UCSB Massacre: One Week Ago Today (and Thoughts)

Last week, a college student opened fire on a sorority house full of its member-students, killing and wounding some; before that happened, he killed three roommates. The reason: he believed he is not their style of man. The man took a lot of things too seriously.

This goes out to all male college students who attend school around the country. When you think something happens to you, just move on. I am a strong advocate of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution of 1787 (right to bear arms), and even though I don't own a gun (but wants one for personal protection), this man didn't do things the right way.

You're supposed to only shoot if the opposition perpetrates. In other words, if he/she attacks you, then you have a right to defend yourself. This man was on the offensive and as a result, it turns into a widespread debate about guns. It is also an issue regarding feminism, and if you followed twitter over the past weekend, the '#YesAllWomen' was a trending topic. I am an equal opportunity guy, but always remember, the man is physically superior (not sexist, but fact). Some don't get it, even though it is a crazy generation nowadays.

Did this man became so obsessed that it was a bi-product of his mental illness? Or should he, as indicated in the second paragraph, just move on. Real men when are in this situation, just move on. Also it doesn't help to reach out to God, by either picking up a Bible or attending a church service and talk to people who might help. Some campuses (I don't think UCSB has one) have a Chaplain who can guide you spiritually through a situation so it won't distract your studies. One of these things can prevent this from happening, and is the last hope you should take once planning between you and the campus (or off-campus) mental health specialist falls by the wayside.

Sad that about half a dozen lives were taken by this sadistic creature. Rot in hell Elliot Rodgers.

Friday Jukebox 5.30.14

Not really a one hit wonder by D-Mob, but one of the most underrated songs of the 1980s was "C'mon and Get Your Love" from 1989. Fitting that next month is the 'month of love' where the most number of weddings occur (that is a fact). Includes the debut of Cathy Dennis. Extended version.

Malcolm Glazer, 85, NFL and English Football Club Owner (and Businessman)

Link.

He also owned a lot of businesses. A lot.

He also purchased the English football club Manchester United, which is now publicly traded in the states (not joking).

Maya Angelou, 86, Poet

Link.

No further comment on her career.

ONE Honor & Glory Friday: Ben Askren's ONE Debut

After a few weeks off, ONE is back with an event that is a must follow--for one reason.

The ONE debut of former BELLATOR MMA welterweight champion (and the best and coolest welterweight in combat sports) Ben 'Funky' Askren. Remember, Askren was unbeaten in BELLATOR. He will debut in ONE as a main eventer against Azeri Bakhtiar Abbasov.

Also, Honorio Banario is also in action as well.

For more, visit ONEFC.com.

13 Hour Brisket Smoking Commercial: The Longest Commercial Ever?

Link.

Who thought about this? Don Draper?

Take that Subway.

Vitali Klitschko Elected New Mayor of Kiev

Link.

Does it with a knockout punch.

Bust Some Moves!

Roland Garros kids day on Saturday. Gael Monfils and fellow Frenchman Laurent Lokoli busting some cool moves for the kids:

Hopefully they won't be sore for their first round matches.

La Decima Para Real!

The tenth UEFA/European club championship trophy won by one of the leading football clubs in the world.

It was great until the latter five minutes of the extra time. Great match most of the time with the usual sloppy plays.

Roland Garros 2014 Starts Sunday!

Ah...clay court season.

Roland Garros 2014 is our second grand slam of the year. After a three month hiatus, we're back into grand slam mode.

It's no surprise that defending men's singles champion (and clay court legend) Rafa Nadal is the #1 seed in the men's singles. Last year, he disposed fellow countryman David Ferrer in three sets in the final at RG's. Serena Williams is the top seed in the women's singles draw.

