Charlotte Prowler Magazine

PROWLER presents THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NYE CLT

BUT FIRST: HOW IT ALL STARTED The first New Year was celebrated 4,000 years by the ancient Babylonians.

The top three places to celebrate New Year’s Eve are Las Vegas, Disney World and of course, New York City. Internationally, one of the biggest celebrations is in Sydney, Australia. More than 80,000 fireworks are set off from Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Time Square New Year's Eve Ball was first dropped in 1907 after there was a fireworks ban. Back then, a 700-pound ball embellished with 25-watt bulbs made of iron and wood was dropped. Now, however, it weighs 11,875 pounds, is 12 feet in diameter and is adorned with 2,668 Waterford crystals.

The tradition has continued in Times Square, except for in 1942 and 1943. The ball was not lowered because of wartime restrictions.

The top 10 resolutions are usually to lose weight, eat more healthily, exercise more, stop smoking, stick to a budget, save money, get more organized, be more patient, find a better job and to just be a better person over all.

Right now, Prowler Magazine has resolved to help you hook up the perfect New Year’s Eve 2014. Cheers to you friends, we’ll see you at the biggest bashes and events of 2015!

SAFE RI DES MAKE TH E MOST OF NYE

Silver Fox Limos is our choice for a night out on the town.

Call them ASAP to reserve your night at: 704-622-9944.

And a few other options to keep you safe: YELLOW CAB CHARLOTTE 704-444-4444 App: YC Mobile UBER App Only: UBER (Apple/Android) LYFT: App Only: LYFT (visit website for text link) Keep this info handy—have a great, safe NYE 2014!

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O N T H E P R O W L I N C LT

| PROWLER SUGGESTS

Haute Exclusive’s Masquerade Charity Ball

be held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, at the corner of MLK Blvd. and S. Brevard St. During the day, enjoy WBT Holiday on Ice (opens at 10am) along with family-friendly programs and activities.Beginning at 7pm, celebrate the end of 2014 with live music and a variety of activities and performances.

CLT New Year's Eve remains an alcohol-free, family-friendly and free event.

Count down to the new year with fireworks and the raising of the Queen City Crown! www.charlottesgotalot.com NYE Celebration at OSSO Restaurant and Lounge

RINGING IN NYE IN CLT!

Welcome in the New Year in style at Osso! Start your party planning now and enjoy dinner, music, midnight countdown, champagne toast and party favors!Enjoy dinner between 5pm – 8pm with 3 Courses Meal Options at $45/person or $60/person! For $295 per couple, enjoy a 3 Course Meal, plus a bottle of Moet Chandon Imperial!

Seating limit is 2 hours. Make reservations for dinner and the countdown between 9pm and 11pm for $295 per couple for a 3 course meal plus a bottle

WOW. That year went by fast. Some good times and some not so.

Let’s kick it out the door with a bang! Here are some of the best options...

Widespread Panic

TimeWarner Cable Arena The venerable band returns to Charlotte for their 2nd annual New Year’s Eve blow-out bash at TWC Arena. It’s a CLT tradition!

Sparkle in the New Year’s Eve

December 31, 6 – 8 p.m.

Get an early start on ringing in the New Year while you enjoy the final night of Holidays at the Garden. The elegant evening of sparkling wine tasting includes light savory appetizers and commemorative flute. Cost: $35 includes admission to Holidays at the Garden festivities.

Queens Landing

Cruise Lake Norman with Jim Quick & Coastline. Rub elbows with the band, while sampling an array of delicious appetizers. Cash bar. Boards: 6 p.m.

Departs: 6:30 p.m. Returns: 7:30 p.m.

Then, proceed inside Queen's Landing for Jim Quick and Coastline's main performance: New Year's Eve Celebreation STAY CONNECTED

|

featuring a chef slicing station with a full selection of side dishes and entrees, served from 9:30 to 11. Enjoy party favors and a complimentary midnight champagne toast with a chocolate buffet! Cash bar. LIMITED TICKETS (In Advance) Celeb Cruise (6:30-7:30) $100 Main Performance Concert & Dance (8:30-12:30) $60 Masquerade Charity Ball

Haute Exclusive's New Years Eve Charity Masquerade Ball at the Royal Orchid Event Center. December 31st as we ring in the New Year at one of the city's newest and most elegant event spaces. There will be live entertainment by celebrity artist and band, DJ, delicious food, champagne toast, prizes, giveaways and more. Dress attire: Formal, mask optional. For tickets visit www.TheRoyalOrchidEventCentre.co.

CLT New Year’s Eve

The official New Year's Eve celebration in Uptown Charlotte has a new name and location! CLT New Year's Eve will

Fun and Games at Strike City! of Moet Chandon Imperial! Receive party favors and a complimentary Champagne midnight toast! www.ossocharlotte.com or 704-9710550 for reservations!

Strike City TIME WARP NYE

4 parties. 1 place.What better way to cheers to the future than partying through the past? StrikeCity turns into a virtual time machine and takes you through four decades to ring in 2015.

Relive the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 2000s all in one night. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.Tickets are $65 and include; open bar and food buffet 'til midnight, champagne toast, party

LIKE PROWLER MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK FOR UP-TO-THE MINUTE UPDATES ON ENTERTAINMENT IN CLT

NYE IN CLT continues favors, and more! VIP Bowling tickets available for $90 per person. Min 4 people, max 6. Unlimited bowling 9:30 to midnight. Limited availability.

Brew Year’s Eve at Sycamore Brewing

Celebrate the New Year at Sycamore Brewing. No lines, No Cover, No Dress Code -- Just Good Times! Beer, Wine, Champagne BBQ Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Southern Apps. For more info www.sycamorebrew.com NYE at Howl at the Moon

High atop The Epicentre, bring your friends out for sing along fun as we ring in the New Year. Seating and standing room options available. For a variety of packages and to see videos visit www.howlatthemoon.com/nye-cha The Duke Mansion’s 100 Birthday Party on New Year’s Eve

Make it a New Year's Eve you'll never forget at The Duke Mansion. You'll enjoy the best of everything Charlotte has to offer in a celebration of the mansion's 100th birthday in 2015.

Experience a sumptuous multi-course dinner from Chef Harrison Booth in a heated tent adorned with lights on the McGuire Lawn. Dance to the romantic vibe from That Guy Smitty, named Best Lounge DJ by Creative Loafing. Toast the new year at midnight with champagne, and enjoy a late-evening breakfast to start the new year. The Duke Mansion has hosted leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries. Now it's your turn to celebrate in grand style. This blacktie event is $515 per couple or $258 for single tickets. Purchase your tickets

Make yours an historic NYE—celebrate the 100th birthday of the Duke Mansion on New Year’s Eve. This will be one epic December 31st!

from Katie Ellis, (704)714-4445 or kellis@tlwf.org.

A Great Gatsby NYE at Leroy Fox

Get swept away into the glitz and glamour everyone dreamed of in the roaring 20's this New Years Eve at Leroy Fox! Ring in 2015 with a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight and see how they transform Leroy Fox into a 1920s NYE dream. $60 Tickets include: 5 course meal (with choices for each course) 2 prohibition style cocktails, champagne toast, entry into Glitter & Glitz after party, live Jazz Band performance, dinner served 8 pm-10 pm, cocktail reception 10 pm-10:30 pm, Glitter & Glitz After Party 10:30 pm-2 am #GlitterNGlitz

Raucous live sing-alongs and free flowing cocktails at Howl at the Moon, nested atop The Epicentre make this an ideal NYE spot.

106.5 The End’s Official NYE Bash

Get in on the raddest NYE Bash in the QC at Texicali at the NC Music Factory! Hosted

by Rozak and the gang from 1065 The END! Party all night to LIVE music with Of Good Nature! All inclusive bar and buffet for just $60!

Free champagne

toast at midnight, giveaways and more!

Get in on this party quick, the first 50 tickets are just $50 and then go up to $60! 21+ only. I.D. required.

Visitwww.texicalicharlotte.com Southern Skyline Grand Ball

Southern Skyline is thrilled to make its 2015 debut in the Queen City. What better place to enjoy the musical stylings of Tyler Boone, DJ Method, Mangas Colorado, and Atlas Road Crew than the Hilton Charlotte City Center?

A black tie-optional event; resolutionmakers are invited to countdown to midnight with heavy hors d’oeuvres, premier entertainment and a full service OPEN BAR. This will be the largest New Years Ball in North Carolina. The cost of the event is $125 general admission / $180 VIP, and festivities will take place on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 beginning at 9:00 p.m. at 222 E 3rd St, Charlotte, NC. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish foundation. Use promo code "queencity" to receive $40 off of your ticket when you order before December 1st.

AND THERE’S LOTS MORE...

For more information on upcoming events “LIKE” Charlotte Prowler Magazine on Facebook and follow GoSeeDoCLT on Twitter.

CHARLOTTE CHECKERS

HOME GAME SCHEDULE

Dec 21, 2014 1:00 PM San Ant. Rampage

Feb 07, 2015 7:00 PM Chicago Wolves

Mar 12, 2015 7:00 PM Grand Rapids Griffins

Jan 03, 2015 7:00 PM Texas Stars

Feb 16, 2015 7:00 PM Norfolk Admirals

Jan 04, 2015 3:00 PM Texas Stars

Feb 18, 2015 7:00 PM Iowa Wild

Mar 27, 2015 7:00 PM Lake Erie Monsters Mar 29, 2015 1:00 PM Lake Erie Monsters

Jan 15, 2015 7:00 PM Toronto Marlies

Feb 19, 2015 7:00 PM Iowa Wild

Jan 16, 2015 7:00 PM Toronto Marlies

Mar 04, 2015 7:00 PM San Ant. Rampage

Jan 22, 2015 7:00 PM Ok City Barons

Mar 05, 2015 7:00 PM San Ant. Rampage

Jan 23, 2015 7:00 PM OK City Barons

Mar 08, 2015 1:00 PM Norfolk Admirals

Feb 06, 2015 7:00 PM Chicago Wolves

Mar 10, 2015 7:00 PM Grand Rapids Griffins

Apr 02, 2015 7:00 PM Ok City Barons Apr 03, 2015 7:00 PM Ok City Barons Apr 11, 2015 7:00 PM Rockford IceHogs Apr 12, 2015 1:00 PM Rockford IceHogs

The Charlotte Checkmates keep the crowd rockin’ at TWC Arena for Charlotte Checkers home games. Plans are to move the team back to Bojangle’s Arena after a $16 Million upfit!

HOT SPOT

ACTIVE

PLAYER

NC MUSIC FACTORY EVENTS

ROS-

COMEDY MOVIE MASTERMIND MARLON WAYANS

COMEDY ZONE

Donnell Rawlings Dec 26-27 Fight Night Season Start Dec 28 Bret Earnst Dec 29-31 Alonzo Broden Jan 2-3 Jen Kirkman Jan 8-10 Tone-X Jan 11 Corey Holcomb Jan 15-18 Ari Shaffir Jan 22-24 Fousey Tube Jan 24 (3 pm) Marlon Wayans Feb 5-7

THE FILLMORE

December 19 On The Border- Eagles Tribute December 30 Tunes for Tots/Widespread Panic December 31 Drop !t f/ Slander January 9 Face 2 Face- Elton John/Billy Joel Tribute January 11 Periphery January 17 Chippendales January 18 Black Label Society w/Butcher Babies/Hatebreed January 24 Marshall Tucker Band February 2 Motion City Soundtrack w/ Copeland February 4 Lucy Hale February 6 Ingrid Michaelson February 7 Kongos February 13 Trial By Fire Journey Tribute February 14 An Evening w/ Big Head Todd February 15 Wale February 20 Dark Star Orchestra February 21 Sleeping w/ Sirens & Pierce the Veil February 25 Soja February 28 Above & Beyond

LABEL

Sensato December 26 Studio 54 NYE December 31 Bollywood January 2 Destructo January 23 50 Fantasies Male Revue Feb 21

