Upstate Tidbits by Tidbits of the Upstate

EE FR Over 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

of The Upstate

serving The Golden Strip, Anderson, Clemson, Easley and Greenville

January 2014, Issue 1-2 • 1(855)SC-TIDBITS • www.UpstateTidbits.com TIDBITS® SWIGS A

Order Mouthwatering Gifts for Valentine’s Day

BEER by Janet Spencer

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED giant strawberries | #1 seller fancy berries | over 20 million berries dipped

DIP

BERRPEID ES

from

19 99

+s/h

Save 20%*

“They were HUGE! We were really impressed.” - Carline, Temecula, CA

Find your perfect Valentine’s Day gift for less. To redeem this offer visit

www.berries.com/act or call 1-800-810-0947 *Minimum product purchase of $29.00. Discounts do not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day delivery, shipping and handling, taxes or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Offer expires 2/13/2014.

CAMPERDOWN FALLS General Dentistry Esthetics & Implants

M. Thomas Edwards, Jr. D.M.D., P.A.

Revolutionary Same Day Tooth Replacement!

On January 24, 1935, the first beer in cans was placed on sale in Richmond, Virginia. In honor of that event, come along with Tidbits as we take a look at beer! A CRUCIAL INVENTION • Ermal Cleon Fraze, born in 1913, grew up to found a tool and die company in the mid 1940s called Reliable Tool and Manufacturing Company. He invented a wide variety of products for clients including General Electric, Ford, and even NASA. But his most famous invention came as a result of a picnic in 1959. • Ermal had brought plenty of beer to the picnic, but he had forgotten the can opener, which, at that time, was the only way to crack open a cold one. He was forced to resort to opening the cans using the bumper of his car. “There oughta be a better way,” he thought to himself. • Several months later, he couldn’t sleep, so he got up to spend a few hours puttering in his workshop. The result of his tinkering was the first pop-top pulltab can. He received a patent for it in 1963, selling the invention to Alcoa. The first customer to use the new pull-tab can was the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, makers of Iron City Beer. By 1975, 75% of U.S. breweries were using them.

We Don’t Just Pack And Ship!

Shipping, Packing & A “Bit” More

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8AM-6PM Sat. 10AM-4PM

GET THE HELP YOU NEED

(Continues Next Page)

We can give you the smile you deserve in one easy visit! Using a non-surgical mini dental implant technique (F.I.R.S.T), it is now possible to replace anything from a single tooth to a full mouth restoration. Your beautiful smile can be seen in 1 or 2 short visits with minimal discomfort, without destroying healthy tooth enamel and without the long healing time or high cost typically associated with conventional dental implants.

EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT! New Mini Dental Implant Technology. CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!

In one short procedure, you can have a stable denture with no surgical sutures nor the typical months of healing. The MDI system consists of a miniature titanium implant that acts like the root of your tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture.

19 Cleveland Street • Greenville, SC 29601 (864)232-6911 • www.SmileEnhancement.com

Join us for HAPPY HOUR

9 ft. Billiard tables

Come in between 4 and 8 every weekday and relax with great drink specials and 1/2 price appetizers Plenty of truck parking in back 12 of the Coldest Drafts on Woodruff Rd

Friar’s Tavern

1178 Woodruff Rd, corner of Woodruff and Miller

288-1898

Tidbits® of The Upstate ● Read Online www.UpstateTidbits.com

“The New Rules for Career Success”

by Dan Schawbel (St. Martin’s Press, $24.99) Reviewed by Molly Ford

“I wanted to fit into an amazing costume that I wore when I was 18…

OVED NEW & IMPR

50%!

OUR BEST PROGRAM EVER!

THE MORE YOU LOSE, THE MORE YOU SAVE!

Save

up to

†

(with 28-Day Auto-Delivery orders)

Call 800-853-8058

Mention Promo Code: cd1113

Marie Osmond †Offer good on new 28-Day Auto-Delivery programs only. Savings vary based on plan purchased. Free shipping Continental US only. With this offer you receive an additional discount off the Full Retail Value with each consecutive 28-Day Auto-Delivery order. Additional 5% discount applied to each of the first five consecutive 28-Day plan deliveries up to 50% total savings. With Auto-Delivery, you are automatically charged and shipped your 28-Day program once every 4 weeks unless you cancel. You can cancel Auto-Delivery at any time by calling 1-800-727-8046. Other restrictions apply. Call or see website for details. The Nutrisystem Select program is available to Continental U.S. residents only and cannot be shipped to PO Boxes, APO Boxes or military addresses. Cannot be combined with any prior or current discount or offer. Limit one offer per customer. ©2013 Nutrisystem, Inc. All rights reserved.

On Nutrisystem you add in fresh grocery items.

Whether it’s your first job or your fifth, the rules for getting ahead in the workplace are changing quickly with the advent of social media and the rise of more frequent job changes. If you want to stay ahead of the game and stand out in your company, “Promote Yourself” shares ways to flourish by emphasizing the importance of personal branding in the new work environment. A core tenant of the book is that how colleagues perceive you is just as important as the actual work you are producing. Covering how to leverage new forms of media such as social networking sites, blogs and managing one’s digital presence, as well as how to spend time wisely doing activities that enhance one’s reputation at work (like joining the company sports team), “Promote Yourself” is packed

with personal branding insights. To further back up these insights, loads of data and interviews with professionals are included. Real-world examples of how professionals applied the book’s tips to their careers, especially across different life stages and in different industries, round out the narrative of how important personal branding is to having a successful career. What kind of work achievements should you be sharing with your boss and team, and how do you share those achievements while still being likable and not “bragging”? How do you a build a network of contacts, both in and outside of work? Can you be an entrepreneur while still working at a company? Author Dan Schawbel, a columnist at both Time and Forbes, answers these questions and many more. If you want to be the most respected and best-liked person in the office, this is your read. For more reviews by Molly Ford, visit SmartPrettyandAwkward.com. (c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

TO PEE OR NOT TO PEE Drinking beer makes the drinker urinate a lot— much more than drinking an equal amount of water or juice. The number of trips a beer drinker makes to the bathroom has nothing to do with the amount of liquid consumed. It has to do with something called anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) produced by the hypothalamus in the brain. ADH regulates urine production and the amount of water in the bloodstream, maintaining the balance between water and salt in the tissues. Alcohol inhibits the production of ADH, so the kidneys don’t receive the normal signals from the brain. They go on drawing water out of the bloodstream at a constant rate because they are not told to stop. This dehydrates the body. That’s why thirst is a main symptom of a hangover. A good way to diminish a hangover is to drink a couple quarts of water before going to bed. Coffee is not a good thing to drink after getting drunk because caffeine is also an ADH inhibitor, and coffee messes up the signals to the kidneys too. Coffee has never sobered anybody up. Drunkenness is caused by unprocessed alcohol in the blood, and nothing can remove it but time. Alcohol plus coffee equals a wide-awake drunk. Soda Fizzes; Beer Foams Why does soda fizz whereas beer foams? It’s caused by the chemical processes that occur during fermentation. Fizzing and foaming both involve carbon dioxide rising to the surface, but soda pop is not fermented as beer is. Brewer’s yeast feeds upon the sugar in the ‘wort’ which is the sugary substance in malt, which comes from barley. The yeast gives off carbon dioxide as a by-product. During fermentation, that carbon dioxide dissolves into the liquid. When the pressure is released when a can or bottle is opened, the carbon dioxide rises to the surface. The chemical reactions that have occurred between the carbon dioxide and the proteins in the wort make the bubbles last much longer than the bubbles in pop, champagne, or cider. (Continues On Page 8) 1. Carole King’s “It’s Too Late” was on one side of a doubleA sided single. What was on the other side? 2. Which group had a hit with “Riders on the Storm”? 3. Name the songwriter of “The Pretty Things Are Going to Hell.” 4. Who had a hit with “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Our hearts were ringing, In the key that our souls were singing. As we danced in the night, Remember how the stars Answers stole the night away.”

in Back☺

Grand Opening February 1 CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE Earn Cash from your aaic - We are accepting consignment items and reservations for consignment space beginning January 21. Open Thursday - Fridays, 10 AM to 6 PM An “Ohrn Sales” venture. 1211 NE Main St. - Simpsonville, SC

Advertising/Distribution (864)962-7600 ● 1(855)SC-TIDBITS ● publisher@sctidbits.com Advertising/Distribution callcall (864)962-7600 ● 1(855)SC-TIDBITS ● publisher@upstatetidbits.com

HOLLYWOOD -- J.K. Rowling’s post-”Harry Potter” project (slated for 2015) is a screenplay, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” for Warner Brothers. It’s planned as the first in a series of films about the titular Hogwarts textbook and the adventures of the author. As for her three “Harry Potter” stars: Daniel Radcliff had “Kill Your Darlings” (which grossed only $928,051) and is awaiting release of the Canadian film “Horns” and the British film “The F Word” in 2014. He’s currently playing Igor, the faithful assistant to Dr. Frankenstein (James McAvoy) in a new “Frankenstein” film, and has “Tokyo Vice” and “Gold,” in which he’ll play Olympic gold medalist Sebastian Coe, slated for 2015

said she was 73 years old, yet looked as beautiful and sexy as she did when she was a sex symbol in the 1960s and ‘70s. Welch has been married four times, has two children, made more than 40 films, was last seen on “CSI: Miami” in 2012 and last October in Lifetime’s “House of Versace” TV film, with Gina Gershon. She starred with some of biggest names in film, including Elvis Presley in

release. Emma Watson did “This Is the End” and “The Bling Thing,” due out in 2013, and stars as Ila, adopted daughter of “Noah” (Russell Crowe), along with Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth, hitting screens in March. Rupert Grint did “CBGB,” w h i c h grossed o n l y $40,000, and the upcoming animated f i l m “Postman Pat: The Movie” with former “Dr. Raquel Welch Who” David Tennant. Grint re- “ R o u s t a b o u t ” Doris cently appeared (1964), Day in “Do Not on the London Disturb” (1965), stage in “Mojo,” to good reviews. Stephen Boyd in “Fantastic *** Voyage” (1966), Not long ago, James StewRaquel Welch art and Dean appeared with Martin in “BanJoan Rivers on “Fashion dolaro” (1968), Police.” She Robert Wagner -- S.B.

The Role of Sugar in Sugar Diabetes DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. He is a competitive distance runner. He loves Kool-Aid and calculates that in a year he drinks 150 pounds of sugar in Kool-Aid alone. A friend told him if he continues this habit, he might develop diabetes. Can a skinny, athletic person develop diabetes from consuming sugar?

ANSWER: Although “sugar” is half the name of sugar diabetes, sugar doesn’t cause diabetes. It’s a popular belief that it does, but it doesn’t. People with diabetes are careful to watch their sugar intake, and they watch their total carbohydrate intake, but diabetics don’t have to eliminate sugar completely from their lives. Careful monitoring of sugar and carbohydrate intake is essential for their control of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes, the kind that requires insulin for control, often has its onset in younger years. It’s due to a destruction of the insulin-making cells of the pancreas. The destruction is believed to be the work of the immune system. Sugar has noth-

in “The Biggest Bundle of Them All” (1968), Frank Sinatra in “Lady in Cement” (1968), Burt Reynolds in “100 Rifles” (1969), Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr in “The Magic Christian” (1969), Mae West and Farrah Fawcett in “Myra Breckinridge” (1970) and Richard Burton in “Bluebeard” (1972). At the height of her fame, I encountered her at a Hollywood soiree. She walked up to me and asked, “Are you Tony Rizzo?” I said, “Yes.” She extended her hand, “Hi, I’m Raquel Welch.” In shock I said, “Yes I know.” She replied, “I pay clipping services a fortune, and I’ve read several things you’ve written praising my work, I just wanted to thank you, in person.” As you know from reading my column, I’m never at a loss for words, but she sure did hush my mouth with that! (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

ing to do with it. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of all diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes, the much more common kind, comes about from a decline in insulin production along with a decline in the effectiveness of insulin. Ninety percent of Type 2 diabetics are overweight, and weight loss helps them control their blood sugar. Physical inactivity also contributes to Type 2 diabetes. So do genes. Again, it’s not the sugar intake that produces this common type of diabetes. But monitoring the intake of sugar is important for control of this variety of diabetes. The booklet on diabetes presents this illness and its treatments in detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 402W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the

