ktw 12-12-14

Doctors, nurses and others who fought back against Ebola have been named TIME’s Person of the Year for 2014. They in-clude Kent Brantly, the Fort Worth-trained doctor who contract-ed Ebola in Liberia, as well as Nina Pham and Amber Vinson, the two Dallas nurses who became infected with Ebola after treating an Ebola patient.

The magazine, founded in 1923, announced the news Wednesday morning. — Eric Aasen/KERA News

Katy Trail WeeklyVol. 1, No. 42 l Neighborhood News and Views l Community Calendar l Arts and Entertainment l katytrailweekly.com

D o w n to w n • Up to w n • Tu r t l e C r e e k • O a k L aw n • A r t s , D e s i g n a n d Me d i c a l D i s t r i c t s • Pa r k C i t i e s

it’s free!

The spotlight is on world-class local talent as the Dallas Winds prepares for its annual Christmas extravaganza, “Christmas at the Meyerson,” at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Conductor Jerry Junkin and the Dallas Winds — widely hailed as the world’s best concert wind band — will be joined by internationally acclaimed organist Mary Preston in an evening of carols and concert favorites. Preston, who is the resident organist and principal/lay family chair with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, and received rave reviews for her recordings on the Reference, Gothic and Naxos labels.

Works by local composers will also be featured on the program. “Minor Alterations #2: Carols From the Dark Side” was written by Dallas Winds’ saxo-phonist David Lovrien, whose “Minor Alterations #1” is a national band

favorite. Two carols, “Angelic Fanfare” and “Christmas Presence,” come from the Dallas Winds’ composer in resi-dence, John Gibson. Local trombone powerhouse, Chuck Mandernach, composed the pre-concert fanfare, and North Texas based composer and ar-ranger John Wasson’s “Festival Fanfare for Christmas” starts the concert off on a celebratory note.

“Of course there will be plenty of the traditional favorites our audiences love to hear each year, like ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful,’ ‘Joy To the World,’ and Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride,’” Junkin said. “We get hate mail if we don’t play ‘Sleigh Ride,’ and we want everyone to go home happy.”

The program includes a novelty carol by James Stevenson, “BasSOON It Will Be Christmas,” which features the Dallas Winds bassoon section and a traditional Christmas sing-along.

Tickets are available through the Dallas Winds website at dallaswinds.org or by calling the Dallas Winds box office at 214-421-2263.

In 2006, a lovely little film out of Ireland called “Once” garnered 10 award wins worldwide, including an Oscar for best achievement in music for its origi-nal song, “Falling Slowly,” composed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The film was recognized with nine additional nominations.

Here at home, director/writer John Carney earned the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association’s coveted Russell Smith Award in 2007.

Its theme, “Falling Slowly” has be-come recognized with mainstream radio play. In 2008, the score earned Grammy and Emmy awards for its soundtrack by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.

Six years after the film debut, “Once” grabbed Broadway attention, winning Tony awards for best musical, best lead-ing actor, best orchestration and 11 more

Tony wins and nominations. It was named best musical by Drama Desk, also winning and being nominated for a num-ber of other awards. The theatrical pro-duction opened in 2012 and is scheduled to close this January.

Now on tour, “Once” will be pre-sented at the Winspear Opera House Dec. 17 - 28, and it’s expected to be a hit. The

story is about a modern-day, 30-some-thing Irish street musician and a Czech immigrant, drawn together by their love of music and follows their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and re-cord songs that tell their love story.

Starring in the Winspear production

What’s the first thought running through your mind when you hear the words, “trailer park?” Sure, you can’t help but think, “tornadoes,” but what next? Now, hold onto that image, and you have the population of Armadillo Acres, North Florida’s pre-mier mobile living commu-nity dancing in your head.

Some of those residents are more into Christmas cheer than others, and that makes for a fun story line in WaterTower Theatre’s (WTT) current production of, “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical.” This is a sequel to WTT’s earlier “The Great American Trailer Park

Musical.” This time, the set in-cludes two “mobile homes,” one with enough tacky Christmas

decorations for Santa to see from the North Pole, while the other is perfectly bare. The

flamboyant residents of the campy vehicle, Betty, Linoleum and Pickles, dash with flash in their thrift shop wardrobe with garish accessories.

In the understated vehi-cle-turned-home, resides the park’s own Scrooge, Darlene, who’s a “bah humbug” away from hateful. She presents naughty to nice in a heart-beat, which can’t be a piece of fruitcake for the actress. After an electrical shock, Darlene is stricken with a quick case of insomnia and morphs into some pleasant, nice and un-recognizable neighbor.

Enter Tony Daussat, one of the park’s stereotypi-cal — believably so — red-necks, who develops a thing

COMMUNITY NEWS

Ackels' Angle ..................................................... 3Along the Green Trail ....................................... 6Charity Spotlight ............................................... 4 Classifieds .......................................................... 7Community Calendar ...................................... 4Dotty Griffith .................................................... 7 Fitness on the Trail ........................................... 3House Call ........................................................ 2Life on the Trail ................................................. 2Notes from the Editor ........................................ 2Restaurant Directory ........................................ 9Restaurant Review ............................................. 7Scene Around Town .......................................... 8Shop the Trail ................................................... 8

December 12 - 18, 2014

Find us at facebook.com/KTWeekly

Movie Trailerpage 9

Mull It Overpage 3

MUSICAL REVIEW

ARTS DISTRICT

A windy ‘Christmas at the Meyerson’

Candy’s Dirtpage 6

Humor funnels through 'Trailer Park Christmas'

Photo by Joan MarcusThe ensemble cast of “Once” at the Winspear surprises audiences.

In This Issue

TIME magazine honors locals

By Shari Goldstein [email protected]


Photo courtesy of TIME magazine

Katy Trail lit up for the holiday

see ONCE on page 5

Photo by Karen Almond Photography

Pegasus Bank, opening a new location on Knox Street in early January, provided sup-port for the Friends of the Katy Trail to install holiday lights for the first time on the trail at David’s Way at Knox Street and Snyder’s Union.

From 6 – 8 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 18, Friends of the Katy Trail invites everyone to Snyder’s Union for hot chocolate, holiday en-tertainment and food. For more information, go to katytraildal-las.org. — David Mullen

The ensemble cast of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” brings a whole new meaning to “mobile community.” Front row: Sara Shelby-Martin, Cara Statham Serber and Megan Kelly Bates. Back row: Amanda Passanante, Tony Daussat.

By Kim Campbell

Photo courtesy of Dallas Winds

St. Nick takes a swing at the sousaphone.

The various covers of TIME’s Person of the Year issue.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Katy Trail

see TRAILER on page 5

Award winning ‘Once’ is second to none

Village aglow this weekendBegin the holiday season

with Texas’ earliest residents and see how holiday traditions were celebrated in the late 1800s on Dec. 13 and 14 from 3 - 9 p.m., at the 43rd Annual Candlelight Celebration at Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 South Harwood sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Health.

“May Your Candlelight be Merry and Bright” will be this year’s theme, celebrating songs of the season with performers, stories behind these holiday favorites and crafts inspired by

these treasured tunes. Take a stroll and experience gleeful carolers, holiday storytelling, hand-weaving, blacksmithing, interpreters in traditional costume and many other festive activities. For more information visit DallasHeritageVillage.org. — Elizabeth Lenart

Photo by Evans Calgage

This year’s theme will cel-ebrate the songs of the season with performances, strolling carolers, history and crafts.

DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

HOUSE CALL NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

David Mullen

Violence and vandalism won’t solve social issues

By David [email protected]

I have struggled with tak-ing a stand regarding the recent protests of police actions result-ing in the deaths of unarmed black men in Ferguson, Mo. and in New York City at the hands of white police officers. I have had two uncles that were lifelong police officers in the tough streets of Oakland. To my knowledge, in their entire careers, they never fired their guns. I also know that they couldn’t wait to retire from the force. The pressure on the police, especially in urban areas, is unfathomable. Accepting that there are good cops and bad cops, I come back to “what is the end benefit from these protests?” We have been afforded the right to freedom of speech. But these groups are made up by an overwhelming number of young adults influ-enced by social media. What do they hope to prove? Do they really have a solution for the cause? Take the race card out. Is it a stand against police abuse of power? If so, that issue will not be solved by blocking freeways or vandalizing and destruct-ing the property of innocent business owners … One has to laugh at the television ad about low testosterone treat-ment now appearing on ESPN. A thick voiced (compensated) announcer representing a law office encourages men who have suffered pain, heart attack, stroke

or death to call the firm today for a potential settlement. Death? That is one long distant phone call. Make sure your cell phone is in the casket ... McDonald’s still sells nearly one out of every two hamburgers sold by fast food restaurants in America. Wendy’s

is a very distant second with more than one in 10 ham-burgers sold. But I guess they cornered the square burger market. Seriously, no wonder there is a wave of new boutique burger places opening up in Dallas ... One of

my banes is the broadcast news’ abuse of the term “Breaking News.” It should be held back for truly breaking news. Instead, all local stations are using the term “Breaking News” nightly like Chicken Little used “The sky is falling!” Last Thursday, on CBS 11, they led the news-cast with “We have breaking news. Josh Brent will play for the Cowboys tonight.” Are you kidding me? The activation of a Cowboy’s back-up defensive lineman who received a reduced sentence when he was convicted of intoxication manslaughter in the death of teammate Jerry Brown is “Breaking News?” … He was creepy, and he was spooky. Ken Weatherwax, who played Pugsley on “The Addams Family” television series died this weekend at 59. A wake will be held at the Munster’s house at 1313 Mockingbird Lane. Thing had a hand in the plan-ning … Final episode of “The

Newsroom” on HBO is Sunday. Another great series on HBO comes to an end. Unfortunately, there are not enough quality shows to fill the void … Around the neighborhood: I returned on Saturday to the Greenville Avenue Bar and Grill (GBG) and Terilli’s for the first time since the famous Greenville Avenue fire burned down both establish-ments in 2010. Terilli’s looked much different. Much darker décor and no step up bar. A Grey Goose up with olive was $15.16 with tax. The GBG still looks on the inside like the recently closed Londoner. I was involved in the ownership that redesigned the inside of the GBG in the late 1990s. Only in name (and logo) does it resemble the old GBG. Just opened, so we shall see … I love lists and get them sent to me all of the time. Most are boring. But this one surprised me. Online agency HeyLets.com analyzed social media networks to determine the most bragga-docios U.S. states and the most humble states. The study is based mainly on “self-promotional topics such as trips to special locations, attendance at memo-rable events and work-related good news.” The number one most boastful state comes as no surprise: California. Washington was number two, and New York was number 10. Texas — the “Don’t mess with Texas” state — was ranked a surprising 20. Utah is the most humble state, fol-lowed by Oregon. You wouldn’t know that by the University of Oregon football uniforms de-signed by Oregon-based Nike. They are “braggaduckios.”

