blitzweekly.com
VOL. 3 - ISSUE 22
February 2 - 8, 2011 3
BLITZ News Shorts Hollywood Profile/Movie Review Music: Eleven Kick-A$$ Albums Stars News Mavs News COVER STORY: Super Bowl XLV Interview With George Teague Super Bowl MVP Super Bowl XLV Parties Super Bowl XLV Survival Guide Super Bowl XLV Preview BLITZ BABE: Kaylee UFC 126 Preview Can This Job Be Saved? Blitz Toys Blitz Food Review: Truluck’s Crossword / Jokes / Horrorscopes
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PUBLISHER Kelly G. Reed EDITOR Jeff Putnam CREATIVE DIRECTOR / WEBSITE / GRAPHIC DESIGN Damien William Mayfield COVER Cover Photography: Yu-Ping Chen Cover Design: Damien William Mayfield STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS John Breen, Darryl Briggs, Gregg Case, Nathaniel Chadwick, Steven Hendrix, Kevin Jacobson, Joe Lorenzini, Chuck Majors, Matt Pearce, Ed Westerman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Keith Allison, Yu-Ping Chen, Rafael Amado Deras, Luke Ford, Glenn Francis, David Goodspeed, Markus Hagenlocher, John M. P. Knox, Avinash Kunnath STAFF WRITERS Tony Barone, Geoff Case, Sam Chase, Vivian Fullerlove, Robin George, Frank LaCosta, Pat Moran, Richard S. Pollak and Jesse Whitman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jay Betsill, Kris Boudreau, John Breen, David Goodspeed, Andrew J. Hewett, Jason Miller, Gilbert Moses, The Bum CONTACT US MAIN NUMBER 214-529-7370 FAX NUMBER 972-960-8618 kreed@blitzweekly.com
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I have been performing the Anthem since I was seven years old and I must say the Super Bowl is a dream come true. I am really excited to be part of such an iconic event.” – Christina Aguilera
Andrew J. Hewett
www.chewednews.com
Is riding a horse while drunk legal in Montana?
A Montana Department of Transportation public safety video that features a horse picking up a rider at a bar is intended as a metaphor to encourage drinkers to get a ride home. But it is being taken literally by some in a state well known for its horse culture. Helena Police Chief Troy McGee says he’s received many calls from residents wanting to know if riding a horse while under the influence is legal. McGee tells the Independent Record newspaper that it is. Montana law carefully defines a vehicle, and excludes those running under animal power. The popular 30-second video titled Sober Friend shows a savvy horse carefully obeying traffic laws on a nighttime journey through town before stopping in front of a bar to pick up a rider.
Tentacled tipster Paul the Octopus gets memorial
Grand piano found on sandbar in Miami bay
A grand piano recently showed up on a sandbar in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, about 200 yards from condominiums on the shore. The piano, which weighs at least 650 pounds, was placed at the highest spot along the sandbar so it doesn’t get under water during high tide. While officials aren’t sure how it got there, they know it won’t be going anywhere unless it becomes a hazard to wildlife or boaters. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Jorge Pino says the agency is not responsible for moving such items. And, he adds, unless it becomes a navigational hazard, the U.S. Coast Guard won’t get involved. For now, the piano has become a fancy roost for seagulls.
Paul the celebrated octopus has finally got his tentacles wrapped around a soccer ball. The Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen on Thursday unveiled an outsized memorial to the World Cup’s most unlikely star: A 6 1/2-foot (2-meter) tall plastic replica of Paul clutching a ball in his eight arms. Aquarium spokeswoman Tanja Munzig says Paul’s cremated ashes were placed in
A MOTHER’S MISTAKES
Lillian Gordy Carter (1898-1983), mother of James Earl Carter, Jr., thirty-ninth president of the United States (1977-81), said: “Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself, ‘Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.’”
A FOUL/FOWL MAN
Humorist-writer, Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens [1835-1910]), once wrote: “Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement.”
NO HIGH ON ASTROTURF
Colorful New York Jets quarterback (1965-76) “Broadway Joe” Namath left us with many thoughts, mostly humorous, a few basic. Examples: (1) “Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was ‘Shut Up.’” (2) “I don’t know whether I prefer Astroturf to grass. I never smoked Astroturf.” (3) “If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?” (You might wish to read that last nugget two, three times?)
THIS ACTRESS WAS HOT a gold-leaf-covered urn inside the ball. Paul died three months ago and Munzig says fans around the world had asked for a memorial. Paul correctly tipped the outcome of all seven of Germany’s games at last year’s World Cup plus the Spain-Netherlands final. He made his predictions by opening the lid of one of two boxes, each containing a mussel and bearing a team flag.
Nov. 30, 1923, 24-year-old silent film actress Martha Mansfield was playing the role of Agatha Warren, while filming the movie The Warrens of Virginia, when a cast member lit a cigarette. When the smoldering match landed, it ignited Mansfield’s Civil War costume of hoopskirts and ruffles. Her extremely painful death occurred several hours later.
blitzweekly.com
4 February 2 - 8, 2011
HOLLYWOOD PROFILE with Jason Statham
by Vivian Fullerlove
In honor of “The Big Game,” I thought it was only fitting that this week’s Hollywood Profile contain all of the hard-hitting, no-holds-barred action and adventure of two football rivals coming together to vie for a championship. That could just as well describe what it’s like maneuvering the streets of many parts of the Metroplex this week, but that’s another column. So, if you are looking for one more adrenaline rush this week, here you go! You can check out Jason Statham in the movie The Mechanic. Statham plays Arthur Bishop, an elite hit-man (shocking), who decides to seek revenge on the ones responsible for killing his mentor and friend, Harry, played by Donald Sutherland. His mission gets complicated when Harry’s son insists on joining him in the hunt for his father’s killers. The two enter this deadly game of cat and mouse, and soon they become the hunted instead of the hunters. I sat down with the action star to talk about the film and what it’s like doing all those death-defying stunts that have made him famous! What drew you to this story? The screenplay really appealed to me. I just thought it was really smart, and I’m always trying to make a grown-up, action movie and this was one of them. You have got to be one of the most physical actors in the action genre. What does doing
“Entertainment’s Real Critic”
your own stunts bring to you and to the projects you work on? We’re all about practical stunts. If you can do it through the lens, through the camera, it just creates a whole different feeling for you doing the stunt and the people watching it. So, I always like to push myself and try things I haven’t tried. I get a great thrill doing these things; so—“Why not?” is what I say. Tell me a little about your character? He is a very solitary guy who was very deliberate with his actions. I liked that he had a very certain way about the things he did. I always find strength in that. Do you think that’s what keeps your fans coming back? A certain amount of diehard fans will want to see the movie, but there’s a whole new generation of people out there who like these kinds of films too; hopefully we can please everyone. Does it please everyone? There’s only one way to find out. You can check out The Mechanic tonight at a theatre near you. The film is playing nationwide. It is rated R for strong brutal violence throughout, language and some sexual content.
by Gilbert Moses
The Fighter
“I think, therefore I write”
Violence, love, family drama, failure, drug addiction, redemption and persevering against all odds are all motifs you are probably familiar with if you are a frequent moviegoer. The Fighter gives you a dose of everything mentioned and throws in a tale about a struggling boxer’s ascent to the top into the mix. If you are a fan of boxing movies you are probably a little skeptical of a new film’s ability to go up against classics like Raging Bull, Rocky or Ali, but David O. Russell (director), Mark Wahlberg, and Christian Bale seek to do just that with a gritty, heart-wrenching adaptation of “Irish” Micky Ward’s journey to become the welterweight champion of the world. The movie begins with Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) speaking to the camera about his “kid brother” Micky (Mark Wahlberg) and his climb to the top. The film quickly gets you up to speed with the life of Micky Ward. He is a small-time boxer, living in the shadow of his brother’s fame. He is managed by his mother and trained by his older brother Dicky, who happens to be struggling with a serious drug addiction. The film gives you an inside look at the obstacles that Micky Ward was faced with during his boxing career. If you are a fan of boxing you may already know Micky Ward’s story, but I guarantee you have not heard it told like this.
