blitzweekly.com
VOL. 2 - ISSUE 18
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 3
Pair Accused of Faking Death from Bad Oysters BLITZ News Shorts 3 Hollywood Profile / Movie Reviews 4 Blitz Music: Rock’n New Year’s Venues 5 Mavs and Stars Previews 6 UNT / SMU / TCU Previews 7 Dallas Cowboys Week 16 Preview 8 COVER STORY: Guide to New Year’s Midnight Kiss 9 Where to Party this Year 10-11 ‘09 Recap/‘10 Predictions 10-11 BLITZ BABE: Tracy 12 UFC 108 Preview 13 Restaurant Review: El Guapo’s 14 Blitz Toys 15 The Fan Top 10 with Sybil 16 Crossword / Jokes / Horrorscopes 17 Last Call: Xmas Presents... 18 PUBLISHER / EDITOR Kelly G. Reed CREATIVE DIRECTOR / WEBSITE / GRAPHIC DESIGN Damien William Mayfield COVER: Photographer: Darryl Briggs Model: Amanda Moore Graphic Designer: Damien William Mayfield CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Gregg Case, Manny Flores PHOTOGRAPHERS Ronnie Baker, Darryl Briggs, Steven Hendrix, Matt Pearce, Jason Ryan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joe Avezzano, Baby Xtina, Brian Beard, Jack Bishop, Johnny Blaze, Geoff Case, Fred Faour, Vivian Fullerlove, Robin George, Andrew J. Hewett, Peggy Kilpatrick, Frank LaCosta, Jayson Larson, Peggy Kilpatrick, Pat Moran, Tunde Obazee, Richard S. Pollak, Craig Smith, Eddie Stephens, Joe Stumpo, Sybil Summers, Jennifer Wayne and Jesse Whitman ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Kelly G. Reed SALES REPRESENTATIVES Johnny Horton, Patrick Marshall CONTACT US MAIN NUMBER 214-529-7370 FAX NUMBER 972-960-8618 kreed@blitzweekly.com BLITZ Weekly P.O. Box 295293, Lewisville, TX 75029
www.blitzweekly.com Copyright 2009 YK Publishing, LLC. No portion of BLITZ Weekly may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the Publisher. BLITZ Weekly is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. BLITZ Weekly may be distributed only by BLITZ Weekly’s authorized independent contractors or BLITZ Weekly’s authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of BLITZ Weekly, take more than one copy of each BLITZ Weekly issue. Articles printed in this publication may express opinions or views not necessarily the opinions of BLITZ Weekly. The BLITZ Weekly is not responsible for the content or claims of advertisements or editorial in this publication. Story reprints are available for $1 plus postage; call the office at 214-529-7370 to place an order or check our archives at www.blitzweekly.com.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year’s Eve when you get so drunk, you kiss the person you’re married to.” – P.J. O’Rourke
A couple were charged in federal court in Sioux Falls with faking the husband’s death to collect life insurance. A woman, 39, and her 45-year-old husband
Flashing Teen Found Guilty After Being Hit by Car
A New Zealand teen who was flashing her breasts at passing cars has been found guilty of disorderly behavior for the prank, which ended with her in a hospital after a distracted driver ran into her. Cherelle May Dudfield, 18, pleaded guilty to the charge when she appeared in Invercargill District Court, the Southland Times newspaper reported Wednesday. Dudfield, egged on by her friends, was flashing passing motorists from a traffic island in the middle of a four-lane road in the southern city of Invercargill on September 27. The alcohol-fueled prank went awry when one of the vehicles crashed into her as she tried to run to the side of the road, police Inspector Olaf Jensen said.
pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The wife was free on bond while the husband was being held without bond. Authorities said the woman claimed that her husband had died after eating bad oysters during a family vacation in Malaysia in 2003. She eventually settled the insurance case with two insurance companies for $2 million. FBI agents informed Sioux Falls-based Midland National Life about a year ago that the husband walked into the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, and asked to renew his passport. The man was arrested in Guam last month.
“She was extremely lucky as the vehicle had slowed because of her behavior,” he told The Associated Press. “She rolled up onto the bonnet (hood) and cracked the windscreen before she came down with some minor injuries and was taken to hospital.” The prank occurred in the city center, where a ban on alcohol use is in force, he noted. Dudfield was fined $198.
Shirtless Man, Woman in Handcuffs Belt Rob Bank Authorities in South Florida are searching for a man who held up a Fort Lauderdale bank shirtless then fled with a woman who sported a belt made of handcuffs. According to a news release from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the man demanded money from a teller at a Bank of America
branch on Friday afternoon and implied he had a weapon. The teller gave the man an unspecified amount of cash, and he then fled on foot with the woman. The man was wearing blue jeans, while the woman wore a blue hat, black shirt and jeans.
Andrew J. Hewett
www.chewednews.com
IS THIS WHY IN ENGLISH WE GET “PIST”? Before luxury car manufacturer Rolls Royce began production in 1965, its original name of Silver Mist was changed to Silver Cloud. This change was necessary after designers learned the German word “Miststück” (English sounding, “Mist Stick”) was slang, proclaiming a woman to be a bitch or slut. (In some cases, this word could also meaning rubbish, dirt or even manure.) PROBABLY JUST NEEDED HIS NIGHTLY 100 STROKES? August 2, 1992, The Omaha World Herald told of Redmond McGee, 25, who had an unusual fetish, one which caused Baton Rouge, Louisiana police to arrest him. What Mr. McGee got arrested for was breaking into a woman’s bedroom and ... forcibly brushing her hair. AN UNUSUAL FORM OF SELF ABUSE The act of self-enucleation, the rippingout of one’s own eyeball(s) is rare, and even this small number is found almost exclusively in Christian cultures. Virtually no recorded occurrences have been found in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Australia, or Papua New Guinea. (Perhaps, because, according to the King James Bible’s chapter Mark verse 9:47: if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire)
blitzweekly.com
4 Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010
HOLLYWOOD PROFILE BLITZREVIEWS with Jude Law By: Joe Stumpo - www.darthstumpo.com
Wa s t i n g o u r m o n ey s o yo u d o n ’t h a ve t o !
Vivian Fullerlove
“Entertainment’s Real Critic”
“Dr. Watson, I presume?” Jude Law plays one of the world’s most famous sidekicks in the new movie Sherlock Holmes. Along with co-star Robert Downey Jr., the two play London’s dynamic duo of the 1800’s. They engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. We caught up with Law to discuss how they put a new twist on an old tale and what it was like working with Downey Jr.
You play Dr. Watson, the faithful sidekick of Sherlock Holmes. Tell me a little about your character in this new adaptation of their adventures.
What’s been one of the most enjoyable revelations, I suppose, is going back and reading the books and realizing that, in fact, there was so much uncovered and unexplored [territory] in the character, including his strict military training and background; and the fact that he dives head first into these very physical and dangerous scenarios with his partner in fighting crime very willingly. So, we’ve really explored the idea that whilst Holmes is very much a superman with a great mind and great skills, Watson is far from being his inferior. He’s got a brain on him, too, and he’s an important component in Holmes’ process of working out these crimes. I really wanted him to be very straight-laced and really representative of sort of a buttoned up, polished professional.
