Secrets From The South

The Panic Buyer

Ever notice all it takes is an indication from the weatherman that bad weather is approaching and suddenly there is a run on the grocery store? No bread, milk, or eggs in sight. Shelves are deserted. Or what about during the pandemic? Have trouble buying toilet paper, or have you stocked piled enough to last several years? People who purchase during times like this are called panic buyers? Does that sound like you?

The Execution Of Mary

It is estimated that 11,500 - 20,000 Americans are incarcerated that are most probably innocent. Of those, most are black, and very few are female. But one female who’s innocence has always come into question is Mary Surratt, the alleged conspirator to assassinate President Lincoln. She was never afforded access to counsel to truly defend her charges. As a result, she was found guilty and hung. Back then the thought of hanging a women was unheard of. Many allege she was guilty as charged, but others believe she was set up. What do you think? Listen in as we discuss this and you decide. Guilty or not?

 

Your Mama

Another Mother’s Day in the books. What would we do without our mamas? How can we ever thank them enough for all they have done, and continue to do? Most of us celebrate our moms with popular gifts such as flowers, lunch or dinner at mom’s favorite restaurant, or just letting mom have some quiet time without the kids. Mother’s Day is observed in many countries and some have unique ways of celebrating the moms in our lives. Listen in as Scotty Ray and Terri talk about this and much more.

The StatueOf Liberty

How many times do you see in person, look at photos, or watch movies,  of the Statue of Liberty?  Do you instantly get a sense of pride?  Or do you think of freedom when you see the powerful features of her face, crown, or torch?  Most Americans do, but for some small percentage, they think the statue represents something a lot more sinister. 

The Cat Named Room 8

Most pet owners can’t imagine losing their beloved pet.  After all, they are part of the family.  They give us unconditional love.  The least we can do is make sure their resting place is one that shows just how much they meant to us.  Believe it or not there are actual pet cemeteries, and some, like one in Los Angeles, CA, actually house some of the most famous pets, like Tawny, the MGM lion, or Pete from “The Little Rascals.” However, the animal that has the biggest tombstone, is probably not the most known animal.  It is the final resting place for a cat named Room 8.

The Funeral

If you have spent anytime in the south, especially the rural south, you understand the importance of funeral etiquette.  For as long as anybody can remember the last act of kindness you can show someone, even in death, is to honor them by pulling off the shoulder of the road, or to take your hat off, slightly bend your head, as the funeral procession passes by. This still occurs today in small towns, but in larger more metropolitan areas, that ritual of respect, rarely occurs.

The Backyard Swimming Pool

Summer is almost here.  That means warm weather, outdoor activities, cookouts, and cool water holes.  And believe me, some of these water holes are homemade, and creative at that.  All you need is something to use as a make-shift pool and a whole lot of water.  Then it’s time to put on the suit, invite some friends, and have a gathering.  Sure, some people have a custom-built pool, but others have to use their ingenuity, used items, a tarp, and a water hose.  Some of these homemade pools go from genius and impressive to downright hilarious.

Yard Sale

Who does not love a bargain, especially one at a garage or yard sale?  Even a secondhand item can be just the item that you are looking for.  Maybe you are an experienced shopper and can spot a gem, or a unique item that might, just might, be worth a lot more than you paid.  Or perhaps you have considered having a yard sale to earn some extra cash, while getting rid of items that you no longer need or use.  But beware, if you are doing some needed spring cleaning and think that it would be a great idea to sale a few items, understand that dealing with customers might be the hardest part of it all.  Sometimes the best thing to do is just donate those unwanted items and keep your sanity in check.  Listen in as Scotty Ray and Terri talk about several customers who made purchases from yard sales that ended up bringing in millions as well as other customers that want a discount on a $1.00 item.

The Lottery

There is nothing quite thrilling as purchasing a lottery ticket or two, just in the hopes that you will be the lucky one.  Perhaps it’s the thrill of the possibility that one day your life could change forever.  For millions of us that dream will remain a dream.  But for those that beat the impossible odds and do win, the change can be overwhelming, and not always for the better.  Overnight wealth, not properly managed from the beginning, can get ugly quick, and even millions of dollars can be spent before you know it.  Let’s face it, you win millions and your distant family members that you have never met before come calling for their share.  And it doesn’t end there.  It can be a harsh reality, just when you thought winning was going to be so much fun and provide so much joy.  Some even wish after winning millions they had never purchased that lottery ticket, and the life they had before winning, was the life they had now.

The Hoarder

It happens so quick.  Suddenly the house seems smaller.  The garage can no longer house the cars.  We suddenly find ourselves running out of room.  The four-bedroom house only has two functioning bedrooms.  The rest of the bedrooms contain stuff.  So, what do we do?  We purchase a storage shed to put more stuff in it.  Sounds crazy but many Americans do just that.  Storage facilities are a booming business.  As consumers we always feel the need to purchase more items.  But sooner or later it is time to get rid of those unwanted items.  Some people, however, can’t imagine parting with the simplest of things.  It could be a broken dish, a dilapidated sofa, or even as small and simple as a toothbrush.  It truly is a disorder that affects millions of people.  It’s called hoarding.