In an effort to better serve the ProfNet Connect community's technology needs, we asked you to tell us which Internet browsers you use by responding to a poll that I posted recently.

The results show that 50 percent of you use Mozilla Firefox, 25 percent use Internet Explorer and 25 percent use Google Chrome. There were also two other options in the poll, "Safari" and "Other" (which would include browsers like Opera), however, none of the respondents said they used those alternatives. The poll allowed respondents to choose more than one browser, to compensate for users (like me) who use different browsers for different purposes. (For example, I use Internet Explorer at work, but I use Chrome on my laptop at home.)

According to data posted on Net Applications, a website that shares usage statistics for Internet technologies, the poll results are not consistent with national market shares. At 50 percent, half of ProfNet Connect users use Firefox. However, as of April, only about 22 percent of the overall market (according to Net Applications) uses Firefox. Similarly, a quarter of ProfNet Connect users have Internet Explorer, against 55 percent of users in the overall market share. In other words, the ProfNet Connect poll for Firefox and Internet Explorer statistics showed inverse results of those posted on Net Applications. Firefox usage is highest on ProfNet Connect, while comparatively low in the overall market, and Internet Explorer is fairly low on ProfNet Connect, but claims more than half of the market nationally.

As for Chrome, Net Applications statistics show about 12 percent of national users have it, but Chrome usage for ProfNet Connect users, at 25 percent, is more than double that. Net Applications also shows that about 7 percent of the market share is Safari, 2 percent is Opera, 1 percent is Opera Mini and 1 percent uses another browser; compared to my poll, which showed that none of the respondents use anything but Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome.

Thank you to all those who took the time to participate in my poll. Your answers will help us serve your technologically needs better!

Dear Gracie,

Facebook introduced the News Feed in 2006 as a way to make the social network more …social. But what sort of society are they creating? I'm wondering how Facebook decides what to feature for each specific person in their News Feed. Are there trends in the algorithm that will make a certain person more likely to show up on my News Feed, such as whether someone likes my status update or views my profile, or how many posts they (or I) make, or how "close" we are as friends?

And does that influence their advertisements? For example, I'm a young female, and I think Facebook strongly suspects I'm pregnant and/or baby-crazy. It seems a disproportionate amount of the posts on my News Feed are about my friends who are pregnant or have small children. I realize this could be my sensitivity to the topic or my demographic, but out of 400+ "friends," only about 25 or so fit this criterion. Then I see the advertisements for diapers and for classes to learn how to be an ultrasound technician. Did this happen because I "liked" X amount of baby pictures?

In the five minutes I spend on Facebook each day, are my views and likes effectively pigeonholing me? And through the News Feed, are my views and likes encouraging contact with some friends, and discouraging contact with others? In what ways?

Sincerely,

Just Another Face in the Book

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

Dear Just Another Face in the Book,

Finally, someone has found a use for advanced algebra, and of course, it's Mark Zuckerberg, the man we both fear and respect for making our friendships closer, but our neighbors farther. I know we all have trepidation over Facebook's insight into our lives, and how much they really know about their 500 million users. Here are the thoughts of two experts:

The collection of algorithms that allow you to see relevant content in your Facebook News Feed is called EdgeRank, says Eric Fischgrund, the digital media manager at the PR firm Beckerman. EdgeRank is a formula developed by Facebook specifically for News Feed content. It is a set of computer rules that only applies to the "Top News" tab, and not the "Most Recent" tab (the Most Recent tab shows everyone's status updates in chronological order). However, Top News content is determined by three main factors:

• Affinity
• Weight
• Relevancy

Each factor assigns a certain value or number to every Facebook post, and the combined value is referred to as the post's Edge or EdgeRank. The higher the Edge, the more visible the content.

Affinity refers to how often you interact with the post creator or brand, Fischgrund says. For example, if one of your Facebook friends puts up a status, Facebook will consider things like how many friends you have in common, how often you interact, etc. If you write on your friend's wall everyday, then your affinity with that person is higher. And the higher your affinity, the more updates you'll see by that person.

The weight of a status is determined by its content and how many people interact with it. A status that includes photos, videos or links will "weigh" more than a text-only status. Fischgrund says this implies Facebook is encouraging the dissemination of more "important" information that affects wider audiences, like a trending news story or a viral video, rather than, say, a friend sharing personal details about their life (because, let's be real, no one actually cares about what you ate for breakfast). Furthermore, the more comments and "likes" a status gets, the more visible it will be. (There is no way to know for sure which "weighs" more, "likes" or comments, because Facebook does keep some tricks up its sleeve.)

Lastly, Fischgrund explains that relevancy is based on the timeliness of the post. When a status is first posted, it has a higher Edge than it would after a week. Additionally, Facebook picks up on time-sensitive keywords or phrases in statuses, like "today" or "limited-time only," which also boost a status' relevancy.

"Facebook learns about you as you use it, like Google search engines. If you never interact with a page, then Facebook probably won't have it interact with you," says Dan Grody, partner at Tellem Worldwide, a PR agency that specializes in social media (among other things); and head of youth marketing, entertainment and digital projects.

But why does Facebook use EdgeRank to rate status updates? Fischgrund says it's advantageous for Facebook to make the site as user-friendly as possible, because the more members it has, the more it can charge advertisers. Facebook uses the information in your profile, like pages you've "liked," your interests, your location and more, to advertise to your demographic(s).

Grody concurs, and points to MySpace's failure in this regard as an example of why Facebook's EdgeRank system is so essential to its success. "On MySpace," he explains, "any people or brands could carelessly post on and spam one's profile without any warning." MySpace eventually introduced an approval process, Grody says, where comments from another user had to be approved via email before they showed up on someone's profile, but even then users still had to sift through messages to separate the real comments from the spam.

"Facebook is effectively eliminating these kinds of things from happening on our walls, and in the process, is preventing the online abuse of your profile via spam and unwanted messages -- the same things that caused MySpace to tank out of relevance," Grody concludes.

By publishing things that are relevant to us, Facebook increases its chances that we'll continue using it to interact and share information -- the key to Facebook's success, both socially and financially. (Now if only we could get our public officials to respond to our "likes" as well as Facebook does…)

Until next week,

Gracie

P.S. Check out this awesome video (suggested by @commeton) from the March TED conference about the Facebook News Feed "filter bubble," a phenomenon that's occurring when people are only exposed to certain ideas or people with similar interests as a result of social media targeting.

Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Tuesday, May 31.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

1. Advertising: Advanced Analytics Are Bringing TV Networks Much Closer to Home

2. Real Estate: Making the Sale Happen With FHA Loans

3. Workplace: Social Media and the Workplace

**1. ADVERTISING: ADVANCED ANALYTICS ARE BRINGING TV NETWORKS MUCH CLOSER TO HOME. Jim Harenchar, senior vice president of The Allant Group, a leading database marketing provider: "It's often noted in marketing classes that when the airlines came along the railroads still thought they were in the railroad business. They realized far too late that they were in the transportation business. Are television networks the railroads of today? Some networks, cable included, while surrounded by digital innovations, still think they are in the television business. They literally don’t know who their viewers are, much less their viewers' preferences. Yet, advanced analytics are making that information readily available, just as advertisers are demanding more accountability. Savvy networks have jumped at the chance to interact with viewers. Studies show that knowing viewer preferences can add to incremental profits by as much as 20 percent. The bottom line for the networks: Advanced data modeling can lead to increased ROI and a big leap in revenue.” Harenchar is based in Naperville, Ill. He is available for media interviews. News Contact: Richard Berman, gobermanpr@gmail.com Phone: +1-914-572-2707

**2. REAL ESTATE: MAKING THE SALE HAPPEN WITH FHA LOANS. Karen Hickman, sales manager at Gordon's Woods Condominiums in West Roxbury, Mass.: "Consumers with a good credit score and steady income can look to qualify for an FHA loan, but clients should keep in mind that there are limits to how much can be borrowed. They are usually limited to relatively small mortgages, compared to average home prices in an area. Whether or not you qualify for an FHA loan is also dependent on your debt-to-income ratio. To qualify, you should have two years of steady employment, two years of steady and increasing income, decent credit, two years since claiming bankruptcy and at least three years since a foreclosure. FHA loans offer perks for borrowers like funding for home improvement, leniency through hard financial times, zero prepayment penalty, and assumability, and it's also easier to use gifts for down payment and closing costs." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**3. WORKPLACE: SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE WORKPLACE. Shanti Atkins, Esq., president and CEO of ELT, the leading specialists in ethics and compliance training: "Although many  employees are guilty of voicing gripes about their boss to associates after hours, criticizing one’s work environment to 'friends' has taken on a new (and much more discernible) face with the evolution of social media. In February, the NLRB’s position settled a complaint against American Medical Response of Connecticut for firing an employee who included insulting posts about her supervisor on her Facebook page. Adding fuel to the fire, disgruntled employees and former employees are also using other legal theories, like discrimination and invasion of privacy, to sue employers who take actions against them based in part on the employees’ social media use, or based on information employees post to social media sites." Atkins can discuss the boundaries of "social media platforms" when it comes to acceptable usage in the workplace. Profile: www.profnetconnect.com/shanti_atkins&nbs... News Contact: Laura Schlecht, schlecht@forumlapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321

"How to Break Into Ghostwriting" was a fascinating workshop hosted by Gotham Ghostwriters and cosponsored by American Society for Journalists and Authors (ASJA) (@ASJAhq). It was held at the NYU Journalism Institute (@nyu_journalism) in Manhattan.

About 40 professional and amateur writers attended, but the event was also streamed live online, which is available for download here.

The goal of the workshop was to help wannabe ghostwriters:

• Understand the field of ghostwriting.
• Find work via networking.
• Establish a trusting relationship with the expert.
• Learn tips on contracting and what to charge for the work.
• Know when to hire a PR agent.

The discussion was led by three ghostwriting experts:

• Dan Gerstein (@dangerstein), president of Gotham Ghostwriters (@GothamGhosts), a firm that connects experts with ghostwriters, as well as the workshop's moderator.
• Ellen Neuborne, professional ghostwriter, specializing in business, who has worked on more than a dozen book projects, and also former BusinessWeek editor and USA Today reporter.
• Jason Ashlock (@jasonashlock), founder of Moveable Type Literary Group, a publishing agency.

What Is Ghostwriting?

Ghostwriting is not necessarily anonymous book writing -- it's just writing in someone else's voice, says Gerstein. Ghostwriting includes writing speeches, books (fiction and nonfiction), and white papers and reports.

There are three stages of the ghostwriting process:

• Creating a book proposal (which often requires collecting research, conducting interviews, etc.) and pitching it to a publisher who will accept or deny it for publication
• Writing the manuscript
• Editing

Ghostwriting is all about finding and establishing the expert's voice. It's a pretty easy jump from freelancing, mentions Neuborne, because freelancers are used to writing in different voices. She started calling herself a "professional ghostwriter" after she had finished three projects.

According to Ashlock, at least half of nonfiction books are written by ghostwriters. His duty as a publishing agent is to look for the right writer for the right project. The writer's track record at producing a certain type of content is important when searching for the right writer, since their voice will already be established for that subject. For example, if a project has a short deadline, then he'll search for a ghostwriter who is usually fast. 

Networking, Finding Work and Maintaining Relationships

"Write what you know," says Gerstein. If you're familiar with a certain subject, and already have an established voice, it's a great way to seem credible and get work. Networking is therefore very important, because you can get work from the experts already in your circle.

Neuborne started ghostwriting through contacts she had made when she was an editor at BusinessWeek and a reporter at USA Today. She mentioned that even now, those jobs still help her get gigs, because business experts look at her as a ghostwriter and think: "She knows business. She gets me."

It's essential that the expert trusts and respects the ghostwriter (and vice versa), so that the working relationship stays professional and the project turns out successfully. Gerstein notes that he thinks about 50 percent of success is based on the relationship between writer and expert, so maintaining confidence is key.

However, maintaining a professional atmosphere can be challenging. From experience, Neuborne recommends setting boundaries from the get-go. For example, tell your expert when you are available to talk; don't be available 24/7 and don't give out all of your phone numbers. "Go into ghostwriting with the mindset: 'I run a business. I sell a service. I'm a professional,'" she says. It's like running a small business out of your home.

Gerstein also adds that ghostwriters should keep a professional-looking website. "Don't post pictures of you with your cat!" he jokes. Your blog is an extension of your professional self.

Contracts

Neuborne mentions that there are two kinds of contracts for ghostwriters:

• Collaboration agreement: determines publishing rights, financial splits and ghostwriter acknowledgement/credit.
• Service agreement: more informal and states in plain English what the ghostwriter will do and how much they will be compensated for it.

As her portfolio grows, Neuborne continuously updates her contract templates, adding extra clauses as she learns from experience. In particular, she notes that it is important to specify who is responsible for what and by when (using specific dates). For example, by what date should the expert have written and made edits to the ghostwriter's work? Different writers will have different requirements depending on the individual, the expert and the project. Neuborne's projects typically take around three to five months each.