loaf of baked bread on a tea towel, top down, then use a serrated knife to cut from the bottom. Your slices will look “Here’s a great perfect, since you chore for little won’t crush the kids. Our family top. -- JoAnn seems to leave shoes all over the If your family house. I will have likes stuffing, try my 4-year-old baking it in mufcollect the shoes fin tins for single and deliver them servings. It works to the room of the very well. person to whom the shoes belong. “I use a garment It’s a very easy rack to dry outerchore, and even wear overnight. is like a game Hang from skirt sometimes.” -- hangers (the A.J. in Texas ones with clips), and make sure “When cooking there is plenty from a recipe that of room for air to I’m not super-fa- circulate around miliar with, I tape the damp pieces. it to the front of I use a small fan my kitchen cabi- pointed at the net. It’s in a cen- rack, and make tral location, easy sure it’s in a to see and won’t warm location, as get dirty. If it turns this doesn’t work out to be some- so well in our cold thing I like, I put it utility room.” -in a plastic sleeve D.L. in Michigan protector in my cookbook. I can Send your tips still pull it out and to Now Here’s tape it to the cabi- a Tip, c/o King net when neces- Features Weekly sary.” -- R.G. in Service, P.O. Box Georgia 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 I love baked or e-mail JoAnn goods. Here are at heresatip@yasome good tips hoo.com. that I use all the time: 1) Use a (c) 2014 King Features wine glass to cut Synd., Inc. biscuits. 2) Set a

recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I think I may have the illness where a person pulls out clumps of hair. I’m not sure of the name. I find I do this after I have caffeine. I have been off caffeine for 25 years, and I do not pull my hair out. I thought this might be helpful to others. -- K.H. ANSWER: The name of the condition is trichotillomania (TRICK-ohTILL-uh-MAY-knee-uh). Between 4 million and 11 million Americans have it. It’s called an impulse disorder. I hadn’t heard about a caffeine connection. If this holds true for others, they will deeply appreciate your advice. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: You recently wrote that Excedrin with caffeine enhances pain relief. I believe that often the cause of headaches is

withdrawal from caffeine. Another inference of this fact is to wean oneself from caffeine when trying to kick the habit. -- B.B. ANSWER: You’re right. One of the withdrawal symptoms from going cold turkey off somewhat-heavy caffeine consumption is headache, particularly migraine headache. I’m right. Caffeine is a mild painkiller that increases the painkilling capacities of other analgesics when incorporated into the same tablet as those analgesics. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Tidbits® of The Upstate ● Read Online www.UpstateTidbits.com

WE’RE YOUR DIRECT LINE TO

FREE PHONE

FREE 250

MINUTES

/MO.

NO ONE KNOWS THE LIFELINE PROCESS LIKE WE DO. Our people are specially-trained to help you get the benefits you qualify for, renew your benefits, or find affordable prepaid services on the most powerful wireless network in the country.

COME TO OUR STORE TODAY! GREENVILLE // 600 Laurens Road // 864-991-8814

Check us out at budgetmobile.com.

*The offering is a Lifeline-supported service. Only eligible consumers may enroll in the program and proof of eligibility documentation is necessary for enrollment. The program is limited to one benefit per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service. Lifeline is a government benefit program, and consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment or can be barred from the program. Free phones may take up to 10 business days for delivery once order is received. Brand and style of phone will vary and are at the discretion of Budget Mobile Lifeline. Plan minutes include the free 250 voice minutes.

Advertising/Distribution call (864)962-7600 ● 1(855)SC-TIDBITS ● publisher@upstatetidbits.com advice is to contact a certified appraiser in your area for his or her expert opinion. The cost would be nominal, and an expert could answer your question about current values. Recently, a woman from Delaware contacted me through this column about “several old dolls.” I gave her the same Console TV advice, to hire the services of an appraiser. She had been offered $500 for Q: My parents lived in Chicago durher four dolls. She had them appraised ing the 1940s, and we were one of and was astonished to discover they the first families in our neighborhood were worth a total of $6,000. Her apto buy a television set. It was a Dupraisal cost her about $50 and was, Mont, Model RA-101-1A console. My according to her, one of the best investmother wants to know if it has any ments she ever made. value, since she is thinking of dis*** posing of it. -- Charlotte, Midland, MI Q: Please give me an idea of what a A: Most older television sets seem to couple of “Raikes Bears” are worth. sell in the $150 to $300 range, but as They are a pair, a girl and a boy, with most collectibles there are always dressed and in new condition. They exceptions. Your DuMont televisionare approximately 25 years old. -radio-phonograph combination is one Lucy, Los Ranchos, N.M. of those exceptions. Manufactured in A: I am not sure which bears you have. 1946, it is referenced in “Antique Trader I did find “April and Johnnie Bear” Radio and Television Price Guide” manufactured in 1993 on eBay, and this edited by Kyle Husfloen. According might be like or similar to the ones you to Husfloen, your set is worth about have. The set on eBay were being of$1,500. fered for $28. *** Q: I have a pair of Chelsea figurines Write to Larry Cox in care of King Feaand have been offered $600 for both. tures Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, They are in perfect condition, and Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send esince I am close to retirement would mail to questionsforcox@aol.com. Due like to sell the pieces. What is your to the large volume of mail he receives, advice? -- Isabel, Manchester, N.H. Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer A: The Chelsea Porcelain Company all reader questions. Do not send any was established during the mid-1700s materials requiring return mail. in England and was known primarily for its production of intricate figurines. My (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Q: Can you tell me if and when “Cedar Cove” will return for another season? -- Richard O., Summerfield, Fla. A: The Hallmark Channel has renewed the phenomenally successful series, which is based on the book series of the same name by Debbie Macomber, for a second season. The show’s first season made Hallmark Channel the No. 1 cable channel for Saturday nights during the 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. time slot. With internationally renowned actress Andie MacDowell leading the cast -- which includes Dylan Neal, Teryl Rothery, Bruce Boxleitner, Barbara Niven and Brennan Elliott -- season two of “Cedar Cover” promises more of the same drama, romance and fun. There is no word on the premiere date yet, but I’d start looking for it this summer. And of course, I’ll let you know as soon as I know exactly when it will return. *** Q: Would you know anything about the fantastic TV series “24” with Kiefer Southerland? I thought they

