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Publish a Paper in Your AreaWANT TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

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TIDBITS® CRACKS SOME EGGS!

by Patricia L. CookEggs are a big seller all year long as one of the most popular breakfast foods, an essential ingre-dient for baking and more. But at Easter, they are at the top of the grocery list, the star of the show!

every vitamin and mineral needed by humans. The protein of eggs is the standard by which other protein sources are compared. Large eggs contain approximately 6 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of fat, with about half of the fat being the healthier mono-unsaturated variety. Eggs only contain about 70 calories each.

cause of heart attacks because of their high cholesterol, the egg’s reputation has recently been redeemed. More doctors and nutritionists are backing away from the idea that eggs should be avoided. Eggs have so many good health

recommending a three-egg omelet with sausage or bacon every day. If cholesterol is

contains all of the cholesterol in an egg. The American Heart Association amended its egg-eating guidelines recently to say there is,

number of egg yolks a person may consume in a week.” turn the page for more!

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Issue 12 The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

OVER 4 MILLION

Readers WeeklyNationwide! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©2007

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April 2, 2012

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CRACKS SOME EGGS (continued):

it also contains the vitamins and minerals that make it a nutritional powerhouse. Egg yolks are one of the few foods with naturally occurring vitamin D. Hard-boiled eggs, like those decorated, hidden and hunted at Easter, provide about 17 grams of protein. Egg whites are an excellent source of low-fat protein.

has been shown to help preserve memory, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may

eggs can help with weight management, eye health, muscle strength, brain functions and are valuable for healthy pregnancies.

considered symbols of new life and rebirth. Ancient cultures like the Persians, Hindus and Egyptians believed the world started as a large egg.

association that made way for the Easter Bunny. Rabbits, like eggs, have always been associated with birth and fertility.

Germany. The story goes that a poor woman living in Germany decorated eggs to hide and be hunted as entertainment for her children. As soon as the eggs were found by the children, a large bunny rabbit was seen hopping away! Many stories have been written about the bunny ever since, and children in many places around the world look forward to egg hunts and egg and bunny-shaped candies around Easter.

used for hunts, need to be handled carefully.

Prosthetic Limb Study

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs asked the VA Office of Inspector General to review and evaluate how services are being provided to veterans who have had amputations. The study was limited to 838 veterans discharged from active service after Operation Endur-ing Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn.Here’s what it found: --The majority were between the ages of 22 and 25, enlisted male veterans.--The rates of some disorders increased after discharge. Anxiety disorders rose from 42 percent to 61 percent. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder rates increased from 31 percent to 58 percent. Alcohol disorders rose from 7 percent to 11 percent. Drug disorders, however, and

To Your Good Health By Paul G Donohue M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: The receptionist at my doctor’s office called to give me the report on a mammogram I had taken. She said that it showed calcifications and that the doctor wanted it repeated in six months. Why? Are calcifications indications of cancer? If they are, I’d like to get this taken care of immediately. I am becoming a nervous wreck thinking about this. -- H.M.

ANSWER: When tests don’t provide a definite answer, everyone suffers -- the patient, the doctor of the patient and the doctor who interpreted the test. Calcifications are the perfect example. They’re calcium specks.

When the doctor interpreting the mammogram sees them, he or she bases their importance on their number, their shape, their size and the pattern they make. With those criteria, the doctor usually can say whether they indicate cancer.Noncancerous calcifications might result from a bump to the breast to which you paid little attention. Or a minor breast infection could have caused them.If the doctor feels that evidence points more in the direction of cancer, then he or she will ask for an immediate biopsy. If the doctor feels more certain that they are not cancer signs but is not completely certain about that call, a repeat examination at a later date is a reasonable position to take. Neither the interpreting doctor nor your personal doctor would ask for a delay if there was any chance that the inaction would harm your health.The pamphlet on breast cancer gives the approach to diagnosing and treating it. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 1101W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My thighs are loaded with cellulite. What is it, and how can I get rid of it? -- M.T.

ANSWER: Cellulite is beneath-the-skin fat that forms small puckers due to crisscrossing fibers similar to but not the same as scar-tissue fibers. The fiber-puckered fat gives the involved skin a lumpy-bumpy appearance. Laser treatments, radiofrequency wave treatments and ultrasound have been used for removing cellulite. These are cosmetic procedures and likely are not covered by insurance. Innumerable creams are advertised for cellulite reduction, but I can’t tell you if they work. I would be cautious about trying any that are costly. Weight loss makes cellulite less obvious. You are best served by consulting a dermatologist.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For the past several days, my left eyelid has been twitching. There’s no pain. It does not affect my vision. Does it mean anything? -- T.P.

