What's a hard-core local sports fan to do at a dire time like this? The Hatcher-less Stars are still "on ice." (I kill me.) For a while, Cowboys training camp is about as exciting as training camp can realistically get, the Rangers are the Rangers and Dirk Nowitski has nothing to do but condition his hair. Yeah, it's the dog days to be sure, but there are alternatives...and air-conditioned ones at that. An all-star basketball game sponsored by Raw Talent Sports answers the call Saturday in Rockwall with the cream of the crop from several area leagues looking to kick the shorts off their neighborly Fort Worth rivals. Several professional athletes from the past and present will attend, and beyond that, this free event features names from the recent NBA past. The Rockwall Indoor Sports Arena is located at Highway 205 in Rockwall. Call 214-282-2918 for more info. --Matt Hursh
8/11
Stroller Strut
Start looking both ways before you cross the Katy Trail and the running path around White Rock Lake, or else you might get run down by a mob of new mommies determined to work off the extra pounds gained during their pregnancies. A new session of Baby Boot Camp starts Monday with classes at the Katy Trail, White Rock Lake, the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano and the Coppell Aquatic and Recreation Center. Personal trainer Christy Hunter leads the 75-minute classes, which combine stroller-pushing cardio activity, strength training and yoga stretches while the babies either sleep, cry or enjoy the ride. Classes are $15 per session. Call 214-207-2927 or visit www.babybootcamp.com for locations and times. --Jay Webb
8/9
Wingin' It
Feathered friends have their day
Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy watching birds that aren't picking your garden apart and using your car as target practice? On August 9, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary gives you the chance to gawk at an array of birds on their turf instead. The sanctuary acts as a flyway for birds migrating from Canada and Mexico and features about 260 varieties. Beginning bright and early at 8 a.m., the Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society will lead one-hour hikes designed for bird-lovers of all ages. Expect to see Prothonotary Warblers, which I'm told is a big deal among birding circles. Admission to the museum and grounds is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 12 and under. The hike is free with general admission. The Heard Museum is located at One Nature Place in McKinney. Call 972-562-5566. --Jenice Johnson