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Thursday • December 18, 2014 • Issue #17 Editor’s Note: From time to time we will review books published by Alabama authors. The first review appears below. If you wish to suggest books for review, please contact us. No self-published books accepted.
Book Review:
Angels at the Gate A novel by T.K. Thorne
Published by Cappuccino Books, Switzerland Printed in the United States Reviewed by Elsa Rutherford
If you like reading historical fi ction by the best writers of the day, such as Ken Follett (Pillars of the Earth, et al), Alice Hoffman (The Dove Keepers, et al), and Barbara Kingsolver (The Poisonwood Bible, et al), there’s a new name you must add to the list. That name is T.K. Thorne. The author of two previous books, Thorne has reached a pinnacle in historical fi ction with Angels at the Gate. It is nothing short of a masterwork: superbly and eloquently written, solidly researched and a high-speed page-turner. Readers will be swept up in a story they can’t put down. Thorne lives and writes in Springville, Alabama, in her home on an isolated mountain top, which she shares with her husband, Roger, and their assortment of dogs and cats. She also keeps and rides horses. Thorne is a retired captain with the Birmingham Police Department. Angels at the Gate is set in the ancient time and land of the Biblical Patriarch Abraham (aka Abram). Many of the names of the characters will be familiar to readers of the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible): Abraham and Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, Lot, etc. Others spring entirely from Thorne’s imagination as she inventively fi lls in the blanks of ancient Hebrew history. The main character is a young motherless girl who is raised as a boy named Adir by her father, Zakita, a well-respected Canaanite merchant, caravan leader and close kinsman
to Abraham. When the time is right, Adir will openly declare that she is Adira, a female. But long before that, as Adir, she will encounter intrigue, danger, excitement and the arrival into her life of two giant-sized men who may or may not be angels. And believes she has fallen in love with one of them. With her beloved dog, Nami, a saluki, at her side, she travels through the desert, battles marauding raiders, risks her life to save one of the “angels” and journeys to the city of Sodom. She encounters peoples with a multitude of religious beliefs as she struggles to ascertain her own beliefs. She meets kings and priestesses and becomes trapped under their command. Her life is threatened and reduced almost to the point of destruction; she makes discoveries, some of them mystical, that amaze her as she fi nds her true love, loses him, and, fi nally, fi nds him again. Angels at the Gate will take you on an incredible journey through an ancient past which, even today with the aid of experts from various fi elds of investigation, is still partly shrouded by the mysterious veil of the unknown. In Angels at the Gate, T.K. Thorne lifts the veil and shows you her vision of that particular Biblical era. This book will be published in March, 2015, but may be pre-ordered at any book outlet, including Amazon. ©
New Year’s Food Trends Coming to Your Table: Ugly Fruit, Matcha Tea
Americans’ food preferences in the year ahead will be driven by a continued interest in global cuisines, balanced nutrition, community connections and a desire for adventurous eating experiences, according to research by the Sterling-Rice Group. Here are its top culinary trends that will stand out on restaurant menus, expand onto grocery shelves and attract consumer attention across the U.S. in 2015. Advanced Asian: From Filipino food to a new generation of Thai, not one but a host of more complex and true-to-region Asian foods will dominate in 2015. Matcha Madness: The never-ending quest for wellness and energy will lead many to Japanese matcha, a nutrient powerhouse green tea now hitting the market in convenient formats like lattes, sodas and ready-to-drink cans. Hop-Free Suds: Channeling their medieval predecessors, craft brewers are making unhopped beers with herbs, spices and bitter plants yielding unique and intriguing fl avors instead of hoppy bitterness. Incendiary Charcoal: Look for more excitement around Asian styles of su-
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Choice Cards Have Gone Out The Department of Veterans Affairs is making good on a promise to get veterans into appointments more quickly, especially those who live far from medical facilities or have waited too long for appointments. During the first week of November, the VA sent out the first batch of Veterans Choice Cards to veterans who are eligible because of where they live: more than 40 miles from a facility, must travel extra miles to get around bodies of water or mountains, or must travel by plane or boat to get to a facility. During the third week of November, the second batch went out. These went to veterans who were waiting more than 30 days either from their preferred appointment date or past the date they should have been seen as determined by their doctor. Costs will be covered only for VA-approved physician-ordered care. This effort is part of the new Accelerated Care Initiative, wherein opportunities for care have been increased through mobile medical units and having clinics open more hours on more days (evenings plus weekends). Here are some of the stats the VA holds out as proof the program is working: •Wait times for primary care for new patients has been reduced by 18 percent nationwide. •Ninety-eight percent of appointment dates preferred by the veteran or his doctor have been completed. •More than 1 million authorizations for care outside the VA system were granted, which is nearly a 50 percent increase over the past year, and which will be increased even more by the latest batches of care cards. For more information about the Choice Program or to schedule an appointment for non-VA care, call 866-6068198. Also to see more information, including eligibility, go online to www.va.gov/opa/choiceact. Freddy 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.
