Good News Break | September 2015

“Seven days without laughter makes one weak.”
– Joel Goodman

Falling For Fall!

Each season has its perks, but none are quite like fall. Long gone are the days where stepping outside results in pounds of sweat falling off our bodies. Crisp and cool air is on its way! Although the cooler weather is enough to appreciate fall, here are a few more reasons why fall is so great!

Football Season

Finally Saturdays and Sundays are centered around tailgates and football games. College football gives you the excuse to relive your glory days and go back to visit for some epic tailgates. Ladies, this means your man will probably be MIA for the next few months.

New Styles

The cool, crisp air means three things for women. Leggings, oversized sweaters, and riding boots. Men, we know you all love spandex; this is the season where you will see women dressed in it on the reg.

Seasonal Treats

Hot apple cider and Pumpkin flavored everything! Starbucks lovers will line up out the door to get their hands on those precious pumpkin spice beverages.

Your Favorite TV Shows are Back on the Air

The highly anticipated season premiers of your favorite shows are finally airing again this fall. This means you can give your Netflix account a much needed break from the summer and put your DVR to work.

Bathing Suit Season is Over

You can finally put your diets on hold. There are even two fall holidays that are celebrations for this, Thanksgiving and Halloween. Yes, you should take an extra piece of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving and eat all of your Halloween candy before bed that night so your little brother doesn’t get to it first. Under those oversized sweaters, no one will be able to tell the few pounds you have gained since the end of summer.

Holidays and Celebrations in September

Sept. 7: Labor Day – Labor Day was originally created to honor and remember the achievements of the U.S. worker towards the prosperity of this great nation. In today’s world, Labor Day is an excuse to have a day of work off and skip out to the lake one last time before summer ends. If you abide by the rules of fashion, Labor Day Weekend is the last official time where wearing white is appropriate in public.

Sept. 11: Patriot Day (9/11) – Patriot Day is a day the U.S. remembers the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It is believed that 2,977 people died in the attacks. President George W. Bush proclaimed September 11th Patriot Day in 2002. On this day, U.S. Flags should be flown at half mast to remember the ones we lost.

Sept. 13: Grandparent’s Day – Each year on the Sunday following Labor Day, grandchildren across America honor their grandparents. Don’t forget to call yours and let them know how special they are to you!

Sept. 21: International Day of Peace – International Day of Peace seeks to promote peace among nations and peoples. It was established by the United Nations in 1981. In 2002, the United Nations declared it a permanent holiday. On this day, the UN urges all violence and hostilities to stop, worldwide.

Sept. 26: National Pancake Day – Ever wonder if eating pancakes all day would be socially acceptable? Then this holiday is for you! You are free to eat all of the pancakes you want today with little to no judgment. Three words- breakfast for dinner.

Sept. 30: Women’s Health & Fitness Day – This is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. Make sure to keep staying active during the winter. Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean your bikini ready body has to be gone too!

Sidewalk Scholar

Nine year old Daniel Cabrera from the Philippines will get his education through college paid for by various donations and scholarships. Last month, this photo of Daniel went viral. It was posted on Facebook by a college student accompanied by a caption saying, “I got inspired by a kid.” The photo depicts Daniel studying at night beneath a street light while his mother worked a shift at the local grocery store. The photo triggered a flood of donations for him and his family. All donations received by his family will go towards Daniel’s school supplies, uniforms, tuition, and other expenses until he graduates from college, thirteen years from now.

The fast food conglomerate, McDonald’s, is the latest to offer him scholarship money to pay for his education. McDonald’s is also launching a new reading program for his school in the Philippines which Daniel’s little brother will get a change to take part in.

Daniel wants to be a policeman, “to help the Philippines,” he said last month. After receiving the latest scholarship, he says he’ll have to study even harder.

This story goes to show you that the simple act of a complete stranger can change someone’s life for the better. Thanks to this picture, Daniel’s life will change. He has been given the opportunity to make something of himself.

Read more HERE!

Going Beyond the Call of Duty

First responders with the Hernando County Fire Department went beyond their call of duty on August 22nd. A Tampa man started feeling ill while mowing the lawn. He took a break from the yard work to dial 911. Turns out, he was having a heart attack.

