ScoreBoard: You guys are doing really well- and without the help of “the machine”, so to speak. How did that happen?

Aaron Bruno: We’re definitely doing it without the help of a major label. Red Bull got a few of my early songs that I had recorded on a demo through my manager. Same old story: they contacted me but it came at a time when I didn’t expect any label to be interested in me. I was still developing the sound, just putting the band together, putting out the music for free and hopefully getting some people that would want to come out and see the show. Having been signed to a couple of record labels before, I thought the odds were certainly against me to get a third one. I definitely wasn’t calling all of the major label A&R people in Hollywood that everyone knows. I had a conversation with the head of the label [Red Bull] and he wanted to partner up with me and put out the songs as I recorded them. He didn’t want me to work with any producers or songwriters – and that was nice for me. I didn’t want a label or A&R person telling me what to do. Of course they have opinions every once in a while, but they’re not telling me what to do all of the time, so I’m very grateful – and shocked – that it’s going this way.

ScoreBoard: That’s got to be a very freeing feeling.

AB: Yeah, being able to do everything and make the final decision and then look in the mirror and judge yourself is frightening – but very liberating. It’s sort of like that thing when you’re a kid and it’s your turn to read the paper to the class but then you get up there and you feel comfortable. At least, I did – but getting up to that point was the hardest thing. It’s the same thing with playing shows, making a record or anything like that.

ScoreBoard: What was the turning point that got you to this part of the successful journey?

AB: I’m not sure. I’d like to say it’s all word of mouth and we’re this badass underground band or something like that, but I can’t deny the power of radio and what having a hit song does for us. Having said that, it’s a song I never thought would be on the radio, so it’s a little stranger – to me at least, that it’s a hit versus some of the other songs on the record. That kind of gives us the freedom to stay true to the stranger arts I guess. We can keep it different and mysterious as opposed to putting out “the ballad” with the video where I’m standing on a mountaintop with the wind blowing through my hair.

ScoreBoard: Is there not a small part of you that wants to do that?

AB: No, not even. [Smiles]

ScoreBoard: There seems to be some speculation about where the name came from and what it means. Can you give a definitive answer on it?

AB: Rather than explain where the name comes from, I’ll tell you what it means to me. It’s the artistic, musical place you go to escape the day-to-day struggles of life. That’s why I named it AWOLNATION. You can go there without explaining to anyone or telling anyone. You put on your iTunes or your records and hopefully feel better about the day. If you’re going through a hard time, it’s like talking to a friend. All of the records I fell in love with had the same effect on me as a kid, whether you’re going through a breakup, struggling to figure out what I want to do with my life or all of the different things we feel. I’m just saying it’s stuff I hope that people can relate to it.

ScoreBoard: These songs are darker than your previous work and the lyrics are very personal. Is it sometimes hard to share those things and open up?

AB: I was in such a darker, lower place when I came up with this stuff that I didn’t think about what I was trying to do – I just did it. I can’t say words that don’t mean something to me in a song. It just came out and I didn’t over-think it too much, so that’s why the record came out sounding the way it did. But to answer your question, no, it wasn’t hard. It felt right.

ScoreBoard: Now that you’re on an upswing, will the songs change in their feel as a reflection of that?

AB: No, because I’m still as miserable as I was before [laughs]. I’m still pessimistic and self-deprecating but I continue to write songs – and it’s not like we sold a million records or anything like that. It’s still a grind. All of my friends at home think I’m a millionaire because I have a song on the radio. I’m far from that. I’m not even a $100,000-aire. I’m just trying to pay the bills like everyone else, but at the same time, I am grateful.

ScoreBoard: Since you’ve been through the ringer in the business, what advice can you give to younger artists trying to get out there?

AB: It’s tough to say. Some people write songs that people want to hear and some people write songs that not too many people are into. I’d be lying to say everyone can do this I think everybody is put here for a different reason and have something that they do well. I wanted to be a professional surfer but I wasn’t good enough so I guess I continue to write songs and that’s what ended up happening.

ScoreBoard: Do you feel successful right now? And what is your definition of success?

AB: I feel like I have it right now. Success to me is being able to do anything you seek out to do. If it’s writing a song, making a record, having songs coming out  – and not being on a hard drive like a bunch of other songs I have that were never released because of contractual or legal reasons. There are songs that my friends know or have heard of. Your friends are always haters, by the way. Don’t ever forget that. Some are happy for you but most are haters and will put a damper on the situation I suppose.

ScoreBoard: Has there been a defining moment of this journey that you think you’ll always remember?

