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Expert Alert Live
Video interviews with U of M experts designed to connect university experts to today’s breaking news and current events.  

 

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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.


Historical perspective of Spring snow
March 31, 2008

Several inches of heavy snow are expected to blanket the metro area today with more coming overnight.  While late-March and early-April snow isn’t unusual, a snowstorm of over eight inches this late in the year has not occured in over 20 years.  A U of M expert who can speak on today’s Spring snow is:



Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Extension Climatologist
Seeley can provide a historical perspective on today’s springtime snowstorm.  He is also the author of “The Minnesota Weather Almanac.”

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


U of M Kwanzaa expert discusses the holiday's roots, meaning and tradition
December 20, 2007

Kwanzaa, a seven-day cultural holiday starting December 26 and ending January 1, is an African-American tradition that has now been celebrated for more than 40 years. A University of Minnesota expert who can talk about the facts, myths and cultural significance of this holiday is:



Keith Mayes, U of M African-American studies professor

Mayes is available for interviews and can talk in depth about why Kwanzaa is often misunderstood as both a black-only and a religious holiday.

To interview Mayes, contact Justin Ware at (612) 626-1720 or ware@umn.edu

Download this interview for use in a newscast or on a Web site here.


Children suffer when parents in complex families argue over the holidays
December 12, 2007

Children with parents who are divorced, separated or were never married, also known as “complex families,” can suffer when their parents don’t agree on sharing time during the holidays. A University of Minnesota expert who can offer advice to complex families is:



Rose Allen, U of M Extension
Allen is available for interviews and can talk about what complex families need to keep in mind, so their children don’t suffer from unnecessary stress during the holidays.

To interview Allen, contact Justin Ware at (612) 626-1720 or ware@umn.edu

Download this interview for use in a newscast or on a Web site here.


Christmas Tree Care: U of M expert tips for keeping your tree looking great
December 12, 2007

From selecting the best tree off the lot, to keeping it looking green and smelling fresh until Christmas, to disposing of the tree in an environmentally friendly manner after the holidays, a University of Minnesota expert who can talk about Christmas trees is:



Nancy Rose, U of M Extension horticulturist
Rose is available with tips to keep Christmas trees looking good during the holidays and has many, unique ideas for getting rid of tree after the holidays.

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

Download this interview for use in a newscast or on a Web site here.


The safe way to snack this holiday
December 6, 2007

Food-borne illnesses like salmonella and e. coli are a threat year round. With all the finger foods and potlucks that come with the holiday season, they’re an even bigger problem this time of year. A University of Minnesota expert with tips on how to protect your friends and family is:

Joellen Feirtag, University of Minnesota Extension food Scientist
Feirtag is available to talk about everything from proper hand washing, to how to thaw a turkey to the do’s and don’ts of sending food as a gift.

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

Download this interview for use in a newscast or on a Web site here.