If not, do not fear, because you do not have to be a fan of boxing to enjoy this movie. While there is plenty of boxing action, this movie focuses on how the relationship with his family nearly costs Micky Ward his career. This movie was made to take you on an emotional ride and it succeeds. The cast does a great job in presenting their characters in such a way that you cannot help but become emotionally invested in the story. The cinematography in this movie is stunning. The boxing action looks authentic and there are points during the movie where a documentary about Dicky’s comeback is being shot and it looks and feels like a real HBO documentary. This is one of those movies where you will get so involved that you just might forget you are in a theater. Although the story and the cinematography alone are enough to make this movie good, Christian Bale’s performance as a recovering crack addict makes it great. I found myself asking “Is that the same guy who played Batman?” every time Bale was on screen. He truly showed his acting range with this role and if there were any doubts about his skill this movie lays them to rest. So if you are in the mood to add some wholesome sports action to your Super Bowl weekend The Fighter is the way to go.
February 2 - 8, 2011 5
“Music Enthusiast”
Welcome to 2011, the year of… well, we do know that there are some big records due to be released this year. If these eleven nuggets of what’s to come do not get your blood pumping, check to make sure you have a pulse for Rock N Roll. 1. The Strokes – My generation’s Rolling Stones/ Zeppelin, this band promises a return to form. I interpret the artwork on their new record Angles as referring to the sound of their game-changing debut album, which made the skinny tie cool again way before we had Mad Men. 2. Van Halen - Rolling Stone has confirmed that the Van Halens and David Lee Roth are in the studio working on their first album in 26 years. In related news, Hell has frozen over and the Cubs have won the World Series. 3. The Naked and Famous – New Zealand has successfully crossbred MGMT with Passion Pit. I predict they will not be huge in the States, but the buzz should keep everyone busy until MGMT delivers a proper MGMT record. www.myspace.com/thenakedandfamous 4. Middle Brother – (featuring the lead singers of Deer Tick, Dawes and Delta Spirit) An indie rock supergroup that sounds like Cheap Trick crossed with Wilco. If the full album is like the lead single “Me Me Me” we’re in for a treat treat treat. www. myspace.com/middlebrothermusic.
7. Beastie Boys – The trio’s long awaited new record, Hot Sauce Committee Part 2, is on track for a comeback this spring after inactivity in 2010 due to Adam Yauch’s cancer battle. Word is that Adam is not cancer-free, but is on the road to recovery. 8. Nicole Atkins – One of the finest voices in pop music today, Nicole Atkins returns with her sophomore effort Mondo Amore. This is 2011’s dark horse. Layer upon layer of stunning vocals crooning over the top of haunting yet enthralling music. www.NicoleAtkins.com. 9. Foo Fighters – Dave Grohl is promising the biggest rock album of the year with a résumé to back up his bold statement. The Foo’s have teamed up with super-producer Butch Vig (Nirvana’s Nevermind) and former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic to make a kicka$$ album. “There’s 11 songs and, front to back, there’s not one sleepy ballad,” says Grohl. “The fact that we did it without any computers, it was just really simple. It just sounds massive.” The 10-second clip recently Tweeted out from the studio (yfrog. com/5xabgz) makes the term massive an understatement.
5. Beady Eye – The constant, and very public, bickering of the Gallagher brothers has hurt one of the greatest British bands of our time. The first single, “The Roller,” is exactly what you would expect from the misunderstood frontman. It’s just like Oasis, but it’s not. www.beadyeyemusic.com
10. Jane’s Addiction – Changing bass players three times during recording is not a good starting point for a band trying to make a comeback. Still, spirits are reported high as Jane’s Addiction continues recording for its fourth album, their first set of new material since Strays in 2003. “It’s a completely different direction for Jane’s Addiction... However, it still sounds very much like Jane’s Addiction,” says guitarist and Hollywood scenester Dave Navarro. Let’s hope they don’t “stray” too far from the sound that made them great in the first place.
6. Aerosmith – All members of Aerosmith except one (Joe Perry) are hard at work on their first new album of new material since 2001’s Just Push Play. While Steven’s American Idol duties aren’t helping matters, word is that Joe will be back to finish the album for a release this year.
11. Ray Davies – See My Friends – Who doesn’t love The Kinks, right? This is turning out to be a killer project from the legendary Kink’s songwriter and frontman. It’s basically a greatest hits album re-imagined along with some fantastic special guests. A few highlights: Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol) lending his pipes to “Tired of Waiting,” Metallica grinding out “You Really Got Me,” and Bruce Springsteen breathing life back into “Better Things.” www.myspace. com/raydavies.
blitzweekly.com
by Jason Miller
blitzweekly.com
6 February 2 - 8, 2011
STARS News
by Tony Barone
“The Senior Sports Authority”
What a Month! After a grueling 16-game schedule in December, the Dallas Stars went 8-2-1 in January and set a franchise record for most consecutive road wins along the way. At the NHL All-Star break the Stars find themselves with a commanding five-point lead over the Anaheim Ducks in the Pacific Division. Heading into the season’s stretch drive the team’s biggest issue appears to be the health of the roster. Jeff Woywitka, Brian Sutherby, Toby Petersen, Loui Erikkson, Jamie Benn, Tom Wandell, Matt Niskanen and Karlis Skrastins all missed time in January for injuries and there are a few other Stars who should have been sidelined had the training staff had their way. That’s normal for the NHL, and the Stars have been fortunate in avoiding serious injuries so far this season.
Upcoming Schedule: 2/3 @ Bruins 6:00pm 2/5 @ Flyers 6:00pm Jamie Benn is the biggest concern at the moment. The Stars 5th leading goal scorer had a violent collision at center ice in Vancouver and had to leave the game. His injury went undisclosed for nearly 48 hours and then was revealed to be a shoulder problem. Even with the All-Star break he is expected to miss Tuesday’s game against the Canucks. The Dallas goaltending tandem of Andrew Raycroft and Kari Lehtonen have been a major reason for the Star’s success this season. Each inexplicably gave up seven goals in back to back road games in Canada. After being blown out by Calgary 7-4 with Raycroft in goal, Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen started the Vancouver game on a seven-game winning streak. He hadn’t lost in regulation since being pulled after giving up four goals on 14 shots against Vancouver on Dec. 31. But he was pulled for the final 6:48 of this game after giving up seven on 33. “He has been, if not our MVP, largely responsible for our resurgence,” Stars coach Marc Crawford said of Lehtonen. “He didn’t have a great night tonight but we didn’t give him any help. Tonight was a total team collapse. As a head coach, we obviously didn’t have them ready to play tonight; that’s my fault. It’s humbling, and by some small measure, maybe, it puts us back in our place.” Brad Richards scored for the Stars in the 7-1 loss. “We’re all going to bounce back,” Richards said. “If not, we’re going to have to
find a different job. We’ll take it in the chin tonight but we’ll be back.” And bounce back they did as Brenden Morrow and Kari Lehtonen led the Dallas Stars to a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Morrow scored twice and Lehtonen stopped 34 shots in the final game before the All-Star break for both teams. Adam Burish added a goal and Jamie Langenbrunner had the primary assist on both of Morrow’s goals for the Pacific Division-leading Stars. “Two stinkers and we finally came out and showed a little bit more life, did a better job taking away the shooting lanes and Kari was able to swallow up the other ones,” Morrow said. Here is what NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman had to say about the sale on the Dallas Stars at a Presser the day before the All Star game: “Dallas, everybody’s well chronicled the difficulties that ownership has had. The league is not – I repeat – not funding the club. There’s an orderly sales process underway with probably half a dozen interested parties. Tony Tavares has been installed to keep things operationally sound, helping the sales process and make sure that the franchise continues to conduct business in a first class way in the ordinary course.”