First round matches of interest
MEN
(1) Rafa Nadal v Robby Ginepri
(2) Novak Djokovic v Joao Sousa
(3) Stan Wawrinka v Guillermo Garcia Lopez
(4) Roger Federer v Lukas Lacko
(5) David Ferrer v Igor Sijsling
(6) Tomas Berdych v Peter Polansky
(7) Andy Murray v Andrey Golubev
(8) Milos Raonic v Nick Kyrgios
(9) Kei Nishikori v Martin Klizan
(10) John Isner v Pierre Hugues Herbert
(11) Grigor Dimitrov v Ivo Karlovic
(12) Richard Gasquet v Bernard Tomic
(13) Jo Wilfried Tsonga v Edouard Roger Vasselin
(14) Fabio Fognini v Andreas Beck
(15) Mikhail Youzhny v Pablo Carreno Busta
(16) Tommy Haas v Jurgen Zopp
(17) Tommy Robredo v James Ward
(18) Ernests Gulbis v Lukasz Kubot
(19) Kevin Anderson v Stephane Robert
(20) Alex Dolgopolov v Albert Ramos
(21) Nicolas Almagro v Jack Sock
(22) Jerzy Janowicz v Victor Estrella Burgos
(23) Gael Monfils v Victor Hanescu
(24) Fernando Verdasco v Michel Llodra
(25) Marin Cilic v Pablo Andujar
(28) Philipp Kohlschreiber v Pere Riba
(29) Gilles Simon v Ante Pavic
(30) Vasek Pospisil v Teymuras Gabashvili
(32) Andreas Seppi v Santiago Giraldo
Lleyton Hewitt v Carlos Berlocq
Nicolas Mahut v Mikhail Kukushin
Juan Monaco v Lucas Pouille
Filippo Volandri v Sam Querrey
Donald Young v Dudi Sela
Steve Johnson v Laurent Lekeli
Radek Stepanek v Facundo Arguello
Lukas Rosol v Jiri Vesely
Sergiy Stakhovsky v Denis Istomin
Julien Benneteau v Facundo Bagnis
Robin Haase v Nikolay Davydenko
Paul Henri Mathieu v Dominic Thiem
Adrian Mannarino v Yen Hsun Lu
Ben Becker v Thomas Bellucci
Alejandro Falla v Benoit Paire
Ivan Dodig v Marcel Granollers
David Goffin v Jurgen Melzer
Jeremy Chardy v Daniel Gimeno Traver

WOMEN
(1) Serena Williams v Alize Lim
(2) Na Li v Kristina Mladenovic
(3) Agnieszka Radwanska v Shuai Peng
(4) Simona Halep v Alisa Kleybanova
(5) Petra Kvitova v Zarina Diyas
(6) Jelena Jankovic v Sharon Fichman
(7) Maria Sharapova v Ksenia Pervak
(8) Angelique Kerber v Katarzyna Piter
(9) Dominika Cibulkova v Virginia Razzano
(10) Sara Errani v Madison Keys
(11) Ana Ivanovic v Caroline Garcia
(12) Flavia Pennetta v Patricia Mayr Achleitner
(13) Caroline Wozniacki v Yanina Wickmayer
(14) Carla Suarez Navarro v Yuliya Beygelzimer
(15) Sloane Stephens v Shuai Peng
(16) Sabine Lisicki v Fiona Ferro
(17) Roberta Vinci v Pauline Parmentier
(18) Eugenie Bouchard v Shahar Peer
(19) Sam Stosur v Monica Puig
(20) Alize Cornet v Ashleigh Barty
(21) Kirsten Flipkins v Danka Kovinic
(22) Ekaterina Makarova v Shelby Rogers
(23) Lucie Safarova v Mandy Minella
(24) Anastasiya Pavlyuchenkova v Kimiko Date Krumm
(25) Kaia Kanepi v Monica Niculescu
(26) Sorana Cirstea v Aleksandra Wozniak
(27) Svetlana Kuznetsova v Sofia Shpatava
(28) Andrea Petkovic v Misaki Doi
(29) Venus Williams v Belinda Bencic
(31) Daniela Hantuchova v Jovana Jaksic
(32) Elena Vesnina v Christina McHale
Francesca Schiavone v Ajla Tomljanovic
Tsvetana Pironkova v Annika Beck
Maria Kirilenko v Johanna Larsson
Urszula Radwanska v Magdalena Rybarikova
Julia Goerges v Michelle Larcher de Brito
Heather Watson v Barbora Zahlavova Strycova
Tamira Paszek v Alison van Uytvanck
Casey Dellacqua v Lourdes Dominguez Lino
Karin Knapp v Mona Barthel
Bojana Jovanovski v Camila Giorgi
Alison Riske v Mirjana Lucic Baroni
Romina Oprandi v Paula Ormaechea
Yaroslava Shvedova v Lauren Davis
Amandine Hesse v Yvonne Meusburger
Taylor Townsend v Vania King
Elina Svitolina v Petra Martic
Petra Cetkovska v Varvara Lepchenko
Iveta Melzer v Coco Vandeweghe
Anna Tatishvili v Kurumi Nara
Silvia Soler Espinosa v Chanelle Scheepers

In the US, NBC, Tennis Channel and ESPN with live or same day coverage, depending on network. DIRECTV should also have the mix channel as well. For best results, Radio RG's (on their website) is great. Try it.

