Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mom’s out there!
Currently Browsing: Feel Good Stories
Apr 6, 2018
Hole In One At Augusta.
Imagine being the grandson of the famous “Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus. Imagine being 15 years old and caddying for your Grandpa in a group that includes golf icons Tom Watson and Gary Player and their family members. Imagine being that person and being asked to hit a shot during the Par 3 Tournament at one of the most iconic golf courses known to mankind – Augusta National Golf Course – where they play the Masters every years.
Imagine having to hit that shot as the millions of people around the world watch you and every move you make as you address the ball. (“Hello ball…“)
Then you hit a hole in one.
And there was much rejoicing.
Apr 1, 2018
Happy Easter! That’s My King!
(Our traditional post on Easter here at Raised on Hoecakes.)
Once again, from our friends over at Igniter Media, comes the final statement on Easter. It isn’t about bunnies, chocolate and eggs.
It’s about a King.
The late S.M. Lockridge once presented an incredible message, describing our God and who He is. Though God can’t be described with just words, this is as close as you can get this side of Heaven.
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.
His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Matthew 28:1-6 (NIV)
Mar 6, 2018
Why We Love Sports.
So much news around sports these days has been of the negative type. College basketball is in the midst of a scandal where top colleges and recruits are being accused of paying money – large amounts of money – to recruits to come play at a particular school. The NCAA is being sued for their roll and lack of oversight in the molestation of many gymnasts (make and female) by Dr. Larry Nassar who was convicted and sentenced in July 2017, Nassar to 60 years in federal prison; in January, 2018, sentenced to 40 to 175 years in a Michigan state prison and in February 2018, he was sentenced to an additional 40 to 125 years in prison. As the sentences run consecutively, Nassar is looking at a total of 140 – 360 years in prison. Major League Baseball players are claiming collusion between owners as some big name free agents haven’t been signed by teams. (Apparently the thought that the player with their guaranteed contracts may not be worth the money has not crossed the players’ minds.) The NFL had the debacle of the kneel down protests and a loss of viewership based in part on the league’s lack of response to the protests and the lack of quality play this past year. The Olympics were a disaster in ratings and medal production. It also seems that most sports are suffering from the influx of politics into the sport. Instead of sports being a diversion or a break from the day to day humdrums, sports have become a platform for everything instead of competition and good sportsmanship.
At least our beloved lacrosse continues to grow without scandal and the Maryland Terps are ranked second in the nation with a monster game coming up this weekend against number one ranked Albany. (Fear the Turtle!)
But with all the bad and depressing news about sports in general comes the inspiring story of Shaquem Griffin.
Shaquem Griffin and UCF Coach Scott Frost celebrate win in 2018 Peach Bowl. (Courtesy Getty Images.)
Griffin was a standout linebacker for the University of Central Florida for the past few years. His career ended with an perfect, undefeated season over Auburn in the 2018 Peach Bowl.
By all accounts, Griffin is a leader. He is bright, articulate, funny, and never asks people to do what he will not.
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Jan 10, 2018
It Was In All The Papers, But Do We Remember Or Appreciate It?
Believe it not, 60 years ago this month in 1958, the United States launched its first satellite, Explorer 1.
The event was huge for the US and for the people of what would become the “Space Coast” of Florida.
There would be more successes and far too many tragedies within the space program, but reaching for the stars carries a risk of falling.
We can think of no greater legacy for Explorer I and the men and women who created and launched it, to commit to a return to the exploration of space.
Jan 1, 2018
Happy New Year!
To all our friends and even those with whom we disagree, we hope you, and your family have a wonderful and prosperous 2018.
Nov 6, 2017
Irish People Taste Test American Pancakes.
Meh.
Pancakes are great and all that, but if you really want the good stuff, try hoecakes. (Pun intended.)
“Stop eating it so I can have the rest.”
American pancakes are totally fat/phat in comparison to the thin little Irish ones we eat on this grassy island. We asked our chef make up some fat stacks for the contributors to chow down and they were happier than they’ve ever been in any video so far.
Jul 27, 2017
Stool Pigeon Or Parrot?
Bud – the African Grey Parrot. (image courtesy woodtv.com)
An African Grey parrot helped convict a Michigan woman of killing her husband.
It almost sounds like “fake news,” or an April Fool’s joke, but it isn’t.
Forty-nine year old Glenna Duram was charged with the shooting death of her forty-six year old husband, Martin Duram.
Glenna Duram was alleged to have shot her husband five times before trying to turn the weapon on herself.
Other than Glenna and Martin Duram, the only witness to the shooting was an African Grey parrot by the name of “Bud.”
Bud is a fast learner and says a lot of things – including what prosecutors say were Martin Duram’s last words:
Mr Duram’s ex-wife Christina Keller, who now looks after Bud, previously said the parrot had been repeating a conversation from the night of the murder – ending with “don’t shoot!”
His mother, Lilian Duram, agreed that the parrot would have been repeating Mr Duram’s last words.
She said: “That bird picks up everything and anything, and it’s got the filthiest mouth around.”
Another news outlet says Bud was even repeating the words “don’t (expletive) shoot” in Martin Duram’s voice.
It took eight hours of deliberation for the jury to convict Glenna Duram of first degree murder. She is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
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