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www.kevintharpe.com (770) 503-1022 The Blessings That My 8 Nephews Bring to My Life Kevin’s Peace of Mind
November 2020
There are many times when I am reminded of God’s blessings through the family and friends in my life. For me, that reminder always comes when I think of my nephews. I have eight of them: Joel, Nicholas, Zachary, Colby, Carson, Brady, Evan, and Maddox. Their special back stories and unique and strong personalities are what make me such a proud uncle. Joel Tharpe is the 29-year-old son of my brother, Kenny Tharpe, and his wife, Jeannie. Joel is my oldest nephew, and he carries the Tharpe patriarchal namesake: my first name — as well as my father’s and great grandfather’s. Joel is very entrepreneurial, passionate, and creative, yet he carries a “happy-go-lucky” spirit wherever he goes. “It’s all good” is his catchphrase. This year, Joel is getting married to an amazing woman, Alexandra, and they’ll be living in Athens, Georgia. He’s currently very active in the restaurant business, managing several restaurants while working on starting his own. He also has a film degree from Georgia State University, and I know he still plans to put that to good use in the future. I couldn’t be prouder of Joel.
Nicholas Stidham is also 29 and is the son of my wife’s older brother, Jeff, and Wanda Stidham. Typically, nephews are supposed to look up to their uncles, but for me, it’s the other way around — I look up to Nicholas. He’s an outstanding young man who has always been mature beyond his age. Nicholas has a curious nature and a passion for reading and understanding the world around him. Missy and I have been blessed to spend a lot of time with Nicholas, and the more time I spend with him, the more I see what an exceptional, godly young man he is, as well. He recently married Carly, and he’s studying to get into medical school. I couldn’t think of a better profession for him. Nicholas, I couldn’t be prouder of you, buddy.
As proud of Nicholas as I am and as close as we are, I must say this for the record: I never taught him “that” word!
Zachary Stidham is the second of Jeff and Wanda’s sons, and I know the perfect way to describe him. If you’ve ever heard the saying “He marches to the beat of his own drum,” that’s Zachary. He’s brilliant — he can fix anything and mechanically understands and can simplify the most complex matters. He loves tinkering with things, especially cars and guns. He loves to challenge himself. He’s excelled at many things from sports to ROTC and Marine training. Now, he’s working full time at Amazon and loves it. He is incredibly gifted and has a powerful heart and passion for God, and I know he will find the path that God has for him.
Z-man, I am very proud of you.
... Continued on FSI
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ICE, ICE, LAWSUIT Woman Sues Starbucks Over ‘Too Much Ice’
“Starbucks’ advertising practices are clearly meant to mislead consumers when combined with the standard practice of filling a cold drink cup with far less liquid than the cup can hold,” the suit claimed. NBC News reported that Pincus sought damages to the tune of $5 million against the coffee chain. “The plaintiff would not have paid as much,” her lawyers stated in a court document, “if anything, for the cold drinks had she known that they contained less, and in many cases, nearly half as many, fluid ounces than claimed by Starbucks. As a result, the plaintiff suffered injury in fact and lost money or property.” Starbucks’ response: “Our customers understand and expect that ice is an essential component of any ‘iced’ beverage. If a customer is not satisfied with their beverage preparation, we will gladly remake it.” The company also reaffirmed that you can order any iced beverage with “light ice” and receive half the ice normally included. Interestingly, a second lawsuit against Starbucks popped up in Los Angeles a few months later, but both cases were thrown out. Pincus never saw a cent of that $5 million, nor did she recoup her attorneys’ fees. The case went on to be called “one of the most frivolous lawsuits of 2016.”
Sometimes, there is such a thing as “too much ice.” You’re sipping your cold beverage when suddenly, it’s gone far quicker than you expected. All you’re left with is a cup full of ice. It’s disappointing, for sure, but is it so disappointing that you would want to file a lawsuit against the company that supplied the beverage? That’s exactly what Stacy Pincus did in 2016. She ordered an iced coffee from Starbucks, only to find “too much ice” in her drink. The lawsuit, filed in Chicago, alleged that the drink was advertised as a 24-ounce beverage, but once the ice was factored in, Pincus and her lawyers claimed the drink was really only “14 fluid ounces.”
Election! The Presidential Election of 1828 Turned Politics Personal
It’s election season! But don’t worry, we’re not here to talk about this election season, a season full of emotion, strong feelings, and plenty of mudslinging. Rather, this is a look back at one presidential election that upset an entire country — an election that makes 2020 look tame!
always been polarizing, but in 1828, things really heated up.
it personal. They started going after one another’s wives and families, which the newspapers at the time loved. The Cincinnati Gazette called Jackson’s wife, Rachel, a “convicted adulteress.” She was in the process of getting a divorce when she married Jackson; however, the divorce had not been finalized when the marriage took place in 1794. This became a talking point for the opposition. It got to the point where Jackson gave up on talking about the issues and moved personal attacks to center stage. Adams tried to stick to the issues, more or less. However, the public sided with Jackson and Adams lost. But the drama didn’t end there. Days after the election, Rachel Jackson died. President-elect Jackson blamed her death on the mudslingers, saying, “May God Almighty forgive her murderers as I know she forgave them. I never can.”
Jackson had already lost to Adams in 1824. That election ended with no candidate winning the majority of the electoral vote. As a result, Speaker of the House Henry Clay had to cast a tie-breaking vote. (Clay had also been a candidate for president in the 1824 election.) Clay sided with Adams. And then Adams appointed Clay his secretary of state. Naturally, Jackson was not happy and accused the two of corrupt bargaining. Even Thomas Jefferson remarked on the events of 1824, writing that he was disappointed in the results. (He had supported William H. Crawford.) Even though Jefferson died in 1826, the Jackson and Adams campaigns used Jefferson’s words both to attack one other and praise themselves in the 1828 election.
1828: Andrew Jackson vs. John Quincy Adams (Incumbent)
Two new political parties entered the scene: the Democratic Party and the National Republican Party. These parties were established following the dissolution of the Federalist Party and the Democratic- Republican Party just a few years prior. Both Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams were formerly of the Democratic- Republican Party. However, Jackson joined the new Democratic Party, while Adams Joined the National Republicans. After the split, historians note a newfound level of polarization in national politics. Politics had
Mudslinging defined the 1828 election with both Jackson and Adams making
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... Continued from Cover
Brady Stidham is the son of Missy’s youngest brother, Christopher Stidham, and his wife, Katrina. We refer to Brady and his brothers, Evan and Maddox, as the “Birmingham boys” because that’s where they live now. Brady is very close to Callie because they have a lot in common and are close to the same age. They can talk about “Star Wars” for hours! These days, though, they are both more concerned about their “dating lives,” and Dad/Uncle Kevin doesn’t always get to hear the scoop as much, but they’re still as close as ever. Brady is a gifted actor/performer, is excelling at his academics, and is involved in many different sports with a real passion for football. He’s playing on the high school junior varsity team in Hoover, Alabama, where football is as big as church, and we’re thrilled to find out where that path leads him. Evan Stidham is the middle son of Christopher and Katrina. As a middle child myself, I have a special connection with Evan. He has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. He’s one of the most kind, compassionate young men of his age I’ve ever met. He has a sensitive spirit, so when people go through things in the family, Evan is really attuned to them. When my mom was in poor health and I lost her, his parents told me that Evan said a special prayer for her and Uncle Kevin. That always meant a lot to me. He also has a very creative mind and draws art and writes stories that are so imaginative, you have to wonder if they’ve actually happened! I could see Evan being a pastor or counselor one day — he’s a pleasure to be around because his creativity and empathy can be felt by anyone around him. Maddox Stidham rounds off the “Birmingham boys.” Maddox is the youngest son of Christopher and Katrina, and at 7 years old, is my youngest nephew. Even though he is the youngest, Maddox definitely holds his own with the other seven nephews.
Colby Cleghorn is the stepson/son of my younger brother, Jeff, and Gina Tharpe. Whatever Colby does, it’s with a full heart and a fiery passion. Like any great country song, God, country, and family are very important values to Colby. Colby is as a true American patriot. I am grateful for Colby’s protective and servant heart, especially when it comes to his mom, sister, and cousins. Gifted with both brain and brawn, Colby will make a great husband and father, and he would be comfortable in a history class, catching fish, or hunting deer all just the same. He also has a strong love for law and order, which as an attorney, I certainly respect! I could see Colby serving as a police officer, history teacher, or a game warden in the future. He has the patience for the job and a heart of gold.
Colby, I’m very proud of you.
Carson Cleghorn is Jeff and Gina’s second stepson/son. Carson is an extremely special nephew because his heart truly knows no bounds. When Carson speaks, it’s always very profound or extremely funny. He loves church, but as it is for many kids, it can be challenging for him to put down a fun video game when it’s time to go to Sunday service. One of my favorite Carson stories was when he said early one Sunday morning, “Ugh, God again? I just went last Sunday!” The more you interact with him, though, the more you realize that Carson is both deeply loving to God and his family. Carson is also very smart. I’m sure he’s going to invent something to cure the common cold or end up owning the world. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing it!
Maddox is the type of young man that sets his mind to something, and he accomplishes it no matter what.
