SmartChoice
By Becky BILLINGSLEY
Microchip magic that uses 70 percent less energy, can be powered by your body’s movements and natural heat, and has 10 times greater battery life than today’s chips. Recent microchip progress will dramatically affect electronic products in fantastically favorable ways. “The opportunities that are going to be possible given the advances in microchips are really unimaginable,” says Ralph Heredia, vice president of business development and a co-founder of Zipit Wireless in Greenville. The always on, always available Internet will help, too. “Our ability as an industry to connect every device and every person will open up amazing new opportunities and applications,” Heredia says. He credits significant advancements in the integration in semiconductors (microchips), lower power consumption and increased performance. Smaller is better with microchips because size matters when it comes to cost effectiveness. Here are a few devices already on the market.
Imagine a microchip
VIEWING PLEASURE botanicalls An unassembled kit with instructions for creating a connection from your houseplant to your computer so the plant can communicate with you through Twitter.com with messages such as “Urgent! Water me!” $100. (888) GEEKSTUFF (433-5788); botanicalls.com.
Amazon Kindle 2 More than 270,000 books, newspapers and blogs in a wireless electronic book store; space for more than 1,500 books in 2 gigabytes of memory; read for days without a recharge. $359. (866) 321-8851; amazon. com/kindle2.
TALK & LISTEN Motorola Evoke QA4 A cell phone and social media center with A-GPS navigation and built-in social media widgets. $100 with two-year Alltel contract, or $323. (866) 289-6686; motorola.com.
Jabra SP200 Speakerphone Allows wireless Bluetooth hands- free talking; attach to a car cup holder or kitchen cabinet. $60. (800) 826-4656; jabra.com.
Xacti Waterproof VPC-CA9 Sanyo digital HD video/still camera that is ready for beach, rain and water skiing; submersible up to 4.5 feet. $350. (818) 998-7322; sanyo.com.
Voltaic Solar Backpack Embedded solar chargers produce enough power in one day to charge the typical laptop. $249. (877) 304-6861; voltaicsystems.com.
Royal PF115 Rechargable 1.5-inch digital keychain photo frame stores up to 70 photos. $15. (888) 261-4555; royal.com.
POWER PUNCH Belkin 1-amp Quick-Charge Car power port for charging your iPod and some GPS devices. $15. (800) 2BELKIN (2235546); belkin.com.
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
SCStories
SC Life
Kristin Scott Benson
Dean Hoffmeyer
OCCUPATION: Award-winning banjo player ODD JOB: Performing with The Grascals at actor Steven Seagal’s birthday party COMING UP: The Indigo Bluegrass Festival on August 1 in Spartanburg
Kristin Scott Benson’s musical journey has taken her from Union to the White House to, oddly enough, Steven Seagal’s LA home. She’s a member of The Grascals, who in April played a birthday party for the martial arts master/action star. Kristin joined after being named Banjo Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in October. Seagal isn’t the only heavy hitter she’s entertained. In November, the group played for the former president, vice president and their wives. “We received a private tour of the White House,” says Kristin. “The Grascals got a picture with President Bush and Mrs. Bush.” It’s a long way from Union, where parents Fred and Carolyn Scott are Broad River Electric Cooperative members. Kristin’s father and her “Papaw,” Arval Hogan, taught her mandolin. Kristin first stepped on stage at age five. She got a banjo for Christmas at 13. By 19, while attending Nashville’s Belmont University, Kristin had joined the Larry Stephenson Band and played the Grand Ole Opry. Six songs from her latest CD, “Second Season,” can be heard at myspace.com/ kristinscottbenson. The album features top talent, including her husband, Wayne Benson of IIIrd Tyme Out. She and Wayne moved from Nashville to Boiling Springs with their son, Hogan. Kristin’s journey comes close to home August 1, when The Grascals play the Indigo Bluegrass Festival at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. See: indigobluegrassfestival.com. — Walter Allread
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
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SCChef’sChoice
By Carrie B. Hirsch
Summertime pasta pleaser Chef brings healthy, sumptuous servings to the table Cathryn Matthes, certified executive chef
Cathryn Matthes
of Hilton Head Health, a state-of-the-art weight loss spa, celebrates optimum health with sound nutritional choices, and she does so in style. Chef Matthes’ culinary path includes writing cookbooks and columns, television appearances and speaking engagements. Her career began when, as a teenager, she worked in a vegetarian café in Canada. There, she remembers being surrounded by vibrant and happy co-workers and customers. She immediately recognized the benefit of healthy and sumptuous foods.
Chef C's HEALTHY Tomato Basil Pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup onion, diced 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 4 ounces dry Barilla Plus Angel Hair pasta (a higher fiber, light wheat pasta)
Tomato, basil and garlic flavors combine to enhance this dish.
On medium-high heat, add oil to sauté pan. Add garlic and onion and cook until translucent, approximately 2 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Add parsley, basil, and sugar and cook for another2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer pasta in boiling salted water until it reaches desired tenderness. Drain pasta and toss with hot sauce. Serves 8 (½ cup portions). Each serving provides 89.4 calories, 3.6 grams protein, 16.8 grams carbohydrate, 1.3 grams fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 2.5 grams fiber, 5.3 grams sugar, 84.7 milligrams sodium.