AB: This whole journey we’re on…I think just people singing the lyrics to the song louder than I can sing into the mic. I’ve been in the hardcore/straightedge scene, the punk scene and it was more about singing along to the words of the songs rather than looking cool or anything like that. It wasn’t much of a fashion show when we came up. It was more about the unity in that room screaming at the top of their lungs in words that are really hard to understand because we were all screaming back then. That whole art of learning a song is exciting to me. People are catching along to the idea that if you come to our show, you may get the mic passed to you and it seems like a lot of the songs, most people know the words to. When I write songs, I have that in the back of my mind. It’s so cool to see people singing these songs out loud. We’re charting and it all seems like a dream. I’m just trying to stay focused and continuing to write for the second record. Hopefully it’ll be better. Maybe it’ll suck and we’ll have a sophomore slump. Maybe I’ll join the whole folk music parade that’s going on right now. You never know.

Northern Michigan is a place many notable people quietly but proudly call home. From Michigan residents who have done well for themselves like Bob Seger or Kid Rock – or even Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, who told me on a chance encounter on this trip that he moved up North when he “got smart” – to those Fortune 500 execs who like a serene break, it could be one of the country’s best-kept vacation secrets.
Legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, in fact, spent most of his formative years here and even writes fondly about the area in his beloved Nick Adams works. He is remembered fondly here and there are even tours dedicated to the “Ernest Hemingway trail” that follows his summer home, where he first got married, where he first started writing and – much like George Washington in the East Coast – where he slept for a night here and there.

While the Great Lakes are quite the spectacle and there’s plenty to take in that are obvious stops for tourists, there’s something so nice about things like taking a winding trail when the leaves are changing and going into quaint towns and watching the sun set over the water at a great independently-owned restaurant.
To get there from Detroit, take a small regional flight into Pellston Regional Airport, which is more like a hunting lodge – complete with a fireplace in the waiting room to stuffed bears watching over the baggage claim area.

Here are some suggestions for a great domestic escape you may not have considered yet.

Where to Stay:

Stafford’s Perry Hotel – Since 1899, people have been passing through this historic Petoskey, Michigan hotel – including Hemingway himself – and it’s everything a turn of the century hotel should be: warm, charming, homey and, yes, haunted. The rooms still have actual keys and there’s a ballroom and a library, which is a perfect place to start your first novel if that’s on your checklist of life goals.
The Inn at Bay Harbor – Between the resort communities of Charlevoix, Petoskey and Harbor Springs is a beautiful Victorian resort on the water that truly clenches the escapism aspect of the trip. Complete with full amenities – including a great spa that has one of the best deep tissue massages in the state – this is a great place to truly unwind. And for the golfers, this is some of the finest golfing in Michigan.

Shangri-La – For those looking for a more private experience or group trip, this seven-bedroom house has its own private beach on Lake Charlevoix. This is also the site of Ernest Hemingway’s first wedding reception.

Where to Eat:

Palette Bistro – Being able to watch the sun set while at dinner and not being at a tropical resort is a fairly unique thing. As you look over Little Traverse Bay, you’ll notice the room gets a little quieter, phones stay hidden from view and a nice dinner table conversation can be had, all while being served fresh fish and perfect cuts of meat.

City Park Grill – Once a prohibition era bar that “only served soft drinks,” this charming bar and grill was also around as The Annex during Hemingway’s time and yes, this place is haunted, too. The drinks are strong, the music is modern and the people are friendly. What more could you want in a bar past or present, anyway? Ask for an underground tour and you may just get an extra encounter.

Horton Bay General Store – Since 1876, this is a town staple and an interesting taste of what seems to be a bygone era. Also serving as a bed and breakfast upstairs with some amazing historic decorations – including souvenirs from Abraham Lincoln’s memorial service, this is a great place to stop and get some fresh sandwiches and have a coffee by the fireplace.

Sagamore’s – The restaurant inside The Inn at Bay Harbor is a nice, quiet (and quite romantic) spot looking over the bay with a great local fare, including some great regional whitefish dishes.

The Pier – This social lunch hub is yet another nice place to dine overlooking the water and take in sights that we just don’t get to see every day. The service is warm and friendly and there’s always the option of hiring The Pointer to enjoy your lunch on the water.

Walloon Lake Inn – For over 100 years, locals have enjoyed this local dining spot on the lake. With tasty regional fare and a true sense of local pride from the tenured chef, this may be the defining Northern Michigan dining experience.

Edgewater Bistro – This brunch spot may have the largest pancakes you’ve ever seen. Their generous portions all around make sure no one leaves hungry. The relaxing setting allows for a nice conversation and yet another great place to look at the water while dining.

What to Do:

Fly Fishing – Just like Hemingway did, it’s nice to experience fly fishing as the locals have for many years. Mineral Well Park in Petoskey is a great start, where you can get knee-deep in Bear River and see the fish practically come to you in the clear water at your feet. Brian Kozminski is a great guide for those lacking experience – or those without the proper equipment, which would probably be most of us.

