Looking for holiday-related stories? The University of California has experts available who can discuss a range of topics, from holiday shopping to healthy eating, from holidays and aging to holidays and altruism.
UC Berkeley
Consumer shopping behavior
Jennifer Aaker, Xerox Distinguished Professor in Knowledge at the Haas School of Business, can discuss the dilemma of last-minute shoppers. When time is short, consumers settle for products that are just good enough rather than products billed as having a special zing, according to Aaker, whose research interests include time, money and happiness; culture; emotions; and the psychology of brand relationships.
Media contact: Ute Frey, (510) 642-0342, frey@haas.berkeley.edu or Ronna Kelly, (510) 643-0259, rkelly@haas.berkeley.edu
Retail competition, innovation and trends
Louis Bucklin, professor emeritus at the Haas School of Business Marketing Group, can discuss retail competition, innovation and trends, including how Christmas items are cropping up on store shelves earlier each year.
Media contact: Ute Frey, (510) 642-0342, frey@haas.berkeley.edu or Ronna Kelly, (510) 643-0259, rkelly@haas.berkeley.edu
Online holiday shopping
Ganesh Iyer, Edgar F. Kaiser Professor of Business Administration at the Haas School of Business Marketing Group says that consumers shopping online will benefit from checking Internet shopping search engines first before going to a retailer’s Web site in order to find the best price. His research interests include Internet institutions and competition, marketing information and its effects, and competitive marketing strategy.
Media contact: Ute Frey, (510) 642-0342, frey@haas.berkeley.edu or Ronna Kelly, (510) 643-0259, rkelly@haas.berkeley.edu
Hidden holiday shopping charges
John Morgan, Gary & Sherron Kalback Professor of Haas School of Business Administration, advises consumers to look for hidden charges this shopping season. “Shipping charges can be hazardous to your wealth,” says Morgan, who studies competition in online markets. Read the fine print and watch out for hidden charges from airlines and hotels, he says.
Media contact: Ute Frey, (510) 642-0342, frey@haas.berkeley.edu or Ronna Kelly, (510) 643-0259, rkelly@haas.berkeley.edu
Gift trends: pet products, “experiences”
Priya Raghubir, an associate professor with the Haas School of Business Marketing Group, has two gift-giving predictions for this holiday season: an increase in pet product and pet accessory sales, and an increase in people giving each other “experiences,” such as massages or travel. “I think people may be ‘consumer-gooded out’ and will want to give something different that won’t just add useless clutter in the house,” Raghubir says.
Media contact: Ute Frey, (510) 642-0342, frey@haas.berkeley.edu or Ronna Kelly, (510) 643-0259, rkelly@haas.berkeley.edu
Altruism and charities
Aaron Edlin, Richard Jennings Professor of Economics and Law, says one reason people don’t give more to charity during the holidays is that the problems will be there whether individuals give or not. He offers up a policy – inspired by the matching grants that charities use so effectively – that could make a real difference.
Media contact: Kathleen Maclay, (510) 643-5651, kmaclay@berkeley.edu
UC Davis
‘Tis the season to save energy
Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center at UC Davis, can talk about the new light-emitting diode (LED) lights that come in vibrant colors, stay cool to the touch and use less than one-fourth the electricity that old-style incandescent lights used. Nine other ideas for saving energy at home without giving up lighting quality or comfort are online at: http://cltc.ucdavis.edu.
Media contact: Michael Siminovitch, (530) 757-3496, mjsiminovitch@ucdavis.edu or Sylvia Wright, News Service, (530) 752-7704, swright@ucdavis.edu
How consumers make gift choices
Textiles and clothing professor Margaret Rucker can talk about the different perceptions that men and women have when it comes to giving gifts; the gift-giving process and what people value in gifts; and the advantages and disadvantages of Web, catalog and in-store shopping from consumers' points of view.
Media contact: Margaret Rucker, (530) 752-2018, mhrucker@ucdavis.edu or Claudia Morain, News Service, (530) 752-9841, cmmorain@ucdavis.edu
Tamales
Refugio Rochin, professor emeritus of Chicana/o Studies, can talk about tamales and their traditional role in Mexican and Mexican-American Christmas celebrations.