February 2 - 8, 2011 7 blitzweekly.com
Crossword Solution
MAVS News
by Geoff Case “NBA Analyst”
Putting it back together presence in the paint. The most underrated Fourth quarter defense The Mavericks are starting to come out of thing he’s done is quarterback the defense, the funk that was brought on by multiple in- vocally sending guys to the right places at juries to their top guys. The team has now the right times. He’s also rediscovered his won six of their last seven and begun to re- offense with Jason Kidd confidently launchgain that confidence and swagger that helped ing passes into the air knowing that Tyson them jump out to such a great start. The oth- will send them back down with a thunderer thing you’ll begin to notice is that there ous dunk. “His play is compelling enough is that added emphasis on defense especially to me,” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. in the fourth quarter. In their win over At- “There are very few guys who have gone to lanta last Sunday, the Mavs held the Hawks new teams this year and have had the impact that he’s to their lowest had on our team fourth quarthis year.” NBA ter point total commissioner (13) all season. David Stern The Mavericks will choose the stepped up dereplacement fensively down for Yao, but he the stretch as the doesn’t have to Hawks missed pick a center. seven of their Most league first eight field observers think goal attempts in LA Lakers’ Pau the final quarGasol and San ter. The Hawks Antonio’s Tim could only manDuncan are the age 4 of 15 from leading favorthe field in the ites to earn the fourth quarter. coaches’/Stern’s While it was only nod. a small sample, it is evidence that Dirk is back the Mavericks to 100% can still clamp Dirk Nowitzki down defenrecently joined sively in crunch the BAD radio time. It was show on The something that Ticket (Dallas we hadn’t seen radio station) since the rash of and discussed his injuries that had taken Upcoming Schedule: knee injury and how he the team by storm. While 2/2 @ Knicks 6:30pm might have come back a it’s not surprising since 2/4 @ Celtics 7:00pm little too soon. “It’s acButler didn’t play heavy 6:00pm tually really responding late fourth quarter, it 2/5 @ Bobcats well.” Dirk Nowitzki was alarming that they 2/7 vs Cavaliers 7:30pm said. “I probably came couldn’t seem to recreate back a little too early, but that losing streak that intensity in his absence. The Mavericks had been struggling in all phases of the game didn’t help. It has responded really good to and it was a reminder to everyone how well the games. Just need to get my legs under they can play down the stretch. It was some- me and keep working. It’s a good homesthing that had been a defining characteristic tand where we play every other day, have of this team and one of a true title contender. a day in between, do some other stuff, so hopefully by the end of the week it should be great.” That is great news for Mavericks Is Tyson Chandler an All-Star? I’m going to have to agree with this one be- fans because the second he left the court we cause no one has made a bigger impact for saw the life get absolutely sucked out of this their new team in the West Conference than team. In his absence I noticed one very tellTyson Chandler. The only one close to hav- ing attribute about this team that was hidden ing his impact is Al Jefferson and he’s failed by Dirk’s presence. The Mavericks are built to fully replace the player that left the Utah around Dirk Nowitzki and when that main Jazz (Boozer). Chandler’s defensive leader- piece is missing the other parts just don’t ship and attitude changed this squad over- make sense together. night and it all revolved around his snarling
NBA: Heat vs. Magic
Thur. February 3 – 7:00PM – Amway Center – TNT The battle for Florida continues when the Heat visit the Magic. Both teams have had a few hiccups recently. Bosh is back for the Heat and Wade and King James are on track, getting lots of baskets. The Magic are led by Dwight “Superman” Howard. Orlando is still integrating Agent Zero (Arenas), Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Lots of star power in this one.
NBA: Mavericks vs. Celtics
Fri. February 4 – 7:00PM – TD Garden – ESPN The Mavs won their previous match-up at home this season and with a win in Boston they will have the season series sweep. In that game Dirk Nowitzki led all scorers with 25. We’ll want to see how the Mavs perform without Caron Butler in the lineup for this one. The Mavs, on a roll, will have their hands full in this game.
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NFL: Steelers vs. Packers
Sun. February 6 – 5:29PM – Cowboys Stadium – FOX Two storied franchises, the Steelers and Packers, will face off at Cowboys Stadium. The Packers, three-point favorites, will bring their high-voltage offense. The Steelers will bring their vaunted defense. Look for Big Ben to hang in the pocket and make some deep throws. Special teams could make the difference. The Metroplex and the world will be watching!
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NCAA Basketball: (14) Missouri vs. (2) Kansas
Mon. February 7 – 8:00PM – Phog Allen Fieldhouse – ESPN Kansas has righted the ship after their loss to the Texas Longhorns. They put on a clinic against instate rival Kansas State last Saturday and never trailed. The Border War usually brings out the best in these two teams, both ranked in the Top 25. Jayhawk forward Marcus Morris is something special.
STARS
MAVS
blitzweekly.com
8 February 2 - 8, 2011
by John Breen
“Man on the Street”
interview With A Dallas Cowboy hero
George, what are your thoughts on the Super Bowl coming to Dallas this year?
You know, it’s very exciting. There’s going to be a lot of people watching their first Super Bowl here in the DFW area.
Being a former Packer, is that the team you’re pulling for this year?
Yeah, but not because I played there. Because of Aaron Rodgers, who I think is a hell of a guy who is trying to help them win.
Going back to your college days, George, you played at Alabama. Can you talk about the 1993 Sugar Bowl and the play you made that kind of turned the game around?
That’s one of the most memorable games I’ve ever played in. People have been talking about that play for 18 years now. It’s been a highlight in many ways.
There was another memorable incident at the old Texas Stadium with Terrell Owens and the Star. How do you feel looking back on that?
That’s something I can talk to my kids about. What it means to be frustrated, what it means to be angry. But also what it means to have pride and the determination to compete and win. Most people ask, would you do it again and I say, yes, absolutely I would. I would just hope that Jerry Jones wouldn’t fine me as much as he did the second time as he did the first time it happened.
You have the record for the longest interception return in playoff history. Do you remember that moment?
Absolutely. I was a little upset because actually, you’re right about that, but that was also the longest scoring play up until two weeks ago when that guy… I forget who it was… took the kickoff return back. So getting the ball back in an interception and running it back 101 yards, that’s a highlight for me. To get to the end zone is one thing, but to do it in a playoff game… There’s probably been more talk about that than anything.
Along the same lines, what are your thoughts on the NFL’s position on end-zone celebrations and touchdown celebrations?
I do think there should be some parameters set but I just think we’re getting to the point
where emotion is being taken out of the game. And even some of the physicalness is being taken out of the game with, you know, the things that can’t happen on defense. I’m in agreement with cutting back the celebrations, but I don’t want it to get where there’s no emotion or celebration at all.
How do you feel about the upcoming potential lockout?
It seems like it very well could happen, and that’s going to affect a lot of people in their jobs—players, coaches. It’s a scary time. In this short amount of time, we’re gonna miss something.
Do you still stay in touch with some of your old teammates and have you formed some long-lasting friendships through your days as an NFL player?
