Americans flock to Middle Eastern Web sites for news
Ever since the Arab satellite television network Al-Jazeera created an English version of its Web site, Americans have flocked to it for news about the war. Record numbers of Americans who use the Internet visit foreign news organizations' Web sites, according to a study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Exactly how does news coverage in Middle Eastern media differ from what Americans see and read here? Dona Stewart, director of Georgia State University's Middle East Center and an expert on Middle Eastern culture, can explain the Arab perspective on the current war and answer questions about why Al-Jazeera might have showed pictures of dead and captive U.S. soldiers in Iraq -- an action criticized by U.S. military officials. Contact Stewart at 404-651-1829 or djstewart@gsu.edu. Hear audio clips of Stewart discussing Middle Eastern media's war coverage at http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwrad/.

Buy the right gear for outdoor activities
With the weather getting warmer, more people are headed outdoors to exercise or participate in sports. But before beginning an outdoor exercise program or investing in expensive sporting equipment, participants should take precautions, according to Laurie Tis, an associate professor of kinesiology and health at Georgia State University. Most ankle sprains, neck and back pains, head injuries and arthritic changes can be traced to buying the wrong shoes, backpacks and sports gear, says Tis, an injury prevention expert. Tis advises purchasing athletic shoes that fit specific activities - whether running or basketball - versus buying popular styles more suited for casual wear. She also recommends warming up (light jogging or swimming), stretching and weight training to prevent injuries related to outdoor activities such as cycling, running and tennis. For more safety guidelines, contact Tis at 404-651-4022 or ltis@gsu.edu.

Analyzing public opinion polls
Americans love polls, from rating the president to voting for the newest color crayon. But what do the numbers mean? Who really responds to opinion polls? How have cell phones and answering machines changed the face of American opinion by making some people easier for pollsters to reach than others? Charlotte Steeh, associate professor of public administration and urban studies at Georgia State University, researches survey methodology and trends in the willingness of adults to participate in surveys. Contact Steeh at 404-651-3539 or cgsteeh@gsu.edu.

Protecting whistleblowers
Over the past two years, employees who served as whistleblowers on fraudulent activities at corporate giants such as Enron and Worldcom have been hailed as heroes. But others may be reluctant to follow in their footsteps - in part because legislation designed to protect whistleblowers may not be effective enough. Kelly Timmons, an assistant professor of law at Georgia State University, is available to discuss the issue. Contact Timmons at 404-651-4808 or kctimmons@gsu.edu.

Georgia State Leads is a biweekly email publication from the Department of University Relations. For more information about the publication or to sign up to receive Georgia State Leads, contact Beth Flannigan at 404-651-3574 or bflannigan@gsu.edu.

Don't see what you're looking for? Call University Relations at 404-651-3025 for fast access to faculty experts and university news. After hours and on weekends, contact Betsy Robertson, assistant director, via pager at 404-655-3456.

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