were bringing it back, or for “24: Live Another Day” this at least making a movie. May on Fox. -- Dick W., via email *** A: I did report on this Q: Please tell me that Animal about six months ago, Planet will be airing another but since this is such a “Puppy Bowl” this Super hot subject -- I get tons of Bowl Sunday! -- Tina W., letters from readers ask- Portland, Maine ing me the same question A: The most anticipated -- and -- I’ll write about it again, cutest -- sporting event of the with some new information season is about to get even to pass along. Fox is indeed bigger when “Puppy Bowl” reairing a new version of “24,” turns to Animal Planet on Feb. which is called “24: Live An- 2 (first airing is from 3 p.m. to other Day.” This 5 p.m. ET/PT) for go ‘round, it will it’s 10th anniverbe a 12-part sesary edition. The ries but will still show will repeat cover the reqafter that, with uisite 24 hours. new content every Kiefer will return, hour. With each as will Mary Lynn airing, fans vote in Rajskub, William real time for which Devane and Kim puppy will take Raver. home the coveted Kiefer recently title of MVP (Most told the press Valuable Puppy), that the series there will be a Kitty will take place in Half-Time Show, London, stating: penguin cheer“’24’ has always leaders and viewAndie MacDowell had such a globers can participate al sensibility, but in the Fantasy to be able to tell this intense Puppy League (go to animal‘24’-style story with the beauty planet.com/puppybowl to draft of Europe’s history and archi- your team). This definitely is a tecture as the backdrop is go- can’t-miss event! ing to be fascinating.” Fox’s entertainment chairman Write to Cindy at King FeaKevin Reilly teased report- tures Weekly Service, P.O. ers that the show’s pickup in- Box 536475, Orlando, FL trigued many industry stars. “A 32853-6475; or e-mail her at lot of who’s who in Hollywood letters@cindyelavsky.com. wanted to participate in this,” he revealed. Be on the lookout (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

IT’S TAX TIME AGAIN! Don’t let tax time intimidate you. We can help you with your return and provide helpful tax tips for next year. Set up an appointment today.

FILE ! EARLY

1635 Woodruff Road Greenville www.GoldmanTax.net

GardenBits

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Taking some time out of your usually busy social life could be just what you need to help you focus on putting those finishing touches on your plans for a possible career change. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A misunderstanding about a colleague’s suggestions could create a delay in moving on with your proposal. But by week’s end, all the confusing points should finally be cleared up. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you suddenly have to take care of. But just say the magic word -help! -- and you’ll soon find others rushing to offer much-needed assistance. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Finishing a current project ahead of schedule leaves you free to deal with other upcoming situations, including a possible workplace change, as well as a demanding personal matter. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Turn that finetuned feline sensitivity radar up to high to help uncover any facts that could influence a decision you might be preparing to make. Devote the weekend to family activities. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A state of confusion is soon cleared up with explanations from the responsible parties. Don’t waste time chastising anyone. Instead, move forward with your plans. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might feel obligated to help work out a dispute between fam-

ily members. But this is one of those times when you should step aside and let them work out their problems on their own. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your ability to resolve an on-the-job problem without leaving too many ruffled feathers earns you kudos from co-workers. You also impress major decision-makers at your workplace. S A G I T TA R I U S (November 22 to December 21) Newly made and long-held friendships merge well, with possibly one exception. Take time to listen to the dissenter’s explanations. You could learn something important. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Be prepared to be flexible about your current travel plans. Although you don’t have to take them, at least consider suggestions from the experts in the travel business. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A problem with a recent financial transaction could lead to more problems later on unless you resolve it immediately. Get all the proof you need to support your position. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Daydreaming makes it difficult to stay focused on what you need to do. But reality sets in by midweek, and you manage to get everything done in time for a relaxing weekend. BORN THIS WEEK:

Your ability to reach out to those in need of spiritual comfort makes you a muchrevered, much-loved person in your community.

Tidbits® of The Upstate ● Read Online www.UpstateTidbits.com

200 OFF*

THE SAME QUALITY, NAME-BRAND PRODUCTS YOU FIND IN STORES…Brought Right to Your Home

CHOOSE FROM HUNDREDS OF SAMPLES

Professional Installation-

AS SOON AS NEXT DAY! Same Day Appointments Available Budget-Smart Financing Options

For over 50 years, Empire Today® has been making it easy for homeowners to shop for quality Carpet, Flooring and Window Treatments from the comfort of their homes. More than one million satisfied customers have seen Empire’s benefits!

Call Now to Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate Today!

800-279-5102

Sales and installation of products are provided by qualified and experienced independent contractors. Terms & Conditions *Discount is applied to the regular price and cannot be applied toward order deposit. Minimum product total of $2,000 before applicable taxes. Appointment must be scheduled by calling 800-279-5102 in order to be valid. May not be combined with other offers. Not valid on prior purchases. Void where prohibited. Standard residential installations only. Limit one offer per person, purchase or product. Improper use or redemption constitutes fraud. May not be sold, transferred, reproduced, purchased, traded or altered in any way. Offer good only for product indicated. Products and styles may vary by Empire service area. Window Treatments not available in all Empire service areas. Valid through 12/31/2013 in Empire services areas. Offer subject to change.

VA Deals With reported. Or could Rising Sexual it be that the actual Trauma Cases number of assaults The U.S. Code is specific about what constitutes military sexual trauma (MST). It covers physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature or sexual harassment. The harassment can be verbal or physical. Those who experience it can be either male or female. The number of reported cases has risen dramatically, and the powersthat-be say it’s because more incidents are being

Neatest

• Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate • Ceramic • Vinyl • Window Treatments

has gone up? The answer remains to be seen. The bottom line is this: If you were subjected to sexual assault while on active duty, get help. You owe it to yourself, and whether or not you have another claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs, your treatment and services will be free. Left unaddressed, the past assault can result in future mental-health issues, including PTSD. Go online to www.

Books as Brain Food Now here’s a “novel” way to increase our brain function. It doesn’t involve getting more exercise or eating certain foods. It doesn’t include doing puzzles. We only need to grab a book and start flipping pages. Emory University did a study that showed how there are “quantifiable changes” in brain activity when participants read a book. Granted it was a bit more regimented than just grabbing your favorite author’s latest bestseller.

The Little Paper Ever Read.® FOR ADVERTISING CALL:

(864)962-7600 mentalhealth. va.gov/msthome. asp and click on VA Programs & Services tab. You’ll find information on outpatient care, inpatient care and screening. Look also for the link to benefits related to military sexual trauma. If you didn’t report the assault at the time and wonder how you’ll prove it, get treatment and file anyway. The VA has learned how to spot the “markers” for assault. Maybe you put in for a transfer, or maybe you sought tests for sexually transmitted diseases. That’s evidence. Maybe you talked to the chaplain or a friend. Even if your only sign is panic attacks that

