November 27, 2013

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from

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We’ve got 10 holiday food safety tips. A6 VOL. 119, NO. 38 WWW.THEITEM.COM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

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Chimney causes Manning home fire Resident OK; Officials urge residents to keep heating equipment safe, clean

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com MANNING — A fire that destroyed a Manning home has local fire officials reminding area residents to make

sure as temperatures drop that they have taken proper safety precautions before using their chimneys.

The Manning Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire about 12:50 a.m.

Lee Vann Bradley’s fire-damaged home on Harvin Street in Manning is seen Tuesday. The cause was determined to be a faulty chimney.

Tuesday at 105 Harvin St. According to the incident report, the fire was caused by a faulty chimney in the structure.

“It was a dilapidated

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

SEE FIRE, PAGE A12

Check that list twice Get holiday necessities with Sumter stores’ crack-of-dawn deals

Man shot by deputy files suit

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com

For the first time since 2002, Thanksgiving will take place as late as the calendar possibly allows, so you’ve had plenty of time to plan your holiday and your Black Friday routine.

Like many Americans, many Sumter residents will be out and about checking items off their lists. Christmas PLAN OF gifts and muchATTACK needed electronics are what Which local stores many have in are offering Black mind this weekFriday deals? Turn to end. page A9 to find out.

To deter crime during the holiday season, By the numbers: additional offiBlack Friday / A9 cers will be patrolling the area until after the New Year, according to the Sumter Police Department.

According to a preliminary Thanksgiving weekend shopping survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, up to 140 million people plan to or will shop from Thursday to Sunday during the Thanksgiving holiday — a slight decrease from the 147 million who planned to shop last year.

Although the numbers make it seem as though there aren’t

An elderly man shot and injured by a Lee County sheriff’s deputy just before Christmas last year is now suing the county and sheriff’s office for damages.

The suit, filed earlier this month with the Court of Common Pleas for Lee County, alleges gross negligence and recklessness by the law enforcement agency in the shooting that sent the 85-year-old man to the hospital with an officer’s bullet in his shoulder.

According to the suit, Forrest Garner Tindall accidentally set off the security system in his home on Lee State Park Road on the night of Dec. 17, 2012. Deputies were dispatched to the scene, and when Sgt. Luis Torres approached the back door of the house with his sidearm drawn, the weapon discharged through the door and struck Tindall.

“This .40-caliber bullet was lodged in Forrest’s chest, just missing by a mere millimeter his subclavian artery, one of the body’s major blood vessels,” according to the suit filed by attorney Robert Phillips.

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

An employee with Simpson Hardware on Wesmark Boulevard opens the store’s doors on Ladies Night recently. Local shoppers and businesses, including Simpson locations, are gearing up for Black Friday, and officers will also be out in force to deter crime throughout the season.

Are you planning to shop on Black Friday?

“Yes, we’ll be shopping on Black Friday. We’re looking for a cellphone – the Samsung Mega.”

Michael Bolden, who is visiting the area with his wife, Sumter native Betty Bolden

“I look at DVDs, and I’ll probably look for some cheap electronics. Now my wife will probably be doing a lot of the shopping.”

“Oh, yeah. We have two daughters and three grandchildren. We’ll definitely go to Walmart, and we’re looking for anything for kids.”

Michael Regan, Sumter resident who will shop in Pittsburgh with his wife, Becky

Dennis Selvig, Sumter

“I would like a new pair of snow boots, some perfume and jewelry.”

“We like to ‘people watch,’ but we don’t have a list yet of what we need to buy.”

Betty Bolden

SEE DEALS, PAGE A9

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

LOCAL BRIEFS

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From staff reports

Shaw to serve Thanksgiving dinner Shaw Air Force Base isn’t leaving its airmen, soldiers or their families with empty stomachs this Thursday.

From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., a traditional Thanksgiving meal will be served at the dining facility.

For the first hour, Col. Clay Hall and his wife, Barrie, are scheduled to be serving food. Other leaders at the base will also be dishing up the good stuff throughout the day.

“At most bases, usually the leaders go out to bring a little bit of something back,” said Tech Sgt. Frank Miller with the 20th Fighter Wing’s Public Affairs Office. “They try to lift up people’s morale by having leaders out there serving.”

It is also a way to say “thank you” to the men and women who are working during the holiday, he said.

Festival of Choirs set for Sunday The Woman’s Afternoon Music Club’s Festival of Choirs to be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Grace Baptist Church will also feature choirs from Trinity United Methodist Church and Church of the Holy Comforter.

Charles Haraway will direct Trinity as they sing “Thou Shalt Know Him When He Comes” by Mark G. Sirett, and Beth Lewallen will accompany the choir on organ.

Holy Comforter, directed by Walter S. Wilson Jr. and accompanied on piano by Kay Rasmussen, will perform Louridsen’s “Sure on This Shining Night.”

Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.

Help LHS students visit Europe Students at Lakewood High School are trying to raise about $27,000 for a trip to Europe.

The trip is planned for June 11-20, 2014. World History teacher James Sweat said through EF Travels, the entire trip can be planned, and the money raised will cover food, room and board and transportation. At the moment, there are six students who are interested in taking the trip where they will visit Paris, London and Rome.

The students have solicited family donations and previously organized a Belk charity event where they raised $850. Goodwin Honda also donated $25 to the fund. Sweat has also set up a GoFundMe page for the event. Show your support by visiting www.GoFundMe.com/4wkzns or calling Sweat at (803) 506-2700, extension 2007.

Mr. Sanchez goes to New York SHS student to perform in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

BY JADE ANDERSON janderson@theitem.com One of Sumter’s own will be playing saxophone in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“I was excited that I was asked to be part of this great ensemble,” Christian Sanchez said.

“Everyone knows about the Macy’s Day Parade, and to think that I was going to be performing for millions of people was a whole lot to take in. I’ve been in parades with the Sumter High Marching Band, but I’ve never performed in something as big as this.”

The Macy’s Great American Marching Band selected the Sumter High School drum major because of his placement in Allstate band throughout the years.

While this will be the first time he has performed in an event of this scale, it wasn’t his first offer.

“I’ve received similar offers like this from the Rose Bowl and the Orange Bowl, but I’ve never thought I could do it,” Sanchez said. “When I told my mom, she reacted like I just won the lottery. I didn’t even have to ask my parents if I could do this. They told me yes before I could ask the question. My family’s going to watch the parade hoping to spot me in the band.”

Sumter High’s assistant band director, who accompanied him to New York, is also proud of Sanchez.

“We have some great musicians in the ensemble, but we only have few students who are at a very similar level of playing,” said Victoria “Tori” Stoudenmier. “He definitely excels in ev-

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENT KING / LIMELITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Sumter High School drum major and senior Christian Sanchez will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. He has played saxophone for seven years and tries to practice an hour every day.

erything that he does.

He has a positive attitude and a consistent work ethic. It’s a great honor for anyone but especially for him. He’s wanting to major in music. He’s applying for it and auditioning for colleges now. This is a great thing to put on a résumé.”

His plan is to study music composition, Sanchez said, and eventually to write music for movies and video games.

Though his hard work played a huge part, the Sumter High senior knows that isn’t the only factor that helped him reach this achievement.

“Back when I started band, I would have never guessed that music would get me this far,” Sanchez said. “I would like to thank all the Sumter band directors that have helped me get to where I am today, and a special thanks to my middle school band di-

rector, Mrs. Joni Brown.

If it wasn’t for the way she made band fun and enjoyable, I would have never been the musician I am today.

“I also want to thank the principal at Sumter High School, Mr. Dana Fall, for having sponsored the entire trip. His generosity has helped us tremendously, and I will always be grateful.”

Reach Jade Anderson at (803) 774-1250.

Resolve family differences with help of God’s love

A

h, Thanksgiving — the time where families come together to eat, laugh and criticize each other’s life choices.

Our loved ones know us well, which makes their ammunition especially potent. Flunked out of law school? Have an introverted spouse?

Don’t make as high a salary as your sibling? It’s almost a guarantee the subject will come up.

We’ve all bitten our tongues, feeling the need to defend ourselves against a family member or close acquaintance who lobs a caustic remark our way. The holidays can be a Petri dish in which hurt feelings can fester into bitterness and perhaps a backyard shouting match. If one were so inclined, you

could effectively damage several relationships within your family before the pumpkin pie is served.

What is it about being gathered together during the holidays that makes us feel like critiquing the ones closest to us? Why can’t we escape a family get-together without gossiping about whoever just walked into the kitchen?

Because there is one who is constantly trying to steal the God-given

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blessings in your life, including sabotaging key relationships in your life. Scripture tells us that we are to maintain loving relationships within our families.

Even the relationship between the Almighty and His children is that of a family.

The Bible gives example after example of families in conflict, many who resolved their differences with the help of God’s love and grew stronger because of it. It

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The Item is published six days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless it falls on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter,

tells of parents interfering on behalf of their children. It speaks of brothers banding together to accomplish great things in the name of their faith. God gives us the people closest to us to build us up and to challenge us to become better. So why is it often so hard to truly love our family?

Before I got married, my father gave me some great advice. He told me that sometimes I would have to choose to love my husband. There would be times, he said, when it wouldn’t be as easy to love him because of something he or I had done. Fortunately those times have been few, but I now understand what he meant. Love is a choice. Sometimes you have to love someone

when they aren’t loveable, including those family members bent on criticizing.

As a people who believe there is a higher purpose, we know that our struggles are systemic. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6:12 our ultimate struggle is with sin.

This leaves us free to hate sin but love the sinner. As believers, this should open up a new way of life, especially when dealing with difficult people during the holidays.

We can live with joy, regardless of the circumstance. Imagine a holiday season where not even a snide remark from that dreaded family member could deter you from feeling the full weight of joy this season.

I certainly hope your

Thanksgiving is a joyful one. I would like to express my own thankfulness to The Item newspaper staff, in particular, the Osteens, for their vision in letting me publish this column each week. Not a week goes by that someone doesn’t mention this column and share a bit of their own faith journey. It is an immensely rewarding position, and I’m truly thankful for the ability and opportunity to share my own faith journey with you.

Editor’s Note: Beginning the week of Dec. 1, Faith Matters will publish in the Thursday edition of The Item.

Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com

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Publishing Co. as agent. No responsibility for advance payments is assumed by the company until the money is received at this office.

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RECYCLING: This newspaper is printed on recycled paper and uses environmentally safe soy inks to reduce ruboff. It is recyclable.

CORRECTIONS: If you see a statement in error, contact the City Desk. Corrections will appear on this page.

LOCAL / NATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

POLICE BLOTTER STOLEN PROPERTY:

A 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt containing a wallet, a driver’s license, two Social Security cards and $60 in cash was reportedly stolen between 10:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Friday from a parking lot at 350 Harmony Court. The car was found on Commander Court at 2:24 a.m. Saturday, but the car was missing a radio/CD player, speakers and the rear bumper.

The car is valued at $8,000, and the items are valued at $1,400.

A motor from a Goodman heater, copper wire, copper tubing, condenser coils and a 240V generator were reportedly stolen between 7:20 p.m. Nov. 20 and 9:25 a.m. Friday from untenanted property at 29 Wright St. The items are valued at $6,800.

A black/gray Dell laptop computer, assorted gold and diamond jewelry, a black LG cellphone, a silver hunting knife and a black/yellow Poulan leaf blower were reportedly stolen between 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 6:45 p.m. Sunday from a

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home in the 3000 block of Sycamore Drive in Dalzell. The items are valued at $3,430.

A 55-inch TCL flatscreen TV valued at $1,350 was reportedly stolen between 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 11:15 a.m. Friday from a home in the 700 block of Believers Path.

A pink .38-caliber gun valued at $448 was reported stolen at 12:44 a.m. Nov. 15 from a home in the 10 block of Dink Street.

ASSAULT:

James Preston, 65, was walking on East Moore Street when two males reportedly assaulted him sometime between 1 p.m. and 1:55 p.m. Saturday. Preston told police that the men stole an uncertain amount of money from him.

MALICIOUS INJURY TO PROPERTY:

A 2004 Chevrolet Trail Blazer, located at a home in the fourth block of Wright Street, reportedly sustained $2,000 in damage when an unknown suspect scratched the car between 7 p.m. Friday and 1:20 p.m. Saturday.

STATE BRIEF

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From Associated Press reports

3 people arrested in Anderson shooting death ANDERSON — Three people from Anderson are charged with murder in the shooting death of a woman during a robbery attempt last weekend. Anderson County sheriff’s deputies have charged 23-year-old Bradacious Galloway, 26-year-old Tereba Geer and 23-year-old Steven Hagood with murder. Dorothy Hendrix, 76, was shot and killed outside her home about 1 a.m. Saturday.

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THE ITEM

A3

Storm threatens holiday travel in East

BY KELLY P. KISSEL The Associated Press LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Snow and ice are forecast for the northeast of the country as a deadly storm that started on the West Coast last week gathered steam Tuesday and powered toward the East in time for Thanksgiving.

The National Weather Service warned that the storm would almost certainly upset holiday travel plans for those hoping to visit loved ones in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

“The timing of the storm couldn’t be worse,” said Chris Vaccaro, spokesman for the weather service headquarters in Silver Spring, Md. “We are seeing

numerous threats as the storm is beginning to develop and intensify.”

Vaccaro said heavy rain and high winds would impact travel by air and road in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic and that the weather in that part of the country could have a ripple effect on airports with departing and originating flights elsewhere.

Heavy rain and breezy conditions will strike the East Coast from the Carolinas to the Northeast today, with ice and snow a possibility in the Appalachians, western Pennsylvania and western New York.

The storm system, already blamed for at least 11 deaths, could also spawn an isolated tornado in the Florida Panhandle.

The Southeast, meanwhile, is set to suffer soaking rain in the coming days, primarily in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.

The large system has already struck parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, but with temperatures creeping above freezing, the outcome was less dramatic there than forecasters had feared.

The storm limped across Arkansas with a smattering of snow, sleet and freezing rain that didn’t meet expectations.

“It’s just really cold. We had drizzle but no snow,” said Courtney O’Neal-Walden, an owner of the Dairyette diner on U.S. 270 in Mount Ida, Ark. “You can see (ice) on the power lines but the roads are fine.”

A4

NATION

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Go nuts over nuts Help yourself to some nuts this holiday season: Regular nut eaters were less likely to die of cancer or heart disease, according to a 30-year Harvard study.

Study ties them to lower cancer, heart disease death risk

BY MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Chief Medical Writer DALLAS — Help yourself to some nuts this holiday season: Regular nut eaters were less likely to die of cancer or heart disease — in fact, were less likely to die of any cause — during a 30-year Harvard study.

Nuts have long been called heart-healthy, and the study is the largest ever done on whether eating them affects mortality.

Researchers tracked 119,000 men and women and found that those who ate nuts roughly every day were 20 percent less likely to die during the study period than those who never ate nuts. Eating nuts less often also appeared to lower the death risk, in direct proportion to consumption.

The risk of dying of heart disease dropped 29 percent, and the risk of dying of cancer fell 11 percent among those who had nuts seven or more times a week compared with people who never ate them.

The benefits were seen from peanuts as well as from pistachios, almonds, walnuts and other tree nuts. The researchers did not look at how the nuts were prepared — oiled or salted, raw or roasted.

A bonus: Nut eaters stayed slimmer.

“There’s a general perception that if you eat more nuts, you’re going to get fat. Our results show the opposite,” said Dr. Ying Bao of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

She led the study, published in Thursday’s New England Journal of Medicine. The National Institutes of Health and the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation sponsored the study, but the nut group had no role in designing it or reporting the results.

Researchers don’t know why nuts may boost health. It could be that their unsaturated fatty acids, minerals and other nutrients lower cholesterol and inflammation and reduce other problems, as earlier studies seemed to show.

Observational studies such as this one can’t prove cause and effect but can suggest a connection. Research on diets is especially tough because it can be difficult to single out the effects of any one food.

People who eat more nuts may eat them on salads, for example, and some of the benefit may come from the leafy greens, said Dr. Robert Eckel, a University of Colorado cardiologist and former president of the American Heart Association.

Dr. Ralph Sacco, a University of Miami neurologist who also is a former heart association president, agreed.

“Sometimes when you eat nuts, you eat less of something else like potato chips,” so the benefit may come from

avoiding an unhealthy food, Sacco said.

The Harvard group has long been known for solid science on diets. Its findings build on a major study earlier this year — a rigorous

experiment that found a Mediterranean-style diet supplemented with nuts cuts the chance of heart-related problems, especially strokes, in older people at high risk of them.

AP FILE PHOTO

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75205433

NATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

THE ITEM

A5

Shoppers not willing to spend without big deals Best Buy also plans to match rivals’ prices, even after customers have purchased items. And Target, better known for its whimsical advertising, is touting its prices in holiday TV ads for the first

time in at least a decade.

The tempered expectations, earlier discounting and lowered profit outlooks from retailers come even though there are indications that the economy is recovering.

The job market is making strides. The housing market is starting to come back. And the stock market keeps hitting new highs. All that would ordinarily lead Americans to spend more.

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But so far, those improvements haven’t been enough to shore up consumer confidence. In fact, Americans’ confidence in the economy is at its lowest level since April.

Eddie C. Durant, Jr., D.D.S. Gregory A. Wheeler, D.M.D.

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NEW YORK — This holiday season, Americans may not spend their green unless they see more red.

Despite signs that the economy is improving, big store chains such as Wal-Mart and Kohl’s don’t expect Americans to have much holiday shopping cheer unless they see bold, red signs that offer huge discounts.

As a result, shoppers are seeing big sales events earlier and more often than in previous holiday seasons.

Retailers are trying to lure shoppers like Marissa Anwar, who has been doing more bargain hunting compared with last year.

The operations consultant, who lives in Toronto and New York City, said the economy “hasn’t been great� and she’s lost clients. As a result, she cut her shopping budget to $2,800 from last year’s $4,000. “I was a former

‘spend-aholic,’’’said Anwar, 29. “Now, I want to make sure I have the money before I spend it.�

It’s a problem that retailers know all too well.

Since the recession began in late 2007, stores have had to offer financially strapped Americans ever-bigger price cuts just to get them into stores. But those discounts eat away at profits.

So far, Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl’s are among more than two dozen major chains that lowered their profit outlooks for either the quarter or the year. A big reason is the expectation that they’ll have to offer huge discounts in order to get shoppers to spend.

There are already signs that retailers are aggressively discounting.

