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Consumer Q's - March 22, 2007

March 22, 2007        Contact:  Teresa Jenkins
(404) 656-3645
1-800-282-5852

CONSUMER Q’s
Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs
Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
Call Consumer Q’s Hotline at 1-800-282-5852

Consumer Alert/Recall:  Casio® Inc. Announces Recall of Electronic Keyboards Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.   Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.   Name of product: Electronic Musical Keyboards; Units:   About 12,000; Importer:   Casio® Inc., of Dover, N.J.  Manufacturer:   Casio Computer Co. Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan; Hazard:   The recalled keyboards can overheat when in use, posing a fire hazard to consumers.  Incidents/Injuries:   Casio® has received five reports of keyboards overheating, including two incidents that resulted in fire.   There have been two reports of property damage, in addition to the unit itself. No injuries have been reported.  Description:   This recall involves model CTK-710 of the Casio® 61-key full-size electronic musical keyboards.   The size of the keyboard is 37-11/16-inches by 14-1/16-inches by 5-1/4 inches.   Products with serial numbers ranging from 7030001 through 7040400 and 7041901 through 7043500 are included in this recall.   The brand and model information are found on the front of the unit above the keyboard and the serial number is found inside the battery compartment located on the underside of the unit.  Sold at:   Wal-Mart, Best Buy and music instrument stores nationwide, in catalogs, on Casio’s Web site, and on other Web sites between May 2006 and February 2007 for between $70 and $150.  Manufactured in:   China; Remedy:   Consumers should stop using the keyboard immediately, unplug it and remove the batteries.   Consumers should contact Casio for a free repair.  Consumer Contact:   For more information, consumers should call Casio toll-free at (866) 800-4302 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET seven days a week, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.casio.com.

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Regional Reminders:  National Gardening Association – Mid South Region

Prune Back Ornamental Grasses

Many gardeners leave the dried foliage and flower stalks on ornamental grasses to provide winter interest; however, now's the time to trim them back.   The tools required depend on the size of the plants.   Low-growing liriope can be mowed; you'll need pruners for larger plants.   Some gardeners even resort to a chainsaw for the largest clumps.   The new growth will soon hide the stubs.

Plant New Shrubs

Shrubs add a new dimension to flowerbeds, so plant a selection now.   Mix flowering shrubs, such as hydrangeas and azaleas, with evergreens, such as junipers, to create an attractive mixed border.   Take care to match the mature size of the shrub to the site.   A young shrub might look small now but make sure you know how it will look in a few years.

Start Tomatoes and Peppers

Start seeds of tomatoes and peppers indoors.   Take advantage of the wide selection of seeds available and plant some disease-resistant hybrids and some especially flavorful heirlooms.   Wait to transplant these heat-lovers outdoors until a week or so after your average last frost date, taking care to harden them off first.   Be prepared to cover them should a late cold snap arrive.

Plant Peas, Greens, and Potatoes

Sow shell, snap, and snow peas now for a classic springtime treat.   Check seed packets and provide a trellis or fence of adequate height.   Potatoes are surprisingly easy to grow. Purchase seed potatoes from a supplier or plant organically grown ones from the market. Commercial potatoes are sometimes sprayed with a sprout inhibitor.   Try some red- or blue-fleshed varieties, too.

Don't Crowd Roses

Many perennials and annuals complement roses, but plant only low-growing ones near the shrubs.   Roses benefit from lots of sunshine and good air circulation, both of which will be hindered by tall neighbors.

It is always good to consult your county extension agent regarding particulars about your particular location.  For contact information consult the blue pages of your county phone book or contact our office.

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What is the best type of mulch to use in your garden?

Apply materials such as chipped or shredded bark, straw, hay, grass clippings or pine needles 2 to 4 inches deep, and replenish them as needed.  Plastic mulch tends to warm the soil.  It's best used on warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, melons, squash and peppers.  If soil gets too hot in midsummer, you might want to put a shallow layer of organic mulch on top of the plastic mulch.

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My pest control company refuses to treat my home every year.   Why?

Once an initial application is made correctly, annual inspections will provide sufficient insurance and termite protection.  In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has banned pest control firms from routinely providing yearly termite treatments unless an active infestation is found.  Also the treatment for this infestation is restricted only to the area of the active infestation.

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If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Public Affairs, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or 404/656-3645 (metro Atlanta) or 1-800-282-5852 (state wide).