1)  Tip for Parents: Ask Children to Teach Technology

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Parents who watch their children manage technology easily may want to take a lesson or two from them, said Elaine Johannes, Kansas State University Research and Extension specialist in adolescent development.

Learning how to send – and receive – a text message via a cell phone can ease communication between parents and children, she said. If a child is with a group of friends at a movie that is running longer than anticipated, for example, he can send a text message to advise his parents, rather than have to place a call that might embarrass him in front of friends.

Technology can not only benefit parents and children, but also open the door for unwanted contacts.  Johannes advises parents of children with cell phones to check bills regularly – numbers called and text messages sent.

More information on managing family life is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices and on Extension’s Web site: www.oznet.ksu.edu.


 

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2) Don’t be Fooled by Instant Loan Refund Hype

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Instant tax-refund loan businesses are becoming increasingly popular. People who want their refund immediately sometimes go to such businesses to get it the quickest way they possibly can.

These so-called instant tax refunds are highly promoted as “quick loans” to get access to taxpayers’ money, said Carol Young, family financial management specialist with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Like all loans, however, they come with a cost.

Getting past the “quick loan” hurdle isn’t the only thing taxpayers should be cautious about during tax season.

“With money in your pocket, you’re tempted to buy all kinds of ‘fun’ things – maybe things that you don’t really need, but would like to have,” Young said. “You need to keep repeating to yourself, ‘This is not extra money. I have not just won a special prize or the lottery. This is my money that I’ve spent all year earning.’”

Before receiving tax refunds, taxpayers should think about what was on their “need list” prior to tax season: Paying off a credit card bill? Buying new tires or repairing the car? Upgrading their home computer? Saving for a vacation?

All of those needs will still be there, waiting for attention, Young said.


 

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3)  Gypsum Does Not Improve Clay Soils

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Gardening myths can sometimes hold on with the tenacity of a starved tick.

One that continues to be popular is the mistaken idea that gypsum – calcium sulfate – will improve clay-heavy soils.

“Research has shown gypsum does not improve clay’s workability, making it more friable. It does not improve how clay handles water– which in very heavy soils tends to swing from too much to too little,” said Ward Upham, horticulturist with Kansas State University Research and Extension.

Adding gypsum can help in just two very specific situations, Upham said.

The first is where gardeners are unlucky enough to be working with one of the rare cases of sodic soil – high sodium soil which typically means pH readings above 8.5 and up to as high as 10. Those soils do have reduced rates of friability and water infiltration. But, the reason is far more than the soil’s clay content. Excess amounts of exchangeable sodium in the soil have basically made the soil’s structure collapse.

“The calcium in gypsum will replace some of that sodium, and allow the soil’s structure to reform. You have to keep the soil moist, though, to let the gypsum work. Then you have to irrigate or pray for lots of rain to wash away the released sodium,” Upham said.

The other case in which gypsum can help is calcium- or sulfur-deficient soils. The first is a logical impossibility for most of Kansas, he said, because most of its soils are limestone-based, so extremely high in calcium.

“If K-State’s Soils Lab tests are any indication, they don’t often lack sulfur, either,” Upham said. “Of course, adding gypsum probably won’t hurt. It’ll just be a waste of money and effort.

“In almost every case, you’ll do better at increasing your soil’s tilth and water infiltration rate by regularly incorporating well-decomposed organic matter, such as peat moss or inactive compost. That’s true for soils high in sand content, as well as those heavy with clay.”

A common recommendation is to add a 2-inch layer of organic matter and till it in.

 

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4) Kansas 4-H’er Earns Back-to-Back National Awards

Note to editors: A photo of Clinton Laflin is available. Please contact Donise Osbourn at dosbourn@oznet.ksu.edu or 785-532-5806.

 DENVER – A Greenwood County, Kan., 4-H member – Clinton Laflin – is the first in the history of the 87th Annual Western National 4-H Roundup to earn first place awards in public speaking (in 2006) and 4-H demonstrations (in 2007).

Clinton Laflin’s success reflects the spirit of the 4-H Roundup, said Melissa Oliver, coordinator for the national competition. Preparing for and participating in the Roundup typically helps
4-H’ers build life skills as well as youth and adult relationships and friendships.

For his efforts, Laflin earned an award ribbon, trophy and a $500 college scholarship from the American Quarter Horse Association.

Many who know Laflin say he has a “gift to gab,” but they also know that determination and hard work helps this young man shine -- even as he’s dealt with the effects of cerebral palsy.

As a member of the Racing Wranglers 4-H Club, Laflin participated in beef, horse, wildlife and crafts projects and accepted a variety of leadership responsibilities.

Public speaking opportunities have helped him become a more self-confident young adult, he said. In the last year, for example, he gave 28 public presentations.

To claim the top spots in Denver, Laflin presented a how-to talk titled “The Reins of Life,” and demonstrated therapeutic exercises to do on horseback. His successful presentation is a follow-up to his 2006 award-winning speech: “The Use of the Horse as a Therapeutic Tool.”

Laflin is a rider who enjoys working cattle with his father. With livestock and government primary interests, his long-term career goal is to practice agricultural law.

Participating at the National 4-H Roundup is an earned privilege. Laflin had to first earn the state awards in each division to be eligible for the competition, said Jim Adams, Kansas State University Research and Extension 4-H youth development specialist.