Wal-Mart, for instance, on Friday started matching or beating the prices that certain competitors such as Best Buy are advertising for some toys and electronics for the day after Thanksgiving — known as Black Friday.

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LOCAL / STATE

THE ITEM

Avoid food poisoning this Thanksgiving FROM STAFF REPORTS Cooking the Thanksgiving Day feast can be stressful for many reasons, especially when it comes to the turkey.

Here are some tips to ensure proper thawing, preparation and storing: • Refrigerate or freeze perishable food within two hours of shopping or preparing.

• When thawing in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours for each 4-5 pounds of meat. Thawing meat on the counter at room temperature is not safe.

• Submerging the turkey in cold tap water is also a method for thawing.

Make sure the bird is in a leak-proof container, and change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

• Never place fresh fruit/vegetables or cooked food in the same container or on the same surface that raw food has touched.

• Always wash your hands after handling raw meat. Scrub hands, wrists, fingernails and in between fingers with soap for at least 20 seconds.

• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers immediately.

“One of the major issues over the holidays concerns improperly cooking stuffing that is placed inside the bird, said Dr. Jill Michels, a clinical pharmacist and director of the Palmetto Poison Center at USC’s South Carolina College of Pharmacy. “Even if the bird is cooked correctly, stuffing may not have reached the temperature necessary to kill potentially harmful bacteria.”

Here are some pointers to ensure proper cooking techniques: • For optimal safety,

cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. If you place it inside the turkey, do so just after thoroughly cooking the turkey.

• Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees, and make sure the turkey is completely thawed.

• Cook the bird breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a roasting pan 2 to 2½ inches deep.

• Check the temperature at the meaty portion of the breast, thigh and wing. The safe minimum internal temperature is 165 degrees.

The USDA issues the following recommendations for cooking your Thanksgiving bird: • 8-12-pound birds should cook from 2¾ to 3 hours; • 12-14-pound birds should cook from 3 to 3¾ hours; and • 14-18-pound birds should cook from 3¾ to 4¼ hours.

Food poisoning can present itself in different ways, but common symptoms include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and fever that lasts longer than 48 hours. The Palmetto Poison Center is staffed by trained nurses and pharmacists who can provide expert information when food poisoning occurs. The center provides services to more than 4 million residents in all 46 counties of South Carolina.

Services are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To contact the Palmetto Poison Center, call 1-800-222-1222. Visit its website at poison.sc.edu for free materials, or follow the center on its Facebook page, “Palmetto Poison Center.”

Pecan crop hit by rains; harvest poor

BY SUSANNE M. SCHAFER The Associated Press ORANGEBURG — If you haven’t gotten pecans for the holidays, you had best get cracking.

Heavy rains earlier this year have put a big dent in South Carolina’s pecan crop, and, as demand increases, including from China, prices for the prized holiday nuts are likely to rise.

Perry Arant, whose OMC Feeds company shells the sweetmeats for small growers, said his storeroom should be bursting this time of year.

“We’ve hardly seen any nuts yet,” said Arant during a recent tour of his “Nut House” in Orangeburg.

The small building, located on the grounds of the OMC Feeds operation he co-owns, encloses a storeroom and several processing machines that would normally be clanging as the pecans and their shells are

cracked and separated.

“By now, we should have been almost 100 percent full,” Arant said of his empty store room.

Arant said a few growers have trickled in as Thanksgiving has approached but only about three or four a day at most.

David Haynes, an Orangeburg resident who dropped by with a small bag of nuts to crack and sell, said the pecan trees on his land just weren’t producing this year.

“The trees, they just look sick to me,” said Haynes, adding, “Last year, we got lots more than this.”

South Carolina Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture Martin Eubanks said heavy rains this past spring came when the nut trees were pollinating, harming the formation of the nutmeats inside the shells.

And besides, the pecan trees appeared to be in a year to yield less, even without the rains, Eubanks said.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

LOCAL

THE ITEM

A7

TURKEY DAY FACTS • In the fall of 1621, early settlers of Plymouth Colony, known today as Pilgrims, held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest, an event many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving.

• President Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday when he proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863.

• It was President Franklin Roosevelt who later clarified that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month to encourage earlier holiday shopping, never on the occasional fifth Thursday.

BY THE NUMBERS 242 million The number of turkeys forecasted to be raised in the United States in 2013 — that’s down 5 percent from the number raised during 2012.

$23.1 million The value of U.S. imports of live turkeys for 2012 with 99.8 percent of them coming from Canada.

2.6 billion pounds The total weight of sweet potatoes — another popular Thanksgiving side dish — produced by major sweet potato producing states in 2012.

3,889 The number of baked goods stores in the U.S. in 2011 — a potential place to visit to purchase refreshing desserts.

2,918 The number of fruit and vegetable markets in the United States in 2011 — a great place to find holiday side dishes.

98.6 The percentage of households in 2011 with a gas or electric stove — essential for cooking a Thanksgiving feast. An additional 96.8 percent had a microwave, also helpful in preparing the meal.

98.3 The percentage of households with a television in 2011. No doubt, many guests either before, after or perhaps even during the feast will settle in front of their TVs to watch some football or Thanksgiving specials.

35.8 The percentage of households with a stand-alone freezer in 2011, which they may want to use to preserve their Thanksgiving leftovers. Far more — 99.2 percent — have a refrigerator.

64,366 The number of supermarkets and other grocery stores in the U.S. in 2011. These establishments are expected to be extremely busy around Thanksgiving, as people prepare their meals.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

DEALS from Page A1 many Americans who are anti-Black Friday, there are many who avoid the chaos during Black Friday weekend and shop on other days or participate in Cyber Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not worth it,â&#x20AC;? said Sumter resident Elaine Freed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can actually find pretty good deals the day before Thanksgiving. If I had kids, it may be different.â&#x20AC;?

While some people brave the lines and crowds at their local retailers, other consumers will sit in their warm, comfortable homes and complete their holiday shopping online.

A Shop.org eHoliday survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics showed that retailers will have a variety of offers, including special email campaigns, one-day sales, free gifts with purchase promotions, free standard shipping on all purchases and discounted shipping. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Though many peo-

BLACK FRIDAY

BY THE NUMBERS 33 million Shoppers (25.3 percent) who plan to shop on Thanksgiving Day

97 million This weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoppers (69.1 percent) who will shop on Black Friday

49.1 Percentage of those shopping during Black Friday weekend who will scour newspapers for advertising circulars to find information about upcoming sales events

33.5 Percentage of shoppers who will look for special emails from retailers about sales events

27 Percentage of shoppers who will follow retailersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; websites for news about upcoming sales events

21.9 Percentage of shoppers who will use coupon websites to look for deals Source: Statistics provided by a recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation.

ple have already started to check off items

from their holiday shopping lists, we fully expect to see many more come out on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the weekend to take in the festive sights and sounds â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and to take advantage of unbeatable deals,â&#x20AC;? said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the official kick-off to the holiday season, retailers are prepared to pull out all the stops for their online and store shoppers, including offering sweepstakes with cash prizes, free gifts with purchase and even exclusive opportunities to score top gift items before everyone else.â&#x20AC;?

According to retailers, popular items customers will be looking for on Black Friday include televisions, Fisher-Price and Hot Wheels products, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clothing, digital cameras, the new Apple iPhone 5C, tablets, Keurigs, laptops, Bluray players, Playstation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One. Reach Raytevia Evans at (803) 7741214.

THE ITEM

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Self-shoppersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; group grows NEW YORK (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Getting up early on Black Friday for a little shopping? Doing your part on Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, too? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in the name of gift-giving â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or at least the guise of it.

It seems a lot of consumers are using these sales and retail events to treat themselves to a new little something.

As a group, self-shoppers are growing, said Marshal Cohen, chief analyst of The NPD Group, Inc., a consumer insight company.

He puts the number at 20 percent, up from 5 percent in the early 2000s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started tracking people shopping for themselves about 10 years ago. I was at a Black Friday in a Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a suburban location in Long Island,â&#x20AC;? he recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This woman has one arm filled with a few things, maybe a dress and a few sweaters, and another with 12 items.â&#x20AC;?

Guess which hand had the future presents for her two sisters and a friend?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a similar scene in Loft stores already this year, said Lori LeslieRobbins, director of client experience for the retailer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For us, the tell-tale sign that someone is shopping for themselves is that our fitting rooms stay busy for the holidays. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trying clothes on, and

WHERE CAN I SNAG SOME HOLIDAY DEALS?

Start the day right.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a list of some of the Sumter area stores offering special hours on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Friday:â&#x20AC;?

Simpsons â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Wesmark Boulevard location will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Black Friday shopping. Call other locations for store hours during Black Friday weekend.

Sumter Mall â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The mall stores will begin opening at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and will open at midnight on Black Friday.

Walmart â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Open on Thanksgiving. Walmart locations nationwide will use a wristband method and have a â&#x20AC;&#x153;One-Hour Guaranteeâ&#x20AC;? program.

Walmart representatives will hand out wristbands while supplies last prior to the designated 6 p.m.

and 8 p.m. events. From 6 to 7 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, customers in the designated lines can purchase top gifts at low prices, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive the item that night or before Christmas. Visit Walmartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website to view Friday events. The large retailer will offer 65 percent more inventory on televisions and double the number of tablets compared to last year.

Kmart â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Opens at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day and will have Black Friday specials until 10 p.m. Friday.

Big Lots â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The store will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday and pass out scratch-offs to the first 100 customers in the store.

A9

Read The

Item.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A shopper carries Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bags Saturday while crossing an intersection outside Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in New York. It seems a lot of consumers are using Black Friday weekend sales and retail events to treat themselves to a new little something.

you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to do that for a gift.â&#x20AC;?

Because of the deep discounts, shoppers see this as an opportunity to replenish their own wardrobes and homes with less guilt than buying the new pair of jeans, for example, at full price, Cohen said. Those same shoppers might not feel that way about a gift for someone else.

He said especially the early-bird holiday shoppers are looking for the sales for themselves, while the transactions made closer to Christmas are more likely to be bona fide gifts.

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NATION

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Supreme Court will take up new health law dispute WASHINGTON (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to referee another dispute regarding President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care law, whether businesses can use religious objections to escape a requirement to cover birth control for employees.

The justices said they will take up an issue that has divided the lower courts in the face of roughly 40 lawsuits from for-profit companies asking to be spared from having to cover some or all forms of contraception.

The court will consider two cases. One involves Hobby Lobby Inc., an Oklahoma Citybased arts and crafts chain with 13,000 fulltime employees. Hobby Lobby won in the lower courts.

The other case is an appeal from Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp., a Pennsylvania company that employs 950 people in making wooden cabinets. Lower courts rejected the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claims.

The court said the

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Customers are seen at a Hobby Lobby store in Denver in May. The Supreme Court will consider two cases, one involving the Oklahoma City-based arts and crafts chain, regarding whether businesses can use religious objections to escape a requirement in President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care law to cover birth control for employees.

cases will be combined for arguments, probably in late March. A decision should come by late June.

The cases center on a provision of the health care law that requires most employers that offer health insurance to their workers to provide a range of preventive

health benefits, including contraception.

In both instances, the Christian families that own the companies said that insuring some forms of contraception violates their religious beliefs.

The key issue is whether profit-making corporations can assert

religious beliefs under the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act or the First Amendment provision guaranteeing Americans the right to believe and worship as they choose. Nearly four years ago, the justices

expanded the concept of corporate â&#x20AC;&#x153;personhood,â&#x20AC;? saying in the Citizens United case that corporations have the right to participate in the political process the same way that individuals do.

Hobby Lobby calls itself a â&#x20AC;&#x153;biblically founded businessâ&#x20AC;? and is closed on Sundays.

Founded in 1972, the company now operates more than 500 stores in 41 states. The Green family, Hobby Lobbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owners, also owns the Mardel Christian bookstore chain.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said corporations can be protected by the 1993 law in the same manner as individuals and â&#x20AC;&#x153;that the contraceptive-coverage requirement substantially burdens Hobby Lobby and Mardelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights underâ&#x20AC;? the law.

In its Supreme Court brief, the administration said the appeals court ruling was wrong and, if

allowed to stand, would make the law â&#x20AC;&#x153;a sword used to deny employees of for-profit commercial enterprises the benefits and protections of generally applicable laws.â&#x20AC;?

Conestoga Wood is owned by a Mennonite family who â&#x20AC;&#x153;object as a matter of conscience to facilitating contraception that may prevent the implantation of a human embryo in the womb.â&#x20AC;?

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the company on its claims under the 1993 law and the Constitution, saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;for profit, secular corporations cannot engage in religious exercise.â&#x20AC;?

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If you own a property in South Carolina with GAF TimberlineÂŽ rooďŹ ng shingles, a class action lawsuit may affect your rights.

A class action lawsuit about the Counsel.â&#x20AC;? You do not have to pay Class durability of GAFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TimberlineÂŽ rooďŹ ng Counsel or anyone else to participate. shingles is pending in the U.S. District Instead, if Class Counsel obtains money Court for the District of South Carolina or beneďŹ ts for the Class, they may ask the called Brooks v. GAF Materials Corp., Court for payment of reasonable attorneysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; C.V. No. 8:11-cv-00983-JMC. The Court fees and costs, which would be paid by decided this lawsuit should be a class action GAF or out of any money recovered before on behalf of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Classâ&#x20AC;? or group of people, distributing the rest to the Class. You may called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plaintiffs,â&#x20AC;? that may include you. hire your own lawyer to appear in Court This notice summarizes your rights and for you; if you do, you have to pay that options. If you are included, you have lawyer. Jack and Ellen Brooks are Class to decide whether members like you, and ÂŽ to stay in the Class Timberline Shingles they serve as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Class and be bound by the Representatives.â&#x20AC;? result of the lawsuit, WHAT ARE or exclude yourself and keep the right to YOUR OPTIONS? sue GAF Materials You have a choice Corp. (â&#x20AC;&#x153;GAFâ&#x20AC;?). of whether to stay in There is no money the Class or not, and available now and no you must decide this guarantee that there now. will be. Get a detailed TimberlineÂŽ rooďŹ ng shingles If you stay in the notice at www. were sold in various colors and Class, you will be GAFTimberlineClass. com or call 1-800-348- provide a natural shadow effect. legally bound by all orders and judgments 3805. of the Court, and you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to sue, or continue to sue, GAFâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as part of any ARE YOU AFFECTED? You are in the Class if you own any South other lawsuitâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for the claims that are the Carolina property with GAF TimberlineÂŽ subject of this lawsuit. If money or beneďŹ ts shingles manufactured at GAFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mobile, are obtained, you will be notiďŹ ed about how Alabama manufacturing facility between to request a share. To stay in the Class, you 1999 and 2007 which have cracked, split, do not have to do anything now.

If you ask to be excluded from the Class, or torn. The detailed notice describes the you cannot get any money or beneďŹ ts from Class fully. this lawsuit, if any are awarded, but you will keep any rights to sue GAF for these WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THIS ABOUT? The lawsuit claims that the TimberlineÂŽ claims, now or in the future, and will not shingles included in the class action be bound by any orders or judgments of prematurely crack, split, and tear, well in the Court. To ask to be excluded, send advance of the life of the warranty. The an exclusion request form to the address suit claims that the shingles are defective below, postmarked by February 12, 2014. and that GAF knew but did not disclose You can get an exclusion request form at this. GAF says that TimberlineÂŽ rooďŹ ng the website below. shingles are not defective, that GAF honors the warranty on them, and that GAF has GETTING MORE INFORMATION If you have questions or want a detailed many defenses. The Court has not decided whether the Class or GAF are right. The notice or other documents about this lawsuit lawyers for the Class will have to prove and your rights call 1-800-348-3805, visit their claims at a trial that will take place www.GAFTimberlineClass.com, or write to: Timberline Class Notice Administrator, in the future.

P.O. Box 685, Hampton, SC 29924.

WHO REPRESENTS YOU? The Court appointed the law ďŹ rms of 1-800-348-3805 Speights & Runyan and Pope and Hudgens P.A., to represent Class members as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Class www.GAFTimberlineClass.com

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OPINION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

THE ITEM

A11

To submit a letter to the editor, e-mail letters@theitem.com COMMENTARY

|

Masking totalitarianism

O

ne of the oldest notions in the history of mankind is that some people are to give orders and others are to obey. The powerful elite believe that they have wisdom superior to the masses and that they’ve been ordained to forcibly impose that wisdom on the rest of us. Their agenda calls for an attack on the free market and what it implies — voluntary exchange. Tyrants do not trust that people acting voluntarily will do what the tyrant thinks they should do. Therefore, free markets are replaced with economic planning and regulation that is nothing less than the forcible superseding of other people’s plans by the powerful elite.

Because Americans still retain a large measure of liberty, tyrants must mask their agenda.

At the university level, some professors give tyranny an intellectual quality by preaching that negative freedom is not enough. There must be positive liberty or freedoms. This idea is widespread in academia, but its most recent incarnation was a discussion by Wake Forest University professor David Coates in a Huffington Post article, titled “Negative Freedom or Positive Freedom: Time to Choose?” (11/13/2013) (http://tinyurl.com/oemfzy6).

Let’s examine negative versus positive freedom.

Negative freedom or rights refers to the absence of constraint Walter or coercion when people engage WILLIAMS in peaceable, voluntary exchange. Some of these negative freedoms are enumerated in our Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

More generally, at least in its standard historical usage, a right is something that exists simultaneously among people. As such, a right imposes no obligation on another. For example, the right to free speech is something we all possess. My right to free speech imposes no obligation upon another except that of noninterference. Likewise, my right to travel imposes no obligation upon another.

Positive rights is a view that people should have certain material things — such as medical care, decent housing and food — whether they can pay for them or not. Seeing as there is no Santa Claus or tooth fairy, those “rights” do impose obligations upon others. If one person has a right to something he did not earn, of necessity it requires that another person not have a right to something he did earn.

If we were to apply this bogus concept of positive rights to free speech and the right to travel freely, my free speech rights would impose financial obligations on others to supply me with an auditorium, microphone and audience. My right to travel would burden others with the obligation to purchase airplane tickets and hotel accommodations for me. Most Americans, I would imagine, would tell me, “Williams, yes, you have the right to free speech and travel rights, but I’m not obligated to pay for them!”

What the positive rights tyrants want but won’t articulate is the power to forcibly use one person to serve the purposes of another.

After all, if one person does not have the money to purchase food, housing or medicine and if Congress provides the money, where does it get the money? It takes it from some other American, forcibly using that person to serve the purposes of another. Such a practice differs only in degree, but not kind, from slavery.

