HOLIDAY STORY IDEAS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
For more information, call Dann Hayes, [email protected], (785) 864-8855 or Mary Jane Dunlap, (785) 864-8853.
MUSIC MAKES THE REGISTERS RING
Rudolf E. Radocy (ruh-DOH-see), professor of music education and music therapy at the University of Kansas, is the author of a book on the social functions of music. He can be reached at (785) 864-9635.
LAWRENCE -- Ever found yourself buying more in the store than you intended to? You can blame the music.
According to Rudolf E. Radocy, professor of music education and music therapy at the University of Kansas, music in stores may shape shopping patterns.
"People move through the store faster with stimulating music," he said. "They move slower if the store is playing what is called 'sedative' music. And, when they move slower, they buy more."
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CHRISTMAS CARDS CAN SAY MORE THAN MERRY CHRISTMAS
Barry L. Shank, associate professor of American studies at the University of Kansas, has researched the history of greeting cards, including their cultural meaning. He can be reached at (785) 864-2305.
LAWRENCE -- The Christmas cards you send during the holiday season may express more about who you are than you are ready to admit.
"We send Christmas cards to those people we want to stay in touch with," said Barry L. Shank, associate professor of American studies at the University of Kansas. "And the cards we send reflect our standing in society."
According to Shank, the use of Christmas cards, begun over a century ago in England, conforms with the American tradition of abundance.
"America has been seen as a land of abundance and Christmas is the ultimate holiday of abundance," he said. "We eat way too much food and spend way too much money on way too many presents -- a process of extravagant consumption and gift exchange that signals our place in the social structure.
"Christmas cards form an important part of that process," he said. "We send Christmas cards to those families and individuals whose opinion of us matters. And the style, the images and sentiment on those cards indicates the social standing that we aspire towards."
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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - STUDENTS CAN GO THERE
Francis J. "Frank" DeSalvo Jr., director of Counseling and Psychological Services and assistant professor of psychology and research in education at the University of Kansas, can be reached at (785) 864-2277. (Feature story available)
LAWRENCE -- In households across the country, college students will be arriving home for the holidays this month.
However, students who have been on their own for four months tend to find it difficult to accept mom and dad in their traditional roles as caretakers and supervisors, says Frank DeSalvo, director of Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Kansas.
"Having a good visit home involves discussing expectations and differences sooner rather than later when the holiday stress is at its peak," DeSalvo says.
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TOYS FOR GOOD LITTLE GIRLS AND BOYS
Pat Pisani, program director at the Hilltop Child Development Center which is affiliated with the University of Kansas, holds masters degrees in early childhood development and biology from KU. Office phone: (785) 864-4940.
LAWRENCE -- Want some suggestions on what toys to get for Christmas?
Pat Pisani, program director of the Hilltop Child Development Center, affiliated with the University of Kansas, has some suggestions for toys the kids won't outgrow in a few months.
She can also warn you of some to stay away from -- those that constantly need new batteries or those that are merely fads.
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