Author: David

Who knows if they would have been able to fight their way back and tie the series up 3-3 if that were to happen? But hey, Dallas just won three straight (Game’s 4, 5 and 6), so I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t be able to fight back in that scenario. Anyway, the true king has been crowned–Dirk Nowitzki.

Without even an NBA Finals ring yet, the self-proclaimed King James continues to be called the King, but surely did not play like that in clutch-time situations and in the fourth quarter throughout the series. LeBron James looked tentative when it mattered most and when Miami really needed a bucket. There was a time during the fourth quarter with about three or four minutes remaining, when the entire Heat lineup looked as if they didn’t want to be the one to take the shot and have to make it, knowing that Dallas was already up by 9 or more points—way too many extra passes. The Miami Heat were the ones who folded under the pressure, so you can begin to talk about that now instead of aiming those types of pressure comments towards Dallas. On the other end, Dirk gets the ball and fires away with no hesitation, only for his shot to find the bottom of the net—can you call him clutch now? Are you still saying that Dirk folds under pressure and can’t handle the big game? I think not!

Dirk Nowitzki shot a horrible percentage from the field in Game 6 going 9 for 27 in total and only 1 for 7 from behind the arc. He still finished the game with 21 points and 11 rebounds, scoring 18 points in the second half. Regardless of the off-shooting night for Dirk, he still knocked down clutch mid-range jumpers when the Heat began to threaten and cut the lead down to a reachable margin. He was not to be denied in Game 6 and neither was Jason Terry. “The Jet Terry” picked up the scoring slack and backed up all his talk throughout the series with 27, Game 6 points and a tattoo on his bicep of the Finals trophy that now does not have to be removed. It seemed as though Jason Terry took it upon himself in Game 6 to see to it that the Dallas Mavs came out successful and avoid a Game 7 match-up.

J.J. Barea also stepped up huge in Game 6 knocking down a clutch three-pointer in the midst of a Miami Heat run with 10:14 left to go in the fourth. The Heat had momentum in their favor and were making a case for the lead. Dallas was ahead 81-77 with Miami surging closer. It was Barea’s trey ball which killed any hopes of a fourth quarter rally—a true dagger shot indeed. He finished the game going 1 for 3 behind the arc, with 15 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. For a guy who started the Finals series off pretty rough, missing uncontested layups and open three pointers, he sure helped end it in a big way playing huge roles in Game’s 5 and 6.

LeBron James had 21 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 6 turnovers going 9 for 15 from the field. Dwayne Wade was held to a quite night, considering what he’s done to Dallas in the past, scoring only 17 points with 2 blocks, 6 assists, 8 boards and 5 turnovers himself. Miami turned the ball over 16 times and Dallas turned it over 14 times. The turnover battle in this series was a good indicator of who would win or lose. Chris Bosh knocked down mid-range jumper after mid-range jumper on his way to 19 points and 8 boards—he shot 7 of 9 from the floor.

What ended up really killing Miami was their horrible shooting night from the charity stripe. As a team, Miami shot 20 for 33, 60.6% from the free throw line. Against the strong Dallas Mavs, that kind of free throw shooting is not going to get it done and the Heat found that out the hard way. The refs tried as hard as they could to help out the Miami Heat, calling every little ticky-tack foul against Dallas, but not calling those same fouls the other way. Miami, if you’re going to get foul call help from the refs all game long, than you better hit your free throws and take advantage of what the refs are trying to give you. By the way, how many times does Mario Chalmers need to push off of a Dallas defender before it gets called by the referee? Dallas beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 and they also beat the refs. This was a 2 on 1 battle and the lone star team won it!

Dirk’s legacy is now complete. With a league MVP award, Finals MVP award and a championship trophy, Dirk Nowitzki can now rest much easier at night as the NBA demons of his have now been exercised. Jason Kidd’s career is now complete as well with this championship–a true exclamation point to an awesome 17-year career. Way to go Dallas Mavericks, the better team won this Finals match-up.