Under natural law, we all have certain unalienable rights. The rights we possess we have authority to delegate. For example, we all have a right to defend ourselves against predators.

Because we possess that right, we can delegate it to government, in effect saying, “We have the right to defend ourselves, but for a more orderly society, we delegate to you the authority to defend us.” By contrast, I don’t possess the right to take your earnings to give to another.

Seeing as I have no such right, I cannot delegate it.

The idea that one person should be forcibly used to serve the purposes of another has served as the foundation of mankind’s ugliest and most brutal regimes. Do we want that for America?

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2013 creators.com

GUEST EDITORIAL

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Thanksgiving reminds us of what counts FROM THE CHICAGO SUN TIMES

O

n this Thanksgiving, the economy is still in the dumps, unemployment stubbornly high and home values still dropping.

So what, exactly, is there to be thankful for?

We are thankful for the clarity such losses can bring — a reminder that what matters most is not what gizmos we have or how much money we can spend at Christmas.

What matters most, particularly in times of hardship, are the people in our lives, the quality of

the time we can spend with them and the meaning and joy that can bring.

And that, at its best, is what Thanksgiving is all about.

Families and friends gathered around a table, enjoying a (hopefully) simple meal, taking time to reflect on what they’re most thankful for.

America’s annual harvest festival is about the basics: the food we’re lucky enough to eat, the family and friends we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by, the freedom we’re lucky enough to enjoy.

Most holidays, religious or

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Obama to blame for wars in our country The letter on Nov. 12 was very interesting. A good Democrat blames President Bush “for two unfunded wars and also a drug plan that was not funded and a penalty for seniors if you did not sign up right away.” Wow. Can you imagine that someone would try to protect America citizens from terrorists that brought down the twin towers and flew into the Pentagon? I thought that the U.S. government is supposed to protect us from foreign and domestic enemies.

I won’t talk about Operation Fast and Furious, Benghazi, the IRS, the NSA, lack of payments to the families of veterans who die in the line of duty, trying to keep World War II veterans from seeing their memorial, the increase in disabilities and food stamps, 17 trillion in debt (I don’t know how many 0s that is), high unemployment, the falsehoods (lies) that our present president tells, etc.?

But, let’s look at the wars that have started here, in our own country, in the last five years.

There’s the war of the poor against the rich. It’s fun to dream that someone else should take care of you. The unemployed against the employed. It’s irresponsible to have nothing to do all day but laugh at those who work and have to take care of you. The liberals against the conservatives, the ones who want other people’s money to take care of those who don’t have money of their own. People who have faith in the government to

N.G. OSTEEN 1843-1936 The Watchman and Southron

H.G. OSTEEN 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. OSTEEN 1904-1987 The Item

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know what is best for them against those who believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Those who think for themselves and those who are told what to think. I bet Item readers can think of more.

I have figured out that the Democrats have a website that other Democrats go to so they can know what to say when someone asks them a question about the president’s policies.

Does anyone know the address of this website? If we all knew it, we could go there and find out their plans, then no one has to dodge answering questions.

JACQUELINE K. HUGHES Sumter

High school football brackets reveal conspiracy There has been plenty of revisited conversation lately about conspiracy theories in light of the 50-year anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. That conspiracy talks about how there was supposedly someone in the grassy knoll, how Lee Harvey Oswald could not have possibly been smart enough to pull the shooting off by himself, and it even suggests that the CIA and other government agencies played a role in his assassination. All week long I have seen recreations of the shooting to support these theories. But none of these recreations have anything to do with what I perceive to be a conspiracy taking place right here in South Carolina when it concerns who will represent this state in the Division 4A State Championship.

Founded October 15, 1894 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC 29150

otherwise, encourage reflection and gratitude. But few of the biggies are as unencumbered and universal as Thanksgiving. There is no mass or service to rush off to, no gifts to exchange, no religious differences to divide.

If you are American, if you live in America, this is your holiday.

At its best, this celebration can, even for just one day, dull the pain of this never-ending economic downturn, blunt the power of American commercialism and quiet our ugly politics.

It can, even for just one day, remind us what really matters.

And for that, we are thankful.

My primary reason for feeling that there must be a conspiracy taking place was concluded after I saw the brackets for the current Class 4A Divisional playoffs. Let me explain myself. The top four football teams in the entire state of South Carolina are Northwestern, Byrnes, Goose Greek and South Florence, respectively.

Now, all of these teams are geographically located in the northern part of the state with the exception of South Florence. All of these have won their respective regions and have gone undefeated throughout their regular season; that is except for one team: Byrnes.

Byrnes is currently listed as the No. 1 seed in the Division I playoff bracket and Goose Creek is listed as the No. 1 seed in the Division II bracket. What is puzzling to me is that both of these teams are ranked higher than Northwestern (No. 2 in Division II) and Northwestern is the No. 1 team in the state of South Carolina, as well as the No. 8 team in the nation. That’s right people, the entire United States, according to MaxPreps.com. I also find it very interesting that Northwestern is the only team to beat Byrnes during the regular season.

MARK OUSLEY Proud parent of a Sumter High Gamecock football player Sumter Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the 350-word length as stated in our Editorial Page Policies which appears regularly on this page, it can be read in its entirety under Opinion on The Item’s website, www.theitem.com.

HUBERT D. OSTEEN JR. | EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN MARGARET W. OSTEEN 1908-1996 The Item

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

LARRY MILLER CEO

A12

DAILY PLANNER

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

FIRE from Page A1 chimney with an old frame,” said Chief Mitchell R. McElveen.

“The chimney is structured to heat two rooms at once, and he had a fire lit in the fireplace in the sleeping area.”

McElveen said the fire caught and spread quickly. The occupant, Lee Vann Bradley, tried to grab a few of his belongings, but the fire had become too intense, so he left them behind and escaped without injury. When firefighters arrived, they found the structure fully engulfed in flames and threatening a second structure. The firefighters began to protect the exposed structure and started an exterior fire attack to get the fire under control.

After conducting a primary and secondary search, firefighters didn’t find any victims of the fire.

The home, which was owned by Fanny Bradley, is a total loss, and the fire caused about $23,000 in damage, including the contents of the home, according the Manning Fire Department. The American Red Cross is assisting those displaced by the fire.

Because of the change in weather, many residents are starting to use their fireplaces more to warm their homes.

McElveen said it’s important to have chimneys cleaned before using them.

“It’s that time of year and everyone is using their chimneys. They need to make sure they get their chimneys inspected,” McElveen said. “Keep them clean, and have them inspected if you haven’t in the past year or two.”

Reach Raytevia Evans (803) 774-1214.

We have a heating system to fit your budget. With payments as low as $79.00 per month

TRANE 0% APR for 36 equal monthly payments has been extended.

Call for complete details

Call our office for complete details.

Good on qualifying systems only.

TODAY

TONIGHT

58°

THURSDAY 46°

795-4257

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

51°

27° 27°

Windy; a couple of morning showers

Clear and much colder

Winds: W 12-25 mph Chance of rain: 60%

29°

40°

Cool with plenty of sunshine

Mostly sunny

Winds: NW 6-12 mph

Winds: N 4-8 mph

Winds: NE 6-12 mph

Winds: NE 7-14 mph

Winds: NE 6-12 mph

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 15%

Temperature High ............................................... 60° Low ................................................ 40° Normal high ................................... 63° Normal low ..................................... 38° Record high ....................... 79° in 1973 Record low ......................... 16° in 1950

Greenville 44/23

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

7 a.m. yest.

351.35 74.23 73.97 95.94

24-hr chg -0.23 -0.09 -0.08 +0.04

River Black River Congaree River Lynches River Saluda River Up. Santee River Wateree River

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

7 a.m. yest.

2.82 6.10 2.71 3.71 76.57 5.20

24-hr chg +0.06 +2.20 -0.07 +0.01 -0.69 -0.10

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 49/23/s 41/21/s 46/26/s 50/22/s 51/31/s 44/38/pc 50/31/s 43/24/s 45/27/s 48/26/s

Columbia 54/24 Today: A couple of morning showers; otherwise, cloudy and windy.

Thursday: Bright sunshine, but cold.

New

First

Dec. 2 Full

Dec. 9 Last

Dec. 17 Dec. 25

Bishopville 58/25

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.22" Month to date .............................. 0.96" Normal month to date ................. 2.50" Year to date ............................... 44.45" Normal year to date ................... 43.19"

Partly sunny and cool

Sunrise today .......................... 7:05 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 5:13 p.m.

Moonrise today ....................... 1:20 a.m.

Moonset today ........................ 1:35 p.m.

Gaffney 44/24 Spartanburg 45/23

Precipitation

Today Hi/Lo/W 52/22/sh 36/17/sh 42/20/sn 52/22/sh 62/31/sh 68/38/r 65/30/pc 42/21/sh 45/24/sh 54/24/sh

32°

Bright and sunny, but cold

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

City Aiken Asheville Athens Augusta Beaufort Cape Hatteras Charleston Charlotte Clemson Columbia

SATURDAY 50°

53°

Florence 62/27

Sumter 58/27

Myrtle Beach 66/29

Manning 60/27 Aiken 52/22

Shown is today’s weather.

Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Charleston 65/30

Today: A shower in spots early in the morning. High 62 to 67.

Thursday: Sunny and colder. High 47 to 51.

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Wed.

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013

City Darlington Elizabeth City Elizabethtown Fayetteville Florence Gainesville Gastonia Goldsboro Goose Creek Greensboro

Today Hi/Lo/W 61/27/sh 66/30/r 66/28/sh 63/28/sh 62/27/sh 61/28/pc 44/22/sh 64/28/sh 64/29/pc 41/23/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 47/26/s 43/27/s 45/28/s 45/27/s 47/27/s 58/36/pc 43/24/s 43/26/s 50/30/s 41/24/s

Thu.

City Greenville Hickory Hilton Head Jacksonville, FL La Grange Macon Marietta Marion Mount Pleasant Myrtle Beach

Today Hi/Lo/W 44/23/sh 42/23/sh 63/31/pc 60/26/pc 40/23/sh 47/23/sh 37/21/sf 40/21/sh 65/31/pc 66/29/sh

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 44/28/s 41/25/s 49/36/s 53/37/pc 47/25/s 51/25/s 44/25/s 43/22/s 50/32/s 47/30/s

High Ht. Low Ht. 3:39 a.m.....2.8 10:26 a.m.....0.8 3:46 p.m.....2.9 10:45 p.m.....0.5 4:34 a.m.....3.0 11:27 a.m.....0.7 4:41 p.m.....2.9 11:39 p.m.....0.3

City Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Today Hi/Lo/W 58/27/sh 62/31/sh 52/25/sh 45/22/sh 60/24/sh 59/28/sh 45/23/sh 62/29/sh 69/28/sh 41/22/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 49/28/s 50/31/s 40/24/s 44/23/s 44/23/s 51/30/s 44/27/s 49/34/s 47/26/s 39/24/s

Shown are today’s noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

-10s -0s 0s 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

The fire that destroyed Lee Vann Bradley’s home after a chimney fire spread has made local officials urge residents to keep their chimneys clean and inspected often.

LAWSUIT from Page A1 Tindall spent more than a week in the hospital, had numerous surgical procedures and then spent months recovering in a skilled nursing facility.

The State Law Enforcement Division investigated the shooting and submitted a report to the Third Circuit solicitor’s office. In a response obtained by The Item last month, Solicitor Ernest “Chip” Finney III declined to pursue criminal charges in the case.

“The evidence indicates that Officer Torres acted in a reasonable manner when faced with an investigation situation at a private residence,” Finney said in a letter to SLED dated April 5.

“We do not believe his actions constituted a violation of the criminal laws of this state since there is not evidence of willful or reckless conduct on the part of Officer Torres.”

But Tindall’s lawsuit claims Torres’ initial statement on the shooting provides no reason his gun would have accidentally discharged.

“An officer learning he should not have fired his weapon does not mean it was an accidental discharge,” it says.

The suit also alleges Torres may have mishandled his weapon during the incident. A

statement from firearms instructor Daniel Feeney Jr. states that on two separate occasions in 2012, Torres fired his gun left-handed during training exercises despite wearing his holster on the right side.

In his filing, Phillips claims the SLED report suggests Torres would have fired from his left hand while wearing a right-handed holster.

The suit names Torres and Feeney as defendants, as well as Sheriff Danny Simon and Leroy Solomon, the deputy who responded to the call with Torres, along with the sheriff ’s office and county. Home security company ADT is also named because it allegedly never alerted dispatchers to the fact Tindall had disabled the alarm system, suggesting the homeowner was present in the house.

When contacted by The Item on Tuesday, Simon declined to comment on the pending lawsuit but said the county would be filing a response to the suit soon. Phillips was unavailable Tuesday, and a call to Tindall was not returned by press time.

The suit requests a jury trial. It doesn’t specify a dollar amount sought by the plaintiff.

Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 7741272.

90s 100s 110s Stationary front

Cold front Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

Warm front

Ice

Today Thu. Today Thu. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 47/28/pc 49/31/s Las Vegas 62/46/pc 61/46/pc Anchorage 31/17/sf 22/10/c Los Angeles 75/57/pc 68/57/r Atlanta 39/23/pc 45/29/s Miami 77/52/t 71/66/pc Baltimore 48/27/r 37/22/s Minneapolis 23/16/pc 28/14/pc Boston 65/31/r 36/23/pc New Orleans 46/32/s 52/38/s Charleston, WV 34/17/sn 32/18/pc New York 60/29/r 34/24/s Charlotte 42/21/sh 43/24/s Oklahoma City 42/27/s 52/29/s Chicago 29/20/sf 33/18/pc Omaha 26/15/s 33/15/pc Cincinnati 32/19/c 35/20/s Philadelphia 56/28/r 36/27/s Dallas 46/29/s 54/32/s Phoenix 70/52/pc 72/51/s Denver 56/24/pc 47/26/pc Pittsburgh 34/19/sn 26/16/pc Des Moines 24/14/s 30/12/pc St. Louis 30/20/s 42/25/s Detroit 30/18/sf 29/20/pc Salt Lake City 52/34/pc 52/36/s Helena 44/26/pc 44/28/s San Francisco 62/50/pc 63/49/c Honolulu 83/68/s 83/67/pc Seattle 53/34/c 52/38/pc Indianapolis 30/17/c 34/19/s Topeka 32/21/s 43/18/s Kansas City 30/21/s 41/20/s Washington, DC 49/28/r 39/25/s Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

promised too much. Ask ARIES (March 21-April the last word in astrology for help and it will allow 19): You may have you to fulfill your trouble keeping things eugenia LAST promises and build a together. Too much solid reputation. Home going on and too many improvements will turn different interests will out well. lead to mistakes. Impulsiveness and restlessness will be the enemy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Secrecy is what makes you so intriguing. Your ability to TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Start a diet, join a capture attention using unique and fitness club or do something else that will interesting thoughts, ideas and plans will boost your energy and confidence. Romance attract the interest of someone who wants should be scheduled for late in the day. to partner with you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll have to use SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Proceed with your creative mind to zigzag your way caution. Not everyone will agree with you or through the trials and tribulations you face. want to do things your way. Emotional Don’t engage in something you know little distress and anger are prevalent and must about. Emotional distress due to money be kept under control if you wish to matters can be expected. maintain your status quo.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Handle personal situations with care. Get involved in activities CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You will be uncertain regarding personal issues. Step you enjoy and you will learn valuable back from a situation that is questionable information that will help you improve a and watch to see what everyone else does. relationship you treasure.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Someone will LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Help your community. spread false information about you or what The people you meet will be interesting and you have to offer. Make last-minute the difference you make will put you in the alterations to counter any meddling that spotlight. Someone from your past will come someone is doing on your behalf. to mind.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put your money VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make plans and on the table and your insight and expertise follow through. If you have an idea, don’t put into practice. There is money to be made it aside. Consider starting a business or and deals to be signed. Explore new developing a hobby. A professional move possibilities and expand on what you have will lead to good fortune. done in the past.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t fret if you’ve

PUBLIC AGENDA

LOTTERY NUMBERS WERE UNAVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

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SUMTER CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Today, 3 p.m., Planning Department, conference room, 12 W. Liberty St.

Thanksgiving closings schedule BANKS — All area banks and credit unions will be closed Thursday.

GOVERNMENT — Federal government offices and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed Thursday.

The following will be closed Thursday and Friday: state government offices; City of Sumter offices; County of Sumter offices; Clarendon County offices; and Lee County offices.

SCHOOLS — The following will be closed through Friday: Sumter School District; Clarendon School Districts 1, 2 and 3; Lee County Public Schools; St. Anne Catholic School; and William Thomas Academy.

The following will be closed today through Friday: Robert E. Lee Academy; Thomas Sumter Academy; Wilson Hall; St. Francis Xavier High School; Laurence Manning Academy; Clarendon

Hall; Sumter Christian School; and USC Sumter.

Central Carolina Technical College and Morris College will be closed Thursday and Friday.

UTILITIES — Farmers Telephone Coop. and Black River Coop. will be closed Thursday and Friday.

OTHER — Clemson Extension Service will be closed today through Friday.

The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce will be closed Thursday and Friday.

The Harvin Clarendon County Library will be closed Thursday through Saturday.

The Sumter County Library will be closed Thursday through Sunday.

All offices of The Item will close at 2 p.m. today and will remain closed until Monday. The Item will not publish a Thursday, Nov. 28, newspaper.

Black Friday is all week long

FINISHING STRONG

at

COSTLESS

VooDoo Dolls close out fall season by winning the 2013 South Carolina Youth Soccer Fall Festival at the Lexington County Soccer Complex

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS

B3

GSPN BN QN r %PPS #VTUFS 4BMFT 4PGB r 1BUJP 'VSOJUVSF AND MORE!

SPORTS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

1340-B Wilson Hall RD THE ITEM

B1

803-869-4030 TUES. - SAT. 10AM - 6PM (BESIDE SCOTT WILL COLLISION CENTER)

To contact the Sports Department, call (803) 774-1241 or e-mail sports@theitem.com

Flair for the dramatic SHSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; playoff surge highlighted by fantastic finishes

Cobb, 89, pulls off rare golf feat twice

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS jdriggers@theitem.com

After one quarter of the football game against Hillcrest High School in the quarterfinals of the 4A state playoffs on Friday, Sumter placekicker Vincent Watkins didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think he would have the opportunity to have much of an impact on the game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I would (when we trailed 21-0) after the first quarter,â&#x20AC;? Watkins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After two quarters, I was thinking I might have a chance.â&#x20AC;?