Europe's REAL Favorite TV Show Tonight in Lisbon!

When people say the phrase "Europe's 'favourite' television show," they think of the EUROVISION Song Contest, which this year took place two weeks ago. However, Europe's real favorite television show is tonight as the UEFA Champions League final in Lisbon is about to kick off!

Last year it was Bayern Munchen who beat BvB in the all German final. This year, it's not only an all Espana final, it's an all Madrid affair as Atletico takes on Real. A club with a rich history (Real) against a club that wants it all. Inspirational football will once again be on display tonight.

In the states, it's on Fox Sports (your local Fox affiliate not Fox Sports (regional cable) Networks). Kickoff is 2:45pm NAEDT.

Fox News' Gregg Jarrett Arrested at Airport

Link.

With the gray on his beard, he probably didn't 'look like a champ.'

Friday Jukebox 5.23.14

It's a holiday weekend here in the states, and with blue skies in most of the countries, this is ideal. Great, uplifting trance by UK act Brad Ashtar, which was released late last year called "Azure." This is the original mix; 'azure' is a shade of blue.

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend to everyone here in the states. Drive safely.

Michael Jace--Portrayed a Cop on 'The Shield'--Charged With Wife's Murder

Link.

If he did it in self-defense, we all know he's going to be free. Well...he will be free anyway.

ESC Radio Awards 2014: Vote Now for the Best of Copenhagen 2014!

It is back. Vote for your favorites from Copenhagen 2014 between now and Sunday at 5:59pm NAEDT. Four different categories are offered once again, including best song of this year's event, as well as the solo and group or duet categories.

Vote as many times as you can, but only three times per day, by casting your votes here.

Eurofans, I voted, and so can you!

NHL Conference Semifinal Weekend Underway (And Farewell to TSN)

The NHL's version of the 'Frozen Four' is already underway!

The conference final weekend got started today when the Habs got destroyed at home 7-2 in game 1 of the Eastern final to the Rangers. Rangers lead the series. They play again on Monday.

The Kings are back in the Western final for the third straight season, in a rematch with the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks from last year.

Conference series schedules...
(Best of seven)

WEST
(3C) Blackhawks v (3P) Kings
Game 1 Sunday
Game 2 Tuesday
Game 3 5.24
Game 4 5.26
Game 5 5.28*
Game 6 5.30*
Game 7 6.1*

EAST
(3A) Canadiens v (2M) Canadiens
Game 1 Rangers won
Game 2 Monday
Game 3 5.22
Game 4 5.25
Game 5 5.27*
Game 6 5.29*
Game 7 5.31*
*-if necessary

Both series in the US are on NBC and NBCSN. All seven games of Habs/Rangers on CBC, while CBC will get the Hawks/Kings from game 3 on. TSN will finish their NHL campaign with the first two games of the Western series.

TSN's final NHL broadcast will be in that Kings/Hawks game 2 from Chicago on Wednesday. It will be an end of an era until 2026, so watch those two games for now. TSN has done a lot for the NHL, but they have an even stronger relationship with the IIHF, the sport's governing body. Will miss them, but will continue on a regional basis next season.

NBA Conference Finals Weekend Starts Sunday!

The NBA's version of the Final Four starts this weekend.

Once again, there will be a rematch in the Eastern final as the Pacers and defending two time world champions Heat will meet for the second consecutive season.

Meanwhile, Spurs and Thunder in the Western final.  Bring on the FIBA World Championships/Cup!

Conference final schedule...

WEST
(1) Spurs v (2) Thunder
Game 1 Monday
Game 2 5.21
Game 3 5.25
Game 4 5.27
Game 5 5.29*
Game 6 5.31*
Game 7 6.2*

EAST
(1) Pacers v (2) Heat
Game 1 Sunday
Game 2 Tuesday
Game 3 5.24
Game 4 5.26
Game 5 5.28*
Game 6 5.30*
Game 7 6.1*
*-if necessary

In the states, Western final on TNT while Eastern final on ESPN and ABC, the home of the Finals.