OUR MISSIONKaty Trail Weekly is a community-friendly news-paper designed to inform and entertain the people in many diverse demographics who live and/or work in these neighborhoods. Much like the Katy Trail itself, Katy Trail Weekly is designed to help bring together the neighborhoods of Downtown, Uptown, Cedar Springs/Oak Lawn, the Design District, the Medical District and the Park Cities, as well as others. The newspaper is placed in local businesses, and other locations, for free pick-up by their patrons. We support this publication by providing ad space to local businesses who want an effective and afford-able way to reach the Katy Trail area readers we attract and serve. We welcome participation in the paper through story and picture submis-sions, and we hope that you will join us in mak-ing this paper the best it can be.

Co-founders Nancy Black Rex Cumming David Mullen Andy Simpson

Publisher Rex Cumming

Editor in Chief David Mullen

Managing Director Nancy Black

Graphic Design Amy Moore Bronwen Roberts Art Production Ruth Sanchez

Photographer Can Turkyilmaz Accounts Manager Cindi Cox

Distribution Andy SimpsonManager

Copy Editors Jessica Voss Rosa Marinero

Online Editor Denver Sinclair

Society Editor Sally Blanton

Writers Chris Ackels Anna Clark Chic DiCiccio Candace Evans Dotty Griffith Beth Leermakers Rob Lord Megan Lyons Naima Montacer Sara Newberry Mary Spencer Shari Stern Susan Strough Wayne Swearingen Kim Washington Advertising Sales Susie Denardo Becky Bridges Teresa Reitz

Distribution Lynsey Boyle Thomas Combs Billy Griffin Benjamin Smedley Lorenzo Ramirez Paul Redic Nicole Reed

Katy Trail Weekly P.O. Box 180457 Dallas, TX [email protected](214) 27-TRAIL (87245)

Here’s the skinny of obesityBy Dr. Kimberly Washington [email protected]

Obesity is a major problem in American society. Not only does it affect the adult population, it has also made its way into the pediatric population. Based on data from the American Heart Association, nearly 78 million American adults are obese. Due to the wide-spread impact of obesity on our society and on the amount of healthcare re-sources used each year to manage the complication, the American College of Cardiology and The Obesity Society encouraged physicians to treat obesity as a disease — actively work-ing towards eradicating it. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the an-nual medical cost of obesity is $147 billion in the U.S., which calculates to the average yearly cost per person is nearly $1,500 per year higher for obese patients than normal weight patients.

Obesity can be objectively measured, as should be measured at least once per year by your primary care physician. It is measured based on body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated based on your height and weight only. There are set standards based on population measurements and catego-ries for which these values fall including underweight, normal, overweight, obese and morbidly obese. These categories allow physicians to give patients real statistics concerning their likelihood to develop chronic illnesses due to obesity.

There are many factors that predispose to obesity. The two largest factors are more societal than personal choice — lack of fast, healthy, cheap food options and sedentary lifestyle. Although the fast food industry is making huge strides to improve the qual-ity and substance of their food choices, it is still very difficult to find a drive-through offering baked meat options with fresh vegetables. To add to the problem, we enjoy very sedentary lifestyles — many of us

work in an office setting where we sit for the majority of the day. Most Americans have no desire for exercise. I was once told, concerning exercise, “God only gives you a certain number of heartbeats in life. Why

would I want to shorten my life exercising?” We can’t think this way! Exercising is great for your heart, weight and even your mood.

I won’t deny that there are flaws in our system of stratify-ing obesity. Concerning BMI, the standards which we fol-low are based on analysis of hundreds of Caucasian women many decades ago, however, dif-

ferent races have very different builds. For this reason, the Asian population typically runs in the lower BMI, which causes physi-cians to less accurately risk stratify them. On the other side of that coin, African American women tend to have a heavier build, resulting in an expectation of higher percentages of complications, which does not totally pan out. There are other ob-jective measures of excess weight, any of which your physician can use to accurately guide weight loss.

In my next article, I will discuss weight loss surgery. This is a very hot topic because of how many people suffer from obesity, but it is also a very touchy subject for various reasons. Ultimately, the way I think about weight loss is simple math. What you eat provides positive calories, what you do subtracts from these positive calories. Adding those two together either results in a positive number (weight gain) or a negative number (weight loss). There are two ways to make that number nega-tive — either eat less calories or exercise more. It works every time, but it is the slow option. I encourage every reader who suf-fers from obesity to attempt diet change and exercise for six months. You may be surprised at the new “you!”

Dr. Kimberly Washington, a general surgeon at Highlander Surgical Associates in Arlington, maintains an interest in health education and advocacy.

Dr. Washington

LIFE ON THE TRAIL

The 12 ways of relaxation

As we head down the home stretch toward the holidays, your stress level may be off the charts. How can you take a break from the hustle and bustle? Here are 12 ways to relax, set to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Feel free to hum along.

On the first day of the holidays, my health coach said to me …

Be sure to take time for yourself. Decompress and recharge so you have enough energy to enjoy the festivities. Honor your need for quiet or alone time. I recharge by hiking with my big dog along Grapevine Lake on Sunday mornings when the lake is quiet and peaceful. Ahhh.

[You know how the rest of the song goes: On the second day, and so on up to the 12th day.]

Call a good friend. Connecting with loved ones is a terrific stress bust-er. Texting doesn’t count!

Laugh out loud. Laughter reduces stress by decreasing cortisol (stress hormone), relieving muscle tension and providing an emotional and physical release for pent-up feelings. A hearty laugh can relax your muscles for up to 45 minutes. Surround your-self with funny people or watch a humorous video.

Spend time outside. The more sunlight you receive each day, the higher your levels of serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmit-ter). Be sure to wear sun-screen to protect your skin.

Take five deep breaths. Breathing slow-ly and deeply from your diaphragm takes in

more oxygen and is more relaxing than breath-ing from your chest. Exhale completely through your mouth. Inhale through your nose to a count of

four. Hold your breath for four. Exhale through your mouth to a count of six. Repeat four times.

Walk around the block. Any type of physi-cal activity — aerobics, strength training or yoga — reduces stress by de-creasing cortisol, produc-ing endorphins (natural painkillers), improving sleep and mood and pro-viding a sense of control. Aim for at least 30 min-utes of moderate-intensity activity (the equivalent of walking a mile in 15 - 20 minutes), five days per week or 25 minutes of vigorous-intensity activ-ity three times per week. Breaking your activity up into several short (10 min-ute) bouts also provides health benefits. You could take a 10-minute walk first thing in the morning and then again after lunch and dinner.

Read a book for fun. Reading is a terrific dis-traction, and it also in-creases serotonin.

Listen to music. Listening to slow, quiet classical music slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones and increases serotonin.

Enjoy a massage. It’s impossible to feel stressed when your body is deeply

relaxed. For the ultimate luxury, have the massage therapist come to your house.

Pet your cat or dog. Petting your companion animal reduces blood pres-sure, and spending time with animals lowers cortisol and increases serotonin. Volunteer at an animal shel-ter or walk a neighbor’s dog if you can’t have your own.

Strike a yoga pose. Often called “meditation in motion,” yoga and tai chi promote relaxation through breathing and focusing on the present. You can’t worry about your daugh-ter’s college applications while you’re busy twisting your body into the bird of paradise pose (seriously!), while breathing properly.

Take a bubble bath. The warm water increases serotonin. Add a scented candle or bath oil (try lav-ender or sandalwood) and soothing music for a home spa experience.

Don’t you feel more relaxed already? Happy Holidays!

Dr. Beth Leermakers is a clinical psychologist who specializes in stress man-agement and well-being seminars, retreats and coaching. Contact her at 214-923-3766. Her monthly e-newsletter can be found at bethleermakersphd.com.

By Dr. Beth Leermakers bethleermakersphd.com

AN APPRECIATION

Dallas celebrates an icon on his birthday

A little theatre-in-the-round has been a fa-vorite of Dallas theatre-goers since 1961. And its enthusiasts know that two names are synonymous: Theatre Three (T3) and Jac Alder, T3’s executive producer-director, both joined at the hip. Alder’s late wife and T3 founder, Norma Young shared that strong bond.