Any questions, comments, short circuits, doubts or cloudy systems? Email me: dlawso77@gmail.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/basketball-articles/2011-nba-finals-the-true-king-has-now-been-crowned-4905958.html

About the Author

Grew up playing football, basketball and baseball in Laurel, Md. B.A. in Mass Communication/Marketing from Towson University. Son of Jim and Dorothy Lawson. Avid fantasy sports player since 2005.

The other nail polishes in the Texas Collection include:
I Vant to Be A-Lone Star
Don’t Mess with OPI
San Tan-tonio
Suzi Loves Cowboys
Y’all Come Back Ya Hear?
Big Hair…Big Nails
Guy Meets Gal-veston
Too Hot Pink to Hold ‘Em
Do You Think I’m Tex-y?

Perhaps they couldn’t come up with a name for Dallas so maybe that is why we are so overlooked in the collection. Heartdallas.com has one suggestion for OPI that we think is bankable: The Big D-eal.
Like?
Any other ideas?

8687 North Central Expressway,  Suite 782

Dallas, Texas 75225 (inside Northpark Mall)

(214) 696-5874

 Hours. Monday to Saturday: 10 to 9.

Sunday: 12 to 6 p.m.

Lush is a store, but it seems like its own religion.

Nobody yelled at me when I took this picture.

How is a “cosmetics” store like a religion?  If I don’t buy something there, I feel like I am committing a heinous sin.  

When I first discovered this, it was more than disturbing.  People shouldn’t be required to spend money in a store.

Yet, the casual, cool-in-an-Understated-Way beauty retailer ( based in the U.K.) made me feel precisely so. 

The first day I went, I bought two bath gels, one called “Glogg” and one that goes by the moniker ”Snow Fairy.” Why are they each named what they are? I cannot begin to ponder. 

I happened to luck out that day and get the bath gels for half off.  But at Lush, the retail price for each is a truly insane $24.95. Warning: it is at this point in the blog that I start to greatly miss Bath And Body Works. I think I will go right now.

I visited Lush once again after that as a dedicated undercover blogger. As I glanced at the fragrances, an employee named Natalia came over and waved a scented piece of cardboard around, telling me that that was “the best way to smell.” A few seconds later, Natalia took it upon herself to wave different cardboard scents in my face like she was the Smell Queen. She also said  matter-of- factly that Orange Citrus perfume was good, “if you miss the summer.”   Okay.  But, what are people supposed to buy in the summer?

Despite the smelling experience, I met a better employee named Lilly (she was about 18 years old) who was informative and helpful, and told me that all products with “Mark’s” picture (a cartoon portrait of the owner of Lush) were half off.

The flying rabbit is just a few feet from Lush.

The outside of Lush states that it sells “Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.” Do not be fooled. Inside you will not find any makeup, only shower gel, soap, and other beauty products.

Lush is sandwiched between The Body Shop and, I think, a Vera Bradley store. To place it next to The Body Shop is just pure beauty overkill.

The Heart Dallas Bottom Line: Go, if you like spending 24.95 for a bath gel. Then, call customer service at (888) 733-5874 and complain.

If you feel like doing some good and have 29.95, get Lush’s Charity Pot lotion. The money goes to socially aware, grassroots organizations that Lush supports. A third employee who was stylish and had bangs told me the money from the sale of Charity Pots does not go to big “conglomerations.” I do not even think that’s a word. 

My final advice: purchase “It’s Raining Men” bath gel only if you need to pretend that such an occurrence is actually happening inside your shower.

by Alice, olfactory sense equipped blogger.

Santa can put us on his bad list. We haven’t updated much lately, but for the new year our resolution is to bring you goodness more often.
Merry Christmas!

But if you’re brave and really into saving then go for it! If you buy a lot your tax savings add up.

