The Summertime Blues

Patty V • May 13, 2023

It's that time of the year again folks. The NBA finals will soon be winding down, the NFL draft has passed, and we are about to have a brief lull of interest in sports while we eagerly await the NFL's real games to return. Some may affectionately refer to this period as... The Summertime Blues.


It's in these moments where, sometime's I wonder what I'm gonna do, 'cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues. Whether you're raisin' a fuss or a holler, or planning on spending your time way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, I have GREAT news. Ladies and Gentlemen, never fret, because Major League Baseball is fun again, and I'm not just talking about the cool closer introductions.


It's been no secret that Major League Baseball has been falling in popularity for years, with boring unwritten rules, and games lasting hours on end at the most grueling pace since televised fishing rodeos. However, things have changed.

This season, the MLB decided to implement a few major rule changes. Initially these were met with pushback, as all change is when it comes to baseball, but so far through the first quarter-ish if the season, the intended results seem to be there. Thanks to the pitch clock, games are moving MUCH faster. The average game length this season is 2 hours and 38 minutes, compared to 3 hours and 9 of last year.


Aside from the actual TIME the game takes, the pace and action also seem to be up. This season you are seeing an increase in runs scored thanks to the MLB banning the shift, opening up holes for batters. The rise in runs from 8.5 per game, to 9.1 per game may seem small, but when combining this with more stolen bases, up about 40%, and a game that is overall moving faster, the game is MUCH easier to stay into.


With these small changes, perhaps a game that I grew up loving can now move back into my rotation during these summer months, and deep into November. Now, place the cameras on the characters full time, and let the sport continue to be humanized and fun. Things will be hotter than a hoochie coochie in no time!


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NOLA Gold's win over Seattle secures 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings

By Tina Howell • April 28, 2025
After a weather-delayed kickoff, loyal NOLA Gold fans were treated to a rollercoaster of a match that ended with a well-earned 44-36 victory over the Seattle Seawolves at the Shrine. This win moved NOLA Gold into 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings. Coach Danny Lee said of the team's response to the delay, “We just had to control the controllables. Once we told the boys the definitive time for kickoff, we had a plan ready to go. In terms of game plan, we had to be a little bit more direct, and we had to kick and adapt quickly.” NOLA Gold set the tone early, taking an initial 3-0 lead thanks to a steady penalty kick from Dorian Jones. Though Seattle answered quickly with a try to make it 7-3, the Gold launched into a dominant scoring stretch. Isaac Te Tamaki powered across the try line to ignite the offense, followed by back-to-back tries from the relentless Jonah Mau’u. Jones continued to add points from the tee, stretching the Gold’s lead to 27-7. Just before halftime, the Seawolves found a breakthrough and scored at the buzzer, narrowing the margin to 27-14. However, NOLA emerged from the locker room with purpose. Xavier Mignot wasted no time reestablishing momentum with a try that pushed the lead to 34-14. Seattle fought back with intensity, capitalizing on back-to-back tries to bring the score to 34-24. But NOLA responded with composure, as Jones added another penalty to keep the visitors at bay, 37-24. The closing stages of the match saw both teams exchanging blows. Seattle’s try was met by a decisive moment from Joe Taufete’e, who muscled through defenders for a critical score. Luke Campbell’s conversion extended the lead to 44-29. Though Seattle scored one final try at the buzzer, it wasn’t enough. With a final score of 44-36, NOLA Gold walked away with a crucial five-point win in front of a roaring home crowd and strengthens their postseason hopes with a firm grip on 3rd place in the East. Their next match will be on the road against the San Diego Legion on May 4th at 4:00 PM CT. For tickets and more details, please visit www.nolagoldrugby.com

10th annual Covington Antiques and Uniques Festival

By Tina Howell • April 24, 2025
The 10th annual Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival will be held this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at the Covington Trailhead Museum. This two-day, juried festival features over 60 vendors offering an eclectic mix of antique furnishings, period collectibles, architectural salvage, and vintage-inspired fine crafts, as well as a live auction, car show, good food, music, and more. The Covington Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve the city’s culture, character and community. Founded in 2015, the festival is coordinated with the support of the City’s Department of Cultural Arts and Events. As the festival grows and evolves each year, their goal remains the same- to offer a first-class juried event that reflects the unique charm and history of the city of Covington. The festival is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more details, please visit https://www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com/
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