CMU Expert Sources Archive

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American politics and society

  • Many Americans believe that July 4, 1776, the day that the Declaration of Independence was adopted, was glorious and celebratory, yet the history of that day tells a different story. Central Michigan University history professor Tim Hall is available to comment on the often-misunderstood history of the holiday. Read the Story

  • In response to proposals in Michigan's Legislature that would limit competition among electricity suppliers and mandate greater use of renewable energy, a study recently released by the Mackinac Center found that such regulation would significantly raise electricity rates without improving energy reliability or environmental quality. Ted Bolema, Central Michigan University finance and law faculty member, was one of two researchers who conducted the study and is available to comment on its findings. Read the Story

  • The highly contested race for president has spurred a sharp increase in participation from young voters. J. Cherie Strachan, an authority on youth participation in American politics, says that politicians may need to change their approach, however, in order to keep this age group engaged until November. She is available for comment on the subject. Read the Story

  • When the 2008 NCAA men's basketball tournament begins, people across the nation will frantically be checking scores and updating the status of their tournament brackets. Central Michigan University faculty member Tim Otteman, an internationally quoted authority on sports-related gambling, is available to discuss sports gambling trends, particularly as they relate to so-called "March Madness." Read the Story

  • Election 2008 is in full swing and it is any candidates' ballgame. The hot issues include everything from the war in Iraq to health care in the U.S. Central Michigan University experts from various disciplines are available for commentary on the following issues. Read the Story

  • Feb. 14 is now a day dedicated to more than Valentines and love. "Vagina Monologues" playwright Eve Ensler has dubbed the day "V-Day" to draw attention to sexual aggression toward women. Central Michigan University's Stephen Thompson, a nationally known expert, has dedicated his life to this cause and can speak about V-Day and issues dealing with sexual aggression, stalking, rape, harassment, avoidance and prevention strategies, behavioral analysis, and profiles of offenders. Read the Story

  • Super Bowl Sunday is coming, and it's not just about parties, commercials and the big game. For many, it also is a day for gambling. Central Michigan University recreation, parks and leisure services administration faculty member Tim Otteman cautions that the simple act of buying a Super Bowl square may eventually lead to a larger issue. Among Otteman's initial thoughts: Read the Story

  • Are we at a tipping point where our country might be ready to elect an African-American president? Stephen Jones, Central Michigan University assistant professor of history and authority on African-Americans in the legal process, says we might be. "Barack Obama's political candidacy shows that the U.S. is moving toward the next level of political empowerment," said Jones. Read the Story

  • Issues related to social justice and civil liberties are at the forefront of many current-events discussions. Several Central Michigan University faculty experts are available to comment on these types of topics. Read the Story

  • While Michigan's economy adjusts to the recent continuation state budget agreement, one Central Michigan University professor with expertise in credit ratings believes income tax and sales tax increases may lead to lower interest rates on state borrowing. Read the Story

  • As Michiganians grapple with the state's stressed economy and a continuation state budget agreement that calls for tax increases and nearly $440 million in cuts, questions are looming about the future. A Central Michigan University political science professor with expertise in state government is available to speak with the media about continuing budget deliberations. Read the Story

  • Citing that distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in an automobile accident, Michigan Senator Buzz Thomas recently introduced a bill that would prohibit playing a game or entering data on a cell phone while driving. Read the Story

  • SOURCE:Bryan Gibsonprofessor of psychology989-774-4404gibso1b@cmich.eduWill Michigan join 31 other states and pass a ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and private workplaces? A bill requiring just that has cleared a state House committee this week spurring a controversy involving smokers, non-smokers... Read the Story

  • SOURCE:Mark Reillyassistant professor of psychology989-774-2343reill1mp@cmich.eduAs we recognize Alcohol Awareness Month, binge drinking is one of the issues being discussed. "The cause of binge drinking is multifaceted," said Central Michigan University assistant professor of psychology Mark Reilly. "There is no single... Read the Story

  • Bill Ballenger

    SOURCE:Bill BallengerGriffin Endowed Chair in American GovernmentCentral Michigan UniversityOffice: 517-487-6665 (after 9 a.m. Tuesday or Wednesday)impbb@comcast.netAs Governor Jennifer Granholm prepares to take to the airwaves this evening for her State of the State address, many Michigan residents wait eagerly for... Read the Story

  • George W. Bush is expected to address many highly contested issues in tonight's State of the Union Address, including the war in Iraq, energy independence, stem cell research and health care. The following Central Michigan University faculty members are available... Read the Story

  • SOURCE:Blaine Stevensonprofessor of sociologyCentral Michigan University989-774-1780steve1bw@cmich.eduA few of Stevenson's initial thoughts on the subject:"Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a very important holiday. Many politicians will quote from the famous "I have a dream" speech, but what they don't mention... Read the Story

  • Two of Michigan's cities are receiving national recognition for being ranked in the top three most dangerous cities in the country. Detroit and Flint were ranked second and third behind St. Louis on the most dangerous cities in America list. That is no surprise to Central Michigan University history professor Eric Johnson and author of the book "Urbanization and Crime," because crime rates are usually highly correlated with poverty and unemployment. Detroit and Flint score high in both categories. Read the Story

  • With election season in full swing, it is difficult to engage young people in politics. And for good reason, says Central Michigan University political science faculty member and former campaign press secretary J. Cherie Strachan. She says that by failing to mobilize young people to participate in the nominating stage where the political parties' agendas are developed, the parties have failed to cultivate a broad base of support from new members of the voting public. Read the Story

  • Who will shine when the gubernatorial candidates square off face-to-face on live television? Only the debates will tell. The following sources from Central Michigan University, with various areas of expertise, will be available for commentary following the upcoming debates. Read the Story

  • Central Michigan University communication and dramatic arts Chairman Bill Dailey, whose most recent research - conducted in conjunction with colleagues Ed Hinck and Shelly Hinck - focuses on politeness during 45 years of presidential debates, is available to comment regarding communication habits in political debates and campaigns. Their findings include the tendency of "less mean" candidates to be elected. Read the Story

  • The following sources from Central Michigan University are available to offer political commentary on the upcoming elections. Read the Story

  • Kirt Doke's painting,

    A visit to New York City during his college years initiated a lifelong love affair with the World Trade Center for Central Michigan University art faculty member Kirt Doke. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that destroyed the Twin Towers, Doke painted a series of works depicting the structures in a variety of New York City scenes as a tribute to what he called "an icon for me and most of New York." He is available to speak with the media regarding the attacks and his resulting artwork. Read the Story

  • John Mark Karr's desire for control and attention may have led him to falsely claim he killed JonBenet Ramsey, a nationally recognized sexual assault expert says. Read the Story

  • The following sources from Central Michigan University are available to comment on the recent decision by the Federal Drug Administration to approve over-the-counter sales of the morning-after contraceptive pill, Plan B. Read the Story

  • Gary Dunbar from Central Michigan University can comment on the recent presidential veto on federal funding for stem cell research. Read the Story

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