Harbor Springs Area Historical Museum – Seeing rooms set up like they were in the olden days, complete with mannequins with outfits and authentic items from life at the time, really gives a good visual of what it would be like to step back in time. This museum has a nice warm feel in a setting that almost makes you feel like you were there.

Little Traverse History Museum – Formerly the Pere Marquette Railroad Station, this area is a place of Hemingway lore and if you’re lucky, a guided tour from Hemingway Society President Mike Federspiel might even be arranged. Here you can find many relics of the area’s past – and a nice little library of the author’s best works.

Earl Young Mushroom Houses – These incredibly unique houses in Charlevoix have often been imitated – even in this town – but the original designs make these homes true works of art. It’s worth the drive around to see a set of houses you won’t find anywhere else.

Odawa Casino – The Native American Odawas run this casino, which is like many Native American casinos – smoky, noisy and full of dinging and flashing lights. If you love to gamble this is your place. As a bonus, many touring acts come through this spot, so it may give you a rare dose of national distraction if it gets too quiet at the hotel.

“What if?” It’s one of my favorite questions right ahead of “What do you think?” and right behind “Would you like some more cake?”  And it’s also one of my favorite games to play when it comes to the “What ifs” in the world of sports.

I have always felt that the NBA is the easiest sport for examining in the game of “What if?” Helmets or masks don’t hide the players (excluding Rip Hamilton), stats are pretty easy to measure as far as skill set/performance and there has always been a sense of being this close to them (well at least for me as the Mavs PA announcer).

For me, there are 3 main villains for the NBA version of this game: Drugs, injury and accidents outside of play.

In this round of “What if”, let’s focus on 5 careers derailed by drugs. This category always frustrates me the most, since it seems to be the most easily avoidable.

Len Bias (6’8’’ 210 lbs – Forward – 1986 Boston Celtics)

I think we should get the biggest “What if?” out of the way first so I’m starting with Len Bias. In 4 years at the University of Maryland, Bias averaged 16.4 PPG, shot almost 54% from the floor and 80% from the line and he played around 36 minutes per game. He was an extremely athletic forward who played with a high degree of aggression. He was a Consensus All-American in his junior (2^nd team) and senior (1^st team) years. “Frosty” was highly regarded as the first “next Jordan.” Red Auerbach admitted at the memorial service for Bias that he had been planning on drafting Bias for three years. The Boston Celtics drafted Len Bias on June 17^th, 1986. He passed away from a cardiac arrhythmia caused by a cocaine overdose just 2 days later. I will grant that there is no real way to compare his college numbers to the players who would have been his contemporaries in the professional ranks. So, let me end his entry with this: He would have started his career playing with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish and Dennis Johnson. Put Len Bias at small forward with those guys and even I would have bought season tickets for the Gahhhden.

Micheal Ray Richardson (6’5” 190 lbs – Guard – 1978 New York Knicks)

Micheal Ray Richardson was drafted 4^th overall (2 spots ahead of Bird) in the 1978 draft. In the 1979 season, he became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists (10.1) and steals (3.2). Both were Knicks team records at the time. His team assist record has only been surpassed once (by Mark Jackson in the 87-88 season). Richardson still has the top 3 season steal totals in New York franchise history. In 8 seasons, he averaged 14.8 PPG, 7.0 AST and 5.5 REB. He was a 4-time All-Star and was named to the NBA All-Defensive 1^st Team in 1980 and 1981. In 1986 he received a lifetime ban from Commissioner David Stern for violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the 3^rd time. His right to play was reinstated in 1988, but he failed 2 drug tests in 1991 and his NBA career was over.

David Thompson (6’4” 195 lbs – Guard/Forward – 1976 Atlanta Hawks)

Thompson was the 1^st overall pick in the 1975 draft. He had a 44-inch vertical and was the original “Skywalker” (Stars Wars didn’t premier in theaters until May of 1977).  He popularized the “alley-oop” while at NC State, as a way to get around the NCAA’s rule prohibiting dunking and rumor has it that he could pluck a quarter from the top of a backboard. Thompson is the player Michael Jordan names as his own basketball role model, and Jordan even asked Thompson to give the introduction during his own Hall of Fame induction in 2009. On April 9, 1978 against the Detroit Pistons, he scored 73 points. He was a 4-time All-Star and was named to the All NBA First team in 1977 and 1978. Over his 9 year NBA career, Thompson averaged 22.7 PPG, 3.3 AST and 4.1 REB.  After the 1978 season, at the age of 23, he signed a contract that made him the highest paid player in team sports history (4 million over 5 years). The pressure to perform up to that contract, combined with his relentless drive to excel and his tendency to keep his emotions bottled up, led to cocaine and alcohol as his outlet. David would begin his speaking appearances after his playing days saying, “I had the ability to be one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the game and I blew it.” As his career was winding down, David was quoted by the Seattle Intelligencer saying “”I would try to stop completely, but I just didn’t have the willpower,” His career was over by the 1983-84 season, largely due to the knee injury he suffered falling down the steps at Studio 54. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. The sad part of Thompson’s story, for me, is that the fans were robbed of a chance to see something legendary. What we got was still pretty darn good.

