May 152012
 

Large patch on zoysiagrass (Photo by Kent Faddis)

Cool spring weather and moisture are perfect conditions for two troublesome lawn diseases. Brown patch is a fungal disease that attacks tall fescue. Large patch is a fungus that goes after  zoysiagrass. Both diseases spread rapidly if you encourage new growth by adding fertilizer.

 

 

Today’s guest is Lee Miller, turf grass pathologist for University of Missouri Extension.

You can find additional information on lawn diseases from MU Extension.

 Posted by on May 15, 2012 at 5:38 pm
May 072012
 

A possible rare weather event, showers for some, not enough rain for others, and a couple of chilly days are just part of April’s weather picture in the Show-Me State.

May in Missouri should continue the several-month trend of above average temperatures. Historically, May is Missouri’s wettest month, but there’s still uncertainty whether that will be the case for May 2012.

 

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." ~ Author Unknown (Map from High Plains Regional Climate Center; Data compiled by Pat Guinan)

 

Today’s guest is Pat Guinan, climatologist for University of Missouri Extension

You can find lots of interesting weather tidbits at the Missouri Climate Center.

 Posted by on May 7, 2012 at 8:07 pm
May 012012
 

"Technology makes it possible for people to gain control over everything, except technology." ~ John Tudor (Photo by Christoph van der Bij)

This week is National Screen-Free Week.  It’s a time for all of us to take a good look at the amount of time spent with screens.  Smart phones, tablets, e-readers and all other “screen” devices take hours away from other activities such as spending time with family and friends. Don’t think “screen time” is a problem? Consider this: From January to March 2012, more iPhone were sold than babies were born worldwide.

Do you think you could do without devices for a week? How about a day? Could you put them down for a few hours?  Why not give it a try. The life you discover may be your own.

 

Today’s guests are Sara Gable, State Extension Specialist in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and Robin Gammon, Program Manager for the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program. Both are with University of Missouri Extension.

University of Missouri Extension has some fun suggestions for non-screen activities on their Play More, Watch Less page.

 Posted by on May 1, 2012 at 12:28 am
Apr 172012
 

Abigail's winning photograph - Photovoice Missouri 2011-2012

Photovoice Missouri is a statewide health photography program and competition that’s a collaboration between the Health Communication Research Center at the Missouri School of Journalism…and the University of Missouri Extension Healthy Lifestyle Initiative.

Last August, students from several Missouri counties were given the task of showing, through pictures, examples in their communities that support healthy choices, and areas that need improvement.

 

 

All of the students’ pictures can be seen on Flickr, a photography sharing website: Photovoice Missouri

Photovoice Missouri is supported by University of Missouri Extension’s Healthy Lifestyle Initiative , assisted by the Health Communications Research Center at the Missouri School of Journalism

 Posted by on April 17, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Apr 112012
 

"Aging has you firmly in its grasp if you lose the urge to throw a snowball." ~ Doug Larson (Photo by Pierre Amerlynck)

Everyone, no matter the age or condition, can benefit from exercise. On the other hand, you have a lot to lose if you’re not active. Want to ward off the negative aspects of aging?  Then regular physical activity is your best option.

 

 

 

Today’s guests are Linda Rellergert, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Stephen Ball, exercise physiologist for MU Extension.

Check out Exercise for the Older Adult

Click the link: Stay Strong, Stay Healthy to learn more.

 Posted by on April 11, 2012 at 11:01 pm
Mar 262012
 

"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides." ~ W.E. Johns (Photo by Marta Sobo)

There is nothing that says summer like tasty tomatoes, succulent sweet corn and cool cucumbers. But don’t stop there. Vegetables that thrive in the heat of summer include green beans, eggplant, okra, peppers and squash.  Now that spring is officially here, it’s time to begin planning your summer garden.

 

 

Today’s guest is David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

You can find lots of vegetable information from MU Extension guide sheet G5400

 

 

 Posted by on March 26, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Mar 202012
 

"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." ~ Benjamin Franklin (Photo by Jessica Salmond)

Income tax preparation means navigating the twists and eddies of Internal Revenue Service language like earned income tax credit, married-filing jointly, child and dependent care tax credit, education tax breaks and a morass of other terms and designations that can leave the average head swimming.

 

 

Today’s guests are Brenda Procter, consumer and family economics specialist for University of Missouri Extension…and Andrew Zumwalt… MU Extension Associate State Specialist for Financial Planning.

 

To find a VITA site near you, visit the IRS website.

You can also find information from the Missouri Taxpayer Education program, or MO-Tax.

 Posted by on March 20, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Mar 122012
 

"Rainbows apologize for angry skies." ~ Sylvia Voirol

March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar and named after Mars, the god of war.  In 1752, we changed to the Gregorian calendar, and the first month of the year moved to January.

When it comes to weather, March tends to be a frustrating month. It’s so near to spring, and yet can swing violently between fair and foul weather.

 

 

Today’s guest is Pat Guinan, Climatologist for University of Missouri Extension.

You can get regional weather from KOMU-TV.

National weather can be found at the NOAA site.

 Posted by on March 12, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Mar 052012
 

"Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes." ~ Author Unknown (Photo by Dale Jackson)

Any gardener worth their salt is already longing to get back into the garden.  Each day of blue sky and sunshine makes most green thumbs itch for the opportunity to dig in the soil.

You don’t have to wait until spring officially arrives.  You can begin your gardening chores by starting seeds indoors.  Then when mild weather and temperatures arrive, you’ll be ready to transplant your young seedlings into your garden.

 

 

Today’s guest is David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

Check out this MU Extension publication to learn more about starting seeds.

 Posted by on March 5, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Feb 272012
 

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." ~ Benjamin Franklin (Photo by Thomas Picard)

Just about anyone can hang out a shingle that declares them a financial adviser.  There are a myriad of financial consultants that are eager and willing to invest your hard-earned money, but you should never choose financial advise causally.  Shop around, ask friends and family, and do your homework. You need to know what conflicts of interest a financial specialist might have.  Find out how they are compensated and who they work for.  It’s a good idea to check to see if any disciplinary action has been taken against a potential planner.  When choosing a financial consultant the old adage still holds true: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

 

Today’s guest is Robert Weagley, Associate Professor Personal Financial Planning and Chair of the Personal Financial Planning department for the University of Missouri.

Visit the MU Personal Financial Planning site for more information.

 

 Posted by on February 27, 2012 at 11:54 pm

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