Stop — Just Dance!

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Ti’Ana Marshall

The crowd holds its breath, waiting for the beat to drop. Sweat drips from the competitors’ faces as determination hugs their faces. Who will be the champion?

The University Center is always humming with the sounds of busy students marching to and fro. This day, however, was different. This day was serious business—music business that is.

Sounds from the popular Just Dance 2014 game erupted through the speakers as a voice boomed “Step up! Show your moves!” Several students rose up to the challenge. The prize? Every college student’s dream of course—a cotton t-shirt and bragging rights.

Two by two hopefuls stepped up to the plate, busting a move and maybe an ankle, popping, locking, dropping, and not stopping. This was no longer just a game! Real life decisions were being made. Winning became crucial.

As the students shimmied and shook, the couches became crowded creating a mixture of cheers “Go bestfriend! Move those shoulders!” and hot tunes from the previous year.

Then the moment of truth arrived. Only two left barely standing, shaking in anticipation as the final song was picked. A face off had come quickly. Malique and Marina. Who would be the victor? One wrong shoulder shake would determine it all. This was all or nothing.

The crowd grew silent, nothing but the clicks from the remote filled the air as the two made their final selection.

“Just Dance!” A harmony of mashed up songs broke the silence, leaving the tension and two students left to dancing to their fate. “Move! You’ve got this!” The crowd had grown, clearly divided amongst the two claiming favorites.

The song slowed announcing the end of a competition and the birth of a new champion.
Both competitors hunched over, breathing heavily, the crowd holding their breath awaiting the final countdown to award the winner.

There could only be one.

“Marina Garza!” Cheers erupted as she wiped her face, and in good sportsmanship high-fived her competitor.

A competition had ended, friendships remained, and a new champion was born.

Cut from the Herd

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Laney Davis

Cowboys and cowgirls were cutting it up this weekend in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The National Cutting Horse Association is a sport created from America’s Western heritage. August 28 and 29, cowboys and cowgirls from all over the Four States region came to compete at a weekend horse show. The competitors range from non-professionals, amateurs, and professionals.

The competing rider guides a horse to a herd of cattle. Horse and rider have two minutes and 30 seconds to show off their athletic ability and knowledge. The judge will then evaluate how well the horse can separate a cow from the herd and keep the cow away from the herd. The competitor is allowed to use two to three cows to display the talent of their horse.

Cowboys and cowgirls compete all over the world in cutting. The horses begin their training at two years old and begin to show off their skills in front of judges at the age of three.

This two day event is action packed with numerous classes of competition. Brett Davis, a National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Famer, rode down to the herd of cattle both days. Davis has been training horses and competing in Cutting since he was 18 years old. Having 34 years of experience under his belt as a professional, he says everyday he is living the dream. This weekend Davis won 7 different classes and placed in many more.

Amongst the professionals competing in the sport of cutting are Non-professionals. Ashley Davis, a non-professional, has been competing in Cutting throughout middle school, high school, and college. She competed in three classes this weekend doing better each time she rode down to the herd. Davis came home with one title, placing twice in her classes.

Western Sports, the organization that put on the horse show, had many contestants file the entry fees. After two long days of judging horses, Western Sports handed out numerous titles and prizes. Brett Davis and Ashley Davis are already looking forward to the next horse show.

NASCAR — Off the Paved Road

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Alyssa Bertrand

“I just like to go fast!” driver Mike Wells says when asked about winning points. There is always an adventure at the dirt track. Dirt track racing is a sport to many people in the South. It is much like NASCAR, but on dirt instead of pavement. Huge tires around the track keep one from going into the grassy part of the track, the infield.

The adventure does not start when the light goes green; it begins when your feet step onto the gates. Many people think that the dirt track is a stress reliever. No one ever leaves the track with the same stress or anger they came with.

Saturday night racing is something that everyone can be involved with and enjoy. It is something that people take back home and tell everyone about. It a family event as well. You can go there once and be hooked. Many visitors think that it will not be as much fun as they would like but those are the same ones that go back every weekend. There have been times someone attended a race and was convinced to build a car himself or herself. People that attend the races are for there for support to everyone and being with each other. No matter what happens, they come together as one to help.