ANSWER: Not usually. Eyelid twitches result from spasms of muscles controlling eyelid movement. It’s intermittent and lasts for a few days, at most. Fatigue, stress and caffeine have been implicated as causes. I have had such twitching, at times when I was neither tired nor stressed nor drinking caffeine. If the twitching is bothersome, soak a washcloth in warm water and apply it to the closed eyelid. If twitching lasts longer than a week or two, see the family doctor.

Understanding Breast Calcifications

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adjustment disorders decreased.--Veterans with upper limb amputations didn’t fare as well as those with lower limb amputations in terms of psychosocial adjustment, physical ability and prosthetic satisfaction. --Veterans with amputations and prostheses are “sig-nificant users” of Department of Veterans Affairs health services, and not just for the prostheses: 99 percent use VA health care for all medical needs.The comments at the end of the report are telling. One veteran commented on the lengthy process to get a pros-thesis made by an outside vendor and have the VA ap-prove and pay for it. Another makes his own repairs to his prosthesis to cut through the VA red tape. Another veteran goes out of his way to avoid using VA care, saying most of the staff doesn’t understand upper limb amputations. Some veterans are waiting six months for an appointment and then have to travel long distances. Another has had a clothing issue for years and hadn’t been able to get help until the OIG stepped in.To read the 88-page report, go to va.gov and search for Prosthetic Limb Care in VA Facilities.

Medicare is coming out with a new version of our annual report, the Medicare Summary Notice. Medicare spent 18 months asking questions of some of us who receive the reports, and then redesigned it with our suggestions in mind. It’s done a good job.

The new report, part of the “Your Medicare Information: Clearer, Simpler, At Your Fingertips” initiative, will make it easier to understand all of our benefit and services information. It will be easier to determine if fraud has occurred, or if we need to file an appeal for a claim.

New items on the reports will be:--Larger text fonts. --A notice about checking our information

for potential fraud and details on how to do that, and a reminder to check the services listed and the amounts paid.

--”Consumer-friendly descriptions” of medical procedures.

--A list of doctors we’ve seen, clearly listed, along with the dates.

--Deductible status, with the amount of the Part B Deductible that has been met for the year.

--Claims status, with information about whether all services were approved. If the answer is “no,” it tells what amount might be billed to us.

--Preventive services that are available.For now, this new report is available only

online, but starting in 2013 we’ll receive these reports quarterly by mail. To see a sample of the old versus new reports, go online to mymedicare.gov and click on “Making Medicare claims and benefits statement clearer, simpler.” In the article there is a link to a side-by-side comparison. (A hint: This shows up as a very small graphic in a .pdf file. Click the “plus” sign at the top of the screen to enlarge the picture.)

Friendlier Annual Medicare Report

The payroll tax reduction has been extended under the Middle

Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Two percent of

your deduction for Social Security (4.2 percent, down from 6.2 per-

cent) has been picked up by the government again, and that amount

will stay in your paycheck. If you’re self-employed, your portion

of self-employment tax drops from 12.4 percent to 10.4 percent, to

account for that 2 percent.

Workers who earn $50,000 would have seen $1,000 in their pay-

checks over the year the reduction has been in place. Divided by 24

(assuming twice-monthly pay periods) and that would have come

to around $40 per paycheck. If your annual pay is $30,000, your

savings from the reduction is $50 per month.

Oddly enough, a poll by the National Foundation for Credit Coun-

seling showed that 66 percent of workers didn’t know their pay-

checks were larger, even though the extra amount had been in pay-

checks for a year.

The poll shows what the rest of polled workers did with that money:

--Saved most of it: 3 percent

--Caught up on past-due bills: 8 percent

--Increased retirement contributions: 4 percent

--Bought something special: 1 percent

--Paid off debt: 18 percent

NFCC believes that the extension gives companies a chance to

educate employees about using that money. For example, they

believe that workers who aren’t distracted by financial concerns

perform better and don’t receive collection calls at work.

It’s believed that the government would like us to spend the

“windfall” as a means of boosting the economy. However, you

are the one who needs to decide how best to use that money.