Media contact: Refugio Rochin, (831) 457-2433 (home), rrochin@ucdavis.edu or Claudia Morain, News Service, (530) 752-9841, cmmorain@ucdavis.edu
Gratitude and the holidays
Psychology professor Robert Emmons can discuss gratitude during the holidays -- how being grateful can make you happier.
Media contact: Robert Emmons, (530) 752-8844, raemmons@ucdavis.edu or Claudia Morain, News Service, (530) 752-9841, cmmorain@ucdavis.edu
Holidays, history and culture
Jay Mechling, professor of American studies, is considered one of the most influential academics in American studies. He can talk about various American holidays, their history and their cultural importance.
Media contact: Jay Mechling, (530) 752-9043 (office) or (510) 865-8858 (home), jemechling@ucdavis.edu or Claudia Morain, News Service, (530) 752-9841, cmmorain@ucdavis.edu
"Chanukkah" carols, "Christmaskkah" and the December dilemma
Ari Y. Kelman, assistant professor of American Studies and member of the Jewish Studies Program Committee at UC Davis, can talk about "Chanukkah" carols, "Christmaskkah" and other neologisms of the "December dilemma." He can also discuss the place of Hanukkah in contemporary American Jewish culture. Kelman's latest research focuses primarily on the popular cultures of both young adult Jews and evangelical Christians, with particular interest in the music of both.
Media contact: Ari Y. Kelman, (917) 528-0138 (cell), aykelman@ucdavis.edu
End-of-year movies
Dean Simonton, a professor of psychology and an expert on human creativity, has subjected thousands of feature-length, English-language, narrative films to a battery of statistical tests to get at the formulas for cinematic success. Among his findings: Major film awards tend to go to movies that are released in the final months of the year. Studios save their best for winter, when Oscar and other major award nominations accumulate and ballots circulate. Simonton can also talk about what makes a terrible movie, and suggest ways that consumers can sort the good from the bad. He cannot comment on newly released films individually.
Media contact: Dean Simonton, (530) 752-1677, dksimonton@ucdavis.edu or Claudia Morain, News Service, (530) 752-9841, cmmorain@ucdavis.edu
UC Irvine
Eating strategies for the holidays
As director of the UC Irvine Weight Management Program, Linda Gigliotti sees what the holidays can do to people. But the new year doesn’t have to dawn with new pounds. Instead, plan and execute a strategy that limits time at the buffet and dinner tables without sacrificing the good will and good times, she advises.
Media contact: Tom Vasich, (949) 824-6455, tmvasich@uci.edu
Dangers of noisy toys
If parents aren’t careful about how popular toys such as the High School Musical Rockerz Jammin Guitar and Cheetah Girls in Concert Collection Doll are used, a season of joy might turn into a lifetime of hearing loss for their children, according to UC Irvine researchers. Dr. Hamid Djalilian, an assistant professor of otolaryngology who treats and studies hearing disorders says children are very sensitive to toys and other devices that emit loud and high pitch sounds or that rely on earphones.
Media contact: Tom Vasich, (949) 824-6455, tmvasich@uci.edu
Consumer behavior online and in stores
Mary Gilly, a professor of marketing at the Paul Merage School of Business, is an expert in marketing and consumer behavior and can discuss holiday retail trends both online and in stores this year.
Media contact: Mary Gilly, (949) 824-6154, mcgilly@uci.edu
Depression a danger during holiday season
For some people, the holidays can bring on feelings of depression, loneliness and anxiety. Gerald Maguire, a psychiatrist at UC Irvine, is an expert in psychotic disorders and mood disorders such as depression. Maguire advises members of the public and those with a family history of depression to pay close attention to sleep patterns, energy levels, changes in appetite or high levels of stress.
Media contact: Susan Mancia, (714) 456-3640, smancia@uci.edu
Holidays and altruism
Kristen Monroe, a professor of political science and author of The Heart of Altruism: Perceptions of a Common Humanity, is available to discuss how the holidays inspire the altruistic aspects of people’s personality. After interviewing hundreds of individuals who rescued Jews during the Holocaust, as well as bystanders and a few Nazi sympathizers, she says altruists are motivated by the belief that they are connected to others, part of a common humanity.