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because the Gamecocks cut the lead to 21-14 by halftime.

They tied the game at 28-28 and beat the Rams when Watkins banged home a 42-yard field goal on the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final play for the 31-28 victory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was just trying to focus on the kick,â&#x20AC;? the left-footed-kicking Watkins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went out there with a lot of confidence that I could make it. After I kicked it, I looked at it and lined it up and saw it was straight enough. I then just looked and saw the refereesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arms go up and it was good.â&#x20AC;?

As one might expect, it touched off a wild celebration as SHS won its sixth straight game and, more importantly, earned a spot in the

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rare for a golfer, no matter how many years he has played the sport, to pull off a hole-in-one shot.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even rarer to get two â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with the second one coming at the age of 89.

But Charlie Cobb can count himself among the few who have two hole-inone feathers in their caps after last month at The Links at Lakewood golf club.

Cobb hit an 8 iron on the par 3 third hole at Lakewood that plays at 95 COBB yards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every time I tried a 9 iron, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d come up short,â&#x20AC;?

Cobb said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I started using the 8 iron (on that hole) and just try to keep it from going too far.â&#x20AC;?

It went exactly where Cobb wanted it to on that day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; much to the delight of Cobb and his playing group that included Ed Parnell, Jim Glass and Tommy Atkinson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anyone could tell until we went to the hole and saw it in there,â&#x20AC;? Cobb said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then you get a little excited. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have too many of those, especially at my age. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know (my group) was excited too. They thought they were going to get free drinks or something.â&#x20AC;?

It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the first time Cobb had the experience,

GWIN DAVIS / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

Sumter kicker Vincent Watkins (32) prepares to celebrate as he watches his game-winning 42-yard field goal on SEE SUMTER, PAGE B2 Friday in Simpsonville that lifted the Gamecocks to a 31-28 victory over Hillcrest in the 4A Division I state playoffs.

SEE COBB, PAGE B2

Clemsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thomas gets 2nd chance at Clowney

BY AARON BRENNER Post and Courier

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Branch High School standout and South Carolina tight end Jerell Adams (89), offensive guard Cann (50) and tailback Jamari Smith and their teammates might be headed to Texas come January as the Cotton Bowl has expressed interest.

Cotton Bowl eyeing USC

BY RYAN WOOD Post and Courier COLUMBIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Cotton Bowl has targeted South Carolina to potentially fill its SECaffiliated slot, an abnormal possibility for a bowl that has invited eight straight SEC West programs.

Rick Baker, the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic President and CEO,

told The Post and Courier on Monday his bowl would take â&#x20AC;&#x153;a good, hard lookâ&#x20AC;? at South Carolina if it were available. No invitation has been extended, and South Carolina may be selected before the Cotton Bowl has a chance.

No. 10 South Carolina hosts No. 6 Clemson at 7 p.m. on Saturday on ESPN2. The first

top-10 matchup between the two rivals has demanded attention across the country, reaching all the way to Baker in Arlington, Texas.

Baker said his bowl isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worried about a 15-hour distance from Columbia. The Cotton Bowl would like to host Gamecocks coach SEE USC, PAGE B5

CLEMSON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jadeveon Clowney has made plenty of left tackles look silly, and Clemson senior Brandon Thomas took his medicine last year when South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s star defensive end recorded 4.5 sacks in the Gamecocksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fourth straight series victory.

It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sit well with Thomas, his performance last year.

Much as Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd and the senior class has one more chance to make amends, this is Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final crack at Clowney as collegians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m good enough where I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to change anything to focus more on (him). I just have to focus more on me,â&#x20AC;?

Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to change my technique or anything; just practice like I al-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson left tackle Brandon Thomas, center, is anxious for a second chance to slow down South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney registered 4.5 sacks against the Tigers in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game.

ways practice.â&#x20AC;?

Thomas keeps it simple when asked what went wrong last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I was as physical as I am now. My tech-

nique has gotten better,â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those two things will help me a lot in this game.â&#x20AC;?

Even in times this SEE CLEMSON, PAGE B5

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

WH boys open season with win FLORENCE — Wilson Hall’s varsity boys basketball team opened its season on Monday with a 57-53 victory over The King’s Academy at the TKA gymnasium.

Blake Bochette paced the Barons with 17 points.

Brent Carraway added 15.

Chris Dean of TKA led all scorers with 24 points.

WILSON HALL Bochette 17, Carraway 15, Ballard 4, Talley 6, Lowder 3, Schwartz 1, Croft 2, Kinney 9.

THE KING’S ACADEMY Dean 24, Clements 6, Powell 3, Porter 1, Towler 9, Zerniko 8, Davidson 2.

ROBERT E. LEE EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN

75 38

BISHOPVILLE — Zach Gooding scored 26 points to lead Robert E. Lee Academy to a 75-38 victory over Emmanuel Christian on Monday at the REL gymnasium.

Griff Buddin added 20 points for the Cavaliers, while Jonah Cox had 13.

Luke Raines paced Emmanuel with 17 points.

AREA ROUNDUP EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN Raines 17, Byrd 6, N. O’Neill 5, Helms 4, M. O’Neill 2, Atkinson 2.

ROBERT E. LEE Gooding 26, Buddin 20, Cox 13, Grantham 2, Glasscock 2, Alexander 2, Bramlett 8, Floyd 5.

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL THOMAS SUMTER 40 CAROLINA 35

DALZELL — Taylor Knudson and Julia Law combined for 29 points to lead Thomas Sumter Academy to a 40-35 victory over Carolina Academy on Monday at Edens Gymnasium in its season opener.

Knudson had 17 points while Law scored 12.

Tori Gaskins paced Carolina with 20 points.

CAROLINA Matthews 9, T. Gaskins 20, Morris 2, A. Gaskins 4.

THOMAS SUMTER Chappell 6, Knudson 17, Jenkins 2, Morris 3, Law 12.

WILSON HALL THE KING’S ACADEMY

40 28

FLORENCE — Hayley Smoak scored 15 points to lead Wilson Hall to a 40-28

COBB from Page B1 however. Years back he also managed a hole-in-one shot on a par 3 at the old Pocalla Springs course.

“I probably got a little more excited about that one,” Cobb said. “That being the

| season-opening victory over The King’s Academy on Monday at the TKA gymnasium.

Hannah Jordan and Nicolette Fisher both had eight points for the Lady Barons.

Addie Bokelman paced TKA with nine points.

WILSON HALL Smoak 15, Jordan 8, Fisher 8, Goodson 2, Cunningham 2, Hawkins 2, Belk 3.

THE KING’S ACADEMY Bokelman 9, Outlaw 6, Dean 6, Braden 6.

JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL THOMAS SUMTER 20 CAROLINA 17

DALZELL — Thomas Sumter Academy opened its season with a 20-17 victory over Carolina Academy on Monday at Edens Gymnasium.

Danielle Young led the Lady Generals with nine points and nine rebounds. Carmen Silvester had six points and six steals.

first one, you know how special it is and you know you might never get another one.”

Cobb has been playing golf for going on 60 years now and hopes to have a few more opportunities at coming up with a third.

“I have to use a lot more shots than I used to,” Cobb added.

SUMTER from Page B1 semifinal game against Summerville.

“I was hoping he’d make the kick, but I didn’t want to look at it,” said senior wide receiver Justin Martin.

“After he kicked it, I looked up and then everybody started cheering. It was unbelievable.”

Sumter will travel to the Lowcountry on Friday for the 7:30 p.m. contest against the Green Wave and legendary head coach John McKissick, the coach with the most victories at any level of football. Summerville, the No. 3 seed, is 11-2 on the year, while the Gamecocks are now 8-5.

The winner will face the winner of the other semifinal between 12-1 Byrnes and 10-3 Dutch Fork for the state title. The game will be played on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.

First-year head coach Reggie Kennedy had been talking to the team all season about holding the course and that good things would eventually come its way. That was hard to see when the Gamecocks were sporting a 1-4 record.

“I believe there were a lot of people who thought we were the same, old Sumter when we were 1-4,” said quarterback James Barnes, who has been a part of

KATHRYN PURINTON / GREENVILLE NEWS

Sumter’s Charlie Miranda (3) runs against Hillcrest’s Jacquavis Ballenger (7) during the Gamecocks’ 31-28 victory on Friday in Simpsonville during the quarterfinals of the 4A Division I state playoffs.

helping Sumter to its first winning season since 2009.

“We kept working, listening to the coaches, and things started going our way.”

“We kept working and we bought in to what the coaches were telling us,” said linebacker Devontaye Edwards. “We saw things starting to happen and that gave us the belief that we could win games.”

The Gamecocks have won their two playoff games in too dramatic of a fashion for their coaches and fans. They fell behind Mauldin 14-0 in the firstround game before winning 42-28. Then, Sumter did itself one better against then 11-1 and No. 2 seed Hillcrest 21-0.

None of the players really had a reason for the slow starts.

“I guess we just don’t have our groove in the beginning of the game,” Martin said. “It takes us a little time, then we start making the big plays.”

“I just don’t think we’ve been focused enough,” Edwards said. “I’m not sure why. We’ve got to be focused from the beginning of this game. We can’t let it happen this week, and I don’t think it will. We’ve had good practices.”

Barnes believes the Gamecocks are a more balanced team offensively between the run and the pass.

He credits the play of the offensive line for that. He likes Sumter’s chances on Friday.

“If we continue to do what we’ve been taught do, we can beat them,” Barnes said.

OSU, Michigan go different ways after 2011 game

BY RUSTY MILLER The Associated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio — A lot has happened in the two years since players from Ohio State and Michigan — the Buckeyes with their heads down, the Wolverines wildly celebrating — left the field at Michigan Stadium.

After beating their rivals seven years in a row, the Buckeyes lost that 2011 game 4034. At the time, it seemed as if the game might mark a tectonic shift for the two teams.

Those were dark days for Ohio State, which had seven losses that season, its most since 1897. And the NCAA was about to levy sanctions that would rock the program.

Michigan, under first-year coach Brady

Hoke, captured its 10th win and appeared to have recaptured its national prominence after the woeful era of Rich Rodriguez.

That one game appeared to have marked a sea change for both of the storied programs. Or did it?

The third-ranked Buckeyes have won almost every game since and are in the thick of the national championship chase under coach Urban Meyer, who has not lost on their sideline.

“It is completely different. We were reeling my freshman year,’’ defensive tackle Michael Bennett said. “Then you have where we are — a really strong team that is getting better every week. The confidence is through the roof.’’

Meanwhile, Hoke is dealing with yet another late-season swoon and the maize and blue have more doubters than believers.

SCOREBOARD

|

TV, RADIO TODAY 2:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Maui Invitational Seventh-Place Game from Laihaina, Hawaii (ESPNU).

2:30 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match from Old Trafford, England -- Bayer Leverkusen vs. Manchester United (FOX SPORTS 1).

4 p.m. -- College Basketball: Eastern Michigan at Kentucky (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

5 p.m. -- College Basketball: Maui Invitational FifthPlace Game from Laihaina, Hawaii (ESPN2).

6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Cancun Challenge ThirdPlace Game from Cancun, Mexico (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: NIT Season Tip-Off Semifinal Game from New York -- Drexel vs. Arizona (ESPNU).

7 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Carolina at New Jersey (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Indiana at Charlotte (SPORTSOUTH).

7:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Miami at Cleveland (ESPN).

7:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Maui Invitational ThirdPlace Game from Laihaina, Hawaii (ESPN2).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Boston at Detroit (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Australian Open First Round from Sydney (GOLF).

9:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Cancun Challenge Championship Game from Cancun, Mexico (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

9:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: NIT Season Tip-Off Semifinal Game from New York -- Alabama vs. Duke (ESPN2).

10 p.m. -- College Basketball: Maui Invitational Championship Game from Lahaina, Hawaii (ESPN).

10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: New York at Los Angeles Clippers (NBA TV).

11:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Great Alaska Shootout from Anchorage, Alaska -- Tulsa vs. Indiana State (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

2 a.m. -- College Basketball: Great Alaska Shootout from Anchorage, Alaska -- Texas Christian vs. AlaskaAnchorage (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

2 a.m. -- NHL Hockey: Nashville at Columbus (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

THURSDAY 6:30 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Alfred Dunhill Championship First Round from Mpumalanaga, South Africa (GOLF).

10 a.m. -- High School Football: Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) vs. St. Joseph Regional (N.J.) from Hammonton, N.J. (FOX SPORTS 1).

Noon -- College Basketball: Old Spice Classic Quarterfinal Game from Orlando, Fla. -- Oklahoma State vs.

Purdue (ESPN2).

12:30 p.m. -- NFL Football: Green Bay at Detroit (WACH 57).

1 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match from Tromso, Norway -- Tottenham vs. Tromso (FOX SPORTS 1).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Old Spice Classic Quarterfinal Game from Orlando, Fla. -- Butler vs. Washington State (ESPN2).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Wooden Legacy Quarterfinal Game from Fullerton, Calif. -- George Washington vs. Miami (ESPNU).

3 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match from Wigan, England -- Zulte Waregem vs.

Wigan (FOX SPORTS 1).

4 p.m. -- College Football: Turkey Day Classic from Montgomery, Ala. -- Stillman at Alabama State (ESPNU).

4:30 p.m. -- NFL Football: Oakland at Dallas (WLTX 19).

4:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Wooden Legacy Quarterfinal Game from Fullerton, Calif. -- Marquette vs. Cal State Fullerotn (ESPN2).

6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240).

6:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Old Spice Classic Quarterfinal Game from Orlando, Fla. -- Memphis vs.

Siena (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Battle 4 Atlantis Quarterfinal Game from Paradise Island, Bahamas -- Iowa vs.

Xavier (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

7:30 p.m. -- College Football: Mississippi at Mississippi State (ESPN).

7:30 p.m. -- College Football: Texas Tech at Texas (FOX SPORTS 1).

8 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Australian Open Second Round from Sydney (GOLF).

8:30 p.m. -- NFL Football: Pittsburgh at Baltimore (WIS 10).

8:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Old Spice Classic Quarterfinal Game from Orlando, Fla. -- Louisiana State vs. St. Joseph’s (ESPN2).

8:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Wooden Legacy Quarterfinal Game from Fullerton, Calif. -- College of Charleston vs. San Diego State (ESPNU).

9:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Great Alaska Shootout from Anchorage, Alaska -- Pepperdine vs. WisconsinGreen Bay (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

9:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Battle 4 Atlantis Quarterfinal Game from Paradise Island, Bahamas -- Tennessee vs. Texas-El Paso (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

10:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Las Vegas Invitational from Las Vegas -- Missouri vs. Northwestern (ESPNU).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Wooden Legacy Quarterfinal Game from Fullerton, Calif. -- Arizona State vs.

Creighton (ESPN2).

Midnight -- College Basketball: Great Alaska Shootout from Anchorage, Alaska -- Denver vs. Harvard (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Top 25 Schedule

By The Associated Press Tuesday (18) Northern Illinois vs. Western Michigan, 7 p.m.

Friday (12) Oregon vs. Oregon State, 7 p.m.

(15) LSU vs. Arkansas, 2:30 p.m.

(16) Fresno State at San Jose State, 3:30 p.m.

(17) UCF vs. South Florida, 8 p.m.

Saturday (1) Alabama at (4) Auburn, 3:30 p.m.

(2) Florida State at Florida, Noon (3) Ohio State at Michigan, Noon (5) Missouri vs. (19) Texas A&M, 7:45 p.m.

(6) Clemson at (10) South Carolina, 7 p.m.

(8) Stanford vs. (25) Notre Dame, 7 p.m.

(9) Baylor at TCU, 3:30 p.m.

(11) Michigan State vs. Minnesota, Noon (13) Arizona State vs. Arizona, 9:30 p.m.

(14) Wisconsin vs. Penn State, 3:30 p.m.

(22) UCLA at (23) Southern Cal, 8 p.m.

(24) Duke at North Carolina, Noon

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct Toronto 6 7 .462 Philadelphia 6 9 .400 Boston 6 10 .375 Brooklyn 3 10 .231 New York 3 10 .231 Southeast Division W L Pct Miami 11 3 .786 Atlanta 8 6 .571 Charlotte 7 8 .467 Washington 5 8 .385 Orlando 4 9 .308 Central Division W L Pct Indiana 13 1 .929 Chicago 6 7 .462 Detroit 6 8 .429 Cleveland 4 10 .286 Milwaukee 2 11 .154 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct San Antonio 13 1 .929 Houston 10 5 .667 Dallas 9 6 .600 Memphis 7 7 .500 New Orleans 6 7 .462 Northwest Division W L Pct Portland 13 2 .867 Oklahoma City 9 3 .750 Denver 7 6 .538 Minnesota 8 8 .500 Utah 2 14 .125 Pacific Division W L Pct L.A. Clippers 10 5 .667 Golden State 8 6 .571

GB – 1 11/2 3 3 GB – 3 41/2 51/2 61/2 GB – 61/2 7 9 101/2 GB – 31/2 41/2 6 61/2 GB – 21/2 5 51/2 111/2 GB – 11/2

L.A. Lakers Phoenix Sacramento

7 7 .500 7 7 .500 4 9 .308 Monday’s Games Indiana 98, Minnesota 84 Boston 96, Charlotte 86 Miami 107, Phoenix 92 Detroit 113, Milwaukee 94 Houston 93, Memphis 86 Denver 110, Dallas 96 San Antonio 112, New Orleans 93 Utah 89, Chicago 83, OT Portland 102, New York 91 Tuesday’s Games L.A. Lakers at Washington, 7 p.m.

Brooklyn at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Orlando at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Golden State at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Today’s Games Philadelphia at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Indiana at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Miami at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Denver at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Atlanta at Houston, 8 p.m.