Ashlock doesn't recommend looking for ghostwriting contracts online. His advice is to get an attorney or agent who can draft a contract for your specific collaboration project.

Typically, it's part of the contract if ghostwriters must be thanked or acknowledged in the text, and if they can include it in their resume afterwards. The ghostwriter is usually paid more for projects that do not give credit.

It's also a good idea to make separate contracts for the book proposal and the book manuscript/editing, says Neuborne, so that no one can steal your book proposal idea and research. Charge separately for each part, she says. If the proposal is sold, it's a good idea to include a clause in the contract stating that you get first choice if you'd like to write the manuscript or not, since you did the initial research, adds Gerstein.

(For fiction, a book proposal is normally the entire completed manuscript, unless the proposal is from a notable or previously published author, says Gerstein.)

He also mentions that lots of people and self-publishers are looking for ghostwriters just to create outlines, make edits, etc. -- and not necessarily to write the entire manuscript -- because their budgets might be smaller or they just don't have the resources.

Pricing

Resist the pressure to give the expert a price immediately, says Gerstein. Talk about the project very specifically with them, and then come back with a hard estimate before you agree to anything.

Neuborne concurs, telling the audience that her biggest mistake when she first started was pricing her work. She lost money on her first three projects because she didn't know how long a project could take or how much work it could require. Ghostwriting isn't measured by words or length, she says, it's measured by time and effort. Every ghostwriter is different: some are better at research, some are better at writing, some are better at speed. If the ghostwriter knows where they excel and where they struggle, then they'll also have a better understanding of how long the overall project will take.

Talk about compensation as soon as the project idea has been fleshed out, Neuborne recommends. If the raw material/research for the project is already available and can be used immediately, then the price goes down. If the ghostwriter needs to do all of the research, then the price goes up. Neuborne's paychecks have ranged from anywhere between $12,000 and $60,000 for a single project.

In terms of income levels, Ashlock says that of all of the fiction writers he knows, none of them are living solely off of that work. However, nonfiction is a different market; most nonfiction ghostwriters make enough money to live off of it.

PR Agents

A PR agent can be beneficial to an expert and their ghostwriter because they create a platform by developing the expert's image and brand, says Gerstein. PR agents can help the expert reach a specific audience, or spread the expert's name and raise their profile in order to help get the book proposal accepted. It can't be quantified, but it's definitely easier to sell a book with a household-name name attached, says Ashlock. PR agents are particularly useful for speakers, he adds.

Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Monday, May 23.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