Media contact: Kristen Monroe, (949) 824-6092, kmonroe@uci.edu
Social dynamics of holiday parties
Holiday celebrations are often rife with tension and conflict. Calvin Morrill, professor and chair of sociology, can discuss the dynamics of holiday gatherings and personal relationships as they play out during the season.
Media contact: Calvin Morrill, (949) 824-9322, calvin@uci.edu
Visitng elderly relatives
Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Ronald W. Reagan Endowed Chair in Geriatrics and director of geriatrics at the Center of Excellence in Elder Abuse and Neglect, says holiday visits are a good time to assess elderly loved ones' care and assistance needs. Mosqueda, a nationally renowned expert on elder abuse treatment, and her colleagues have compiled a checklist to help families prevent elder abuse and neglect, and offer seniors a healthy and safe New Year: http://today.uci.edu/news/release_detail.asp?key=1710.
Media contact: Susan Mancia, (714) 456-3640, smancia@uci.edu
UCLA
Holiday stress
Emanuel Maidenberg, associate clinical professor and clinical coordinator for the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program and clinical instructor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, is available to discuss issues surrounding management of holiday stress and depression. http://www.semel.ucla.edu/adc
Media contact: Mark Wheeler, (310) 794-2265, mwheeler@mednet.ucla.edu
Irene Goldenberg, UCLA professor emeritus of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, is available to discuss tensions and stress surrounding family issues that arise during the holidays.
Media contact: Mark Wheeler, (310) 794-2265, mwheeler@mednet.ucla.edu
Holiday eating
Dr. David Heber, director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, and Susan Bowerman, assistant director and registered dietitian, are available to talk about ways to avoid overeating and weight gain during the holidays. http://www.cellinteractive.com/ucla
Media contact: Rachel Champeau, (310) 794-2270, rchampeau@mednet.ucla.edu
Virgin of Guadalupe
Jose Luis Valenzuela, UCLA theater professor and director of the Latino Theater Company, can discuss the cultural significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe among Latino Catholics. The Virgin's feast day is Dec. 12. Since 2002, Valenzuela has directed a popular Los Angeles pageant detailing the Virgin of Guadalupe apparitions near Mexico City in 1531.
Media contact: Letisia Marquez, (310) 206-3986 or lmarquez@support.ucla.edu
UC Merced
Winter health
Miriam Barlow, assistant professor in the School of Natural Sciences at UC Merced, is available to discuss antibiotic resistance and the reasons winter colds and flus should not be treated with antibiotics.
Media contact: Ana Nelson Shaw, (209) 228-4406, (209) 205-8561, ashaw@ucmerced.edu
Snow and ice
Roger Bales, professor in the School of Engineering and the acting director of the Sierra Nevada Research Institute at UC Merced, is available to comment on the snowpack in the Sierra and how it may be affected by global climate change.
Media contact: Ana Nelson Shaw, (209) 228-4406, (209) 205-8561, ashaw@ucmerced.edu
Winter air quality
Wolfgang Rogge, professor in the School of Engineering at UC Merced, can provide expert commentary on air pollution from seasonal sources of particulate emissions like wood fires and idling cars.
Media contact: Ana Nelson Shaw, (209) 228-4406, (209) 205-8561, ashaw@ucmerced.edu
Holiday shopping
Todd C. Neumann, economics professor in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts at UC Merced, can provide expert commentary on retail trends and consumer habits.
Media contact: Tonya Luiz, (209) 228-4408, (209) 658-9101, tluiz@ucmerced.edu
Holiday health
Rudy Ortiz, professor in the School of Natural Sciences at UC Merced, is available to speak on issues related to holiday eating habits, weight gain and how to mitigate the effects of overindulgence.
Media contact: Tonya Luiz, (209) 228-4408, (209) 658-9101, tluiz@ucmerced.edu
UC Riverside
Online holiday shopping
Donna Hoffman and Thomas Novak, co-directors of the Sloan Center for Internet Retailing, are pioneering Internet retail scholars. Hoffman can discuss online retail trends, Internet marketing strategy and consumer behavior in online environments. Novak can discuss online consumer experience, online advertising, Internet marketing strategy and e-commerce policy.