In the study, participants were given a baseline brain scan each day for a few days. Then they were given the thriller “Pompeii” by Robert Harris with instructions to read 30 pages a night. Each morning they were given another brain scan. After the book was finished (about nine days), they were given more scans to see how the brain reacted. Researchers were able to track which portions of the book the participants were reading and correlate them to the brain scan images. Here’s what they learned: During reading, and for days afterward, there were significant activity increases in the parts of the brain associated with story comprehension, as well as processing language. According to the study, the reading has to be fiction to

appeared for no apparent reason, that’s still a marker that the VA will pay attention to. Every regional office has MST specialists. Women Veterans Coordinators are available to help file claims as well. To find your regional office, call 1-800827-1000. If you know someone who experienced military sexual assault, give him or her this information. F r e d d y Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

get these brain connectivity changes, something with a narrative that describes events unfolding, a story we can identify with. Here’s my thinking: While researchers don’t know yet how long these brain changes last after reading a novel, it’s at least five days. Perhaps we should spend some time in 2014 re-reading the novels that had an impact on us, as well as new narrative fiction and a few of the old classics. The reference librarian is sure to be a good source for book suggestions. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

On Jan. 29, 1845, Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven,” which begins “Once upon a midnight dreary,” is published in the New York Evening Mirror. Poe’s macabre work often portrayed motiveless crimes and intolerable guilt in his characters. On Feb. 2, 1887, Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist, is celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in P u n x s u t a w n e y, Pa. According to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring. On Jan. 30, 1943, the British Royal Air Force begins a bombing campaign in Berlin that coincides with the 10th anniversary of Hitler’s accession to power. To make matters worse for the Germans, the following day a massive surrender of German troops occurred at Stalingrad. On Jan. 27, 1967, a launchpad fire during Apollo program tests at Cape Canaveral, Fla., kills astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chafee. An investigation indicated that a faulty elec-

trical wire inside the Apollo 1 command module was the probable cause of the fire. On Feb. 1, 1974, University of Washington student Lynda Ann Healy disappears from her apartment and is murdered by serial killer Ted Bundy. In the summer of 1974, Bundy attacked at least seven young women in Washington. By the time he was captured in 1979, Bundy had become America’s most infamous serial killer. On Jan. 28, 1985, 45 American music artists gather to record “We Are the World,” a record that would eventually sell more than 7 million copies and raise some $60 million for African famine relief. The instruction producer Quincy Jones sent to pop stars doing the recording: “Check your egos at the door.” On Jan. 31, 1990, the Soviet Union’s first McDonald’s fast-food restaurant opens in Moscow. Throngs of people line up to pay the equivalent of several days’ wages for Big Macs, shakes and french fries. Customers were most amazed at the politeness of the workers. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Advertising/Distribution call (864)962-7600 ● 1(855)SC-TIDBITS ● publisher@upstatetidbits.com

Enjoy

off

Tender Hugs & Kisses with Chocolates Show a little love this Valentine’s Day with this ruby red tulip and deep blue iris bouquet coupled with delicious chocolates!

Site Price: $4498 +s/h

You Pay:

99 +s/h

SAVE

Plus, save 20% off* other gifts! Visit www.ProFlowers.com/Brilliant or call 1-800-272-9128

*Take 55% off “Tender Hugs and Kisses with Chocolates” and 20% off minimum product purchase of $29.00. Discounts: (i) apply to the regular price of the products, (ii) will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, unless specified, and (iii) do not apply to gift cards or certificates, international delivery, shipping & handling, taxes, or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Images in this advertisement may include upgraded, premium containers which are available for an additional charge. Prices valid while supplies last. Offer expires 2/13/2014.

Drivers

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR OTR DRIVERS deBoer Transportation

Experienced Drivers and Owner Ops

$1000 Sign On Bonus Mileage Bonus Avail. 800-825-8511 www.drivedeboer.com

1. Is the book of Ezekiel in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. From 1 Kings 10, about how many shekels of silver did a chariot imported from Egypt cost? 10, 50, 200, 600 3. Which Psalm begins, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”? 1st, 15th, 23rd, 40th 4. From Genesis 17:15, what was the prior name of Sarah? Sarai, Huldah, Jael, Deborah 5. Where did David cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak? Achaia, Edom, En-Gedi, Gilgal 6. Who is called a “prophetess” in Exodus 15:20? Eve, Miriam, Rachel, Zipporah

SMART RECOVERY FROM THE HOLIDAYS AND NEW HBP GUIDELINES EXPLAINED BY MICHAEL ROIZEN, M.D., AND MEHMET OZ, M.D. Q: I’m done with holiday partying: hanging with friends, drinking and spending more than I should! I want to get healthy again. What now? -- Willie F., Atlanta A: Hold on a minute, before you give up too much! Hanging with friends, drinking (in moderation) and being generous are actually good for you! And if you want to get healthy, they’re a pretty good place to start. Seeing friends regularly for a walk around the neighborhood (make a pact to do it three days a week) or enjoying afternoon tea together actually makes you healthier. Feeling connected boosts oxytocin levels, and that builds bonds. Plus, the release of oxytocin is contagious, so you spread the cheer. That reduces your responses to stressful events (such as overeating or drinking too much) and builds a network of support that’s key for emotional health. Having a drink or two most days benefits your cardiovascular system (if alcohol isn’t risky because of a pre-existing condition or alcoholism). Men 29 to 69 who are moderate drinkers (two a day) lower their risk for heart disease by 30 percent -and women who are moderate drinkers (one a day) also protect their heart and are less likely to be overweight than non-drinking girlfriends. Plus, it boosts immune strength (at least it did in a study of rhesus monkeys, which have immune systems similar to humans’). And throughout the year, keep your generous impulses going. It doesn’t cost anything to help a neighbor or volunteer in a soup kitchen. You’ll reduce your stress responses, have a more optimistic outlook (known to boost healthy decision-making) and live better and longer -- what a great gift you get from being generous to others! Q: I’m on high blood pressure meds, and my reading is always around 148/85. Now the news says that if I’m be-

low 150/90 I don’t have to worry about it. Can I stop taking my meds? -Stan G., Austin, Texas A: Stan, don’t stop taking blood pressure medications suddenly -- you could suffer a rebound that knocks you off your feet. Talk to your doctor about any adjustments. And there have been a lot of reports about new hypertension treatment guidelines. But did you know that those guidelines, published in JAMA, haven’t been endorsed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which established the review panel that issued them? So, we’re going to tell you what the guidelines say, and then give you our recommendations for handling high blood pressure. The Guidelines: 1. The definition of high blood pressure as 140/90 remains the same. (Our recommendation for most folks under age 60: 115/75; 60 or over can aim for 130/85!) 2. Folks over 60 with HBP should start antihypertensive medications when their systolic (or top) number reaches 150 or higher OR when the diastolic (or bottom) number is 90 or higher. BUT the goal is blood pressure below 140/90. (We say, It sure is!) 3. If you’ve got HBP and are younger than 60 or have kidney disease or diabetes, begin HBP medication at a systolic pressure of 140 or higher and diastolic pressure of 90 or higher. (Substantially lower than 140/90 spares the brain, heart and kidneys.) 4. And finally, everyone should adopt a healthy lifestyle. Our suggestions for YOU: If you’re on HBP meds, stay on them. If you need HBP meds, take them. They save lives. (If you object to your meds’ side effects, ask your doctor about alternatives; there are around 150 drugs approved to manage BP.) And whether you are at risk for HBP or have it, aim for 30 minutes of activity daily, heading for 10,000 steps. (If you have severely high BP, kidney disease or diabetes, consult your doc.) And dump the Five Food Felons; eat nine servings a day of fruits and veggies; spend time with friends and family; meditate for 10 minutes daily; and canoodle with your honey frequently. That’ll take the pressure off! *** Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily(at sign)sharecare.com. (c) 2014 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Tidbits® of The Upstate ● Read Online www.UpstateTidbits.com

