GAS SHORTAGES? BLAME THE GOVERNMENT, NOT THE WAR - As gasoline prices hit record highs, possible gas shortages over the next few months could be more the result of government regulations than problems in the Middle East or Venezuela, says Temple business professor Frederic H. Murphy. "There could be shortages in California because of the new regulations that ban MTBE as a gasoline additive," says Murphy, an energy expert who closely monitors the oil industry. "Other regions could face shortages during the EPA-mandated transition from winter to summer gasoline." Murphy predicts consumers will not face long gas lines like in the 1970s. "The long lines then were caused by government controls on the profits of gas station owners," he says. "Since it was not profitable to stay open, owners closed early and the real shortage was due to a shortage of open pumps at gas stations."
NOT RUSHING THE SEASON IS KEY TO SPRING GARDENING -- This time of year can be a little tricky for home gardeners as the cold of winter gives way to the renewing warmth of spring. Just what to plant and when to plant is not always simple to determine. Perennials, for example, may be placed in the ground in a couple of weeks when the snow has melted away. For annuals, however, the home gardener should wait a little longer, according to Stephanie Cohen, a nationally recognized horticulturist and director of the landscape arboretum of Temple University Ambler. "Don't rush the season. It could still snow," she said. "Annuals such as marigolds, zinnias and geraniums should be planted closer to Mother's Day in May. If you are anxious for color, plant pansies because they can take the cold." The wet, icy winter will actually be a boon for the spring gardener after the drought situation last year, says Cohen. "Old, established plants will benefit from all of the water. The problem may be that if you did not water your new plants during the drought or in the fall, you may find you have a lot of replacing to do in the garden." For those who can't fight the itch to get outside and get their hands dirty, Cohen recommends cutting back shrubs and cleaning up debris. "From now through tax day, prune your roses. It's a great way to take out your aggression if you're not getting a refund."
CITY STUDENTS DISPLAY CREATIVITY AT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER SCIENCE FAIR -- More than 500 Philadelphia public, parochial, and private schoolchildren will showcase their creativity and innovation at the annual George Washington Carver Science Fair hosted by Temple. Students from the 7th through 12th grades will compete for medals and college scholarships in a dozen categories, including botany, engineering, zoology, mathematics, biochemistry, computer science, and medicine. The top two winners in each category will advance to the Delaware Valley Science Fair in April. Set-up: Monday, March 10, 1-7 p.m. Judging: Tuesday, March 11, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Temple's Pearson and McGonigle Halls, Broad St. and Montgomery Ave. Awards presentations: Friday, March 14, 1:30 p.m. Temple's Anderson Hall, 12th St. and Berks Mall.
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