"Isn't he just full of it?" Amber Atwood asks with a laugh. "He thinks he knows everything." "I do not. I'm just right, and that's just the way it is," her son, Hunter Phifer, snarks with a grin. It's been six weeks since Hunter received a new kidney, and he is certainly feeling better. It's … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Commentary
Tag: Arkansas
Hunter’s Hope — Article 5
At 1 p.m., Brian Smothers opens his eyes. He’s groggy, confused and in pain. He’s in a surgical recovery room but isn’t sure why. Before he falls back to sleep, a nurse asks him to rate his pain. “I am going to say a 10,” he replies. “But I’ve never been in this much pain … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 5
Stayin’ Alive
The music is loud, and the women are still warm for a reincarnation of the pop group that made disco forever cool. The Australian Bee Gees are coming to Northwest Arkansas for a performance that will launch audiences out of the Ozarks and straight into the uncanny valley. Touted as the world's leading Bee Gees … Continue reading Stayin’ Alive
Klaatu Barada Nikto!
Social phobia is the most common anxiety disorder, impacting upwards of 12 percent of adults, according to the American Psychiatric Association. The disorder causes considerable distress and can greatly limit a person's ability to function in public scenarios. Social anxieties manifest themselves in multiple ways. A sufferer may avoid eye contact, physical touch or large … Continue reading Klaatu Barada Nikto!
Hunter’s Hope — Article 4
Hunter Phifer checks in to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. He says he's not nervous, but a slight twitch of his eye suggests otherwise. He hasn't slept and says he's hungry. Brian Smothers arrives at the Little Rock hospital just before 6 a.m. He's … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 4
“Jerry! Jerry!”
His name is a chant, and his talk show is a hoot. He is one of the biggest faces in sensationalized daytime talk and a host to guests whose on-camera kerfuffles would make Spartacus proud. But he won’t be bringing any of those “Springer” moments to Northwest Arkansas, he says. Jerry Springer is once again … Continue reading “Jerry! Jerry!”
People Watching
This part of the state is a happening place, and not just for the locals. Northwest Arkansas once again welcomed politicians, celebrities and world-renowned artists to the area, making 2014 one of the most star-stuffed years yet. Former President George W. Bush popped into a Bentonville ice cream shop the morning before his scheduled book … Continue reading People Watching
Hunter’s Hope — Article 3
Christmas miracles don't always happen on time. Today was going to be an extra special holiday for Rogers resident Hunter Phifer. He was supposed to be recovering from a surgery scheduled on Dec. 10 -- a kidney transplant that would have changed his life, and possibly saved it. Unfortunately, the surgery was delayed indefinitely. "I … Continue reading Hunter’s Hope — Article 3
High Anxiety
Going home for Christmas is a dream come true for most holiday travelers. But for some people, it can feel more like a nightmare. For the first time in three years, I will be joining my family for the holiday and but that's not what has my tummy rolling. It's how I'm getting there. I'm … Continue reading High Anxiety
Busted!
As it turns out, if a mouse crawls out of a hollowed-out dung ball, it will spook an African elephant walking nearby. Sometimes things are surprising and life can be a bit unpredictable, but for engineer and special effects artist Jamie Hyneman, that's half the fun. Co-host of the Discovery Channel show "Mythbusters," he says that … Continue reading Busted!
Allison Carter Fanney 