1. Building: Appeals Could Improve Arbitration Process

2. Building: Energy Star Certification Makes the Difference

3. Building: Low-Maintenance Ground Cover

4. Business: SEC May Require Disclosure of Data Breaches

5. Business: Verdict Showcases Dangers in Challenging the FCPA

6. Finance: Mortgage Rejected?

7. Real Estate: Meeting the Needs of Today's Buyer

8. Science: Methane Found in Water Near Fracking Sites

9. Workplace: Suing Over Wages? There's an App for That

10. Workplace: Talking About Osama bin Laden at Work

**1. BUILDING: APPEALS COULD IMPROVE ARBITRATION PROCESS. John Slates, Dallas attorney and head of the Construction Practice Group at Gardere Wynne Sewell: "The Supreme Court of Texas recently issued a ruling that could help solve one of the major complaints about the arbitration process -- the lack of any real right of appeal of a runaway award. The Nafta Traders Inc. v. Quinn ruling could have a significant impact on the construction industry, which historically has relied heavily on arbitration to solve disputes. Previously, once parties submitted a dispute to arbitration, that ruling was generally binding, with no opportunity for judicial appeal of the arbitrators' application of the facts or the law. Now, as long as both parties agree when the original contract is signed that it will be covered by the Texas Arbitration Act, the parties can provide for judicial review of arbitration awards on the terms provided for in their contract. In many ways, the Nafta Traders decision allows construction companies in Texas to get the best of both worlds." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**2. BUILDING: ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. Kerri Bonarrigo, residential sales director for The Mayo Group, developer of Gordon's Woods in West Roxbury, Mass.: "Gaining Energy Star certification has been extremely important to this project. The air quality and overall indoor environment within our buildings is much healthier compared to non-certified residences. In addition, our residents will save significantly on monthly utility bills and HOA fees, while the building itself will retain greater value over the long-term. Energy Star certification means that Gordon's Woods conforms to strict rules for energy-efficiency that make the condominiums at least 15 percent more efficient compared to homes built according to the 2004 International Residential Code. Energy Star-certified homes include additional features that conserve 20 to 30 percent more energy than the average home." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**3. BUILDING: LOW-MAINTENANCE GROUND COVER. Brian Kearney, owner of Neponset Valley Construction in Norwood, Mass.: "Historically, the American dream tends to involve a well-cared-for home situated in lush landscape with carpets of green grass. Unfortunately, the reality of that dream is that grass can be hard to manage and quite costly. Watering grass, especially during a drought, can be a huge waste of water and is sometimes not permitted through city and town ordinances. Fertilizers can be dangerous to pets and wildlife, often running off into local water supplies. To avoid these problems, consider alternatives, including creeping perennials, clover, ornamental grasses, and flowers and shrub beds. A traditional lawn can be beautiful, but there are other alternatives out there." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourself.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**4. BUSINESS: SEC MAY REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF DATA BREACHES. William Katz of the Dallas office of Thompson & Knight: "With identity theft and online fraud rapidly increasing, federal legislators are urging the SEC to require public companies to disclose any instances or attempts to breach corporate data. The Senate's Commerce Committee also wants corporations to regularly disclose corporate efforts to reduce security risks and prevent cyberattacks. Many companies are understandably reluctant to reveal failed data breaches, believing that disclosure will actually increase their vulnerability. There's also a healthy fear that disclosures can negatively affect the value of a company's stock. A 2009 study found that 38 percent of Fortune 500 companies did not mention privacy or data security exposures in their annual 10-K filings, and only 7 percent of public companies fully encrypted their confidential data. However, these requirements are likely to be politically and publicly popular, so companies should begin planning for their adoption." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**5. BUSINESS: VERDICT SHOWCASES DANGERS IN CHALLENGING THE FCPA. Paul Cohen, an international litigator who recently joined the New York office of Thompson & Knight: "The recent criminal conviction of a California company marked the first jury verdict in 34 years involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and the first ever against a corporation. In the case, Lindsey Manufacturing and two top executives were found guilty of bribing officials of a Mexican utility company in order to win $19 million in contracts. Hundreds of entities have faced FCPA investigations during the past few years, but each targeted company has pleaded guilty or settled charges before trial. Companies find it very difficult to fight the FCPA, and indictments are generally viewed as a corporate death sentence. All the incentives in the DOJ prosecution guidelines are stacked in favor of making a quick and complete mea culpa. This verdict may well compel other corporate targets to think twice before putting up a fight." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**6. FINANCE: MORTGAGE REJECTED? Chip Poli, CEO of Poli Mortgage Group based in Norwood, Mass.: "Finding financing can be tough, even for prospective home owners with great credit that are looking to purchase a home they are more than qualified for. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have increased their standards when it comes to backing the average mortgage, and banks are hesitant to fund a loan without that guarantee. Requirements, like a high credit score, do not guarantee loan approval. There are a number of factors that are considered. Each situation, each different property type demand different approval standards. In order for consumers to heighten their chances of homebuying success, it's important to work with an experienced loan officer." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**7. REAL ESTATE: MEETING THE NEEDS OF TODAY'S BUYER. Lisa Johnson Sevajian, vice president of Coldwell Banker in Andover, Mass.: "Buyers seeking move-in ready homes are really looking for the perfect house. Dated paint colors are enough to turn them off; the same goes for painted cabinets claiming to be updated, along with any countertops besides granite. Hardwood floors seem to be a must, and updated windows and modern bathrooms are two huge pluses. Buyers seem to get pickier each year and lately demands seem to increase by the month. These days, move-in ready means professionally cleaned, freshly painted and belonging-free." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@ExposeYourselfPR.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**8. SCIENCE: METHANE FOUND IN WATER NEAR FRACKING SITES. Cynthia Bishop, environmental group partner in the Dallas office of Gardere Wynne Sewell: "A recently released study from Duke University has linked potentially toxic levels of methane in drinking water to nearby natural gas drilling sites. While some have been quick to point fingers at the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking,’ the study does not necessarily support those conclusions. The Duke University study notes that although there is methane in the drinking water, there is no evidence of fracking chemicals. It may seem to be splitting hairs, but it is an important distinction to make that the study concluded that the elevated methane was more likely caused by leaky well casings than the actual fracking process." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**9. WORKPLACE: SUING OVER WAGES? THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT. Audrey Mross, labor and employment attorney at Dallas-based Munck Carter: "The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a smartphone app that allows workers to log their hours worked, including overtime. Since accurate records are often critical for both sides in wage-and-hour disputes, the emergence of the DOL's iPhone and iPad app serves as another reminder that employers are ultimately responsible for complete and accurate time-keeping records, even if the task is delegated to individual workers. Accurate records can make or break a wage-and-hour dispute. If an employer’s records are nonexistent or in poor shape, labor department investigators are more likely to place more credibility upon the records kept by an employee using a smartphone." News Contact: Robert Tharp, robert@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**10. WORKPLACE: TALKING ABOUT OSAMA BIN LADEN AT WORK. Shanti Atkins, Esq., president and CEO of ELT, the leading specialists in ethics and compliance training: "With the recent death of 'the world’s most wanted terrorist,' employees rejoicing over Osama bin Laden’s death are sure to use the workplace as a forum for fiery political debates centering on the Muslim faith, the Middle East and what it means to be an American. These extremely risky discussions centering on national origin, ethnicity and religion often lead to severe workplace tensions, productivity problems, and potential claims of harassment and discrimination." As many Americans feel deeply protective of their indelible "American right" to express opinions and engage in conduct that can squarely violate workplace policies -- and potentially the law -- Atkins can discuss the boundaries of “free speech” when it comes to acceptable behavior in the workplace. Profile: www.profnetconnect.com/shanti_atkins&nbs... News Contact: Laura Schlecht, schlecht@forumlapr.com Phone: +1-212-219-0321

Abigail Van Buren, the famous advice columnist who started "Dear Abby," once said: "If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we'd all be millionaires."

At ProfNet, we heartily agree with Van Buren -- experience is fundamental to knowledge. Taking inspiration from "Dear Abby," we've decided to take advantage of our network of over 44,000 experts and start an advice column, which I have dubbed "Dear Gracie" (it has a nice ring to it, no?).

The aim of the column is to educate and entertain. However, unlike a typical advice column, the guidance will feature expert's advice, rather than mine personally (whew!). Every Wednesday, I'll be answering questions previously submitted via email from anyone (ProfNet members or not) who's got a question and would like some sound, professional advice from qualified specialists. So if you ask, I'll find the right expert to answer.

Has there been a question burning in your mind lately? Something you've been wondering that none of your friends can answer? Or maybe just something you've speculated about for awhile but haven't gotten the chance to research yet? We're interested in featuring serious and silly questions, from "Is it safe to live near a nuclear power plant?" to "How do I brew my own beer?"

Questions can be featured anonymously if you prefer, with the signature in that case assuming the problem that is being expressed instead of your name. Feel free to include your location too, if that's relevant to your question and you don't mind sharing.

Whatever you're wondering about -- whether its tips on how to pick out a new smartphone, ideas for throwing a backyard barbecue, advice on using semicolons, or counsel on submitting a ProfNet Expert Alert -- I'm here to take your questions about life, leisure and labor. Fire away!

To submit, please email me at grace.lavigne@prnewswire.com or message me on ProfNet Connect.

Following are ProfNet’s Expert Alerts for Monday, May 16.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

1. Building: Stay Cool for Less This Summer

2. Careers: Graduates Entering the Workforce

3. Careers: Seven Key Questions Job Seekers Should Expect

4. Finance: Credit Score Facts

5. Marketing: What’s in Your Beach Bag? The Coolest Promo Products for the Summer

6. Real Estate: Tricks to Help Sell Your Home

**1. BUILDING: STAY COOL FOR LESS THIS SUMMER. Brian Kearney, owner of Neponset Valley Construction in Norwood, Mass.: "If you plan to use air conditioning, make sure you clean the filters regularly. If you're using ceiling fans, set them to rotate counterclockwise, and remember to turn them off when you're not in the room because they cool people, not air. Ask yourself, does a dollar bill slip easily between your door and the wall? If so, invest in weather-stripping. It's an easy and cheap do-it-yourself trick that will help you save a significant amount of energy." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**2. CAREERS: GRADUATES ENTERING THE WORKFORCE. James Tarbox, director of San Diego State University's Career Services, can talk about job market trends, the best ways for graduates to prepare for the workforce, the "mood" of students regarding the current economy, and what faculty and other campus support areas can do to help prepare students entering the job market: "The economy is improving, but the need for graduates to prepare for a 'just-in-time' job market is imperative. We're seeing more and more employers hire quickly to fill last-minute needs. We've also seen labor market gains in areas such as leisure and hospitality, as well as active interest from employers who offer management/leadership training, largely in retail." Tarbox is president of Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employers (MPACE) and serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). News Contact: Golda Akhgarnia, goldaa@mail.sdsu.edu Phone: +1-619-594-2585