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Nifty Pickle Published Weekly by Nifty Pickle, Inc. 7032 US Hwy 431 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Q: Can you tell me anything about the new “Terminator” movie? -- Samuel D. A: The latest reboot of the classic sci-fi action series, which is called “Terminator: Genisys,” will be in theaters July 1, 2015. I recently spoke with Teri Wyble -- who plays Mariam, a member of John Connor’s inner circle of the resistance -- and she revealed a tiny bit of info to whet fans’ appetites. “It begins with John Connor, who’s continuing the war against the machines. I worked with Jason Clarke (who plays John Connor) a bunch. He had such a commanding presence, and I think he is so incredibly talented and so captivating.” The question on everyone’s mind: Did she work with Arnold? “I was able to meet pretty much everyone for the readthrough. We did a table read and so just reading the script with people like Jason Clark and Jai Courtney (Kyle Reese) and Emilia Clarke (Sarah Connor) and Arnold Schwarzenegger -just being in that room with these people was pretty darn cool. I hope I can remember little moments like that, like being in that room when Arnold’s saying some of his famous lines.”
Q: Can you tell me when “The Following” will return to TV. It did get picked up for another season, right? -- Steve F. A: The Kevin Bacon-starring suspense thriller will be back for a third season with 15 new episodes beginning Monday, March 2, with a two-hour season premiere (and picking up the following week in its 9/8c time slot). Also on tap for early 2015 premieres: “Bones” returns from it winter hiatus March 26 at 8/7c; “Glee” makes a move to Fridays starting with its premiere on Jan. 9 (also a two-hour premiere); and “American Idol” returns for its 14th season, sans Randy Jackson, on Jan. 7 at 8/7c. Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. will be back, and Adam Lambert will be filling in for Keith as a guest judge during the New York auditions. Keith took time off from the show in order to be with his wife, Nicole Kidman, after the death of her father.
256-673-8190
Dear Santa, This year I am requesting a fat bank account and a small body. P.S. Please don’t mix them up like you did last year! Q: Why is Christmas just like your job? A: You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit. Q: How many reindeer does it take to change a light bulb? A: Eight! One to screw in the light bulb and seven to hold Rudolph down! Q: What do you call a blind reindeer? A: I have no eye deer
Merry Christmas!
James Webster Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Elsa Rutherford Editor/Contributor/Published Author Ruben Barahona Hispanic Editor/Interpreter T/.C. McKinney Production Specialist Trish Webster Office Manager The publisher, Nifty Pickle, Inc., has no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without consent of the publisher. The Publisher will not be liable for any error in display advertisement to a greater extent that the cost of the line space occupied in the advertisement. The advertiser and/or agency agree to protect, indemnify and hold harmless this publication, and it’s publisher, Nifty Pickle, against any and all liability, loss and expense (including attorney fees) arising out of the publication of the advertisers advertisement.
Letter To The Editor:
We encourage letters to the editor but we ask that certain guidelines be followed: Letters may be typed or handwritten, and legible. Letters must be signed along with a telephone number and address. Phone numbers and addresses will only be used for verification and will NOT be published. Letters should not exceed 250 words. The Nifty Pickle reserves the right to refuse to print or, at it’s discretion, may edit any letter. The basic content of the letter will not be altered. All letters must be received by Monday at Noon and should be sent to Nifty Pickle • 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville AL 35950 or emailed to editor@niftypickle.com.
Q: I’ve gotta have my “Justified”! -- Freddie F. A: You’ll have it, Freddie, in just a few more weeks. The hit FX Western series will be back for its sixth and final season on Jan. 20 at 10 p.m., with Sam Elliott and Garret Dillahunt joining the cast. Get ready for that much-anticipated Raylan/Boyd final showdown! Readers: I have great news for all you “Longmire” fans! You asked, and Netflix listened. The streaming video website has picked up the former A&E series -- which was canceled earlier this year after three seasons -- for a 10-episode fourth season. The beloved Western crime drama will return sometime in 2015 -- an exact date has not yet been announced. According to Netflix, season four picks up moments after season three’s exciting finale. Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Squawking and Talking
Now that Barack Obama, with his immigration executive order, has taken off the gloves and, in effect, raised that time-honored gesture of defiance to Republican “members of Congress who question my authority,” they are angrily throwing down their own gauntlets, basically saying that he and (to quote John Boehner) his “lawless” presidency are toast, with no chance they’ll deal with him. Don’t you believe it. We certainly can expect the GOP House and Senate to do their very best to make Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and Capitol Hill a war zone. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be willing to have temporary ceasefires. Even though immigration has now been slammed onto the table, the people on both sides have plenty of other cards in their hand. Our political leaders have lots of items they might very well negotiate. For instance, you might think that the Keystone pipeline is a pipe dream for the oil industry and other investors who want to take the petroleum glop they’ve pulled out of the tar sands in Canada and transport it to ships waiting in the Gulf of Mexico, or worse, from the environmentalist perspective, that this is a dirty, crude way to extract dirty crude and that there’s always a danger of a massive spill. You might be surprised to learn, though, that Republicans and organized labor are united on this one, arguing that it’s a jobs-producer that helps advance the goal of energy independence. Whatever, ultimately, POTUS, through the State Department, must approve the massive project, particularly now that the Senate wasn’t able to pass legislation that would have forced him to, short of a veto. Certainly, the green activists are a key Obama constituency, but