San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

Washington at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Golden State at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Portland at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

New York at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday No games scheduled

21/2 21/2 5

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF New England 8 3 0 .727 288 N.Y. Jets 5 6 0 .455 186 Miami 5 6 0 .455 229 Buffalo 4 7 0 .364 236 South W L T Pct PF Indianapolis 7 4 0 .636 263 Tennessee 5 6 0 .455 250 Jacksonville 2 9 0 .182 142 Houston 2 9 0 .182 199 North W L T Pct PF Cincinnati 7 4 0 .636 275 Pittsburgh 5 6 0 .455 243 Baltimore 5 6 0 .455 227 Cleveland 4 7 0 .364 203 West W L T Pct PF Denver 9 2 0 .818 429 Kansas City 9 2 0 .818 270 San Diego 5 6 0 .455 269 Oakland 4 7 0 .364 213 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF Dallas 6 5 0 .545 298 Philadelphia 6 5 0 .545 276 N.Y. Giants 4 7 0 .364 213 Washington 3 8 0 .273 252 South W L T Pct PF New Orleans 9 2 0 .818 305 Carolina 8 3 0 .727 258 Tampa Bay 3 8 0 .273 211 Atlanta 2 9 0 .182 227 North W L T Pct PF Detroit 6 5 0 .545 286 Chicago 6 5 0 .545 303 Green Bay 5 5 1 .500 284 Minnesota 2 8 1 .227 266 West W L T Pct PF Seattle 10 1 0 .909 306 San Francisco 7 4 0 .636 274 Arizona 7 4 0 .636 254 St. Louis 5 6 0 .455 266 Monday’s Game San Francisco 27, Washington 6 Thursday’s Games Green Bay at Detroit, 12:30 p.m.

Oakland at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

New England at Houston, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Arizona at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Miami at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

St. Louis at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

Atlanta vs. Buffalo at Toronto, 4:05 p.m.

Cincinnati at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Denver at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 2 New Orleans at Seattle, 8:40 p.m.

PA 230 287 245 273 PA 260 245 324 289 PA 206 256 215 265 PA 289 179 260 269 PA 279 260 280 338 PA 196 151 258 309 PA 277 309 265 346 PA 179 184 223 255

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 24 16 6 2 34 68 46 Tampa Bay 24 15 8 1 31 72 61 Toronto 24 14 9 1 29 66 60 Detroit 25 11 7 7 29 63 70 Montreal 24 13 9 2 28 64 51 Ottawa 24 9 11 4 22 68 77 Florida 25 7 13 5 19 56 81 Buffalo 25 5 19 1 11 44 79 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 25 15 9 1 31 72 58 Washington 24 12 10 2 26 72 68 N.Y. Rangers 24 12 12 0 24 48 59 New Jersey 24 9 10 5 23 50 58 Carolina 24 9 10 5 23 49 67 Philadelphia 23 10 11 2 22 50 56 Columbus 24 9 12 3 21 62 71 N.Y. Islanders 24 8 13 3 19 68 82 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 25 17 4 4 38 92 71 St. Louis 23 17 3 3 37 82 50 Colorado 22 17 5 0 34 69 45 Minnesota 25 15 6 4 34 64 58 Nashville 24 12 10 2 26 56 69 Winnipeg 26 11 11 4 26 69 76 Dallas 22 11 9 2 24 61 65 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 26 17 6 3 37 80 65 San Jose 23 15 3 5 35 79 52 Los Angeles 25 16 6 3 35 67 53 Phoenix 24 14 6 4 32 80 78 Vancouver 26 12 9 5 29 67 68 Calgary 23 8 11 4 20 64 84 Edmonton 25 7 16 2 16 65 89 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Monday’s Games Boston 4, Pittsburgh 3, OT Columbus 6, Toronto 0 Winnipeg 3, New Jersey 1 Tampa Bay 5, N.Y. Rangers 0 Florida 3, Philadelphia 1 St. Louis 3, Minnesota 0 Nashville 4, Phoenix 2 Chicago 5, Edmonton 1 Los Angeles 3, Vancouver 2, OT Tuesday’s Game Anaheim at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Today’s Games Montreal at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Carolina at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Ottawa at Washington, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Boston at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

St. Louis at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Chicago at Calgary, 10 p.m.

Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Vancouver at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Edmonton at Nashville, 8 p.m.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

THE ITEM

B3

Sumter VooDoo Dolls win Fall Festival in Lexington FROM STAFF REPORTS

PHOTO PROVIDED

The VooDoo Dolls, the Sumter Soccer Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Under-12 girls soccer team, recently won the 2013 South Carolina Youth Soccer Fall Festival at the Lexington County Soccer Complex.

Pictured are, first row, left to right: Savannah Tayim, Haley Roone McCaffrey, Penelope Moore, Madison Landstrom, Katherine Burns, Madison Elmore, Brooke Michaels, Elise Osteen, Sophia Martinez, Carly Allred and Gigi Dene. Second row: head coach Mike McCaffrey and assistant coach Mike Burns. Not pictured is Jasiah Pack.

The Sumter Soccer Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Under12 girls soccer team, the VooDoo Dolls, completed its fall Season by winning the 2013 South Carolina Youth Soccer Fall Festival at the Lexington County Soccer Complex.

The VooDoo Dolls, coached by head coach Mike McCaffrey and assistant Mike Burns, finished the tournament winning four games with no defeats. It culminated with a 5-0 victory over Congaree Rapids 01 Girls (U12) in the championship game.

Sumter defeated host team Liverpool 02 Girls White (U-11) 5-0. The VooDoo Dolls knocked off the Beach United 01 Girls Fury (U-12) by a score of 5-1. In the final preliminary game, Sumter knocked off Congaree Rapids 01 Girls 3-0.

Offensively, Sumter was led by Haley Roone McCaffrey with 14

Defense may hold key to season for No. 2 Kansas

HAPPY hanksgiving

BY DAVE SKRETTA The Associated Press LAWRENCE, Kan. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; There are few things that Kansas coach Bill Self loves more than playing defense.

But he also loves a roster full of NBA-caliber talent on his team, and sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard for those two loves to coexist.

The knock on the professional game for years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fairly or not â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has been that defense is optional. Coaches routinely bemoan the rather lackadaisical way that one-and-done phenoms often apply themselves on that end of the floor.

So attention was paid when Kansas star Andrew Wiggins, the No. 1 overall recruit and the potential top pick in next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NBA draft, sidled up next to Self on the sideline in the second half of a blowout win over Towson and asked to guard the Tigersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best player. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was scoring,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wiggins said of Towsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jerrelle Benimon, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and I just wanted to see how Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do against him.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; With a big smile, Wiggins added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think my defense is underrated.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of comment certain to make Self smile, too.

Wiggins isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only highly touted

goals. In addition, Madison Elmore scored thee goals and Savannah Tayim added another.

On the other end of the pitch, Penelope Moore was stellar in goal, allowing only a single goal for the tournament. Helping Moore lead the charge on the defense were Carly Allred, Katherine Burns and Madison Landstrom, providing constant pressure on opposing teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strikers.

Also providing valuable minutes were Brooke Michaels, Elise Osteen, Sophia Martinez, and Gigi Dene.

The VooDoo Dolls finished second in the Carolina Cup held in Columbia in October and were third in the DSC Rock Hill Classic in September.

The VooDoo Dolls also competed in the Upper U-11/12 division of the Sandlapper Fall 2013 League. Cometing against eight other teams from across the state, Sumter went 8-0, outscoring its opponents 33-12.

FROM

OUR FAMILY

to yours

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jamari Traylor (31) and Joel Embiid, right, block a shot during a recent game in Lawrence, Kan. Defense might hold the key for the second-ranked Jayhawks this season.

recruit on the second-ranked Jayhawksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roster this season or the only player potentially headed to the pros next season. Seven-footer Joel Embiid has already shown enough to make scouts salivate, and freshman guard Wayne Selden and sophomore forward Perry Ellis have exhibited enough in four games to send their stock soaring.

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THE ITEM

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Surging Steelers not looking ahead

BY WILL GRAVES The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs out of trouble during the second half of the 49ersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 27-6 victory over Washington on Monday in Landover, Md.

49ers dominate Redskins 27-6

BY JOSEPH WHITE The Associated Press LANDOVER, Md. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Colin Kaepernick looked left, scrambled right, then found Anquan Boldin open in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown.

Quarterback and receiver raced toward each other for a celebratory chest-bump, proving to all that the San Francisco 49ers offense is alive and well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We showed people we can pass the ball,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; running back Frank Gore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big for this team.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; If Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III have become the future of football suddenly put on hold, consider Kaepernick the one who looks ready to play his way out of the doldrums.

The young, mobile quarterbacks who have struggled in 2013 after breakout years in 2012 faced off for the first time Monday night, and Kaepernick outperformed his counterpart as the 49ers broke a two-game losing streak with a 27-6 win over

the Washington Redskins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did comment to him in the middle of the week, Wednesday or Thursday, that he was being exactly perfect â&#x20AC;&#x201D; leadership and demeanor-wise,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A combination of loose and focused. ... Some people have baby deer skin. Some people have armadillo skin. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got the armadillo skin.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kaepernick completed 15 of 24 passes for 235 yards â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the first time in five games heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topped 200 yards â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a career-best 134.5 passing rating.

The Redskins dared him to throw the ball by bottling up Gore (13 carries, 31 yards), and the QB responded by showing some veteran-like chemistry with the veteran Boldin, who had five catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Colin, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been taking a lot of criticism, but one thing I like about Colin, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always hanging in there,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; receiver Vernon Davis

said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always fighting through adversity. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of those guys whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Davis also had a touchdown catch for the 49ers (7-4), who are tied for second with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West and are three games back of the Seattle Seahawks with five to play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We knew what type of game this was for us,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Boldin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right in the hunt. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to come out with a win.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; A loss wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put the defending NFC champions in trouble in their quest to return to the playoffs, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re nowhere as bad off as the Redskins (3-8), who have dropped three straight and sit alone in last place in the NFC East a year after a late-season run that won the division.

Contrast the Kaepernick chest-bump scene with the sight of Griffin lying on his stomach after throwing an interception on the final play of the first quarter, a 15-minute span in which he completed 1 of 6 passes for minus-1 yard.

PITTSBURGH â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fernando Velasco expected to see panic after the Pittsburgh Steelers limped through a winless September. Apathy and frustration are supposed to be part of the mix when a team gets off to its worst start in more than 40 years, right?

Maybe in most places. But not in Pittsburgh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had been 0-4 in my career but it was a different kind of 0-4,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said the veteran center, who signed with the Steelers on Sept. 9 after Maurkice Pouncey was lost for the year with a right knee injury in the opener. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was still 0-4 but the guys, their attitude was still positive coming to work every day trying to get better.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nearly two months later, the Steelers (5-6) are right where they expected to be: battling for a playoff spot in a wide open if decidedly mediocre AFC.

Pittsburgh ripped Cleveland 27-11 on Sunday for its third straight victory to move into a six-way tie for the AFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second wild card. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not how you drive, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you arrive,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can have the roughest starts, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about how you finish.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Perhaps, but the Steelers started their run by refusing to succumb to the somewhat harsh reality that they appeared out of it after getting drummed by New England 55-31 three weeks ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know, you can throw it in the tank,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Velasco said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can honestly say nobody on this team did.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; A week that could decide whether December remains as tantalizing as it looks now. Pittsburgh has just three days to get ready for rival Baltimore (5-6) on the road Thanksgiving night.

The Steelers won the first meeting 19-16 last month.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pittsburgh defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) and the rest of the Steelers are back in the playoff hunt after a 0-4 start. They have a key game against Baltimore on Thursday.

Packers unsure of QB for game against Lions

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure if Matt Flynn (10) or Scott Tolzien will start for the Packers on Thursday against Detroit.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the chances of Aaron Rodgers playing Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game at Detroit are â&#x20AC;&#x153;slim to none.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; McCarthy isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure whether heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go with Matt Flynn, who rallied the team from a 16-point deficit to a 26-26 tie with the Minnesota Vikings, or Scott Tolzien, who started the past two games but was benched with 8 minutes 22 seconds left in the third quarter.

Rodgers, who suffered a broken left collarbone Nov. 4 against Chicago, has not played since.

Including their 27-20 loss to the Bears, in which Seneca Wallace took over for the injured Rodgers, the Packers are 0-3-1 without their star quarterback. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(I) had a meeting with Aaron. He would like to go (against the Lions),â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; McCarthy said Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frankly, based on the information where we are as far as the conversation with Aaron, the conversation with the medical staff, I would say heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slim to none, to give you what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where we are.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; McCarthy said Rodgers has undergone testing, but

Tom & Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Put & Take LAUNDRY AND

refused to elaborate.

After Rodgers went down against the Bears, McCarthy didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t immediately rule out Rodgers for the following weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game against Philadelphia, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not kid ourselves, if he walked in your office and asked for the ball on Saturday, what would you do?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; When reminded of that Monday, McCarthy said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than that. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got to practice. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some physical rehab hurdles to get through that he hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reached yet. Like I said, it would be a huge stretch for him to play in this game.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; McCarthy said Rodgers would have to practice on Wednesday, before the team departs for Detroit, to have any chance of playing Thursday at Ford Field.

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USC / CLEMSON

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Steve Spurrier for the first time. It is also interested in developing relationships with a new SEC fan base, and the marketing possibility South Carolina could hold for a national audience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would be very excited and very proud to have the chance to have South Carolina,â&#x20AC;? Baker said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had South Carolina here.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had coach Spurrier here, and we certainly know about the great fans of South Carolina and how well they travel, how great fans they are for their Gamecocks.â&#x20AC;?

The Cotton Bowl Classic matches an SEC team against a Big 12 opponent. It will kick off 7 p.m. Jan. 3 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Baker said his bowl has narrowed its Big 12 search to four teams: Oklahoma State, Baylor, Oklahoma and Texas.

Tennessee was the last SEC East team to play in the Cotton Bowl Classic, beating Texas A&M 38-7 on Jan. 1, 2005. The Gamecocks have never played a bowl game in Texas.

Baker has ties to the state of South Carolina.

He was a minor league pitcher in Charleston during the early 1980s, back when he went by Ricky. He also knows the university well. Baker said he had a good relationship with former athletics director Eric Hyman, who he knew from Hymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous stint at Texas Christian University.

CLEMSON from Page B1 year when Clemsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t humming along, the coaches have rarely said an unkind word about Thomas. At one point, offensive coordinator Chad Morris identified Thomas as the only Tiger playing steady on his side of the ball.

But the call has been made for Thomas to raise his game, with Clowney coming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brandon did not play well last year against him,â&#x20AC;? Morris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Brandon has been playing very well this year.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been the most consistent player that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing exceptionally well.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be a great challenge for him.â&#x20AC;?

As far as whether Thomas has to remember past failures against the Gamecocks Saturday, Morris said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we all better approach this week a little personally. It ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just Brandon; we all are.â&#x20AC;?

Clowney has just two sacks this year, but Thomas is well aware of the caliber of player heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be facing.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GO CHANGINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Even though the splits have been haunting for Clemsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense, comparing its effort against the USC matchup to everybody else, Morris wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound the alarm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As far as approaching this game compared to our games in the past here, I think that would be the absolute worst thing we could do, is feel like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to change everything up,â&#x20AC;? Morris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to change everything up. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to be who you are.â&#x20AC;?

In each of the last two years with Boyd at quarterback and Morris on staff, Clemson has averaged 22.5 and 26.4 first downs per game; but against the Gamecocks, the Tigers had 12 first downs in 2011 and 18 in 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be an opportunity, about four or five

ON THE OTHER HAND

While Battleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the rookie to watch on Clemsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense, strong safety Jayron Kearse will get his first taste of South Carolina when he makes his second career start in place of Travis Blanks, who suffered a knee injury (torn ACL) last Saturday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jayronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a puppy no more. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made plays,â&#x20AC;? strong safety Robert Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the 12th game, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for him to shine now. I think Jayronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up for the challenge.â&#x20AC;?

Kearse has made 36 tackles and three interceptions in 10 games of action, and the 6-4 safety is known for making big plays as well as allowing them occasionally. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the talk with the safeties all the time. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a time to take a risk, and a time to not take a risk,â&#x20AC;?

Smith said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a factor into every game.â&#x20AC;?

BATTLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TEST

Clowney has moved all over the field in defensive formations, which means the Gamecocks are certainly likely to pick on Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bookend, rookie right tackle Isaiah Battle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in there talking, watching film together. We point out key things to watch for,â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They like to move him around a lot. I think Isaiah will be ready for him.â&#x20AC;?

Serving most of the year as Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; backup, Battle has started the past two games to give some stability to a revolving door at right tackle.

The 6-7 redshirt freshman wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be made available for interviews leading into the South Carolina game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s played well. He still makes mistakes, which you

LOL - Read Bizarro, Mother Goose, Zits and more on The Item's comics page.

Š 2013 by Vicki Whiting, Editor

Jeff Schinkel, Graphics

Vol. 29, No. 50

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WIDE RANGE OF POSSIBILITIES

Spurrier said last week he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind where his team plays in a bowl. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go wherever USC is invited.

The Gamecocks could clinch their first Sugar Bowl bid in program history with an SEC championship game victory, though it needs Missouri to lose to Texas A&M this week to have any chance of playing for the title in Atlanta.

Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan declined an interview request through director of media relations and communications John Sudsbury.

With Alabama and Auburn ranked in the top five of this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BCS rankings, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely South Carolina would receive a BCS invitation as an at-large bid. The Capital One Bowl in Orlando receives the first selection after the BCS process is complete, followed by the Outback Bowl and Cotton Bowl.

The Outback Bowl gets the first selection of SEC East teams, while the Cotton Bowl gets dibs on SEC West teams, according to the SECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bowl contract.

It could be hard for the Capital One or Outback to pass on inviting South Carolina. Capital One Bowl CEO Steve Hogan called the Gamecocks a â&#x20AC;&#x153;big draw,â&#x20AC;? something that fits his bowlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

Slotted on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, leading into the Rose Bowl kickoff on ABC, Hogan said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to provide the nation a quality matchup.

would expect from a young guy,â&#x20AC;? Morris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But his athleticism is a huge advantage for us. His strengths are his arm length is unbelievable, being able to use his hands.â&#x20AC;?

plays in this game, that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have to make,â&#x20AC;? Morris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to come down to that. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to play 85, 90 or 100 plays on offense, and however many they play â&#x20AC;Ś anytime you get two evenly-matched football teams, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to come down to four or five plays.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just playing hard, going right at him,â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully he brings his A-game and I bring mine.â&#x20AC;?

B5

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USC from Page B1

THE ITEM

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OBITUARIES

THE ITEM

ROSA LEE RICH Rosa Lee Rich departed this life on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at her home in Sumter.

She was born Dec. 13, 1937, to the late Phillip and Rosa McFadden Rich. She was educated in the public schools of Sumter and graduated from Lincoln High School. She received the bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Morris College.

Upon completion of her college education, Rosa Lee journeyed to New York and was employed as a juvenile counselor for the City of New York, until her health began to fail.