Invictus: Seeing the melting pot of South Africans putting their negative feelings on race aside and coming together as one to root for their rugby team at the ‘95 World Cup Championship match reminded me of how people here in America celebrate when their favorite team wins the World Series or the Super Bowl. Of course, there was more at stake in South Africa back in the ‘90s when President Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) took over. With his country torn apart by apartheid, Mandela asks South African rugby team captain, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to win the world cup in hopes of uniting his country through sports. Director Clint Eastwood’s chronicle is just one chapter of Mandela’s life as president. I am certain the definitive film biography on Mandela has yet to be made.
PICK OF THE WEEK
You mentioned the partnership between the two characters, was it difficult developing a relationship with Robert Downey Jr. that would make that partnership seem authentic?
Truly the two of us hit it off very quickly. We’re very honest with each other. We tended to really push each other and make it work and sometimes that is magic and sometimes it ain’t, and I was very fortunate that I was playing opposite someone that is nothing short of genius.
What do you think is the secret to the enduring relationship between the two men?
In so many ways they are perfectly compatible, but also exhaustingly incompatible. I suppose there’s quite a strong theme in our film that they can’t live with or without each other. Watson is trying to get away to live a normal life, to marry, to carry on a healthy medical practice without his neighbor blowing things up or shooting through the walls or setting himself on fire. Of course, he knows what he’ll miss is his world of adventure and of the macabre which Holmes offers.
Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969): The Blu-ray release of the third and final season of the original Star Trek series that spawned four television series and 11 big screen movies to date, is particularly special in that Trekkies literally get the best of both worlds all in one box set. If they don’t care to see the digitally remastered episodes revamped with better visual effects done the way George Lucas chose to redo shots of the classic Star Wars trilogy (1977-1983), they can just flip the discs and watch the original episodes from the ‘60s.
This film is being touted as a “new” Sherlock Holmes. Do you think fans of classic Sherlock Holmes’ adventures could be turned off by the movie?
I think what will surprise people the most is how faithful it is. A lot of the talk and attention is on how we are bringing a new Sherlock Holmes, and they’re highlighting all the stuff that is going to be different, and it will be different, the physicality, the addition of the brawling and the fighting which you don’t get listed in the novel or see in movies of that period, but I think people will be surprised at how faithful we’ve been [to the original] while injecting it with life that hasn’t yet been thrown into it. We’ve gone back and maintained all the cerebral intrigue, the science, the suspense and menace of the fantastic stories and twists in the stories that were created originally while energizing it with the modern world around us. Sherlock Holmes opens nationwide this week. The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material. For all of this week’s new movies, check out my show Reel Critics on Time Warner Cable Video on Demand under the North Texas Programming Tab!
Dallas Polo Club
LE A R N
TO
P L AY P O L O
NO RIDING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY WWW .DALLASPOLOCLUB.ORG
C ALL 214-979-0300 ext.1
EXAM & X-RAY
$29.00 1614 E. Beltline Rd. Carrollton, Texas 75006 972-466-0077 www.beltlinesmilecenter.com
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 5
by: Johnny Blaze & Baby Xtina
Not sure what to do this New Year’s Eve? If you plan on sticking around the area this year, below are a couple of local spots you should definitely check out: Stop by the Barley House located on 5612 SMU Blvd, Dallas. Everybody’s favorite Beatles tribute band, A Hard Nights Day, will be performing 4 sets. Here is a breakdown of how the evening will play out.
ple, The Deathray Davies. A free pizza buffet will be provided at midnight along with a champagne toast and party favors. For more information, call 214-821-4447 or go online at www.bryanstreettavern.com. If neither of the above events do the trick for ya, roll on over to Dallas’ finest music venue, The Granada Theater, and check out Dallas’ own Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights. The Granada says they go good with 1st set: Ed Sullivan Show suits-all The Rolling Stones and The Black Crowes early Beatles ‘63-’64 and that definitely does not suck. This mix 2nd set: Shea Stadium suits-years of Southern Rock and Blues will surely help ‘65-’66 you bring in the New Year. The show starts 3rd set: Sgt Peppers Costumes-enat 8 p.m. and tickets are $12-20. For more tire album front to back information go to www.granadatheater.com. 4th set: Vintage 60’s Rock-The If you’re a P1 like me, you might want to Who, Rolling Stones, Kinks, and head on over to The House of Blues to check more out Rhyner’s band (who’s dead, we know), Petty Theft, a Tom Petty tribute band. They Make sure to stick around as there will be a will be performing in the Pontiac/Cambridge free champagne toast at midnight. The event Room starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. If will also include party that isn’t your flavor, favors and food units. the main room will For more information host Cross Canadian on the NYE Barley Ragweed, Wade Bowhouse shindig, call en and Mickey & the 214-824-0306 or go Motor cars starting at online at www.barley8pm. The cost of that MUSIC: The Beatles house.com. event is $75.50 and 1. Can’t Buy Me Love The Beatles – A Hard Day’s Night The Barley you can go to www. 2. Eight Days a Week House’s sister bar, houseofblues.com for The Beatles – Beatles for Sale Bryan Street Tavern, more information on 3. Yesterday located on 4315 Bryan tickets. The Beatles – Help! Street is also hosting Lastly, The 4. Drive My Car The Beatles – Rubber Soul some festivities of it’s Toadies have reunited 5. We Can Work It Out own. Bryan Street has again and added a The Beatles – Yesterday and Today put together a great second show for New 6. Eleanor Rigby The Beatles – Revolver lineup of Texas musiYear’s Eve performcians to bring in the ing at Trees located on 7. A Day in the Life The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s... New Year. 2709 Elm St., Dallas. 8. I Am the Walrus First to perform at Also included in the The Beatles – Magical Mystery Tour 10:30 p.m. is Buttercup, line up are The Boom 9. Helter Skelter The Beatles – The White Album a San Antonio-based Boom Box and Dove band. Their sound is Hunter. This show is 10. Come Together The Beatles – Abbey Road described as having sure to be full of a lot breezy melodies exof energy. Tickets are perimenting with psy$45 and can be purchedelic pop. Up next, chased through www. Salim Nourallah and frontgatetickets.com. the Dufilhos at 11:30 Whatever you decide p.m. If you haven’t had on, be sure to exercise the pleasure of experigood judgment and encing Salim’s intricate stay off the roads if you melodies, then definitely listen up. This will plan on partaking in some adult beverages. be his first NYE show since 1995. Taking the Let’s all send 2009 out with a bang in a mastage after Mr. Nourallah is local music sta- jor way.
blitzweekly.com
Rock'n New Year’s Venues
Photo Courtesy: Gregg Case
MAVS:News
by: Geoff Case – “Mavericks Analyst”
Dirk Gets a Toothache The Dallas Mavericks may be without their superstar Dirk Nowitzki after he had Carl Landry’s teeth fragments unwillingly implanted into his elbow tissue. The Mavs are going to have to just give him spot duty or shut him down completely to fully heal. The laceration on his shooting elbow is so deep that every motion could reopen the wound. It’s an injury that could seriously hamper a precision shooter. It’s better to give him a few games off and make sure the stitches do their job rather than have a nagging injury the rest of the season.
Upcoming Opponents: Dec. 26: vs. Memphis Grizzles – The Mavs don’t match up well with Zac Randolph and Marc Gasol banging in the post. The 98-82 drubbing during their last meeting should provide some motivation. Dec. 27: at Denver Nuggets – Chauncey Billups is out with a groin injury, but should be back for this match-up. Let’s see if the Mavs really got more “athletic” this year. Dec. 31: at Houston Rockets – They are slowly bringing back T-Mac, but are still a feisty bunch that always play hard. Jan 2: at Sacramento Kings – The Kings have a rising star in Tyreke Evans, but aren’t considered a real threat...yet. Evans is quick and relentlessly drives to the basket which has been a problem for the Mavs defense. Jan. 3: at Los Angeles Lakers – The most talented team in the NBA hasn’t forgotten about the last time the Mavs visited. Can the Mavs sweep the Lakers in LA? Jan. 5: vs. Detroit Pistons – The Pistons present the same problem as the Kings: the super quick Rodney Stuckey driving the lane. They need to get Tayshaun Prince healthy before they start to really scare anybody. My prediction for this stretch: 4-2
STARS:News
by: Richard S. Pollak – “That Hockey Guy”
All I Want for Christmas is ... Santa, before I leave for a holiday hockey scouting trip to the Bahamas with the V.P. of Fun, Brett Hull, I have only one request-let the Stars win the last six games of 2009! We need to gain momentum to rise in the standings in the New Year. Stars Coach Marc Crawford found a niche for Mike Modano on the power play and as a third line defensive center against the opponent’s top-scoring line. While this hasn’t resulted in many scoring opportunities (except for his left winger, Steve Ott), it has given Modano sufficient playing time to contribute to the team effort without burning him out. We all want to see Modano play in the Winter Olympic game in Vancouver (I’m still on the media waiting list with only 67 spots to move up before making the final cut), but we know he needs time to rest, too. Coming into the last weeks of 2009, the Stars face a challenging group of opponents. The Ken Hitchcock-coached Columbus Blue Jackets make their second appearance this season at the AAC, after drumming the Stars 4-1 back in November. Plus, two major battles are to be fought with the two mostimproved teams in the West Conference, the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago
Photo Courtesy: Manny Flores
blitzweekly.com
6 Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010
Blackhawks. The Avalanche have turned around a disastrous year with the addition of a new, aggressive goaltender, while the Blackhawks are cashing in on 3 years of top draft picks maturing. The New Year’s Eve game, now a hockey tradition in Dallas, will bring the Anaheim Ducks to town. With the Ducks in ownership turmoil, they will probably be the first team in the Western Division to change coaches. Our New Year starts out with the Stars facing the NHL’s winningest Goaltender, Martin Brodeur, and the New Jersey Devils.
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 7 - Eddie Stephens
- Jayson Larson
Last Sunday, North Texas lost a heart-breaker in overtime to Florida International 80-70. Josh White hit a three-pointer to send it into overtime with .04 seconds left in regulation. They trailed at the half by 15. Josh White, who is usually automatic from the line, was 5-10. He had only missed seven all year coming into the game. The team shot 60% from the free-throw line, which killed them in the game. They came out flat, scoring a season low 23 points for a half in the first half. North Texas shot a poor 36.2% from the field for the game. Tristan Thompson came to play with a career high in points with 27 and three-pointers made in a game with 6. On Monday, they play at home against Texas Southern, who can only claim four wins this season. On New Years Eve, they travel to Arkansas-Little Rock for a conference game, which should be an easy win since the Trojans have rarely found the win column this season. Next up is a Saturday conference match-up at Arkansas State, coached by John Brady. The Mean Green need to win this tough one to stay on top in the conference
SMU is starting to come alive as they killed Occidental 77-49 this past week. Rodney Clinkscales made 4 three-pointers and scored 15 points in the win. Mike Walker also scored 14 points to help the Mustangs in the victory. The Mustangs are scoring points and playing team ball. They will take on UNLV this week in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. As mentioned previously, guards Tre’Von Willis and Oscar Bellfield average 27 points per game between them. After the trip to Hawaii, they return home to play Army on the 30th. Army is led by Cleveland Richard and Julian Simmons, both are guards, as well. The Mustangs start the new year by going on the road to play Texas State. Currently, the Bobcats sport a 3-8 record with no wins over any big name schools. Their forwards are their main scorers. Watch for John Ryback and Cameron Johnson to do most of the damage. If the Mustangs continue to play like they have been, there will only be good things to say about them. This team is now 4-3 and getting better. Look for the Mustangs to get even better after every game.
To get excited about TCU basketball look no further than Zvonko Buljan and Ronnie Moss. Buljan became the first player in program history to earn Preseason First Team All-Mountain West Conference accolades (voted on by the coaches and media). In addition, Buljan was selected as a Preseason First Team All-Mountain West Conference award winner by CBS Sportsline and Blue Ribbon Basketball Yearbook. Through 10 games this season, Buljan is the only player in the MWC averaging a doubledouble at 15.9 points and 10 rebounds per game. Moss is averaging 16.5 points per game and has posted a double-digit scoring in nine of ten games this season. In addition, Moss has recorded three 20plus scoring performances and ranks fifth in the MWC. Moss is also tied for third in the country in assists per game (6.8 A-G) with Larry Drew II from North Carolina. Up next for TCU is Aubrey Coleman (averaging 26.7 points per game) and the Houston Cougars on Dec. 23. Then they return home to host Northern Colorado on Dec. 30 and Rice on Jan. 2. Both home contests begin at 8:00pm.
Shaq Attacks The Tough Economy Christmas Day 2009 will soon be here. This year, we have seen our economy struggle and many of us have found it hard to make ends meet. Millions of kids will not even have a present to open on what is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” There is hope for less fortunate kids across the country, though, thanks to Shaq-A-Claus, a.k.a. Shaquille O’Neal, one of the biggest kids in America with an
even bigger heart. He’s been buying Christmas gifts for kids in need since he was a rookie in Orlando in 1992 (with no help from foundations or donations). Every year, he heads to Toys ‘R Us with credit card in hand to purchase tons of toys to make sure kids have at least one present to open. Shaq is saddened by the fact that some won’t have anything. He puts on his Santa Claus hat and enjoys mingling with other customers. He signs autographs and takes pictures as he fills many carts with toy to load onto a big
Sportsologist
Craig Smith – csmith@blitzweekly.com
truck. “About 15 years ago, my mother and father ordered me to go to a Toys ‘R Us and buy toys and give them out to kids,” he said. “I got a call from my mother and she said, ‘Boy, get your butt up, go down to the store and buy some gifts for the kids.’ He saw kids faces overcome with joy and he liked the way that made him feel. He grew up in the inner city and spent lots of time at the Boy and Girls Club, which gave him the supervision and guidance he needed. He gives a lot of the presents back to those clubs
because he enjoyed the time he spent there as a youth. He personally delivers the presents, too. This year he has partnered with Toys ‘R Us to help raise as much money as possible in the giving season. He is asking people to join his efforts in “Shaq Gives Back” to help the store and Toys for Tots provide toys to millions of needy children. “I realize we are living in a tough economy, but if you can, a dollar is all we are asking for,” he said. You can drop by a local store to help. You and I know it is better to give than receive.
blitzweekly.com
- Craig Smith
Baltimore vs Pittsburgh Sunday, Dec 27 – noon – Heinz Field – CBS
The NFL wouldn’t be the NFL without a meaningful December match up between these two teams. The winner of this game will be a step closer to the playoffs and the loser will probably be planning for next year. The Steelers won on the last second against Green Bay. The Ravens dominated the Bears.
Boise State(6) vs TCU(4)
Monday, Jan 4 – 7pm – Cardinals Stadium – FOX
The “other” match up between two undefeated teams. Since the BCS was afraid to see how the teams would fare against BCS schools, they face each other. TCU’s nationally ranked #1 defense will have its hands full against the high-powered Boise State offense.
WEEK 16 LINES Thurs., Dec. 25 LINE At Tennessee -3
Underdog San Diego
TIME 7:20pm
Sun., Dec. 27 At Green Bay At Cleveland At Cincinnati At Atlanta At Miami At NY Giants At New Orleans At New England At Pittsburgh At Arizona At San Francisco At Philadelphia At Indianapolis Dallas
Underdog Seattle Oakland Kansas City Buffalo Houston Carolina Tampa Bay Jacksonville Baltimore St. Louis Detroit Denver NY Jets At Washington
TIME Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon Noon 3:05pm 3:05pm 3:15pm 3:15pm 7:20pm
Underdog At Chicago
TIME 7:35pm
LINE -14 -3 -13.5 -8 -3 -5* -14.5 -7.5 -2.5 -14 -11.5 -7 -7 -4
Mon., Dec. 28 LINE Minnesota -7
8 Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 blitzweekly.com
THE JOY OF
SPORTS The Coach
Photo Courtesy: Ronnie Baker
- Joe Avezzano
The Dallas Cowboys were not expected to beat the undefeated New Orleans Saints Saturday night. I was one of those who thought the Cowboys were just up against a superior team. I know what it’s like to be on teams that accomplish feats others think you can’t, but when you are asked to give an opinion of who will win etc., you try to find reasons for or against and give a forecast. The real joy in sports and competition is a group of people getting together, making a plan, executing that plan and doing something that only your small circle of coaches and players believe you can do. The 24-17 victory may have saved a season, may springboard them to great heights and may be remembered as one of the greatest victories in Cowboy history. All that will be decided in the future, but for right now Tony Romo is playing outstanding QB. DeMarcus Ware showed just how valuable he is to this team by not only playing but making a huge difference. Austin Miles is the go-to receiver on this team that can make a real difference. The offense was very productive, the Defense held New Orleans to half their normal point production and the thrill of victory spread through out Cowboyland. The doubters became believers again and will remain so until the next loss but for that group of men in the locker room, they got to enjoy the Joy of Sports. It’s a special
feeling that is only achieved by a few and desired by many. After a few days of enjoyment, they will get ready for Washington in DC. There are few greater pleasures for Washington than to spoil a Cowboy season. Washington does not have a good team overall, but on their turf versus the Cowboys, it will be a difficult task for the Boys. As if any of this is easy. The keys to a Cowboy victory will start with how they handle the New Orleans win. Enjoy and move on. The rest of the puzzle will be best put together just like the New Orleans game. Pressure the QB, take care of the football, have a solid kicking game and respond to the up and down flow of the game. If the Cowboys are truly making a serious run at the post season, and we know they are, then they should exercise all options to give the team the best chance. Making a change will at least make an attempt at fixing the problem. Saturday night in Dallas was alive with fun and renewed hope but for the team, they’re the ones who truly enjoyed the Joy of Sports. Coach Joe can be heard on KHYI 95.3 on Tuesday nights 7-9pm and on ESPN radio. Come by and say hello at Hat Tricks Sports Bar and Grill in Lewisville. Your home to great sports and great music.
Guide for Betting on the Remaining Bowl Games Poinsetta Bowl: Utah (plus 3 1/2) over Cal. The Bears were inconsistent all year. Hawaii Bowl: SMU (plus 15) over Nevada. Nevada is a better team, but June Jones knows how to win in Hawaii, and SMU is better than people think, especially on defense. Little Caeser’s Pizza Bowl: Ohio (minus 3) over Marshall. The Herd made a bowl and fired its coach. Can’t expect much of an effort here. Meineke Car Care Bowl: North Carolina (plus 3 1/2) over Pitt. The Panthers can’t be too thrilled about being here and the Heels are not a bad team. Emerald Bowl: USC (minus 9) over Boston College. USC has been terrible, but Boston College is pathetic. USC should cover, but don’t bet the farm. Music City Bowl: Kentucky (plus 7) over Clemson. The Tigers are a better team, but it was a long fall from potential BCS appearance to this. Independence Bowl: Georgia (plus 7) over Texas A&M. The Aggies have a nice offense, but Georgia will riddle their defense.
by: Fred Faour
Eagle Bank Bowl: UCLA (minus 4) over Temple. This one is a toss-up against the number.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Tennessee (plus 4 1/2) over Virginia Tech. The annoying Lane Kiffin will try to make a statement.
Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State (plus 3) over Mississippi. Another good match up and a toss-up. In that case, take the points.
Champs Sports Bowl: Miami (minus 3) over Wisconsin. The U might be in the title hunt next year. This is a big first step.
Outback Bowl: Auburn (minus 7 1/2) over Northwestern. Tigers have too many athletes.
Liberty Bowl: Arkansas (minus 8) over East Carolina. The Pirates can’t score enough to keep up with Arkansas.
Humanitarian Bowl: Idaho (plus 2) over Bowling Green. This is essentially a home game for the Vandals.
Gator Bowl: Florida State (plus 3) over West Virginia. The Seminoles win one for the old man.
Holiday Bowl: Nebraska (plus 1 1/2) over Arizona. I have this one as a coin flip, so might as well take the point and a half.
Capital One Bowl: LSU (plus 3) over Penn State. Best bowl matchup other than the title game. Also best bet of the bowls. LSU should roll Penn State.
Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech (minus 8) over Michigan State. This is the kind of team Mike Leach’s squads have for breakfast. Watch for Tech to roll it up.
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: Houston (minus 4) over Air Force. The Cougars wanted better than this; and they have a lot to prove. Sun Bowl: Oklahoma (minus 8) over Stanford. We expect Oklahoma to come out firing and stomp a hole in The Cardinal. Texas Bowl: Navy (plus 6 1/2) over Missouri. Navy is a tough, disciplined football team that plays a style of offense Missouri hasn’t seen. This one will go down to the wire. Insight Bowl: Minnesota (minus 3) over Iowa State. Worst bowl game of the year?
Rose Bowl: Ohio State (plus 3 1/2) over Oregon. Buckeyes should keep this one close and pull off a mild upset. Sugar Bowl: Florida (minus 11) over Cincinnati. The Gators will be looking to send Tim Tebow out in style. Look for a big win from Florida. International Bowl: South Florida (minus 7) over Northern Illinois. We take it back. This is the worst bowl game. Papa John’s Bowl: South Carolina (minus 4 1/2) over UCONN. Carolina has one of the most underrated defenses in college football.
Fiesta Bowl: Boise State (plus 7) over TCU. The Frogs probably win this, but Boise is damned good, too. This one should be close. Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech (minus 5) over Iowa. Yuck. This is a BCS game? Georgia Tech stomps them. GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan (minus 3) over Troy. We take it back again. This is the worst bowl. BCS title game: Texas (plus 5) over Alabama. We’ll take Texas to cover the number.
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 9 blitzweekly.com
by: Jennifer Wayne “Foxie Chick”
If you’re attached, you already have your New Year’s kiss locked down. If you’re single, it’ s time to panic. I want you to have good luck next year (especially if you are Wade Phillips, Dirk or Jamie Benn), so I am going to help you get a kiss at midnight. Follow these rules and I can almost guarantee it will happen for you. Don’t follow them? You can kiss that Ferrari or Super Bowl ring goodbye (oh and you might end up dating an ex-con).
Rule 1:
Do not stare down the hottie you want to kiss.
If you stare intensely, she’ll be creeped out. You don’t want to start 2010 with a restraining order. Girls go for a-holes. Act like you don’t see her and then wink at her after a few subtle glances. She’s hooked.
Rule 2:
Make sure your breath is appealing at all times.
If a honey decides to initiate a conversation with you and you are workin’ with raunchy breath, she’s not going to want to put her mouth on yours. Mints, mints, mints!
Rule 3: Chapstick it.
I don’t care if you have an aversion to it, for this one night, put some Chapstick on. Girls do notice “lip quality.” If you have facial hair, make sure it’s trimmed and out of the way. The kiss won’t last long if your partner feels like she’s kissing a pine tree.
Rule 4: Relax.
If you do get a gal to kiss you, chill out and let her take control. Nobody likes forced entry with the tongue. If she’s digging you, she will start to open her mouth a bit. Remember, too, that girls like you to touch their hair and cheeks (on her face, that is), too. Make her feel beautiful and you might be lucky for a whole year!
blitzweekly.com
10 Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 by: Jayson Larson
“Dude with a Plan”
While many of the party people in DFW will be scrambling to get inside the velvet ropes of the hottest trendy nightclubs in the 214 area code, the more laid back side of the metroplex is hosting a wide variety of parties, as well. From nightclubs to bars to concerts and comedy clubs, anything a New Year’s Eve party-goer would want can be found in Ft. Worth. THE POUR HOUSE: Back and open on West 7th Street, they are hosting “Naughty or Nice New Year’s Eve.” Costumes are welcome at this themed event featuring live music by Turning Trixie. The $20 general admission includes door cover, balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. An additional $25 guarantees a seat. Info: 817-335-2575 or www.pourhousefw.com. 8.0: This joint will be open all day on New Year’s Eve with their party kicking off at 8:00pm. Cover is $15 and includes party favors and a champagne toast. If you want to reserve a table, it is $25 per seat and that JANUARY Jan. 15: US Airlines pilot lands plane in Hudson River, saving all lives onboard.
by: Jayson Larson
by: Peggy Kilpatrick
Jan. 20: Barack Obama inaugurated as the 44th president of the US.
FEBRUARY Cardinals make the Super Bowl XLIII for the first time ever. Steelers win the championship title 27-23. Chris Brown beats girlfriend Rihanna.
Jan. 22: Barack Obama signs an order to close Guantanamo Bay prison camp in Cuba within the year. Jan. 7, 2010 Texas defeats Alabama 12-10 in the BCS National Championship as Alabama QB Greg McElroy throws a pass out of bounds and the referee refuses to put time back on the clock. Alabama was in field goal range and is outraged that they will end the season ranked behind Florida.
Feb. 7, 2010 SUPER BOWL XLIV in Miami: The San Diego Chargers defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 4438 in the highest scoring Super Bowl in history. LaDainian Tomlinson is named MVP. In other news from Super Bowl week, the Dallas Desire wins the Lingerie Bowl over the Los Angeles Temptation.
includes a private bottle of champagne on ice. www. eightobar.com
To me, people spend m party ac
FLYING SAUCER: The Sundance Square staple will have live music, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Admission is just $10 and table reservations are available with prices ranging from $100-$150. www.beerknurd.com.
The Fo in Reun menu fo p.m., a D way. Th private less pric and a ca 214-741
VICE: The subterranean venue, located in the Tower condos in Sundance Square, is the place to go for the socially elite that do not want to deal with the hassle of New Year’s Eve in Dallas. This club always has beautiful ladies and will no doubt be a hot ticket on this evening. $40 per person or $70 per couple. Bottle service and table reservations $1500-$2300. www. vicefw.com.
The Hig at newb we were cludes P (minus DJs wil the cele can rent
HYENA’S COMEDY CLUB: They are featuring the comedian Tommy Blaze. You may recognize him from “Friends” where he played Jennifer Aniston’s date. To purchase New Year’s Eve packages, call 817877-5233.
MARCH Mar. 18: English actress, Natasha Richardson, passes away suddenly due to a head injury from a skiing accident.
APRIL Apr. 25: American actress Bea Arthur passes away.
2009 Recap
Mar. 7 Sandra Bullock wins Best Actress for “The Blind Side.” Kanye West storms the stage and says “Sandra, I’m gonna let you finish, but Beyonce’s performance in ‘Obsessed’ is one of the greatest of-” when he is interrupted by Quinton Aaron (the actor who played Michael Oher in “The Blind Side”) and escorted out of the building. After grossing $277 million at the box office, “The Hangover” is the surprise winner of Best Picture.
Apr. 8-11, 2010 THE MASTERS Augusta National Fred Couples magically wins with a score of -13 as CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz cries on the air while presenting his college roommate the green jacket.
MAY May 2: Manny Pacquiao brutally defeats Ricky Hatton in the 2nd round.
May 6, 2010 Tom Hick’s Bobblehead Night deemed a success as only 10 fans take one home!
JUNE Jun. 11: H1N1, or Swine Flu, is classified as a global pandemic.
JULY Jul. 7: Michael Jackson’s funeral sells out and is aired live on television.
AUGUST Aug. 6: American film director and writer, John Hughe passes away suddenly.
Jun. 25: Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett pass away.
Jul. 17: American journalist, Walter Cronkite, passes away after a long battle with cancer.
Aug. 11: Eunice Kennedy Shrive American founder of th Special Olympics, passes away.
Jun 30: Yemenia Flight 626 crashes off coast of Moroni, Comoros killing 153 on board with one survivor.
Jul. 22: Longest solar eclipse of the 21st century can be seen from Asia, lasting 6 minutes and 38 seconds.
Aug. 25: Ted Kennedy, American politician, passes away.
June 3, 2010 NBA FINALS Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: After being acquired in a mid-season trade, Chris Bosh joins Dirk Nowitzki , Shawn Marion, and Jason Kidd as they defeat LeBron James, Shaq and the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games to win the NBA Finals. The Mavericks’ home games in the NBA Finals are played at Cowboys Stadium, each one outdrawing the previous game and setting a new attendance record.
Jul. 27, 2010 DALLAS COWBOYS TRAINING CAMP BEGINS New head coach and general manager Jon Gruden fills every hole on the roster with the top free agents as the Dallas Cowboys do their best New York Yankees impersonation with no salary cap in place as Jerry Jones vows to win Super Bowl XLV played at Cowboys Stadium.
Aug. 20, 2010 The Expendables starrin Sylvester Stallone, Jaso Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and Mickey Rourke is released. Tha right, Rocky & Drago in a movie together!
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 11 “Foxie Chick”
Dallas is made up of three types of people: who appreciate food, people who like to money and people who are frugal. Pick your ccordingly.
oodie Option: Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck nion Tower will offer a five-course prix fixe or $145 per person starting at 8 p.m. At 10 DJ will get the ball-droppin’ festivities underhere’s also a buffet option in Reunion Tower’s event room starting at 8:30 p.m. It’s a little cey at $95 for the buffet, a champagne toast ash bar. For reservations for these events, call 1-5561 or go to www.wolfgangpuck.com.
gh Roller Option: The Viva Las Vegas Party bie club Thrive is for those of us who wish e in Sin City for the big night. The party inPoker, Blackjack and Craps and showgirls the chick from Saved By The Bell). Resident ll be spinning dance and hip-hop. If you want ebrity treatment for you and your friends, you t the VIP room for $2,500. That includes 20
es, .
er, he
ng on
at’s
SEPTEMBER Sep. 14: American actor, Patrick Swayze, passes away after an aggressive battle with pancreatic cancer. Sept. 20: Dallas Cowboys play first season game in new stadium, drawing an NFL record regular season crowd of 105,000.
cover charges, four bottles of Ed Hardy vodka, two bottles of Moet and two bottles of Dom. Thrive is in the Crowne Plaza in downtown Dallas, so you can get a room to avoid all the crazies on the road. For a res, go to www.thrivenightclub.com. The Cheap Bastard Option: LIFT says they will be hosting “the most highly sought after new years party.” At the time this issue went to print, 14 of 14 tables and 150 of 150 single reservations were available for purchase at this “reservation only” party. My guess is, they’ll probably give away reservations to get some people in the door. For more info on the Cedar Springs club, call 469-261-7829.
OCTOBER Oct. 15: Balloon Boy proves you can’t be in two places at once and is found in his parents back yard
NOVEMBER Nov. 20: Twilight sequel, “New Moon” opens big at box offices making $140 million.
Oprah Winfrey announces retirement from Oprah Winfrey Show, ending in 2011.
–and lost!!!
Sept. 26, 2010 No longer making personnel moves, Jerry Jones goes to work on adding to the Ring of Honor. His first inductee is the architect of the 90s dynasty team, Jimmy Johnson.
DECEMBER American Idol runner-up, Adam Lambert, gives a controversial performance at the AMA’s.
Tiger Woods’ car crash opens up scandal of his alleged affairs with 15+ different women. Oct. 2, 2010 Jerry Jones announces plans to build a FiveDiamond hotel known as the Dallas Cowboys Four Seasons Hotel & Residences (on the property that is currently Wal Mart) across from Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. There will be a private tunnel and skyway access to the stadium. It will be completed before Super Bowl XLV.
Nov. 25, 2010 Dallas Cowboys defeat New England Patriots 35-3 as they remain undefeated. Britney Spears performs at the Salvation Army Halftime Show. Entire halftime show is presented in 3-D at stadium and on FOX Network (in the process confusing people at bars across the country.)
Dec. 3, 2010 New York Knicks LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are named Sports Illustrated Sportsmen of the Year.
2010 Predictions
blitzweekly.com
by: Jennifer Wayne
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 13
Just How Lame Are You?
What the heck? As if I don’t have enough problems, Facebook comes along, touted as the next big thing in social computing. Yep, even though Facebook is so 2007, new people are joining all the time and experiencing the joys of Facebook paranoia. What do I mean by this? Were you socially awkward with few friends in high school? Then why in the world would you think that all of the sudden people with whom you haven’t spoken to since high school would care about being friends with you? Go ahead and test this out if you don’t believe me, you big loser. What follows are the top ten ways to tell if you are completely lame on Facebook (just like in real life). 1. Your birthday comes along and the only person who bothers to write happy birthday on your wall is your mom. Yes, you are that lame – your own mother is your friend on Facebook. 2. That brings us to number two. You are friends with your mom on Facebook? And uncle Al keeps posting about his bingo nights?
Rashad Evans(18-1-1) vs. Thiago Silva(14-1-0):
Both fighters need this one to stay at the top of the list for a title shot. Both men are good strikers, but Thiago should have the edge on the standup. Both are also excellent on the ground, however they have contrasting styles. Rashad is a bad ass wrestler while Silva is BJJ black belt. Silva has shown great power and a lot of aggressiveness. He also has vicious ground and pound, but you have to put a fighter on his back to implement this technique. No way in hell does Silva put Evans on his back. In fact, Evans’ overall athleticism and quickness will be the difference in this fight. He will catch Silva late in the 2nd with a TKO. Joe Lauzon (17-4-0) vs. Sam Stout (15-5-1): Classic striker versus grappler match up. Stout has had some great fights in the UFC and has lost some close ones. He has great hands and throws them with bad intentions. Lauzon has great Jiu Jitsu and very good wrestling. I see this one being a good battle and potentially fight of the night, as Stout always brings it. Lauzon will outclass him, though, and catch a submission in the 3rd.
Junior Dos Santos (9-1-0) vs. Gilber Yvel (36-13-1): Yvel has fought a list of who’s who throughout his long career and brings a ton of experience into the cage on this one. Dos Santos is a relative newcomer that has been on a roll. He has great hands and is very aggressive. Not to mention this won’t be his first fight against a more experienced fighter. He recently submitted Mirko Cro Cop. His youth and explosiveness will be the difference here. He will finish Yvel early in this one. Dos Santos by submission in the 1st. Presented By: The Gym • 921 West Mayfield #112 • Arlington, Texas 817-652-1555 • www.thegym.org
3. You have to call people ahead of time before you post some big news – like graduating from the community college – otherwise nobody comments on your big news. 4. You think you are some kind of philosopher with your dumb quotes. Yes, that is so inspirational to misquote Albert Einstein. 5. Better yet, you make up your own quotes. An actual quote from someone’s Facebook page: “The key to happiness is balancing joy and pain.” Yep, took a real genius to come up with that one. 6. Nobody cares about what flavor of muffin you got this morning. Seriously. 7. You really, really need to go through and delete some of those god-awful photos of yourself. No human needs to see that face up close. 8. Sure, you have 500 friends – but one look at your wall and it is obvious you have no idea who 90% of them are. 9. You are bored? Uh, yeah, we pretty much already figured out that one. 10. Why are you commenting on someone else’s conversation that has nothing to do with you? Thanks for the input from the peanut gallery. Now, lest you think that I am just mindlessly complaining about the vast majority of Facebook users, it does have some benefits. If you are as lame as you seem, you probably don’t have that many actual friends. Yet, Facebook allows you intimate glimpses into the private lives of hundreds of almost complete strangers. Creepy? Yes. But perhaps entertaining, as well. Yes, you can look at an old ex-friends’ exgirlfriend’s bikini photos. Nobody will be the wiser. So let’s face it – you are a lame, creepy, stalker – enjoy Facebook for what it’s worth! Go ahead and construct a profile and pretend like it means something. Post random photos of garden gnomes in skimpy outfits. Create a trademark annoying status update. Pretty soon you will become a Facebook hero!
blitzweekly.com
by: Jesse Whitman
“A Woman’s Perspective”
14 Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 blitzweekly.com
FOOD REVIEW
The Pick of the Week:
by: Peggy Kilpatrick
“Girl with Good Taste�
MARGARITAS & MEXICAN FOOD
NIGHTLY SPECIALS! DINE-IN ONLY
MONDAYS ENCHILADA PLATE
TUESDAYS
FREE
MEXICAN BEERS ALL DAY
SolĘźs Nieto Mexican Grill is XTENDED HAPPY HOUR a fun friendly 4PM TO CLOSE place with a jukebox THURSDAYS atmosphere, FAJITA SPECIAL BREAKFAST, LUNCH neighborhood feel, amazing & DINNER food and great SERVED DAILY FROM 9AM margaritas.
WEDNESDAYS
6434 E.MOCKINGBIRD DALLAS, TX 75214 214-826-5564 " "8
7
- 9-
£ÉÓÊ*, Ê 1, ,f ÓÊ7 -tÊÊfÓÊ , /-t EÊ- "/Ê-* -
, " ĂŠ / f Ă“ĂŠ , , / -
ÊÓ ™* 1 Ê£än 7 / Ê/ Ê "7 "9-Ê , ttt , /Ê , Ê-* -
"6 ,ĂŠ{äÊ/6Â˝Ăƒ Ă“ĂŠ " ĂŠ/ ĂŠ 6 -
3636 Frankford Rd. Ste. 390 214-483-5225
Tex-Mex Denton Style
W
hen you open the doors to El Guapo’s Mexican restaurant in Denton, you may get a little confused. A long, wide ramp leads you down to the hostess stand but before you get there your eyes will be distracted by the bright colors painted on the surrounding walls, along with colorful flowers and black and white pictures of 1950’s celebrities signed with faux autographs. The restaurant itself is huge. With at least three spacious dining areas and a separate room for the neon-lit bar, this is the perfect place to go if you have a big group. The tables, all donned with bright table covers, are far enough away from each other, yet you don’t feel isolated from society while eating. There is no carpet or nicely laid out wood floors at El Guapo’s. Instead, the floor is concrete that looks like it has seen better days. In one of the dining areas, you can actually see white lines that look like they were painted decades ago on a parking lot. I realized this place had to have been some sort of auto shop back in the day, so I asked the manager who confirmed that the place has a lot of history behind it and at one point in time, it was an auto shop. El Guapo’s is family-friendly, but don’t be taken aback by all of the young college students who flood through the doors on weekends since it’s blocks away from UNT. The food at El Guapo’s will definitely cure your Mexican food craving for a cheap price. They provide a big menu, but with the usual items you can find anywhere. You can get any appetizer for less than $10 and any dip for less than $5. Two chicken chimichanga dinners with drinks is only $20. For the kiddies, you can actually watch the cooks make their own tortillas, which they bring out to you hot and fresh. One thing about the menu, which makes them different, is you can make your own personal platter, lunch or dinner, for no more than $10. Also, the complimentary chips and salsa is probably the best around town. The food is good and the servers are always friendly, but it won’t be the best Mexican food you will ever taste. Mexican food is not the only thing served here; sandwiches, ribs, and burgers are also a choice on the menu. If you are looking for a place where you can let loose and get a good buzz from a margarita, El Guapo’s may not be the right place. Although tasty, their margaritas are not very strong. Even after two, a lightweight may not feel anything except for a waste of $12 leaving their wallet. All in all, El Guapo’s restaurant is a great place to go if you want the sit-down restaurant feel, but don’t want to spend a fortune and want a quick bite to cure your Mexican food craving. El Guapo’s • 419 South Elm, Denton 940-566-5575 • www.elguapos.com
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 15 blitzweekly.com
Courtesy: www.www.uncrate.com
Lehr Eco Trimmer & Blower
As anyone who’s operated one knows, traditional gas-powered lawn tools are far from being “green.” The Lehr Eco Trimmer & Blower tackle this problem by running off 16.4 oz. Twist ‘n Go propane canisters allow for zero evaporative emission operation and zero-mess refueling. Other features of these eco-friendly lawn tools include a four-stroke engine with a no choke/no priming start-up, a two-hour run time off a single canister, no need for winterizing and more costeffective use and maintenance than your average tool. Well played. Price - $180-$210
McIntosh MXA60 Integrated Audio System
The McIntosh 60th Anniversary MXA60 Integrated Audio System, the company’s first-ever standalone setup, gives you audiophile-quality sound in a beautifully compact design. And while its price tag might seem high, you’ve got to recognize that this thing was designed and built by the same team responsible for the $250,000 McIntosh Reference System. The tabletop system features a high-performance 75watt-per-channel amplifier, a CD/SACD/MP3 player, vacuum tube preamplifier, an AM/FM/RBDS Tuner and 2-way bass reflex custom loudspeakers. All that is housed in metal casing with anodized aluminum accents and backlit glass faceplates with Peak Reading Watt meters. Price - $7,500
Canon PowerShot S90
Looking for SLR-like control on a pocket-friendly cam? Check out the Canon PowerShot S90. Packing a high sensitivity 10-megapixel sensor, the DIGIC 4 image processor and a customizable control ring, the S90 segues nicely from a beginner-level auto mode to full manual control, complete with aperture and shutter priority modes. A bright f/2.0, 3.8x optical zoom lens, RAW + JPEG support, and a 3-inch LCD round out the spec sheet, make the S90 a good compromise between size and image quality for advanced amateur shooters, and a great secondary cam for dSLR owners. Price - $600
NO SAINTS IN SIN CITY ONLY BAPTISM BY REV. ROMO by: Tunde A. Obazee – www.rationalradio.org
It was exactly thirty years ago that I first set my foot on this soil in Dallas. As a student from Nigeria, I had one goal in mind and that was to complete my engineering degree and return to Africa to join the struggle against poverty. The only football I knew is what you call “soccer” and had never seen the pumpkin you call football here. I was
gers found it funny while others took offence but I had a job to do as a Dallas Cowboy fan. It was most troubling this past weekend when all in the sports world condemned the Dallas Cowboys to be slaughtered at the Superdome in New Orleans against the almighty New Orleans Saints.
introduced to the Dallas Cowboys by my cousins who dressed up in full Dallas Cowboys outfits every Sunday to watch the games. I found it fascinating that both of my relatives from the motherland had been seriously indoctrinated into the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fans. Watching their excitement and what I considered then as silly, unusual behaviors made me question the state of their mental health. I watched both of them with the same intensity that they watched the game. I vowed that I would return to Africa if I ever became too fanatical like my cousins. What happened between now and then is still a mystery to me. While I still think that soccer is still my religion, I have somehow allowed myself to become too involved with the Dallas Cowboys. Game day is a restless one for me. I often pace around the house in anticipation of the games with the hope of the Cowboys roping and slaughtering their opponents. A win for the Dallas Cowboys made my day but a loss left my family avoiding me until I cooled off. I cannot enumerate the effects of America’s team on me. I have since tried out twice as a kicker for the Cowboys. When I drove a taxicab, I gave Cowboy fans discounted rates while on the other hand, I made Eagle and Redskin fans raise their right hand to swear allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys as we drove past Texas Stadium. Some passen-
Even the most dedicated fan like me, was hoping for not a win but just a good game. The whole nonsense about the winless month of December, Mr. Tony Romo cannot win the big one. On and on was the hopeless comments about our Cowboys. Then came the moment of truth. The big question of that day was W.W.B.D. (What Would Breesus Do). I thought that was the height of arrogance. I have been to New Orleans. I love it for its sinful entertainment and my heart is with New Orleans due to the tragedy of hurricane Katrina, but there are no Saints there. Reverend Romo and the Dallas Cowboys marched into New Orleans Saturday with their ropes, rounded up the so-called Saints and branded the entire Superdome. Mr. Ware performed exorcism on Drew Brees while Rev. Romo performed baptism and forgave their sins. The Dallas Cowboys made a believer out of the congregation at the Superdome. They began to sing, “Oh, when the Cowboys go marchin’ in…I want to be in that number…” The question now is W.W.C.D.? How ‘Bout Them Cowboys? Listen to Tunde Obazee on the Point Blank Show on Rational Radio 1360am 7PM-8PM, Monday - Friday. “The Talk You’ve Been Missing” www.rationalradio.org
By: Sybil Summers – sybilsummers.com
Wackiest Global New Year Traditions 10. Latin - The day before the new year, women bathe themselves in a concoction of orange, cinnamon and rose petals. Later, it can be used to baste the turkey. 9. American - The legend is a tophat-donning baby ushers in the new year and twelve months later, he has morphed into a 90-something man named Father Time. Only in America. 8. Dutch - In the Netherlands, people burn Christmas trees in the streets as a way of driving out spirits of the year past. Then they go halfsies on a bottle of booze to ring in the new year. 7. Danish - NYE in Denmark is celebrated by throwing dishes at your friends house. Sorta like confetti...but deadlier. 6. Spanish - Spaniards eat 12 grapes leading up to midnight on December 31st. The grapes represent the 12 months of the year and a wish is made before each bite. 5. British - The first visitor to the house after midnight sets the tone for the year. The person cannot be blonde, red-headed, female or Terrell Owens, as these people are supposedly bad luck. 4. Japanese - Paper lobsters are used as decorations in many Japanese houses at New Year. They are often placed next to the paper sushi and paper robots. 3. Ecuadorian - Legend has it, if you stand on a chair with luggage (for travel) and money (for good fortune) as the clock strikes midnight, your wishes will be granted. Tried and true. 2. Celtic - Irish people beat their houses with loaves of bread to drive away misfortune. Factor in a couple bottles of whiskey and some sheep and we’ve got a party! 1. Thai - People celebrate by chasing each other down the streets with buckets of water. Later, it can be used to baste the turkey.
Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010 17
DOWN 1. Escape 2. Egg cells 3. Dine 4. What a knight is called 5. Move unobtrusively 6. Cease 7. A coniferous tree 8. Den 9. The genus of macaws 10. A tall chest of drawers 11. Ringworm bush 12. Work dough 13. Love intensely 18. Arithmetic 22. Ashes holder 23. Pertaining to ships at sea 24. Express a thought 25. Tip over 26. Cultivate 27. Assistant 29. Everglades bird 30. Unsophisticated 31. Ultra 34. Broaden 35. Pelvic 36. Expressionless 38. Taunt 39. Rational 41. Inspiring awe 42. Music with a syncopated melody 43. Scatter 44. Logs or timbers fastened together 45. Cubic meter 46. A freshwater fish 47. Cooktop 50. A type of hair style 51. Not fat 52. Parisian airport 55. Essence 56. Captain’s journal 57. Old World vine 58. Gratuity 59. Nevertheless
Blitz Weekly Funnies for the Week Q: What do you give the blonde who has everything for Christmas? A: Penicillin.
The Office Party
John woke up after the annual office Christmas party with a pounding headache, cotton-mouthed and utterly unable to recall the events of the preceding evening. Q: What’s the difference After a trip to the bathroom, he made his between Santa Claus and way downstairs, where his wife put Tiger Woods? some coffee in front of him. “Louise,” he A: Santa only has three ho’s! moaned, “tell me what happened last night. Was it as bad as I think?” Q: Why is Christmas just like a “Even worse,” she said, her voice oozing day at the office? scorn. “You made a complete ass of yourself. A: You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets You succeeded in antagonizing the entire board of directors and you insulted the all the credit. president of the company, right to his face.” “He’s an a$$hole,” John said. “Piss on him.” Q: Why can’t Santa have “You did,” came the reply. “And he fired children? A: He only comes once a year. you.” “Well, screw him,” said John. “I did. You’re back at work on Monday.”
Horrorscopes
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
When you wake up, you will discover that your daughter’s ugly spouse has stolen all of your money, that your ability to wash your clothes is gone and that dinner is burning.
This weekend is an excellent opportunity to get drunk and humiliate yourself - unaware that your friends have bugged your coat and are broadcasting every word online.
Impetuousness is your main fault these days and you don’t even seem to realize it. How often do you put off until tomorrow what you should have had done last week?!
Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
Gemini (May 21 - Jun. 21)
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
You’re a communist. You will realize that you haven’t showered in well over 3 months, and it suddenly dawns on you why you’ve lost your touch with the ladies.
Paranoia has often gotten the better of you in the past. There’s a small hole in the bottom of your head. Your brains are starting to leak out and you are losing your mind quickly.
You are inclined to be careless and impractical, which causes you to make the same mistake over and over again. You are sympathetic but others think you are a sucker.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
Cancer (Jun. 22 – Jul. 22)
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
This week you’ll be mostly pitied. New opportunities arise as you are kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery in Azerbaijan. Don’t forget your passport!
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
Your identity will be stolen in the next 7 days. The identity thief will quickly realize that your identity is so miserable that he will immediately return it to you.
You become consumed with the categorical imperative to eat the brains of the innocent, which oddly enough is a moral action that can be universalized. Everyone around you hates you.
Leo (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)
Sagittarius(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
Your great- great- grandchildren will come back from the future and visit you on Tuesday or Thursday. Make sure you stay home all day so you do not miss them.
Your day will go from crap to total crap. Your so-called friends will be disappointed with your glazed ham. You consider yourself a born leader. Others think you are pushy.
Conservative and afraid of taking risks. But that’s none of your concern as you become acquainted with the STD treatment business, something which will last the rest of your isolated life.
blitzweekly.com
ACROSS 1. Loamy deposit 6. Impact sound 11. Music with jazzlike riffs 14. Use to one’s advantage 15. Crown 16. Conclusion 17. Relating to the state of marriage 19. Prefix meaning “New” 20. Become narrower 21. Pertaining to the Moon 23. Nothing at all 27. Wear away 28. Fearful expectation 32. Eyeshade 33. Tastelessly showy 34. Wisconsin (abbrev.) 37. Once again 38. Bellyache 39. Sediment 40. Permit 41. Strainer 42. Audio transmission 43. Underground 45. Flash 48. Bureau 49. A conical fishnet 50. In the air 53. Long, long time 54. Sterility 60. Carpet 61. Wall painting 62. Film 63. French for “Summer” 64. Black 65. Country of the pharaohs
blitzweekly.com
18 Dec. 23, 2009 - Jan. 5, 2010
by: Pat Moran
“Man On His Throne”
pmoran@gmail.com
Christmas Presents That Make A Difference
We here at the Last Call are aware of the hardships in the world. We know how hard life has been for the past few years. So being humble and all philanthropic, I have decided to give back... Please, save the applause ‘til later. These are the presents that I would give, if I had the opportunity. So without further delay, I will begin my “Christmas Miracles”: To Tiger Woods – I would give him a second cell phone and a new rear window for his SUV. To the BCS – I would give the BCS one large wrapped slab of dog crap to symbolize their effect on the season. Also to show how the committee is respected. To Brett Favre – A lifetime supply of cortisone shots and rogaine. To the Titans – I would give them the gift of removing the feet out of every NFL analysts mouths. Worst to First? Well, lets not get ahead of ourselves. To Every Television Political Analyst – To the joy of everyone with a half brain, the
Pundits would each receive a comically large pacifier, which I would encourage they use the moment they get the notion to speak. To Mark Mangino, the former Kansas coach – One of those 6 foot long party subs from Subway. That man is so incredibly obese, even his double chin has a double chin. To Alex Rodriguez – A Brand New Whizzanator, so that he can keep getting away with it. To Cincinnati and TCU – I would make them honorary “Ghosts of Pretty Great Arguments for a BCS Playoff,” two new characters in “A Christmas Carol” that are sure to make an appearance in the debate for years to come. To Elizabeth Lambert, New Mexico Soccer Enforcer and Youtube Star – Under her tree would be a contract for a MMA team, where she can show off her cutthroat fighting moves without getting in trouble. And to fans of BLITZ WEEKLY and LAST CALL - Have a freaking Merry Christmas.
Crossword Solution