John Lucas II (6’3” 175 lbs – Guard – 1976 Houston Rockets)

Lucas was the 1^st overall pick in the 1976 draft. Over his 14-year career, he averaged 10 PPG and 7 AST. After reaching the NBA Finals during the 1985-1986 season with Houston, Lucas submitted voluntarily to the league’s anti-drug testing program. Two of his Rockets teammates, Mitchell Wiggins and Lewis Lloyd, were banished from the league for failing drug tests during that same off-season. Not coincidentally, Lucas averaged a career-best 17.5 PPG the following season for the Milwaukee Bucks. After his retirement, Lucas completed his own rehabilitation and started programs to help other athletes rehabilitate. He eventually returned to coach in the NBA, reaching the Western Conference semi-finals with the San Antonio Spurs in the 1992-1993 season.

Roy Tarpley (6’11” 230 lbs – Forward/Center – 1986 Dallas Mavericks)

I’m not going to lie, this one STILL stings as a Mavs fan. Tarpley was selected to the NBA All-Rookie 1^st team in 1987. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1988. Tarpley averaged 12.6 PPG and 10.3 REB in his NBA career. He was also somewhat injury-prone, most famously for breaking his foot after dropping a water bottle on it himself. The tragedy is that he was banished from the NBA in 1991 for violating the league’s drug policies, after only 5 seasons. He was reinstated in 1994, but was permanently banned in 1995 for failing to follow the rules regarding his court-imposed aftercare program.

Best Brunch

Breadwinners – 3301 McKinney Ave. and 5560 West Lovers Lane (Inwood Village), Dallas
Meal: Any of the “Scrambles” made with egg whites, no oil or butter and go light on bacon, cheese… you know the drill! Add whole-wheat toast and fruit instead of the white potatoes.
Sip It: The Lemon Drop, concocted with citrus vodka, fresh lemon and a sugared rim, this delicious beverage is right around 120 calories.
Skip It: Frozen Cherry Limeade, made with cherry flavored vodka, sugary frozen cherry “juice” and lime “juice,” this super sweet elixir could easily be substituted for your dessert.
“All day good food” as well as a terrific brunch, amazing ambiance and a gorgeous sunlit patio

Nick & Sam’s Grill  - 2816 Fairmount St., Dallas
Meal: Champagne Dijon Scallops (made “clean”) with a side of grilled seasonal vegetables, no butter.
Sip It: The “Skinny Mojito,” made in several flavors with fresh juices instead of sweet and sour.
Skip It: Bottomless Mimosas. When pouring from a pitcher, you lose track of consumption and before you know it, a day’s worth of calories just went down the hatch… in addition to your food. Yikes.

Best Mexican Food (and a great location for people watching)

Taco Diner, West Village  -  3669 McKinney Ave., Dallas

Meal: Seared Fish Tacos with achiote citrus marinade; skip the fried rice and beans and opt for grilled veggies instead (also, ditch the chips if at all possible).

Sip It: The “Skinny” Margarita, made with tequila, fresh lime versus the typical sweet mix, and a splash of liqueur, the Skinny weighs in at a light 130 calories.
Skip It: The famous and occasionally infamous “Mambo Taxi,” at over 700 calories per glass, just TWO of these potent concoctions will definitely derail your diet.

At Home Hints

Finally, for entertaining at home we have several healthy grill alternatives on our Facebook page “Eating Light Done Right,” in the Notes section… as for my personal patio beverage of choice? Read on.

Tania’s Belvedere Blast:
1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka
4.5 oz Sprite Zero
Twist of fresh lime
Variations: Add a splash of pineapple juice for a sweet kick, or a splash of low cal cranberry juice to add tartness. Extra limes and fresh mint are always handy for garnishment, as well.

Refreshing and light, this creation is both delicious and under 150 calories. Thanks for following us and as always, best health and happiness.

I don’t know if that paraposdokian even applies to the modern digital world, what with the advent and proliferation of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

What used to be the realm of broadcast professionals has become the playground of the “15 minutes of fame” crowd – and many crusty old farts in pancake make-up feel that it’s cheapened the “pro product” (professionals tend to share with the selflessness of two year olds).

I guess one could see today’s retweet/upload world as being merely the evolution of what started as “innocent” file sharing back in the day.

You remember Napster don’t you?  Sure, take artists work, record it, and then distribute it without a cent going to the creator. What a shocker then that many artists felt Napster and the like were essentially ripping them off.

