Texas Independence Day

Today, March 2, 2010, Texas turned 174 years old! On this day in 1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence was adopted, officially breaking free from Mexican rule and creating the Republic of Texas. David G. Burnet was elected Interim President of the new nation. Now, Texans are a proud people and love the fact that Texas was its own country, and their not afraid to tell you that that fact makes Texas better than any other state. Let's be honest, Texans also love a good party. So go out, have a Shiner Bock, and obnoxiously celebrate Texas Independence Day!!

Rodeo

It's the official state sport of Texas. Rodeo was invented in Texas. The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, TX on July 4, 1883. This might be disputed by other, lesser states, but we Texans know the truth. Just about every city has their own rodeo celebration, and they contain a little bit of something for everyone. There's livestock and horse shows, bull riding, calf roping, art shows, rides, concerts and much much more. Cute cowboys (and cowgirls), pretty animals, and hot musicians....move over Disneyland, there's a new happiest place on earth!

Chupacabras

Chupacabras, Texans love 'em, or at least we like the idea of 'em, seeing as how there is no scientific proof to back up their existence. I know many of you are probably asking, "What the heck is a chupacabra?" Well, lend me your ears (or eyes in this case) and I will try to explain. A chupacabra is a cryptid (a creature whose existence is rumored, but not backed up by scientific evidence) that is said to inhabit parts of the Americas. The word chupacabra is taken from the Spanish words chupar (to suck) and cabra (goat), so literally a chupacabra is a goat-sucker. A chupacabra kills livestock, particularly goats, by allegedly drinking their blood. The first sightings of the chupacabra was in Puerto Rico in the 1990s. They have also been spotted in Mexico and the United States (mostly in Texas, but as far north as Maine). There are multiple descriptions of the chupacabra ranging from a grayish reptile-like creature with spines along it's back that stands like a kangaroo to a creature with a panther head, forked tongue, and eyes that glow red and hypnotize. Now, Texans (particularly in South Texas) love a good chupacabra sighting! Even moreso, we love when an alleged chupacabra is caught or killed. Enter, the "Elmendorf Beast." As with most sighting, the "Elmendorf Beast" turned out to be a coyote with mange. Recently, in Texas there have been multiple chupacabra sightings, all making headlines. Will we ever find the real chupacabra? I don't know, but I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing about 'em!