TEXICALI

Dec 30 Tunes for Tots After Party w/ Bloodkin Tickets: http://bit.ly/1xHT0t4 Dec 31 1065's Official NYE Bash w/ Of Good Nature THERE’S MORE For more nightly fun at the NC Music Factory visit their website at www.NCMusicFactory.com and sign up for frequent updates and advance notice of shows.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

KEMBA, AL & CO. CHASING WIN

2 0 1 5

S C H E D U L E

Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 26 Dec. 27 Dec. 29 Dec. 31 Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Feb. 10 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 25 Feb. 27 Mar. 1 Mar. 3 Mar. 4 Mar. 6 Mar. 8 Mar. 9 Mar. 11 Mar. 13 Mar. 16 Mar. 17 Mar. 20 Mar. 22 Mar. 23 Mar. 25 Mar. 27 Mar. 28 Mar. 30 Apr. 1 Apr. 3 Apr. 4 Apr. 7 Apr. 8 Apr. 10 Apr. 12 Apr. 13 Apr. 15

G A M E

Utah Denver at Milwaukee at Ok City Orlando Milwaukee at Houston Cleveland at Orlando at Boston New Orleans at Toronto at New York San Ant. Indiana Minnesota Miami at Cleveland New York at San Ant. at Denver at Washington Washington at Philadelphia Indiana Detroit Ok City at Dallas at Chicago at Boston at Orlando Los Angeles at Brooklyn Toronto at Detroit Washington Sacramento Chicago at Utah at Los Angeles at Sacramento at Minnesota at Chicago Brooklyn at Washington Atlanta Boston Detroit at Indiana Philadelphia at Miami Toronto at Atlanta at Detroit Houston at Toronto

7:00 7:00 8:00 8:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:30 1:00 7:00 7:00 2:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 8:30 9:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 6:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 7:30 6:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 6:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 9:00 10:30 10:00 7:00 8:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00 7:30 3:30 7:00 8:00

Get On The Prowl in your email weekly for HOT EVENTS in CLT Go to www.ProwlerMagazine.com and register for your free subscription.

Charlotte’s two hundred year history is steeped in descent, independent spirit, reinvention, and opportunity.

From iron ore and gold mining, to cotton and tobacco farming, textile manufacturing, hydroelectric power generation, transportation and banking, Charlotte’s entrepreneurial spirit has always found ways to reinvent itself as time has changed and the “Can-Do” spirit of our founding fathers is still very much alive in Charlotte today. Charlotte sprang from the convergence of two native Indian trading routes, The Nations Ford Trail south to Charlestown South Carolina and the

Great Trading Path heading north to Virginia. The area was originally home to The Catawba Indian Nation with 6 villages spread along the banks of the Catawba River. In the 1750’s settlers and fur traders followed the well-established Catawba Trails and began settling in the Carolina back country.

In 1755 Thomas Polk and his wife Susannah Spratt Charlotte’s first settlers built their home near the cross roads of the two historical trading routes, at the current location of Trade and Tryon Streets.

by Greg Greenawalt AUTHOR OF DESTINATION CHARLOTTE THE BOOK WWW.DESTINATIONCHARLOTTETHEBOOK.COM WWW.TWITTER.COM/DESTCHARLOTTE

Thomas Polk was the great uncle of James K. Polk our 11th President of the United States who was born in Mecklenburg County on November 2, 1795. In 1760 residents incorporated the fledgling community as Charlotte’s Town in Honor of Queen Charlotte the bride of King George the III of England with the hope that the king would award them with a county courthouse.

In 1762 Mecklenburg County was named after the queen’s birth place Mecklenburg Strelitz, Germany. Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte is named after Lord William Tryon the British

appointed royal provincial governor who rigorously enforced British laws and rule in the Carolinas back country from 1765-1776.

Today the corners of Trade and Tryon Streets are marked with four bronze statues by artist Raymond Kaskey. The female mill worker with a bonnet represents: INDUSTRY. The miner pouring gold over the head of a banker represents: COMMERCE. The

lady uplifting a baby represents: THE FUTURE. The rail road worker with the hammer represents: TRANSPORTATION. Two significant historical events that helped to shape Charlotte’s Independent Sprit were the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and the Battle of the Bees.The Mecklenburg Resolves or Declaration was the result of the many years of brutal enforcement of British rule and taxes by the British provincial Governor Lord Tyron and the Carolina backcountry citizens growing intolerance. The Mecklenburg Declaration was the first declaration made in the 13 colonies.