Groups like Metallica and various record labels took Napster to court and won. Napster was neutered. Then along came the omnipotent and now omnipresent iTunes. Apple of course redefined how we consume music, then movies, and now TV. It’s a pay-for-media superstore with the key word being “pay.”

All of the above is a very rudimentary, glossed-over and wordy preamble for the real meat of my consternation; the NHL Network. The NHL Network debuted in Canada in 2001 and in the U.S. in 2007 and like similar networks set up in MLB, NBA and the NFL, the NHL Network is a league-owned broadcast outlet. And like those other networks it has slowly moved toward airing more live games – the crown jewel of any sports network.

That’s where things get a tad muddy.

The NHL Network seemingly doesn’t have the budget to hire its own play-by-play, game analyst and production teams so it just airs regional game broadcasts which cost those regional broadcasters approximately $40-$45,000 per game to produce (plus whatever pro-rated rights fees they’ve ponied up for). The NHL Network essentially poaches the talents of others – for free.

Hell of a deal – for them.

We provided the content for one of these games recently. It was Anaheim at Dallas and it was the only game on the schedule that day. That meant our Fox Sports Southwest broadcast of the 3-1 Stars victory was beamed across Canada, from Maine to Malibu in the United States, plus, I surmise, into European markets that the NHL Network penetrates on some sort of tape delay basis, all with only the crew in Dallas being compensated by Fox for it.

Hell of a deal indeed.

There’s no way of knowing how many actual eyeballs were on that game but since everyone in the industry – plus all North American fans of NHL hockey – had no other option, I’d say the number was sizable (and probably an even digit too – wink, wink). Sure, we didn’t do more work for the game, we just did our show, but the principal of the matter seems…compromised.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for growing the game and I really like what the NHL Network is trying to do, especially here in the United States, but in the words of Bill Murray in Caddyshack …”How bout a little somethin’, you know, for the effort” (Carl Spackler, what a character).

I guess we could look at this as being similar to the modern newspaper business. Writers write their articles and columns for their employer then watch as their efforts are posted to the website/internet, usually for free, to be consumed worldwide by millions and potentially billions, all for that same, sadly, shrinking paycheck.

So maybe some funds do change hands between the NHL Network and the various networks they are “borrowing” from. Maybe. However, to be honest my inquiries into who is getting paid haven’t divulged any such transactions. But then again I’m no latter-day Armen Keteyian either.

Ok then, just how would I propose the NHL Network “make whole” this gentleman’s agreement they clearly enjoy?  Hats, T-shirts and towels, that’s how.

Yes, hats, t-shirts and towels, for they are the underground currency of hockey. When I worked for ESPN, FOX, Versus, and Hockey Night in Canada, hats and towels were to the players we were asking interview time from what publicity is to the Kardashians – a fluffy, frivolous addiction. Amazing isn’t it? A player making enough money to buy an apparel company is jacked to get a white towel with a logo stitched into it. Go figure.

In reality, it’s just the age old barter and swag system at work. And that’s a system the league’s network should think about adopting, resurrecting, or whatever. They’d get branding and good will. We’d get textiles and a sense of appreciation. I think that’s known as a win-win.

Now go link this article to every digital icon available. Share it. Please. No worries. I’ve been paid.

Melzer also won the doubles title with Germany’s Philipp Petzschner later in the afternoon, as they defeated USA’s Eric Butorac & England’s Dominic Inglot, 6-3, 6-1.

“We congratulate Jurgen, Philipp, Denis, Eric and Dominic on a great showing at the tournament this week,” said Zoltan Papp, tournament director of the Dallas Tennis Classic. “The entire week was full of great matches. We’d like to thank our sponsors for their support and all of the fans for coming out and creating a fun atmosphere. We cannot wait for next year.”

Hockey great Mike Modano was on hand to present Melzer and Petzschner with Zodiac Watches as singles and doubles champions.

“I had a great time today,” said Modano. “I love the sport and it’s been a pleasure to be here representing Zodiac Watches at the Dallas Tennis Classic. This has been a fantastic week of tennis.”

The Dallas Tennis Classic, presented by Zodiac Watches, is an ATP Challenger event in its second year, and was played once again at the prestigious Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas.

The event is sanctioned by the ATP, the principal organizer of the men’s professional tennis tour. The Dallas Tennis Classic has the highest level of prize money on the ATP Challenger Tour, plus hospitality. The tournament enjoys an exception from other challenger events, in that players positioned 11-50 in the ATP rankings are allowed to enter, and those ranked top-10 in the world are allowed to receive a Wild Card to compete for a prize money purse of $125,000. The event features a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw.

The Dallas Tennis Classic is conveniently positioned on the ATP tournament schedule between the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., and the Sony Open in Key Biscayne, Fla., both of which are mandatory events for the top-50 ranked players. This slot on the tournament schedule has consistently seen draws that include the top players as they prepare for the Sony Open.