As a matter of fact I talked to Darren Woodson this morning. Yeah, I spend a lot of time with guys around the league, working events or something for charity or whatnot.
You kind of segued into my next question, George. Back in 2002 you started the George Teague and Friends Foundation. Is that still going on?
It is. Most of the work is being done back in Alabama. I believe service is important, charity is important. With the foundation we can work out in the community and give back.
I understand that you’re a high school football coach. Is that something that you’re still planning to do next year?
Absolutely. I’ve had offers from colleges and pro teams but high school seems to be the place for me. You can build character and help young people fulfill goals and dreams. I really like being a high school football coach and athletic director.
In closing, George, what’s next? Is there anything you’d like us to mention in the paper?
I would say I really enjoy being involved in the community in a lot of aspects. Whether it’s camps or speaking or motivational-type stuff. I can be reached at georgeteague.com.
Thanks again for your time.
February 2 - 8, 2011 9
Larry, you played in three Super Bowls and were victorious in all three—the last one being Super Bowl Thirty where you were awarded the MVP. How special was that? It was a very special moment… But I was aware that the game was more important than personal achievements. I was very fortunate that we won the game and I felt blessed to have won the MVP. Having gone to school at TCU and having been a former Dallas Cowboy, what are your thoughts on the Super Bowl coming to the Metroplex? It’s outstanding. The Metroplex is a great area. It’s central, and with the addition of what Jerry has done with that stadium… You have to be happy with what it’s bringing to the North Texas area, especially in such a bad economy where everyone needs the business. Even though the Cowboys aren’t playing, everyone is excited that it’s here. I hear you, Larry. What are your thoughts on the current state of TCU football? Gary Patterson has done a wonderful job. Winning the Rose Bowl has taken them to another level now. It’s been great for Fort Worth, great for TCU and great for Gary Patterson. This is a school that does it the right way and graduates their kids. You know, we never hear about these kids getting in trouble or anything like that. So my hat’s off to Gary Patterson and his staff and Del Conte, the Athletic Director there. Along with Stanford, they’re the prototype for a private school. Are you involved with any charities or foundations, and if so, can you share with our readers what you’re doing? Absolutely. I run my own foundation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area called Metroplex Select Youth Foundation. We involve kids in sports—football, basketball, soccer, track and field—boys and girls between the ages of four and twelve. We provide sports leagues, uniforms, equipment. We help those who are not able to help themselves. And more importantly we provide academic programs in science, technology, engineering and math, we do that every summer. It’s all about the complete athlete—body, spirit and mind—and that’s the mission of our foundation. That’s what we do.
“Man on the Street”
What are your thoughts right now on the NFL and its rules on violent hits? It’s good to see the league stepping in now and really taking a look. We need to prevent some of these long-term devastating experiences from happening— to change the rules and really protect guys more. I’m all for it. You made an appearance on Married With Children. Any chance we’ll see you on another show or perhaps on the silver screen? No, no, no. My acting skills, ah… need a lot of work. So I’m going to stick with working with kids. I think that’s probably a better calling for me. I’ll just watch the shows now. You’re involved with our friends at 105.3, The Fan. What’s it like doing the pre-game and postgame shows? I had a blast working with Richie Whitt, Chris Jagger and those guys. Richie Whitt—he keeps it interesting. You never know what is going to come out of his mouth. Following the Cowboys makes it easier because there’s always news, always something to talk about. It’s a fun experience.
GQ MAGAZINE SUPER BOWL PARTY. Hosted by tennis superstar
Andy Roddick as a celebration of cool athletes such as Michael Jordan, Dr. J and Tom Brady. February 4 ~9:00pm~ Invitation Only; HICKORY STREET ANNEX, 501 South Second Ave., Dallas
X’s & O’s AFFAIR will feature Playboy
Playmates DJ Rhiannon, Heather Van Viper and Alie Layus. Aura in Uptown will be a hot spot all weekend long with celebrity-filled events. Superstar Ben Affleck might be in the house on Thursday. February 3 ~9:00pm~ Tickets http://aurasuperbowlpar ties.com; AURA LOUNGE, 2912 McKinney Ave., Dallas
PLAYBOY SUPER BOWL PARTY.
Celebrities will mingle with Playboy playmates and Bunnies at the 11th annual party that has morphed into a must-attend event for pro football’s biggest week. February 4 ~9:00pm~ Tickets available via Inside Sports & Entertainment group beginning at $1250; BUD LIGHT HOTEL, 1033 Young St., Dallas
WELCOME TO DALLAS PARTY
What else have you been up to? What’s next? Well, I’ve got a busy week coming up, obviously. Friday February 4 there’s our Stars and Legends Super Bowl Party and Casino Night in Arlington. Myself, Charles Haley, Darren Woodson, LaDainian Tomlinson, you name it, Spud Webb… All these guys will be at the event. And it’s to raise money, again, for our foundation. So if you’re in the Arlington area, we’ll be going from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.—stop by. It’s a wonderful event: food, games, prizes, live auctions, silent auctions. I think we’re the largest party in Arlington next Friday, so we’d love to have folks come out and support it.
be a two-night affair this year. Friday night features Kevin Dillon and Nicole Sherzinger as its hosts. Saturday evening will feature Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt. February 4 & 5 ~9:00pm~ Tickets (800) 809-1277; HOTEL ZAZA, 2332 Leonard St., Dallas
Is there a website for the party and can you tell us the dress code? Absolutely. All the information is at www.legendsparty.com. You can get tickets online. I think we’re about threequarters sold out, so if you haven’t made up your mind, come on, hang out with us. Dress is casual for men, cocktail dresses for ladies. It’ll be a very classy event that you can bring your wife or your girlfriend to and be proud of.
THE COWBOY GATHERING will feature more than 50 former Dallas Cowboys at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. Hall-of-Famers Mel Renfro, Rayfield Wright and Tony Dorsett join Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown, Darren Woodson, Bill Bates, Leon Lett and Tony Hill as hosts. February 3 ~8:00pm~ Tickets (972) 588-1813; FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM, 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas
will be hosted by former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens who is inviting his celebrity friends to hang out in downtown Dallas. February 4 ~9:00pm~ Tickets are available beginning as low as $60; SKYE BAR DALLAS, 1217 Main St., Dallas
LEATHER & LACES PARTY will
EVERYTHING’S BIGGER IN TEXAS “LIVE” will be hosted by
former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and current Los Angeles Lakers scout BonnieJill Laflin. Justin Timberlake’s band Free Sol will play for this celebrity party and Timberlake might be in the building for the show. February 5 ~6:00pm~ Tickets at everythingsbiggerintexas.net; PATIO GRILL, 3403 McKinney Ave., Dallas
ESPN’S NEXT SUPER BOWL PARTY will celebrate the big game in
the Stockyards. Expect a good amount of pro athletes and the ESPN on-air personalities. February 4 ~9:00pm~ Invitation Only; RIVER RANCH, 500 NE 23rd St., Fort Worth
PURPLE REIGN PARTY, a party/
fundraiser, will be hosted by former TCU running back LaDainian Tomlinson to celebrate the Frogs undefeated season and Rose Bowl championship. Michael Irvin and Gary Patterson are scheduled to appear. February 2 ~6:00pm~ Tickets LTGivesBack.com; COOL RIVER CAFÉ, 1045 Hidden Ridge, Irving
XXX BOWL 2011 will feature legendary adult film star Jesse Jane and five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman along with Mickey Avalon. Among the ticket options for this two-night event are “hot tub suites.” February 4 & 5 ~9:00pm~ Tickets xxxbowl2011.com; 10821 Composite Dr., Dallas THE BEST PARTY IN TEXAS will
be hosted by Mike Ditka and Carmen Electra to benefit several charities including Gridiron Greats. Emerald City and the Kyle Turley Band will entertain. February 5 ~9:00pm~ Tickets http:// www.superbowldallas.org/tickets; EMBASSY SUITES OUTDOOR WORLD, 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine
MAXIM SUPER BOWL PARTY.
