You know who the Mavs Maniacs are if you have ever been to a Mavs game. Last night, I had the opportunity to hang out with the Mavs Maniacs just prior to the game tip off. I have always been curious to know what it takes to become a Maniac, so I asked a self-proclaimed “Proud Maniac”…. Rob Maiden. Rob described his Maniac position as a “blessing” because Mark Cuban planned for the Maniacs to add humor to the court as a one-time performance during playoffs of 2002. The crowd loved the Maniacs, and 9 years later, they are still on the court pumping up the crowd. Maiden explained to me that a typical night for his team would start with a feisty meal, focusing on their game face and screaming from the time of tip off to the sound of the buzzer at the end of the game. “Oh, and a little bit of dancing in between” he adds. Maiden told me that becoming a Mavs Maniac has changed his life. “You pluck a regular guy that goes to work everyday, the occasional high school basketball game, and put him in front of 20,000 fans… that will change a guy’s life.” Now that Maiden has been on the dynamic dance team for 8 seasons, he is the person to go to if you want to become a Maniac. “Hit as many buffets as possible and brush up on being wild and crazy when the lights are on you” He further advises: “First and foremost, we look for beefy, then personality. You have to have personality”. Auditions are held during August or September at the House of Blues, usually with celebrity judges. You must be at least 18 to try out, but there is no upper limit on age. “We have guys that range from age 23 to 56.” Maiden stated.If you want to try out to be a Mavs Maniac, Maiden has a message for you: “Come one, come all. We want you if you are beefy and can be taught a little dance.”

It wouldn’t be too bad to get paid to eat, hang out with Mavs dancers, and cheer for the Mavs…would it? Sounds like a good deal too me! If only I was a “beefy” male, I would be at the auditions this year…

Cheri Chafin
Reporter

Former Dallas Cowboy Daryl Johnston shakes hands with Pope Elementary School student Jacob Reich.

On Tuesday morning in the library at the Berta May Pope Elementary School, officials announced the kick off of one of the largest educational campaigns in North Texas history.

“This is the first education program ever established by a host committee to operate in conjunction with the Super Bowl, and we created it to impact twenty thousand elementary school children through out North Texas,” said President and CEO of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.

The North Texas Super Bowl XLV Committee and Dallas based non profit organization Big Thought have teamed up for project SLANT 45. It is an educational program that gives third through fifth grade students in north Texas the chance to think of innovative ways to give back outside the classroom. Pope Elementary School is the launching platform for the SLANT 45 program, and even though all the projects in here are different, it’s all aimed at teaching the kids how to put back into their community. One group of students plan on putting on a game night for residents of the Arlington Villa Retirement Center, while another group is collecting personal hygiene and paper products that will be donated to families staying at the Arlington Life Shelter.

To see a video in HD produced by DFWreporting.com about SLANT 45 click here:
https://dfwreporting.com/2010/02/18/a-first-down-for-slant-45-as-super-bowl-xlv-approaches-hd/

For more information on SLANT 45 and to sign up go to:
http://www.slant45.org

Want to experience the best food and wine that North Texas has to offer? The sixth annual Savor Dallas on March 5-6 will feature more than 60 chefs and 400 wines all under one roof. No matter if it’s the wine tasting, food sampling, strolling through the arts district or bidding in the silent auction that draws you, Savor Dallas has something fun for everyone. 

The events will take place at different venues, including the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, and the Dallas Arts District. The International Grand Tasting is the main event and will be held on March 6 at the Lonestar Ballroom in the Sheraton.

Shuttle buses will be running at 5 different locations to transport North Texans to the International Grand Tasting.  Shuttle buses will be departing from Cru-A Wine Bar at Waters Creek in Allen, Cru-A Wine Bar in Plano, Go Fish Ocean Club in North Dallas, Olenjack’s Grille in Arlington and Ferrari’s Italian Villa in Grapevine. All buses depart at 6 p.m., except for the bus leaving from Go Fish Ocean Club, which will depart at 6:15 p.m. Tickets range from $40 for individual events to $425 for the entire weekend. Tickets for all events can be purchased here http://www.savordallas.com/tickets.html .

Melissa Hawkes

DFWReporting.com Reporter

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I’m looking forward to covering a great event tomorrow! Stephanie’s Day is a free event hosted by CBS11 and TXA21. From 10am-2pm the event will feature lots of fun for children along with valuable information for parents. More than 35 organizations including education, service and advocacy groups will be at Northpark Center Mall to serve as resources for special needs families. Special appearances include representatives from CBS11 and TXA 21 on-air team, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the Dallas Mavericks Dancers and the Mavs Maniacs. Hope to see you there!

Candice Benjamin
Reporter
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This weekend The Kleenex Anti-Viral “Battle the Bug” tour is at the Fort Worth Zoo! The Battle the Bug tour is traveling around the country creating awareness on how to prevent the cold and flu viruses. 