On how close the Mavs were to a big trade at the Feb. 21 deadline …
Cuban: Not even, not even a discussion was close. I mean, nothing you read on HoopsHype.com or on DallasBasketball.com. We read more than we discussed.’

On ‘Amnesty for Kobe’ and other Lakers woes …
Cuban: Yeah, you know, (dealing with the rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement) that’s their problem, but they (Kobe and Dwight) don’t talk to each other so I guess they won’t know (how it’s going), either.

On Dirk Nowitzki’s present and future as ‘super-uber’ …
Cuban: Well, think that we got Dirk Nowitzki, who may not be the super-uber star that he was two years ago, but I think that he’ll be better next year then he was this year. And then I think we can develop Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo. And then if we can add one or two more pieces then I think we can have a championship-level team, but the question is who are those one or two pieces and how do we get them? But we’re going to explore all our options.

On the franchise’s plans for what we call “Plan Powder’’ …
Cuban: We still do have flexibility, and I hate the term “powder dry” [laughing]. It’s flexibility and the ability to be opportunistic. You can’t really predict what’s going to happen. General managers won’t do things until the last minute and players are the same way, they won’t decide things until the last minute. But we’re going to go out there and take our chances. The good news is that we’re really starting to like what we see of Darren Collison and O.J. and Dirk playing together. Both of their games have improved dramatically. I think we may have the opportunity to do some things with cap room, keep our guys and see what happens.

On other teams suffering their own “nuclear winters’’– their own difficult Tyson Chandler-like decisions …
Cuban: The reality is maybe eight or nine teams have won championships in the last 25 years or whatever it is. The reality is we think that the prices of players are going to go down some. We saw that this summer, we saw that at the trade deadline and we think we’ll see it more this summer. The way to build a team is through as many young players you can get, you have to develop and if you can pull in a star or two in at the same time, then you have a great chance.

On the trade-deadline departure of Dahntay Jones …
Cuban: We hate to lose Dahntay Jones because he was a real beast, but it was kind of like when we added Peja Stojakovic. Peja was a knock-down shooter that could hit a shot from anywhere. We needed the same thing. We didn’t have that one guy where no matter what you had to put somebody on him. And we needed that guy so we went out and got him (from Atlanta) in Anthony Morrow. The funny thing about it was it was with no more three minutes to go in the trade deadline. It wasn’t something that had been building up. It was literally last second. Donnie got a text, like I said, with about three minutes left to go. I was on the phone with him. He said “what do you think?” I said, “I hate to lose Dahntay Jones, but we need that shooter that everybody is afraid of and Anthony Morrow is one of those guys.”

On his recent appearance on the Howard Stern radio show …
Cuban: It was fun. I was actually kind of surprised. He’s a great interviewer. I always thought it might get a little dirty or something and it didn’t. He was really into the business side. Howard and I have always had a little relationship over the years. When we won (the 2011 NBA championship), Howard sent me a little congratulations note and all that. And we’ve talked now and then. It was just fun. He’s into Shark Tank. He’s not a huge sports fan and he’s really into business, obviously. So I had a great time doing the show.

On the notion of “Team Tank” – that is, losing games on purpose to secure a better draft pick …
Cuban: No it’s not in my DNA at all. I hate to lose any one game. There is a time and place to say, “You know what, the worst you can be is a 40-win team.” But there’s also a time and place like when I bought the Mavs, where I say, “You know what, we have to see how good O.J. and Darren can be when they play together and see how good they can get.’” And look at our young pieces like Jae Crowder and Sarge (Bernard James) and say you got to see how well they can play together and you got to give them minutes in tandem. On top of that you have to have a culture of winning. Even if we’re losing games we got to have guys who know that they’ve got to play 48 minutes. If you look at the losing programs around the league, those are the teams that accept losing and it’s hard to rebound from that. We’re not in that position right now, particularly with Dirk and Vince (Carter) and Trix (Shawn Marion) on the team.

On belief in his Mavs as a playoff team …
Cuban: Oh, yeah absolutely. I don’t think it’s going to be easy, but we’re certainly going to give it a go.

I would be quite pleased if the Cowboys’ first two or three picks in the draft were all on either the offensive or defensive line. It’s where games are won and lost, and the Cowboys need to build up both sides to have a shot of winning a Super Bowl with Tony Romo at QB…Yes, I said that – Romo has the ability to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl, though I will admit my faith in him took a shot in that last game at Washington. But if you make a list of the Cowboys’ biggest problems, Romo is still way down the line…Still, would love to see the Cowboys invest a mid-to-late round pick in a quarterback. I am a disciple of Dallas Morning News Rick Gosselin’s philosophy that teams should draft a quarterback practically every year. It’s too important a position to take for granted…A dark horse to watch in the draft – A&M’s Ryan Swope. He’s faster than people think and is not afraid to go over the middle. Concussions are the only red flag with Swope.