The magazine is hosting its annual Super Bowl bash at Fair Park with a State Fair-themed party with some of the most beautiful women in Dallas. February 5 ~7:00pm~ Invitation Only; CENTENNIAL HALL at FAIR PARK, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas
blitzweekly.com
by John Breen
blitzweekly.com
10 February 2 - 8, 2011
by Frank LaCosta
“Football Fanatic”
Downtown Dallas: Gilley’s Dallas – Yep, they have the original mechanical bull from the old days, El Toro which was in the movie Urban Cowboy. Now it’s a club/entertainment venue and no longer in Pasadena, Texas. Check out the Chris Rivers Band free on Saturday night. 214-421-2021 – 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas – gilleysdallas.com
Duke’s Original Roadhouse – When in Addison we recommend this venue for good times and good food. Their “Fall Off The Bone” ribs are excellent, big burgers and tons of delicious appetizers coupled with their adult beverages equals a night you won’t forget. Try the “Tower of Power” if you’re up to it! 104 ounces of ice cold brew. 972-503-2337 – 4180 Belt Line Rd., Addison – dukesorginalroadhouse.com
Reunion Tower – Standing in at 561 feet,
Good Fish – One of Coppell’s newest res-
the 15th tallest building in Dallas is one of the most recognizable landmarks in town. Enjoy a nice meal at Wolfgang Puck’s FiveSixty restaurant. Be warned – it’s business casual. 214-741-5560 – 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas – reuniontower.com
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza - Information and understanding
about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Museum tours are self-guided. 214-747-6660 - 411 Elm St., Dallas - jfk.org Dick’s Last Resort – A great spot for an
entertaining meal. Loud music and servers is the way they like it. Great ribs, chicken, burgers and gator bites! Yummy! 214-747-0001 – 2211 N. Lamar St., Dallas – dickslastresort.com
West End Pub – A Dallas tradition for over 22 years The Pub has a fantastic view of the Downtown Dallas skyline and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. They also have an extensive selection vodkas, rums, tequilas, craft beers and their “World Famous Chicken Salad.” (214) 748-5711 - 1801 N. Lamar, #100, Dallas - www.westendpubdallas.net
Meals:
Angry Dog – A Deep Ellum tradition. Be-
fore checking out the bands in the area start here. Incredible wings, burgers and our favorite the Spiedies (Binghamton, NY specialty). Lots of beer and liquor to choose from. 214-741-4406 – 2726 Commerce St., Dallas – angrydog.com Big Shucks – What the Shuck! is what you’ll see on their t-shirts. For some good seafood that is affordably priced this is the spot. Oysters are what they’re known for. 214-887-6353 – 6232 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas – bigshucks.com
taurants offers great shrimp cocktails, oysters, catfish and sweet potato fries. We’re partial to the Wild Salmon Burger. 972-200-5052 – 171 N. Denton Tap Rd., Coppell – goodfishcoppell.com
Sol’s Nieto Mexican Grill – While visiting the Metroplex stop in for some great Tex-Mex. Forget the chain restaurants and go for the real thing by a family who owns and operates their restaurant. Fajitas are highly recommended, tons of Mexican beers to choose from, awesome art work and a rockin’ juke box. 214-826-5564 – 6434 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas Sushi On McKinney – A great sushi res-
taurant if you’re looking for one. Affordable, relaxed atmosphere. They’ve been serving the Metroplex since 1983. We recommend the Devil Roll if you’re into spicy dishes. 214-556-3978 – 4438 McKinney Ave., Dallas – sushionmckinney.com Bars:
The Hideaway – Newly opened and rau-
cous crowd ensures a good time. From pool tables, TVs and video games there’s never a dull moment. 972-661-5221 – 14902 Preston Rd., Dallas Logan’s On Belt Line – Cheer’s with Attitude is what you’ll get. You’ll also have $4 domestic liters and $2 shot specials to choose from. 972-503-5603 – 5290 Belt Line Rd., Dallas Time Out Tavern – A Maxim magazine hot
spot. The packed bar is a great spot to meet locals who will engage you in conversation and drink you under the table. 214-956-9552 – 5101 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas – totdfw.com
blitzweekly.com
12 February 2 - 8, 2011
by Kris Boudreau – “Voice Out West”
The Steelers offense is no doubt led by Big Ben Roethlisberger. Manning, Brady, Rivers, and Brees have more impressive stat lines but Ben is the best bet to make a big play to win the game. He can scramble, make any throw, and extend play with his ability to avoid sacks. Rashard Mendenhall had a breakout year running the ball with 1273 yards, while Mike Wallace emerged as Ben’s #1 target with over 1200 yards receiving and 60 receptions. Veterans Hines Ward and Heath Miller were second and third respectively in receptions, yards and touchdowns and both are important to the offensive scheme with their blocking. The first name that comes to mind when talking Pittsburgh Steelers defense the past decade has been Troy Polamalu. An electric safety with exceptional ball skills as well as one of the hardest hitters in the league, the man with the hair is one of the best safeties in recent memory. He led the team with seven interceptions, returning one of them for a touchdown. Biggest play? In Week 13, his strip-sack of Raven’s quarterback Joe Flacco late in the fourth quarter led to a Steelers touchdown, in effect clinching the division and home field advantage for the Steelers. Most of the starting 11 for the Steelers defense is still intact from their 2008 Super Bowl victory, so it’s no surprise they led the league in total defense (YPG), rushing (YPG), and were second in passing defense (YPG). Lawrence Timmons led the team in tackles with James Harrison leading in sacks (10.5). To beat Green Bay, the Steelers must limit their turnovers and avoid big plays and missed tackles in the secondary. Aaron Rodgers has played very well in all three playoff games and was spectacular in one. The one spectacular game was indoors in Atlanta against the NFC’s number one seed. With the Super Bowl being played indoors on a similar track, the Steelers must get pressure on Rodgers any way they can. Defensively, the two players who need to have a great game, putting pressure on
Rodgers, are James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. Safeties Polamalu and Ryan Clark need to avoid big plays by making sure tackles in the secondary. The Green Bay defense is playing lights-out right now in all aspects. The lasting image of the NFC Championship may be 337-pound nose tackle B.J. Raji’s pick for six, but Clay Matthews is the leader of the defense and the favorite to win defensive MVP. Pro-Bowler Tramon Williams has had a huge postseason with a game-sealing pick off of Michael Vick in the wild-card round, and two picks in the divisional round against Atlanta, one of which was returned for a touchdown with no time left in the first half. Pittsburgh must establish the run and hope that Big Ben can extend plays and come up with a little more postseason magic.