let us not forget that Mr. Obama is done running for office. To put it bluntly, he doesn’t need anybody anymore. So there is no friends-of-the-earthly reason he can’t decide to throw his supporters from the anti-pollution movement under the bus, or in this case under the pipeline. And he just might if the right concessions come along from his enemies to the right. If they give in on his infrastructure demands, for instance, maybe combined with a tax package, then helloooo Keystone pipeline. Of course, that’s assuming the Republicans aren’t so consumed with fury over his immigration move that they go into their fightor-spite mode and make fools of themselves by shutting down the government, or deciding to push impeachment. All they will accomplish is destroying their credibility still again and, while they’re at it, inflicting considerable damage to the country. On the former point, since the latter doesn’t seem to matter anymore, they will probably succeed in electing Hillary Clinton president. But if sanity prevails, and that’s a big “if,” then paradoxically all this fury could end up producing some sound government as the bitter adversaries who run it temporarily remember that governing is what they’re supposed to be doing. In a democracy, that means compromise -- give and take, not take and take. Those who are speaking loudly are actually carrying a small stick. They want to flog the other side into submission, but they end up hurting themselves. And, of course, all of us. (c) 2014 Bob Franken Distributed by King Features Synd.
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ALBERTVILLE
BOAZ
Albertville Baptist Church 302 Buchanan Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 878-3933
Boaz Church of God 115 McGee Street Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-3689
Corbinville Methodist Church Hwy 75 N Albertville, Alabama
Crestview Church of Christ 2001 US Hwy 431 Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-7326
Corinth Baptist Church 4183 Rose Road Albertville, Alabama 35951 (256) 894-3400
First Baptist Church 225 S. Main Street Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-8580
Fairview United Methodist Church 1750 Hustleville Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 891-1719
Mt. Zion Baptist Church 623 County Road 2 Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 561-3682
First Baptist Church Albertville 309 East Main Street Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 878-2291
Sardis Baptist Church 1501 Church Street Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-7762
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 201 Rose Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 (256) 878-6685 Rose Road Church of God 804 Rose Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 256-891-7723 Solid Rock Church 2073 Section Line Road Albertville, Alabama 35950 256-891-1818 The Potter’s House 210 Sand Mt Dr. Albertville, AL 35950 256-298-2378
GUNTERSVILLE
Church of the Living God 1621 Henry Street Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 293-9658 / (256) 960-4351 First Baptist Church 1000 Gunter Ave Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-5141 First United Methodist Church 539 Gunter Avenue Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-2001 Guntersville Church of Christ 800 Gunter Avenue Guntersville, ---Alabama 35976 (256) 582-2494
Union Grove #1 Missionary Baptist Church 1189 Rice Mill Chavers Road Albertville, Alabama 35951 (256) 891-0500
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist 1444 Carlisle Ave Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-0181
All Saints’ Anglican Church 706 North Main Street Boaz, Alabama 35957
Rocky Branch Free Holiness Church Rocky Branch Drive Guntersville, Alabama 35976
BOAZ
Belaire Baptist Church 1505 Oak Drive Boaz, Alabama 35957 (256) 593-8773 Beulah Baptist Church 1991 Beulah Road Boaz, Alabama 35957 256-878-1516
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The Church at Lake Guntersville 4525 Wyeth Drive Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-5312 Victory Baptist Church 1644 O’ Brig Avenue Guntersville, Alabama 35976 (256) 582-5054
Christmas Carols are one of my favorite parts of Christmas. Not so much the “Santa Claus is coming to town” ones, but the “Silent Night” type. Because what other time of the year can you hear songs about “God with us” and “to save us all from Satan’s power”? Part of the Christmas story we sing is when the Angels appeared to the Shepherds and proclaimed, “Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on Earth, and goodwill towards men!” Can you imagine the freak-out factor the shepherds must have experienced on the dark hillside when the skies lit up and Angels began shouting and singing? There was no TV, radios or even street lights at that time, just silence and darkness when the skies exploded with radiant glory and song. And that is the point I am trying to draw out. Many times we read these stories and sing these songs without ever really stopping to think about them or they get lost in the nostalgia of warm memories of Perry Como Christmas Albums with Mommaw. We put “Peace on earth” on our Christmas cards with the sentiment that Jesus came to bring peace on Earth. But Jesus said “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Poor Jesus must have gotten confused when He grew up. Of course I am kidding; we are the ones who got confused. Jesus didn’t come to bring peace between men which is evident in the countless wars that have been fought and churches that have split over opinions of who Jesus is. So if it wasn’t to bring peace between men, then what was it? But while Jesus doesn’t get confused, we often do. Jesus came to bring peace between God and man. The war is over. We forget or never realized that God was no longer counting our sins against us, that His full justice was met in Jesus. The book of Isaiah tells us that Jesus going to the cross would be just like the flood of Noah. He swore that just like He would never flood the Earth again, He would not be “wroth” {angry} with mankind. If you are “In Christ” you are as Righteous and Holy as Jesus is. Since He doesn’t “blow it,” we are counted as righteous even when we do. Think about that for a minute and let it sink in. God is not mad at you. He is not counting your sins against you. You have been made free from judgment and condemnation. “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay; Remember Christ, our Savior, Was born on Christmas day, to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.”