**3. CAREERS: SEVEN KEY QUESTIONS JOB SEEKERS SHOULD EXPECT. Gizelle Ortiz-Velazquez, director of career services at Brown Mackie College in Miami: "Many Americans are living a harsh economic reality. Everybody knows somebody who is looking for a job. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported the unemployment rate at 8.8 percent in March. This translates to 13.5 million Americans who are out of work, with some major worker groups facing a higher unemployment rate than others. While many men and women struggle to find work, teenagers, African-Americans and Hispanics top the numbers among the unemployed. As a result, people of all ages and vast differences in job experience are out there trying to get noticed and land an interview. Those who succeed are sometimes not prepared to answer questions from prospective employers." News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu Phone: +1-513-830-2005

**4. FINANCE: CREDIT SCORE FACTS. Chip Poli, CEO of Poli Mortgage Group, Inc. in Norwood, Mass.: "A credit score isn't determined by income or assets; your score is determined by credit used versus available credit and whether or not you historically pay bills on time and in full. Checking your own credit score does not hurt your score, but having a bank or a car dealership pull your report can be slightly damaging. A credit score does not measure trustworthiness; in fact, a lot of people at one time or another find themselves in financial trouble and suffering dips in their score, whether it be due to medical bills, joblessness or even divorce. The best advice when it comes to your credit score is to pull it annually to keep on top of any changes and use proper counseling from a professional in order to improve it if necessary." News Contact: Lucia Scott, Lucia@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-617-797-9869

**5. MARKETING: WHAT’S IN YOUR BEACH BAG? THE COOLEST PROMO PRODUCTS FOR THE SUMMER. Tim Andrews, CEO of the Advertising Specialty Institute, serving the swag and freebies business, can discuss the niftiest products for Father’s Day and BBQs, and discuss creative ways businesses use products to promote themselves: "The promo-products industry is on the cutting edge when it comes to creative product design, and this summer we’re wowing the world with wacky, hot products. For instance, a South Carolina realtor gives new renters gift bags with totes, cozies, decals, key chains and cups. Other hot items include ride-on beer coolers, coolers with BBQ pockets, folding water bottles, UV meter watches and surfboard-shaped towels." News Contact: Dawn Marie, press@asicentral.com Phone: +1-215-953-3119

**6. REAL ESTATE: TRICKS TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME. Kelly O’Ryan, office manager at Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Mass.: "Maximize showing accessibility. Be as flexible as possible in scheduling showings. An accompanied showings policy where a listing broker has to be present should only be used when there are significant security concerns. Requiring accompanied showings significantly reduces showings. If you have pets, have the carpets meticulously shampooed and regularly vacuumed. Any stains need to be treated; if they won’t come out, the carpet needs to be replaced. Keep dog beds and toys in one area of the home, and if possible, remove them to the garage during showings and open houses. Work on your curb appeal by cleaning gutters and windows, mowing the lawn, weeding, and edging the sidewalks." O’Ryan: Kelly.oryan@nemoves.com

Following are experts who are available to discuss various aspects of the floodwaters currently affecting states bordering the Mississippi River, including relief and recovery efforts, FEMA and federal aid, economic impacts of the disaster, health issues caused by the flooding, public safety issues, scientific implications, historical comparisons and more. We will continue to update this page.

We have also started a Twitter list on this topic: bit.ly/iBeS1R

**1. Michael D. Brown, radio host and former undersecretary for the Department of Homeland Security under the George W. Bush administration: "The private sector's role in the floods affecting states along the Mississippi will be crucial to the long-term recovery of businesses and individuals affected by the floods. While the government, through FEMA, states and locals, will be crucial in the immediate response, close coordination of public- and private-sector responses will ensure that utilities, logistics, transportation and communications are restored as quickly as possible." Brown is located in Denver, but travels often. News Contact: Juda S. Engelmayer Jengelmayer@5wpr.com Phone: +1-917-733-3561 Website: www.facebook.com/michael.d.brown

**2. Heather Case, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, is director of scientific activities and national coordinator of emergency preparedness and response at the American Veterinary Medical Association: "Obviously, the highest priority is addressing the needs of the people who require assistance, yet we cannot forget the pets and livestock in the affected areas. Addressing the animal-response issues will be paramount to ensuring public health, safety and peace of mind." Case: Hcase@avma.org Twitter: @AVMAVMAT

**3. Don Chase, interim chair of the University of Dayton civil engineering department, is a former U.S. Army engineer for the Waterways Experiment Station: "No doubt, the 2011 flood is one for the record books. In some locations along the lower Ohio River, water levels exceeded records established in 1937. Along the lower Mississippi River, forecasts call for records established in 1927 to be broken. Fortunately, flood-protection systems have been constructed since these record floods." His comments about water and flooding after Hurricane Katrina attracted the attention of CNN. News Contact: Shawn Robinson, Shawn.Robinson@notes.udayton.edu Phone: +1-937-229-3391 or +1-937-232-2907

**4. Robert Criss, professor of earth and planetary science at Washington University in St. Louis feels there are much better ways of handling the flooding: ”Blowing up the levees is a 1927 plan and it has no place in today’s world. When a levee is blown, the water scours the land, removing the topsoil and often rendering it unsuitable for farming. Gates would protect the levees and allow water to cover farmland without damaging it. So there are far better ways to deal with the problem than just trying to build levees higher and having municipalities compete with one another and with the farmers about who’s got the highest levee and who’s got the right to be protected in times of distress.” For more about Criss' thoughts on the situation, see here: tinyurl.com/6x5qrh9  Criss: criss@wustl.edu

**5. Frank N. Darras, founding partner of DarrasLaw, is an insurance lawyer who can weigh in on the insurance side of the flooding -- everything from property insurance to business-interruption insurance. Darras is located in Los Angeles, but travels nationwide. News Contact: Robin Nolan, robin@mcdavidpr.com Phone: +1-919-745-9333 Twitter: @DarrasNews Websites: www.darraslaw.com and www.darrasnews.com

