10/8
If you believe that any venture that takes Chuck Norris away from playing a Texas Ranger on TV should be encouraged, then be sure to patronize the one-time action hero's World Combat League, which will offer Dallas a preview of its 2006 season. Just think: If this martial arts league fails, there is certainly a PAX drama waiting for Norris. The league's inaugural competition will feature five men and two women kicking, punching and screaming for their respective teams in Houston, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles and right here in Dallas. The athletes for the league are billed as "exciting fighters," which thankfully should rule out Norris from participating in his own start-up. Each fighter will wage hand-to-hand combat for only two rounds in order to keep the action intense--or at least less staged than your average episode of Walker: Texas Ranger. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St. Tickets ($15-$125) are available by contacting TicketMaster by calling 214-373-8000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. --Matt Pulle
Moose Tales
10/6
Remember when the Dallas Cowboys had a fullback worth booing? Well, technically, fans at Texas Stadium didn't shout "boo," but rather the nickname "Moose," whenever Daryl Johnston took the football and rammed his 240-pound frame through defensive lines for important short-yardage gains. The Cowboys' "Triplets" may be the rage lately thanks to their recent Ring of Honor induction, but fans still haven't forgotten ol' Moose--really, they can't, thanks to his quick rise in the commentator booths at Fox Sports. His football smarts are moving beyond the booth to the book, and Johnston will sign copies of his debut, Watching Football, at Borders Books & Music, 10720 Preston Road, Thursday at 7 p.m. Just make sure not to boo him. Call 214-363-1977. --Sam Machkovech
Have a Ball
10/9
This Sunday at the American Airlines Center, Mark Cuban invites us to meet this season's team. Newcomers include DeSagana Diop, Josh Powell, Rawle Marshall and veteran Doug Christie, and while their names may not set the world on fire, their play should help fill the space between the Mavericks and the NBA's true elite. Cuban seems to have learned that headhunting for marquee names and hoping the pieces fit isn't the way to win, and if anything, solace can be taken in that Mark--for better and for worse--is the Mavs' biggest fan. We can show our support starting at 12:30 p.m. when the season opens with the ESPN Radio 103.3 FM/Mavs Fan Jam, a free event that showcases the new roster with the annual Blue/White Scrimmage. The Mav Dancers and ManiAACs will be signing autographs. American Airlines Center is at 2500 Victory Ave. Call 214-747-MAVS. --Matt Hursh