TAX-FREE

* Baby clothes
* Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students
* Belts with attached buckles
* Boots – cowboy, hiking
* Caps/hats – baseball, fishing, golf, knitted
* Coats and wraps
* Diapers – adult and baby
* Dresses
* Gloves (generally)
* Gym suits and uniforms
* Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts
* Hosiery
* Jackets
* Jeans
* Jerseys – baseball and football
* Jogging apparel
* Neckwear and ties
* Pajamas
* Pants and trousers
* Raincoats and ponchos
* Robes
* Shirts
* Shoes – sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking
* Socks (including athletic)
* Shorts
* Suits, slacks, and jackets
* Sweatshirts
* Sweat suits
* Sweaters
* Swimsuits
* Underclothes
* Work clothes and uniforms

Visit the state’s website for more information and a complete list of school supplies and clothings that qualify for the tax free holiday.

Phone: 972-759-0217

 13380  Preston Road (across from Valley View Shopping Center and next to Half Price Books). They also have other locations.      

http://www.smoothiefactory.com/ 

Heart Dallas Advisory: Walking into Smoothie Factory could be dangerous. If you walk out feeling super energized and your family and friends don’t know what to do, don’t blame me.

This is a one-and-only view of the outside of Smoothie Factory on Preston Road.

On a recent weekday afternoon, I stopped by. It was my day to be adventurous. I boldly declared that I wanted the Meal Replacement smoothie. Soni Gvrung, 20, convinced me to try it with a chocolate protein flavor and almonds. Gvrung was in the store that day with Cody Newlin, 23, while owner Shital Balar was out.

Gvrung (the one who is 20) told me that the point of a Meal Replacement smoothie is that you are supposed to drink one after you work out. After that, you do not have to eat for three or four hours if you do not want to. I wasn’t to thrilled about ”not eating,” but I wanted to try a smoothie just to see what it tasted like.

The Verdict: the smoothie was smoothie-licious, but I think next time I’ll stick to a Banana smoothie. ”Plain Jane” is my smoothie style right now. The Meal Replacement smoothie was a little too chocolate-y and too crunchy.

In case you want to start planning your smoothie this minute, other smoothie categories at Smoothie Factory include Acai Berry or “Brazilian Power Berry,” Protein Smoothies, and Specialty Smoothies (which are extra unique smoothies). You can add items like creatine factor, which is for strength and recovery, to your smoothie.

While you are at Smoothie Factory, make sure you get a punch card, and remind them to punch it every time you go. If you are like me, you’ll keep it at a close distance at all times. Once you visit eight times, you’ll get something FREE, even if it’s only a small smoothie.    

 I stopped by the Smoothie Factory location at Skillman Road and Walnut Hill in Dallas also. They are at 7215 Skillman Road, Suite 322. Owner Chad Piepenburg was very helpful.

The BOTTOM LINE you’ve been waiting for: If you want to go often, watch so the smoothies (about $6.83 for a medium) don’t slurp a large amount from your wallet. Speaking of $6.83, any chance of lowering this price, Smoothie Factory Gods?

More tables and chairs need to be added, so it’s not just a grab and go place.

But, do go. Look out for Troy Aikman. He is a fan. When you are finished, browse at Half Price Books with smoothie in hand.

Smoothie Factory, a beautiful site for Mine Eyes

by Alice, smooth blogger

 6300 Harry Hines Boulevard,  Suite 130 (on the ground floor of the Chase Bank Building. At the corner of Mockingbird Lane and Harry Hines Boulevard)   

Dallas, Texas 75235

Phone: 214.352.2296

Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch only. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 

www.freshmarketonline.com  

Saunter into Fresh Market looking for a drink, snack, or meal, (or even a chicken and watermelon combo — see below) and chances are you will find something.

Co-owner Nopp Pradappet is feeling smiley. Nopp said he is from Thailand.

Fresh Market is not a market at all, but a casual, grab and go buffet eatery. Fresh Market does have a couple of tiny tables where you can eat. However,  owner Nopp Pradappet (co-owner is Nong Clapper)told me the idea is for customers to take their food into the Chase Building (to the area that is known as the “food court” even though it pales in comparison to some food courts), and eat at one of ”hundreds” of tables. I have done this before. It is possible, just be ready, my friends, to sword-fight someone for a table between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Sun Chips and other snacks leading you to temptation at Fresh Market.

On a recent visit (I am going to school and my EMT classes are in the Chase Bank Building) , I was especially hungry and ended up getting a few pieces of watermelon and three or four chicken strips in a styrofoam container. The quick combo did not contain elements of all four food groups. However, I did not care, being ravenous at that time.

Fresh Market has been around since 1984. Pradappet likes to chat up customers (this is an understatement — he really, really likes to chat up customers). If you are nearby, you may hear him smirkingly ask something like, “would you like an Extended Warranty with that 20 ounce Pepsi?” If you want to get him going, tell him ”yes,” enthusiastically.

Also, Pradappet enjoys making the joke, “buy one, get the next one at the regular price.”  Whoa, I’ve never heard of a deal like that before.

If only it were: “buy one meal, get a free meal the next 100 times you visit .”

The Heart Dallas Bottom Line: Fresh Market is only open for breakfast and lunch, so make sure you go while they are open (6:30 to 3 p.m.). You may want to stop if you are driving down Harry Hines Boulevard (the medical district) and need a place for a quick bite. It can be a little expensive, and the miniscule amount of tables needs to be improved, but at least there are tables nearby. They have excellent cookies (located near the Salad Bar) and they always have coffee (even when I walked in at 7:30 a.m.)             

by Alice, rapid-meal-assessing blogger

Let me briefly mention Planet Earth Live at the DSO coming up this weekend, I mentioned this last week. Click here for that post.

A few months back Alice did a post on dd’s DISCOUNTS. Got an email from their reps, and this Saturday, the 26th, dd’s DISCOUNTS will celebrate the opening of their newest Dallas store located at 3200 S. Lancaster. As part of the grand opening ceremony and in support of the community, the new dd’s DISCOUNTS store will donate $1,000 to the local Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, the store will give away $1,000 in dd’s gift cards. Customers may enter from June 26th thru July 4th for a chance to win one of five $100 or one of ten $50 dd’s DISCOUNTS Gift Cards.

Being a superhero is sometimes hard but it has its perks. This Friday, the 25th, will be the last time to catch It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman at the Dallas Theater Center, Wylie Theatre. Call 214-880-0202 for ticket info.

If you can’t fly with Superman this weekend maybe you can elevate yourself some with the Eagles at the American Airlines Center this Saturday. Check out ticketmaster.com for more info.

Monday was the official start of summer and for something FREE I recommend White Rock Lake. Escape the bustle of the city without traveling far, and did I mention it’s free? Embrace the Texas heat; it’s here to stay for a while.

Have a good weekend!

Suggesting that you go to see a movie isn’t how I want to start off WeekendLove, but for family fun this weekend I suggest Toy Story 3. Toy Story was Pixar’s first feature film and I’m sure Pixar will not disappoint with the release of Toy Story 3.

The 2010 DallasChild Baby Fair and Model Search is this Saturday from 10am-3pm at the Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, TX (2601 Preston Road). This fair will offer information for parents, and experts on child-related issues will be available for conversations. This event is free. More information on dallaschild.com.

Head to Grand Prairie for fun at Lone Star Park. Enjoy live horse racing and then Eli Young Band on Friday night. Saturday afternoon there will be a Mexican Fiesta. For details check out the news event page at lonestarpark.com. There are also events on Sunday that are worth looking into.

For some live music this weekend check out the House of Blues Dallas on Friday night to see The Who Show: A tribute to The Who. It starts at 8:00am, with tickets at $13.00. I imagine this is the next best thing to seeing the 70’s band live? House of Blues Dallas for more information.

For heads up on next weekend…If you are into music and loved the Planet Earth series on Discovery you might want to look into Planet Earth Live from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. As of right now, tickets are still available ranging from $35 to $85.Tickets.

Have a good weekend!