Now, more than 50 years later, T3 sets the clock forward from the 1860s, during its cur-rent run of “A Civil War Christmas” to the Great Depression era in the 1930s, on the occasion of Alder’s recent 80th birthday on Dec. 8.

A few of the octogenarian’s many friends, colleagues, students, associates and acquaintances wanted to share the Dallas icon’s birthday:

Cathryn Hartt, who, along with her sister Morgan Fairchild, were known as “the McClenny girls” to Alder, Norma and T3 audiences shared, “Jac Alder and his baby, Theatre Three, changed my life forever. I’m grateful for growing up with Jac’s and his wife, Norma Young’s, tutelage.”

“Mostly, I remember learning and growing and becoming immersed in his gentle garden,” Hartt continued. “He could do anything ... and be-cause of that attitude, I presumed I could too. He taught me that there are no limits ... the show must go on ... and to honor everyone and everything that you come upon in life.”

Michael Jenkins, president and managing di-rector of the Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) said, “Jac Alder has been a wonderful friend to me for more than 40 years ... every time that I am with him, I learn something ... When I think of Jac ... it reminds me of the very last spoken line in ‘Wicked the Musical’ when Glenda says ‘because I knew her, I have been made better’ ... because I know Jac, I have been made better ... Happy Birthday, my friend.”

Bill Stone knew Alder from the UTA com-munications department faculty. “Once, when an office conversation got on a ‘something I'd bet you didn't know about me’ theme, Jac volunteered that as a youngster in Oklahoma, he took up baton

twirling and won a statewide prize in it,” Alder's colleague and friend revealed.

Jo Ann Holt, DSM publicist and avid Theatre Three patron said, “Jac Alder is truly a Dallas institu-tion. He has been bringing great productions to all of us for many years. He has been a wonderful mentor to actors, musicians, costume, sound and light de-signers, stage crews and playwrights, nurturing their talents while educating audiences to better under-stand the importance of their role in Theatre Three’s performances. Happy birthday, Jac. You have been a delightful gift to the Dallas arts scene.”

From another perspective, Alder’s long-time colleague and friend, T3 supporter and high-profile Dallas broadcaster, Jody Dean quipped about his friend, “Jac raised adorable crankiness to an art form.”

This November in a column, Alder wrote for Theater Jones’ he said: “When I was young — yes, a while back now — I was drawn to the arts (dance, music, theatre, painting and drawing plus architecture) because I was convinced I had some-thing to say that would reveal this small-town Okie boy was someone who had something to say that everyone should hear.”

He went on, “[I discovered that] the learning goes from the audience to me, not the other way around as I had thought in my youthful arrogance. I think I’m a smart enough actor, but the collective intelligence and the life experiences of an audience certainly trumps my own. Now I know my main job — even if I’m playing the lead — is listening.”


Dr. Beth Leermakers

Photo courtesy of Theatre Three

Jac Alder was a mere kid under 30 when his fu-ture with Theatre Three began.

© 2014 Trail Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Katy Trail Weekly is published weekly and dis-tributed for free. Views expressed in Katy Trail Weekly are not necessarily the opinion of Katy Trail Weekly, its staff or advertisers. Katy Trail Weekly does not knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or advertising.

DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014 KATYTRAILWEEKLY.COM

Katy Trail Weekly P.O. Box 180457 Dallas, TX [email protected](214) 27-TRAIL (87245)

This weekend culminated in the an-nouncement of the first College Football Playoff final four. Of course, it became a made-for-television event, with ESPN creating an entire program out of the inevitable selection of four well known and marketable teams. Fans and media alike, who loathed the 16-year old Bowl Championship Series, seemed to feel that the new College Football Playoff selec-tion process system would be more equitable and produce more excitement.

Ho, hum! Nothing changes. It looks and feels like the same old NCAA. The 12-per-son selection com-mittee didn’t have the gumption to buck the ordinary and went with the safest choices. The ten-team Big 12 was allegedly left out, because they didn’t have 12 teams or a confer-ence championship game. They didn’t have 12 teams or a conference champi-onship game before the season started. Did the Big 12 ever have a chance?

TCU (11-1) was ranked third in the College Football Playoff Rankings last week. They won 55-3 on Saturday. Yet they were bounced down to sixth in the final rankings. It was as if the selec-tion committee said, “That was the greatest date ever. I never want to see you again.” TCU receiver Kolby Listenbee tweeted, “Y’all want us to score 100 next time?”

Baylor (11-1), fourth in Monday’s Associated Press poll, won a tough battle on Saturday 38-27 against Kansas State in what amounted to a conference championship game. The Bears leapfrogged TCU to take the fifth spot in the College Football Playoff rankings, which amounts to a consolation prize. “We’re in a room that feels like we just lost a football game.” Baylor coach Art Briles said. “That, to me, is a travesty.”

College football fans and TCU and Baylor fans in particular, should have seen it coming. Back in late August, I interviewed ESPN col-lege football analyst Rod Gilmore about the prospects of the College Football Playoff being

different. “I think this new format will be great for fans,” Gilmore said, “but we'll still have controversy.”

It appeared from the start that only a hand-ful of teams would be vying for the top four spots. “As for the playoff teams, I don't think the [selection] committee will select two teams from one conference,” Gilmore said in August. “I believe there will be five Power Conference champs vying for four spots. Unless something crazy happens, I believe Florida State University wins the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and gets in; the SEC (Southeastern Conference)

champ is in; and the Pac-12 champ is in also.” Gilmore was right.

Big Ten winner Ohio State joins SEC champion and number one seed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, which has now become a semi-final playoff game. Undefeated Florida State faces Pac-12 winner Oregon in the Rose Bowl. For decades the Pac-8 (later 10, and then 12) played the Big Ten champion in the Rose Bowl and it meant something. Like the Sugar Bowl, the Rose Bowl has also merely become one of three playoff games.

Ohio State’s assent to the number four seed was the biggest source of controversy. The Buckeyes’ had a bad loss at home to Virginia Tech and played in a down conference this year. They ran up the score against Wisconsin in the Big Ten (actually 14 teams) champion-ship game. “Ohio State was clear cut over five and six,” committee chairman

Jeff Long said.No they weren’t. They have Urban

Meyer as a head coach, and a face-off against Alabama coach Nick Saban makes for huge television ratings and big bucks. TCU and Baylor don’t have the name recognition that Ohio State does. That is the reason.

Sunday afternoon, my email was buzzing with ticket offers. The worst seat available on Ticketmaster for the College Football Playoff championship game in Arlington on Mon., Jan. 12 is $1,050. Oxygen is extra.

The BCS system can be repackaged into the College Football Playoffs and one thing will always remain the same. The buildup will be better than the game, because it’s all about the money.

MULL IT OVER

College Football Playoffs prove buildup beats gamesBy David [email protected]

In all the hubbub about the College Football National Championship and the selection committee’s snubbing of Baylor and TCU, a number of other intriguing bowl matchups have fallen by the wayside.

Though only two bowls will feed into the National Championship game, this year’s slate includes a number of marquee matchups worth your watch.

We break down 10 other bowl games worth watching this holiday season.

Cotton Bowl Classic (Jan. 1)(5) Baylor vs. (8) Michigan StateBaylor is out to prove two things: first

that they belong in the national title conver-sation, and second that the Big 12 is indeed a superior conference despite not having a championship game. Michigan State has a prolific offense, and Baylor isn’t exactly known for their defense — this game could be a shootout at AT&T Stadium.

Peach Bowl (Dec. 31)(6) TCU vs. (9) Ole MissBoth teams have been in the title conversa-

tion this year, and this matchup has conference superiority implications as well. If the Big 12 wins both of these games, we’re in for a long-and-hard discussion about whether or not the committee made a mistake. But Ole Miss has undoubtedly had a tougher schedule and will be more battle-tested going into this game.

Alamo Bowl (Jan. 2)(11) Kansas State vs. (14) UCLAKansas State doesn’t have a bad loss this

year; their three letdowns were to Baylor, TCU and Auburn. But they also don’t have a par-ticularly impressive win. Given the Wildcats season, UCLA seems like exactly the team that would beat them. Kansas State will have to neutralize quarterback Brett Hundley and keep him in the pocket if they want to compete.

Liberty Bowl (Dec. 29)Texas A&M vs. West VirginiaWest Virginia replaced Texas A&M in

the Big 12 when the Aggies jumped ship a few years ago, so this game will likely end with one side saying “I told you so.” These two teams are very similar: they both almost ex-clusively pass the ball, and they both stumble into their bowl game. A&M has lost five of its last six, and WVU has lost three of its last four in the regular season.

Music City Bowl (Dec. 30)(23) LSU vs. Notre DameThe Irish have a chance to prove them-

selves after what turned out to be a disappoint-ing second half of the season. This one’s on the list for one very simple reason: high stakes + Les Miles = insanity. Expect the unexpected from the Mad Hatter if this thing’s close.

Orange Bowl (Dec. 31)(7) Mississippi St. vs. (12) Georgia TechThis might be the single most interest-

ing matchup because of what it will say about conferences. Just how good was Florida State’s schedule? How might the Seminoles have matched up in a conference with multiple big dogs? Keep in mind that Georgia Tech was Florida State’s best opponent all year — this will be a step down compared to Mississippi State’s November schedule.

Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 20)Colorado State vs. UtahGet your pre-Christmas fix with this

Mountain West vs. Pac 12 matchup. Colorado State, at 10-2, was potentially a win away from major bowl discussion, but a last second field goal by Air Force knocked them from New Year’s Day to Dec. 20. Utah will try to validate their recent jump up to a major conference by playing little guys again.