Nolan Ryan expects the Rangers to compete for the AL West once again and I agree with him. If they do, it will be because of the rotation. Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando need to be solid, and Ron Washington will earn his money as a manager if they fulfill Ryan’s expectations. Don’t underestimate the value that Colby Lewis might bring mid-season if he is able to return from Tommy John surgery. Of course everyone will be following how Josh Hamilton does in his first season as an Angel. I expect him to come out of the gate strong, like he did last season. Will he be able to maintain it throughout the entire season? He couldn’t do it last year. The signing will pay off for the Angels early in the contract but lets see how they feel about it in years 3-5. I would bet that injuries and/or off-the-field “issues” end up haunting the Angels and their newly-signed power hitter.

Once again, the Stars are in a gaggle of teams that are on the bubble, fighting for one of the last playoff spots in the West. They’ve fallen short in each of the last four seasons. Will they make it this year? Odds are literally 50/50. It’s going to come down to the goaltending and the penalty kill. The Stars are lacking defensemen and have been for some time. The team has not had a legit No. 1 D-man since Sergei Zubov in 2008. The team has some good young D-men, and 2011 first round pick Jamie Oleksiak may be a No. 1 one day, but that’s a couple of seasons away. Fans better hope Oleksiak, Patrik Nemeth and/or Brenden Dillon develop, because top NHL defensemen don’t grow on trees and practically the only way to get them is through the draft…the Stars will certainly get a boost from Ray Whitney soon, sidelined with a broken foot since the end of January. The deal for Erik Cole was an interesting one. He scored a career-high 35 goals last year and is under contract for two more seasons. Cole is a big body and effective on the power play. Michael Ryder’s contract  is up this summer and it might be his last chance at big money. For me, the head-scratcher was having to throw in a third round pick to Montreal to get the deal done. Not sure if I agree with that one. Great moves by the Stars to bring back Mike Modano and Marty Turco. There aren’t two better guys to help continue selling the sport of hockey in Texas as the team grows and evolves. Prediction for the playoffs: the Stars will get in by the hair of their chinny chin chin.

The Collin Classic – a bicycle rally entering its 22^nd year – will be held on Saturday, June 8 in McKinney. Now under new management, the event caters to both the serious and casual cyclist, including a family fun ride that is less than four miles. All proceeds from the event benefit City House, a fantastic charity that shelters and protects at-risk youth due to homelessness or abuse. New this year to the Collin Classic is a Family Fun Fest – a carnival atmosphere near the start/finish line where kids can play carnival games, hit a slap shot with the Allen Americans or speed kick a soccer ball with FC Dallas. Kids of all ages can also learn to fly a kite. Food trucks and fun will be there from 9 am – 3 pm, so plan a fun time with your family, even if you are not into cycling. Go to CollinClassic.org for more information.

The Allen Americans have been one of the best teams in the Central Hockey League since joining in 2009. They’re up to their old tricks again, leading the league in points and poised to make a run at the championship. Anthony Maiani leads the team in scoring and the roster features Tyler and Trevor Ludwig, sons of former Stars D-man Craig Ludwig. The CHL playoffs start at the end of March. If you haven’t seen a game at the very nice Allen Event Center, you’re missing out. It’s affordable and parking is always free.

Rob Scichili has worked in pro sports for over 22 years and is the Vice President of Communications for Franchise Sports Marketing. Sometimes considered a “reverse barometer,” the opinions and predictions continue.

Lance Berkman arrived in Surprise, AZ with multiple nicknames on his resume. First he was a part of the Astros “Killer B’s,” where Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Carlos Beltran and Derek Bell all shared the Houston clubhouse with him.  More than likely it was one of those wise-guys who next dubbed him “Fat Elvis” early in his career, and he carried that less than flattering nickname until 2006. That year, while appearing on a Houston Radio show, he said “I’m not sure why people call me Fat Elvis, I’m more like a puma.” That statement spawned more than a nickname, it inspired a cottage industry.  Soon there was a fan group that called themselves the “Little Pumas.” They attended most Astro home games and were prominently featured during broadcasts on Fox Sports Houston. Soon puma costumes were all the rage and they even began selling foam puma paws at Minute Maid Park.

The fact that he used irony and humor to change his nickname from something he didn’t like, speaks volumes about the Rangers new clubhouse leader.  That’s right, Lance Berkman is already a leader and he brings characteristics to the job that even Michael Young did not.  Don’t get me wrong, I wish Young were still a Ranger.  He would love Berkman. I asked Nelson Cruz about his thoughts on Lance and he said, “I didn’t know he was this funny.”