BEER FACTS

of Greenville

presents

• Frothingslosh was a brand of beer made by Iron City Brewing of Pittsburgh exclusively at Christmas time. The advertisements breathlessly exclaimed, “Oh, my gosh, it’s Frothingslosh!” It was billed as the “pale, stale ale with the foam on the bottom.” How did they get the foam on the bottom? They pasted the label on upsidedown. • A little cobalt is absolutely necessary for good health, but a lot can kill. Brewers in Quebec and Omaha at one time added cobalt salts to their beer because it gave the brew a better head. When beer drinkers began dropping dead, the practice was halted. • When escape artist Houdini attempted to escape from a large can filled with beer, the stunt nearly ended in disaster when he was overcome by the carbon dioxide. The alert stage manager noted the lack of sounds coming from inside the can and released him in the nick of time. • One kind of male Australian beetle always seeks out the largest female to mate with. An Australian beer manufacturer unwittingly made their beer bottles in the shape and color of the female beetle, albeit at a fantastically large size. When it was brought to the company’s attention that thousands of male beetles were trying to mate with discarded beer bottles, they redesigned the bottle. • Linseed oil soaked rags burst into flames spontaneously late one night in a restaurant in Alameda, California. The heat from the fire popped the tops on the bottles of ten cases of beer. The suds doused the flames. • In the course of the 1949 British Open, Harry Bradshaw drove a ball into a beer bottle by accident. The ball broke the bottle’s neck and ended up inside the bottom of the bottle. Rather than risk a penalty, Bradshaw decided to play it where it lay. He smashed the bottle with his club. The bottle traveled about 30 feet (9 m). (Continued on page 11)

Advertising/Distribution call (864)962-7600 ● 1(855)SC-TIDBITS ● publisher@upstatetidbits.com

Make the Switch to DISH Today and Save Up To 50%

Promotional prices ... ly starting at on

FREE

mo.

OVER 30 PREMIUM MOVIE CHANNELS

s for 12 month

h Hopper Not eligible wit or iPad 2 offer.

For 3 months.

Offer subject to change based on premium movie channel availability.

Call Now and Ask How to Save Up To 50%**

1-800-862-6192 Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST Promo Code: MB0513 All offers require 24-month commitment and credit qualification.

**Savings applies to AT120, AT120+, AT200, and AT250 with HD programming, 2 year agreement and credit qualification. Discount applied to first year of service in form of online and promotional credits plus free HD for Life which is a $10/mo credit.

Important Terms and Conditions: Promotional Offers: Require activation of new qualifying DISH service with 24-month commitment and credit qualification. All prices, fees, packages, programming, features, functionality and offers subject to change without notice After 12-month promotional period, then-current regular monthly price applies and is subject to change. ETF: If you cancel service during first 24 months, early cancellation fee of $20 for each month remaining applies. For iPad 2 offer, if you cancel service during first 24 months, early cancellation fee of $30 for each month remaining applies. Activation fee: may apply. Add’tl Requirements: For iPad 2 offer: customer must select Hopper system and minimum of America’s Top 120 package; allow 4-6 weeks for delivery; offer not available in Puerto Rico or USVI. HD Free for Life: $10/mo HD fee waived for life of current account; requires continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Premium Channels: 3-month premium movie offer value is $135; after promotional period, then-current regular monthly price applies and is subject to change. Hopper Features: AutoHop feature is only available with playback the next day of select primetime shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC as part of PrimeTime Anytime feature. Both features are subject to availability. Blockbuster @Home Offer: 3 month offer value $30. After 3 months, then-current regular monthly price applies and is subject to change. Requires online DISH account; broadband internet to stream content; HD DVR to stream to TV. Streaming to TV and some channels not available with select packages. Installation/Equipment Requirements: Free Standard Professional Installation only. Certain equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Upfront and additional monthly fees may apply. Recording hours vary; 2000 hours based on SD programming. Equipment comparison based on equipment available from major TV providers as of 5/22/13. Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires a broadband-connected, Sling-enabled DVR and compatible mobile device. Misc: Offers available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. State reimbursement charges may apply. Additional restrictions and taxes may apply. Offers end 9/18/13. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. All new customers are subject to a one-time processing fee.

Trees Offer Surprising YearRound Insulation Q: An acquaintance told me recently that I could plant a tree on the west side of my house to keep my summer cooling bills down. Well, I live in a colder northern state, and it just doesn’t make sense to plant a tree that would block the sun in the winter. My friend disagreed. What’s your recommendation? -- Susie in Madison, Wis. A: The great thing about trees is that they have the ability to both keep your house cool in summer and warmer in winter. In Minnesota, a state study found that strategically placed shade trees can reduce air-conditioning bills by nearly 25 percent, and a windbreak can reduce annual fuel bills by up to 20 percent. How does it work? It all depends on

where you place the trees. In the northern hemisphere, winter winds generally blow in from the north or northwest. (In the Northeast, we also tend to get those wonderful winter nor’easters, but that’s another story.) Those cold winds can make it harder to heat your home as they drive in through vents or leaky window- and door frames. Plant a couple of trees on the side of your house from which these prevailing winter winds blow (the northwest side or corner, most likely), and they’ll act as a windbreak. Even deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter can provide adequate protection. To get the best protection from winds while allowing more winter sunlight to reach your home, choose trees that will grow higher than your home’s roof eaves, with sturdy trunks and good branching. Deciduous trees will lose their leaves in winter so that the sunlight can filter in, while perennials (like pines or firs) offer a green view year-round. You might even want to mix these two types of trees. HOME TIP: Plant protective trees one to two tree lengths (based on the average height to which the saplings eventually will grow) from the house, but no farther. Send your questions to ask@thisisahammer.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