Boca Raton Bowl (Dec. 23)Marshall vs. Northern IllinoisBoth of these teams — Marshall at 12-1

and NIU at 11-2 — were hoping for a chance to take on a big conference team this year. That won’t happen, but these offenses will surely be fun to watch at your Christmas Eves party.

Citrus Bowl (Jan. 1)(16) Missouri vs. (25) MinnesotaBoth of these teams got lucky from con-

ference alignment — Missouri by being in the SEC East and Minnesota by just being in the Big 10. Neither is as good as their record indicates. But each team has some athletes worth watching, which could create a fun atmosphere.

Texas Bowl (Dec. 29)Texas vs. ArkansasThe old Southwest Conference foes will

probably remind us why the old Southwest Conference doesn’t exist anymore. Texas con-siders it a moral victory just to be in a bowl game, while Arkansas almost surely has the upper hand.

ACKELS' ANGLE

Don’t forget the other bowlsBy Chris [email protected]

Is jogging making you fatter? Probably

One of the great myths in the fitness world is that jogging is an efficient tool to lose weight. Let me make a small disclaimer before I bash jogging: if long distance running is your sport of choice, great; this article does not apply to you. This article is for people who are searching for ways to burn the most amount of fat in the shortest time possible.

In 2006, a study was completed with 13,000 of Runner World Magazine’s subscribers. They tracked this group of avid runner’s body weight over years and found that almost all of them gained weight, year after year. This included the long distance champs that were putting in 40 or more miles per week. The authors of the study concluded that the runners

would have to add two miles to their weekly mileage an-nually in order to combat the expected weight gain.

The easiest way to under-stand what is happening is to understand your body’s ability to adapt. When you workout, your body adapts to the stimulus slowly over time. Unfortunately, we have this

inherent desire to not starve and consequently your body’s adaptation to all this run-ning and to slow down the amount of calories your burn, so you don’t waste away. Conceptually this is great. The problem is that you want to have a flat stomach and enjoy sugary lattes. If this is you, jogging won’t get it done.

Now you might be think-ing of a friend who used to be overweight, started jog-ging and lost weight. They lost weight, so you think this

article is hogwash. Hold on! Of course they lost weight, if they were a couch potato be-fore they started jogging. The point is that jogging is not the best way to lose fat fast. For every person you know that lost weight jogging, I prob-ably know 10 people who are super frustrated, because they jog four or more times a week and can’t lose weight.

So, what’s the answer? The good news is you can still put on your favorite workout gear and hit the trail. You just have to do more intel-ligently. You’re training pro-gram needs to be two things: progressive and varied. No, not progressive like your local barista. Progressive in the sense that you are always asking your body to do a little more. You can either sprint a little faster or lift a little more weight. The point is that you are always improving.

Rob Lord is the owner and head trainer at The AlphaProject.org. He can be reached at 214-557-1588.

FITNESS ON THE TRAIL

By Rob Lord

Rob Lord

Photo courtesy of CollegeFootballPlayoff.com

College Football Playoff championship trophy.

Photo courtesy of Fox Sports

TCU QB Trevone Boykin leads the Horned Frogs into the Peach Bowl on Dec. 31.


Donors and volunteers show love and care in Dallas

Each week, Katy Trail Weekly will feature a charity that is doing remarkable work in Dallas, a city known for philanthropy and generosity.

What is your mission or highest purpose?Since 1981, it has been to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs using horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted ac-tivities and therapies.Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship was the first therapeutic riding center in Texas with all types of disabilities and learning differences. Our program quickly became an industry leader in North Texas serving thousands of clients with our horses!

How many clients are served each year?Five hundred riders a year are helped with more than 100 physical, cognitive and emotional diagnoses such as: cere-bral palsy, closed head injury, develop-ment delays, Down Syndrome, emo-tional disorders, hearing impairment, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, stroke and vision impair-ment. The relationship between the riders, instructors, their volunteer team and the horse is the catalyst to miracles. Riders reach beyond the confines of their disabilities.

What percentage amount actually reach-es those in need?

One hundred percent of all of our riders come to us with a specific need.

What are your critical needs now, besides money donations?

We are always in need of more passionate volunteers.

What upcoming fundrais-ers are on the calendar?

The Equest Triple Crown Gala on April 25 at the Texas Horse Park.

What is your facility like?Located in Wylie, Texas (just outside of Dallas) on 48 acres, the center has both indoor and outdoor riding arenas, a spe-cialized treatment facility, a 39-stall barn, two out barns, administration offices, conference room and dormitory housing for our interns and instructor candidates

What sort of volunteer jobs are available? Our next volunteer training dates are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday, Jan. 25. Please contact Ellie Grant at [email protected] or 972-412-1099 extension 211 to learn more. Volunteers assist as side walkers or leaders in therapy sessions. No prior horse experience is necessary.

Tell us the name of a volunteer who al-ways goes beyond the call of duty?

One of our “Larger than Life” Equest volunteers is Chris Rinebarger, a 38 year veteran of the Dallas Police Department.

What do you think is the most important thing you do for the community?

Our clients are achieving what they previously were told was impossible. They are learning to walk, to move, to connect. The benefits from riding and interacting with a horse provides im-provement in emotional, physical, and cognitive areas and challenges riders to achieve their maximum potential for independence. We empower, enable and enrich the lives of individuals who struggle with daily challenges using the healing power of the horse. We focus on what people are able to do as opposed to what they are not able to do.

What is rewarding about your job? The most rewarding part of my job is getting to see the profound impact that our programs have on our clients and their family’s lives.

This week’s questions were answered by Erin Seeds, Equest’s Development Manager.

By Sally Blanton

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EQUEST 500 people with diverse needs are helped each year by Therapeutic Sports Riding Programs

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Contact us at [email protected] with your Community Calendar Event.

Fri 12/12Frank Sinatra, b. 1915Bob Barker, b. 1923Dionne Warwick, b. 1940Cathy Rigby, b. 1952Jennifer Connelly, b. 19701800 – Washington, D. C., established as the U. S. capital.

Sat 12/13Dick Van Dyke, b. 1925Wendy Malick, b. 1950Steve Buscemi, b. 1957Jamie Foxx, b. 1967Amy Lee, b. 19811918 – Woodrow Wilson arrived in France, 1st U.S. President to visit Europe.

Sun 12/14Nostradamus, b. 1503“Spike” Jones, b. 1911Lee Remick, b. 1935Patty Duke, b. 19461911 – Roald Amundsen be-came 1st man to reach the South Pole.

Mon 12/15Betty Smith, b. 1896Alan Freed, b. 1922Don Johnson, b. 1949Helen Slater, b. 1963Adam Brody, b. 19791877 – Thomas Edison pat-ented the phonograph.

Tue 12/16Hanukkah begins at sundownLudwig von Beethoven, b. 1770Jane Austen, b. 1775Philip K. Dick, b. 19281773 – The Boston Tea Party – 350 chests of tea into Boston Harbor as tax protest.

Wed 12/17Arthur Fiedler, b. 1896Chet Huntley, b. 1911Eugene Levy, b. 1946Tracy Byrd, b. 1966Giovanni Ribisi, b. 19741777 – France recognized inde-pendence of U. S. A. from Britain.

Thu 12/18Ossie Davis, b. 1917Steven Spielberg, b. 1947Brad Pitt, b. 1963Katie Holmes, b. 1978Christina Aguilera, b. 19801796 – 1st Sunday newspa-per published: The “Monitor” of Baltimore, MD.

Dec. 12 – 21

2800 Routh St., Suite 168Dallas, 75201214-871-3300

Theatre Three, Inc. – See the production of “A Civil War Christmas,” a musical by Paula Vogel. This holiday musical inspiringly weaves together carols and folk songs, beautifully portraying a uniquely moving moment of our American heritage. Show times vary. $10-$50.

Dec. 12

2800 Routh St.Dallas, 7520112barsofcharity.com

12 Bars of Uptown Pub Crawl – Represent a team and sign up online. Meet at British Beverage Company and begin crawling. The 12 Bars of Uptown was created to help local charities build awareness, attract local members, and raise money for their organizations. Plus you get a t-shirt. 8 p.m. - Midnight. $10 donation.

5803 E. Northwest HighwayDallas, 75231whiterocklocalmarket.org

White Rock Local Market Holiday Extravaganza at Half Price Books – Showcasing the best artists, farmers and food artisans, the market is a one-stop shop for holiday gift giving. Live entertainment provided by David Burris Group. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. FREE!

Dec. 14 5100 Ross Ave.Dallas, 75206214-887-6552

St. Matthew’s Cathedral Arts – The Cathedral Choir and selected readers unfold the Christmas narrative with familiar choral settings and scriptural accounts according to a beloved pattern established by King’s College Chapel in 1918. 5 p.m. FREE!

Dec. 14 6315 Lindsley Ave.Dallas, 75223469-563-2862

Atma Bhakti Yoga Center – Come to our Holiday Bazaar and Open House! Featuring local business owners and artisans, join us to get some special gifts for your friends, family, or yourself. Also, if you haven't checked out our center yet, it's a great time to come see the space and meet some of the teachers. Noon to 5 p.m. FREE!

Dec. 17 6121 Worth St.Dallas, 75214214-670-1376

Lakewood Branch Library – Come to Library Live! and see “The Spider’s Christmas Surprise.” Join master puppeteer Sandy Shrout as she and her wonderful puppets reveal the story of Tante, an old lady who decorated the town’s most beautiful tree and invited the townsfolk to enjoy it. 4 p.m. FREE!

