If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

EXPERT ALERTS

• The Summer Olympics and Politics
• Planning Can Help Avoid Tax Uncertainty
• FRC Not Best Solution for Oilfield Workers
• Combating Workplace Heat Starts With Employees
• Patent Office Unlikely to Impact Local Courts

MEDIA JOBS

• Web Editor - Springfield, Va.
• Video Producer - NYC
• News Writer - Oakland, Calif.
• Traffic Reporter - Seattle
• Editor - Lubbock, Texas

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Don't Run Afoul of Olympic Games Marks Use Restrictions
• Do You Have Confidence in Television News?
• Grammar Hammer: It's All Pun and Games

****************
EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

The Summer Olympics and Politics
Derick "Sandy" Hulme
Professor of Political Science
Alma College
The Summer Olympics in London are the first games since the Great Recession. Hulme can discuss the political aspects of the summer games, including its potential impact on the upcoming presidential election.
"The competition between the United States and China in the 'medal count' has taken on increased significance in the wake of the Great Recession. Europe's implosion and continued U.S. economic weakness, in the context of sustained Chinese growth, have called into question the ability of the U.S. and Europe to maintain their global position of leadership in the 21st century. A victory for China at the games would help to cement international perceptions that the 21st century will be one dominated by Asia in general, and by China specifically, at the expense of the U.S. and Europe."
Hulme, professor of political science at Alma College, is the author of "The Political Olympics," a book about the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Olympics. He also is the author of books on U.S. foreign policy and America's response to terrorism.
Website: www.alma.edu
News Contact: Mike Silverthorn, silverthorn@alma.edu or +1-989-463-7290

Planning Can Help Avoid Tax Uncertainty
Dan Baucum
Tax Attorney at Shackelford Melton & McKinley in Dallas
Former Special Assistant to the IRS Associate Chief Counsel
 "With promised gift and estate tax changes, and the expiration of the $5.12 million gift tax exemption at the close of 2012, the well-to-do are turning to exotic techniques in a last-ditch effort to save their investments from the looming tax uncertainty. Some families have tried to delay the inevitable death tax through provisions in their Last Will and Testament documents, and a few have created 'Family Limited Partnerships.' But for those with working assets, such as a family farm or business, these options won't work. Instead, they are opting for a ‘Defective Grantor Trust’ where parents make a seed gift or sale to a trust with special terms that treat themselves as the owners. This gives them control, but gifts future appreciation to their heirs."
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

FRC Not Best Solution for Oilfield Workers
Celeste Yeager
Labor & Employment Attorney
Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in Dallas
"With fires, one of many dangers facing oilfield workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has pushed to require flame-resistant clothing (FRC) for all oilfield workers while at jobsites. However, FRC only protects against short-duration flash fires, rather than sustained fires. So despite OSHA's efforts to require all oil and gas employees to wear FRC, the benefits in the unlikely event of a flash fire are outweighed by the additional risks, including increased heat-induced illnesses such as heat stroke. Injuries from fires are better prevented through engineering, mechanical and administrative controls, rather than the use of FRC as an additional item of personal protective equipment."
Yeager recently successfully overturned Wyoming OSHA citations against a client who was targeted after a crew member died in a fire while not wearing FRC.
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Combating Workplace Heat Starts With Employees
Matt Scott
Labor Attorney
The Kendall Law Group in Dallas
"As the dog days of summer drag on, it may be up to the employees who bear the brunt of the heat to remind supervisors about keeping common sense in mind when managing work assignments. No labor statute requires additional breaks when the weather gets warmer. However, if employers are working employees into the ground, or to the point where they are getting ill, then you are facing a situation where a workman's compensation case is possible. Threatening a lawsuit isn't the most productive way to speak with an employer at a worksite, so workers should first make requests for additional shade, regular breaks for water and cooling down, and other reasonable accommodations aimed at combating the extreme heat.”
News Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Patent Office Unlikely to Impact Local Courts
Max Ciccarelli
Attorney
Thompson & Knight in Dallas
"The choice of North Texas as the location of one of four new U.S. Patent and Trademark Offices is expected to bring more than 100 jobs and solidify the area's reputation as a research and technology hotbed. But it may not result in more patent litigation in the Northern District's federal courts, as the focus of the office will be patent prosecution. The location of the prosecution has almost no impact on a plaintiff's decision of where to file any litigation. As the region's technology environment thrives, and litigants see how well Northern District judges manage patent litigation, and as the new office adds examiners and the backlog decreases, more patents may be issued and more litigation filed locally -- but that will take some time."
News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

***************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Web Editor - Springfield, Va.
• Video Producer - NYC
• News Writer - Oakland, Calif.
• Traffic Reporter - Seattle
• Editor - Lubbock, Texas

See more listings here.

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• DON'T RUN AFOUL OF OLYMPIC GAMES MARKS USE RESTRICTIONS: PR Newswire's Sarah Skerik reminds content creators on how to avoid copyright infringements during the "Big Game": goo.gl/V1h0y

• DO YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE IN TELEVISION NEWS? ProfNet Editor Evelyn Tipacti discusses the significance of the recent Gallup poll that confirmed people are losing faith in broadcast news: goo.gl/9gZGx

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: IT'S ALL PUN AND GAMES: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne explains what puns are and how to use them: goo.gl/sEF2J

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

EXPERT ALERTS

• Planning Can Help Avoid Tax Uncertainty
• FRC Not Best Solution for Oilfield Workers
• Don’t Trust Repairs to Door-to-Door Help
• Combating Workplace Heat Starts With Employees

MEDIA JOBS

• Reporter - NYC
• Arts and Culture Editor - Richmond, Va.
• Reporter - Port St. Joe, Fla.
• Editor - Lubbock, Texas
• Assignment Editor - Phoenix

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Upcoming #ConnectChat: How Social Media Is Changing PR
• Do You Have Confidence in Television News?
• Dear Gracie: Personal Branding Tips Every Social Media User Should Know

***************
EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Planning Can Help Avoid Tax Uncertainty
Dan Baucum
Tax Attorney at Shackelford Melton & McKinley in Dallas
Former Special Assistant to the IRS Associate Chief Counsel
 "With promised gift and estate tax changes, and the expiration of the $5.12 million gift tax exemption at the close of 2012, the well-to-do are turning to exotic techniques in a last-ditch effort to save their investments from the looming tax uncertainty. Some families have tried to delay the inevitable death tax through provisions in their Last Will and Testament documents, and a few have created 'Family Limited Partnerships.' But for those with working assets, such as a family farm or business, these options won't work. Instead, they are opting for a ‘Defective Grantor Trust’ where parents make a seed gift or sale to a trust with special terms that treat themselves as the owners. This gives them control, but gifts future appreciation to their heirs."
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

FRC Not Best Solution for Oilfield Workers
Celeste Yeager
Labor & Employment Attorney
Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in Dallas
"With fires, one of many dangers facing oilfield workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has pushed to require flame-resistant clothing (FRC) for all oilfield workers while at jobsites. However, FRC only protects against short-duration flash fires, rather than sustained fires. So despite OSHA's efforts to require all oil and gas employees to wear FRC, the benefits in the unlikely event of a flash fire are outweighed by the additional risks, including increased heat-induced illnesses such as heat stroke. Injuries from fires are better prevented through engineering, mechanical and administrative controls, rather than use of FRC as an additional item of personal protective equipment."
Yeager recently successfully overturned Wyoming OSHA citations against a client who was targeted after a crew member died in a fire while not wearing FRC.
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Don’t Trust Repairs to Door-to-Door Help
Marc H. Fanning
Insurance Attorney
Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin in Dallas
"Homeowners trying to find an available contractor for repairs to storm-damaged roofs may be tempted by the ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deals promised by workers who arrive on their doorsteps. While they may promise to handle all the insurance claim details in addition to the needed repairs, these contractors far too often are inexperienced and untrained for the job at hand. Assigning part of your insurance claim to these so-called contractors could be a huge mistake. After suffering any type of home damage, consumers need to contact their insurance agent immediately, then work with the adjuster assigned to the claim and gather estimates from licensed, reputable contractors. Working with a random ‘Chuck in a Truck’ can jeopardize your ability to get your home properly repaired and the claim resolved in a timely fashion."
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Combating Workplace Heat Starts With Employees
Matt Scott
Labor Attorney
The Kendall Law Group in Dallas
"As the dog days of summer drag on, it may be up to the employees who bear the brunt of the heat to remind supervisors about keeping common sense in mind when managing work assignments. No labor statute requires additional breaks when the weather gets warmer. However, if employers are working employees into the ground, or to the point where they are getting ill, then you are facing a situation where a workman's compensation case is possible. Threatening a lawsuit isn't the most productive way to speak with an employer at a worksite, so workers should first make requests for additional shade, regular breaks for water and cooling down, and other reasonable accommodations aimed at combating the extreme heat.”
News Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

***************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Reporter - NYC
• Arts and Culture Editor - Richmond, Va.
• Reporter - Port St. Joe, Fla.
• Editor - Lubbock, Texas
• Assignment Editor - Phoenix

See more listings here.