First, be aware of the additional amount in your paycheck. If the

reduction isn’t further extended next year, that amount could van-

ish from your income. Use a calculator online to learn just what

extra amount is included in your check.

Second, determine what gets you the most return for that money.

For example, if you put the money in savings, you’ll likely earn

less than 1 percent interest. If you use the money to pay off a cred-

it card (adding the additional money to every month’s payment),

you’ll save the interest you would have paid on the balance.

Fatter Paychecks? Many Are Clueless

Page 3For Advertising Call 205-515-5288

For FREE estimatescall 833-­6681

Many homes have experienced water infiltration into or under the foundation due to improper water discharge from the down spouts. Before you spend thousands of dollars on expensive waterproofing, allow us to evaluate and correct the water discharge.

For home owners who no longer wish to spend the time or risk of injury cleaning the house gutters LEAF FILTER offers a maintenance agreement on gutter cleaning or Leaf Filter gutter protection, rated #1 by Consumer report magazine. All work is warranted two years on labor and lifetime money back if Leaffilter is installed.

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siding repair or replacement to the overhang (Soffit & Fascia) of the home.

1. Is the book of Iscariot in the Old or New Testament or neither?2. For how long did Jesus remain after His resurrection before He ascended into heaven? Instantaneously, 1 hour, 3 Days, 40 days3. What color was the cloak that Jesus wore when He went to the cross? White, Purple, Black, Green4. Where was Jesus crucified? Samaria, Colos-sae, Golgotha, Horeb5. Which disciple doubted Jesus had risen? Peter, Andrew, Thomas, Thaddeus6. For how many pieces of silver did Judas betray Jesus? 10, 20, 30, 40

Rhubarb-Orange Dumplings

When you combine two old-time favorites (rhubarb and dumplings) in a new-time cooking convenience, you create magic!3/4 cup unsweetened orange juiceSugar substitute to equal 14 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons all-purpose flour3 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb1 1/3 cups reduced-fat biscuit baking mix2 tablespoons chopped walnuts1. In an 8-by-8-inch glass microwavable baking dish, com-bine 1/4 cup orange juice, sugar substitute to equal 3/4 cup sugar and flour. Stir in rhubarb. Microwave on HIGH (100 percent power) for 5 to 6 minutes or until mixture is thick-ened, stirring after 3 minutes.2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine baking mix, re-maining sugar substitute to equal 2 tablespoons sugar and remaining 1/2 cup orange juice. Drop batter by tablespoon-fuls into hot mixture to form 6 dumplings. Evenly sprinkle walnuts over top. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 4 to 6 minutes or until dumplings are no longer doughy. Let set for 2 to 3 minutes. Evenly divide into 6 servings.

Each serving equals: 151 calories, 3g fat, 3g protein, 28g carb., 312mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Fruit.

On April 13, 1742, George Friedrich Handel’s “Mes-siah” premieres in Dublin. Although singing the ora-torio has become a Christmas tradition, the Messiah received its world premiere during the Christian sea-son of Lent. Handel composed the score for Messiah in just 24 days.

On April 14, 1818, Noah Webster, a Yale-educated lawyer with an avid interest in language and educa-tion, publishes his American Dictionary of the English Language. The dictionary, which took him more than two decades to complete, introduced more than 10,000 “Americanisms.”

On April 12, 1861, the Civil War begins when Con-federate shore batteries under General P.G.T. Beau-regard open fire on Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston Bay. During the next 34 hours, 50 Confederate guns and mortars launched more than 4,000 rounds at the poorly supplied fort.

On April 10, 1906, O. Henry’s second short-story col-lection, “The Four Million,” is published. O. Henry was the pen name adopted by William Sydney Porter. Porter began writing in the late 1880s but didn’t apply himself seriously until 1898, when he was jailed for embezzling from a bank in Austin, Texas.

On April 15, 1924, Rand McNally releases its first comprehensive road atlas. The first version was called the Rand McNally Auto Chum. Today Rand McNally is the world’s largest maker of atlases in print and electronic media.

On April 11, 1945, the American Third Army liber-ates the Buchenwald concentration camp near Wei-mar, Germany. Buchenwald will be judged second only to Auschwitz in the horrors it imposed on its prisoners. Among those saved by the Americans was Elie Wiesel, who would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986.

On April 9, 1969, the Chicago Eight, indicted on fed-eral charges of conspiracy to cross state lines with in-tent to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, plead not guilty. The trial turned into a circus as the defendants and their attorneys used the court as a platform to attack President Richard Nixon, the Vietnam War, racism and oppression.