Photos Courtesy: Keith Allison, Avinash Kunnath, Yu-Ping Chen
February 2 - 8, 2011 13
The Green Bay Packers got into the playoffs on the final day of the season by defeating the Chicago Bears 10-3 at Lambeau Field. Ironically, after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons on the road, the Bears were the final roadblock in the Packers’ quest to reach Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium. In a game that was marred by the controversy surrounding Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s knee injury – and the current and former NFL players’ reaction to Cutler on Twitter – Green Bay “quietly” advanced to the big game 2114. The biggest noise made by the Packers may have actually been in the pre-game when superstar cornerback Charles Woodson sounded off. You may remember Woodson from his days at Michigan when he beat out Peyton Manning, among others, to win the Heisman Trophy, or perhaps as the Raiders’ blitzing defensive back who drilled the Patriots’ quarterback in the controversial “Tuck
Rule” game that propelled New England to its first Super Bowl victory. “Think about one thing. One. For two weeks, two weeks, think about one. One mind. Let’s be one heartbeat. One purpose. One goal. One more game. One. Let’s get it! And check this. President [Barack Obama] don’t want to come watch us play in the Super Bowl? Guess what? Guess what? We’ll go see him. White House on three. One, two, three. White House!” By that moment, most Packers players were aware that Obama, a noted Bears fan, said he would attend Super Bowl XLV if Chicago were to play in the big game. However, the motivating speech was simply another example of Woodson’s emerging as the leader of the team that is set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on February 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The Packers offense is led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and he may have left the Packers’ legendary Brett Favre’s shadow behind in a cloud of text messages and harassment lawsuits from the latter’s time with the New York Jets. He has several weapons at his disposal including Pro Bowl wide receiver Greg Jennings, veteran wide receiver Donald Driver and rookie running back James Starks. Starks has evolved into a legitimate threat to break a big play every time he touches the ball. On the defensive side, linebacker Clay Matthews and defensive tackle B.J. Raji have continued to wreak havoc on the opposing team’s offenses throughout the playoffs. However it will likely be the secondary, including corners Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, the aforementioned Woodson and safety Nick Collins, that will be the key to slowing down Pittsburgh’s offense. Head coach Mike McCarthy has managed to keep this team focused enough to reach the Super Bowl in spite of having 16 players on injured reserve. He will have his team ready to say goodbye to the Brett Favre-era much as Cameron Diaz did in There’s Something About Mary as they look to deny the Steelers their seventh Super Bowl title.
blitzweekly.com
by Jay Betsill – “Man on the Inside”
February 2 - 8, 2011 17
“Ultimate Fighter”
Jon “Bones” Jones (11-1-0) vs. Ryan “Darth” Bader (13-0-0):
I’m telling you right now, fight of the night right here. Two awesome wrestlers with crazy explosiveness. Jones’s only loss is in a fight in which he was absolutely dominating but was disqualified for an illegal strike. Bader has proven to be a formidable striker and has been on an absolute rampage. The difference that I see here is Jones’s unorthodox style of strikes and takedowns. I predict Jones will hand Bader his first loss in a very exciting fight. Jones by TKO in the third. Either way, the winner takes a huge step towards title contention.
Forrest Griffin (17-6-0) vs. Rich “Scary Jim Carey” Franklin (28-5-0):
Two corn-fed white boys going at it in this one! Scary Jim Carey taking on Opie Taylor on steroids (not really on steroids but you get the point). This one could be a slugfest and a great fight, but I don’t see either of these guys making another serious title run. I hope I am wrong as I am a fan of both, but they are on the downward slide I’m afraid. I am calling a stand-up war that goes to Griffin, the P-Hawk by decision. This will be bloody and ugly but that is what Forrest will need to win.
Anderson “The Spider” Silva (27-4-0) vs. Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (19-8-0):
Two of the most popular men in Brazil will be scrapping for the World Middleweight Title in this one. First off you have Vitor, the challenger. This guy is an MMA legend who has been hot and cold throughout his career. He has handed some top tier fighters a first class a$$-whooping but has been on the other end as well. Then, you have Silva who has some losses, but not in a long time! He had been virtually untouchable until Chael Sonnen beat the brakes off of him for 4.5 rounds. Incredibly though, Silva was eventually able to secure a victory via triangle. Could he be human? Of course he is! Here is the deal. Vitor wins if he lands big in the first two rounds. If it goes past that, Vitor is finished. History does not lie and Vitor has never been good for much gas in the later rounds. I call Silva via TKO in the third.
Presented By: The Gym • 921 West Mayfield #112 • Arlington, Texas 817-652-1555 • www.thegym.org
blitzweekly.com
by Brian Beard
blitzweekly.com
18 February 2 - 8, 2011
Technical Illustrator (CAD) Dear BLITZbudsman: I work in a room full of twentyfive engineers. I’m just a CAD expert, checking the drawings our guys do themselves, but I’m the best bat they’ve got on the softball team and have been to their parties. Big deal, they’re like little kids for the most part, even the ones who are twice my age. The whole vendor data section just shoots rubber bands at each other all day and the head of our section sends paper airplanes over the top of his cubicle that can come floating across your desk at any time. We design equipment to help America’s military effort and everyone who works here has a top security clearance. Practical jokes are necessary to break the tension and I’ve created some good ones. But now I’m in danger of losing my job. I’m originally from Wisconsin, so I’ve always been knowledgeable about cheese. Thanks to my relatives, I learned to eat smelly cheese at an early age—the usual German limburgers, beer cheese, others nobody has heard of. Not only that, I still like the taste of them in spite of my wife, who won’t let me keep them in the refrigerator, even in airtight containers. It so happens that one of the oldest cheese shops in the country is only a mile from our campus. More than 800 varieties are on sale, including one that made me throw up once when I tried it back in Wisconsin. It’s called hand cheese or Harzer-käse. There’s more than one but the worst offender is gray-colored and almost translucent. The smell is unbelievable. You could go into a pasture and pick up something still steaming and it would be less disgusting on a plate. The engineer who sits in front of me—our first baseman—is also the biggest joker in the company. When he’s had a couple of beers he’s really funny. There’s no doubt the other departments are jealous of the fun they think we’re having because of him. I’ll call him Al. I had a little chat with the guy at the cheese shop when I found the hand cheese there. Sure enough, he’d never sold any, so the one I bought had been around a while. When Al was away from his desk, I found a sliding divider in one of his desk drawers that was back as far as it could go. I unlatched it and pulled it forward. In the space created I jammed in the hand cheese, warm from my coat pocket and completely unwrapped. Then I squushed the divider all the way back again. The cheese was now acting like an adhesive and it was hard to tell there was a divider back there at all. Al’s desk is in the center of the room and there are about ten other engineers around him, so they were all clued in. When Al came back to his desk, right away he was asking everyone if they smelled something and everyone said no. He sniffed his armpits, poked around in his desk, but ev-
erything was just as he had left it. He went to the bathroom and stayed a while. When he came back to his desk he was trying to make us think, “no big deal,” something had died in his desk and the immigrants who scampered all over the building at night would make it right. Much to his dismay when he came to work the next day the smell was still there. By this time the other engineers were beginning to think the joke had gone too far because the whole place was pretty ripe. The people on the floor above us were starting to com-
plain. That afternoon one of the big sticks from the top floor made an appearance. He and our top guys were looking at Al and the big stick asked him some questions. I was in the break room where they told me to go because what they had to say to Al was confidential. Fine with me. Later one of the other engineers told me they had asked Al to take off his shoes. They thought the smell was coming from his socks! It was only the second day of the smell but already Al was no longer himself. He never told a joke. He ate lunch by himself in the parking lot and was smoking again in a special place behind the building where the smokers go. He’d been off cigarettes for three months before our joke got to him. I say “our” with full knowledge that I was the one who thought up the joke. True, but my superiors could have stopped it at any time. They were having too much fun! Or getting even for the times Al had made fun of them. By day three it was clear that Al was losing his mind. He opened his drawers all the time, one after the other, starting with the top left one and ending with the bottom right. Sometimes he’d whip one open as if he thought he was going to catch something in there. By now the smell was unbearable but no one seemed to think nausea and vomiting was too big a price to pay to get even with Al. By day four I noticed that Al’s way of walking had changed. He was taking little steps and stopping to look back as if he was afraid the effect he was having was going to swamp him. And he was in no hurry to get anywhere because he was sure no one would be glad to see him. I’m now sure that no one in my department is going to admit having a role in Al’s ordeal. My best friends have told
In this column, conditions in the American workplace will be disclosed. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the employers and employees ridiculed herein, and as with celebrities and politicians, nothing said by or about them should be taken seriously.
me I’ll lose my job if I own up. It’s one of those classic whistle-blower situations. No one has the guts to admit what they’ve allowed to go on. One of Al’s best friends told me his wife is threatening to leave him. She thinks the foul odor that surrounds him wherever he goes comes from pores in his skin. As for Al, he never stops doing battle with the smell that clings to him. Today Al’s wife showed up with one of the VPs from the penthouse and complained in a loud voice that the whole place smelled like a sh!thouse. No wonder it was in her husband’s clothes when he came home! She ripped everybody a new a$$hole, including the VP. When she left, the VP went into our senior paper plane engineer’s office and there was shouting. Everyone wants me to come forward and admit my role in driving the person they are now calling “one of our best young engineers” around the bend. Maybe I started it, but I’m not going to take all the blame. They watched this man deteriorate the same as I did. They’ve all been told: if I go down for this I’m taking them with me. Am I wrong? – Cheesehead
Dear Cheesehead:
You have quite simply chosen the wrong profession. A friend of mine who’s high up in the intelligence community thinks you’re one of the most talented prospects he has ever come across. He’s most impressed by your patience in the face of mounting hysteria, your equanimity while creating a state of denial throughout the company, and not in the least, by the ingenuity you have shown in fully exploiting the potential of rotten cheese in cultural isolation. To be sure, the best to be hoped for was an end to Al’s joke-telling, a trivial objective. But you have already raised hopes high in our government and will soon have left your O-rings and gaskets far behind. You may be the “shining knight of pre-emption” that our frustrated foreign policy wonks have been praying for. Armed with nothing but soft cheese you are poised to do more for your country than ten thousand knuckleheads like those in your office. Your superiors have a lot to answer for. Imagine wasting talents like yours on practical jokes. Rubber bands as offensive weapons and paper planes from people charged with producing military hardware—What have we come to? The senior engineer in charge of this playpen of yours ought not to be surprised if some night soon he hears a knock on the door…
Write to the BLITZbudsman at blitzbudsman@blitzweekly.com
February 2 - 8, 2011 19
Pushing the limits of the terms “4G” and “world’s most powerful” is the new Motorola Atrix 4G. Running Android 2.2 and packing a host of high-end features like a 1 GHz dual-core processor, a “qHD” 960 x 540 screen, 1 GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage with a microSD slot for expansion, HSPA+, front- and rear-facing cameras, HD video capture, a biometric fingerprint reader for secure access, dual mics for noise-reduction, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi 802.11n support, and a 1930 mAh battery, the Atrix also works with a new “laptop dock” for expanded multi-tasking and browsing with a full version of Firefox — but it still reminds us a little too much of the doomed Palm Folio. (Price – TBA)
Denon N7 Streaming Receiver
Give your vintage speakers a passport to the future by hooking them into the Denon N7 Streaming Receiver. This 65 Watt AM/FM/CD/iPod receiver features built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi, giving you access to networked features like access to digital files stored on a PC or NAS, support for audio streaming from Pandora, Napster, or Rhapsody, support for remote control via the Denon remote app for iOS, and AirPlay support, making that iPod/iPhone dock on top just a wee bit redundant. Also pairs well with Denon’s SC-N7 Speakers ($135; pictured). (Price – $480)
Harley-Davidson FXS Blackline Softail
Ready yourself for Spring with the new Harley-Davidson FXS Blackline Softail. A creation of the company’s Dark Custom movement, the FXS redefines the Softail with features like a bobbed rear fender, an asymmetric five-gallon Softail fuel tank, a compact headlight and speedometer for a more custom look, the lowest two-up seat (only 24-inches off the tarmac) ever offered by Harley-Davidson, paired with new Split Drag handlebars, black-rimmed, laced wheels, and a Twin Cam 96B V-Twin engine dressed in black and silver. Just one more thing to look forward to once the sun and warm weather decide to return. (Price – $15,500 and up)
2011 Ford Fiesta by David Goodspeed
How will automakers counter the predictions for five-dollar-a-gallon-gas this year? Ford wants you to celebrate -– with a Fiesta! Yes, the car you simply could not get enough of during last season’s American Idol is in dealer showrooms giving consumers ample time to secure one as fuel prices begin the roller coaster ride back northward. While the nameplate is not new to our shores, this gen-forward Fiesta has already seen success globally, it just took Ford a little time (as well as the other domestic carmakers) to see Fit (pun intended) to bring it (back) here. The little tike was first here in the days of cheap(er) oil and crappy square cars. Gone is all of that now and 2011 is certainly a good time for a Fiesta. “Customers are savvy. They want expressive cars that deliver not just great fuel economy but also high quality, new technologies and a fun driving experience,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We plan to answer the call with Fiesta; an allnew vehicle in North America we hope will set a new standard for small cars.” The new Fiesta is being offered in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models. Our recent tester was the latter and came rolling in the hard-to-ignore lime
“A Heavy Foot and High Opinion”
squeeze metallic body paint. I liked it, but then I was always a sucker for a Braum’s Limeade too. The little car has a little engine but delivered big on ride quality and comfort and backed by a five-speed manual gearbox was able to deliver pleasant acceleration as well from the 120hp 1.6-liter I-4 DuraTec motor. And when mated to the six-speed automatic transmission the new Fiesta is capable of up to 40 mpg. Also aiding fuel economy is the new electric power assist steering that does not put any drag on the engine and is lighter in weight as well. On the road the Fiesta delivers a quiet ride not usually found in the segment. Automakers have seen fit to pay more attention to NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) in this segment in order to bolster sales of the smaller vehicles. A little bit of foam and padding goes a long way in pleasing the buyer. Of course Fiesta is connected – with SYNC – and also offers keyless entry and push button start. Interior design is open and roomy and seating is comfortable.
Pricing begins at $13,995 and key competitors include the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris (and its own cousin the Mazda2). Our SES tester started at $17,120 and came with a final sticker of $18,590 (almost a 33 percent increase over base – ouch). In this segment I prefer the hatch version of every one of the models listed here. Those that offer a sedan version are just plain ugly (Ford included). If you are considering this segment be sure to save some time for a Fiesta.
blitzweekly.com
Motorola Atrix 4G
blitzweekly.com
20 February 2 - 8, 2011 Truluck’s 2401 McKinney Avenue Dallas – 75201 PH: 214-220-2401 www.trulucks.com
by The Bum
Truluck’s
:A Feast for the Senses
by Jesse Whitman – “A Woman’s Perspective”
Truluck’s offers top-notch seafood and steaks in an elegant art deco diner.