She leaves to cherish her memories: a brother, the Rev. Dr. James O. Rich of Anderson; one sister, Marie Rich Porter of Lynchburg, Va.; and a loving and devoted niece and caretaker,

Annie Rich Duncan of the home.

Graveside services will be held at noon Friday at Hillside Memorial Park, Cains Mill Road, Sumter.

Services entrusted to Rich-Colonial Funeral Home of Anderson.

LOUISE M. FORD Louise Montgomery Ford, 84, widow of Vaughn Ford, departed this life on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

She was born Feb. 4, 1929, in Sumter County, a daughter of the late Dave and Mary Francis Montgomery.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

MYRTIS TUCKER Myrtis Tucker, 91, widow of Alonzo Tucker,

departed this life on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

She was born March 27, 1922, in Greenville, Miss., a daughter of the late Albert Bailey.

The family is receiving friends at the home, 42 Carolina Ave., Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

MARY ALICE SCARBOROUGH BISHOPVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Alice Scarborough, age 95, who passed away on Nov. 22, 2013.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. today at New Zion AME Church. Internment will follow in the Church Memorial Garden. The Rev. A.S. Temoney will officiate.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Mary Alice Scarborough, affectionately called Alice, was born April 7, 1918, in Bishopville, to the late Matthew and Lelia Toney Scarborough. She was the fourth of nine children born to this union. Alice was baptized at an early age at New Zion AME Church in Wisacky. She was educated in the public schools of Lee County.

After working on the farm for some years, she moved to New York City to seek a better life for her family.

After her retirement, she returned home to South Carolina and to her beloved New Zion AME Church, where she served on Missionary Board 5 and Stewardess Board 5. She was also an active member of the kitchen staff, until her health failed.

She was preceded in

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

|

death by her five brothers, Isiah, Matthew Jr., Robert, John and Wilton Scarborough; and two sisters, Eliza Scarborough and Cora Bell Charles.

Left to cherish her memories are one son, Levi (Christine) Scarborough of Columbia; one daughter, Jessie Mae Scarborough of Bronx, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Cathy Franklin of Columbia and Constance (Paul) Burks of Westerville, Ohio; four great-grandchildren, Asantewa N. Franklin, Natasa O. Franklin of Columbia, and Antonio O. Burks and Levi Franres Burks of Westerville; one brother, George (Lizzie) Scarborough of Windsor, N.C.; two sisters-in-law, Amalia Scarborough and Maggie B. Scarborough; a special nephew, Robert (Carolyn) Brown; and a

host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services are entrusted to New Life Funeral Services of Bishopville.

Online condolences may be sent to www. newlifefuneralservice. com.

TRISTIAN Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;KING HOPKINS BISHOPVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Tristian Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;King Hopkins on Nov. 24, 2013.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his parents, Laqua and Chris Hopkins, 405 Wilson St., Bishopville.

Services will be announced later by New Life Funeral Service of Bishopville.

Online condolences may be sent to www. newlifefuneralservice. com.

SPORTS ITEMS

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Maddux, Glavine, Thomas new to Hall of Fame ballot

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Missouri wide receiver Marcus Lucas (85) and the rest of the Tigers look to wrap up the SEC Eastern Division title on Saturday when they play host to quarterback Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M.

Mizzou preps for big game vs. Aggies

BY R.B. FALLSTROM The Associated Press COLUMBIA, Mo. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one more hurdle to clear for No. 5 Missouri.

Beat No. 19 Texas A&M at home on Saturday and the Tigers, an SEC afterthought back in August, goes to the conference championship game.

Coach Gary Pinkel acknowledged on Monday that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big deal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited about playing this game,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pinkel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We worked real hard to get to this position. You know what, you compete for a championship, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to beat good people.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Missouri (10-1, 6-1 SEC) must win to get to the Dec. 7 title game in Atlanta.

A loss would result in a tie for first place in the SEC East with South Carolina (9-2, 6-2), which would get the nod based on head-to-head competition.

Whatever happens, much has been accomplished. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In any business, when you have adversity, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you get judged by,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pinkel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When things get really, really tough. We persevered. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really proud of our staff and our players. I shake my head, how they play and how they compete.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to do. No oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking ahead to the title game or a BCS berth. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about beating A&M (8-3, 4-3). â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have it any other way,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; guard Max Copeland said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bigger the stakes, the most fun it gets.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re rock and rollers, all our

chips are in, man. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Offensive tackle Justin Britt wrinkled his nose at the notion itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a â&#x20AC;&#x153;satisfyingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; season after last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SEC debut disaster. The 5-7 finish complicated by numerous injuries ended a string of eight consecutive bowl games, and expectations were low. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You use that word and you get complacent,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Britt said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s felt real good. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy and the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happy with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happened and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all just trying to reach our goals.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Tigers have stumbled just once, losing in overtime to South Carolina at home.

Early on they showed their mettle with a win at Georgia, the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first road victory over a Top 10 opponent since 1981.

NEW YORK â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas are among 19 newcomers on this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall of Fame ballot, joining a collection of steroid-tainted holdovers that include Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark MADDUX McGwire and Sammy Sosa.

Mike Mussina, Hideo Nomo, GLAVINE Kenny Rogers, Jeff Kent, Moises Alou and Luis Gonzalez also are among the players eligiTHOMAS ble to be voted on for the first time by the Baseball Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association of America.

The Hall said Tuesday the 36-player ballot will include Armando Benitez, Sean Casey, Ray Durham, Eric Gagne, Jacque Jones, Todd Jones, Paul Lo Duca, Richie Sexson, J.T. Snow and Mike Timlin.

Results will be announced Jan. 8 and inductions held July 24 at Cooperstown. Last year, the BBWAA failed for the first time since 1996 to produce any inductees.

A-ROD ACCUSES SELIG OF COWARDICE

dated his lawsuit against Major League Baseball and Bud Selig, adding new criticism of the commissioner for not testifying in the unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grievance to overturn the 211game suspension given to the New York Yankees star last summer.

The lawyers filed a 33page amended complaint Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, expanding on the suit originally filed Oct. 3 in New York Supreme Court.

Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz last week refused to compel Selig to testify in the grievance, and Rodriguez then walked out of the hearing without testifying. The sides rested last Thursday after 12 days of sessions, and a decision on whether to uphold or alter the discipline is expected in January.

BOWLING GREEN PRESBYTERIAN

CANCUN, Mexico â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Anthony Henderson scored 17 points in a rout as Bowling Green beat Presbyterian 67-45 in the Cancun Challenge on Tuesday.

Bowling Green was up big at halftime, 33-19, as the Falcons defense held Presbyterian to just five field goals in the first 20 minutes. Presbyterian cut it to 41-33 with less than 15 minutes left, but Bowling Green built its lead to 19 point (56-37) with just under 8 minutes left.

NEW YORK â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alex Rodriguezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawyers up-

From wire reports

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Selling contents of the home.

27 Murphy St. Fri/Sat. & next Mon/Tues/Wed 9AM. Yard/Craft Sale, 2257 Garrison St. Sat 8:30AM. Handmade crafts (great gifts), clothes, toys, some furn, & misc items. We'll be excepting donations on behalf of the SPCA-blankets, cleaning supplies, dog/cat food & monetary.

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Seeking motivated, enthusiastic and competent service plumber. Must have at least 5 yrs experience, excellent communication skills and a valid driver license. Apply today at Hill Plumbing 438 N main St Sumter SC. 803-773-6689 Sambinos Bistro, 1104 Alice Dr. Hiring FT/PT Exp. Servers & Cooks Apply in person Mon. Thurs, between 2-3 & 4:30-6pm or go online to print application at sambinosbistro.com No phone calls please Sparrow and Kennedy Tractor Co. in Manning is looking to hire an Ag technician with experience in the following areas: Diesel engine repair, hydraulics and electrical diagnostics. Must have valid SCDL. Applications can be picked up at 305 E. Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102. Submit applications to Service Writer.

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Hardworking salespeople needed ASAP at car dealership in Sumter. 5 pos avail. immediately. $3k-4k/mo. We will teach you to sell. No exp. nec. Great attitude, strong work ethic & team players only.

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Painting Int/Ext Painting, Pressure washing. 30 yrs exp. Ref. Quality work/free est. Bennie 468-7592

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Golden Kernel Pecan Company 1214 S. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC 803-968-9432 We buy pecans, We sell Pecan halves & Pieces, Chocolate, Sugarfree Chocolate, Butter Roasted, Sugar & Spiced, Prailine, Honey Glazed, English Toffee Gift Packages available, Fruit Cake mix

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RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments Montreat St: (off Miller Rd.) 2BR 1BA, appliances, no pets $350 mo + dep. 316-8105.

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PANORAMA WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

THE ITEM

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Contact Ivy Moore at (803) 774-1221 or e-mail ivym@theitem.com

Singing Christmas Tree

MATT WALSH/THE ITEM

Jay Shealy directs First Baptist Church’s annual Singing Christmas Tree which has a cast of around 300, including singers, a full orchestra, dancers, actors and more. Presented five times, the Tree is an elaborate and colorful retelling of the familiar original Christmas story.

It’s all about the story

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com

T

he Singing Christmas Tree is much more than just dozens of people perched on its branches performing songs of the season.

When First Baptist Church presents its annual gift to the community this weekend, the event will have the production values of a Broadway musical, with a full orchestra, dancers, a cast of actors and a production staff that numbers in the dozens, as well — and a powerful message, the director emphasized.

Jay Shealy is directing the Singing Christmas Tree for his third time, and he keeps coming back to it, he said, because “It’s been a wonderful thing.”

The theme for this year’s production is “The Story,” and Shealy said there’s an extra aspect to the church’s telling of the familiar Christmas narrative.

He pointed out that, had newspapers existed at the time of Jesus’ birth, there would surely have been a special edition published.

“Who tells our stories but our hometown newspaper?” he said. “We’re neighbors with The Item, and the Osteens agreed to participate along with us

for this year’s Tree.”

Shealy, who was once a paperboy, and the Tree’s cast and production crew have incorporated six paperboys into this year’s story.

“They’ll be handing out a special edition of The Sumter Item that we created with The Item’s (graphic designer) Cary Johnson,” he said. “She’s done a wonderful job.”

The paper, dated Dec. 25, 1898, is an EXTRA! edition with St. Luke’s version of the Christmas story on its cover, and more information about the production, including names of all participants, included in its remaining seven pages.

“There is a look back at previous years,” Shealy said.

Also included in the paper are a history of Santa Claus and memories from past and present Tree participants, as well as color photographs of “stages of the tree,” from construction to the final Tree with singers in place.

Jack Osteen, publisher of The Item, will introduce each of the five performances of The Singing Christmas Tree.

Shealy also had high praise for the production’s

lighting designer, Jeffrey Bays, who, he said, “works magic, and we have new lights this year.”

In addition to the singers, which include a children’s choir, there is a cast of around 120 and a full orchestra of more than 30 “very gifted musicians, both local and from all over the state,” Shealy said.

Singers represent several local churches and denominations. Most sing in their choirs, he said.

The music, too, is a mix, Shealy said.

“We’ve got some new music and some that the audiences will be very familiar with,” he said. “The Christmas story is the one all Christians know, but we present it in a different way that I think everyone will enjoy. Like all of the Singing Christmas Tree programs, the story is the thing.”

The 2013 Sumter Singing Christmas Tree will be presented five times. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Order tickets at www.fbcsumter.org.

For more information call the church at (803) 7733732.

The schedule of performances at First Baptist Church, 107 E. Liberty St., is: • 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8 • 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Dec. 7-8

We’ve grown up now, but Mama’s still got the upper EDITOR’S NOTE: I’ve rehum, as she stacked the sparceived several requests to rekling dishes to air dry on the run a column from four years counter. ago. This one seems to express “Hark, the herald angels the Thanksgiving spirit. I’m sing, glory to the newborn thankful I’ll be with the king” and a verse of “O same folks I’ve spent the out & about Holy Night,” and she’d holiday with in all the be done. years since. Hope yours When I was very is happy, too. young, I begged to Mama used to sing wash the dishes. Mama “Old Rugged Cross” enwould always say, a guide to thusiastically when she “You’re not quite old washed the dishes, as if arts & leisure enough yet,” and that Jesus died on that cross Ivy MOORE just made me want to so we could have food wash the dishes even on the table and give more, as if it were a rite thanks for being able to clean of passage like starting school up after the family dinner. or learning to ride a bike.

Leading up to Christmas Growing up, we didn’t have Mama would switch to the a dishwasher. I still don’t, and hymns of the season. “Silent neither does my mother. I night, holy night,” she’d sing or think I know why. Mama

doesn’t trust dishwashers to get things clean, and she thinks if you’re going to rinse a dish you might as well wash it while you’re at it. Like me, she probably doesn’t even know how to load a dishwasher. Eat at Mama’s house, and you can be confident your dishes and utensils have no food or soap dried onto them, and the glasses will sparkle like disco balls.

When I was about 6, Mama finally let me wash the supper dishes. Her only instruction to me was “You have to be fast as well as efficient.”

As mothers often have over the years, she’d outsmarted her child. While I was washing and butchering “Old Rugged Cross,” having what I thought

was a fine and very mature time, Mama sat in her easy chair, read the paper and had another glass of tea. It didn’t take too many weeks before I found myself scrubbing the pots and pans and wishing them “on a hill far away” from the crowded sink.

Things have come full circle over the past decades. Mama cooks a huge dinner on holidays to feed our extended family of 10, plus friends. Mounds of dressing, rice and butterbeans, macaroni and cheese, squash casserole, sweet potato souffle, turkey, ham or pork loin and all the other dishes we love weigh down the table.

There are so many dirty dishes they won’t all fit in the sink, and they clutter the counters.

They have to be washed and put away in shifts.

Immediately my sister Cindy, my adult nieces, Amanda and I spring up to clear the table. We start washing the dishes, and Mama says, “Just leave those. I can wash them tomorrow when you’re all gone. I don’t have to wash them all at once. I can stop and rest if I need to.”

We get those dishes washed, dried and put away faster than any electric dishwasher. The glasses sparkle as they air dry but not as much as Mama’s eyes. I think she’s just happy we all love her so much and want to please her and spend our holiday with her — but maybe she’s just outfoxed us again?

C2

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY COMICS

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

DOG EAT DOUG

GARFIELD

ZITS

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

DILBERT

BORN LOSER

MOTHER GOOSE

Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

Woman who left abusive ex struggles with lingering ties

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

D

dear abby

EAR ABBY — I confide in me. Yes, you was married to a are normal. Time has a man who ruled way of dulling emotional my every move. After pain, and with time we years of torture and tend to gloss over unabuse, I finally became pleasantness. Your ex may frightened enough to not have been brutal and leave. Since then I controlling all the have met a wontime, and you are derful, caring, lovremembering the ing man who I happier times. wouldn’t trade for I don’t think that the world. He what you are misstreats me with ing has much to do kindness, respect with HIM. What and love. He you may be missAbigail makes me laugh ing is the adrenaVAN BUREN and smile and apline rush you got preciate life. I am from the drama. allowed to be myself and function how I will. I am DEAR READERS — happier than I have ever Tomorrow is Thanksgivbeen. ing, and no Thanksgiving My question is, somewould be complete withtimes I miss my emotion- out the traditional prayer ally and physically abupenned by my mother: sive ex. I have no desire to Oh, Heavenly Father, BE with him, but after all We thank Thee for food and rethose years, it’s hard to member the hungry. adjust some days.

We thank Thee for health and Is something wrong remember the sick. with me? I would never leave my current relation- We thank Thee for friends and remember the friendless. ship for my ex. I feel like I have found my soul mate. We thank Thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.

But these lingering thoughts trouble me. Am I May these remembrances stir us to service, normal? What do I do? I That Thy gifts to us may be don’t have a girlfriend to used for others. confide in.

FOUND MY SOUL MATE Amen.

SUDOKU

DEAR FOUND — I’m touched that you would

Have a safe and happy celebration, everyone!

Love, ABBY

THURSDAY COMICS

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

DOG EAT DOUG

GARFIELD

ZITS

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

DILBERT

BORN LOSER

MOTHER GOOSE

Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

THE ITEM

C3

Fake pregnancy lures man into a live-in relationship

D

SUDOKU

EAR ABBY— A to hang onto the man. friend of mine While I don’t think she faked a pregnan- is a maniac, I do think cy to get a man to stay she may be unbalanced. with her. Once he I agree the man has a moved in, she told him right to know. Wouldn’t she’d had a miscarriage. you want to be told if She even went so far as you were him? The way to name this so-called to do it is face-to-face. baby.

And be prepared for the He now has the bafriendship to end afterby’s name tatward. Frankly, tooed on his arm! that may be for She goes on the best because Facebook and the woman has talks about how more problems she misses her than you can “little baby boy,” cope with. and counts every month as though Abigail Dear Abby is it is his birthday. VAN BUREN written by Abigail Every time I read Van Buren, also it I get a sick feelknown as Jeanne ing.

Phillips, and was founded I want to tell this man by her mother, Pauline the truth. I know for a Phillips. Write Dear Abby FACT she was not pregat www.DearAbby.com or nant. I’m not sure how P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeto go about this. If I say les, CA 90069. something, I know I will end up the bad guy.

To receive a collection Should I mind my own of Abby’s most memorabusiness or let this man ble — and most frequentknow he’s living with a ly requested —poems maniac? and essays, send your WANTS TO TELL name and mailing adTHE TRUTH dress, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. DEAR WANTS — funds) to: Dear Abby — Your friend may have Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box told this lie so often that 447, Mount Morris, IL she has come to believe 61054-0447. Shipping and it herself. Or, she may be handling are included in acting this out in order the price. dear abby

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

C6

WEDNESDAY TELEVISION

THE ITEM

AROUND TOWN | The St. Jude Alumni Association Annual Harvest Ball will be held 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 30, at the American Legion Post 15 Memorial Building, 30 S. Artillery Drive. Admission is $30 per person and attire is semiformal. Call Claude Esperson at (803) 494-4066 for tickets.

A celebration to honor daycare workers for their dedication and great service to the Sumter community will be held 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Imperial Restaurant, 451 Broad St. Sponsored by the Family Unit Inc., event will feature free food and beverages as well as the opportunity to enroll in Obamacare. Call Dr. Brenda C. Williams at (803) 7782429 for further details.

The Wateree AIDS Task Force Annual World AIDS Day event will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. This event is held to give an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died. For information, call the Wateree AIDS Task Force at (803) 778-0303 or Latrell Billie at (803) 5657173.

The Sumter Benedict Alumni Club will hold an important roundup meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at the North HOPE Center. Call Shirley M. Blassingame at (803) 5064019.