Tidbits® of Hoover Page 4

and Lyndsey and Alan’s future.

Q: Is “Steel Magnolias” being remade? -- Charlene F., via e-mailA: Lifetime Television has snagged Queen Latifah to star in and executive produce the television adaptation of “Steel Magnolias.” While Latifah takes on the role of M’Lynn, Alfre Woodard joins her as Ouiser, with Phylicia Rashad as Clairee, Jill Scott as Truvy, Adepero Oduye as Annelle and Condola Rashad as Shelby. Production begins this month, with the premiere scheduled for later this year.

Q: Is it true that the HBO series “Luck” has been canceled because three horses died? --- Rosalind R., Fort Worth, TexasA: Unfortunately, that is true. While a second season had been ordered, producers David Milch and Michael Mann decided to pull the plug on the Dustin Hoffman-starring series, stating: “Safety is always of paramount concern. ... While we maintained the highest safety stan-dards possible, accidents unfortunately happen, and it is impossible to guarantee they won’t in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision.”

1. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of meat is used in a Reu-ben sandwich?2. MUSIC: In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” how many maids are milking?3. BIBLE: What was Matthew’s profession before he be-came an apostle of Jesus?4. AWARDS: The annual PATSY Award is given for out-standing accomplishment in what area?5. SCIENCE: What is the most abundant element in the human body?6. SPORTS: What ancient sport gave rise to the modern version of kickboxing?7. THEATER: What Shakespearean character said, “Nei-ther a borrower nor a lender be”?8. LITERATURE: Whose biography was titled “One Giant Leap”? 9. GEOGRAPHY: Which one of the Great Lakes is locat-ed entirely within the U.S. border?10. EXPLORERS: Who discovered the St. Lawrence Riv-er?

are back at work on the new season. Christopher Gorham, who plays Auggie, tweeted to his fans that he’s read two episodes so far of the third season, and that we need to “Get ready!”

Q: I was a little apprehensive at first about how “Two and a Half Men” would be with Charlie Sheen gone, but I have to say it is still must-watch TV for me. I especially like the recurring character of Lyndsey, who plays Alan’s sometimes girlfriend. Will they stay together? -- Kelly T., via e-mail A: If Courtney Thorne-Smith has any say, they will stay together, but not for any big romantic reasons. As Courtney told me: “I love their relationship so much because of their honesty. They are two people who looked at each other and said, ‘Seriously, we’re just not going to do any better.’ They’re settling; there’s none of the fantasy. It works for them. I think they are really authentic with each other, and it just makes me laugh so hard.” Go to www.celebrityextraonline.com to read my entire interview with Courtney, where she talks about the joy of watching Jon Cryer “do his magic,” the transition from Charlie Sheen to Ashton Kutcher,

Q: Could you give some information on the two actors who play Q: I am wondering what has happened to “CSI: New York,” which aired at 9 p.m. on Friday nights. Also wondering when/if “Covert Affairs” will back on the USA network for its next season? I really like all the things Annie gets into on this program. -- Mary Lee C., Port Charlotte, Fla.A: As you might have already noticed, “CSI: NY” has returned to its Friday night home (since March 30) on CBS, with five more first-run episodes left to broadcast of its eighth season. Also, the USA network has renewed “Covert Affairs” for a 16-episode third season, which is scheduled to air this summer. While an exact pre-miere date has not been released, I can tell you that cast and crew

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CRACKS SOME EGGS (continued):

“Hard-cooked eggs should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and used within one week.” Another food authority, the United

says Easter eggs are safe to eat after a hunt if you follow some basic guidelines: “Use food-safe coloring to dye the eggs and refrigerate them within two hours of boiling them.”

usually best to use the plastic variety.

boiling an egg removes a naturally occurring protective coating on egg shells that then leaves the shells vulnerable to bacteria. If any eggs are cracked, they are very susceptible to bacteria as well and should be discarded.

House Easter Egg Roll every year on the Monday after Easter. The Easter Egg Roll activities were started in the mid-1800s

grounds. After years of wear and tear to

used as a children’s playground.

grounds for an egg roll should be sent to the

Presidents have continued the tradition, with

House. It has only been cancelled a few times

forbidden by law

Networking Group Forming In Hoover

Most businesses obtain their best customers as the result of referrals from friends and exist-ing customers, and most small businesses get more than 70% of their business through word of mouth. Given the low expense of referral marketing, this business strategy particularly pays off in slow economic times. Studies have shown that referred customers are both more profitable and loyal than normal cus-tomers. Having a structured group of referral partners can greatly increase a business’ refer-ral base.