Setting Money might not be able to buy happiness, but it can get you a villa on the Italian Riviera, which would be so devastating. I weep just thinking about how miserable living in luxury on the Mediterranean would make me. Let me ask you this; have you ever seen someone riding a jet ski and frowning? Probably not. Putting your ego aside for a moment, think about having your own multi-million dollar one-hit wonder. Even a silly or catchy idea could attract millions of people who are bored and easily amused. But there also is a wrong way to do it, like my uncle who bought a living room full of gumball machines. “Wow! You just made 25 cents.” But that was before the invention of the Internet, which changes everything... Finding your idea—Sometimes the best ideas can come from the most base and shallow desires. Take Mark Zuckerberg, the inventor of Facebook, which is now worth 25 billion dollars. The seed for his idea was planted by a drunken blogging vendetta against a girl who dumped him, whom he then further spurned by his desire to get noticed by girls. It also helped that he was a computer wiz with keen business instincts. Even if you lack inherent genius, try thinking about what you really want in life, and see where that takes you. If you’re still having trouble, take some cues from the Keyboard Cat, the YouTube sensation that has over 12 million views. The creator, Charlie Schmidt—broke and
unemployed at the time—merely wanted to amuse himself, so he dressed up his cat in a shirt and made it look like he was playing the keyboard. Now Schmidt is fielding advertising offers, promotional deals, and live appearances on national TV. Anybody can post on YouTube, and if it’s something funny and silly like the Keyboard Cat, it could easily go viral. Just make sure you copyright everything from the beginning, including possible website domains, to protect yourself from people reposting your clip. Making your fortune from a silly YouTube clip that people all over the earth watch might not be the most dignified way to get rich and famous, but it sure beats waiting tables or enduring the stress of the corporate rat race. Plus, you don’t have to be a genius to do it, just a bit business-savvy in regards to protecting your work and securing copyrights. Besides, in a country where coffee cups have their own sweaters, America is the land of spoiled people who do little work for a ton of money, and often with little or no talent. Just look at all the talentless d-list celebrities selling their souls for a nice chunk of change: Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Kate Gosselin and Bristol Palin. I really doubt they’re losing sleep over being talentless sellouts. And neither would I, so long as the check clears. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go teach my poodle how to play the ukulele.
A neon-lit building in the trendy Uptown area of Dallas. There is another Truluck’s on Belt Line Road in busy Addison to the north, and they have locations in several other cities in Texas and Florida.
dallasrestaurantreviews.com
Florida stone crab claws. They come in Medium, Large, and Jumbo – all very large and very expensive – available October 15 to May 15. They are not only beautiful to look at, but are meaty, sweet, and delicious. Prices range from $20-$59 depending on size and quantity. Truluck’s sometimes offers an “all you can eat” Stone Crab special ($59) – like on Monday nights and whenever they feel like it. If they do – go for it! It includes all of their excellent soups, sides, and salads.
Wine
They have a steakhouse-quality wine list starting in the $40 range, and a phenomenal 100 wines by the glass. You can also order them in samplers, or “flights” – three 1/3 servings to sample and compare. (Decisions, decisions.)
Food
Truluck’s serves a variety of seafood and steaks, and not run-of-the-mill stuff. To start, I like the Hot House Tomato Salad, at $10 almost a meal in itself. The Chicken & Corn Chowder is excellent, and the Crab and Artichoke Bisque soup is a specialty. There are a bunch of steaks and chops ($25-$45), and if you want to throw caution to the winds, consider the 16 oz. Niman Ranch Prime HandCut Ribeye. They also offer King Crab legs large enough to be a table leg; half a dozen grilled fishes; and a dozen other seafood dishes (such as Thai Chili Day Boat Scallops in a sweet & spicy Thai chili glaze). The sides are also a little more creative than the usual steakhouse fare, my favorite being the flavorful Crab Fried Rice.
Stone Crab Claws
Truluck’s is famous for their fresh
Ambiance
Old Chicago. You’ll find dark, polished woods; black & white celebrity photos; spacious & comfortable booths and tables; and maybe even Frank Sinatra playing lightly in the background. They also have a comfortable patio for the many months of nice Dallas weather (the one in Uptown is better than Addison).
Reservations Bottom Line Recommended.
Truluck’s is a sleeper – you may not expect much when you first lay eyes on their deco diner exterior, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
HORRORSCOPES
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
You’ll have to come up with something better than ‘oops’ to explain yourself to the person you’re supposedly committed to. And hide your blow-up doll.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20)
You just can’t help but wonder what your life would be like if you hadn’t made so many errors in judgment along the way. You’re a screw-up – accept it!
FUNNIES
Aries (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19)
Working to improve the planet is something you were never destined to do. Fill that SUV with gas, consume tons of bottled water and throw all your plastic bags in the ocean.
“I think we should go Dutch,” a woman said to her date. “You pay for dinner and the movie, and the rest of your night can be on me.” “My doctor says if I don’t give up sex, I’ll be dead in a week,” a man told his friend. “Why is that?” the friend asked. “Because,” the man replied, “I’m playing around with his wife.” “Darling,” a wife told her husband, “I’m having an affair!” “Great, he said, “Will it be catered?” Q: What should you do when your girlfriend tells you she fakes orgasms? A: Pretend you don’t hear her. Saving Money An old miser read an advertisement that the new whorehouse in town charged $50 for the first visit and $25 thereafter. The first time he visited he knocked on the door and the madam replied, “Who’s there?” The man answered promptly, “It’s me again.”
blitzweekly.com
JOKES
February 2 - 8, 2011 21
Taurus (Apr. 20 – May 20)
Your idea of innocent fun is insulting to others. Keep it up a$$hole! ACROSS: 1. Great Salt Lake state 5. Swab 8. Creative work 12. Epic 13. Soup server 15. Confined 16. X X X X 17. Unearthly 18. Threesome 19. Propagate 22. Policeman 23. One circuit around a track 24. Coastal raptor 26. A range of mountains 29. Silver, in heraldry 31. Trangression 32. Spermal fluid 34. Cowboy movie 36. Narrow margin 38. Stories 40. Hindu princess 41. A large ladle 43. A Finnish steam bath 45. Chunk 46. Raise in a relief 48. Supple 50. Sit for a photo
51. Apple or rhubarb 52. Sick 54. Clear 61. Meal plan for weight loss 63. Poplar tree 64. Region 65. Not deceived by 66. Mark of insertion 67. Hammer or saw 68. Look of lust 69. Scatter 70. Slave DOWN: 1. Utilized 2. Cab 3. Matures 4. Bother 5. Anagram of “Mail” 6. Chief Norse god 7. Supplication 8. Choose 9. Parts in one-hundredths 10. Pearly-shelled mussel 11. Cease 13. Primitive eel-like fish 14. “Come in!” 20. Cobs of corn
21. Therefore 25. Close 26. Subsequently 27. Not yet finished 28. Accumulate 29. Cancel 30. Male singing range 31. Not a bro 33. Equal Rights Amendment 35. A bone in the chest 37. Vagabond 39. A small piece of scrap 42. Stake 44. Dogfish 47. Glacial ice formation 49. Harangue 52. Graven image 53. Connects two points 55. Fabrics made from goat hair 56. A Roman emperor 57. Killed 58. God of love 59. A gas found in some lights 60. Story 62. Crag
Gemini (May 21 – Jun. 21)
Your obsession over things and people you can’t control is driving everyone crazy. You could spend a bundle on therapy and meds or wait for the new healthcare system in 2014.
Cancer (Jun. 22 – Jul. 22)
You know you’re unhappy; everyone else knows you’re unhappy. So what are you going to do about it? A drinking binge at Logan’s is a good start!
Leo (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22)
This week is all about pushing the boundaries. Wait! About pushing garbage to the curb, pushing the vacuum cleaner and pushing your coworkers and loved ones out of your life.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
You’ll greet Super Bowl Sunday with optimism. By game-time, half of it will have dissipated. You won’t win any of your prop bets and your bookie will be looking for you.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Your first impulse is to impress friends you don’t have – that means you tend to spend cash you don’t have. The strip clubs love you!
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Your desire for success is an all-encompassing obsession. You don’t care – you’d sell your own bodily fluids if it would get you ahead.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Face it, you’re the biggest doormat in the world and nothing you can do will change that fact. You’re perfectly fine being taken advantage of. It’s what you know best.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Pretend your dreams have come true because there’s no way you’re ever going to nab a good job, an expensive car and a hot wife. You’re a loser through and through!