HERE’S MY CARD! SERVICE DIRECTORY

AND

BUSINESS REFERAL NETWORK

Work SMART not HARD. Use the reach of TIDBiTS to network with other businesses! ® Life | Health | Retirement | Long-Term Care

Susan Hansel

I can help with Health Care Reform

Licensed Insurance Agent

BRANCH OFFICE: 420 E. Park Avenue Suite 305 Greenville, SC 29601

M: 864-640-7784 shansel@insphereis.com www.insphereis.com/shansel

Harris M

JASON

(864) 44

9-3732

Mechan ical Facilitie s Mainte nance Pneuma tics / Hy draulics AC / DC System s Fabrica tion

Yo u Co r Bu uld si Be ness :) Here

JHBOR

OWN 5@AOL ER .COM

N2FLY4

echani

cal

HARRIS

Build a Strong Family Building a strong family is like building a house: We do it brick by brick, one day at a time. Here are some “bricks” that I try to focus on annually in January. I get inspired with these little reminders, as I adjust my thinking and goals for my family of five, and also for my extended family as it grows and changes with the seasons and the years. IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT YIELD BIG RESULTS: It’s the little things we remember from childhood, like sledding with Mom, jumping into a pile of leaves with Dad or making pancakes with an uncle on a Saturday morning. MAKE THE ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY: Stop and take a moment with children to appreciate the joy and wonder of the world around them. LOOK THROUGH A DIFFERENT PAIR OF GLASSES: Everyone has a unique frame of reference. Encourage kids to see things from another point of view. SHARE WHAT YOU LOVE WITH KIDS: Parents and other significant adults in their lives are kids’ No. 1 teachers. You’re an expert on something. Share your talent or hobby with kids. TEACH, BUT NEV-

Tidbits® of The Upstate ● Read Online www.UpstateTidbits.com

ER STOP LEARNING: Learning is a two-way street. Don’t know how to snowboard? Having trouble with an app you just downloaded? Chances are your kids can help you out. MAKE A MESS A MINUTE: Kids love a good mess. Let’s face it -mess is often the sign of a good time. Relax, and enjoy moments of discovery and creation. CARRY ON TRADITIONS, AND START YOUR OWN: Traditions connect us through generations. It might be a special candlestick that comes out once a year, a recipe, a special way of saying “Thank you.” Share the old and create the new in 2014. GIVE THE GIFT OF T I M E : The formative years matter. The moments you spend with the children in your life now will help mold them into giving, resourceful and caring adults. *** Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday. com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” (c) 2014 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Good Health to Go With the holidays behind us, we’re back to the hustle and bustle of the work week. For many of us, healthy habits seem to go out the window as soon as we step beyond our front door. When eating away from home, planning may be the most important action a person can take when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When stressed or rushed, many of us revert to our old, familiar habits. If those habits aren’t healthy, that’s when poor choices are made. Habits may include grabbing highfat doughnuts, stopping at convenient fast-food restaurants, eating larger portions or making afternoon visits to the vending machine. Planning ahead provides a variety of healthy food choices and portion sizes that are satisfying. With a little thought, anyone can plan a healthy snack or meal-onthe-go to fit any situation. Use these as inspiration: --Whole-wheat bagel, lowfat cheese, pear, water --Fresh spinach, feta and cubed chicken (leftover from last night’s dinner) in a whole wheat pita, grapes, skim milk --Broth-based soup (pass on the cream soups), baked wheat crackers, apple --Sliced turkey with low-fat dressing (skip the high-fat mayo) wrapped in a lettuce leaf, baked chips, fresh berries, iced tea Try these tips when you are away from home: --If eating in the car is a trouble spot for you, make it a rule to only bring water in the car if you are traveling for an hour or less. --If your weakness is stopping at convenience stores, fast-food restaurants or vending machines, put those on your “do not stop” list, or only order one item, like the grilled chicken, and bring the rest of your meal in a cooler. --Lettuce, instead of a

bun, wrapped around chicken or a burger is a tasty alternative. Make the local grocery store your food stop or get yourself a cooler where you keep a “stash” of healthy options -- energy bars, bottled water, nuts or fruit. --Bring a healthy snack or lunch with you. Include some protein; it satisfies longer. With the apple, bring some peanut butter, cheese or nuts. Microwave popcorn (trans fat-free, of course) also is a great choice. --Carrying lunch to work not only saves you money, you have the added benefit of choosing what’s healthiest for you! --Take along healthy foods that travel well: Cottage cheese, vegetable sticks, yogurt, fruit, granola bars and nuts are great choices. --Keep refreezeable ice packs in your freezer to throw in your cooler when transporting meat, dairy and cooked foods. Freeze 100 percent juice packs or, in a pinch, throw some ice cubes in a zipper-lock plastic bag. This recipe for Sweet Potato Hummus is a healthy snack to pack for the days when you’re on the go. The orange flesh of the sweet potato gives away its beta-carotene content. By serving this dip with whole-wheat pita and raw vegetables such as red peppers and broccoli, you’ll also get selenium, vitamin C and sulforaphane. Chickpeas/Garbanzo beans are a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber and help to prevent blood-sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal. Chickpeas are high in protein and also promote slow burning of complex carbohydrates, thus increasing your energy by replenishing your iron stores. Peanut butter adds a boost of protein and a creamy texture to the hummus. Divide the Hummus into serving-size containers along with several individual packages of vegetable sticks so you’ll always have a nutritious snack to grab and go!

Puzzle & Trivia Answers BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWERS:

1) Old; 2) 600; 3) 23rd; 4) Sarai; 5) En-Gedi; 6) Miriam

FLASHBACK ANSWERS

1. “I Feel the Earth Move,” in 1971. 2. The Doors in 1971, with Jim Morrison doing vocals. The single came out just before his death and hit the Hot List the day he died. 3. David Bowie. There is a video for the song, but it’s apparently never been released. 4. Gene Pitney in 1962. The song was not used in the film by the same name and was written after the film came out. 5. “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978. The song has been widely used in films (such as “Night at the Museum”), television (“American Dad”) and video games (Nintendo and Wii).