With the good times, there are also some bad. In every competitive sport, some people do not like the others, or some talk down about someone, but in the end, no one wants people hurt. There is danger in it as well. Sometimes crashes cause cars to flip and hit the wall but the drivers are supposed to be wearing fire suits and helmets. The guidelines are very strict. The drivers are disqualified if any rule is broken. The rules are detailed since this is a dangerous activity. Safety of not only the drivers but also the staff and the fans is the number one priority at the track.

If one is planning to race every weekend, then one should know about the point system. Every entry and every win earns points. Every thing one can do at the track earns points. Of course, the higher up when one finishes the more points one receives. At the end of the season, the top five drivers get a prize and the top one person receives a trophy with their name and car category on it. Receiving the number one spot is a big honor. It may not mean much too many people but for the returning champion, it means the world. This award shows commitment and skill level. It shows commitment because you earn points every time you enter at that one track. It shows skill level because the higher in rank when you finish a race, the more points you earn.

Early this month, I went to one of the best dirt tracks around here and it was great. Everyone was welcoming and it was a good night for racing. The only thing that took me by surprise was that they started so late in the evening. I asked why they started so late and officials explained they were worried it was too hot to start at the normal time. Saturday night was ‘fan appreciation night’ when the track is open for the public to view the cars and talk to the drivers. Everyone was able to learn about the drivers and be able to take pictures with their favorite cars.

If you do not have a place to go to have fun on the weekends, attend one of the most exciting sports out there. The dirt tracks drivers would love to see more faces in the crowd. They are motivated by people there to support them. “Nothing feels better than going around the track on your last lap and looking up to see the big checkered flag above me!” driver Kelly Knighten says with a big smile on his face.

Straight Outta Compton

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Anthony Hamilton

Beginning late last year, there was a buzz building about the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton. N.W.A. came to prominence when I was younger and heavily into the club scene, so there was definitely a strong interest for me to dig deeper into their story, and REALLY find out what caused the “F**k tha Police” song. I must say, after having seen the movie it didn’t disappoint.

The story begins in 1986, set in Compton, CA, with a brief look into what each of the members were doing BEFORE the group was formed, as well as how they met and actually formed the group.

The founding members of the group were Eric “Eazy-E” Wright, and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young. They came up with the group idea after listening to mutual friend O’Shay “Ice Cube” Jackson perform some lyrics he had written at a local club and seeing the reception he received from the crowd.

N.W.A. began to really take off after a chance meeting between Eazy-E. and Jerry Heller as Eazy was picking up a shipment of his records to distribute. Heller convinced Eazy that he could make them huge, and Eazy bought in, with Heller ultimately delivering on the promise to make them huge stars, but not without more than their share of problems.

The group caught fire quickly. Their songs about the climate at that time resonated well with their target audience, and they went on to being huge celebrities, with all the spoils that go with that. Although the media seemed to be focused on their seemingly violent persona, songs like “Express Yourself”, and “Dope Man” had strong underlying messages in them. “Express Yourself” spoke of never being afraid to speak your mind, even if it’s unpopular with the masses. “Dope Man” spoke on the many ways dope dealers end up exploiting the communities where they sell their product.

The boiling point of their existence, before beginning to crumble, was an incident outside the recording studio where they were brutalized by police while on a break from recording their album. The song “F**k tha Police” was born from that encounter. They will always be remembered for that song, and all the attention it garnered them from the F.B.I and the government, as well as the backlash from ordinary citizens who had never experienced that level of police brutality.

This was the height of their N.W.A. career. First Ice Cube, then Dr. Dre, figured out that Jerry Heller was ripping them off, and subsequently, they left the group and went on to form their own companies and ultimately become huge solo artists. By the time Eazy-E figured out the truth, it was too late for him. While in the planning stages for an N.W.A. reunion minus Heller, Eazy found out he had HIV. The movie ended on a sad note with his death from AIDS.

