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November 12, 1999 JOURNALISTS: Here are some story ideas and a list of selected Purdue events during the next two weeks. All stressed up for the holidays? Experts respond The following Purdue experts can answer inquiries from journalists about how to deal with the stress of the holiday season: • Douglas Sprenkle, director, Family Research Institute; expert on a wide range of family counseling topics. (765) 494-2952; douglas.h.sprenkle.1@purdue.edu • Aadron Rausch, assistant director for outreach, Center for Families; expert on coping in tough times. (765) 494-9516; aadron@cfs.purdue.edu • Fred Piercy, director, Marriage and Family Therapy Program; expert on family-related topics and author of the 1994 book "How to Stop Marital Fights Before They Start." (765) 494-2950; piercy@vm.cc.purdue.edu/P> • Gerald Gruen, psychology professor; expert on coping with stress in children. (765) 494-6927; gruen@psych.purdue.edu • David Thompson, employee wellness coordinator; expert on managing job stress and balancing work and home. (765) 496-2861; djthompson@personnel.purdue.edu World Trade talks a local issue for farmers As the World Trade Organization talks begin later this month in Seattle, Hoosier farmers will be among those very interested in the eventual outcome. "Depending on the crop, a quarter or more of the crops grown in Indiana are exported," says Philip Paarlberg, associate professor of agricultural economics. He says agricultural exports by the United States in recent years have totaled between $50 billion and $60 billion and that this month is only the kickoff for what will surely be a long series of talks on agricultural trade. "All countries – including the United States – exercise inconsistencies in trade and agricultural policies. One of the keys is keeping food markets open, both here and abroad," he says. The WTO talks run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. CONTACT: Paarlberg (765) 494-4251; paarlberg@agecon.purdue.edu Why to care about Y2K: Purdue prepares The transition of information technology into the year 2000 has people wondering what, if anything, could go wrong. As part of the Purdue Alumni Association Autumn Tuesdays Lecture Series, Laverne Knodle, director of management information, will talk about Purdue's Y2K preparations, what individuals can expect on New Year's Day, and how they can make their own preparations for the millennium. Knodle will speak at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the MCL Cafeteria, 521 Sagamore Parkway W., in West Lafayette. Events • Monday, Nov. 15. Purdue President Steven C. Beering, scheduled to retire on June 30, 2000, will reflect on his tenure since 1983 and will address issues of importance to the university at the annual Faculty Convocation at the University Senate meeting at 2:30 p.m. in Room 302, Stewart Center. CONTACT: Solomon Gartenhaus, secretary of faculties, (765) 494-2585, garten@physics.purdue.edu • Monday, Nov. 15. Domestic Violence Workshop. 3-5 p.m. Multipurpose Room II, Black Cultural Center. The workshop, sponsored by the BCC and the Women of Vision Young Adult Club, which is part of the National Association of Colored Women's Club, will provide information about physical, mental, verbal, health and control abuse. CONTACTS: Donna Hall, (765) 494-3094,or Leslie Tindal, (765) 495-7020 • Thursday, Nov. 18. Esther Lwanga-Semakula, head of Agricultural Research Information Services in Uganda, and Grace Jackson-Brown, the librarian at IU's Black Cultural Center, will speak about "Culture and Technology: Moving African Communities Toward a Position of Strength for the Next Millennium" at 6 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room, Black Cultural Center, 1100 Third St. Part of the BCC's Cultural Arts Series. CONTACT: Renee Thomas, BCC director, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@hfs.purdue.edu • Friday, Nov. 19. John R. Lord, president and chief executive officer, Carrier Corp., Farmington, Conn., will talk about "Accelerating Performance in the New Millennium" at the Krannert Executive Forum at 11:30 a.m. in the Krannert Building Auditorium. Reporters are asked to refrain from asking questions, videotaping or taking photographs during the lecture, but all are allowed during the student question-and-answer sessions. CONTACT: Tamyra Gibson, director of public relations, School of Management, (765) 494-4392, gibson@mgmt.purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page