*****************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• UPCOMING #CONNECTCHAT: HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS CHANGING PR: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne will interview PR expert Deirdre Breakenridge on Tuesday, July 17, from 3-4:30 p.m. EDT, on emerging PR practices: goo.gl/5pbvH

• DO YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE IN TELEVISION NEWS? ProfNet Editor Evelyn Tipacti discusses the significance of the recent Gallup poll that confirmed people are losing faith in broadcast news: goo.gl/9gZGx

• DEAR GRACIE: PERSONAL BRANDING TIPS EVERY SOCIAL MEDIA USER SHOULD KNOW: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne shares expert advice on how to control and enhance your online reputation: goo.gl/XVX4u

According to the book "Comedy Writing Secrets," a pun is "the intentional confusion of similar-sounding words or phrases" that is used as the basis of a joke.

In other words, a pun is humorous word play that allows for two possible interpretations at the same time.

Pro Tip: Because puns generally make word plays phonetically, they tend to be better when spoken or heard vs. being written or read.

Here's are some examples of puns: I recently read an article about a family that got lost in a corn maze for hours and couldn't find their way out -- they actually had to call the police to be rescued.

• Being lost in corn maze at night must have been earie.
• I wonder if one of the search dogs was a husk-y.
• How earesponsible of the parents!
• What did they expect entering a maize?
• The poor kids were probably shrieking to Dad, "Pop, corn!" over and over.
• They had the feeling they were being stalked.
• Hominy idiots does it take to get out?

Puns can also take the forms of double entendres, riddles, and homonyms and near homonyms:

• A double entendre (literally "double meaning" in French) is the use of an ambiguous word or phrase that allows for a second interpretation (warning: frequently risqué!). The idea is that the listener assumes one meaning, and the speaker slips in another meaning. Consider these headlines, taken from YourDictionary.com:
• Panda mating fails: Veterinarian takes over
• Miners refuse to work after death
• New obesity study looks for larger test group
• Children make nutritious snacks
• Criminals get nine months in violin case
• A riddle according to Merriam-Webster.com, is a puzzling question to be guessed or solved that usually has a double or veiled answer.
• What kind of bird writes letters? A pen-guin.
• What do all inches follow? Their ruler.
• Why couldn't the strings ever win? They could only tie.
• What position does a cat play in baseball? A cat-cher.
• A homonym is two or more words that are spelled and pronounced alike but differ in meaning. A near homonym is two or more words that sound alike due to an intentional mispronunciation.
• Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight (ate) nine.
• What do you call a smelly chicken? A foul fowl.
• Do you want this pasteurized? No, just up to my mouth'd be fine!

What's your favorite pun?

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

image via Flickr user andertoon

On Tuesday, July 17, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EDT, seasoned PR professional Deirdre Breakenridge will discuss the exciting and challenging new roles of PR as a result of social media. She'll delve into how and why we need to shift our mindsets to achieve better brand communications.

To join the chat, just follow the #ConnectChat hashtag to view all updates from @dbreakenridge, @ProfNet and the rest of the chat participants. We'll kick off the chat with a few questions for Breakenridge just to get the conversation going, but feel free to ask questions or add comments at any time.

If you do not have a Twitter account, or will not be able to participate in the chat, you can find a recap on ProfNet Connect the following day (July 18).

View past #ConnectChat recaps

About Deirdre Breakenridge

Deirdre K. Breakenridge is Chief Executive Officer at Pure Performance Communications. A veteran in PR and marketing, Breakenridge has counseled senior level executives at companies like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Empire Today, Hershey's, JVC, Kraft and the World Bank.

Breakenridge is the author of five Financial Times books. Her most recent book, "Social Media and Public Relations: Eight New Practices for the PR Professional," was published in May and is available in print and digital formats. Her other books include, "Putting the Public Back in Public Relations," "PR 2.0, New Media, New Tools, New Audiences," "The New PR Toolkit" and "Cyberbranding: Brand Building in the Digital Economy."

Breakenridge speaks nationally and internationally on the topics of PR, marketing and social media communications. This year, she was the keynote speaker at The Social Conference in Amsterdam; the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Southwest District Conference in Tulsa, Okla.; and the Canadian Public Relations Society Annual Conference in Victoria, British Columbia.

In 2011, she delivered the keynote address for the Maine Public Relations Counsel, and presented the keynote at USA Gymnastics Conference: Visa Championships. Breakenridge has also presented for BlogWorld, Social Media Congress, Public Relations Institute of Australia, Marketing Executives Networking Group, Public Relations Association of Museums and Women's Presidents Organization.

Breakenridge is a member of PRSA and has served on the board of PRSA NJ, as well as the New Jersey Advertising Club. Top Rank named Breakenridge among the "25 Women That Rock Social Media" and Traackr recognized Breakenridge as the "No. 1 PR 2.0 Influencer in 2011."

Breakenridge blogs about PR 2.0 strategies and is the co-founder of #PRStudChat, a dynamic Twitter discussion scheduled monthly for PR students, educators and PR pros.

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

Dear Gracie,

What are some general tips that I can give my clients about creating a personal brand on social media?