139th Preakness: California Chrome is the Favorite (No Surprise)!

California Chrome will come out of post 3 for Saturday's 139th edition of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico in Baltimore.

The Kentucky Derby winner is right now at a 3-5 odds, making it the favorite to go 2 for 2 in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing.

Also if you want a horse for the upset, try Social Inclusion at 5-1.

The field and odds are here. Post time after 6pm Eastern on NBC Saturday.

BELLATOR MMA 120 Saturday: Heavyweight & Light Heavyweight Tournament Finals & Chandler v. Brooks for the Interim Lightweight Title

UFC has done it, INVICTA has, and now finally BELLATOR MMA will go on as scheduled for something that would've happened six months ago--live fights on pay per view. I know some people are butthurt or finding any excuse to shit on this good card (despite Eddie Alvarez's 'injury' which caused him to withdraw), but it is still a good card and probably a better fight card than that so-called 'Moment' two weeks ago. It's even better than the UFC PPV next weekend (I'm only excited for Cormier/Henderson, and that's it).

The pay per view will originate from suburban Memphis, and was originally to have Alvarez take on Michael Chandler for the lightweight title for the third time ever. Will Brooks will take his place, and as a result, Alvarez had to give up the belt (it is an athletic commission rule, not promotion). Therefore the Brooks-Chandler fight is an 'interim' title fight.

Two tournament finals will also take place on the pay per view card. In the heavyweight tournament final, Blagoi Ivanov will take on Alex Volkov, while in the light heavyweight tournament final, it will be Mo Lawal taking on Quinton Jackson. We all know who the Memphis fans will be cheering for in that match.

Alexander Shlemenko will also fight Tito Ortiz in a feature fight.

CARD

Heavyweight tournament

Final

(265 lb/119.25 kg)

Blagoi Ivanov v Alex Volkov

 

Light heavyweight tournament

Final

(205 lb/92.25 kg)

Mo Lawal v Quinton Jackson

 

Lightweight championship

Interim fight

Michael Chandler v Will Brooks

 

Once again, it is on pay per view. Wish that this was shown in theatres, like the 'Moment' was two weeks ago. They will soon. The biggest night in MMA indeed.

Friday Jukebox 5.16.14

Some more '80s goodness, this time with John Oates and Daryl Hall. An early hit from them, the title track of "Private Eyes" from 1981.

Zoinks! Shaggy Found Alive in Washington State!

Link.

The saga now continues: that 'pesky' daughter is now doing the right thing; filing for conservatorship. We all know Jean is that monster (or ghost) and it's about time she's going down!

Truck Crashes into Baltimore Television Station; Man Arrested

And now the man who did this is in custody.

Tom Neuwirth Wins Copenhagen 2014; Austria to Host 60th Edition of the ESC Next Year

Yes folks, a bearded man in drag won the 59th edition of the Concours EUROVISION Chanson de Europeenes in Copenhagen.

Tom Neuwirth (pictured as 'Conchita Wurst') won with "Rise Like a Phoenix," by a margin of 52 points over Sanne Nielsen's "Undo."

Austria will be the host country for the 60th edition of the event at some point next May. The question after this: how many more countries will withdraw and who will shockingly return? The answer is in the next few months.

2014 NBA Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

The Wizards won their first conference quarterfinal series since 2009. Now underway with the Pacers in their series, they want more. That series is underway as is the four other series.

Conference semifinals
(best of seven)
WEST
(1) Spurs v (5) Blazers
Game 1: SA won
Game 2: SA won
Game 3: Saturday
Game 4: Monday
Game 5: 5/14*
Game 6: 5/16*
Game 7: 5/19*

(2) Thunder v (3) Clippers
Game 1: CLI won
Game 2: OKC won
Game 3: Tonight
Game 4: Sunday
Game 5: 5/13*
Game 6: 5/15*
Game 7: 5/18*

EAST
(1) Pacers v (5) Wizards
Game 1: WASH won
Game 2: IND won
Game 3: Tonight
Game 4: Sunday
Game 5: 5/13*
Game 6: 5/15*
Game 7: 5/18*

(2) Heat v (6) Nets
Game 1: MIA won
Game 2: MIA won
Game 3: Saturday
Game 4: Monday
Game 5: 5/14*
Game 6: 5/16*
Game 7: 5/18*
*-if necessary

All on TNT, ESPN and ABC in the states.

