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Expert Alert
April 2008

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Spring lawn care tips from U of M Extension expert
April 30, 2008

Warm weather is (finally) creeping back into the upper Midwest and that means a lot of homeowners will be heading out to get started on spring lawn care. A University of Minnesota expert with tips on how to get your lawn into shape quickly and environmentally is:

Bob Mugaas, University of Minnesota Extension
Mugaas has tips on everything from re-seeding bare spots to maintaining a chemical-free lawn.

To interview Mugaas, contact Ryan Mathre at (612) 625-0552 or mathre@umn.edu; or Justin Ware at (612) 626-1720 or ware@umn.edu.

Watch more lawn and gardening tips and download video for use on a newscast or on a Web site here.

This week, the first deposits from the Economic Stimulus Act will arrive in Americans bank accounts in an attempt to catalyze the troubled economy. But, as a consumer, what are the best ways to spend or save that windfall?

Rosemary Heins, University of Minnesota Extension educator, family resource management
Heins can discuss the best ways to prioritize the spending of windfalls, whether it be towards reduction of debt, savings or pure consumer spending. She also stresses to be vigilant of scam artists claiming to be with the IRS and needing personal information. As a family resource management educator, she can also explain how to get out of debt and use credit wisely.

To interview Heins, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Ryan Mathre at (612) 625-0552 or mathre@umn.edu.

NWA and Delta merger: a good business move?
April 15, 2008

Late Monday night a merger between Minnesota-based Northwest Airlines and Delta was announced -- a deal that creates the world’s largest airline. A University of Minnesota expert who can discuss this issue is: J. Myles Shaver, professor and chair of Strategic Management and Organization,  U of M Carlson School of Management Shaver’s research interests include corporate expansion through diversification and mergers and acquisitions.  Shaver feels a new Delta-NWA carrier will struggle to be profitable.  He says, “rather than two big airlines struggling to make money, we'll likely get one really big airline struggling to make money.

To interview Shaver, contact Ryan Mathre at (612) 625-0552 or mathre@umn.edu; or Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu.

Blowing out the torch on China’s Olympics
April 8 , 2008

The Olympic torch run across the world is becoming an 85,000 mile publicity campaign for supporters of Tibet and human rights activists protesting against this year’s host country, China. But despite the negative publicity and international pressure, China has not made any concessions. A University of Minnesota expert who can analyze the situation is: Ted Farmer, University of Minnesota history professor Farmer can explain why, despite the poor public image the pre-Olympic events are creating, the Chinese will be very inflexible when it comes to dealing with its issues. He can explain the genesis of the conflict with Tibet and put it in context with American history.

To interview Farmer, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu

40th anniversary of Martin Luther King assassination: U of M professor explores parallels between the civil rights leader and Barack Obama
April 2, 2008

Friday marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King. A University of Minnesota political communications expert analyzes the parallels between the civil rights pioneer's legacy and presidential hopeful Barack Obama:

Kirt Wilson, University of Minnesota communication studies associate professor
Wilson says that both share the same tone of inspirational speeches and also recognize that “rhetoric must be coupled with political work and even compromise.” Additionally, both have understood the “extremely complex” nature of race in American public life. Wilson's academic research centers around presidential, political and African American rhetoric.

To interview Wilson, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu