If it weren't for Michael Jackson, this little blurb would be all about going to the American Airlines Center to see the country's most famous defendant. Alas, Jacko had to go and spoil everything with his secret rooms and general shadiness. (An aside: How is it that an adult male who stands 5-foot-11 only weighs 120 pounds? That may be the nastiest note of all.) So Kobe Bryant may not be Dirt Bag No. 1 anymore, but it still ought to be fun to ridicule him when he and the Lakers come to town December 4 for an 8:30 p.m. meeting with the Mavericks. Try to get there early--say, for the shoot-around--because there will be fewer people in the stands then, and your insults will be more easily heard. Also, you might want to make a sign with some of that neon poster board. Those are always fun. We'd suggest some verbal barbs for you to spit Bryant's way, but we have enough legal problems as it is, so you're on your own. If you're not into the heckling thing (which would make you a pussy), the basketball that night will probably be pretty good. Ticket prices range from $10 to $1,900 (yeah, that's right, $1,900...and good luck with all that). Call Ticketmaster at 214-373-8000. --John Gonzalez
Toys and Hogs for Tots
12/6
Rocking tunes. Rumbling engines. Swan Lake Barbies. Hulk Hands. They all come together in the great giving extravaganza that is the Lewisville Christmas Motorcycle Toy Run. The event consists of local Good Samaritans and their choppers riding through Old Town Lewisville with a plethora of toys in tow--with an after party at Thunderhorse Saloon. Admission to the ride is one unwrapped gift valued at $10 or more. Sign-up is from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Saturday at the former Temple Baptist Church, Main Street at Charles Street. The ride starts at 11:30 a.m. Call 972-219-3560. --Mary Monigold
Jingle All the Way
12/9
Billed as the "happiest holiday event around," the Starbucks Jingle Bell Run promises to be a safe and fun sporty event fit for the whole family and their dogs. A one-mile fun run open to walkers, strollers and pets starts at 7 p.m., and the main 5K race begins at 7:30 p.m. Look for all sorts of merry characters running along the course. The real thrill of the Jingle Bell Run will be checking out all the lights and holiday decorations among the skyscrapers and streets of downtown Dallas. A Santa Land festival takes place before, after and during the runs featuring free arts and crafts for the kids, a costume contest and a pet pageant. The jolly old man himself, Santa, will be available for photographs. It's Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin. Entry is $22, and parking is $8. Call 817-412-5500. --Jay Webb