Merry Christmas!
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Sección
Directorio de Iglesia Iglesia de cristo Palabra Miel 9820 US Hwy 431 Albertville, AL 35950 256-226-5545 (Pastor Dante)
Hacer publicidad de su Iglesia, llamada a Ruben (256) 829-8537
Chistes Español
Hay tres clases de personas: There are three kinds of people: las que saben contar y las que no. Those who know how to count, and those who don’t. ****** Un paciente entra en la consulta del médico. A patient enters the doctor’s office. Médico: - ¿Qué es lo que le ha traído por aquí? Doctor: “What is it that’s brought you here?” Paciente - Una ambulancia, ¿por qué? Patient: “An ambulance. Why?” ******
Esto es un misionero que está en plena selva y se encuentra de bruces con un león que estaba casi muerto de hambre. This one is a missionary who is in the middle of the jungle and finds himself face to face with a lion who was almost dead from hunger. El misionero se asusta y se pone de rodillas. Empezando a rezar dice: The missionary becomes frightened and kneels. Beginning to pray, he says: - Padre, infunde a este pobre león sentimientos cristianos. “Father, fill this poor lion with Christian feeling.” ...Se oye un silencio... . . . A silence is heard . . . y de buenas a primeras el león se pone de rodillas, diciendo: - Padre, bendice estos alimentos que voy a recibir... and all of a sudden the lion kneels, saying: “Father, bless this food which I am about to receive . . .”
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El plan de reforma migratoria de Obama - lo que usted necesita saber
Quiénes se beneficiarán de la acción ejecutiva de Obama? Hay tres grupos principales que se beneficiarán bajo el plan de Obama: los padres de ciudadanos estadounidenses o residentes legales permanentes; los inmigrantes indocumentados que llegaron a los EE.UU. antes de los 16 años; y los cónyuges e hijos de residentes permanentes legales. Padres: Si usted es un padre de un ciudadano estadounidense o un padre de un residente legal permanente y ha vivido en los EE.UU. continuamente desde el 1° de enero de 2010 y puede aprobar una verificación de antecedentes, usted puede ser elegible para solicitar la Acción Diferida para Responsabilidad de los Padres (DAPA por sus siglas en inglés) y un permiso de trabajo. El programa debe estar en funcionamiento para el 20 de mayo de 2015. Los que llegaron antes de los 16 años: Obama está eliminando el tope de la edad de la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA), así que si usted no calificaba antes por su edad, es posible que pueda calificar bajo la nuevo DACA si llegó a los EE.UU. antes de los 16 años, y ha vivido continuamente en los EE.UU. desde el 1° de enero de 2010. Es probable que la expansión de DACA entre en vigor el 20 de febrero de 2015. Cónyuges e Hijos: el nuevo programa de Obama permitirá a los cónyuges e hijos de residentes permanentes legales solicitar una dispensa para que puedan obtener una tarjeta verde más pronto. Bajo la ley actual, los inmigrantes indocumentados deben salir de los EE.UU. para obtener una tarjeta verde, lo que puede desencadenar una prohibición de tres a 10 años que les impide entrar a los Estados Unidos durante ese tiempo. Ahora podrán solicitar dentro de los EE.UU.. ¿Cómo puedo evitar ser estafado? Tenga cuidado de cualquier persona que le diga que le puede ayudar por una tarifa, antes de que los nuevos programas entren en vigencia. No hay nada para que aplicar por el momento, a excepción del actual programa DACA que fue anunciado en 2012. La nueva expansión de DACA que anunció Obama probablemente entre en vigor el 20 de febrero de 2015 y el nuevo programa de acción diferida para los padres se espera que entre en vigor el 20 de mayo de 2015. Así que no hay razón de empezar a pagarle a alguien ahora por los servicios de inmigración, especialmente si le prometen estar en la parte delantera de la línea, recibir beneficios adicionales, o cualquier otra cosa que suena demasiado bueno para ser verdad. ¿Cuánto va a costar? La cuota de inscripción será de $ 465. Sin embargo, puede solicitar información sobre los programas de microcréditos y otros medios de ayuda para familias de bajos ingresos. Si se me conceden la acción diferida, ¿cuánto tiempo durará? Este es un programa temporal que le protegerá de la deportación por tres años y es renovable. ¿Por qué es temporal este programa? La acción ejecutiva por su naturaleza es temporal. Sería necesaria una ley del Congreso para crear una solución más permanente.