Friday Jukebox 5.9.14

How about some Italo Dance for the week? "Shine" by Deal--the original radio edit--from 2000. Italo Dance is a great genre, isn't it?

Do something for your mother this weekend on Mother's day weekend.

BELLATOR MMA 119: Featherweight Tournament Final

The final BELLATOR MMA show before their first pay per view is on Friday!

A very light card here as Daniel Weichel takes on Desmond Green for the right to become #1 contender for the BELLATOR featherweight title.

Also Marius Zaromskis is in action.

CARD

Featherweight tournament

final

(145 lb/65.25 kg)

Daniel Weichel v Desmond Green

 

LIVE on SPIKE Friday night! The big pay per view is next Saturday! 

"Don't Rush Into Cinco. Start With Dos."

A message from the Most Interesting Man in the World:

Stay Thirsty My Friends.

Elena Baltacha, 30, Veteran Tennis Player

Link.

A former British #1, married a week before death. It was this condition which prompted her retirement.

Copenhagen 2014: Grand Final Predictions

Yesterday, I posted the semifinals predictions for tomorrow and Thursday nights. Now here is the ultimate grand final prediction for Copenhagen 2014 on Saturday night.

We go from 37 on the beginning of Tuesday night's program to 31, then to 26 after Thursday night. Once again, the entries going fishing, in order from lowest points expected to higher points expected:

Donatan featuring Cleo "My Slowianie" (Poland)
TEO "Cheesecake" (Belarus)
Aarzemnieki "Cake to Bake" (Latvia)
Tijana Dapcevic "To the Sky" (Macedonia)
Sanne Nielsen "Undo" (Sweden)
Tom Neuwirth/Conchita Wurst "Rise Like a Phoenix" (Austria)
Cristina Scarlat "Wild Soul" (Moldova)
Suzy Guerra "Quero Ser Tua" (Portugal)
Valentina Monetta "Maybe/Forse" (San Marino)
Axel Hirsoux "Mother" (Belgium)
Tinkara Kovac "Spet" (Slovenia)

And now, my grand final predictions:

26. Basim Moujahid "Cliché Love Song" (Denmark)
25. Ruth Lorenzo "Dancing in the Rain" (Spain)
24. Sergej Cetkovic "Moj Svijet" (Montenegro)
23. 'Aram MP3' Sargsyan "Not Alone" (Armenia)
22. Hersi Matmuja "Zemerimi I Nje Nate" (Albania)
21. Molly Smitten Downes "Children of the Universe" (Great Britain)
20. Sisters Tolmachevy "Shine" (Russia)
19. Andras Kallay Saunders "Running" (Hungary)
18. Dilara Kazimova "Start a Fire" (Azerbaijan)
17. Can Linn featuring Kasey Smith "Heartbeat" (Ireland)
16. Vilija Mataciunaite "Attention!" (Lithuania)
15. The Shin featuring Mariko Ebralidze "Three Minutes to Earth" (Georgia)
14. Freaky Fortune featuring Riskykidd "Rise Up" (Greece)
13. Emma Marrone "La Mia Citta" (Italy)
12. Ovi Cernauteanu featuring Paula Seling "Miracle" (Romania)
11. Mariya Yaremchuk "Tick-Tock" (Ukraine)

Top ten!
10. (1 point) Pollaponk "Enga Fordoma" (Iceland)
9. (2 points) Tanja Mihhailova "Amazing" (Estonia)
8. (3 points) Mei Feingold "Same Heart" (Israel)
7. (4 points) Elaiza "Is It Right?" (Germany)
6. (5 points) Carl Espen "Silent Storm" (Norway)
5. (6 points) Twin Twin "Moustache" (France)
4. (7 points) SEBalter "Hunter of Stars" (Switzerland)
3. (8 points) The Common Linnets "The Calm Before the Storm" (Netherlands)
2. (10 points) Softengine "Something Better" (Finland)

And my twelve points goes to...