Dec. 17 8687 N. Central ExpresswayDallas, 75225214-369-1234

NorthPark Center – Join NorthPark Center and Rabbi Dubrawsky from the Chabad of Dallas to celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah in the Festival of Lights. Complimentary refreshments will be served after the lights have been kindled. 6:30 p.m. FREE!

Picture of the Week

Send us a photo on Facebook and it may be featured here!

Dec. 14

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum

continues through Jan. 4, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum

Katy Trail Weekly

calendarartandseek.orgHave a submission for Picture of the Week? Let us know what’s going on in our community: [email protected]

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YOUR STARS THIS WEEKBy Stella Wilder

Copyright 2014United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

OFF THE MARK

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The coming week is likely to see many taking advantage of the opportunity to lend support to other individuals, organizations, groups or causes. The rewards for such support, even if not immedi-ate, can be quite remarkable; it is certainly worth the effort and sacrifice. Most will have a very real sense that there is much good to come of generosity in all its forms; those who practice this kind of giving on the home front will find it much easier to make a habit of it in other places as well. Some will make a name for themselves as benefactors, enjoying not only recognition but tangible rewards as well. It may be difficult for some to look beyond their own circumstances, and this in turn makes it nearly impossible to see any sort of need in another that can be satisfied in a meaningful way. The lesson? Selfishness can turn on the selfish, whereas gen-erosity can lead to gains that even the selfish can value.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7)

You'll spot something rather unusual buried beneath that which doesn't usually warrant a close look. An opportunity arises. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) – Something of a mystery is solved when you are not looking. You'll want to catch up very soon!

CAPRICORN(Dec. 22-Jan. 6)

You'll be advised to watch and listen to one who seems to know it all. If you do, the benefits will be great. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) – You're not always of a mind to do what you are told, but this week, following instructions is the key to success.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3)

A challenge is revealed as the week opens, and you'll be re-quired to dig deep if you wish to prove that you have what it takes. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) – You may feel as though you are drifting on your own, when in fact you and many others are all in the same boat.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5)

You can gain a great deal of new strength by associating with the right people. It's not a mat-ter of taste, but of need. (March 6-March 20) – You may not fully appreciate or understand your own desires as they pull you in many directions at once.

ARIES (March 21-April 4)

You may take more time than usual to get started, but once you do, your work will shine and oth-ers will give you what you desire. (April 5-April 19) – You think you're after a certain something,

when in fact you are actually in-terested in something else.

TAURUS (April 20-May 5)

You may not be keeping up with those whom you most admire, but that's only because you're starting to head down your own individual path. (May 6-May 20) – You're ready to get to work and prove that you know just how to make the very difficult quite do-able for others.

GEMINI (May 21-June 6)

You've been leaving signs here and there, and others will come upon them and interpret them correctly – or so you hope! (June 7-June 20) – Your domestic rou-tine may be shaken up by some-one who doesn't understand your needs, but this can change.

CANCER (June 21-July 7)

Someone with a great deal of ex-perience will take you under his or her wing and teach you everything you need to know – almost. (July 8-July 22) – Problem-solving is best left to those who have hands-on experience; if you're a novice, you should steer clear for now.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 7)

You may be willing to bend the rules

for some but not for all. This in itself is enough to get you into trouble. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) – You're able to get more done with few resources than nearly anyone else – and every-one will wonder how you do it!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7)

Are you able to keep up with those at the head of the pack? If not, you may want to consider another endeavor. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) – Even your supporters may not wholly understand what gives you the advantage. You can get more done than expected.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7)

Others are looking to you for pre-cisely the kind of guidance you received yourself not too long ago. It's time to give back in kind. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) – You trust your own instincts and experience, but you may have to trust in another's technical know-how as well.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7)

That which would otherwise be routine can become spicy and unusual if you give it a little more attention. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) – Someone who has been watching you for some time may emerge from the shadows and make his or her desires known. Be ready with an answer.

ACROSS

1. Twist violently6. Dog nail10. Moss and Lorenz15. Pub order

20. Not flat21. Kind of potato?22. Commandeer23. “Thereby hangs

— —”24. Willow shoot

25. Please greatly26. Not as gregarious27. Yawning28. Vole (2 wds.)30. Riddled32 . Scrapbook

compilers33 . Lascivious looks35 . Edible seaweed36 . Construct39 . MD assistants40. Ike

41. — out (relax)42 . Corn storage46 . Tempe inst. 47 . Calif. hours48 . Zoo staffers51. — nova53 . Paddle cousin54 . Gizmo56 . Dry, in combos57 . Long shoals59 . Familiar saying61 . Toughen62 . Mother of

Perseus63 . Carryall64 . Tail, in spy lingo65 . Oblong nuts67 . Find a tenant68 . Duncan or

Kurkjian69 . Basketball hoops72. NASA

counterpart73. Creepy (2 wds.)76. Grab the phone80. Fabric meas.81 . Begged82 . Each and every83. Freud

contemporary85. Pilot’s dir.86 . Goddess who

gave Easter its name

88 . Muddy92 . Wrap up93 . Like — — out of ...94. Barely visible95 . Bearded flower96 . Canine neighbor99 . Themes 102. Hairy animals 103. “Rob Roy”

author 104. Vice — 108. Minneapolis

exurb

109. Delhi coin 110. Sushi fish 111. Opinionated 112 . Loud noise 113 . Ocean,

poetically 115 . Muralist Joan — 116 . Bail out 117. Two-finger sign 118 . Where stitching

usually appears 120. Elev. 121. Air-pump meas. 123. 1 in. = 2.54 — 124. LP speeds 125. Water, to Pedro 127. — lazuli 129. Decide 131. They may be

pulled (2 wds.) 135. Without fear 140. Confucius, e.g. 141. Egg-shaped 142. “Dream Lover”

artist 143. Fridge sticks 144. Candlelight 145. — a dull

moment 146. Pony’s comment 147. Hair tint 148. Circus employee 149. Rhone tributary 150. Orange veggies 151. Cross the

threshold

DOWN

1. Oft-misused pronoun

2. Greet the dawn3 . He directed Marlon4 . Heavy hammer5 . Alpine region6 . Blushes

7 . Feasts with poi8 . Performs9 . Early invention10. Quiet11 On solid ground12. Archaeology find13 . Bring to bay14 . Agility15 . Repair-bill item16 . Kind of energy17 . Outfit18 . Gen. Robert — —19 . Funny Foxx21 . Sidewalks, mostly29 . Berlin sausage31 . Machine teeth34 . Publishing execs36 . Astrologers of yore37 . Cold — — icicle38 . Striped antelope41 . Go to the polls43 . Pothole locale44 . Desdemona’s foe45 . Develop, as a

storm47 . Flake off48 . Hawk49 . Use Artgum50 . Bathtub tester51 . Minute52 . Exclaiming over55 . Pate de foie —56 . Kublai Khan’s

place57 . “— Dallas”

(radio soap)58 . Cornbread60 . Beaver projects62 . Capsule, maybe64 . Waits in line66 . Free-for-alls67 . Gets one’s goat69 . Deli bread70 . Vow words (2

wds.)71 . Future bks.74 . Traveling bag

75 . Bounces77 . Dew glistener78 . Alfonso’s queen79 . Part of AARP81 . “Instant” house84 . College credit87 . Exact duplicate89 . Frosty90 . Hudson Bay tribe91 . More polite93 . General vicinity97. — contendere98 . Roman poet99 . Pills, briefly 100. Comics pooch 101. Singer — Turner 102. Cousin’s mother 103. Antarctic whale 105. Party-thrower’s

plea 106. Look as if 107. Citrus coolers 109. Pasta choice 111. Humped beast 114. Baba au — 115. DI, twice 116. Quantity 119. Bovary’s title 121. Salesman’s line 122. Round object 123. Heads a

meeting 124. “— in the Years” 126. Lost cause 127. Say good-bye 128. Like dishwater 129. PC drive (hyph.) 130. Boutique 131. Blow gently 132. Cuba, to Castro 133. Thailand, once 134. Festive nights 136. Zola novel 137. Parking-lot

mishap 138. Misplace 139. Belgian river

is Texas native, Erica Swindell. This will be the actress’ first Dallas appearance. While she originates from Amarillo, she has family in Dallas and Austin, in addition to those in her hometown. She has appeared in “Once” on Broadway; “Mary Broome” off-Broadway, and “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Lady Drug Dealer” and “Much Ado about Nothing.”

In an interesting connection, Swindell grew up playing violin with her friend, Elizabeth Davis, who would later appear in Broadway’s “Once,” while Swindell un-derstudied for three roles. The actress has played violin her whole life.

“I joined the NY cast right after the Tonys,” Swindell said. “It’s a small under-stated show but resonates with people’s experiences.”

The former Texan said she relates to her character, Reza, in that she moved to NY when she was very young and found it incredibly challenging. “Reza is a survivor. She’s been away from home and trying to make a career, while holding on to those she loves. I understand that very well,” Swindell said. “This is not your usual musical. There is the unexpected, like when my charac-ter dances on a bar. While it seems to be a simple love story, it can change you in a way you don’t expect. Reza is a little punk, edgy. She’s protective of her family. This show will probably bring tears. Bring your Kleenex.”

Swindell said she looks forward to February, when she will sing with her brother at his Austin club, the Red 7, on Austin’s 6th Street.

“Once” opens Dec. 17 at the Winspear and will run through Dec. 28. For informa-tion and ticketing, visit attpac.org.

for the transformed Darlene. He’s been seen in the off-Broadway productions of “Awesome 80s Prom,” “The Happy Embalmer” and “Minimum Wage” and has a number of other New York credits. He also has an array of directing credits.