¿Puedo viajar al extranjero bajo la acción diferida? Sí, pero sólo si se solicita y se le otorga un permiso de ingreso anticipado (llamado “advance parole” en inglés), lo que le da la autoridad de viajar sin preocuparse de ser detenido en un puerto de entrada de los Estados Unidos. ¿Voy a ser capaz de obtener un número de Seguro Social? Sí. Cuando reciba su permiso de trabajo, vaya a su oficina local del Seguro Social para solicitar su número. Usted puede encontrar su oficina local del Seguro Social en www. ssa.gov. ¿Se beneficiarán de la acción ejecutiva los jóvenes centroamericanos que llegaron aquí este verano? No. Para calificar para el ampliado programa DACA, tiene que haber vivido en los Estados Unidos continuamente desde el 1° de enero 2010. ¿Incluirá la expansión a los padres LGBT? Sí, pero se necesita orientación adicional para asegurarse de que este programa sea accesible a todos los padres LGBT. Por ejemplo, no se sabe cómo esto afectará a las parejas que viven en uno de los 35 estados donde no existen protecciones explícitas para parejas del mismo sexo para solicitar las adopciones de segundo padre. ¿Incluirá a los padres adoptivos y padrastros? Sí, los padres con hijos adoptados e hijastros cuentan, pero sólo si los padres se casaron antes de que el hijastro tuviera 18 años, o si el niño fue adoptado antes de la edad de 16 años y ha vivido con el padre por dos años. ¿Cómo puedo saber si es seguro presentarse? Con DACA, el gobierno incluyó algunas disposiciones de confidencialidad que son una especie de cortafuegos entre La Oficina de Ciudadanía y Servicios de Inmigración (USCIS) e ICE. Ese mismo cortafuego también será incluido en este programa. ¿Qué sucede después de tres años? No hay garantía, pero entre más personas soliciten y reciban la acción diferida, más difícil será para un futuro gobierno rescindir este programa. ¿Dónde puedo conseguir más información? Manténgase informado con USCIS.gov para la información más reciente: http://www.uscis.gov/immigrationaction.
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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Make your holiday preparations one step at a time in order to avoid being overwhelmed and leaving things undone. That confusing family situation continues to work itself out.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Holiday plans get back on track after some confusion about the direction you expected to take. A potentially troublesome money matter needs your immediate attention.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Ease this year’s holiday money pressures by letting your thrifty side guide you as you look for those perfect gifts that typically reflect your good taste and love of beauty.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your holiday preparations are on track. But you need to confront a personal situation while you can still keep it from overwhelming everything else.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’ll have a good handle on potential holiday problems if you delegate tasks to family members, friends or co-workers -- most of whom will be more than happy to help out.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Tight financial matters ease a bit during this holiday season. But the sagacious Sagittarian is well-advised to keep a tight hold on the reins while shopping for gifts.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Right now you are especially vulnerable to holiday scams that seek to take advantage of your generosity. Best advice: Check them out before you send out your checks. LEO (July 23 to August 22) The upcoming holiday season gives the Big Cat much to purr about. Relationships grow stronger, and new opportunities loom on the horizon, just waiting to be pounced on. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A changing situation brings conflicting advice about how to go forward with your holiday plans. Your best bet: Make the decision you feel most comfortable with.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Don’t put off making decisions about this year’s holiday celebrations, despite the negative comments you’ve been getting from several quarters. Do it NOW! AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) The holidays will bring new friends and new opportunities. Meanwhile, be careful to use your energy wisely as you go about making holiday preparations.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) There’s good news coming from a most unlikely source. And it could turn out to be one of the best holiday gifts you have had in years. Remember to stay positive. BORN THIS WEEK: You are respected for your honesty and loyalty. You make friends slowly -- but with rare exceptions, they’re in your life forever. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Neptune Chowder Here’s a hearty soup that features the bounty of the sea. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where fresh fish is abundant, use it! But, if you’re like us and are in a landlocked section of the country, the frozen works just fine.