Last year, Maddox noticed that a classmate always had the most awesome snacks. When he asked his buddy where he got them, his classmate replied, “Costco.” So, wanting to get in on the “snack action,” Maddox decided to approach his Aunt Missy and I and ask us for a Costco card for Christmas so he could get the world’s best snacks. Missy and I got a kick out of that, and so that Christmas, we got Maddox a whole bunch of Costco snacks. Maddox was a very happy kid. It’s an excellent skill to always know what you want and how to get it. I’m sure with his personality and skills, Maddox will either be the best salesman or the best president of the United States that we’ve ever seen, as they are both kind of the same thing. Maddox is doing well at school and is also involved in many different sports, including baseball and swimming. I also understand from a reliable source that Maddox is quite the “lady’s man” with several “girlfriends” showing up to watch his ball games. I am interested to find out where that path leads him. I’m so incredibly proud of these eight young men. They’re a very special part of my life, and I am blessed that they have allowed me to be a part of theirs. I’m a better person, a better dad, and a better uncle because of each of you. I look forward to seeing your futures unfold.
You are the man, Carson, and I could not be prouder of you.
I love you, guys, and I am very proud of each of you.
www.kevintharpe.com - Uncle Kevin
(770) 503-1022
TAKE A BREAK
MEDITATION ALTERNATIVES For People Who Don’t Like to Meditate
Meditation is lauded for its health benefits and is often suggested as an effective way to clear the mind, organize thoughts, and reduce stress. Realistically, however, it’s not for everyone. In fact, some people don’t experience any benefits at all from meditating. In a recent study published in New Scientist about the effectiveness of meditation, researchers confirmed that some people do not benefit from meditation and that about 8% of people who try meditation experience an “unwanted effect,” such as an increase in anxiety. If you’re not interested in meditation, or it just doesn’t work for you, here are some alternative ways to clear your mind and reduce stress. Get serious about physical activity. Aerobic exercises — like walking, jogging, running, cycling, and swimming — are great for clearing your mind and getting your body moving. Really, any exercise that gets the heart pumping and increases your respiratory rate will do. Research supports that aerobic exercise is a great alternative to meditation that yields many of the same benefits. Exercising outdoors or in nature — especially in new places — enhances these benefits. Because your surroundings are going to be unfamiliar, your mind is more focused, which can help if you’re searching for clarity. Stay mentally engaged. Many people achieve clarity, focus, and stress reduction through simple but engaging tasks, such as immersing themselves in an adult coloring book, doing brain teasers, or assembling LEGO sets, which proves they can be effective therapeutic tools or alternatives to meditation. The LEGO Company has actually been developing more products for adults with this sort of research in mind. But why LEGO products specifically? In addition to being objects you touch and push together, LEGO products come with clear, step-by-step instructions, which make them easy to put together and allow you to focus more on the task at hand. Even if you don’t complete the piece in one sitting, working on a project a few minutes a day can be a beneficial way to find a little clarity.
CINNAMON-SPICED CANDIED SWEET POTATOES
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
These candied sweet potatoes will make your family beg for more!
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp ground cloves • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed • 4 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 4 lbs orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces, then cut lengthwise into 1-inch wedges • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a 4-quart baking dish. 3. Sprinkle sugar, salt, and cloves over sweet potatoes.
4. Dot with butter and place cinnamon sticks around sweet potatoes. 5. Bake, turning every 15 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid is syrupy, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. 6. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. 7. Discard cinnamon sticks and serve.
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(770) 503-1022 www.KevinTharpe.com 405 Broad St Gainesville, GA 30501 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
The Blessings That My 8 Nephews Bring to My Life
Woman Sues Starbucks Over ‘Too Much Ice’ A Presidential Election That Turned Up the Heat
2
Cinnamon-Spiced Candied Sweet Potatoes Clear Your Mind in a Different Way
3
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A Number of Importance
THE 11TH HOUR OF THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH Why Veterans Day and the Number 11 Go Hand in Hand
signed a proclamation turning Armistice Day into Veterans Day.
Veterans Day comes every Nov. 11. It’s a national holiday that recognizes veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces and honors those both living and deceased. Historically, the day marks Armistice Day and the end of the Great War: World War I. But what is the significance of the number 11? The armistice was signed at 5:45 a.m. in France, but it took effect at 11 a.m. that same morning — which happened to be Nov. 11, 1918. The armistice originally lasted 36 days but was extended month after month. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, when peace was officially declared. Later that year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be known as Armistice Day to honor those who fought in the Great War. This lasted until 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower
The change was made in order to recognize all veterans who had honorably served their country. By 1954, the U.S. had fought in more wars — specifically World War II and the Korean War — and hundreds of thousands more Americans had served. Unsurprisingly, there was some political drama surrounding the day. In 1968, Congress made Veterans Day a federal holiday under the Uniform Holiday Bill. The idea was to increase the number of three-day weekends in the year. Veterans Day became a holiday that would fall on the fourth Monday of October, a far cry from Nov. 11. However, in 1978, Veterans Day was restored to its original Nov. 11 date. But why?
The answer is simple. It’s a number that sticks with you. When the clock strikes 11:11, you always take notice. By that same notion, we all remember the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Because of this, we’ll never forget the end of the Great War, nor will we forget those who served.
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