TEEN GIRLS UNAWARE OF ADVERTISING'S HARMFUL IMAGES: Young women are accustomed to seeing thin models in magazine advertising and do not realize the dangers in the stereotypical portrayal of beauty or success, a recent study found. Teens may then try to emulate the models by reducing the calories consumed, said Mark Popovich, a journalism professor. For more information, contact him at mpopovich@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8207.

HOOSIERS THINK HATE CRIMES ARE MORE PREVALENT: About 60 percent of Hoosiers believe there has been an increase in hate crimes in recent years. While the number has actually dropped since the mid-1990s, increasing media coverage of high profile murders may give the perception that hate crimes have actually proliferated, said Bryan Byers, a criminal justice professor. Contact Byers at bbyers@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1530.

FOLK ROCK SINGER PENNED SIXTIES ANTHEM: While the reign of the Mamas and the Papas was short, the band?s leader wrote the quintessential song for the 1960s era. John Phillips, who died March 18, penned "California Dreaming," along with other chart topping tunes in the 1960s. For more about Phillips and his prolific song writing, contact Richard Aquila, a rock and roll historian, at raquila@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8728.

RETAINING LOYAL CUSTOMERS IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS: Strong and proactive customer relations is the key to retaining and attracting consumers. Businesses should incorporate training programs that focus on simply listening to complaints. By talking face-to-face, a peeved customer is less likely to tell about the bad experience to friends and co-workers, says Ramon Avila, director of the Professional Selling Institute. He may be reached at ravila@bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-5189.

ACCLAIMED PIANIST BECOMES DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR: Award-winning pianist and teacher Robert Palmer has been named the Ruth Weedy Maury and Mary Weedy Porter Distinguished Professor of Music. Palmer, a member of the School of Music faculty since 1986, was chosen for the new professorship because of his achievements in teaching and creative endeavors. Contact Palmer at rpalmer@bsu.edu or (765) 285-5420.