Ingredients
2 cups thinly sliced onion 1 cup chopped celery 2 cups diced raw potatoes 1 cup shredded carrots 2 cups water 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper 8 ounces white fish fillet, cut into bite-size pieces 1 (12-fluid-ounce) can evaporated fat-free milk 1 cup fat-free milk 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
Directions
1. In a large saucepan sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, saute onion and celery for 5 minutes. Add potatoes, carrots, water and lemon pepper. Mix well to combine. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. 2. Stir in fish pieces and continue simmering for 10 minutes or until vegetables and fish are tender. Add evaporated milk, fat-free milk and Cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine. Continue simmering until cheese melts, stirring often. 3. When serving, garnish each bowl with parsley flakes. Makes 6 (1 1/3 cup) servings. • Each serving equals: 208 calories, 4g fat, 18g protein, 25g carb., 365mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Meat, 1 FatFree Milk, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Starch. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
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New Year’s Food Trends Coming to Your Table: Ugly Fruit, Matcha Tea Continued from Page 1
per-hot-burning charcoal, as well as charcoal coloring and enhancing breads, crackers and even cosmetics. The Local Grain Network: Products made from freshly milled flour are making their way to consumers thanks to the growing network of farmers, bakers and chefs committed to local grain production. Coconut Sugar Sweetness: Boasting a lower glycemic index than white sugar makes coconut sugar popular among consumers -- from natural food fans and sweets-loving Paleos to Southeast Asian food lovers -- looking for better-for-you foods. Farm to Table Kosher: With keeping kosher on the rise, kosher food businesses are addressing consumer demand to eat in more sustainable, conscious and cultural ways. The Hunger Games -- Restaurant Edition: Dining concept incubators create lively experiences where curious diners test experimental eateries and vote with their forks in revolving pop-up settings or hip dining parks. The Ugly Fruit & Vegetable Movement: Misshapen and funny-looking produce will no longer get picked over as food resourcefulness and efforts to combat hunger come into sharper focus. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Room in the Inn Additional Information
We have a new address for Room in the Inn, the Marshall County Homeless Ministries that we featured in last week’s paper. Please send your tax-free donation to: Room in the Inn C/O Marshall County Homeless Ministries, PO 152, Guntersville, AL, 35976. The founders of this program in Marshall County, Shirley Chupp and her husband, Dr. David Chupp, are members of Guntersville First United Methodist Church, not St. William Catholic Church. Mrs. Janice Slaughter, one of the original board members of Room in the Inn is a parishioner at St. William Catholic Church. You may contact Mrs. Chupp at the United Methodist Church, tel: 256582-2001, ex: 245. Or for recorded information, call: 256-677-9231.
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The Bass Anglers Information Chicken and Potato Parcels “Very simple: just mix, fold, cook and eat!” Team (B.A.I.T.) Program
B.A.I.T. is a voluntary partnership between bass clubs and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (ADWFF). The intent of the program is to summarize information on bass fishing. This information is of great value to us in the management of reservoir bass populations. It is used by participating clubs to select tournament locations. Following a bass tournament, a club member fills out a data form on the back of a postcard (B.A.I.T. card) that provides details regarding the tournament format, the number of participants, and the numbers and weight of bass weighed-in. At the end of each year, the results are compiled and analyzed for every Alabama reservoir, and a report is published. The B.A.I.T. Report ranks each reservoir based on five fishing quality indicators and determines an overall ranking. Reservoirs that rank at or near the top in several quality indicators in the same year have exceptional or outstanding bass fisheries. We try to present this information in a way that is most useful to bass anglers. The B.A.I.T. Report is used by ADWFF fisheries biologists, in combination with their reservoir surveys, as the basis for fisheries management decisions. B.A.I.T. data allows biologists to identify trends in bass populations and helps them better understand the mechanisms that influence fish populations. All bass anglers need to recognize that they have an opportunity to participate in the process of managing this extraordinarily valuable resource. Tell your fellow club members and tournament directors their participation is needed. If your club is already participating in this program, we thank you for your continued support. If your club is not participating, but would like to, you simply need to complete and mail a B.A.I.T. card following each tournament. All clubs that participate are included on our mailing list and receive a copy of the Annual Report. The B.A.I.T. program has proven to be a significant aid to Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division biologists in their efforts to manage the state’s reservoirs. The benefits to all bass anglers and to our reservoir bass resources are expected to continue, thanks to the cooperation and enthusiasm of bass clubs participating as members of the Bass Anglers Information Team. To enter your club in the B.A.I.T. program or for more information, including a copy of the Annual Report, contact the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3882 or Damon.Abernethy@dcnr.alabama.gov. Information about the B.A.I.T. program is also available at the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division web site, www.outdooralabama.com.
Please
Ingredients
4 baking potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - diced 2 medium red bell peppers, chopped 1 large white onion, chopped 3 celery ribs, chopped 2 cups favorite barbeque sauce
Directions
Make four foil packets by the following method, using 1-foot squares of heavy duty aluminum foil: fold square in half and smooth flat. Seal each of the narrow ends by folding over each edge three times to make a 1/4-inch border, smoothing flat after every fold. You should now have a foil packet that is open on one long side. Repeat to form four packets. In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the potatoes, chicken cubes, red peppers, onion, celery, and barbeque sauce; mix well. Evenly divide the mixture among the foil packets. Roll up the open end of the packets to seal. Place packets on a grill over the coals of a fire. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 25 minutes, depending on the intensity of the heat.