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
Originally from California, Chef Matthes is well rooted in South Carolina and owns a Chihuahua that loves cantaloupe. Known as “Chef C,” she talks about her vision of an exciting menu where there are daily caloric guidelines to meet depending on the goal of each client. “It is about eating good, healthy ingredients, not necessary about substitutes or lowfat ingredients all the time — potatoes and real butter are fine. Nothing’s wrong with salt, but it’s all about the portion control.” She advocates practical and easy food and enjoys teaching her clients who truly want to return home having mastered many of her techniques, including knife handling skills. Chef Matthes’ sense of humor combines with her passion for great recipes to create a magnetic personality. Clients bask in the banter about food. After rigorous exercise classes, runs on the beach and learning the ropes of fitness equipment, they look forward to a treat at the end of the day. Where there is a common goal, longlasting friendships are always forged over mealtimes. “I have been feeding people for 35 years, which gives me license to razz,” she exclaims. Chef Matthes advises to “eat lots of vegetables! The money consumers spend on food is one of the most important statements they can make.” She recommends to “shop frequently for fresh vegetables because their nutrients tend to drop while they’re in the fridge.” What are the “must have” gadgets in her tool belt? Channel knife, wine opener, vegetable peeler, melon ball scoop, candy thermometer, needle-nose pliers (to remove fish bones), basting brush, and a zester. Please visit hhhealth.com to learn more about Chef Matthes and Hilton Head Health.
July
Calendar of Events
Please call ahead before attending events. For entry guidelines, access SCliving.coop.
Upstate JULY
Daily • Horseback Riding, Forest Trails, Enoree. (864) 969-4990.
15 • An Afternoon with Abraham Lincoln, County Library, Saluda. (864) 445-4500.
Daily • Museum of Art, Greenville. (864) 271-7570.
21 • Nature Detective in the Forest, Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville. (864) 244-5565.
Daily • Museum of Art, Arts Center, Spartanburg. (864) 583-2776.
Mid-state JULY
Daily • National Battlefield, Chesnee. (864) 461-2828.
22 • Plantation Children, Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, Union. (864) 427-5966. 25 • Summer Fest, Chesnee. (864) 461-7631. 25 • Ivan Parker with Total Praise Quartet, Southern Wesleyan University Chapel, Central. (864) 868-7489. 27-30 • Pre-School Art Camp, Arts Center, Clemson. (864) 633-5051. 30 • Nature Detective in the Creek, Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville. (864) 244-5565. August
4 • Indigo, Slavery, and the South Carolina Backcountry, Arts Center, Clemson, (864) 656-3921.
Daily • Senior Activities, Easley. (864) 295-2136.
18 • Doll Show, Santee. (803) 783-8049.
Daily • Trail Rides, Easley. (864) 898-0043.
18 • Heirloom and Herb Gardening, Redcliffe State Historic Site, Beech Island. (803) 827-1473.
Daily • Volunteer, Botanical Garden, Clemson. (864) 656-3405. Monday • Meditation, Mauldin. (864) 329-9961. Third Saturday • BBQ, Meece Mill, Pickens. (864) 878-2608. Third Saturday • Milling, Music & Memories, Pickens. (864) 898-5963. Thursday • Electric City Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus, Anderson. (864) 225-0654. Wednesday • Piedmont Area Mensa, Greenville. (864) 963-2335. Friday & Saturday • BurtStark Mansion, Abbeville. (864) 366-0166.
7 • Antique Automobile Club Cruise In, Greenwood. (864) 489-4943.
Saturday • Dinner Show, Pumpkintown. (864) 836-8141.
7-8 • Ed Brown’s Championship Rodeo, Blacksburg. (864) 839-6239.
Sunday • County Museum, Laurens. (864) 833-2643.
8 • Music on the Mountain, Table Rock State Park, Pickens. (864) 878-9813.
Friday • Bluegrass, Oolenoy Community Building, Pumpkintown. (864) 878-4257.
15 • Battle of Musgrove’s Mill Anniversary Celebration, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Clinton. (864) 938-0100.
Through September 20 • Eyes to the Hills Exhibit, Upcountry History Museum, Greenville. (864) 467-3100.
By Appointment • Museum, Abbeville. (864) 459-4600.
Through August 16 • Brookgreen in the Upstate, Spartanburg. (800) 849-1931, upstatesculptour.com.
Daily • Artist Co-op, Laurens. (864) 575-3020.
Through July 24 • Summer Art Camp, Clemson. (864) 633-5051.
Daily • Arts Council, Greenville. (864) 467-3132.
Through July 19 • Peach Festival, Gaffney. (864) 489-5716.
ONGOING
Daily • Arts Council, Union. (864) 429-2817.
