U of M expert provides tips on how to winterize your home November 5, 2008
Whether it’s forecasted to be a mild or extra cold winter, Minnesotans should always be prepared for a frigid season. At home that means dealing with drafty doors, fickle furnaces and other nippy nuisances. But a University of Minnesota expert says you can get an early jump on winter’s intrusion with a few easy steps:
Dick Stone, University of Minnesota Extension housing technology educator
To interview Stone, contact Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu; or Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu.
U of M expert says your travel time post – I-35W bridge collapse is probably the same, maybe even easier July 28, 2008
On the morning on Aug. 2, 2007, many Twin Citians were vexed as to how they were going to make their commutes to work with a large portion of I-35W lying in the river. On the anniversary of the tragic event, one University of Minnesota researcher says that most commuters adjusted to new routes or destinations by October, and while some drivers were worse off, most were indifferent and some had shorter times.
David Levinson, University of Minnesota, Department of Civil Engineering and Center for Transportation Studies researcher
From leaving earlier to taking fewer trips – Levinson says that most drivers were able to find new routes and many people just stopped driving as much or went elsewhere. Trips across the Mississippi River decreased by as much as 50,000 per day and proved how well the other roadways in the Twin Cities connect.
To interview Levinson, contact Elizabeth Giorgi at (612) 624-0214 or egiorgi@umn.edu; or Drew Swain at (612) 625-8962 or dswain@umn.edu.
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.