Q: What do you call a cat sitting on the beach on Christmas Eve? A: Sandy Claws. Q: Where does the snowman hide his money? A: In the snow bank.
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Olive Oil for Heart You’ve heard of the Mediterranean diet. It’s been linked to lower occurrence of diseases such as coronary heart disease, as well as lowered blood pressure and arthritis. The primary source of dietary fat for those who follow the diet is olive oil. Researchers at the University of Glasgow saw big improvements in the test scores of subjects who spent six weeks on a diet that included specific amounts of olive oil. They concluded that it’s the phenolic compounds (polyphenols) that reduce the risk of heart disease. If your doctor thinks you should add olive oil to your diet, here are a few things to know: •Shop for extra virgin olive oil, with a first cold press. The majority of the polyphenols are extracted during that first press. The more refined the oil, the fewer polyphenols it contains. •Shop in a health-food store if you can, and ask for advice. Let them point out good oils that haven’t been mixed with other oils. Try to find oils that have a harvest date on them, ideally not more than one year. •Look for dark bottles. Store it in a cool, dark cabinet once you get it home. •Olive oil is high in calories. Don’t go overboard. (The research used 4 teaspoons per day.) •How to use olive oil: Drizzle a small amount over a salad. Use it as a dipping sauce for French or Italian bread with meals. Don’t cook or fry with it. •Check this site to learn about olive oil testing and research: olivecenter.ucdavis.edu. Don’t miss the research about some extra virgin olive oils failing international and U.S. standards. While the testing only covered olive oils sold in California, it will teach you a lot about olive oils and how to choose them. 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.
Pitted Nails Reveal Psoriatic Arthritis
gone. I am afraid that it is skin cancer, very serious and that it needs to be checked out by a dermatologist. How do I get him to go? -- P.K.F. ANSWER: Please tell him that I think it sounds like it might be skin cancer, such as a squamous cell carcinoma, and that he should see a dermatologist immediately. Some peo DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 77-year- ple have an immense capacity for convincing old male. I had to stop playing golf about two themselves that nothing is wrong. The sooner years ago due to joint pain. I had psoriasis from he gets an evaluation, the better. age 15 until I was 40. I am retired from the DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a veteran Navy and had to be hospitalized twice during my time in service due to my skin. Why it dis- and have had digestive problems (GERD and appeared at age 40, I don’t know. Is it possible gastritis) since I came back from Vietnam in that I could have psoriatic arthritis? One doctor 1968. How closely related are these disorders? I saw said that I had to have psoriasis in order to -- J.R.O. ANSWER: GERD (gastroesophageal get it. I saw that you said that sometimes the ar- thritis shows up before the skin lesions. Can it reflux disease) is very, very common, and reshow up after you have quit having the lesions? fers to the passage of food and acid backward -from the stomach into the esophagus. The gen-- Anon. ANSWER: Indeed, psoriatic arthritis eral cause of GERD is a relative weakness in can show up years after psoriasis starts and the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscular, when there are no skin lesions. Often, pits in valvelike structure at the bottom of the esophthe nails or other nail changes are seen in those agus. Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. with psoriatic arthritis. Both of these terms often are used im However, having psoriasis doesn’t pro- precisely, as a guess at what might be causing tect you from other types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Since nonspecific stomach pains. With such a propsoriatic arthritis is so destructive, you should longed course, it would be wise to make sure of your diagnosis, as your symptoms actually see an expert, perhaps a rheumatologist. The arthritis booklet discusses rheuma- might be caused a different condition, such as toid arthritis, osteoarthritis and lupus. Readers an ulcer or infection by the bacteria H. pylori, can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach -- No. which would require different treatment. Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to 301W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for answer individual letters, but will incorporate $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s print- them in the column whenever possible. Readers ed name and address. Please allow four weeks may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@ med.cornell.edu. for delivery. DEAR DR. ROACH: About 10 months ago, my husband noticed a small “bleb” on the skin near his right hip area. He used “tag away” and alcohol swabs daily; however, the area is a giant 2-inch-diameter “blotch” with an open sore in the middle. He insists that it is almost
To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2014 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Please Support Your Local Merchants! Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. Psalms 6:2 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Matthew 3:11
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Wordsearch Contest
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Win a $50 Gift Card... Find the Advertisers listed below and tell us which page
that their ad was found. Mail this entire page to us at 7032 US Hwy 431 • Albertville, AL 35950. Deadline is December 29, 2014. (Date of Puzzle: December 18, 2014)
Find these names: alabamacraftshow alanjackson bestway bottomlinewebdesign brigittesclothing custompestcontrol fullcolorprinting incarerx joespawnshop mcclendonauctionhouse mcclendonwholesale nickkirstjd qslowsmoked rigginsunlockservice tradebank wlcaccounting
HOW TO PLAY: On this entry form you will find some of the businesses advertised in this issue. Simply browse the Nifty Pickle, looking for these advertisements. When you find them, record the page number on which you found their advertisement in the space provided on this entry form. Then, find and circle that business name in the word search puzzle. Once you have located all of the advertisers listed, complete the entry form and mail this entire page to the address shown above. Your entry must be received by December 29, 2014. We will then draw one entry from the group of correct entry forms and announce that winner in the January 1st issue. Incorrect or incomplete entry forms will be disqualified. All decisions by Nifty Pickle, Inc. are final. There will be only one winner for this contest each week. GOOD LUCK!
