Valley Life

Dash of saffron can add bold flavor, color to the table

Amy Nichol Smith

A small pinch of saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, can turn a plain pot of rice into a luxurious treat. Saffron adds a bright pop of golden yellow to dishes, and a slightly bitter, honey-like flavor to food. The spice takes a great... Full story

THE BOOK REPORT: Mr. Toad’s lust for life

Dan Vaughn

Last week I wrote about my love of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, mentioning that it was the beginning of my love of literature. It’s true that the stories of Narnia inspired me, but, without another book to... Full story

Where these Winter Texans' lifelong love began

Amy Nichol Smith

There is a beginning to every great love story. In the new Valley Life series The Way We Met, Winter Texan couples in the Rio Grande Valley share the origins of their own tales of true love. To nominate a couple for this series, send an e-mail to... Full story

New UTPA lecture series focuses on prolific authors

Jennifer L. Berghom

Anyone can become a writer. It just takes discipline to write everyday and consistently, said award-winning author and journalist Elena Poniatowska. “I think literature is at the top of our fingers,” Poniatowska said in a telephone... Full story

THE BOOK REPORT: A simple lightpost

Dan Vaughn

In a couple of weeks, I will be turning 31 and my wife asked me what I wanted as a gift. After debating for a couple of days, I decided that I wanted a new tattoo. Several months back, in this column, I discussed my current tattoos, my motivations... Full story

Life's a highway for young Valley globe-trotter

Nadia Tamez-Robledo

While backpacking Fernando Martinez-Pechs had already faced his fair share of bumps in the road when he found himself strapped for cash in Uyuni, Bolivia, last summer. He and three friends, fellow travelers he had met a few days earlier, set out to... Full story

CHRIS ARDIS: Give me your feedback on school standards

Chris Ardis

I wanted to shout “Hallelujah” when I recently received a copy of the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards from my department head. I admit I laughed when I turned to page two and read, “Recognizing the importance of a... Full story

THE BOOK REPORT: Four timeless literary charactesr

Dan Vaughn

In my last column I discussed how people choose favorite books based off the aspects of the books: the characters, the plots, or the effects upon the reader. Often, it is the characters that attract us to a story, due to similarities or differences.... Full story

Danish dancer's lust for life reaches from Moulin Rouge to McAllen

Zack Quaintance

Gretha Sullivan knows how to make an entrance. Her platinum blond hair hangs close to her waist. She steps through doorways one bare shoulder first, slow and calculated. Each move is glamorous, like a star in a black and white film. She carries a... Full story

There's no trick to making yummy pumpkin treats

Amy Nichol Smith

The purpose of a pumpkin in October usually only includes the traditional carving of the fruit for display on porches for the Halloween holiday. Beyond that though, pumpkin pies and other baked goods are reserved for Thanksgiving. Pumpkin can be... Full story

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