Lincoln High School Calss of 1964 will meet at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the South Sumter Resource Center, 337 Manning Ave. Call (803) 773-3804, (803) 775-9088 or (803) 775-9660.

The Ninth Annual Christmas Luminary Service presented by Evergreen and Hillside Memorial Parks will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 802 N. Guignard Drive.

Rain date will be Thursday, Dec. 5.

The Evening Optimist Club Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, on Main Street.

The parade will feature marching bands, beauty queens, festive holiday floats and more. The theme is “Christmas Around the World.”

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

WEDNESDAY EVENING NOVEMBER 27 7 PM

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Saturday Night Live: Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving Some of the most WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show with Jay popular Thanksgiving and family-themed sketches in SNL history. (N) (HD) 11:00pm News Leno Scheduled: musician Garth Brooks. (N) (HD) and weather.

Criminal Minds: The Caller Young CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David Letterboy kidnapped from his home. (N) Girls Gone Wild Finlay missing after The news of the man Scheduled: John Goodman. (N) (HD) spa trip. (N) (HD) day.

(HD) Modern Family: Super Fun Night: Nashville: I Fall To Pieces Rayna is in ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Scheduled: News at 11 (HD) actor Patton Oswalt. (N) (HD) Best Men Best Anything For Love a coma from the crash. (HD) (HD) men. (HD) BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) Nature: An Original DUCKumentary Nature: The Private Life of Deer Intel- Tavis Smiley (HD) International Ducks in North America are exam- ligence & family devotion explored. (HD) news. ined. (HD) (HD) The X Factor: Performance Show (N) (HD) WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Two and a Half Two and a Half The Middle: The Big Bang The Big Bang report and weather forecast.

Men Bad influ- Men (HD) Theory (HD) Theory Online Heck’s Best Thing robbery. (HD) (HD) ence. (HD) King of the Hill: The Cleveland The Arsenio Hall Show Late night Dish Nation (N) Family Feud (N) Family Feud (N) Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Dead Law & Order: Criminal Intent: A murder leads to a contract killer. Bright Boy Social worker is murdered. Nine Pretty Darn Show Shocking variety/talk show. (HD) secret. (HD) Angry Men (HD) (HD) WIS News 10 at Entertainment The Making of The Sound of Music Tonight (N) (HD) Live! Behind the scenes look at the 7:00pm Local album. (N) (HD) news update.

News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) Survivor: Blood vs. Water: Gloves Evening news up- (HD) Come Off (N) (HD) date.

Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) The Middle: The Last Man Stand(N) (HD) (HD) Drop Off (HD) ing: Thanksgiving (HD) NatureScene: Expedition Nature: My Life as a Turkey A natuAlaska Memories ralist raises 24 wild turkeys. (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty (:01) Duck Dy- (:31) Duck Dy- (:01) Duck Dy(HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) (3:00) Gone with the Wind (‘40, Gone with the Wind (‘40, Drama) Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh. A spoiled and self-centered Southern belle meets her match in a handsome rogue as she juggles a forbidden roDrama) aaac Clark Gable. (HD) mantic interest in her brother-in-law with the survival of her family and their plantation during and after the American Civil War. (HD) River Monsters: Unhooked: Lair of Giants Search for giants. (HD) River Monsters: Unhooked: Face Ripper Recalling a tragedy. (HD) River Monsters: Unhooked: Face Ripper (HD) (6:00) 106 & Park The Soul Man The Soul Man Old Husbands: Doing Scandal: Icarus Olivia has a decision Scandal: Everything’s Coming Up The Game (HD) The Game (HD) Wendy Williams (N) (HD) (HD) habits. (HD) The Bump to make. (HD) Mellie Mellie’s interview. (HD) Show (HD) (6:45) Top Chef: The Real Housewives of Atlanta: (:45) The Real Housewives of At- (:45) The Real Housewives of At- Real Housewives Styled To Rock: Lighting Up Nervo Housewives Piggin’ Out Girl Code Breakers Homeless. lanta: All in a Day’s Twerk lanta: Too Late to Apollo-gize Atlanta (N) LED lights for a deejay. (N) Texting scandal.

The Kudlow Report (N) Crime Inc. Car Chaser Car Chaser Greed: Crash and Burn Mad Money Investing advice.

Car Chaser Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Piers Morgan LIVE (N) (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° Later Erin Burnett OutFront P. Morgan (:58) The Colbert (:29) Daily Show (:59) Key & Peele South Park: South Park: South Park (HD) South Park (HD) Key & Peele (HD) Daily Show (HD) (:31) The Colbert (:01) South Park Report (HD) (HD) (HD) Smug Alert! (HD) Fishsticks (HD) Report (HD) (HD) Good Luck Char- Good Luck Char- Toy Story 3 (‘10, Comedy) aaaa Tom Hanks. The (:50) Toy Story of Toy Story: Austin & Ally Good Luck Char- Over Yonder: The Full Court Miralie (HD) lie (HD) toys are donated to a daycare.

Terror (HD) Party-Saurus Rex (HD) lie (HD) Fugitives cle (‘03) aac Street Outlaws (HD) Street Outlaws (HD) Street Outlaws (HD) Bear Grylls: Escape (N) (HD) Street Outlaws (HD) Bear (HD) NBA Count NBA Basketball: Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers z{| (HD) College Basketball z{| (HD) SportsCenter Basketball College Basketball z{| (HD) College Basketball: NIT Season Tip-Off: Semifinal #2 z{| (HD) SportsCenter NFL Live (HD) Snoopy Come Bon Voyage Charlie Brown (And Don’t Come Back) A Boy Named Charlie Brown (‘69, Family) aaa Peter Robbins. A boy The 700 Club A Boy Named Home (HD) (‘80, Family) aac Casey Carlson. (HD) participates in a spelling bee. (HD) (‘69) aaa (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Restaurant Stakeout (N) (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (N) On the Rocks: Up in Smoke (N) Restaurant On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File NHL Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes at New Jersey Devils from Prudential Center (HD) Postgame SEC Gridiron Live (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) NHL Hockey (6:00) Window Wonderland (‘13, Christmas Magic (‘11, Holiday) aac Lindy Booth. An event planner must The Christmas Ornament (‘13, Holiday) Kellie Martin. A widow decides to The Three Gifts Holiday) Naomi Judd. (HD) save a struggling restaurant owner before going to heaven. keep her winter holiday festivities relatively low key. (HD) (‘09) (HD) Love It or List It (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Property Brothers (HD) Prop Bro (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (N) (HD) Bible Secrets Revealed (N) (HD) Bible Secrets Revealed (HD) American (HD) Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Abel WWE Main Event (N) Flashpoint: A Call to Arms Stopping Flashpoint: Team Player Patient Flashpoint: Day Game Parker taken Flashpoint: Blue & Willing (HD) a gang. (HD) takes people hostage. (HD) hostage (HD) on Blue (HD) Diary of a Mad Black Woman (‘05, Madea Goes to Jail (‘09, Comedy) a Tyler Perry. An outspoken grandMadea’s Family Reunion (‘06, Comedy) a Tyler Perry. Grandma’s family Madea Goes to Comedy) Kimberly Elise. (HD) mother ends up in prison with a bunch of other misfits. (HD) reunion is interrupted by dramas and crises. (HD) Jail (‘09) (HD) Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (‘09, Comedy) aaa Bill Hader.

Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Transporter 2 (‘05, Crime) Jason Statham. Kidnapping scheme. (HD) The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (‘06, Action) aa Lucas Black. (HD) (:45) The Rundown (‘03) aac (HD) Paranormal Witness: The Harpy Paranormal Witness: The Exorcist Paranormal Witness: The Rendel- Haunted Highway: Island of Lost Paranormal Witness: The Rendel- Highway: Island sham Files Alien crafts. of Lost Souls sham Files Alien crafts. (N) Souls Dry Tortugas. (N) Malevolent spirit.

Senior exorcist.

Seinfeld (HD) Family Guy: Pe- Family Parallel Family Guy: Fam- The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Conan August: Harrison Ford. (HD) The Pete Holmes ter’s Progress worlds. ily Goy Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Show (N) (6:15) The Anderson Tapes (‘71, Field of Dreams (‘89, Fantasy) aaac Kevin Costner. A strange voice The Leopard (‘63, Drama) aaac Burt Lancaster. After a revolution, an aristocrat finds the Thriller) aaa Sean Connery. tells a farmer to turn his cornfield into a baseball diamond. old way of life permanently changed.

Extreme (HD) Extreme (HD) Extreme (HD) Extreme (HD) Extreme (N) Extreme (HD) Hoarding: Buried Alive (N) (HD) Extreme (HD) Extreme (HD) Hoarding (HD) Castle: Reality Star Struck Reality TV Castle: Target A business man’s Castle: Hunt Castle finds his own life Castle: Scared to Death Killed by a Hawaii Five-0: Ike Maka John Doe The Mentalist star is found murdered. (HD) daughter is kidnapped. (HD) in jeopardy. (HD) “haunted” DVD. (HD) found. (HD) (HD) S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach (N) S. Beach (:01) Repo (:31) Repo (:02) S. Beach Griffith (HD) The Andy Griffith Show (HD) Griffith (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Cleveland The Exes (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: Chasing Ghosts Naval reserv- NCIS: Berlin Ziva finds lead on her fa- NCIS: Revenge NCIS seeks retaliation NCIS: Double Blind NCIS scrutinized NCIS: Damned If You Do Threatened NCIS: Extreme ist’s missing husband. (HD) ther’s killer. (HD) for Eli & Jackie. (HD)

by Dept. of Defense. (HD) future. (HD) Prejudice (HD) Will Grace Will Grace Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met Rules (HD) Rules (HD)

Recycled ‘Turkey’ beats ‘Haunted Highway’

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Recent revolutions in technology have allowed everyone to create “television,” or its likeness.

We can shoot, edit and star in our own shows and upload them to YouTube and other services for the world to see. Attracting the world’s attention is another matter.

Sometimes the older, established media discovers selfmade talent and polishes them into stars. Usher’s discovery of Justin Bieber is the best-known example.

But this works in the other direction as well: When professional media makers approximate the amateurish to slap a veneer of “credibility” on the merely mediocre.

“Haunted Highway” (10 p.m., Syfy, TV-14) is a good example of the latter. A run-of-themill ghost hunter show starring Jack Osbourne, the semi-famous son of reality television stars, “Highway” sends four chatty non-experts to scour the 50 states for paranormal activity.

What distinguishes “High-

way” from its competition is that every scene is shot by Osbourne’s quartet. The results are atrocious. The camerawork is extremely jerky and haphazardly composed. Faces move in and out of the frame in nearly every shot. Sure, it looks real — really bad.

The cumulative effect of “Highway” is to leave the viewer slightly queasy. That seems intentional. Bad camerawork resulting in nausea was the hallmark of “The Blair Witch Project,” the granddaddy of all cheap, homemade horror movies, which exploded in 1999 at the dawn of the digital age. The story was forgettable, but tales of vomiting filmgoers endure.

• On the eve of Thanksgiving, “Nature” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-G, check local listings) repeats “My Life as a Turkey,” a beautiful little 2011 film that’s equal parts science and poetry and has nothing to do with Butterballs, stuffing or the holiday.

Filled with gorgeous photography, “Turkey” follows naturalist Joe Hutto, who narrates the film and is played by actor Jeff

Palmer in the re-enacted scenes.

Hutto sets out to find a nest of wild turkey eggs and hatch them and then “imprint” himself on the hatchlings, so they will think of him as their “mother.”

Then, following the logic of a dream, or perhaps a nature documentary, he sets out to raise them in the wild, spending every waking hour strolling through forests and meadows as they develop from helpless chicks to truly wild birds. Suddenly, other creatures that would have avoided him as a man were not frightened by him as part of a flock. In so many words, being a turkey allowed him to enter a paradise that he’s more than a little fearful of losing. Most of all, Hutto explains, the birds taught him to live in the eternal present.

Sadly, Hutto’s Eden, and this film, must come to a shattering conclusion. But it’s well worth watching, and re-watching as we enter a season of reflection.

Tonight’s Other Highlights • NBC anticipates its Dec. 5 staging of a Rodgers and Ham-

merstein favorite with “The Making of ‘The Sound of Music Live!’” (8 p.m.).

• Live performances on “The X Factor” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• An affable slob (John Candy) clings to a nervous businessman (Steve Martin) during a botched trip home for the holidays in the 1987 comedy “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG).

• “Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) serves up holiday sketches.

• Mitch and Cam become best men at their worst on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG).

• Finlay vanishes during a spa weekend on “CSI” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Deacon can’t forgive himself as Rayna remains in a coma on “Nashville” (10 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG).

• The message of tonight’s “Girl Code” (10 p.m., MTV, TV-14) is for young people to get tested for AIDS.

REVIEW

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Message of ‘Frozen’ overrides film’s pitfalls JESSICA HERNDON AP Film Writer Instead of the bygone damsels in distress — yes we’re talking about you Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty — the female royals of “Frozen,” Disney’s latest animated wonder, are feisty, forward and independent.

Strong female leads are fitting, as “Frozen” marks the first time a female has occupied the director’s chair in the 76 years of Disney animation features. Jennifer Lee, who wrote Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” as well as the screenplay for “Frozen,” co-directed the icy 3-D adventure with Disney veteran Chris Buck (“Tarzan”).

Inspired by the 19th century fairytale, “The Snow Queen,” by Hans Christian Andersen, “Frozen” marks another Disney film modernizing one of the Danish author’s stories.

Eight new songs, by Kristen AndersonLopez and Robert Lopez, work well when paired with the stunning visuals. But none

really shine with classic tour de force like a “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” — and it’s been too long since we’ve had a big Disneystimulated hit.

But the overall message more than makes up for the film’s pitfalls. Rich in magic, perils and family ties, “Frozen” encourages us to embrace our fears, overthrow our inhibitions and find the true meaning of love.

Set in the kingdom of Arendelle, sisters Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) are best friends who love to play in the snow. Luckily big sis Elsa can create ice and snow with her bare hands.

When Elsa accidently zaps her sister with her sorcery during playtime, Anna is almost killed. Since their daughter can’t control her power, the king and queen send Elsa to her room and isolate her from her sister. But the girls are left alone when their parents die.

Dauntless optimist Anna tries, for years, to get her sister to come out of her room. “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” Anna sings.

But Elsa, afraid of hurting her sister again, remains locked away. That is until she turns 18

and is now fit to be queen.

On her sister’s coronation day, Anna is excited to finally have a house full of people.

She even plans to keep her eyes peeled for the possible swoon-worthy suitor. Like clockwork, he comes in the form of the handsome Prince Hans of the Southern Isles (Santino Fontana). Anna falls instantly and the two become engaged.

Anna’s impulsive behavior enrages her big sister, which results in Elsa freezing the kingdom.

Anna and Kristoff’s flirtation, while engaging, could stand to be a bit more rapturous.

But when Kristoff teases Anna about getting engaged to Prince Hans just after they’d met, you can’t help but love him — and love him for her. Cheers to “Frozen” for that message: Finally a tale for gals about love as a journey and not just something meant to save the princess (or damsel) from her unfortunate circumstance.

“Frozen” is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America. Two and a half stars out of four.

THURSDAY TELEVISION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

FYI

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The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone/everyone who served in the 2nd Infantry Division.

Visit the website at www.2ida.org or contact Mike Davino at MDavino@yahoo.com or (919) 498-1910.

Zumba classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Parks and Recreation building on Haynsworth Street. Classes are $5 each and no registration is required. Contact Deanne Lewis at zumbadeanne@gmail. com.

The Palmetto Singles Club holds a dance from 7 to 10 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at the VFW on Gion Street. Call Nancy McLeod, club president, at (803) 469-3433.

Sumter Area Toastmasters meets at 7 p.m. each Tuesday at the Sumter Mall community room, 1057 Broad St. The group helps in developing speaking and leadership skills.

Contact Douglas Wilson at (803) 778-0197 or Rebecca Gonzalez at (803) 565-9271.

The Sumter Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Bultman Conference Room at USC Sumter.

Administrative professionals, assistants and secretaries are encouraged to attend.

Call Mary Sutton at (803) 938-3760.

Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. Free help for cancer patients from the American Cancer Society.

Transportation to treatment, help for appearance related side effects of treatment, nutrition help, one-on-one breast cancer support, free housing away from home during treatment, help finding clinical trials, someone to talk to — all free from your American Cancer Society.

Call (800) 227-2345.

Agape Hospice is in need of volunteers. Whether your passion is baking, knitting, reading, singing, etc., Agape Hospice can find a place for you. Contact Thandi Blanding at (803) 774-1075, (803) 260-3876 or tblanding@agapsenior.com.

ROAD to RECOVERY is in need of volunteers in the Sumter area. The program provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments. Call the American Cancer Society at (803) 750-1693.

C7

THURSDAY EVENING NOVEMBER 28 TW FT

Belly dancing classes are held at 6 p.m. every Monday at the Parks and Recreation Department, 155 Haynsworth St. Only $20 per month.

THE ITEM

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WIS News 10 at Entertainment 7:00pm Local Tonight (N) (HD) news update.

(4:30) NFL Football: Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys from AT&T Stadium z{| (HD) Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) (N) (HD) (HD)

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Football Night in Sunday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens from M&T Bank Stadium z{| (HD) America (HD) The Big Bang Theory (HD)

The Crazy Ones: Breakfast Burrito Club (HD) A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Snoopy’s cooking ruins Thanksgiving meal (HD) Europe Florence, Palmetto Scene Sunshine by the Stars: Celebrating Pisa and Lucca. (N) (HD) Louisiana Music You Are My Sunshine. (N) (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The X Factor: Results Show Fate reTheory Raj depor- Theory (HD) veals who must sing for safety; Demi performs live. (N) (HD) tation. (HD) Family Feud Family Feud House: Big Baby Teacher spits up blood, collapses. (HD)

(:01) The Crazy (:31) The Crazy (:01) Elementary: Déjà Vu All Over Ones: The Spec- Ones: Bad Dad Again Wife leaves video for her husband. (HD) (HD) tacular (HD) Modern Family: Lady Gaga and The Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular Party Crasher The Muppets return to celebrate the holidays with Lady (HD) Gaga in a variety show. (N) (HD) A Chef’s Life: Col- A Chef’s Life: The The Mind of a POV Power of lislard Green Queen Buttermilk Belt Chef: Roots (N) tening. (N) (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) Glee: Puppet Master Blaine and Kurt WACH FOX News at 10 Local news have control issues. (N) (HD) report and weather forecast.