Amanda Passanante couldn’t be more dead-on as the flakey Darlene, who has the added burden of making her before-and-after believable. She does so seamlessly. The actress previously ap-peared off-Broadway in the Drama Desk Award-nominated Yiddish language revival of “The Pirates of Penzance, Di Yam Gazlonim!” Other New York cred-its include “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Sweeney Todd” and more. Her local credits in-clude “West Side Story” at Lyric Stage and many others, along with a full sea-son as resident actor for Casa Mañana’s Children’s Theatre.

Rodney Dobbs’ scenic design is appropriately tacky, as is Scott Guenther’s lighting. But the trailer park award goes to costume designer Derek Whitener for his ingenuity in dressing the women in their gaudy, “trash” wardrobe, which makes its own very loud statement.

Sara Shelby-Martin, an accom-plished name in Dallas theatre, is ideally cast as the riotous Betty. She’s been seen locally at theaters including Uptown Players; Lyric Stage; Pegasus; Theatre Three and others.

Cara Statham Serber is a crack-up as Linoleum. The recipient of the Critics Forum Award been seen in a number of WTT productions and

at Uptown Players; Dallas Children’s Theater and Lyric Stage. The Critics Forum Award recipient has also been seen at Dallas Theater Center; Casa Mañana; Uptown Players; Dallas Children’s Theater and Lyric Stage.

As an amusing Jackson Boudreaux, Greg Hullett is a hoot. He has appeared locally at Circle Theatre; Contemporary Theatre of Dallas; Theatre Three and Garland Summer Musicals.

But now, the Trailer Park award goes to Megan Kelly Bates, for whom the role of Pickles may as well have been written. She keeps the audience awaiting her next, crazy, zany funny bit. The versatile actress has also been seen on the stages of Casa Mañana, Contemporary Theatre of Dallas, Theatre Three, Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas and Stage West. All the women put their heart into some entertaining vocals with their powerful pipes.

According to WaterTower’s pro-gram, “You might live in a Trailer Park at Christmas time if … You leave beer and nuts for Santa instead of milk and cookies; all your plastic, pink flamingo yard ornaments have Santa hats; your outdoor lights are really bug zappers; squirrels still live in your Christmas tree, and you really do ask Santa for your two front teeth.”

With music and lyrics by David Nehls, and book by Betsy Kelso and direction from James Paul Lemons, “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” runs through Jan. 4 at the WaterTower Theatre in Addison. For information and tickets, visit watertowertheatre.org, or call the box office at 972-450-6232. The theatre is located at 15650 Addison Road.

ONCE cont'd frompage 1

TRAILER cont'd frompage 1


Most of the folks who live close-in will like what you are about to read.

We love the city and urban noise waterfall, but some-times we secretly yearn for something more, well, green.

Want a total re-treat? Want to hear the wind rustle in the trees rather than sirens screech-ing on Central Expressway? This seasoned Tudor revival compound called Stonebriar Manor, at 31 Stonebriar Way, can give you the pleasures of living on a farm in the heart of a major metropolitan area. It has a Frisco address, yes, but so do the Cowboys. All you do is hop on the Dallas North Tollway and pray for no traffic.

I call it a starter home on steroids!

Once you get north, pass two tolls, you find a

wonderland of living from five rolling acres, a creek with a bridge, a barn, greenhouse,

wishing well, ten-nis court, guest house and a pond with a beautiful spray fountain.

The main house is pretty amazing, too, with 9,200 square feet of spacious rooms, heavy beams, beautifully crafted

woodwork, a double AGA stove, and a complete envi-ronment that would support a multi-generational family arrangement. There are four bedrooms, four full and two half baths, a four car garage, exercise room and a laundry room large enough to hold a pet or two, plus six fireplaces in the main house. A screened-in porch doubles as a card room. The dogs have plenty of space to frolic on five acres, but if you need to put them up, there is a dog run. Feel like raising your own exotic orchids? There is a hothouse greenhouse. Feel

like letting your grown chil-dren move back home? Take your choice of an apartment with full kitchen, or a two bedroom, or the two bedroom, two bath guest house with full kitchen just across the pool.

Come to think of it, “War of the Roses” may never have happened if Michael Douglas or Kathleen Turner had a guest house!

And of course there’s the barn, the pasture, the well-fed pond with fountain, that same well watering all the grounds, nestled into a 65-home sub-division that was built out of the city limits in the late 80s but is now one of the highest-profile gated communities up north. Jay Allison, chair-man, president and CEO of Comstock Resources, lives in Stonebriar Creek Estates. The area has also been home to sports icons Mark Aguirre,

Dennis Rodman and Rolando Blackman.

First, a little history. Does the name Phil Glasgow ring a bell? He was once a vice presi-dent of Mary Kay Cosmetics, then an executive with Network Security Systems. Phil built 31 Stonebriar Way beginning in 1989 and it took almost four years to build! Well, of course it did: there are 9,200 square feet in the main house alone and such intri-cate, labor-intensive millwork and extras. Rome was certain-ly not built in a day.

There is also a sitting room for the bedrooms, kind of an upstairs living area. Two of the bedrooms are connect-ed like twins, covered in knot-ty yellow pine wood-wash, and share a bath Jack and Jill style. There are also darling Jack and Jill study desks! The interiors are so pleasantly

rustic: you not only smell the piney woods, but feel as if you have been transposed to a rustic camp house. The heavy but warm Tudor imprint gives this home a complete English feel and flow, from the custom front door to the hand-crafted stained glass transoms in the great room, each one indi-vidually designed to replicate English battle shields.

Now here is the really heartwarming part of the story: Private Label Agent Judy Collins, the current agent, had this listing 20 years ago. That’s right, she SOLD it to the current owner, who is downsizing. A certain couple is very interested in Stonebriar Manor, and they came by recently with the original brochure that Judy had cre-ated back in 1996. Seems the spread has been a gleam in their eye for the last 20 years.

And now, it is available!That would be quite a

romance story, wouldn’t it? Stay tuned. I would just cau-tion the young lovers not to dally too long: the Dallas real estate world is a sea world of difference from what it was in 1996, including pricing. But at $3.9 million, I think it’s al-most 1996 pricing: where else would you find 9,200 square feet in impeccable shape plus a veritable farm of five-plus acres, a gated estate within a gated community?

CandysDirt.com is the only blog in Dallas for the truly Real-Estate obsessed! Named by National Association of Real Estate Editors as the BEST Real Estate Blog in the country, we celebrate Real Estate every sin-gle day! Sign up at CandysDirt.com to get the latest real estate news delivered!

By Candy [email protected]

Candace Evans

Located at 31 Stonebriar Way, Frisco is listed for $3,900,000.Photos courtesy of Private Label Realty

Randy Elms, MBA REAltoR®

(214) [email protected]

Professional - Experienced - Trusted

If I am ever a passenger in your car, expect me to yell at you to pullover when wild-life catches my eye. This past Sunday, I did that to a non-expectant driver as we made our way south on Highway 114. I caught a glimpse of what I thought was a super rare bird for the Dallas area and quickly begged the driver to pull over for a closer look. Unfortunately, my relentless pleas went unnoticed, and I missed the opportunity. I’m easily distracted by what wildlife lives around us, espe-cially since this is becoming the perfect time of the year for quality sightings.

When the weather turns colder, it becomes easier to

view wildlife. Without leaves on the trees, your eyes can travel farther and notice slighter color differences. The crisp, cool air is a better sound conductor; giving you a sharp-er ear to hear rus-tles in the grass or a birds’ song more clear. Sundays and the holidays are great days for wildlife viewing, as animals are more active when less people are.

The trouble is, you have to turn your mind on to look and listen for what’s around us. I can walk the Katy Trail with headphones on jamming out to my music and not see a single bird unless it slams me in the face. But when I take

out my headphones and pay attention, the woodpeckers are hilarious to watch dive bomb through the trees.

Next time you’re out-side around the city, listen in and take a second to see what’s around you. The city isn’t just home to rock doves (aka pi-geons), but we also share our city with a healthy variety of bird species just outside your back

door. The thousands of birds in the area are important for our ecosystem as pollinators, seed dispersers, pest manage-ment and nature’s recyclers. Understanding bird popula-tions across their range moni-tors biological trends that

support decisions to protect the environment.

First we need the data. Scientists can’t be everywhere at the same time and have come up with a solution that involves relying on us to take data for them. That means you in your own backyard can contribute scientific data that helps track abundance and distributions of bird species.

It’s called citizen science, and it’s a growing scientific tool that utilizes the general public to identify and record what they see and report it to scientists. There are thou-sands of projects you as an individual, your child’s class or group can get involved in from a cloud project that helps scientists georeference what they are actually seeing

on their models to a plant bud project, which tracks seasonal changes in plants.

One of the found-ing citizen science projects is Feeder Watch: a project that started in the 1970s in Canada to identify winter ranges of birds. FeederWatch.org has grown to include all of North America and has become a proven tool for monitoring the distribution and abundance of winter bird populations.

Feeder Watch 2014-15 began just a few weeks ago and runs through April. You can participate for as few or as many days as you’d like. It’s a great way to force your-self to take a second, take out the headphones and focus on your surroundings. The par-ticipant list has several dots

around the DFW area but none in our Katy Trail Weekly area. If you live downtown, don’t think you're out of bird luck, I’ve seen two red tailed hawks hanging out near the convention center overpass. You can find out if they are nesting for us!

If you are looking for a little variety in your birds, Chris from dfwurbanwildlife.com suggests hitting some birding hotspots in the area such as, “White Rock Lake, the Village Creek Drying Beds and John Bunker Sands come to mind first as great places to bird in the winter, but rare waterfowl can show up at any lake or pond around the metroplex.”