1. (12 points) Firelight "Coming Home" (Malta)

Some notes:
1. Won't be surprised if Estonia gets more points here.
2. Won't be surprised if Armenia and Azerbaijan get low marks.
3. Won't be surprised if Russia and Ukraine get low marks.
4. Won't be surprised if another Scandinavian win will take part. Hopefully it will be Finland.
5. Denmark might get at least one point and one point only. If not, nul points. Especially in his backyard.

So there you have it folks, first semifinal on Tuesday. LIVE on EUROVISION.tv to stream, unless you live in Europe and your participating EBU member network is carrying it!

Efrem Zimbalist Jr., 95, Film & TV Actor

Link.

A career that has spanned about six or seven decades.

Over 20 Years Ago, A Dark Weekend at Imola.

April 30, 1994. Practice for the San Marino Grand Prix. Roland Ratzenberger (above) lost control and hit a wall. He sustained injuries that was fatal for the Austrian driver. The next day (May 1) it was race day. Track conditions seemed to have no problem at all. But early on, Ayrton Senna (below) hits the wall. He was flown to a hospital where he was declared brain dead, and later fully dead. Two great racers that have given back to motorsport lost their lives on the same race weekend.

Truly, one of the darkest days in motorsport.

Copenhagen 2014: Second Semifinal Predictions.

And now the second semifinal predictions for Copenhagen. These fifteen will perform on Thursday. Some may find this very surprising. Here we go...

My second semifinal predictions...

1. Firelight "Coming Home" (Malta)
2. Softengine "Something Better" (Finland)
3. SEBalter "Hunter of Stars" (Switzerland)
4. Carl Espen "Silent Storm" (Norway)
5. Mei Feingold "Same Heart" (Israel)
6. Ovi Cernauteanu featuring Paula Seling "Miracle" (Romania)
7. Freaky Fortune featuring Riskykidd "Rise Up" (Greece)
8. The Shin featuring Mariko Ebralidze "Three Minutes to Earth" (Georgia)
9. Vilija Mataciunaite "Attention!" (Lithuania)
10. Can Linn featuring Kasey Smith "Heartbeat" (Ireland)

Going fishing:

11. Tinkara Kovac "Spet" (Slovenia)
12. Tom Neuwirth as Conchita Wurst "Rise Like a Phoenix" (Austria)
13. Tijana Dapcevic "To the Sky" (Macedonia)
14. TEO "Cheesecake" (Belarus)
15. Donatan featuring Cleo "My Slowianie" (Poland)

Some notes:
1. Malta, Finland and Switzerland have great strong songs and should be in position to win the grand final on Saturday.
2. Slovenia's song looks pretty good, but will be very close to grand final territory, as will Austria and Macedonia.
3. Belarus song very disappointing.
4. Austria's song is good, but who wants a bearded man in drag? So many rightful boycotts already.
5. Poland's song is so sexually suggestive, it deserves nul points. Yes folks, just like Finland last year should've got nul points in that semifinal in Malmo.
6. To finally sum it up, everyone has a chance to reach the grand final, except Belarus and Poland.

Up next: grand final predictions.

Copenhagen 2014: First Semifinal Predictions

The B&W Hallerne in Copenhagen (pictured) is the building (a warehouse-like building) which will host all three nights of the 59th edition of the EUROVISION Song Contest on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

After posting reviews of the 37 participants, here are the semifinal predictions, starting with the first semifinal on Tuesday.

1. The Common Linnets "The Calm Before the Storm" (Netherlands)
2. Tanja Mihhailova "Amazing" (Estonia)
3. Pollaponk "Enga Fordona" (Iceland)
4. Mariya Yaremchuk "Tick Tock" (Ukraine)
5. Dilara Kazimova "Start a Fire" (Azerbaijan)
6. Andras Kallay Saunders "Running" (Hungary)
7. The Sisters Tolmachevy "Shine" (Russia)
8. Hersi Matmuja "Zemerimi I Nje Nate" (Albania)
9. 'Aram MP3' Sargsyan "Not Alone" (Armenia)
10. Sergej Cetkovic "Moj Svijet" (Montenegro)

Going fishing:

11. Axel Hirsoux "Mother" (Belgium)
12. Valentina Monetta "Maybe/Forse" (San Marino)
13. Suzy Guerra "Quero Ser Tua" (Portugal)
14. Cristina Scarlat "Wild Soul" (Moldova)
15. Sanna Nielsen "Undo" (Sweden)
16. Aarzemnieki "Cake to Bake" (Latvia)

Some notes on this:
1. Netherlands and Estonia are strong songs.
2. Montenegro will finally qualify for the grand final.
3. As much as I want Ukraine and Russia in the final, it may be a bit surprising that the juries might give them low marks, but could rely strongly on votes.
4. Every song can realistically have a good chance of qualifying for the grand final. Even Portugal, San Marino and Latvia have okay to good songs.

