6/6/97

The following Ohio University professors are available for insightful interviews on topics in the news. Please contact Dwight Woodward at 614/593-1886 to arrange an interview.

SEX IN THE MILITARY NOTHING NEW:
Weeks after 1st Lt. Kelly Flinn accepted a general discharge from the Air Force rather than face charges of sexual misconduct, Gen. Joseph Ralston had been nominated to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, despite admitting to an adulterous affair. While the media is suddenly rife with tales and trials of sexual misconduct in the military, Ohio University Associate Professor of Psychology Paula Popovich said, "These incidents have been going on for a long time. It's only recently that the media has picked up on it." Popovich has studied sexual harassment in the military and says the harsh punishments imposed by the military for behavior that can't be stopped are unrealistic. "One of the things people don't realize is the official punishments are very severe, irrational and they aren't consistently applied," said Popovich. "The upper echelons of the miltary are trying to say all sex between members of the military is forbidden and that is impossible. These incidents will make them realize they have to revise their guidelines."

JUNE IS NATIONAL FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTH:
There's nothing wrong with a little pyrotechnical activity as long as it's done safely and supervised by adults, according to Ohio University Assistant Chemistry Professor Dan Dolata. Dolata, a certified exhibitor with the Pyrotechnics Guild International, recently testified before the Ohio House of Representatives which is considering a bill that would change Ohio's laws governing fireworks. A few tips from Dolata on igniting fireworks: "Always have an adult present, never approach duds for at least 30 minutes after they are lit and always behave as if the fireworks can explode at any time," said Dolata. Dolata offers additional tips at his World Wide Web site: http://main.chem.ohiou.edu/~dolata/dolata.html