It probably was not the super rare snowy owl that I caught a glimpse of speeding down the highway this past Sunday. You may not find the snowy owl either, but you will begin to marvel at the deep blue hue of the bluebirds, be creatively inspired or help out science!

“We never noticed the beauty because we were too busy trying to create it.” — Unknown

Naima Montacer is a freelance writer and conserva-tionist. View more at her web-site EnviroAdventures.com.

It’s for the birds if you don’t pull over for wildlifeALONG THE GREEN TRAIL

By Naima Montacer@naimajeannette

Naima Montacer


A true Texas Christmas dessert spread or a gift of homemade treats has to include chocolate fudge. Sprinkle some crushed pep-permint on top, and you’re a better elf than Will Ferrell.

This fudge is so simple you’ll want to make several batches for gifting, as well as, having on hand for drop-in and invited guests.

The recipe is from my “Texas Holiday Cookbook,” a culinary guidebook from now through New Year’s Day, including recipes for Hanukkah. It makes a great hostess or last-minute holi-day gift of true Texas cuisine.

Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

2 1/2 cups sugar1/2 cup unsalted butter1/4 teaspoon salt1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk (not sweet-ened condensed milk), about 2/3 cup1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow crème, about 2 cups1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips, about 2 cups3/4 cup finely chopped pecans1 teaspoon vanilla

2 to 3 drops peppermint extract, optional1 1/2 cups peppermint candy

Line a 9-inch square pan with foil so that the foil extends over the sides of the pan. Rub foil with butter.

Combine sugar, butter, salt and evapo-rated milk in a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl. A large glass measuring bowl with a handle works particularly well. Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes or until the

mixture comes to a roll-ing boil, stirring twice.

Add marshmal-low crème and choco-late chips; blend until smooth. Stir in pecans, vanilla and peppermint extract, if desired. Pour into buttered, foil-lined pan. Allow to cool slight-ly. Meanwhile, process peppermint in food pro-cessor to crush. Sprinkle crushed peppermint evenly over top of fudge.

Cool to room tem-perature. Using the tip of a knife, mark the fudge

into 36 squares. Refrigerate until firm. To remove fudge from pan, lift foil from

pan. Remove foil from sides of fudge. Cut through the lines to make 36 pieces. Store fudge in refrigerator.

Variation: For white chocolate fudge, sub-stitute white chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips. Proceed as above. Makes 36 pieces.

Don't fudge on holiday fudgeBy Dotty [email protected]

DOTTY 'S TRUE TEXAS CUISINE

East Dallas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)629 N. Peak St., 75246 ……………..…… 214-824-8185Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m. — Chapel; Contemporary Service: 9:30 a.m.; Traditional Service: 10:50 a.m. — Sanctuary. Sunday School for all ages: 9:30 a.m.Faith in the City Pub Ministry — Tuesday 7:00 p.m.Deborah Morgan-Stokes, Sr. Minister

www.edcc.org

Munger Place Church5200 Bryan St., 75206 ………………...… 214-823-9929Worship Sundays: 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.“Expect Great Things.”

www.mungerplacechurch.org

Oak Lawn United Methodist Church3014 Oak Lawn Ave., 75219 ……………… 214-521-5197Sunday Worship: 9 and 11 am; 10 am Discipleship Hour; Noon each Wed. Brown Bag CommunionDr. Anna Hosemann-Butler, Senior Pastor

www.olumc.org

Wilshire Baptist Church4316 Abrams Rd., 75214 .......................... 214-824-4531Worship Service Sunday: 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.Sunday School for all ages: 9:40 a.m.

www.wilshirebc.org

For inclusion rates & publishing deadlines, call 214-27-TRAIL

Directory of Area Places of Worship

Chocolate Peppermint Fudge.

Photo by Rick Turner

HANDY-MAN SERVICE

Air Conditioning, Htg.Son of Man Air and Heat

Service calls … $39.951 lb of Freon … $89.952-ton systems as low as

$3,195.Call today: 214-351-1132

Tx Lic. # TACLA27258C

Jesse’s A/C and Appliance Service

Experienced, professional

service for your Washer, Dryer, Oven, Range, Freez-er, Refrigerator, Ice Maker,

Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave, Cooktop, etc.

Phone: 214-660-8898Cell: 214-769-2483

Tx Lic. # TAC-LB13304C

MIKE'S Handyman Services

Experienced HandymanSmall jobs WelcomeAll types of repairs

References AvailableCall Mike…214.413.8224

HELP WANTED

BLACK-EYED PEANow hiring for all

positionsApply in person only .8220 Westchester Dr.

Dallas, 75225in Preston Center:

214-361-5979

Career OpportunityKaty Trail Weekly

Seeks one experiencedad sales professional

to help us handle ourgrowing business.

Send your resume to:susie@

whiterocklakeweekly.com

CNA caregivers wantedCompetitive wages and

health insurance offered. Need caring and dedicated staff.

Please call 972-423-3600

Seeking Choir DirectorLocal area church seeking

PT choral director with church experience, call

to ministry and keyboard proficiency preferred.

Send resume to:employment@

whiterockchurch.infoFor questions or more

info call Pastor Douglas:214-320-0043

Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters

Need mature, responsible,

reliable people for rapidly expanding pet business.

Apply online dallaspet.net

Start Now!Work from home!!Katy Trail Weekly

needs one person to call businesses for classified ads

in our newspapers. Work your own schedule.

Must be EXPERIENCED in biz-to-biz outbound calling.

Must live in this area.Send your resume to:

[email protected]

PLUMBING

UPTOWN PLUMBING214-747-1103

Master Plumber #13800Repairs / Remodels/

Drain Cleaning … Residential / Commercial

Flat Rate Pricing. 24/7 Service You Can Trustuptownplumbing.com

Dotty Griffith

RESTAURANT REVIEW

There are surprisingly few Cajun restaurants in Dallas, based on our proxim-ity to Louisiana. And while the three you’ve heard of range from Cajun-approved to “have these people ever had Cajun food?” there is another option that seems to go unno-ticed. Tucked away in a shop-ping center off Audelia Road, Offshore’s Nextdoor is easy to miss. And that’s a real shame, because they are serving up quality Cajun food.

For some reason, I al-ways want to start with Fried Pickles ($5.75). I love the juxtaposition of the salty pickle and the slightly sweet breading. Sometimes kitchens go overboard with the salt, rendering the pickles so salty you’re instantly thirsty after having one, but they use a light hand at Offshore’s.

Jambalaya ($10.95), the paella-derived rice dish, is among my favorite Creole and Cajun dishes, and this version is one of the best I’ve had out-side of Louisiana. The word “jambalaya” means a mix or a mashup, and this one honors that with the ingredients dis-tinct, yet still cohesive parts of a whole.

Crawfish Étouffée ($11.95) is also treated with respect: the roux is a nutty brown, loaded with crawfish and mildy spicy. Garlic bread is served alongside to sop up

the rich gravy. A seared link of Andouille sausage plunked in the middle of the bowl adds smokiness and a little additional heat.

Gumbo also has that lovely Cajun-style heat. It’s not apparent at first taste but hits the back of your throat as you work your way through the bowl.

Red beans and rice has clearly reaped the benefits of being cooked all day: the beans are fall-apart tender, redolent with the smoky fla-vor of ham bones. They are both available as appetizers, as well as, sides for entrees.

I’ve tried Cajun Pasta ($11.95) at other places, and it’s usually cream based, like an Alfredo with a little Tabasco sprinkled in. The Cajun Pasta at Offshore’s is more like a vodka sauce, creamy but tomato based. We had ours with blacked shrimp, which added a nice sharp contrast to the mildly sweet pasta sauce.

If fried fish is more your speed, there are several op-tions available. I went for broke and tried the Fried Combo Basket ($15.95), which contains catfish, shrimp, crawfish and calamari.

The catfish was perfect: crisp and moist. I was a little disappointed in the ratio of shrimp to calamari: I found three shrimp in the basket. I would have happily foregone half the calamari for even one more shrimp.

A Crawfish Po-Boy ($8.95) was fine, as good as I’ve had elsewhere. The jala-peño tartar sauce provided a little heat.

Desserts are kind of uninteresting except for the Key Lime Pie ($4.25). It’s a standard ice-box version; a little more sweet than I like but tasty.

The atmosphere is more dive-y than the other Cajun restaurants in town, which makes it feel more authentic, somehow. Service is friendly and attentive, which is im-pressive since on both my visits there was one person manning both the bar and waiting on all of the tables.

OFFSHORE’S NEXTDOOR9660 Audelia Road, Suite 305, 214-503-1012offshores-nextdoor.comMonday – Friday: 3:30 – 10 p.m.-ishSaturday: 5 – 10 p.m.-ishClosed Sunday

Photo by Sara Newberry Offshore's Étouffée.

Offshore's Nextdoor a hidden gemBy Sara Newberry

Dallas WorkoutThe Gym & Personal Training

214-826-1466dallasworkout.com

3300 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 100


SHOP THE TRAILCOMMUNITY COUNTS. KEEP IT LOCAL.

To be featured in this section, call: 214-27-TRAIL

or email: [email protected]

CHAMBERLAIN STUDIOSCheck DallasKenpo.com for current programs and events

Our Kid’s Karate classes incorporate 3-Steps to a Great KidTM, which is a character development and child safety curriculum specifically

designed to fit within a martial arts program. Chamberlain Studios has been family owned and operated since 1981!