Rescue crews responded and rushed the man to the hospital for treatment. The members of Engine 2 stayed behind to finish what the man started. They grabbed the lawn mower and finished the job for him. They even took time to brush off and clear the driveway. Neighbors snapped this photo so they could share with the man when he returns from the hospital.

Read more HERE!

The Ride of His Life

Liam Murphy was visiting the United Arab Emirates for work. On his day off, he decided to visit the local theme park, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. En route to the theme park, Liam discovered that his cab driver had never been to a theme park. The cab driver said he would wait for him in the car until the man was done at the park.

Murphy decided the right thing to do was to pay for his ticket and bring him along. The two toured the theme park and Shakiha, the cab driver, experienced his first roller coaster. The two even enjoyed dinner while at the park together, paid for by Liam. Shakiha has lived in Abu Dhabi for 14 years now while his family is back home in India. He sends them money each month to help support his family.

Read more HERE!

FALL RECIPES

It is September! You know what that means? Tailgating Season! Please your crowd with these unique and healthy alternatives.

Mini Mexican Pizza

Makes: 12 Mexican Pizza’s
Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 15 Min.
Total Time: 25 Min.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large whole wheat tortillas, or enough to cut out 12 small circles (try low carb/high fiber tortillas for a healthier option)
• 1 cup lean ground beef, cooked (OR lean ground turkey)
• 1/2 cup salsa of choice
• 2 tsp dry taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup low fat refried beans
• 1/2 cup low fat shredded Mexican blend or 2% cheddar cheese
• Optional Toppings: sliced black olives, shredded lettuce, low fat sour cream, chopped tomatoes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 12 count muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Start by laying each tortilla out individually on a flat surface, and use an empty can, glass cup, or cookie cutter to cut 3-4 medium circles out of each wrap.
   Press each wrap circle into muffin tin.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the ground meat, salsa, taco seasoning, and refried beans. Stir well.
4. Scoop 1/8th cup of meat mixture into each wrap.
5. Top with shredded cheese and olives if desired.
6. Bake in pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
7. Wait for mini Mexican pizzas to cool, and remove from muffin tin using a fork or knife. Serve with a side of salsa, low fat sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and/or shredded lettuce if desired!

http://social.popsugar.com/Mini-Mexican-Pizza-21428969

Chile Con Queso

Makes: 4 cups
Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 10 Min.
Total Time: 20 Min.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pale ale, or other light-colored beer
• 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 3/4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar, preferably orange
• 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, (see Note), drained, or 1 1/4 cups drained petite-diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft and beginning to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add beer and cook until reduced slightly, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup milk and bring to a simmer.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to the pan and cook, stirring vigorously, until bubbling and thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low, add cheese and cook, stirring, until melted. Stir in drained tomatoes, lime juice, salt, chili powder and cayenne (if using). Serve warm, garnished with scallions and cilantro. Enjoy!

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/chile_con_queso.html

Hello Readers!

I am Lauren King, the newest intern at PLA Media and have the honor of writing this month’s Good News Break. I grew up in Kansas City so yes, I am one of those die hard Chiefs and Royals fans. After spending life in the Midwest, I knew it was time for a change. So for college, I decided to upgrade my Kansas roots with a pair of cowboy boots and headed to Fort Worth, Texas where I spent four incredible years at Texas Christian University. I majored in Marketing and decided to also pursue a minor in communication studies. Now like every college student about to graduate, I was faced with the age old question, “What are you going to do after graduation?” This question haunted me for weeks. I had previously interned with the Texas Rangers baseball team working with player and community relations. I enjoyed working in entertainment, but it was time to explore a new challenge. As I began to think about it, I knew I wanted to pursue my passion for music and entertainment. Unfortunately, since I was not blessed with the talent of enchanting people with song, trust me do not ask me to sing, I decided business was the route for me. Okay, so I want to be in the entertainment business, now the question is where? I wasn’t quite ready to give up wearing my cowboy boots all the time and I had visited Nashville several times while in college. Nashville just seemed like the perfect fit!

So here I am, a recent college graduate out in the real world for the first time. I love exploring my new city and am thrilled to finally call Nashville home. I hope you find this Good News Break enjoyable and you too see the good that is out there in the world! Happy September!