost always confusing. That’s where the experts from Augusta University can help. Dr. William Hatcher is the director of the Master of Public Administration program and an associate professor of political science. He is an expert in politics, policy and the relationships between different levels of government. Dr. Craig Albert is an assistant professor of political science and an expert in American politics and political philosophy. Both are excellent speakers, have experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and are available to speak to media regarding this latest development in Washington. Click on Dr. Hatcher or Dr. Albert's icon to arrange an interview. Source:
