Charlotte Prowler Magazine

GERALD WALLACE A fierce competitor on either end of the court. In the past we tried to find a photo without the protruding mouthpiece, but now we’ve come to love this Jordanesque display of concentration.

JACKSON & WALLACE INTERVIEW into the playoffs in April. While the season ended with a disappointing 4-0 sweep loss to the Orlando Magic, the Bobcats had to figure they would be back in the postseason this year.

Fiscal restraint over the summer cost them starting point guard Raymond Felton and part-time starter Tyson Chandler.

In their place now are former first-round pick D.J. Augustin and free agent signees like Shaun Livingston and Kwame Brown.

Here’s what Jackson and Wallace had to say about the season during an interview on Media Day with Southern Sports Journal Editor Richard Walker.

Southern Sports Journal: Now that you made the playoffs last year, what are this year’s goals?

Jackson: We just want to be better than last year. If you come into the season wanting to get better, that answers all questions as far as getting farther in the playoffs. We had a great year last year but we have to be a better team this year. But I think you’ll see us in the playoffs and being a team that’s more solidified at the end of the season.

SSJ: The Eastern Conference, by virtually everyone’s estimation, got better in the offseason, particularly in Miami where they resigned Dwyane Wade and signed LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Where do the Bobcats fit in?

Jackson: I was talking to somebody about a week ago that everything has shifted to the East again. The West has probably two dominant teams and the competition is in the East again. I think it’s good for us because last year I think we kinda settled against teams that were under .500. We kinda played to their level. We know we can’t do that this year. We have to come out and play every game like we’re playing the Lakers or the Miami Heat.

continues

SSJ: You didn’t add any draft picks or make many high profile moves in the offseason. So how will your team be better?

Wallace: I think the main thing is that we’ve finally gotten a team that’s put together in training camp. Hopefully, there’s no middle of the season acquisitions and anything like that. I know teams are looking at us as not adding any key players and we lost one of the key players to our playoff run last year in Raymond Felton. So it’s going to be an adjustment for us. But I can assure the fans they’re going to get the same competitive Bobcats we’ve been over the years and will play the best that we can be.

Jackson: I said it last year and I’m going to stick by it this year. The big thing is that we have to believe in ourselves first. We have to remember that feeling we had when we played Milwaukee at the end of the season and how crazy this place was. And they came out because we were winning games and doing what we were supposed to do. If we do our job, everything else will take care of itself. Even with the new guys, the core is still the same. We don’t have Raymond here, but I think we have guys that can fill those spots and I think we’ll be OK. SSJ: So do you think you’ve kept up with the rest of the conference?

Wallace: No. Because we lost some key players. We lost Raymond and Tyson and they were key players. But we’re going into this knowing Dwyane didn’t have LeBron and Chris Bosh on his team last year so it’s an adjustment for him. We’re equal as anybody else in training camp. We just have to work harder and improve ourselves more than some of those teams with talented players. But it’s not something that we can’t do.

We just have to push ourselves and, at the end of the day, look to the goals that we can accomplish. continues on page 5

E V E N T S & AT T R A C T I O N S

Performing Arts Season

in Full Swing at Blumenthal

BOXERS AND BALLERINAS First, let’s go with boxing. Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please—the undisputed champion of youth charity events has entered the arena— it’s FIGHT NIGHT FOR KIDS, January 20th, 2011.

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eserve your seats now for the 12th annual boxing and entertainment gala benefiting the Fight Night for Kids Foundation, a 501-C3 non-profit organization.The Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 to assist numerous children‚ through various charities across Mecklenburg County. The black tie extravaganza starts with a reception, followed by gourmet dining in the ballroom, then live entertainment followed by a live auction. The evening’s main event: live professional boxing sanctioned by the World Boxing Council. When the bell sounds, ringside is where you’ll want to be.

And rest assured, you’ll be joined by some recognizable faces—professional atheletes, prominent business folk and celebriies of every variety. Make plans to attend this great event now—learn more online at www.FightNightforKids.org.

Nothing whispers World-Class like the support for the arts that has made Charlotte a model for other cities seeking to add culture, pizzazz and interest for residents and visitors alike.

Generations of stewardship and philantrhopy in the Queen City are to thank for the abundance of vibrant art of every sort–alive and breathtaking this very season. See the entire season schedule at www.ProwlerMagazine.com.

BURT SUGAR

FESTIVE HAM AND CHEESE WREATH Build this pull-apart wreath out of refrigerated biscuit dough wrapped around a ham and cheese filling.

Prep Time: 45 Min Total Time: 1 Hr 10 Min Makes: 1 wreath, 40 appetizers

Ingredients 8 oz. (2 cups) finely shredded Swiss cheese 1 1/2cups (about 8 oz.) chopped, cooked ham 1/4 cup sliced green onions 2 tablespoons honey mustard 2(12-oz.) cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon sesame seed or poppy seed 2 tablespoons diced red and green bell pepper 1 green onion fan, if desired Directions 1) Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray large cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine cheese, ham, onions and mustard; mix well.

2) Separate 1 can of dough into 10 biscuits; leave second can in refrigerator. Separate

each biscuit into two layers. Press each biscuit layer to form 3 1/2-inch round pieces.

3) Place 1 rounded tablespoon cheese mixture on each dough round. Wrap dough around cheese mixture, pinching edges to seal. Repeat with remaining can of dough and cheese mixture.

4) Arrange 8 balls, seam side down and sides almost touching, to form ring on sprayed cookie sheet, leaving 3-inch hole in center. Arrange 14 balls, sides almost touching, around outside of first ring. Arrange remaining 18 balls around outside of second ring. Brush wreath with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seed.

5) Bake at 375 degrees F. for 18 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Carefully slide wreath from cookie

BY LO R I SCOT T HOT BUTTERED RUM

Ingredients 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 2 cups light brown 1 teaspoon ground 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg Pinch ground cloves Salt Bottle dark rum Boiling water Directions In a bowl, together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, , cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into 12 small mugs. Pour about 3 ounces of into each mug (filling about halfway). Top with boiling water (to fill the remaining half), stir well, and serve immediately.Perfect for cold game night tailgating!

CARAMEL COFFEE

Ingredients 6 tablespoons of coffee (any variety) 4 1/2 cups of cold water

1/2 cup of Kraft Caramel Dessert Topping Whipped cream Heath Bars (chopped into small pieces) Directions 1) Pour the caramel topping into your coffee pot as you usually make it using cold water.

2) Stir the finished coffee and the caramel together well.

3) Serve the coffee in individual cups.

4) Garnish each cup with a generous amount of whipped cream and chopped chocolate toffee bits.

CANDY CANE MARTINI

Ingredients 3 oz. club soda or sparkling water 2 oz. vodka 1 oz. peppermint schnapps Splash of red berry juice Ice Directions 1) Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.

Shake well, but quickly as not to lose the fizz from the club soda.

2) Pour into a martini glass and hang two mini candy canes from the rim of the glass.

FAMILIAR OR FIRST TIME GUESTS FOR DINNER? Blend a sumptuous meal with easy conversation when you revive a French tradition:

sheet onto 14-inch serving platter.

Sprinkle with bell pepper. Place onion fan in center of wreath. Serve warm.

6) To make a green-onion brush, place the tip of a knife at the onion’s middle and slit through the green ends. Place the onion in ice water, which will cause the “leaves” to curl; keep the green-onion brush in water until ready to use.

7) Assemble the wreath on a cookie sheet.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours. Bake as directed in the recipe.

Place the baked wreath on a large decorative platter (pound at your favorite party good store) and surround it with rosemary sprigs.

CIDER CHEESE FONDUE Prep Time: 5 Min Cook Time: 10 Min Ready In: 15 Min Yield 10 servings Ingredients 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cubed Directions 1) In a large saucepan, bring cider to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Toss the cheeses with cornstarch and pepper; stir into cider.

2) Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted. Transfer to a small ceramic fondue pot or slow cooker; keep warm. Serve with bread cubes.

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE CRUNCHIES Our Kid Section Columnist Morghan’s FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREAT Ingredients 1 sleeve of saltine crackers 1 cup butter 1 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups chocolate chips 1 cup chopped almonds or pecans, toasted Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2) Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

3) Line crackers on cookie sheet close together.

4) Melt butter and brown sugar in a medium pan on medium-high heat.Stirring often, heat the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it turns into a nice caramel looking sauce.

5) Pour the sauce over the crackers until they are completely covered. Bake for 15 minutes.

6) Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the cookie sheet.

7) The chocolate should start to melt.

8) Spread chocolate over the toffee mixture and top with nuts.

9) Allow to completely cool before breaking toffee up in pieces.

Distribute to friends and family quickly— as this delight is best served fresh within days of making.

A C H R I ST M A S STO RY

Holiday Spirits Drinking Game

Our Halloween Drinking Game garnered so much feedback and enthusiasm we’ve decided to include a game in each issue where possible. It goes without saying that playing means not driving—so indulge, stay put and HAVE FUN!

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veryone loves the story of Ralphie and his red rider bb gun so why not pair it with alcohol this year. In the Christmas Story drinking game you will need: 1) the movie 2) your drink of choice 3) a bottle of tequila and a nice supply of beer.

—This game works best with 8 or more people because of the number of sayings which —Assign each player one of the following situations to pick up on and then announce to the group.

1) Scott Farkas and his toadie either threaten to beat someone up or actually do beat someone up.

2) Randy whines or cries.

3) Ralphie’s old man mentions the furnace.

4) Mom serves food.

5) Ralphie daydreams.

6) Ralphie mentions his secret decoder ring.

7) The next door neighbor’s dogs ticks-off Ralphie’s old man.

8) Someone says you’ll shoot your eye out!

9) Anytime anyone mentions a Red Rider BB Gun —TEQUILA! 10) Every time someone hears their assigned phrase in the movie they yell out ìdrinkî and everyone takes a sip of their own drink.

11) Each time the Red Rider BB Gun is mentioned everyone takes a shot of Tequila.

12) Most functional person at the end of the movie is the winner.