This event will not only educate parents and their kids, but is fun too. There will be games like Whack a Bug, Trap a Bug, and Battle the Bug video game.

However, if your unable to attend then read Kelley Rathers blog below. Kelley is a Local School Nurse, R.N. from Hyer Elementary School who’s objective is keeping  kids healthy at home and school with just four easy steps.

Learn How To Battle the Bug Year Round at the Zoo
By: Kelley Rather, R.N. Hyer Elementary School

As a school nurse and a mother of two, I love every opportunity to share tips with
other mothers on keeping kids healthy.  Most people are not aware that cold and flu
season occurs year round – not just during the winter.  Summer is the perfect time
to work on healthy habits so that kids are ready when school starts back in the
fall.  I have teamed up with the folks at Kleenex Anti-Viral to help educate moms
and kids on staying cold and flu-free. The Kleenex Anti-Viral Battle the Bug exhibit
is at the Fort Worth Zoo now through Sunday featuring interactive, educational games
for kids to help increase their knowledge of flu fighting tools and tips.  I
encourage you to come out and see us and have fun while learning.

When asked what I do to keep my family cold and flu-free, I have several “pearls of
wisdom” that I like to share:

1)        Wash your hands often- especially before eating, after using the restroom, and
after playing outside.  I like to teach the “Happy Birthday” method.  Sing “Happy
Birthday” twice while washing your hands with soap and water.  This will take you
15-20 seconds which is the recommended amount of time to get your hands clean.

2)        Use facial tissues when you sneeze-The Center for Disease Control encourages
using facial tissues when you sneeze, cough or blow your nose to minimize cold and
flu viruses.  However, these viruses can live up to 24 hours on regular tissues so
using something like Kleenex Anti-Viral* which is the only tissue that’s
specifically designed to kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses* in the tissue, is a
good flu fighting option. They even have these little blue dots to distinguish them
from regular ones. This is great for moms who are constantly picking up family
members used tissues.

3)        Get Plenty of Rest and Drink Water: I also encourage moms and kids to get plenty
of rest and drink adequate fluids – this is effective in helping to boost your
immune system. 

4)        Don’t come to school when sick: A local Kleenex Anti-Viral survey revealed that
86% of moms agree that their child has gotten sick at school due to their “under the
weather” classmate. With this in mind, I ask moms to please keep kids home when
they’ve come down with the cold and flu – that way they are not spreading bugs to
others.

Remember that reducing the spread of viruses is beneficial to everyone – healthy
kids are happy kids.  I hope to see everyone at the Fort Worth Zoo.  If you can’t
make it to the zoo, check out www.battlethebug.com for more info on combating cold
and flu bugs year round!

I recently had a wonderful time covering a great non-profit and initiative, The Chiapas Project Junior Committee’s Divot Dash Polo Match, in Las Colinas!

Since this was my first polo match, (not sure why I never made it to the Belmont when I lived in the city :/) I made sure to consult the fashion experts before stepping out onto the field!

There was a time in his life when my finace’ went to one of the greatest hair dressers in town – LB. But these days he’s getting his homemade haircuts from little ole me.

I covered a great story recently and I can’t wait to share it with you! Dallas Elevators is a program that encourages young people attending school in DISD to reach for their dreams. By pairing them up with successful leaders in Dallas these young people are able to job shadow their role models and receive real life inspiration. With the DISD drop out rate at 50% percent, programs like Dallas Elevators are trying to make a difference. Make sure you check back soon to see my full story.

Candice Benjamin
Reporter
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Beauty Live Dallas is the biggest consumer beauty show in the nation! Cosmetic experts and national make-up artist made their way to Galleria Dallas revealing the hottest trends in beauty. I sat down with Carson Kressley, star of the hit original series “Queer Eye For the Straight Guy”, to discuss recession proof style tips and his definition of true beauty. Check out my story here:

 https://dfwreporting.com/2009/04/28/largest-beauty-show-in-the-usa-comes-to-the-galleria-in-dallas/

Candice Benjamin
Reporter
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Every Thursday night in June, Dallas Museum of Art will host Jazz Under the Stars. It’s a free event located outside of the museum, right at Ross Avenue Plaza.

Today is National Donut Day. Who doesn’t love donuts?

As summer approaches it’s becoming more and more important to put together cool looks that won’t give you a heat stroke! Especially if you live in Texas! One of my favorite super casual looks is a basic white tank and blue jeans. It’s simple and classic. You can’t go wrong. You can also take the look from day to night with just the right accessories. Think flat sandals and a bright bag for day. Then for night, add on sky-high heels and a fun clutch for instant glamour!

Candice Benjamin
Reporter
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