Green Means Go

Sat 8/21
Existence, the Buddha says, is suffering; proof positive according to students of Eastern mysticism that he spends his Sundays moonlighting as an Arizona Cardinals fan. Despite an unrivaled string of losing seasons, hope once again springs eternal in Redbird Country, for from the ashes of the Stallings, Bugel, Ryan, Tobin and McGinnis eras has risen our latest pigskin savior in the person of new head coach Dennis Green. Can he relegate our annual 4-12 nightmares to the rearview mirror for good? Can the charismatic Green, who has promised a winning season, actually change the Big Red’s losing ways? Pull up a hot slice of steaming aluminum bench and see for yourself as the Big Red kicks off the home portion of its 2004 preseason schedule against the San Diego Chargers on Saturday, August 21, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Game time is 7 p.m.

For tickets call 480-784-4444 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. — Craig Wallach

Women Who Rock

Lady climbers unite

8/23-8/25

Hey, ladies, if The Man’s got you climbing the walls, you might as well have fun with it. On Monday, August 23, and Wednesday, August 25, AZ on the Rocks, 16447 North 91st Street in Scottsdale, hosts its “Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing” class for women only, $80, from 7 to 9 p.m. Call 480-502-9777. — Joe Watson

Girl Fight

Self-defense class for women

Mon 8/23

You don’t have to be clad in skintight vinyl to open a can o’ whoop-ass on a potential perp. Just head out to Lee’s Black Belt Academy, at Hardy and Baseline in Tempe, at 7 p.m. Monday, August 23, for a two-hour self-defense class for women, $25. Call 480-831-2124. — Joe Watson