OFFICE OF NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS (215) 204-7476 Fax: (215) 204-4403
RENDELL FACES AN UPHILL BATTLE AS PRIMARY RACE HEATS UP -- The Democratic primary race between Ed Rendell and state auditor general Bob Casey Jr. kicked into high gear this week as Rendell's campaign aired its first television commercials. But the road to the governor's mansion may be a hard one for the popular former Philly mayor, says political science professor Mike Hooper.
"Rendell may have a lot of support in the Philadelphia area, but Casey's got name recognition throughout the state." Even more importantly, says Hooper, Casey's pro-life. "Pennsylvania's an odd state in that it's densely populated with both conservative Protestants and Catholics. Both these groups are pro-life and this is going to be a real problem for Rendell," says Hooper. Add in a low voter turnout and Rendell's chances look even slimmer, he says.
"Rendell could run a fine campaign, but it's going to be difficult for him. An intense minority is going to play a major role." Reach Hooper through the Office of News and Media Relations.
THE FORECAST CALLS FOR SNOW, SHOVELS AND LOWER BACK PAIN -- How can you stay in the pink when your driveway is white? "To avoid muscle strain, you need to stretch," says Dr. Charles "Buzz" Swanik, an athletic training and sports medicine expert at Temple. "The best stretch of a muscle occurs when you stretch for 30 seconds, until you feel a tight sensation that is not painful."
Stretching should be performed three times on each muscle group. But Swanik also cautions people to consult their doctor before any type of physical exertion--including shoveling snow. "Some individuals can hurt themselves while stretching, especially low back patients and those who have had a recent surgery," he says. Reach Swanik through the Office of News and Media Relations.
BUILDING ON KING'S DREAM BY RECONNECTING WITH FAMILY-- With Monday the 16th annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Dr. Ione Vargus, founder of The Family Reunion Institute at Temple, believes we can build on King's dream by starting with our own families. "It is important to feel a sense of closeness with family during meaningful holidays, particularly one that epitomizes our nation's struggle to come together," says Vargus, who runs the annual African American Family Reunion Conference, a three-day event that teaches innovative ideas for bringing extended families closer together. Vargus believes regular reunions strengthen family values and build character among the generations. "If we take the time to remember a great hero in Dr. King," says Vargus, "we can certainly carry his message of harmony and peace to the people we call family."
Reach Vargus through the Office of News and Media Relations.
A WELCOME BACK TO CAMPUS, PHILLY STYLE -- The students are returning, and before they crack the books, the Office of Student Activities is hosting a week of special events to thaw the spring semester. Tuesday means the Taste of Philly, a priceless (free) orientation to the jewel of Philadelphia culture: food.
Restaurants serving samples include Argento's Pizza, Bilal, Draught Horse, Termini Bros. and Tastykake. Wednesday is Image Day. Students happy with their hair can come and be drawn, photographed, or even airbrushed by a collection of local and student artists. Thursday, stars will be born. A CD recording booth will be available for the crooner in all of us. Students can pick from over 300 popular songs, belt out an off-key tune, and walk away with a CD of their performance. At Friday's Activities Fair, students can explore Temple's many departments and schools and what they have to offer. All events take place in the atrium of the new Student Center between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
For more information, contact the Office of News and Media Relations.
Cheryl AfonsoTemple UniversityOffice of News and Media Relations[email protected]215.204.7476
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