All players are sure to get in the Holiday Spirit!

the fondue set. Available in stores and online in many affordable varieties.

Combine modern favorites with vintage treasures for memorable events with a twist...

JOIN US NEXT ISSUE FOR OUR

GOURMET SUPERBOWL TAILGATING This may just be our best set of food and cocktail recipes ever! In the meantime, you can now see all of our previous recipes online at www.ProwlerMagazine.com.

Enjoy!

Where is Your Home Team?

Angry Ale’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 1600 Montford Drive 704 525-FOOD Home Teams UNC, NC State, ASU Must-Try Menu Item Totchos, nachos with tater tots vs tortilla chips

Home Team Florida Must-Try Menu Item Ribs and Wings

The Attic Bar 200 N. Tryon St. 704-358-4244 Home Teams Ireland Games Must-Try Menu Item Guiness (that’s what they said)

Buffalo Wild Wings * NASCAR Hall of Fame Uptown 400 E .Martin Luther King Jr Blvd * Matthews 2530 Sardis Road North * University 440 E. McCullough Dr. Ste. 220

Bailey’s Sports Grille 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road (704) 541-0794 Beantown Tavern 130 Matthews Station Street (704) 849-2023 Home Teams Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots Must-Try Menu Item Crab Cakes, Lobster Rolls Bikinis Sports Bar and Grill 520 University Center Blvd 704-595-1719 Black Bear Saloon 900 Seaboard Street 704-716-2327 Home Teams Panthers, Tar Heels, Georgia Tech, Phillies. NFL Sunday Ticket, MLB Extra Innings and ESPN Game Plan.

BlackFinn American Saloon 210 E. Trade St. 704-971-4440 Home Teams N.C. State Wolfpack, Virginia Tech Hokies, Purdue Notre Dame Huge Crowds for Panther Games Must-Try Menu Item Signatures sliders—choice of Beef, Pulled Pork or Crispy Chicken Boardwalk Billy’s * University 8933 J M Keynes Drive 704-503-1400 * Matthews 1636 Sardis Road North 704-841-8688

An Ongoing Feature you’ll find every month in Charlotte PROWLER Magazine!

Brazwell’s 1627 Montford Drive Phone 704-523-3500

Cedar Street Tavern 120 North Cedar Street 704-333-3448 Home Teams Panthers, NFL Sunday Ticket Must-Try Menu Item Cedar Street Burger Dilworth Neighborhood Grille 911 East Morehead Street, Suite 100 704-377-3808 Home Teams Auburn, WVU, UGA, Tenn, Texas, S. Carolina, UNC, Michigan St., Jets, Panthers, Steelers Must-Try Menu Item Crab Cakes, Spiedie Pizza Dixie’s Tavern 301 East 7th Street 704-374-1700 Home Teams Penn State Nittany Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers Ed’s Tavern 2200 Park Rd. 28203 704-335-0033 Home Teams Alabama Crimson Tide Must-Try Menu Item Burgers Fox and Hound Smokehouse and Tavern * 330 North Tryon Street 704-333-4113 * Ballantyne 15235 John J Delaney Drive 704-541-0708 Home Teams Clemson, ASU, Bills, Dolphins Gin Mill 1411 South Tryon Street 704-373-0782 Home Teams Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish The Hickory Tavern 2005 E. Arbors Dr. + 9 More Locations!

ICEHOUSE South End 2100 South Blvd 704-375-1128 Home Teams Clemson and any team you want on one of their 21 plasma TV’s—Any of their wings are off the hook!

Jackalope Jack’s Restaurant and Bar 1936 East 7th Street 704-347-1918 Jock’s and Jill’s 4109 Southstream Blvd.

704-423-0001 Home Teams Penn St., ECU, Miami Must-Try Menu Item Halftime Sampler Midtown Sundries * University Area 3425 David Cox Road 704-597-7413 * Lake Norman 18665 Harborside Dr. 704-896-9013 Morehead Street Tavern 300 E. Morehead Street 704-334-2655 Home Teams WVU, Georgia, Panthers Must-Try Menu Item Steak Chunks On the Roxx-Dilworth 1520 South Blvd 704-919-0282 Picasso’s Sports Café 1301 East Blvd.

704-331-0133 Home Teams Washington Redskins Tar Heels * University 230 East W T Harris Boulevard 704-595-9553 Providence Road Sundries 1522 Providence Road 704-366-4467 Selwyn Pub 2801 Selwyn Avenue 704-333-3443 Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill 8760 J M Keynes Drive 704-549-8282 Solstice Tavern 3221 North Davidson Street (704) 342-2556 Sports Page Food and Spirits * 8400 Belhaven Blvd 704-399-4417 * Denver 179 Cross Center Dr. Phone: (704) 827-6283 * Mooresville 128D Argus Ln Phone: (704) 662-8851

MORE AT WWW..SOUTHERNSPORTSJOURNAL.COM

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PROWL WITH US! Advertise your business in this space to reach the greater Charlotte Region. Contact Scott Rogers at 704-640-1813 or Scott@PROWLERMagazine for information.