On May 19, 1775 Col. Thomas Polk the commander of the county militia called a meeting at the county courthouse in Charlotte to discuss the British situation with local representatives. A communication was received that day detailing the bloody battles that had just occurred up north at Lexington and Concord which infuriated the representatives. They developed a Resolve later called a Declaration that dissolved all allegiances to the British crown and laws, and they declared themselves free and independent people.

The Resolve was read on the steps of the Mecklenburg county courthouse on May 20, 1775 and was given to Captain James Jack to deliver to the North Carolina state representatives for presentation to the Continental Congress. Even though the North Carolina state representatives approved of the Resolve they did not present it to the Continental Congress as congress was still in hopes of negotiating a treaty with Britain at that time.

Today, May 20th is called Mec-Dec day in Charlotte and the date of May 20th 1775 appears on the North Carolina State flag. Another important event that helped to shape the Charlotte’s Can Do spirit was the Battle of the Bees that took place during the southern campaign of the American Revolution War on September 26, 1780.

British General Cornwallis marched his troops into

Charlotte to set up his regional headquarters near the Intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets and occupied the log cabin of our first settler Thomas Polk. On October 3, 1780 a British garrison of approximately 300 men set out from Charlotte to plunder local farmers looking for supplies and livestock to steal. The local patriot militia was informed of the supply garrison’s movement and set up an ambush at the McIntyre farm on the road to Beatties Ford approximately seven miles from Charlotte.

The Militia hid in the surrounding wood while British troops

Queen Charlotte

plundered the McIntrye farm. The patriots turned over several bee hives on the farm which infuriated the bees who severely stung the British soldiers in their bright red uniforms and caused them to retreat from the area. Later, renamed the Battle of the Bees, General Cornwallis wrote in his diary that Charlotte is an agreeable village in a damn rebellious country and that the Counties of Mecklenburg and Rowan were more hostile to England than any other in America, a hornet’s nest of resistance.

The hornets’ nest symbol is frequently used with many organizations in the Charlotte area today to continue to show our independent spirit including the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department on the police officers shield and the local Girl Scout council is named the Hornets’ Nest Council.

Charlotte History 1767 Andrew Jackson is born in Waxhaw near the South Carolina Border and becomes the 7th President of the United States in 1829.

1799 Conrad Reed discovers a 17 lbs. gold nugget in Cabarrus County at Little Meadow Creek starting the Carolina gold rush.

1828 Jonathon Humphrey Bissel purchased interest in the McComb Gold mine and brought new mining technology to the area. Bissel later established the General Mining and Manufacturing Association.

Bissel’s ancestor Howard C. Smoky Bissel would become the developer of the Ballantyne suburb of Charlotte.

1831 Christopher Bechtler an immigrant watchmaker and jeweler established a private mint in Rutherford County and from 1831 1850 produced over $1million in gold coins.

1837 The Charlotte branch of the US mint opens, stamping $5.00 Gold Eagle and $2.50 Quarter Gold Eagle coins. Over $10 million in gold coins were stamped at the Charlotte mint between1837-1861.

1840 John Springs and 3 other appointed envoys of the Governor of South Carolina successfully negotiate the Treaty of 1840 with the Catawba Indian Nation which gave the South Carolina government thousands of acres of Catawba land in exchange for land in Haywood County near the Cherokees. The Governor granted John Springs title to his 1,100 acre plantation called Springfield. Springs was an early investor in the areas first cotton mills and built his fortune through cotton and textiles.