Up next: second semifinal predictions.

Boston Pizza Is At It Again!

Link.

I think they did this before. 2011 Stanley Cup final and a previous playoff series with the Bruins and Habs?

Also the renaming of Sam Adams 'Boston' Lager as Sam Adams 'Montreal' lager!

What about Montreal Baked Beans? Montreal Cream Pie? Montreal Scientific? Montreal Market?

140th Kentucky Derby Saturday!

It's that time again! Triple Crown season!

It starts at Churchill Downs on Saturday for the 140th Kentucky Derby, whose post time (race 11 on the day's schedule at Churchill) will be at around 6:07pm local time.

Hoppertunity (horse #11) has withdrawn due to injury. California Chrome is the current favorite at 5-2. 19 horses will post.

Will there be a Triple Crown winner this year? Who knows. In the states, it's on NBC, or try to go to an OTB just to bet like I did a few years back.

The Moment: Saturday Night (on Pay Per View)!

When will the moment for Marcos Maidana happen?

Maidana, who in his last fight, fooled the fight game of Adrien Broner, will step up to the 'so-called' pound-for-pound king Floyd 'Money' Mayweather on Saturday night. This should be the only good fight on the main card.

The other fights on the main card are weak as fuck. I mean, Broner is on that card, Amir Khan and a few others. Nothing too appealing, similar to the Pacquiao/Bradley 2 card last month. Nothing special.

The main card is on SHOWTIME PPV. You can find a place to watch it, but save your money for BELLATOR 120 (the Chandler-Alvarez third meeting) in two weeks.

GLORY 16 Denver Saturday Night: One Night Heavyweight Tournament & Welterweight Championship

When it comes to Saturday night, some will watch the playoffs, some will watch Maidana/Mayweather, and some will watch GLORY World Series 16 on Saturday night, as the promotion returns to the United States.

The GLORY welterweight championship is on the line as Karapet Karapetyan will take on Marc de Bonte. Plus both heavyweight tournament semifinals will take place as Errol Zimmerman takes on Ben Edwards, while Sergey Kharitonov will take on Anderson "Braddock" Silva. It is a one night tournament.

CARD
Heavyweight tournament

One night semifinal/final

(231+ lb/105+ kg)

Ben Edwards v Errol Zimmerman

Sergey Kharitonov v Anderson "Braddock" Silva

 

Welterweight championship

(170 lb/77 kg)

Karapet Karapetyan v Marc de Bonte

 

In the US it is on SPIKE Saturday and really it will be LIVE! 

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Basim Moujahid "Cliche Love Song"

Here it is folks, the 37th and final ESC review for this year's event. This is the man who will represent his host country of Denmark in the grand final next Saturday night.

A. Basim Moujahid (pictured) will perform "Cliché Love Song" on Saturday night. The song is not that good, because of the beat, the flow and the vocal altogether. It may appeal to the listener of modern day top 40 bullshit, but for real fans, it's one of the worst that Denmark has sent to the ESC, plain and simple. He'll probably finish last on Saturday (he'd be lucky to get only one point).

Denmark has been a part of the ESC landscape for about five decades. They have had some good songs such as the two Tommy Seebach songs ("Disco Tango" in 1979--the best ESC song from Denmark--and "Kroller Eller Ej" in 1981, the winner), and of course, the Olsen Brothers' "Fly on the Wings of Love," the 2000 winner, just to name a few. Even the defending champion Emmelie de Forest "Only Teardrops." This song here isn't that good, but won't be up there with the good sounding ones as aforementioned. Good luck.

Up next: first semifinal predictions.

Friday Jukebox 5.2.14

Some more '80s stuff here. Tears for Fears. Remember "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"? From that same album (Songs for the Big Chair, 1985), was another one of their big hits--"Head over Heels."

Bob Hoskins, 71, Actor

Link.

Was in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"

Dolce & Gabbana in Prison for Tax Evasion.