**6. Jeff Dudan, CEO of AdvantaClean, a provider of essential services related to indoor air quality in the residential, commercial and governmental market segments, can discuss the Mississippi River floodwaters and emergency water and mold remediation. His company has crews all over the flooded areas. Dudan is located in Charlotte, N.C., but has crews and franchisees across the U.S. and in flooded states. News Contact: Sue Yannello, syannello@919marketing.com Phone: +1-919-459-8162

**7. Pete Duncanson is an IICRC-certified water-restoration technician at the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification: "When returning to a home or business, property owners should use caution when entering buildings. Make sure electrical power is off and the structure is sound before entering and inspecting a flooded building. Small animals or reptiles may also seek shelter inside a structure, so be cautious when repositioning contents or removing materials. Wear an organic vapor respirator, available from paint or building supply stores, along with rubber gloves, eye protection and protective clothing. Ventilate affected areas by opening windows, and eventually, by placing a fan in a window. Work toward the fan as you clean to minimize cross-contamination. Know what items to throw away; porous items that absorb contaminated flood water shouldn't be restored. Drywall, carpet and pad, mattresses, pillows, box springs and particle board normally should be discarded if wet." News Contact: Rebecca Lynn Plemons, RebeccaLynn.Plemons@edelman.com Phone: +1-404-460-1495 Website: www.certifiedcleaners.org

**8. Dr. Frances L. Edwards is the deputy director of MTI’s National Transportation Security Center, and associate professor and director of the Master of Public Administration program at San Jose State University in California. She is a research associate of the Mineta Transportation Institute and a member of the editorial board of the Public Administration Review (PAR). Edwards has written extensively about Hurricane Katrina and other disasters, and can address disaster planning and recovery issues. She is currently training the California DOT about disaster planning and recovery. She is a member of the ASPA Hurricane Katrina Task Force, the Executive Session on Domestic Preparedness at Harvard, and the Bioterrorism Working Group at Stanford; has been the expert for three NATO workshop panels on terrorism; and is a commissioner on the California Seismic Safety Commission. For 25 years, Edwards was a practitioner, including her 14 years as the director of emergency preparedness for San Jose, the nation’s 10th largest city. She received her Ph.D. and MUP from New York University, an MA from Drew University and a Certificate in Hazardous Materials Management from the University of California, Irvine. The New York Times, The Washington Post and other national media have identified Edwards as one of the nation’s leading experts on disaster response and recovery planning and training. News Contact: Donna Maurillo, donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu Phone: 1-408-924-7564 Cell:+1-831-234-4009

**9. Jeff Eley, chair of the Savannah College of Art and Design's (SCAD) historic-preservation department, can discuss the disaster recovery of historic properties, such as historic homes, house museums, general museums, etc. SCAD was the first university to travel to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, partnering with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other organizations to assess water and wind damage to historic structures in the storm’s path. For 30 years, the university has been recognized as a leader in the field of historic-preservation education and practice, with more than 100 historic buildings rehabilitated in the United States and France. Eley is located in Savannah, Ga. News Contact: Emily Belford, ebelford@scad.edu Phone: +1-912-525-5210

**10. Ann-Margaret Esnard, professor and director of the Visual Planning Technology Lab in the College for Design & Social Inquiry at Florida Atlantic University, has conducted extensive studies on disaster recovery. Esnard: aesnard@fau.edu Website: bit.ly/mL1rhk

**11. Bob Glasser, managing director and head of the business interruption and insurance claims practice at BDO Consulting, can discuss what businesses can do in the upcoming weeks to recover from the Mississippi River flooding. Glasser has worked with small and large companies to help them quantify financial losses from catastrophic events, and can speak to issues businesses can expect to experience with the claims process. He has extensive experience advising the hospitality and retail industries on preparing, negotiating and settling claims. Specifically, he can discuss: 1) How to avoid and overcome common roadblocks in the claims process; 2) rational expectations as to the amount claimed and timing of the settlement process, including whether indirect claims will be reimbursed -- future losses versus actual current losses (Can you file an interim claim that allows you to file subsequent claims as additional future losses may occur?); and 3) best practices for future disaster prep, including establishing a disaster-recovery plan, reviewing insurance policies for appropriate values and coverage, and assessing whether accounting systems and employees can adequately capture relevant losses. Glasser is located in New York City. News Contact: Emily Simmons, emilys@blisspr.com Phone: +1-212-584-5482 Website: tinyurl.com/3gzperv

**12. Eric Green, CEO of Planet People, can provide tips on the best ways to deal with mold remediation, a problem Mississippi Basin residents will surely have to deal with as the waters recede: "Follow the 'Five Ds' for mold elimination and prevention: 1) Detect It: Stop water from infiltrating your home. Determine the source of the water ingress that is causing the mold -- like leaking roofs, cracked foundations, clogged drains or faulty plumbing -- and fix the problem. 2) Dry It: If there is too much water to sweep out of your home, consider a shop vacuum or invest in a water pump (or rent one at your local hardware store) to remove water-filled areas. Once the water is removed, use fans to circulate and absorb moisture in the air. If weather permits, open all doors and windows; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts. Open closet and cabinet doors to allow air to circulate through all these areas. 3) Ditch It: Throw out water-logged and mold-infested materials that are replaceable, such as carpeting or ceiling tiles. The general rule is: If in doubt, throw it out. If drywall has absorbed water, the drywall should be cut out 12 inches above the water level and replaced once the room is dried out. 4) Deactivate It: Use an EPA-registered, nontoxic solution to fight remaining indoor mold. It’s important to treat hidden areas in a home such as crawlspaces, closets and under furniture to be sure they remain mold-free. 5) Dehumidify It: Run a dehumidifier to take additional moisture out of the air. Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent and monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores. News Contact: Sarah Murphy, smurphy@schneiderpr.com Phone: +1-617-536-3300 Website: www.planetpeopleco.com

**13. Jeff Hamlin is director of agronomic research at WeatherBill, a provider of weather insurance and risk management: “In a best-case scenario, the rain and flooding would stop tomorrow, the sun would shine, the wind would blow and the corn crop would be planted at the fastest rate possible. In this unlikely scenario, top corn producers along the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri still stand to lose more than $2 billion of potential corn yield.” Hamlin has worked in the weather-risk market since its inception in the late '90s, and is a leading authority on custom structures for managing weather-related revenue risks. He holds a master's degree in environmental sciences from the University of California, Berkeley, where he did agricultural integrated pest-management research in California pear orchards. Hamlin, located in San Francisco, also holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from The University of Chicago. News Contact: Joanna Horn, jhorn@daviesmurphy.com Phone: +1-678-242-8081