After all the buzz leading up to this movie, I found it very entertaining, and it brought back memories of my younger days, and the good times I had. It’s one of those movies that I could see again. It’s MUST see if you’re an N.W.A. fan, or just a fan of old school rap. As Gene Siskel used to say, I give it two thumbs up. I hadn’t been to the movies since I saw Notorious, and I must say it was an afternoon well spent.

Straight Outta Compton is playing at the Cinemark 14 theater in Texarkana, TX.

Clydesdales Trot into Texarkana

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One of the Budweiser Clydesdales in His Regalia at Spring Lake Park.

One of the Budweiser Clydesdales in His Regalia at Spring Lake Park.

Garrett Griffin

The “clankity, clankity, clank” of horseshoes pounding the pavement under the weight of some of the largest horses in the world entertained hundreds on Saturday, August 30th. Earlier that week, the Budweiser Clydesdales came to Spring Lake Park as a part of a celebration of excellence for Eagle Distributing, of Texarkana, Ark. The company was to be awarded the distinction of being a Budweiser “Ambassador of Excellence,” a title only seventeen other distributors in the country have obtained.

The main attraction was the horses that have mesmerized thousands across the United States since their first appearance eight decades ago. On Saturday, the horses and their wagon were at Spring Lake Park in Texarkana, Texas. With hundreds of people on the grassy mall in the center of the park the horses trotted their 16,000 pound combined weight displaying their true power and beauty as children ran alongside at a distance.

One of the Trained Dalmations Lays Down on the Job.

One of the Trained Dalmations Lays Down on the Job.

The eight hefty horses stopped on the southeast corner allowing the onlookers to get a closer glimpse of them and their wagon, with its trained Dalmatian dog and two drivers. Mr. Tim O’Neal, the owner of Eagle Distributing, was along for the ride. After allowing the public to admire the horses, the drivers of the wagon guided it towards the stage where Mr. O’Neal made his way to the platform for the ceremony. It was announced on stage, by a Budweiser representative, that Eagle Distributing is the first dealer to be awarded the “AOE” status in Arkansas.

Mr. O’Neal first received a custom red jacket embroidered with a Budweiser Clydesdale on the chest. Next the “Ambassador of Excellence” award was uncovered. It was a large bronze figure of “Big Jake,” a Clydesdale who is traditionally the largest in the team. Finally, he and his wife were presented with a special Clydesdale horse blanket with their company’s name on it. This blanket is the same as the ones the horses wear on the farms at the famous Busch Gardens in Missouri.

Mr. O'Neal Admires "Big Jake."

Mr. O’Neal Admires “Big Jake.”

After accepting the awards Mr. O’Neal made said the employees were the real reason for the award and they were the ones that made it possible. In addition, $5,000 was donated to the local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. After the ceremony, visitors were welcomed to come and have their photo taken with one of the horses.

OPINION: The Solo Movie Experience

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Stephen Jones

One of the best factors about going to the movies on a slow day, such as a Thursday as I did, is the lack of giant crowds and long waiting times. I prefer not having to wait for a solid 30 minutes just to get a ticket and a drink. The parking lot was not even halfway full when I purchased my ticket to American Ultra, resulting in the concessions not having any lines. How could I beat that?

Once I entered Theatre 6, I realized I would be watching American Ultra with two complete strangers sitting on opposite ends of the 150-seat theatre. Once the movie began, I noticed how the absence of people meant a significantly less chance of cell phone interruptions, especially since I sat near the front and a light from a phone screen would not be able to disturb me in the least.

As the movie progressed, I noted one downside: the lack of laughter. When people get together to see a comedy show, like a standup comedian or a comedy film, the audience seems to feed off of the energy and laughter that is shared amongst its members, but the movie was not really that funny to begin with. Making a movie about lazy stoner kid who is unknowingly a CIA sleeper cell is obviously going to be an Oscar-worthy event.

