Good News Break | August 2016

“You’re going to make mistakes in life. It’s what you do after those mistakes that counts.”
– Brandi Chastain

Days To Remember

August 3: National Watermellon Day
August 7: National Friendship Day
August 10: National S’mores Day
August 15: National Relaxation Day
August 16: National Joke Day
August 16: National Dog Day
August 17: National Thrift Shop Day

Inmates Break Out Of Cell To Save Guard’s Life

A group of prisoners broke out of a holding cell in Parker County, Texas; however, their prison break was not to escape, but to save the life of a guard who collapsed of a heart attack. Before breaking out of the cell they tried calling for help, but when no one came they took matters into their own hands. The eight prisoners used their weight to break open the cell and find help. The men realized that they were putting their lives in danger, yet they did not think twice about saving the guard. As one prisoner was reaching for the guard’s radio helped arrived; however, at first the officers believed it was a prison break attempt. Once they realized what was happening they performed CPR until paramedics arrived. The officer survived the heart attack and returned to work a week later. The prisoners saved his life.

Lemonade Stand Raises $10,000 For Slain Dallas Officers

Lauren Roach, 12, and Landry Nelon, 11, raised $10,000 in two days for the families of the five police officers murdered in Dallas on July 7th. They were able to raise this money by simply selling lemonade on a street corner. On July 11th, the girls gave the $10,000 check to the five families. “At first we thought we would get about $100, but after we got to about $5,000, we realized we could really get this really high up,” Lauren told NBC DFW. According to one of the girl’s mothers, some customers did not even buy lemonade. They just gave a donation when they realized what the money was going towards. “It feels good to know we are making a difference in people’s lives,” Lauren told WFAA. “That makes us feel great inside.”

THIS MONTH’S RECIPE

Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Squash

Total Time: 30 min
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti squash
• 4 tablespoons low-sodium butter
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, sliced
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 20 large shrimp, about 1 pound, peeled and deveined, tail on
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley leaves

Directions

For the spaghetti squash, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the spaghetti. Stir to make sure the spaghetti separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the spaghetti is not quite done. Drain the pasta reserving 1 cup of water.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked spaghetti and reserved spaghetti water. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.

Fun Facts

1. The word “gorilla” is derived from a Greek word meaning, “A tribe of hairy women.”
2. More than 60,000 people are flying over the United States in an airplane right now.
3. The bloodhound is the only animal whose evidence is admissible in court.
4. A flea can jump up to 200 times its own height. That is the equivalent of a human jumping the Empire State Building.
5. Chewing gum burns about 11 calories per hour.
6. Studies show that eating spicy food can help you live longer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When I was a child and I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” My response was simple: a country music star. As I grew older I realized that I had zero musical talent. I considered other career fields; however, I realized that music was my passion. I packed up my hand-me-down car last August and made the 500-mile journey to Nashville. Undoubtedly, the best decision I have made in the twenty years I have spent on this planet.

I am originally from a town called Wheeling, West Virginia, which is about 40 miles South of Pittsburgh, PA. My love of country music stems from my maternal grandmother whom I was very close to. My earliest music memories are of her playing classic country. My mother introduced me to the Dixie Chicks era of country and I completely fell in love with the genre.

I am the oldest of two. My younger brother, Zachary, is seventeen and about to begin his senior year of high school. As for me, I am about to begin the second semester of my sophomore year at Belmont University. I started my collegiate career last August at MTSU. I am looking forward to beginning this new adventure in the fall.

At the moment I am looking to go in to the management side of the industry. This side appeals to me because it is different everyday. As an Eagle Scout, I am accustomed to being on the move and trying new things. In addition to PLA Media, I have also been involved with St. Jude’s radio and marketing office. At St. Jude I am currently working on a project that will increase the lucrativeness of their radio-thons.

I believe that life is one big adventure. You have to do all you can and live to your fullest potential. The arrow tattoo on my left arm reminds me every day to “follow my arrow” and reach for my dreams.

– Joel Beaver