October 5, 1999

Here are descriptions of the radio stories available on the Ohio State University Info Line, October 8 through October 15, 1999. Stories are changed at noon. All feeds include one wraparound report of approximately 1:00 and at least one other actuality plus background material. If you have questions, want additional information, or need a re-feed of a missed story, call Amy Murray at 614-292-8385.

Friday 10/8 - Monday 10/11 - Lovers of fall color may see fewer red leaves and some washed out yellows this year because of drought stress on trees. Randy Heiligman, a natural resources professor at Ohio State University, says dry conditions slow the production of pigments within leaves and could cause some to fall before they’ve fully changed color. He says look for brilliant color in areas where moisture is plentiful.

Monday 10/11 - Wednesday 10/13 - It may seem simple now, but the act of writing requires them mastery of an incredible number of skills. Development of the small muscles in the hands, hands learning to work together, the orientation of the hands in space and many other skills are needed before a child learns to write. But the best way to learn to write may not be with a pencil. Jane Case-Smith, a professor of occupational therapy at Ohio State, says preschoolers who use their hands to manipulate small objects often end up with better handwriting skills.

Wednesday 10/13 - Friday 10/15 - Hillary Rodham Clinton’s popularity among the American public is nearly completely independent of her husband’s approval rating. Research by Anthony Mughan, a political science professor at Ohio State University, shows that different forces shape the public image of President Bill Clinton and that of his wife. Mughan found that changes in Hillary Clinton’s favorability ratings were driven mostly by the amount of media coverage she received, and less by partisanship and national issues such as the economy.

Many news outlets are getting our news releases electronically. Would you like to receive your weekly Info Line rundown via e-mail? It’s faster than the postal service and offers less chance for bad addresses, lost or damaged mail. We can e-mail this and other news releases directly to your computer. E-mail Amy at murray-goedde.1@osu.edu or call 614-292-8385 to make arrangements.

www.osu.edu is Ohio State’s Internet address. News releases (including this rundown sheet) from University Communications and many other offices are posted on the website. The site is also a great source for answers to frequently asked questions about OSU.