It didn’t take long for all the Rangers players to experience that humor.  Berkman loves to tell stories and each day in the spring training clubhouse he held court sharing with the younger players tales of his experiences in Houston, New York and St. Louis.

Of course that St. Louis thing could possibly be a problem since Berkman figured prominently in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series.  But he joked about that with his teammates when he first arrived and quickly diffused any potential problems.  He is a Ranger now and in my estimation he was the most important acquisition of an off-season gone awry.  The Rangers admit that Plan A and even Plan B and possibly Plans C and D of the off-season did not work out. Still they’ll have reason to be happy about the ultimate results if the 36-year-old Berkman can come back strong from two surgeries on his right knee.

If he resembles the Lance Berkman of 2011 with St. Louis, then the Puma will be a force in the middle of the line-up.  Will he put up Josh Hamilton-like numbers?  Almost certainly not, but as long as he is healthy he will force pitchers to pick their poison.  Do you want to pitch to Berkman or Adrian Beltre? I have told many fans that the Rangers will be as good as Berkman is healthy. But baseball is a team game, so he won’t be the sole cause if the Rangers don’t have a good year.  Neither will he get all the credit if they win another AL West crown.  But if Berkman is close to his former self at the plate he gives Beltre protection.  It is no coincidence that two of the best offensive years of Beltre’s career were with Hamilton offering protection.

So if you are coming to the Ballpark in Arlington anytime soon, bring your safari hat and your binoculars because there is nothing quite as breathtaking as seeing a puma attack its prey in the wild.

So now we’re on the wagon and making a crazy pledge to stop eating junk, start working out and lose 10-15 pounds, aka, the New Year’s “Resolution.” We join the new gym around the corner and hit it hard for about a week or two, only to realize it’s college Bowl season, so we’re grazing over platters of cheeses, meats, pigs in blankets and chips with guacamole… the Super Bowl is almost here and then suddenly it’s Valentine’s Day and we’re buried in boxes of chocolate and steak dinners with loved ones. Unfortunately the gym is collecting our money, but we have become “January Jockeys” who have turned into “February Fallouts.” Yup, there is a NAME for this phenomenon.

What is the solution to this cycle that happens every year? Make a resolution to NOT have a resolution in 2013! Starting now, eat healthfully year round. Indulge on Thanksgiving day, Christmas day and New Year’s day… swapping out some favorite recipes for the healthier versions of them. Trust me; the light version of Green Bean Casserole really is just as tasty. Bypass the two weeks of leftovers and get back to your healthy eating plans. It’s not the actual holiday that derails your weight loss and health goals, it’s the continued eating of the leftovers and skipping the gym that add to your “bottom” line.

Where to start? Right here with this Simply Sinless Chilly Weather Turkey Chili recipe. Perfect for Super Bowl parties and family get-togethers.  By cutting oil, using low fat turkey or lean ground beef and adding high fiber beans, you’ve got a healthy meal that will feed the party and the family, AND freezes beautifully to thaw out for later in the month.

Simply Sinless Chilly Weather Turkey Chili
This chili is low fat and simple to make. I love chili in the winter time and often double the recipe for leftovers, the spices continue to mix and heat up while in the fridge… so 3-day old chili can quickly become 3-alarm!

Ingredients:
1/4 tbsp olive oil plus fat free cooking spray
1 lb lean ground turkey (or opt for the 93% lean ground beef, drain off excess oil) 1 medium white onion, chopped
4 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne (feel free to omit if feeding kids, cayenne definitely kicks up the heat)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 can (28-ounce) whole tomatoes in juice, chopped
1 can (15- to 19-ounce) white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
(I also use mixed chili beans if I can’t find white kidney beans, the recipe is delicious either way)
1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
(Chopped green onion and a piece of bacon are great for toppings but go sparingly on the bacon!)

Directions:
1. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil on medium-high until hot. Add the ground turkey, salt and pepper to taste, and cook about 5 minutes or until beef loses its pink color throughout, stirring to break it up with side of spoon. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in chili powder, cayenne and cumin; cook 1 minute.
2. Add tomatoes with their juice, beans, and 1/2 cup water; Stir in chili powder, cayenne and cumin & heat to boiling on high. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ladle chili into serving bowls and top with reduced fat cheddar cheese. Enjoy!

Tania’s tip: To save time I often make boxed cornbread to serve with this dish, just substitute egg whites and low fat milk to bring the fat and calorie content down.

Want more recipes? Visit my Eating Light Done Right Facebook page and look up the notes section. New recipes are added weekly and I’m always looking for healthy ways to makeover meals. Remember good nutrition begins in the pantry; so stock up on healthy foods so you’re not tempted to hit the drive thru in a pinch or a panic. Comments or suggestions? Please send them!

Best health and happiness!

Comments and suggestions can be sent to Tania at Tania@EatingLightDoneRight.com or Tania@HealthyPantryGirl.com