Kids Karate: age appropriate classes starting at 4 years old, M-Th & Sat! Adults Karate: in the evenings, Saturdays and on M, W & Th at noon!

Adults Chalkline Fitness: Saturdays at 7:30 AMWe also have Karate Birthday parties, Event rentals,

Women’s Self Defense programs, private and group lessons, Chalkline Fitness™ cross training and more!

2739 Bachman Drive, Dallas, TX 75220 [email protected]

Facebook: Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense DallasKenpo.com • 214-351-5367

LUCAS STREET ANTIQUESAND ART GALLERY

Dallas’ newest antiques and art gallery Stop by and browse over 60 booths of

Mid-Century Modern, Urban Contemporary, Industrial, Primitive, Shabby Chic furniture and a great selection of original art, photo-graphs and sculpture. Check out the wonderful selection of rugs, lamps and a large number of African and American large game

head mounts. Located at the end of Market Center Blvd. at Harry Hines, directly behind the Holiday Inn Hotel.

www.LucasStreetAntiques.com2023 Lucas Dr. Dallas, TX 75219 214-559-9806

Mon-Fri: 10-6 Saturday 11-5 Sunday 12-5

SUZANNE ROBERTS GIFTS Since 1975

Christmas All Around! See our Christmas merchandise...Mac-Kenzie Childs,

The Roundtop Collection, Vietri and much more!For the month of December our shop will be

OPEN on Sundays 1-5pm excluding Sunday, the 28th.

6718 Snider Plaza, Dallas, 75205www.suzannerobertsgifts.com • 214-369-8336

Mon-Fri 10-5

AARON BROTHERS FRAMINGNew store open in West Village

The ultimate framing experience is here! For over 65 years, Aaron Brothers has been committed to leading the industry in design

craftsmanship. Every framer is AB Certified in design, and we treat your artwork with the utmost care. It’s part of our White Glove Promise. Our experts can work within your budget to help you

create something truly original for your home.

3700 McKinney Ave, Suite 134, Dallas, TX 75204, across from West Village Shopping Center214-306-6392 • Open daily 11am – 7pm

aaronbrothers.com

THE ORIGINAL CUPCAKERYMention this ad and receive a

10% discount off your entire order!With locations in Uptown and Downtown Ft. Worth the ORIGINAL

CUPCAKERY is your one stop shop for exceptional handcrafted cupcakes, cake bites, and cake pops. Our catering department is found at the most exciting social events in DFW serving up the

most delectable treats. Drop in and check out our favorites like Red Velvet, Tickle Me Pink, Chocolate Passion, or one of many seasonal flavors we offer, like Pumpkin Surprise, Rosemary Lemon, Pepper-

mint Cream and Old Fashion Rum Cake with Orange Glaze. We offer custom creations for any occasion and our Ft. Worth location does

custom cakes for wedding and anniversaries.

2222 McKinney Ave #230 • Uptown Dallas • 214-855-0003 132 E. 4th Street • Downtown Ft. Worth • 817-332-2727

LULA B’s WestUnique Gift Ideas

Whether you are looking for kitschy Knick Knacks or that perfect Mid-Century piece of furniture, you will find it all at our store. In

the heart of the Design District, we offer everything from vintage clothing to collectible toys. Industrial, eclectic, funky or modern,

our 80+ dealers will have what you are looking for.*D Magazine’s Readers Choice Award 2014:

Vintage Furniture and Clothing*

Open 7 days a week M-Sat. 10-6 Sun Noon-61010 N. Riverfront Dallas, TX 75207 • 214-749-1929

(Visit Lula B’s East at 2639 Main St in Deep Ellum) • 214-824-2185

Scene Around Town

By Society Editor Sally Blanton

Michele Myers, Linda Starns, Lindsey Flowers

Brittney Bannon, Dana Williams, Dr. Kern Wildenthal

Chi Omega Christmas MarketShopping for Charities

Centennial Hall at Fair Park

Diane Fullingim, Tia Wynne, Emcee Meridith Land, Jamie Singer, CEO Jill Cumnock

Co-Chairs Sarah Elliot and Christina Moore-Salinas

Co-Chair Allison Cox, Party Emcee Shelly Slater

Philanthropy DayAssociation of Fundraising Professionals

Hyatt Regency

Becky Alost, Shelley Potter, Sarah Beth McDonald, Sarah Cashman

Becky Mills, Mandy Click, Angela Calvert, Missy Robinson, Jo Ann Hodges

“Love for the Elisa Project”Tennis Tourney for Eating Disorders

Northwood Club

“Each Moment Matters”Faith Presbyterian Hospice Luncheon

Hilton Anatole

Chair Kim Bannister, Founders Rick and Leslie McCall, Director Kimberly Martinez

Jan Osborn, Dorothy Allyn

Claire Cheney, Speaker David Hudgins, Godwin Dixon, Barbara Watkins

Peter Livingston, Mary Corrigan, Mary LivingstonRobert Hudgins, Meghan and David

Hudgins, Cindy Hudgins, Director Milton Key

Trains Sneak PeekRonald McDonald House Benefit

NorthPark Center

Eric Shepherd, Heath Strayhan, Roberto van Geenan, Joe Wierda

Gentlemen’s Night OutPark Place introduces Ghost Series II

Ritz-Carlton


Our Favorite Restaurants

Way back in 1994, there weren’t iPhones, personal GPS devices, or texting. There was no instant access to the outside world. This is what makes the 1,100 mile hike, shown with painstak-ing detail in “Wild,” that much more an act of sheer bravery. It’s almost a miracle that Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) survived this dangerous trek alone.

Actually, once Cheryl’s thoughts wander into her past, her 1,100 mile journey pales in comparison. Random sex with multiple partners and intra-venous heroin use may have a higher risk factor than poten-tially turning an ankle while climbing over a large rock.

Those are just a handful of the demons that are chasing Cheryl during “Wild,” which is based on the real life mem-oir of Cheryl Strayed. While there are a few ham-fisted, emotionally manipulative mo-ments, this movie is one of the most inspiring, heart-wrench-ing stories shown on the big screen this year.

“Wild,” adapted for the screen in brilliant fashion by Nick Hornby, shows Cheryl during her planned three month journey while using flashbacks to fill in the mostly brutal details of her life. As you can imagine, many thoughts filter through her

head as she spends most of the movie alone.

You learn about her bro-ken marriage to Paul (Thomas Sadoski), her abusive father, her sick mother (Laura Dern), and all the ugly that comes in between. Hornby’s screenplay manages to do this without typical, boring, movie nar-ration; instead the audience hears Cheryl’s thoughts.

Burdened by her past and a massive backpack (meta-phors are fun) loaded with food and camping equip-ment, Cheryl comes across many people and “Wild” manages to make you ini-tially dread every single one of them. Thankfully, most of these people are kind-hearted and help her along her way, seemingly able to tell just by looking at her that her trip is designed to heal herself. It’s a big boost to the idea that most people are inherently good, more than willing to help out a fellow human in need.

After directing “Dallas Buyers Club,” it’s clear that these types of movies appeal to director Jean-Marc Vallée. Both “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Wild” are movies that feature human beings dealing with horrid problems, mostly of their own doing, and how they overcome them with sheer willpower and drive. Vallée has a real eye and voice for this type of subject matter, never flinching from the ugliness surrounding troubled people.

If “Wild” does falter, it’s during a handful of moments that are particularly forced and cheapens the emotional journey the rest of the movie so easily displays. A young boy sings Cheryl a song that sends her into an emotional tizzy and doesn’t fit in with the rest of the movie in any way, shape, or form. Also, there is little chance that every single song clicked on a stranger’s radio will remind her of her mother, but yet they all seem to do just that.

Nearly every single actor is cast to perfection. If there is one performer that becomes grating, it’s Laura Dern.

While Dern is fully capable of showing just how much the mother she is playing loves her children, she goes way overboard on smiles and positivity, becoming far too Pollyanna-like. Perhaps that is why, when life for her kids proves to not always be sun-shine and rainbows, her chil-dren do not handle it well.

When you have “Election” and “Walk the Line” on your resume, one would presume it difficult to put a performance on screen that tops them. Reese Witherspoon not only tops them, it is an all out blow-out. Everyone seems to

be focusing on her lack of modesty, most notably the uncomfortable nudity, sex scenes, and lack of makeup.

Don’t be fooled by that exterior. This is an incredibly nuanced, gritty piece of act-ing from Witherspoon that should leave anyone paying attention completely floored. There isn’t one moment that screams out “look, she’s act-ing!” Sure, you’re watch-ing one of the most popular actresses on the planet, but Witherspoon disappears in the role almost immediately. She manages to make you sympathetic for Cheryl, while never pitying her or excusing her self-destructive acts.

“Wild” is an incred-ible journey inside the head of good human being that unfortunately lost her way, made poor decisions, and is doing what she needs to do to overcome them. It’s uplift-ing, a gut punch, and actually, thanks to the self-loathing writing style of Hornby, quite funny in small bursts.

Whether you agree with Cheryl’s assessment of her life at the end of the movie is up to you, but there can be no questioning her drive to be the person that she knows she can be. She’s not interested in your judgment of her past, just her present. Isn’t that all anyone can hope to have?

MOVIE TRAILER

Reese Witherspoon was born to be in ‘Wild’By Chic DiCiccio@Chiccywood

Photos courtesy of Fox Searchlight PicturesSOLUTION TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE

ktw 12-12-14

Documents

dallas winds composer

dallas winds website

dallas nurses

c i t i e

dallas winds bassoon

e c r e e

dallas winds box office

d i s t r i c t s pa