A group of professionals are forming a net-working group in Hoover for the sole purpose of passing referrals to each other. The group is meeting every Wednesday morning at the Wynfrey. Only one person per industry category is allowed in the group. Email Craig Edmonds (craig@southernsecure.com) for more information.

Page 5For Advertising Call (205) 552-5502

8. Poodle9. Dachshund10. Rottweiler

Now, this may or may not settle the argument. Unregistered dogs, of course, aren’t on there, nor are many adopted shelter pets. But it’s a pretty good barometer of the type of dogs, in terms of size, behavior traits and other elements, that currently are popular among owners. Farther down the list -- more than 100 breeds were ranked -- you’ll find the various terrier breeds, such as the Boston terrier (No. 22) and West Highland white terrier (No. 35) to name a couple. Breed popularity tends to jump around: Bulldogs ranked No. 19 a decade ago, but today sit at No. 6.At any rate, take the loss in stride. Make peace over a frosty beverage, and take comfort in knowing that the most popular dog for you is the one you choose (or that chooses you).

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Settle an argument my friend and I are having. I think that terrier dogs are the most popular pet (among dog owners). My friend says Labs are the most popular. What’s your take? -- Beth C., Trenton, N.J.

DEAR BETH: The American Kennel Club recently released its registration statistics for 2011, which revealed that among registered pets, the Labrador retriever was the most popular breed in the United States. In fact, the Labrador retriever has held that top spot for 21 years. The Yorkshire terrier placed fifth among AKC registrations.Here are the top 10 breeds for 2011-12:1. Labrador retriever2. German shepherd3. Beagle4. Golden retriever5. Yorkshire terrier6. Bulldog 7. Boxer

Top DogBy Samantha Mazzotta

Kids ZoneSponsored byThe Birmingham Newswith inflatables, games, entertainment, Birmingham Zoo animal exhibit, Framin’ Shoppe & Parent Teacher Store crafts, Michael’s Crafts, UAB men’s soccer demonstrations, cotton candy, face painting and more!

Car showSponsored by The Birmingham News

All show car owners invited to display your car.

Saturday,May 5, 2012(May 6th – Rain Date)

1:30 – 5:30 pm

Veterans Parkon Valleydale

Parking atSpain Park High School

with shuttle service

Celebrate Hoover Day

FREETO THE PUBLIC

FREEBlue BellIce Cream

Large exhibitor

pavilion

H Complimentary apple pie baked by Jefferson State Culinary & Hospitality Institute

H Appearances by Dora, Diego & the BackyardigansH American Red Cross Blood Drive H Complimentary mini-services by Aveda InstituteH Document destruction provided by CintasH E-cycling provided by Technical Knock Out

NEW!Pony rides • Petting zoo

1:30 pmVeterans Memorial Plaza Dedication Ceremonyincluding Iwo JimaRe-enactment

Thanks to our media sponsors:

Live Entertainmentfeaturing Lard Bucket Bluegrass Band

For more informationvisit www.hooveral.org

or call 444-7500

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CRACKS SOME EGGS (continued):

art, where eggs are decorated using beeswax in a wax resist method, is a practice that has been around for thousands of years in Ukraine.

egg-shaped Pysanka Museum that opened in

home to the world’s largest pysanka. The area has many Ukrainian immigrants, and the pysanka was chosen as a symbol to honor

centennial year of 1975.

largest inedible Easter egg, there have been a number of large edible chocolate eggs in

impressive chocolate eggs usually make their debuts at shopping centers. A 14,197-pound,

by an even larger egg displayed at a shopping

and not quite as healthy as a real egg!

Tidbits® of Hoover Page 6

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¥ It was American humorist Evan Esar who defined a zoo as “an excellent place to study the habits of human beings.”

¥ The New York Times Best Seller list was first published on April 9, 1942. Since that time, only eight authors have managed to have books place No. 1 on both the fiction and nonfiction lists. Those who have accomplished that feat include Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, William Styron, Dr. Seuss and John Steinbeck.

¥ If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, you might want to keep in mind the following law: It’s illegal in that city to curse a firefighter while he or she is engaged in official duties.