Even though the movie was, in my eyes, just a solid C+, I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that I did not have to worry about long lines and cell phone disturbances. I know some people might enjoy the spectacle of a major movie release, but as someone who loathes the thought of intermingling within a mass of humanity, I find the calm atmosphere nearly perfect for watching a movie completely free of distractions. Honestly, it is really amazing how one can really appreciate, or criticize, the content of movie without having to worry about disturbances.

REVIEW: Dancing @ Mr. D’s

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Percy Davis

Are you tired of sitting at home wondering where the fun is? Well you don’t have to wait any longer. Mr. D’s night club awaits you. As you walk into the establishment Saturday night, all you see are flashing lights. People everywhere are dancing and having a good time.

Security is strictly enforced so violence is at a minimum. The dance floor is in the middle of the club and surrounded by tables and chairs. As you walk along the bar you step down some stairs with more free space so people can order drinks without being crowded.

The deeper you enter the club you come upon what seemed to be a door once, and four pool tables. As you go even deeper you go up some stairs into a smaller dance floor. This part of the club is for where artists perform. Right across from the small dance floor is the main dance floor were the majority of the people are. To the left of the main dance floor is another small dance floor for extra space.

The environment is the type where you can feel safe and can also have a lot of fun. The nightclub also serves food, which is very tasty. The drinks aren’t expensive so don’t worry about emptying your pockets.

The DJ plays nothing but the latest music and knows how to keep the crowd on its feet. “I said get down low and hit the quan!” The nightclub doesn’t close until 5 am so you can party all night if you want to. So next time you’re at the house bored with nothing to do, come on out to Mr. D’s and let’s have a blast!

Campus Church

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Hanna Fletcher

Each one of us needs encouragement, especially with all the craziness and stress we experience each day. We all need a positive and uplifting community of people. Campus Church was created to encourage and build up students on campus and meet their needs. When students are facing a crisis in life or with school, a personal or family need, or at their most vulnerable, we want to respond with care and compassion, ready to serve and love our neighbor. We believe Christ has freed us to embrace and care for people in any situation.

Campus Church offers a variety of opportunities to become involved in. Campus outreaches take place throughout the semester, such as providing free meals at the dormitory, or giving away snacks or toiletries for those who live on campus. Also, there is a bible study that takes place each week at Bringle Lake Village every Tuesday.

Each semester, “Campus Church” is an event organized by student leaders here at Texas A&M University – Texarkana. It consists of fellowship, worship, and a message presented by student leaders associated with the Campus Church organization.
We are called to do God’s work in a complex world. This is a Christian based organization, but there is no emphasis on denomination, religion, ethnicity or background. Campus Church has open arms to each person on and off campus. Campus Church is here to serve the students by encouraging, and speaking life into each student.

Find a Campus Church representative to find out more on how you can become involved!

Small Steps to a Stronger Immune System

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Ashley Morrow

As a college student, balancing work, school, and free time can become overwhelmingly busy and getting sick doesn’t help make it easier. Try using these tips as preventatives before full-blown cold or flu symptoms occur. Follow nature’s way to health!

Sips of Citrus- Adding a lemon or a lime wedge to water or tea allows the body to detox and rid itself of any impurities. Both fruits are a great source of Vitamin C, and they are an inexpensive alternative to orange juice or Vitamin C tablets. Lemon and lime both contain anti-microbial properties that assist in fighting bacterial or viral infections.

Tea Time- Herbal tea with Echinacea root can be found in most health food stores or grocery stores. Echinacea is a powerful herb that stimulates white blood cells, which help attack foreign bodies. This herb is also an anti-septic which is used to alleviate sore throats, allergies, colds, or the flu. Fair warning: tea with Echinacea does not taste great, but it beats a trip to the doctor.

Diet and Exercise- Compared to supplements and pills, eating your way to health is much more satisfying. Fruits and veggies containing Vitamin A, B-6, C, and E are the best immune boosters. Vitamin C can be found in many foods including broccoli, oranges, kiwi, and strawberries. Blueberries provide several B vitamins. Sweet potatoes and carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, and green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain Vitamin E.

Exercise increases and strengthens blood and lymph flow. The lymphatic system protects the body from infections by tracking down and killing any invading germs that have already entered the body. It takes only 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, but activity must be moderate and consistent to be effective.

Essential Oil Massages- Again, the lymphatic system is responsible for cleansing the body of waste by moving cellular fluid through the system. Lymph nodes are filtering centers for the blood and can be found all over the body including the throat and underarms. Massaging lymph nodes with essential oils such as rosemary, lemon, and grapefruit may aid in boosting the effectiveness of the immune system. Essential oils are all natural and may be found in health food stores, selected grocery stores, or online. If you are interested in essential oils, popular brands are Now and Young Living.

Cold Water Blasts- Some may not be eager to jump on this tip, especially during the cold months. Scientific studies from Canada and the Czech Republic show that exposure to cold water temperatures is a mild stressor that activates the immune system. This does not mean the entire shower must be a cold one. Take a regular warm shower and only use cold water the last 30-60 seconds of the shower time.

Drinking enough water, lowering stress levels, and getting enough sleep are also necessary for a healthy immune system.

A Spoonful of Honey Helps the Allergies Go Down

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Ashley Morrow

Honey is a historical power food used for medicinal purposes. The Natural and Alternative Treatment database states that Hippocrates, the Greek physician, suggested honey for topical use, such as treating infected wounds and ulcers on the lips. The Romans used honey for upset stomach, sore throat, and cough. Egyptian records include honey for eye diseases, surgical dressing, and as an ingredient for homemade salves to treat burns. Honey is considered one of the oldest and natural sweeteners on earth and is an item to keep in the cupboard because it contains so many uses and health benefits. Also, because of the antibacterial qualities, honey has an impeccable shelf life. Egyptians would bury their royals with jars of honey, so the soul would have sustenance for the afterlife. Archaeologists are now finding pots of unspoiled honey in Egyptian tombs.
Numerous studies are conducted to see the medicinal benefits of honey. Included in these studies is an informal study conducted by students at Xavier University in New Orleans. The researchers divided allergy sufferers into three control groups. Some were given two teaspoons of honey a day, while others took non-local honey. After six weeks, the study showed that each group suffered less allergy symptoms, and the group taking the local honey showed the most improvement.

I recently moved to what seems like the allergy capital of the world: Texarkana, Arkansas. Growing up the country, I have a pretty strong immunity towards certain allergens but something in the air leaves me sniffling. Homeopathic medicine suggests fighting sickness with the small doses of that sickness over time. For example, if one is allergic to ragweed, exposure to small doses of ragweed will eventually help the body develop immunity. Recent health craze suggest using local grown honey to help with allergies because the pollen used to make that honey is collected from plants near the living location. Naturally, the pollen that causes watery eyes is used to make the honey. Local, raw honey is available in Texarkana in several locations: The Granery, Spices Unlimited, The Farmers Market, Twenty Cedars Farms, and selected grocery stores.

I decided to purchase local honey and test this theory on myself and my husband, who also suffers from allergies. We found many different uses to incorporate honey into our regular diets. I replaced the sugar in my tea with honey, supplemented using honey in my cookies and other baked goods, used honey in smoothies, and poured honey on daily servings of fruit. After using local honey daily for one month, we both eliminated our allergy symptoms. Once the honey jar emptied, I stopped buying it for a month to see if our bodies reverted back suffering from allergies. The theory proved true. Neither of us ingested local honey in two months and the allergy symptoms returned.

1 Chepulis, Lynn. Healing Honey: A Natural Remedy for Better Health and Wellness. Universal- Publishers, 2008. 30.

2
Buchmann, Stephen L. Letter from the Hive: An Intimate History of Bees, Honey, and Humankind. Random House. 2006.

3
Cochran, Brittany. “Honey: A sweet relief?” Xavier University. October 23, 2003. http://www.twobeekeepers.com/raw-honey-for-allergies/