House: The Greater Good Cancer re- King of the Hill: The Cleveland searcher; Thirteen’s reactions. (HD) Spin the Choice Show Donna’s sister. (HD)

News 19 @ 11pm The news of the day.

ABC Columbia News at 11 (HD) Tavis Smiley (HD) Two and a Half Men (HD)

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WIS News 10 at The Tonight 11:00pm News Show with Jay Leno (N) (HD) and weather. (:35) Late Show with David Letterman Scheduled: Jack Hanna; Kunal Nayyar. (HD) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live From November: actress Elizabeth Banks.

(HD) BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) International (HD) news.

Two and a Half The Middle: Men (HD) Thanksgiving (HD)

The Arsenio Hall Show From November: actor Eddie Murphy. (HD)

Dish Nation (N)

CABLE CHANNELS Duck Dynasty: Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty: Till Duck Do Us Part Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty (:01) Duck Dy- (:31) Duck Dy- (:01) Duck DyPlan Bee (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Surprise wedding. (HD) (HD) (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) (3:30) The Godfather: Part II (‘74, The Godfather (‘72, Drama) aaaa Marlon Brando. A decorated veteran takes over control of his family’s criminal empire from his ailing father as The Godfather: Drama) aaaa Al Pacino. (HD) new threats and old enemies conspire to destroy them. (HD) Part II (HD) River Monsters: Unhooked: American Killers (HD) Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives Deadly predator. (HD) Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives (HD) (4:00) BET Awards ‘12 Samuel L. Bet Awards 2013 Comic Chris Tucker hosts the hip-hop world’s award show, presenting awards to musicians in various categories; performances by Big Momma’s Jackson hosts an award show.

Chris Brown, Ciara, Kendrick Lamar, R. Kelly, Miguel and more of the biggest chart-topping artists in the industry today.

House (‘00) ac (6:30) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (‘03, Comedy) aac Kate Hudson. Legally Blonde (‘01, Comedy) aac Reese Witherspoon. A frivolous col- (:59) Something’s Gotta Give (‘03, Comedy) aac Executive and journalist fall in love. (HD) lege student gets serious about law when she enrolls in Harvard.

Jack Nicholson. Bachelor fond of girlfriend’s mother.

The Profit: Mr. Green Tea Fugitives Swindlers in Miami.

Fugitives A family matter.

Fugitives A possible suicide.

Fugitives Hacking banks.

Fugitives Anthony Bourdain Parts: Libya Anthony: Congo Anthony: Morocco (Tangier) Anthony: Myanmar Anthony: Colombia Anthony: Peru (:57) Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos Jeff Dunham in- (:29) Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity Comedic slant on Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos Jeff Dunham introJeff Dunham’s Very Special Christtroduces two new puppets. (HD) a few American issues. (HD) duces two new puppets. (HD) mas Special Ventriloquist.

Good Luck Char- Good Luck Char- Despicable Me (‘10, Comedy) aaac Steve Carell. A (:45) Phineas and Good Luck Char- Dog Blog: Stan’s A.N.T. Farm (HD) Phineas and Ferb Good Luck Charlie (HD) lie (HD) master thief plans his next big heist.

Ferb (HD) lie (HD) Old Owner (HD) lie (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Punkin Chunkin: 2013 2013 competition. (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Punkin Chunkin: 2013 2013 competition. (HD) SportsCenter College Football: Ole Miss Rebels at Mississippi State Bulldogs from Davis Wade Stadium (HD) SportsCenter: from Bristol, Conn. (HD) SportsCenter College Basketball: Memphis vs Siena (HD) College Basketball: LSU Tigers vs Saint Joseph’s Hawks z{| (HD) College Basketball: Creighton vs Arizona State Harry Potter & Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (‘09, Fantasy) aaa Daniel Radcliffe. A wizard and his friends stumble upon a peculiar The 700 Club Scheduled: athlete Be Home for Goblet (HD) manuscript that belongs to the “Half-Blood Prince” and may reveal the early days of his powerful enemy. (HD) London Fletcher.

Christmas (HD) Chopped: For Sake’s Sake (HD) Chopped: Oui, Oui, Confit (HD) Chopped: Cloche Call (HD) Chopped: Sports Stars (HD) Restaurant: Battle by the Beach Chopped (HD) On the Record Special The O’Reilly Factor Special (N) The Kelly File: WWII Veterans My Hope America: Cross The O’Reilly Factor Special Kelly File New College (HD) West Coast Customs Predators Insider (HD) New College (HD) SEC Gridiron Live (HD) Soccer (HD) (6:00) The Thanksgiving House (‘13, Fir Crazy (‘13, Holiday) Sarah Lancaster. After a woman loses her job, she A Bride for Christmas (‘12, Romance) Arielle Kebbel. A man participates in Christmas Dance Drama) Cerina Vincent. (HD) must work at her family’s Christmas tree lot. (HD) a wedding wager. (HD) (‘12) (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Rent Buy (N) Rent Buy (N) Prop Bro (HD) Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Swamp People (HD) Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Without a Trace: Hard Landing Plane Criminal Minds: A Shade of Gray Criminal Minds: The Big Wheel Criminal Minds: Roadkill Series of Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Love Law & Order: crash. (HD) Missing boy. (HD) Killer’s videotape. (HD) vehicular murders. (HD) Sick (HD) Criminal (HD) (6:00) A Walk to Remember (‘02, The Switch (‘10, Comedy) aac Jason Bateman. A beautiful, unmarried The Breakfast Club (‘85, Drama) Emilio Estevez. Five very different stu(:02) The Switch Romance) aac Shane West. (HD) 40-year-old woman decides that she wants to have a baby. (HD) dents learn about each other during a weekend detention. (HD) (‘10) aac (HD) Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters (HD) Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (‘09, Comedy) Bill Hader. (HD) Friends Friends Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Cops (HD) (:23) Cops (HD) (:57) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Impact Wrestling (N) (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) (6:00) Die Another Day (‘02, Action) Pierce Brosnan. Agent 007 investi- Casino Royale (‘06, Thriller) aaac Daniel Craig. British secret agent James Bond goes on his first mission as Goldfinger (‘64) gates the connection between a terrorist and a billionaire. (HD) 007, entering a high-stakes poker game against a dastardly terrorist banker. (HD) aaac (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Ground: Off to the Ground: The New Conan September: Louis C.K. (HD) The Pete Holmes Seinfeld (HD) Family New Family Guy (HD) Family Errand-boy.

Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Races Office Show (N) neighbors.

(6:00) The Muppets Take Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (‘68, Musical) aaaa Dick Van Dyke. A crackpot inventor endows Doctor Dolittle (‘67, Adventure) aa Rex Harrison. A doctor, who can talk Manhattan (‘84, Family) aaa a wrecked car with amazing abilities. to animals, sets out on a quest to find a rare snail.

Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Boss In line. (HD) Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Castle: A Death in the Family Plastic Castle: Deep in Death Man is found Castle: The Double Down Castle’s (:02) Castle: Inventing the Girl Inside Hawaii Five-0: Ki’lua McGarrett CSI: NY: Unsurgeon. (HD) tangled in a tree. (HD) bet. (HD) look at fashion industry. (HD) helps Jenna deliver ransom. (HD) wrapped (HD) Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers (:01) Jokers (:31) Jokers (:02) Jokers Griffith (HD) Griffith (HD) Cosby Cosby Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) (:48) The King of Queens (HD) Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (N) (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) The Matrix (‘99, Science Fiction) aaaa Keanu Reeves. A hacker fights to free humankind.

How I Met Rules (HD) Rules (HD)

Nothing says holidays like Lady Gaga, Muppets p.m., TV-PG) * Jay and Gloria plan a special day for Manny on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG).

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH It’s nice to see the holiday season kick off in a traditional fashion. “Lady Gaga and the Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular” (9:30 p.m., ABC) continues the tradition of calling any holiday special a “spectacular” and the long, strange pairing of popular recording artists with Jim Henson’s creatures.

This marks Lady Gaga’s second Thanksgiving special on ABC, so perhaps yet another tradition is underway.

Lady Gaga will perform duets with Kermit the Frog, as well as Elton John, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kristen Bell and RuPaul. Elton John has been performing with Kermit and Miss Piggy since the 1970s, when “The Muppet Show” series welcomed a diverse assortment of artists, including Linda Ronstadt, Alice Cooper, Debbie Harry, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Cash, Dizzy Gillespie and John Denver.

No holiday special or spectacular is free from promotion, so look for plugs for the forthcoming movie “Muppets Most Wanted,” featuring Lady Gaga, and a few mentions of Lady Gaga’s newest album, “ARTPOP.” • Speaking of traditions, John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld,” “Dancing With the Stars”) hosts the 12th annual “National Dog Show” (noon, NBC), accompanied by dog expert David Frei and sportscaster Mary Carillo.

This year marks the entry of three new American Kennel Club-sanctioned breeds: the Chinook (working group), the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno (hound group) and the rat terrier (terrier group).

The canines will compete for the Best in Show title. Last year history was made when a wire fox terrier won for the second year in a row. As always, I’ve got my money on the pug.

• Cartoonists animate six oral histories on the “POV” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) presentation of “Lis-

Late Night

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lady Gaga joins a long list of recording artists to perform with muppet characters Miss Piggy, left, and Kermit the Frog on the upcoming “Lady Gaga & The Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular,” airing at 9:30 p.m. Thursday on ABC.

tening Is an Act of Love: A StoryCorps Special.”

Tonight’s Other Highlights • The documentary “Sport in America: Our Defining Story” (6 p.m., HBO, TV-G) examines the connection between athletics and our national identity.

• The gang mulls the meaning of the holiday in the 1973 special “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-G).

• Nothing says Thanksgiving like time with the family — the Corleone family. Marlon Brando stars in the 1972 gangster epic “The Godfather” (8 p.m., AMC, TV-14).

• Gourds defy gravity on “Punkin Chunkin 2013” (8 p.m., Discovery and Science, TV-PG).

• Having watched, or rather, rewatched the original for more than 30 years, faithful fans were slow to embrace the 2012 sequel “A Christmas Story 2” (8 p.m., CMT). Daniel Stern stars.

• A Christmas tree vendor pines for romance in the 2013 comedy “Fir Crazy” (8 p.m., Hallmark, TV-G), starring Sarah Lancaster, Eric Johnson and Colin Mochrie.

• Results are announced on “The X Factor” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• A family wedding brings

unpleasant faces from the past in the 2010 comedy “You Again” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG), starring Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver.

• The Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers on a special Thanksgiving night of NFL football (8:30 p.m., NBC).

• Some think Blaine comes on too strong on “Glee” (9 p.m.

Fox, TV-14).

• Serge may have been better off dead on “The Returned” (9 p.m., Sundance, TV-14).

• Daniel Craig picks up the 007 mantle in the 2006 James Bond adventure “Casino Royale” (9 p.m., Syfy, TV-14), part of the network’s ongoing 12-movie Bond marathon, concluding Friday.

• A blackmailer’s sidekick buys the farm on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14).

• Les glances back at films of his first time stranded in the Canadian wild on “Survivorman: Lost Pilots” (10 p.m., Science, TV-PG).

Louis C.K. and Thompson Square appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS, r) * Sam Claflin, Chris Franjola, Fortune Feimster and Whitney Cummings are booked on “Chelsea Lately” (11 p.m., E!, r) * Jack Hanna and Kunal Nayyar appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) * Jay Leno welcomes Christina Aguilera and Jay Mohr on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Rashida Jones, Carrie Underwood and Ariana Grande visit “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Robin Williams on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS, r).

Cult Choice Clint Eastwood shares screen time with an orangutan in back-to-back comedies “Every Which Way But Loose” (8 p.m., Reelz, TV-PG) and “Any Which Way You Can” (10:30 p.m., Reelz, TV-PG), from 1978 and 1980, respectively.

Copyright 2013, United Feature Syndicate

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Series Notes Sheldon erupts with holiday memories on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * On three episodes of “The Crazy Ones” (CBS, r): wasting time (8:30 p.m., TV-14), overcaffeinated (9 p.m., TV-PG), Simon overcompensates (9:30

Shop the Classifieds for furniture, housing, employment, automobiles and other miscellaneous items!

20 N. Magnolia Street

803-774-1200 www.theitem.com/classifieds

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FOOD WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013

THE ITEM Contact Rhonda Barrick at 803-774-1264 or e-mail rhondab@theitem.com

Add pork to your choices of comfort foods FROM THE NATIONAL PORK BOARD

W

hether or not there’s a chill in the air, those all-toofamiliar cravings for a little taste of comfort have returned… and the National Pork Board has just the thing to help people across the country get cozy: its first-ever “Cooking For Comfort” e-Cookbook. Featuring time-honored favorites and new twists on classics from James Beard Awardwinning chef Michelle Bernstein, barbecue expert and author Ray Lampe and 10 leading food bloggers, the free cookbook highlights some of the tastiest ways to warm up with pork.

“Most of us probably have a favorite comfort food dish – it’s filling, hearty and even a little whimsical. Above all, it’s a dish that makes you feel good,” said Chef Bernstein. “We compiled this cookbook to honor all the ways you can use an ingredient as versatile as pork to create that quintessential feel-good dish with both generations-old and modern-day cooking techniques, as well as soothing, savory flavors.”

Perfect for any occasion that calls for a heart-warming meal and full of delicious ideas that highlight pork, “Cooking for Comfort” includes: Two recipes from Chef Michelle Bernstein, including Chorizo and Cheese Empanadas with Avocado Crema. Bernstein, who learned how to make empanadas from her mother at the early age of 8, made them her own by adding homemade chorizo.

Two recipes each from 10 leading food bloggers, like Ali Ebright’s Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops and Jenny Flake’s Ham and Cheddar Green Chili Breakfast Sandwiches.

The first 15,000 people to download “Cooking For Comfort” in November will receive a coupon for $1 off fresh pork, with another 10,000 coupons available starting Dec. 1. Visit www.

PorkBeInspired.com for a free download.

Puerto Rican Shredded Pork 2-3 pounds boneless sirloin pork roast, or sirloin tip roast, trimmed and tied with kitchen twine if necessary* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 4-5 cloves garlic, skins removed, crushed 1 tablespoon cumin 1/2 tablespoon coarse salt 1 teaspoon oregano 4 oranges, juiced or 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 4 limes, juiced Using a sharp knife, poke a few holes into the pork and stuff holes with half of the crushed garlic. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the pork and brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the meat to a slow cooker.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a blender and blend for a few seconds until evenly combined.

Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour the liquid mixture over the pork, and let the pork marinate in the mixture for about 10 minutes on each side.

Turn the slow cooker on low, and set the timer for 8 hours.

After 8 hours, remove pork and shred using two forks on a large cutting board. Remove all the liquid from the slow cooker except for 1 cup of the cooking liquid and add pork back to pot. Let it cook another 15-30 minutes.

Serve the shredded pork over lettuce wraps or in corn tortillas, and top with pico de gallo, chopped cilantro and/or avocado.

Serves 4-6, plus leftovers *Please note that if you’re unfamiliar with tying a roast with kitchen twine, ask your butcher to pretie the roast in the store.

Ham and Cheddar Green Chili Breakfast Sandwiches 4 1/4-inch thick slices ham, cut to fit an English muffin 4 large eggs 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 whole canned mild green chiles, drained, split open and trimmed to fit an English muffin 4 slices Cheddar cheese 4 English muffins, split, toasted and lightly buttered 1/2 cup cooked hashbrown potatoes, warm In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the ham until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, cover to keep warm and set aside.

If necessary, wipe out the skillet. Return it to medium heat and coat with nonstick spray. One at a time, add the eggs and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Cook until set on one side, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Carefully turn the eggs, then top with the chilies and cheese. Cover and cook until the eggs are set and cheese is melted, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat.

Arrange the bottoms of the English muffins on plates or a platter. Top with the hash browns, ham and eggs.

Chorizo and Cheese Empanadas with Avocado Crema 1 pound ground pork 2 pasilla chile peppers, or other mild dried red chiles* 1 guajillo chile pepper, or other mild dried red chile* 1 onion, cut into large chunks 4 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon sweet paprika 2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 pound queso blanco , or other mild, semihard cheese, grated Empanada dough (See Michelle’s below) or

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, toast the chiles, turning occasionally, until blistered and fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the chiles to a bowl of hot water, cover and set aside for 15 minutes.

Remove the chiles from the water and stem and seed them. Place the chiles, onion, vinegar, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor or the jar of a blender and process to purée, scraping down the bowl or jar as needed.

Transfer the chile mixture to a large bowl and add the pork, paprika, oregano, salt, coriander, cumin, pepper, and cinnamon, mixing until well combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork mixture, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in the bowl of a food processor, combine avocado, cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and olive oil and process to purée, scraping down the bowl as necessary. Add salt to taste and set aside in the refrigerator.

Stir the cheese into the pork mixture. Arrange a 5- or 6-inch round

store-bought empanada shells to make about 48 6-inch or 64 5-inch empanadas** All-purpose flour, for the work surface About 6 cups canola oil Avocado Crema: 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and quartered 1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped 3 tablespoon sour cream Juice of 1/2 lime Salt to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil

of empanada dough or an empanada shell on a lightly floured work surface. Spoon 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of pork mixture on top, moisten the edges of the shell with water, and fold the shell over the filling, pressing it with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining shells and pork mixture, flouring the work surface as necessary.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Arrange two or three paper towel-lined baking sheets in the oven.

Pour canola oil into a large, heavy saucepan or small stockpot to 1-inch deep and warm it to 350 degrees. over medium heat. Cook the empanadas in batches, turning occasionally and adjusting the heat to main 350 degrees, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets to keep warm.

Serve the empanadas with the avocado crema on the side.

Makes 48 to 64 empanadas *Look for dried chiles in the ethnic section of your supermarket and at Latin markets. **Use Michelle’s dough recipe or look for empanada shells — preferably muy hojadrosa (“very flaky”) style.

Michelle’s Empanada Dough: 2 cups flour, plus more as needed 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 5 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/2 cup dry sherry In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar and pulse to combine. Add the shortening and pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse meal. Add the egg and pulse a few times. Add the sherry 2 tablespoons at a time, pulsing between additions, until the dough comes together in a ball. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick disk. Cover the disk with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to a day.

Return the disk to room temperature.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out to 1/3-inch thick, then use a 5- or 6-inch biscuit or cookie cutter to make empanada shells, gathering and rerolling the scraps as necessary.

Makes 8 to 12 empanada shells.