**14. Deirdre Hardy, professor and the director of the School of Architecture in the College for Design & Social Inquiry at Florida Atlantic University, is an expert in safety assessment after a disaster as certified by the California Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with The Florida Association of Architects. Hardy: dhardy@fau.edu Website: bit.ly/jFUuej

**15. Bill Hughes is a disaster-recovery expert from SunGard Availability Services, which is a disaster-recovery services company that helps 10,000 companies worldwide keep mission-critical information up and running in the event of a disaster. Hughes, located in Farmington Hills, Mich., can provide key tips companies need to think about to prevent the potential impact of a disaster (flood, hurricane, tornado or man-made) on their business. He can also discuss how companies can best recover from a disaster: “Help people be personally prepared. The more comfortable and prepared personnel are with their family situations during an emergency, the more likely they will be ready to help the business. Provide coaching to your staff on the importance of having emergency 'go bags' (including water, food, clothing, medication, lighting and more), preplanned locations for a family to meet in the event of an evacuation and multilayered communications methods in case wired and wireless voice communications are interrupted.” News Contact: Zora Falkowski, zora.falkowski@porternovelli.com Phone: +1-617-897-8247

**16. Dr. Jeffrey H. Jackson, associate professor of history at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., and author of "Paris Under Water: How the City of Light Survived the Great Flood of 1910" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010): "Although we expect natural disasters to create panic and chaos, they often bring out the best in people with selfless acts of rescue and volunteerism. Numerous examples from the past, including the 1910 Paris flood and the 1927 Mississippi River flood, demonstrate how disasters can pull communities closer together." Video: bit.ly/jJyuiZ  News Contact: Dionne Chalmers, chalmersd@rhodes.edu Phone: +1-901-843-3470 Website: www.parisunderwater.blogspot.com

**17. Nelson Maldonado, director of sales and marketing at Genesis Bicycles, knows firsthand the flexible mobility that a bike can offer in the wake of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tornados, etc. During his travels in parts of Central and South America, he has used a bike to navigate flooded areas, which cars or even a motorcycle could not access: "Bicycles are simple machines and so incredibly versatile. I’m surprised that it’s not one of the first things described to have handy in times of emergency." News Contact: Wes Benter, wbenter@middlebergcommunications.com Phone: +1-212-812-5680 Twitter: @wbenter Website: www.genbikes.com

**18. Mike Mastrangelo, program director for institutional preparedness at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) in Galveston, has extensive experience in disaster planning and response. Mastrangelo has the full-time responsibility for planning the institution’s overall emergency response; developing emergency exercises; assisting individual departments with their emergency plans and drills; and integrating the university’s emergency and business continuity planning, including its hospital, trauma center and medical school. Located in Galveston, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, UTMB has weathered its fair share of storms, most recently in September 2008 when Hurricane Ike struck the island and caused unprecedented damage. Marking the second full-scale evacuation in its 120-year history (it also evacuated for Hurricane Rita in 2005), UTMB put its emergency action plan in place to ensure the safe evacuation of 470 patients, including 70 babies from the NICU. Mastrangelo is also responsible for emergency planning for the Galveston National Laboratory, one of two National Biocontainment Laboratories providing specialized research to develop therapies, vaccines, and diagnostic tests for naturally occurring emerging diseases and bioterrorist threats. Prior to his position at UTMB, he co-founded the Texas Health Alert Project, which was designed to aid in the detection of and response to bioterrorism, and was director of the Bioterrorism Response Support Division at the Texas Department of Health. News Contact: Brianne O’Donnell, brianne.odonnell@gabbe.com Phone: +1-212-220-4444

**19. Adam Montella, vice president of homeland security and emergency management at Animus Solutions, Inc.: "Although hurricane season is less than a month away, the flooding of the Mississippi and the recent devastating tornados from Alabama to Georgia are grave reminders that disaster can strike at anytime and anywhere. With government resources stretched to provide aid to multiple presidentially declared disasters, it is even more critical for individuals, businesses, and local governmental and non-governmental organizations to have thorough and tested disaster plans. Families and organizations need to be prepared to survive on their own for at least 72 hours." With more than 25 years of homeland security and emergency management experience in the public and private sector, Montella helps organizations prepare for, respond to and recover from natural and manmade disasters. He currently serves on FEMA's National Response Framework (NRF) working group and the National Advisory Council's Public Engagement & Mission Support subcommittee. In addition, he is the on-camera homeland security and disaster expert on the Discovery Channel series, "The Colony." News Contact: Jennifer Fugel, jfugel@animussolutions.com or jen@fiercebird.com Phone: +1-973-748-4878 ext. 101 Twitter: jenniferfugel Website: www.animussolutions.com

**20. Dr. Christopher Morris, associate professor of history at The University of Texas at Arlington, is the writer of "The Big Muddy: An Environmental History of the Mississippi and Its Peoples, from Hernando de Soto to Hurricane Katrina" (Oxford University Press, August 2012), a book-length survey on the human and ecological history of the lower Mississippi Valley, from the Ohio River to New Orleans, from early Native American cultures that thrived on the flood plain through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the debates on rebuilding New Orleans in the hurricane's aftermath. Here is a link to Oxford University Press's website on the forthcoming book: bit.ly/j3Ws4L  News Contact: Bridget Lewis, blewis@uta.edu Phone: +1-817-272-3317 Website: bit.ly/jnSZn4

**21. Alexandra “Lexi” Nolen, director of the Center to Eliminate Health Disparities at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) in Galveston, can discuss relief and recovery efforts, particularly the important roles health and social environment play in rebuilding neighborhoods post-disaster. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, which struck Galveston in September 2008 and caused unprecedented damage, Nolen developed and is currently leading the Galveston Health in All Policies Project (GHiAP), which brings together community partners to cooperate on improving the social and environmental determinants of health in Galveston during post-Ike recovery efforts. Using maps to highlight how health is affected by factors, such as segregation by race or class, transportation and the location of supermarkets, Nolen and her team are working with city leadership to bring the principles of health and equitable development into city planning. News Contact: Brianne O’Donnell, brianne.odonnell@gabbe.com Phone: +1-212-220-4444