SWEET POTATO HUMMUS *1/2 pound sweet potatoes (about 3 medium or 2 large) 1 can (15-ounces) chickpeas, reserve liquid 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 garlic cloves, chopped 8 dashes (about 1 teaspoon) hot sauce, or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground pepper Whole-wheat pita and crudites such as red pepper, carrots, celery and broccoli 1. Wash and microwave sweet potatoes on high until tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 to 12 minutes. Meanwhile, combine chickpeas, lemon juice, peanut butter, oil, cumin, garlic, hot sauce or crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper in the food processor. Puree, about 1 minute. 2. Carefully scoop out the flesh of the cooked sweet potatoes and place into the food processor. Puree about 2 minutes, or until smooth. Thin with the reserved chickpea liquid or water, if necessary. Refrigerate, in an airtight container, up to 1 week. Serve with whole-wheat crackers or pita and vegetable sticks. Makes 2 cups. * Use 1 (15-ounce) can of sweet potato puree, if desired. (Tips provided by Jill Kokkonen May, a health and nutrition educator with University of Minnesota Extension.) *** Angela Shelf Medearis is an award-winning children’s author, culinary historian and author of seven cookbooks. Her new cookbook is “The Kitchen Diva’s Diabetic Cookbook.” Her website is www.divapro.com. To see how-to videos, recipes and much, much more, Like Angela Shelf Medearis, The Kitchen Diva!, on Facebook and go to Hulu.com. Recipes may not be reprinted without permission from Angela Shelf Medearis. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc., and Angela Shelf Medearis

Advertising/Distribution call (864)962-7600 ● 1(855)SC-TIDBITS ● publisher@upstatetidbits.com WORD ORIGINS • The focal point of Irish social life is the pub. This is a term derived from ‘public house.’ At pubs, beer is served by the pint or the quart, which are abbreviated ‘P’ and ‘Q’ on the patron’s bar tab. If a bar owner was concerned that someone was running up too much of a bill, he might tell the person to ‘mind your Ps and Qs.’ A tab was often called a ‘scot’ and if the owner lost the scot or forgot to write the drink down on the scot, the drinker got off ‘scot-free.’ • In the 1830s a temperance society in Michigan was campaigning against the evils of drink. They offered their members two pledges: one was a pledge of moderate drinking, the other was a pledge of total abstinence. On the membership rolls those who had made pledges were identified as either “O.P.” for those who had taken the “Old Pledge” to drink moderately, or “T-Total” for those who embraced total abstinence. This group eventually became known as Teetotalers. • In sailing, a sheet is a line that attaches to the lower corner of a sail. When you pull the sheet in, the sail is tight against the wind and the ship sails quickly. When you let the sheet out, the sail sags and flaps in the wind and the ship comes to a standstill. A ship that has “three sheets to the wind” is floating helplessly in the water, just as a person who has had too many drinks is helpless.

water,” which was made by pounding earthworms and snails together, adding the paste to beer and boiling the whole thing. Those in need of a tonic drank it. It was Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran who made the following sage observation: “I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers.” In Japan, black cats are considered to be good luck. If you’re ever longing for the “good old days,” you might want to keep this tidbit in mind: In 19thcentury America, one of the most popular cureall remedies was “snail

DUI FACTS

• Drunk drivers kill 25,000 people a year, compared to 20,000 killed by homicide in the U.S. annually. They injure more people than do criminals who commit assault with a deadly weapon, and cause more property damage than all forgers, burglars, and robbers combined. • Nearly half of the 45,000 U.S. highway deaths in a year are alcohol-related.

Sea turtles can breathe through their backsides. If you could leap over the St. Louis Arch unassisted, you would have jumping power equivalent to that of a flea. If you’re planning a trip to Oregon, you might want to stop off in Gold Hill to see the Oregon Vortex, where strange phenomena are said to occur. In the mid-20th century, a scientist and mining engineer named John Litser conducted experiments on the property and came to the conclusion that the site contains a spheri-

smart tools friendy service serious savings Customers who switch to Esurance save 28% on average.* Call 1-855-466-5344 to get your fast, free car insurance quote.

*National average annual savings based on data from customers who reported savings by switching to Esurance between 12/1/11 and 4/30/12. © 2012 Esurance Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved. CA License #0G87829

cal field of force and 15 crisscrossing magnetic fields. Before his death in 1959, he burned his notes, reportedly saying, “The world is not ready for this.” Those who tour the attraction today might see balls roll uphill or brooms stand on end. Some people appear to be much shorter and some much taller. There are even those who say visiting the Vortex eases back pain. Before he became famous, singer Rod Stewart briefly had a job as a grave digger. *** Thought for the Day: “Television makes so much at its worst that it can’t afford to do its best.” -- Fred W. Friendly (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Winter Vegetable Chili A spicy blend of squash, carrots, black beans and more -- you’ll never miss the meat! 4 teaspoons olive oil 1 medium (1 3/4 pounds) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes 2 medium carrots, diced 1 medium onion, diced 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 can (28 ounces) plum tomatoes 1 can (4 ounces) chopped mild green chiles 1 cup vegetable broth 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cans (15 to 19 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 4 tablespoons nonfat sour cream, optional 1. In 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add butternut squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden; remove. 2. In same Dutch oven, heat 2 more teaspoons olive oil; cook carrots and onion until well-browned. Stir in chili powder; cook 1 minute, stirring. 3. Add tomatoes with their liquid, chiles with their liquid, vegetable broth and salt; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally with spoon to break up tomatoes. 4. Stir in black beans and butternut squash; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until squash is tender and chili thickens. Stir in cilantro. Serve with sour cream if you like. Each serving: About 225 calories, 5g total fat (1g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 930mg sodium, 44g total carbs, 14g protein. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/. (c) 2014 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

Real Food, Real Fast Starting at $5.95

Stop in for Lunch Monday thru Friday 11- 2 1178 Woodruff Rd. 864-288-1898

Tidbits® of The Upstate ● Read Online www.UpstateTidbits.com

Call ahead & Take-Out orders available

FLU SHOTS NOW AVAILABLE

Our expertly trained pharmacists can also provide expanded adult immunization services—including the CDC-recommended vaccinations for pneumonia, shingles and whopping cough— at every location anytime the pharmacy is open!

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED. $0 COPAY FOR MEDICARE PART B MEMBERS.

†

Get 500 points with every immunization when you present your Balance® Rewards card.‡

Walk in anytime—no

appointment necessary!

* Vaccine subject to availability. Not all vaccines available in all locations. State, age and health-related restrictions may apply. See Walgreens pharmacist for details. † Medicare Part B covers flu vaccine. ‡ Offer not valid in AR, NJ, NY. Due to state and federal laws, points cannot be earned or redeemed on some items, and points will not be earned in a transaction where Redemption Dollars are used. For terms and conditions, visit Walgreens.com/Balance.