1852 The first passenger train and first telegraph office open in Charlotte.

1856 The first gas lights illuminate Charlotte streets and homes.

NBA IN CLT | Hornets Back @Home

GAME SCHEDULE HORNETS December-January Dec. 12 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Dec. 19 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 26 Dec. 27 Dec. 29 Dec. 31 Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31

@Memphis 8:00 Brooklyn 7:00 @Cleveland 7:00 Phoenix 7:00 @Philadelphia 7:00 Utah 7:00 Denver 7:00 @Milwaukee 8:00 @Ok. City 8:00 Orlando 7:00 Milwaukee 7:00 @Houston 7:00 Cleveland 7:00 @Orlando 7:00 @Boston 7:30 New Orleans 7:00 @Toronto 7:30 @New York 1:00 San Antonio 7:00 Indiana 7:00 Minnesota 2:00 Miami 7:00 @Cleveland 7:30 New York 7:00 @San Antonio 8:30 @Denver 9:00

KEMBA Walker LEADS THE ATTACK

Photos by Don Kelley

Charlotteans are so by every varying degree of age. Some planted the flag yesterday. And a very few of us are that rare breed called “native”. But somewhere in-between lie a group that were here when the first blood of professional sports was drawn...when the Hornets first stung...and set this growing city abuzz. Two decades later a youthful, angry squad, led by a living legend in Michael Jordan, brought the buzz back with a storybook win in game one this season. From there, reality sunk in. The Hornets are back. But a team like our beloved team of old will take some time to build.

Either way, we’re glad the BUZZ is back. Let’s make some noise!

HONEY BEES TURN UP THE GAME

GET IN THE GAME! Send us an email with your favorite Charlotte Hornets moments (tell us about it, and/or show us...include pics) and we will choose some of your best submissions for inclusion in our Charlotte Hornet’s coverage.

Winners will receive $50 gift certificates to local restaurants and one favorite fan will be our guest at a Charlotte Hornets game! Email: Info@ProwlerMagazine.com.

FANS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

HORNETS BUZZER BEATERS!

By all standards, the Carolina Panther’s 2014 season has been a debacle. Player exodus, scandle, car wrecks, sweeping injuries and general lackluster. Is the tide turning?

PANTHERS FANS have two things to be passionate about in recent weeks: Fight and Faith. While it looked to many of us that our #1 NFC South returning champs had lost both, here late in the season both have returned in abundance. We’re all watching, waiting to see if it will be enough to claw out of the pit that this Panther squad dug for itself amid so many injuries and organizational turmoil.

Yet, there are the highest of highlights that fans will have to build on regardless of the season outcome. Here are a few: OFFENSE QB Cam Newton was only slightly injured in a gruesome wreck that tumbled his pick-up truck only minutes from Bank of America Stadium. Kelvin Benjamin—repeat NFC Rookie of the Week receiver and fearsome talent for the future. Derek Anderson, competent and confident back-up at the QB spot.

Greg Olsen, a league-high performing season at tight end. Jonathan Stewart, healthy and productive this season.

DEFENSE Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis together again—lacking some days but brilliant on others. Josh Norman stoking fires in the D backfield. Charles Johnson muscling his way to opposing QBs. BOTTOM LINE: If the Panthers can keep the fire burning that was lit in New Orleans, where they beat up the Saints in a 41-10 slugfest, we’ll have our team back.

ROAD TO REDEMPTION? CLEVELAND BROWNS (7-7) Sunday 1pm, 12-21-2014 ATLANTA FALCONS (5-9) Sunday 1pm, 12-28-2014 Key: Saints must lose 1, Panthers win 2 in last 2 season games for a Panther Playoff appearance (and to win the NFC South).

PHOTOS by STEVE LINDENMAN

Our ProBowl calibre TE Greg Olsen proves himself time and time again with clutch catches for first downs and explosive downfield gains. Tough as nails, Olsen reels in strikes from Cam and DA even as he becomes a target for linebackers, corners and safeties. The more Olsen is thrown to the more likely the cats are to win the game. Period.

#88 Tight End

#24 CORNERBACK Fireball Josh Norman brings a Steve Smith, Sr. intensity to the Panthers D. With 40+ tackles, forced fumbles and interceptions, his play is making a marked difference on the outcome of Panther games. We like his attitude (most of the time).