Link.

Designer prisoner uniforms?

BELLATOR MMA 118: Dantas out, Warren v Silva for the Bantamweight Title!

After a week on hiatus, it's down to the final three of the spring season of BELLATOR MMA, beginning with Friday night's card.

An injury (I think) has caused Eduardo Dantas to drop the bantamweight belt, resulting in an interim title fight between Joe Warren and Rafael Silva. That is the main event.

Two tournament matches will also take place on that card. In a welterweight semifinal, it will be Andrey Koreshkov taking on Sam Oropeza, while in a light heavyweight quarterfinal it will be Mike Muccitelli taking on Liam McGeary.

Also Marcus Galvao is in action.

CARD

Light heavyweight tournament

Quarterfinal
(205 lb/92.25 kg)

Mike Muccitelli v Liam McGeary

 

Welterweight tournament

Semifinal
(170 lb/76.5 kg)

Andrey Koreshkov v Sam Oropeza

 

Bantamweight interim championship

(135 lb/60.75 kg)

Joe Warren v Rafael Silva

 

LIVE on SPIKE Friday night on a very busy fight weekend! 

ONE Rise of Heroes: Fernandes v. Ueda for the Bantamweight Championship!

ONE Fighting Championship is back this weekend with a title fight as the headliner for "Rise of Heroes."

The bantamweight championship is on the line as Bibiano Fernandes will defend his bantamweight championship against grand prix tournament winner Masakatsu Ueda.

 

CARD
Bantamweight championship

(136 lb/61.2 kg)

Bibiano Fernandes (c) v Masakatsu Ueda

 

For more, visit ONEFC.com. Oh, and Ben Askren will make his ONE debut at their next event on the 30th. 

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Mariya Yaremchuk "Tick Tock"

Despite the political and economic crises in the Ukraine, the country will return for Copenhagen next week. This year, it is Mariya Yaremchuk (pictured) with "Tick-Tock."

"Tick-Tock" is a song that is 'kitschy' but entertaining. There are two versions of this song, the second version is the one which she will perform on Tuesday in the first semifinal. The original is better because it has a better beat and feel, as opposed to this one which sounds a little like mainstream top 40 bullshit nowadays. She should qualify for the final nonetheless, but won't be a contender to win it all.

Ukraine has been a part of the ESC for about two decades. "Wild Dances" by Ruslana Lyzhychko--the winner from 2004--is still the best song for Ukraine in the ESC, period. Lyzhychko has been in the news recently for her role in supporting Euromaidan during the political crises there. That is not the only ESC song for Ukraine I like in the ESC. The drag act Verka Serduchka "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" (2007) is also a personal favorite from Ukraine in the event. Green Jolly "Razom nas Bahato" (2005), Gaitana "Be My Guest" (2012) and Zlata Ognevich "Gravity" from last year are also good as well. This is good as well. Good luck.

Up next: Basim "Cliché Love Song."

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2014: Conference Semifinals Begin This Weekend!

A stunning come from behind win in OT sends the Wild to the semifinals as they begin their series with the defending Cup champions Blackhawks, on Friday night. The Wild has been 3-0 in game 7's since their first year in the NHL back in 2000-01.

The Habs and Bruins kick start the semifinal round tonight!

(best of seven)

WEST
(C3) Blackhawks v (W1) Wild
Game 1 5.2
Game 2 5.4
Game 3 5.6
Game 4 5.9
Game 5 5.11*
Game 6 5.13*
Game 7 5.15*

(P1) Ducks v (P3) Kings
Game 1 5.3
Game 2 5.5
Game 3 5.8
Game 4 5.10
Game 5 5.12*
Game 6 5.14*
Game 7 5.16*

EAST
(A1) Bruins v (A3) Canadiens
Game 1 TONIGHT
Game 2 5.3
Game 3 5.6
Game 4 5.8
Game 5 5.10*
Game 6 5.12*
Game 7 5.14*

(M1) Penguins v (M2) Rangers
Game 1 5.2
Game 2 5.4
Game 3 5.5
Game 4 5.7
Game 5 5.9*
Game 6 5.11*
Game 7 5.13*

In the US, it is on the NBC networks. In Canada, both East semifinal series are on CBC, while both West semifinal series are on TSN (watch it on TSN while you can).

GAME ON!