October 26, 1999

Here are descriptions of the radio stories available on the Ohio State University Info Line, October 29 through November 5, 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 10/29-Monday 11/1 - Skeletons are a familiar sight at Halloween. An Ohio State University Medical Center dietitian suggests ‘keeping skeletons healthy’ as a theme for Halloween treats. Shirley Kindrick says healthy Halloween treats that kids can enjoy include calcium-fortified treats, low- or no-sugar snacks, or alternatives to candy like stickers, crayons or trading cards.

Monday 11/1-Wednesday 11/3 - For voters shorter than 5 feet 7 inches, some voting machines might be nearly impossible to use. A study by Ohio State University Industrial Design Professor Susan King Roth found that the top row of some lever-operated machines is too high for many short voters to see or read. She says the issues, at the top of the ballot, appeared on a row about 67 inches high, making it difficult for the ‘vertically challenged’ voter.

Wednesday 11/3-Friday 11/5 - Americans on average estimate they’ll live about one year longer than statistics of life expectancy suggest they will. Ohio State University Sociology Professor John Mirowsky has found that men and Blacks are most optimistic about their lifespans -- men believe they’ll live 3 years longer than official predictions and Blacks expect to live about 6 years longer. The group that statistics say should live the longest -- white females -- predicted they’ll live slightly less than official estimates.

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.