Mike Tolbert’s play in the 2013 NFC South Championship season is arguably the difference maker on the season. His enthusiasm, raw power and fierce competitiveness were missing for many games this season. Mike Tolbert is back and so is our “swagger”. An NFL player poll asked who players would least like to meet on the street for a fist fight and 5’9” Mike Tolbert landed on the list at #2. We like Mike.

#35 FULLBACK

TAILGATING Celebrate!

DELICIOUS RECIPES by LORI SCOTT

SEASONAL TREATS & EATS Directions

TASTY CUPS THAT ACCENT THE SEASON

PEPPERMINT MOUSSE Ingredients

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup white vanilla baking chips 1 cup whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 2 drops red food color 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes (about 6 miniature candy canes)

Line 24 mini muffin cups with petit four paper cups. In 1-quart saucepan, melt semisweet chocolate chips over low heat, stirring frequently. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the chocolate into each cup. With back of measuring spoon, spread chocolate up sides to within 1/8 inch of the top. Chocolate should be warm enough to spread. Refrigerate about 20 minutes/until completely set.

Meanwhile, in microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla baking chips uncovered on High 1 minute. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the whipping cream; microwave about 30 seconds longer or until chips are melted. Stir in peppermint extract and food color. Cool slightly, 5 minutes.

Carefully remove paper cups from chocolate cups.

In medium bowl, beat remaining whipping cream with electric mixer on highspeed until stiff peaks form. Fold melted vanilla chip mixture into whipped cream. Spoon or pipe whipped cream mixture into chocolate cups. Refrigerate until serving. Just before serving, sprinkle with candy.

FRESH FLAVOR, STACKED AND LOADED

CHRISTMAS CRAB TARTLETS Ingredients

2 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (6 ounce) can crab meat, drained 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 pinch paprika STILL HUNGRY? See more at www.ProwlerMagazine.com.

Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 12 tartlet pans. Divide rolls in half and press into the prepared tartlet pans. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, crab, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Cheddar cheese, green onions and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon 1 teaspoon of mixture into tarts and garnish with paprika. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until light brown.

THE BEST

Pineapple Cheese Ball Ingredients

1-1/2 packages (12 oz) cream cheese 1 small can crushed pineapple (well drained) Powdered sugar (to tasteapproximately 2-3 Tbsp.)

Green onion (optional-to taste, approximately 2 Tbsp.)

Chopped ham (optional-to taste, approximately 2-3 Tbsp.

Chopped pecans (about 1 cup worth)

Directions

Combine all ingredients together. Mash into a ball and chill. Roll in crushed pecans. Refrigerate until served. Serve with crackers.

TAILGATE PROS! We want your recipes! If we print your receipe here in our Tailgating section we’ll send you a $50 gift card good for dinner at a great restaurant in the Charlotte area. Send recipes and/or pics to: LoriScott.ProwlerMag@Gmail.com

The guests are fed, the gifts are opened andnow it’s time for conversation and to unwind with cocktails. Here are three seasonal spirits that Prowler prefers...

Cranberry C lause Punch INGREDIENTS

2 Oranges (cut into 1/4-inch thick slices) 3 cups Cranberry Juice (chilled) 3/4 cup Orange Liqueur 2 bottles Champagne or Sparkling White Wine (chilled) 2/3 cup Frozen Cranberries (plus more for garnish)

When ready to serve, place the cranberry juice and orange liqueur in the punch bowl and stir to combine. Add the sparkling wine or champagne. Float the frozen orange slices and cranberries in the punch. Serve in tall glasses, garnished with cranberry-spiked toothpicks.

DIRECTIONS

Place the orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, place a punch bowl in the freezer or refrigerator to chill.

Candy Cane Cocktail INGREDIENTS

1 shot vanilla rum 1 shot white chocolate liqueur 1 shot peppermint schnapps Candy cane, garnish

DIRECTIONS

Add all liquid ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with candy cane.

Skinny Santa Shaker INGREDIENTS

1 oz. Spice Box Whiskey 7 oz. Cherry Pomegranate Crystal Light Splash of lime juice Sprite Zero topper

STILL THIRSTY?

For more fabulous cocktails for every season visit our archives at www.ProwlerMagazine.com. Enjoy!