As Billy Beane questioned in the movie Moneyball, “How can you not be romantic about baseball?” We love going to the games. We love the atmosphere. … People go crazy over the players, the rules, the stadium and the food. But only a few pay attention to the mechanics that go into making the sport what it really is. Baseball is not all about natural talent; it is about the techniques perfected by the players after countless swings and after running plays repetitively over many years.
Every parent dreams their child will do big things and make a difference, but for Amanda and Lance Gainey, that dream is a reality… and a wild ride! The Gainey’s 13-year-old twin sons, Ethan and Hayden, are sweeping titles across the country for Miniature Bull Riding, and both boys have achieved world champion status. Ethan won the International Miniature Bull Riding Association (IMBA) Junior World Championship in Mesquite, Texas, and Hayden won the International Miniature Rodeo Association (IMRA) Junior Mini Reserve World Championship in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Five things to do during April! … It’s hard to believe that only five years ago this month I was sitting in Central Mall, on a purple Easter egg shaped throne, with a giant yellow duck towering over me, holding crying, screaming, adorably dressed babies in my lap. I was slowly, but surely, losing every ounce of hydration in my body because of my overactive sweat glands, mixed with an Easter bunny suit that reached temperatures of at least 100 degrees. Fifteen minutes in that suit would beat an hour of yoga any day. Good times! … This is how I will forever remember the month of April.
Seven Things To Do During March! … Look at us! We have made it to March 2021! As we enter this glorious month, the official birth month of springtime, I am reminded of all that has to happen during the fall in order to circle us back to this time of new beginnings. The leaves must change colors and then wither to the ground in order for new ones to bloom and flourish and become the new and beautiful sights that decorate the season.
In July, people from all over the world will eagerly tune into the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Coronavirus or not, the Olympics is a long-standing tradition that the world’s best athletes look forward to competing in every two years, and the show must go on! Among the most popular events, gymnastics draws a loyal following of millions, worldwide. Young boys and girls from gyms around the globe cheer for Olympic celebrities competing for the coveted gold medals.
Four Things To Do During the Month of February! … Considering the fact that I have literally been single since my birthdate in 1997, I usually have no reason to look forward to February 14 as it rolls around each year. Still, that has never stopped me from wrapping up in a fluffy blanket on the couch with a big bag of heart-shaped Reese’s peanut butter cups, giving myself a stomachache, watching The Last Song (being able to recite every word as I do), and somehow being completely okay in my single bliss.
The usual roar of the grandstands at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, formerly Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas, dulled to a deafening silence due to COVID-19 protocols near the end of last year’s racing season. While fans could not watch and cheer on the animals in person, the horses still ran and trained at the Hot Springs mainstay. … On Christmas of 2015, Kerry and Alan Ribble, owners of Ribble Farms, joined the fraternity of horse owners when Alan gifted Kerry a racehorse.
Dedication, athleticism, and poise... … Three words that come to mind when I think about cheerleading. The question is often asked, “Is cheerleading a sport?” If you have ever asked a cheerleader, you have no doubt gotten an earful. As a former cheerleader, former cheer coach and a current cheer mom, I have plenty to say and was really excited when Texarkana Monthly asked me to be a guest writer. … Did you know that cheerleading actually dates back to the late 1800s, and it was originally an all-male sport?
Six Things You Should Do in Texarkana During the Month of January! … All I have to say is… good riddance, 2020! There’s nothing quite like turning to the brand spankin’ new first page of the next chapter. I’m usually more the type to roll my eyes when I hear people talking about “fresh starts” at the beginning of each new year, and don’t even get me started on the “new year, new me” people. But not this year. I too am holding onto the hope that things in 2021 will shape up to be better. If not, I’ll certainly be stretching to reach some type of clarity on why this has all happened.
A spicy version of a sourthern favorite, and you don't have to soak the peas! … 1 tablespoon olive oil … 1/4 cup finely chopped onion … 2 ounces country ham, chopped … 1 tablespoon minced garlic … 1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas … 1/4 teaspoon chili powder … 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin … 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper … 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes … 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander … 4 cups chicken stock … 1 teaspoon salt … freshly ground black pepper to taste … Heat oil in 2-quart heavy saucepan over high heat. Add onions and saute 1 minute.
Check Out Our Texarkana Spotify Playlist! All these songs are written or performed by Texarkana area artists,
produced by area artists or have Texarkana in the title or lyrics. Enjoy!