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24 • Unbelievable Bats! Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia. (803) 788-2706. 31-August 1 • Reunion Festival, Little Mountain. (803) 924-2969. AUGUST
1 through 29 • Saturday Train Rides, South Carolina Railroad Museum, Winnsboro. (803) 635-9893.
Daily • Congaree National Park, Hopkins. (803) 776-4396. Daily • Corley Mill Artists, Lexington. (803) 356-2986. Daily • Historic Brattonsville, McConnells. (803) 684-2327.
Coastal
Daily • Historical Center of York County, York. (803) 684-3948 ext. 41.
16-18 • National Father & Son Team Classic, Myrtle Beach. (866) 497-2627.
Daily • McKissick Museum, Columbia. (803) 777-7251.
17-19 • Watermelon Festival, Pageland. (843) 672-6400.
Daily • Museum of York County, Rock Hill. (803) 329-2121.
20-24 • Visual and Performing Arts Camps, Arts Center, Hilton Head. (843) 686-3945 ext. 233.
Daily • Nature Parks, Lyons Park, Elloree. (803) 897-2821. Daily • Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia. (803) 446-4219. Daily • Salkehatchie Arts Center, Allendale. (803) 584-6084. First & third Tuesday • Starlighter Quilters, Orangeburg. (803) 874-2973.
Saturday • Living History Day, Historic Brattonsville. (803) 684-2327.
6 • Main Street Live Street Concert, Rock Hill. (803) 324-7500.
Saturday • Living History Days, Settlemyre Planetarium, York. (803) 684-3948.
7-8 • South Carolina Peanut Party, Pelion. (803) 606-9522.
Third Sunday • Fashion Doll Club, Columbia. (803) 738-1550.
7-9, 14-16 • The Other Brother, Pine Tree Players, Winnsboro. (803) 635-6847.
Tuesday & Saturday • Northeast Ceramics, Elgin. (803) 600-9351.
11 • EdVenture Family Night, Columbia. (803) 779-3100.
Tuesday through Friday & first Sunday • SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, Columbia. (803) 737-8095.
By Appointment • Mill Town Museum, Lando. (803) 789-6361. Daily • Arts Council, Rock Hill. (803) 328-2787.
Tuesday through Saturday • Catawba Pottery Collection, County Historical Museum, Fairfield. (803) 635-9811. Through September 30 • James Brown Exhibit, Orangeburg. (803) 536-7174.
Daily • Catawba Pottery, Cultural Center, Rock Hill. (803) 328-2427 ext. 225.
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
JULY
26-26 • River Rescue II, Colleton State Park, Canadys. (843) 538-8206. 28-30, August 11-13 • Barrier Island Discoveries Camp, Hilton Head. (843) 689-6767 ext. 223. AUGUST
Through September 27 • Cleve Gray: Man & Nature, Museum of Art, Columbia. (803) 799-2810.
Daily • Audubon Newhall Preserve Trails, Hilton Head. (843) 842-9246. Daily • Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet. (800) 849-1931. Daily • Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown. (843) 546-7706. Daily • Magnolia Plantation, Charleston. (800) 367-3517. Daily • Nature & Dolphin Tours, Hilton Head. (843) 684-1910. Daily • Natural History Programs, Myrtle Beach State Park. (843) 238-0874. Daily • Coastal Discovery Museum, Honey Horn, Hilton Head Island. (843) 689-3033 ext. 224. Daily • Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown. (843) 546-7706. Daily • Raceway Tour, Darlington. (866) 459-7223.
Friday • Friday Night Jams, Holy Grounds Café, Clover. (803) 222-4463.
3 • Let’s Talk About It: Key Ingredients, Food in Fiction, County Library, St. Matthews. (803) 217-7299.
ONGOING
Tuesday through July 29 • Women’s History, Hampton-Preston Mansion, Columbia. (803) 252-1770.
Monday-Saturday • Horry County Museum, Conway. (843) 915-5320. 1 • Tobacco Heritage Festival, Horry County Museum, Conway. (843) 915-5320.
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7 • Carolina Shag Club Dance, Crowne Plaza, Hilton Head. (843) 705-5919. 7-9 • Craftsmen’s Classic Arts & Crafts Festival, Convention Center, Myrtle Beach. (336) 282-5550. 8 • Dog Days Blues & Jazz Fest, Little River. (843) 399-9463. 11 • Historical Impersonation of General Francis Marion, Cockfield House, Lake City. (843) 394-1676. 14 through August 30 • May River Theatre Presents The World Goes ’Round, Town Hall, Bluffton. (843) 815-5581. ONGOING
Daily • Aquarium, Charleston. (843) 579-8660. Daily • Artisans Center, Walterboro. (843) 549-0011.
Through November 27 • Friday Kayaking, Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island. (843) 838-2011. Through September 4 • Discoveries: 7 Points of View, Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head. (843) 689-3033. Through August 31 • Saturday Fish Printing, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet. (843) 237-4440. Through August 30 • Jack Thompson: Myrtle Beach Photographs, Art Museum, Myrtle Beach. (843) 238-2510. Through July 25 • Gullah Studies Summer Institute, Penn Center, St. Helena Island. (843) 838-2474.