By CLARA CARTRETTE
News editor

I get a lot of e-mails that are pure drivel, but one I received recently thrilled me beyond words.

Finally, someone has invented a gadget to open items that come from the manufacturer shrunk-wrapped in hard plastic.
I understand why that method of packaging is used (it cuts down on shoplifting, I’m told), but it puts people in danger trying to pry or cut it open. A finger or fingernail is usually a victim in this attempt, to say nothing of the extra 20-25 extra points it adds to your blood pressure.

I was so thrilled that a gadget called Open It! is the cure for wrap rage. I almost missed the best part — it isn’t made in China, which means it probably doesn’t have any health-threatening lead in it. It is manufactured right here in North Carolina.

The Open It! was invented by a group of women known as Designing Women, whose frustration and aggravation prompted them to develop a new product that would open any package, successfully ending the condition known as package wrap rage. Open It! is marketed by Zibra, a Mooresville-based business that prides itself in the creation of breakthrough products.

The Designing Women are excited about taking some of the stress out of special moments, such as holidays and birthdays, as well as everyday tasks. They say the Open It! belongs everywhere and anywhere there are packages to open, ties to snip and battery compartments to unscrew.

One busy mom of four children said she couldn’t live without her Open It! “It’s my most used tool. I have one in every room in my house, including my garage,” she said.

Another woman said one goes where she goes. She keeps one in her car for opening purchases immediately and one in the kitchen for opening everything from a new gadget to cutting open bags of cereal.

The Open It! looks like small pruning shears. It has a mini screwdriver and small boxcutter blade in addition to the multi-functioning jaws.

The patented angular jaws allow you to cut hard plastic while keeping your hands free from the sharp edges of the clamshell (I suppose this is the “bubble” that covers the packaged item).

The Designing Women wanted a tool that was safe and easy to use for everyone, including the elderly. They also wanted one tool that would open any package.

The Open It! is available in Walgreens and Home Depot stores, or visit wwwwrapragecure.com, or call 704-878-4287.

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“Sober Celebrations” is a cookbook that gives instructions on how to have a good party and lively entertaining without the spirits. Printed by the Cleveland Clinic Press, it has healthy yet tasty recipes.

Sometimes people who don’t drink alcoholic beverages get left out when there’s a big party. I have been to receptions where wine was served but there was nothing to drink for those who chose not to imbibe.

Award-winning chef Liz Scott’s specialty is delicious dishes prepared and served without a drop of alcohol. She tells you how to make exciting drinks without alcohol, such as Bluffing Bloody Bulls, Ginger Mint Juleps or Frozen Margaritas in the Buff.

Her book presents a year’s worth of menus for holidays and special occasions, embellished with numerous health facts, cooking tips and pages of lavish illustrations.

Her menus and recipes cover everything from special holidays to backyard graduation parties, Southern hospitality housewarmings to promotion party celebrations, guys’ night poker party to a bistro party for two, baby shower to a 1920s supper soiree.

Colorful photographs, exciting and easy-to-follow recipes — what else could you want in a cookbook?