Branding for Beginners,

Dear Branding for Beginners:

"Because of the open Web, explosion of user-generated content, social media and mobile apps -- anyone who uses the Internet has a personal brand, whether they know it or not," says Stefan Pollack, president of The Pollack PR Marketing Group.

Therefore, all public interactions must ultimately contribute to a controlled perception of how one wants to be perceived, Pollack continues. Whatever the objectives, only contribute information that supports that identity and an online personal brand will be formed.

"The Internet has already branded you, so it is up to you to cultivate that into a brand that supports your ideal online identity," he says.

Determine Your Personal Brand

• There are six ingredients for an engaging personal brand, says Joellyn Sargent, principal of BrandSprout LLC. Consider:

1. Who you are
2. Who you want to be
3. How you see yourself
4. What you want people to see
5. What others perceive (how they receive your message)
6. What they believe (what resonates, or "sticks" from your message)

• Like company brands, consider what your personal brand has to offer that competing brand don't, says Catherine Kaputa, author of the book "Breakthough Branding: How Smart Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs Transform a Small Idea Into a Big Brand." Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and do some fun brainstorming with friends to determine what sets your brand apart.
• Share a compelling narrative, instructs Kaputa. The best profiles tell a personal or career story that ties all of the pieces of the journey together into a coherent whole. Profiles with captivating narratives are sticky -- they're easy to remember.
• There are so many social media platforms, it can be overwhelming, says Kaputa. Begin broadly where you can catch the most clients by focusing on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. Then branch out to Google+, Pinterest, etc., that are more targeted to your industry.

Create a Plan of Attack

• Try to express your brand idea in one catchy, differentiating line that defines your brand, says Kaputa. (Analogy can be a memorable device, e.g., a market researcher calling herself the "Oprah of Madison Avenue" or a finance executive calling himself the "Steve Jobs of Finance.")
• Set both short-term and long-term goals, and come up with a mission statement to identify what you want to be known for, says Bill Corbett, Jr., president of Corbett Public Relations.
• Determine which vehicles are best for promoting your brand and reaching your target market, says Corbett. For example: website, blog, videos, social media, e-newsletters, real-world marketing, networking, speaking, trade shows, etc.
•  "Create a social media and marketing schedule for your brand marketing," says Corbett. "Identify how much time you will spend each week on social media and stick to it."
• Consider automating tweets, blog posts, updates, etc., using services like Feedblitz, HootSuite or Social Oomph to help you manage your brand, suggests Kaputa.
• "The real challenge is not discovering your personal brand; it's adjusting and augmenting your brand to work across multiple social mediums," notes Elliot Tomaeno, head of consumer technology at Morris + King Company. Your voice on Twitter is not your voice on Facebook -- each medium requires a different approach.

Share Compelling Content

• If you only tweet client news, you will not be establishing any personal brand -- you will only be furthering your client's agenda, explains Tomaeno. Share original thoughts, and add personal comments when sharing other's work.
• "Your brand is most effective if you mix your personal experience with business interests, skills and expertise," Corbett continues.
• "Publish your brand content and messages frequently," says Corbett. The content should be interesting, helpful and consistent. This will drive people to your brand and lead them to become regular followers, and eventually customers.
• Keep the content simple, and keep it you, suggests Grace Kang, founder and chief buyer of Pink Olive Inc. "You don't want to overload people with information, but you do want them to be able to see your overarching style and philosophy."
• Balance sharing best practices from thought leaders with original content, says Jeff Bunch, digital strategist at LANE PR.
• Support complementary brands and businesses, and they'll be more likely to spread the word about your brand in return, explains Kang. You'll build a community with similar ideals and audiences.
• "Make sure you have quality photos and headshots on your social media sites," says Corbett.

Monitor Feedback and Activity

• Develop key talking points and see what resonates with your audience, says Bunch. Where does your community think you're adding value?
• Ask for feedback from trusted fans and brand ambassadors, says Corbett. Don't be afraid to change your approach!
• Protect your reputation online by monitoring your brand by using Google Alerts and regular online searches, says Corbett.
• "Make it easy for people to pass along your content or your professional information," says Kaputa. Consider adding Twitter and Facebook buttons, for example, to your website or blog so that people can spread the buzz about you. "People tend to pass on what moves them emotionally."
• "Create a system for capturing contact information from people you meet in the real world and online," says Corbett.

Be Generous, Interesting and Inspirational

• Be generous and promote good work by others, says Bunch.
• Don't try too hard to make your personal brand about only one thing, says Tomaeno. Everyone is multifaceted! Clients, partners and even your boss want to know that you have a life outside of work. Have a sense of humor sometimes!
• Be inspirational and inspirational, says Kang. "Customers want to find experts that they can trust and follow implicitly. Hold yourself and your brand up to a high ideal and only post what you feel truly represents the core of your brand and vision."

Gracie

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

image via Flickr user laszlo-photo