Page Numbers: __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
The Winner of the November 27, 2014 Wordsearch Puzzle Contest is T. Bailey of Guntersville. Congratulations!
Name: ________________________ Address: ________________________ City, State, Zip ________________________ Telephone: ________________________ Email Address: ________________________
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Remember Me? My Name is Princess Grace Ann (Better Known as Gracie) Well, I bet you don’t recognize me. My mama took me to the groomer and told them to “cut it all off.” Now, when she said that, I looked at her and thought “WHAT? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!” As you can see, she was not kidding. But once I got home, I realized that it wasn’t so bad. I think Sheba even liked it. When Quinton first saw me, he asked “When did we get a new dog?” See Ya Later!
Anyone Out There Want To Tell About Their Favorite Pet? Would you like to see your pet featured in the Nifty Pickle? Jot down some information about your pet (name, personality, something funny, tricks it can do, etc.) and send it along with a photo to Nifty Pickle Pet Pix, PO Box 1161 Guntersville, Alabama 35976, email to info@niftypickle.com or bring it by the office at 7032 US Hwy 431 in Albertville (next to Merle Norman).
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ACCOUNTING, PAYROLL, CONSULTING, BOOKKEEPING and Much More. Call James at WLC ACCOUNTING 256-6738190. 7032 US Hwy 431 in Albertville... 3 Doors Down from The Nifty Pickle Variety Store.
Q SLOW SMOKED BBQ 106 South Main Street in Old Downtown Boaz. If you love BBQ, then you will love REAL Q-slowsmoked with natural hardwoods. 256-281-9699. See our ad and coupon in this issue.
ALABAMA CRAFT SHOW Selling Year Around Crafts handmade by local artists. Custom orders welcome. Piper Station, Boaz. 256-996-4945.
SAND MOUNTAIN PEST MANAGEMENT Got Bugs? Call Sand Mountain Pest Management at 256-891-7400 and start protecting your house from unwanted pests. Be sure to see our coupons in this issue of The Nifty Pickle.
BOTTOMLINE WEB DESIGN Web Sites starting at ONLY $29.95 per month. Call 256-673-8190. BRIGITTE’S CHILDREN’S CLOTHING 403 Martling Road, Albertville. 256-744-8404 or 256506-5853. Family owned business Specializing in Boys and Girls Clothing Sizes Newborn to 14. CUSTOM PEST CONTROL Termite and Pest Services. We Guarantee Our Service! No Contract, No Commitment... Just Dead Bugs! 256-593-6613 JOE’S PAWN SHOP 11411 US Hwy 431 in Albertville. Buy, Sell, Trade, Pawn. Open 8am - 6pm, 7 days a week. 256-894-9994. See Our Ad In This Issue of the Nifty Pickle. McCLENDON AUCTION HOUSE Returns and Shelf Pulls from ALL Major Box Stores. Open Monday - Saturday 9am until 5pm. Sale on Saturday and Thursday at 6:30pm. 702 Chastain Blvd West, Glencoe. 256-492-5333. McCLENDON WHOLESALE Buy It By The Pallet. Returns and Shelf Pulls from All Major Stores. Great for Auctions, Trade Day, Yard Sales, etc. Open Tuesday Friday 9am until 4pm. Claybrook Road in Albertville. Call Charlie at 256-477-3914 for more information.
TRADEBANK The Smarter Way To Barter®.Save Cash on Business and Personal Expenses. See our Ad in this issue or call JW at 256-6738190.
PRIDE MOBILITY ELECTRIC Z CHAIR. Only used a few times. Only $495. Call 256-593-6796 between 8am - 2pm. KARAOKE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE. Amp, Speakers and stands, Microphones, All necessary Cords. $850 obo. Call James at 256-6738190.
Place Your Yard Sale Ad Here. Only $5 per week for up to 30 Words. Mail your ad and payment to Nifty Pickle, 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville, AL 35950 or you can come by the office located at that address. The deadline is every Monday at Noon.
FOR RENT in Albertville Shopping Center on Hwy 431. Best location in Albertville. 3,500 or 7,000 square feet. Large parking lot with lights and 4 exits and entrances. All businesses in Shopping Center doing good business. Call Fred Taylor at 256-878-8383 or 256-878-2552.
A man walks into a police station and asks to speak to the burglar who broke into his house the night before. “I’m sorry sir, but you’ll get your chance in court,” says the duty officer. “No, you don’t understand,” says the man. “I want to know how he got in the house without waking the wife. I’ve been trying to do that for years.”
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