¥ America’s first vending machines were found in New York City train stations; they dispensed gum.

¥ The European sturgeon (also known as the beluga sturgeon) is the source of the highly coveted beluga caviar, which is the world’s most expensive, bringing up to $5,000 per pound. This sturgeon can live more than 100 years and is the largest freshwater fish in the world; the record holder, caught in 1827, was 24 feet long and weighed 3,460 pounds.

¥ In a 1982 issue of the magazine American Film, a writer named Chuck Ross claimed that he retyped the screenplay to the 1942 film “Casablanca,” changing only the title and one of the character’s names, and submitted it to 217 agencies. Of the 85 who responded, only eight recognized it as “Casablanca,” though it seemed familiar to another 25. Three of the agencies thought it might be commercially viable, while one thought it should be turned into a novel. The Oscar-wining screenplay was rejected outright by 38 of the agencies. ***Thought for the Day: “The successful revolutionary is a statesman, the unsuccessful one a criminal.” -- Erich Fromm

MORNING GLORY

Morning glories are plants that usually occur as vines and typically produce funnel-shaped flowers that open in the morning hours. Morning glories belong to the plant family Convolvulaceae, derived from the Latin word convolvere that means “to wind.” The morning glory family contains over 1,000 species.• Members of the morn-ing glory family range from showy flowers such as cultivated species in the genus Ipomoea to troublesome weeds such as field bindweed. The common sweet potato is a member of the morning glory family.• Sweet potatoes are believed to have originated from an area somewhere between the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and the mouth of the Orinoco River in Venezuela.• North Carolina is the state with the highest sweet potato production in the United States. Other states with considerable sweet potato production are California, Mississippi and Louisiana. • China is the top country for sweet potato production, accounting for 80 percent of the worldwide sweet potato crop. In Asia, approximately half of the sweet potato crop is used for animal feed.•Many people speak of sweet potatoes and yams interchangeably when really, they are distinctly different veg-etables. Yams are in, not surprisingly, the yam family known by botanists as the Dioscoreaceae. Yams, native to Africa and parts of Asia, have a hard skin resembling tree bark, and the pulp is moist. By contrast, sweet po-tatoes typically have a thin edible skin and pulp that is a white to orange color and dry and crumbly in texture.• One of the more interesting morning glories is Mary’s Bean named after the Virgin Mary. The plant is known by some as crucifixion bean. These names come from the cross-shaped indentation that appears on the seed. The plant is revered by natives in southern Mexico and Central America as an antidote for venomous snakebites and — are you sitting down? — a cure for hemorrhoids! • The morning glory family is sometimes called the bindweed family due to the way vines of these plants grow over and around other plants, fences and other structures, hence “binding” themselves to the object. Field bindweed, Convolvus arvensi, is an annoying weed and probably the most hated of plants in the morning glory family. It appears as an innocent-looking small vine with pretty white-to-pink, slightly fragrant flowers. Left unchecked however, vines can cover surrounding plants. Bindweed is extremely difficult to eradicate from a yard, flowerbed or garden. •For those gardeners wanting to control bindweed without the use of herbicides, vigilance and persistence are required. As new sprouts are noticed, pluck them out and eventually, you will rid your garden, flowerbed or yard of bindweed. Don’t try to dig the plant up because the taproot runs deep. By continually removing green shoots, you starve the plant by removing the plant parts responsible for photosynthesis. Be aware, this process takes years! Herbicides can be used, but none exist that completely remove bindweed following one application. Visit the University of California-Davis website, www.ipm.ucdavis.edu, for more guidance. • Hopefully your morning glory plants are beautiful and bring you joy instead of angst and work like bindweed!

Do you have a special event, notice or

activity you’D like to announce?tell us! We’ll post it here in localbits!

call 205-552-5502 email: tiDbitshoover@gmail.com

WWW.tiDbitsofhoover.com

Family Fun Fair!

April 20th, 2012 - 3 - 8pmAttractions

Mind Winder * Jumbo Mega Bounce * Rock Wall Climb * Pirates RevengeRacer Train Ride * Twist and Shout * Up Roar * Whirly Bird 70’ Obstacle Course * Swing

Ride * Mini Under the Sea Ball Combo * First ‘n Goal Ladder Climb * Mickey Toddler Combo * Screamer 24’ Dual Lane Slide * Teacher Treat Bags * Cake Walk * Hair/Face/Nail

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