Media contact: Donna Hoffman, (951) 827-4848, donna.hoffman@ucr.edu or Thomas Novak, (951) 827-4999, tom.novak@ucr.edu
Holiday shopping
Shuba Srinivasan, assistant professor of marketing, can discuss long-term effects of price promotions, innovations and new product entry. She examines how marketing actions affect firm and financial performance over time by applying her expertise in marketing, econometrics and time-series modeling.
Media contact: Todd Ransom, (951) 827-1287, todd.ransom@ucr.edu
UC San Diego
Holidays and aging
Dr. Barry Lebowitz, deputy director of the Stein Institute for Research on Aging, and Dr. Daniel Sewell, director of the Senior Behavior Health Unit at UCSD Medical Center, can offer tips to help ensure that elderly family members with underlying health issues enjoy the holiday season. See a list of 10 tips: http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/health/11-07HolidaysAndAging-L.asp
Media contact: Debra Kain, (619) 543-6163, ddkain@ucsd.edu
'Holiday Heart'
Dr. Anthony DeMaria can discuss a heart ailment often discovered from Dec. 25-Jan. 1. Called "Holiday Heart," patients report symptoms of palpitations and light-headedness. Associated with overindulgence, further evaluation usually confirms an abnormal heart rhythm. DeMaria can offer a series of helpful tips on how to avoid this common holiday condition.
Media contact: Jackie Carr, UCSD Health Sciences Communications, (619) 543-6163, jcarr@ucsd.edu
Avoiding the holiday gain
Drinking carbonated water, eating a healthy snack before the holiday party, and parking at the far end of the mall are easily digestible tips Dr. Santiago Horgan can offer to those looking to avoid the holiday weight gain.
Media contact: Jackie Carr, UCSD Health Sciences Communications, (619) 543-6163, jcarr@ucsd.edu
UC San Francisco
Holiday depression
Pat Arean, PhD, UCSF associate professor of psychiatry, has focused her research on the recognition and treatment of mental disorders in older adults and minority populations, particularly in recognition and treatment of depression that is identified in non-mental health settings.
Media contact: News Center, (415) 476-2557
Overeating during the holidays
Dr. Robert Lustig, UCSF childhood obesity specialist and professor of pediatric endocrinology and Andrea Garber, PhD, UCSF nutritionist and assistant professor, can discuss overeating during the holidays. Lustig, who directs the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health (WATCH) Clinic, says childhood obesity is caused by a “toxic environment” of high-calorie, low-fiber Western diets. Garber, coordinator of the WATCH Clinic, has focused her research on obesity and eating disorders. Also, Dr. Rita Redberg, director of UCSF's Women's Cardiovascular Services and author of numerous books, articles and scientific papers on heart health and lifetime wellnes, can offer 10 tips for getting through the holiday season feeling healthier and less stressed. "The average person gains 5 pounds over the holidays, which is hard on the heart," Redberg says. "That doesn't mean it's a lost cause, though. ... Even the smallest changes can have a big impact."
Media contact: News Center, (415) 476-2557
UC Santa Cruz
Shopping green
Andrew Szasz, a professor of sociology and author of the new book Shopping Our Way to Safety: How We Went from Protecting the Environment to Protecting Ourselves, sounds a word of caution to consumers eager to snap up "green" products, including holiday gifts. Without a concerted campaign to beef up government safeguards, "buy green" campaigns will miss the mark, failing to provide the level of protection and environmental benefit consumers seek.
Media contact: Andrew Szasz, (831) 459-2653, szasz@ucsc.edu or Jennifer McNulty, (831) 459-2495, jmcnulty@ucsc.edu
UC Cooperative Extension
New Christmas tree variety
Lynn Wunderlich, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor, can discuss Christmas tree varieties. She is evaluating Nordmann and another exotic tree, Turkish fir, for resistance to insects and diseases in El Dorado and Amador counties.
Media contact: Lynn Wunderlich, (530) 621-5505, lrwunderlich@ucdavis.edu, or Jeannette Warnert, (559) 241-7514,
jwarnert@ucop.edu