I had few qualms about telling my 6-year-old Max that there was no Santa Claus or that the tooth fairy can run out of cash, just the same as his old man. But when Max was cheering wildly for the Harlem Globetrotters to win their game against the hapless New York Nationals the last time they played here, I just didn't have the heart to whisper in his ear: "Max, the Globetrotters always win." Truth is, I don't think I can bring myself to tell him this year when we attend the rematch at American Airlines Center on February 7 at 1 p.m. To tell him it's rigged--or more politely, it's entertainment--may dash his hoop dreams for good. So I will stick to the script and pretend the game is in play. And he can enjoy the show, with its fast breaks, 12-foot slam dunks and figure-eight weaves. And I can tap my foot to the melody of "Sweet Georgia Brown" because I have been force-fed the tune for more than two hours. And when the final buzzer rings and the Globetrotters win handily, I can turn to Max and say, "Great game, huh, son?" Tickets can also be purchased for both games (the other is February 6 at 7 p.m.) by contacting the box office at 214-665-4797. --Mark Donald
Kick Off
The Desperados tackle a new football season
2/8
"Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?" Sorry. Had to do it. Couldn't resist. You know how you get a song in your head and, well, it just doesn't come out? So you have to share it. But I digress. Sorta. That little ditty started bopping around my head because, friends, it's Arena Football League season again. OK, the good news: Your Dallas Desperados are back. Bad news: Quarterback Stanley Kubrick, oops, read that wrong--I mean Jim Kubiak is out with an injury. Still, the Desperados ought to be fun this season--maybe not A Clockwork Orange fun, but fun nonetheless. After all, where else can you watch people tackle each other into a restraining wall and not get arrested? It's not right. Check out the Desperados when the team plays the Carolina Cobras at Reunion Arena on Sunday at 2 p.m. Call 972-785-4900. --John Gonzalez