**22. Ken Schreiber, senior vice president and chief sales officer at HUB International Northeast, says the Mississippi flooding serves as a solemn reminder that natural disaster can occur anytime, anywhere, and its impact on commerce can be devastating. Analysts say economic loss could reach $4 billion: "While primary concern remains with the safety and well-being of family, friends, colleagues and business associates in the South, there are lessons to be learned -- vulnerabilities that cannot be ignored, no matter what your geographic location. Businesses can, however, mitigate loss with proper insurance coverage. While most standard policies exclude loss from natural disaster, additional specialty coverages, such as earthquake, flood, hurricane and wind storm, offer more protection. Business disruptions may include a break in the supply chain, limiting the availability of products, parts and supplies; delaying shipments; or increasing prices. Another concern is the devaluation of goods and property caused by physical damage, political seizure or transportation issues. Businesses may also incur unforeseen expenses as a result of these horrific events, such as the unbudgeted purchase of special equipment or necessary supplies needed to protect or recover property." News Contact: Suzan French, sfrench@msco.com Phone: +1-917-284-8523 Twitter: @HUBNortheast Website: www.riskfirewall.com

**23. Rob Vining, vice president and national water resources practice director at HNTB Corporation: "While some U.S. levees are multimillion-dollar concrete systems, many are nothing more than piles of sand and dirt created by farmers decades ago as barricades against rising rivers that cyclically destroyed their crops. It's difficult to guess what is holding these homemade structures together -- a miracle of physics or just plain luck. It certainly isn’t proactive investment. In real dollars, our country’s current water infrastructure budget is about 30 percent less than in the 1970s." Profile: www.profnetconnect.com/rob_vining Bio: bit.ly/itH9It News Contact: John O'Connell, joconnell@hntb.com Phone: +1-816-527-2383 Website: bit.ly/ip4

**24. Kevin B. Weiss, M.D., is president and CEO of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). He can discuss how Louisiana and Missouri are two of the 32 states/jurisdictions that have incorporated the ABMS board-certification data into their Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP). ESAR-VHP is a federal program created to support states and territories in establishing standardized volunteer-registration programs for disasters and public health and medical emergencies, so that they can be prepared to direct victims to medical help at a moment’s notice. The program, administered on the state level, verifies the identification and credentials of health professionals so they can respond more quickly when a disaster strikes. By registering through ESAR-VHP, volunteers' identities, licenses, credentials, accreditations and hospital privileges are all verified in advance, which saves valuable time in emergencies: “Board certification goes above and beyond basic medical licensure, and shows that a physician meets nationally recognized standards for education, knowledge, experience and skills to provide high-quality care in a specific medical specialty, which can be particularly useful during emergencies when every second is critical.” Weiss is located in Chicago. News Contact: Nina Martines nmartines@pcipr.com Phone: 1-312-558-1770, ext. 153

**25. Peter Whiting, professor of geological sciences at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, is an expert in surface-water hydrology, including the development of a protocol to estimate the streamflows necessary to maintain floodplains and channels, and modeling the influence of bank material on the ability of water stored and released from the floodplain to sustain streamflows. News Contact: Kevin Mayhood, kevin.mayhood@case.edu Phone: +1-216-368-4442 Website: geology.cwru.edu/~whiting

Following are ProfNet’s Business Expert Alerts for Wednesday, May 11.

Via Expert Alerts, ProfNet members can alert reporters to experts and potential stories by showcasing the experts' knowledge on timely issues or trends. Reporters can contact experts via the contact information listed at the end of each alert.

For more information on Expert Alerts, please go to budurl.com/expertalerts

1. Energy: Small Lizard May Threaten Texas Energy Production

2. Law: A $30.22 Dispute Makes Class Actions Tougher

3. Law: Job Applicant Criminal-Background Checks Are Necessary

4. Law: Online Harassment Can Spell Trouble for Employer

**1. ENERGY: SMALL LIZARD MAY THREATEN TEXAS ENERGY PRODUCTION. Jim Morriss, attorney with the Austin office of Thompson & Knight: "In West Texas, a 3-inch lizard is causing a big controversy, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species, raising fears among landowners that saving the lizard could shut down oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin. Federal officials believe that drilling operations are the major contributor to the loss of shinnery oaks, a low shrub that forms the lizards' habitat across 400,000 acres in Texas and New Mexico. The best option may be to seek voluntary conservation agreements that offer incentives to preserve the lizards' habitat, while still allowing activity. This approach often brings divergent interests together, fostering a better understanding of both scientific and economic issues. The proposal's public comment period will end on May 16, with a final listing decision by the USFWS late this year.” News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**2. LAW: A $30.22 DISPUTE MAKES CLASS ACTIONS TOUGHER. Gregory Huffman, attorney with the Dallas office of Thompson & Knight: “The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding an arbitration waiver of the right to bring a class action will help limit companies' exposure, and likely require more customers to bring legal claims as individuals. In the case, a California couple filed a class action alleging that AT&T had charged them $30.22 in sales tax for a wireless phone marketed as ‘free.’ The couple alleged false advertising and objected to the arbitration requirement in their contract. In a tensely divided 5-4 decision, the court ruled that federal law pre-empts the state law, which protected the right to bring a class action. The majority opinion believed that avoiding complex class-action proceedings was consistent with the federal right to arbitrate. The dissenting justices stated that the decision may eliminate the pursuit of some claims because ‘only a fanatic or lunatic’ would sue for a small recovery. News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**3. LAW: JOB APPLICANT CRIMINAL-BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE NECESSARY. Joe Ahmad, executive employment lawyer from Houston's Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Anaipakos: "Lawsuits are mounting against employers who use criminal-background checks before hiring. One argument for these lawsuits is that a criminal check creates discrimination against minorities; another is that it doesn't allow room for redemption; and a third is that people should be notified of background checks, the same as when a credit check is made. But those concerns must be balanced against the safety of employees and customers. Sometimes a company has the responsibility to protect against unreasonable risks at the workplace. To ignore this tool could open a company to liability if someone is hurt by an employee with an undiscovered criminal record. We cannot try to stop employers from learning about job applicants, but we can expect them to use that information wisely." News Contact: Mary Flood, mary@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534

**4. LAW: ONLINE HARASSMENT CAN SPELL TROUBLE FOR EMPLOYER. Amy Davis, a labor and employment partner at Dallas' Rose Walker: “The recent case of a Houston-area teacher's aide who was fired for setting up a fake Facebook page in a co-worker's name should remind employers of the importance of having a formal social media policy. Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from harassment in the workplace. Unfortunately, the ubiquity of social media means that the boundaries of the workplace have expanded almost infinitely, and that can mean trouble for employers if the company knew, or should have known, about such harassment, but didn't take steps to stop it, particularly if it involves sexually oriented content or is motivated by a person's gender, race, religion or other protected status.” News Contact: Mark Annick, mark@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534