Friday Jukebox 5.29.15

Back in August, the New Pornographers released their recent album, Brill Bruisers. Being a big fan of theirs, I was glad to see them make new material, as I've listened to their music before. Some related recent material is displayed here in "Dancehall Domine."

We Are the Heroes: Mans Zelmerlow Wins 60th EUROVISION at Vienna 2015

Sixth win in ESC for Sweden, first since Loreen "Euphoria" at Baku 2012. 

Voting was not fixed. Sorry Polina apologetists. 

Roland Garros 2015 Starts Sunday!

After four months, we are back in Grand Slam season. Both Rafa Nadal and Maria Sharapova are back to defend their singles titles. Clay court season as well, the hardest surface in tennis.

Singles starts this fifteen day odyssey on Sunday morning. No lights, no problem.

SINGLES
First round matches of interest

MEN
(1) Novak Djokovic v Jarko Nieminen
(2) Roger Federer v Alejandro Falla
(3) Andy Murray v Facundo Arguello
(4) Tomas Berdych v Yoshito Nishioka
(5) Kei Nishikori v Paul Henri Matthieu
(6) Rafa Nadal v Quentin Halys
(7) David Ferrer v Lucas Lacko
(8) Stan Wawrinka v Marcel Ilhan
(9) Marin Cilic v Robin Haase
(10) Grigor Dimitrov v Jack Sock
(11) Fernando Lopez v Tomaz Gabashvili
(12) Gilles Simon v Lucas Pouille
(13) Gael Monfils v Edouard Roger Vasselin
(14) Jo Wilfried Tsonga v Christian Lindell
(15) Kevin Anderson v Tim Smyczek
(16) John Isner v Andreas Seppi
(17) David Goffin v Filip Krajinovic
(18) Tommy Robredo v Andrey Golubev
(19) Roberto Bautista Agut v Fernando Mayer
(20) Richard Gasquet v Germain Gigounon
(21) Pedro Cuevas v Sam Groth
(22) Philipp Kohlschreiber v Go Soeda
(23) Leonardo Mayer v Jiri Vesely
(24) Ernests Gulbis v Igor Sijsling
(25) Ivo Karlovic v Marcos Baghdatis
(26) Guillermo Garcia Lopez v Steve Johnson
(27) Bernie Tomic v Luca Vanni
(28) Fabio Fognini v Tatsuma Ito
(29) Nick Kyrgios v Denis Istomin
(30) Adrian Mannarino v Jurgen Melzer
(31) Viktor Troicki v Jan Lennard Struff
(32) Fernando Verdasco v Taro Daniel
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Alex Dolgopolov v Nick Almagro
Sam Querrey v Borna Coric
Gilles Muller v Paolo Lorenzi
Vasek Pospisil v Joao Sousa
Donald Young v Santiago Giraldo
Juan Monaco v Federico Delbonis
Ivan Dodig v Radek Stepanek
Sergiy Stakhovsky v Robin Berankis
Jerzy Janowicz v Maxime Hamou
Mikhail Youzhny v Damir Dzumhur
Carlos Berlocq v Ilya Marchenko
Andrey Kuznetsov v Malek Jaziri
Lukas Rosol v Elias Ymer
Nicolas Mahut v Kimmer Coppejans
Jeremy Chardy v Michael Berrer
Steve Darcis v Simone Bolelli
Thomas Bellucci v Matos Matosevic
Benoit Paire v Gastao Elias
Marcel Granollers v Mathias Bachinger
Martin Klizan v Frances Tiafoe
James Duckworth v Andrea Arnaboldi
Ben Becker v Ruben Bemelmans

WOMEN
First round singles of interest
(1) Serena Williams v Andrea Hlavachova
(2) Maria Sharapova v Kaia Kanepi
(3) Simona Halep v Evgenia Rodnina
(4) Petra Kvitova v Marina Erakovic
(5) Caroline Wozniacki v Karin Knapp
(6) Eugenie Bouchard v Kristina Mladenovic
(7) Ana Ivanovic v Yaroslava Shvedova
(8) Carla Suarez Navarro v Monica Niculescu
(9) Ekaterina Makarova v Louisa Chirico  
(10) Andrea Petkovic v Shelby Rogers
(11) Angelique Kerber v Timea Babos
(12) Karolina Pliskova v Shuai Zhang
(13) Lucie Safarova v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
(14) Aga Radwanska v Anna Beck
(15) Venus Williams v Sloane Stephens
(16) Madison Keys v Varvara Lepchenko
(17) Sara Errani v Alison Riske
(18) Svetlana Kuznetsova v Kiki Bertens
(19) Elina Svitolina v Yanina Wickmayer
(20) Sabine Lisicki v Monica Puig
(21) Garbine Muguruza v Petra Martic
(22) Barbora Zahlavova Strycova v Tsvetana Pironkova
(23) Timea Bacsinsky v Lara Arruabarrena
(24) Shuai Peng v Polona Hercog
(25) Jelena Jankovic v Sesil Karatantcheva
(26) Sam Stosur v Madison Brengle  
(27) Victoria Azarenka v Maria Torro Flor
(28) Flavia Pennetta v Magda Linette
(29) Alize Cornet v Roberta Vinci
(30) Irina Camelia Begu v Bethanie Mattek Sands
(31) Caroline Garcia v Donna Vekic
(32) Zarina Diyas v Dinah Pfizenmayer
Francesca Schiavone v Wang Qiang
Julia Goerges v Coco Vandeweghe
Daniela Hantuchova v Belinda Bencic
Bojana Jovanovski v Lesia Tsurenko
Irina Falconi v Manon Arcangioli
Heather Watson v Mathilde Johansson
Taylor Townsend v Tereza Smitkova
Christina McHale v Lourdes Dominguez Lino
Lucie Hradecka v Zheng Saisai
Kirsten Flipkens v Elena Vesnina
Casey Dellacqua v Ajla Tomljanovic
Klara Koukalova v Danka Kovinic
Silvia Soler Espinosa v Pauline Parmentier
Mona Barthel v Paula Kania
Nicole Gibbs v Alexandra Dulgheru
Mirjana Lucic Baroni v Lauren Davis
Camilia Giorgi v Tatiana Marina
Virginie Razzano v Veronica Cepede Royg
Johanna Larsson v Daria Gavrilova
Jarmilla Gajdosova v Amandine Hesse

Again, first round on Sunday. In the states, ESPN family, Tennis and NBC (in their 33rd consecutive year) handle coverage. Get up early. Also Radio Roland Garros. Try it! Great guys to listen to as well!

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC: Grand Final Predictions (Updated)

After both semifinals on Tuesday and Thursday saw major surprises, here is now my updated grand final prediction for Saturday:

12 points: Georgia
10 points: Germany
8 points: Slovenia
7 points: Sweden
6 points: Estonia
5 points: Serbia
4 points: Great Britain
3 points: Lithuania
2 points: Romania
1 points: Poland

11. Austria
12. Armenia
13. Montenegro
14. Italy
15. Azerbaijan
16. Greece
17. Russia
18. Hungary
19. Norway
20. France
21. Albania
22. Latvia
23. Cyprus
24. Israel
25. Spain
26. Australia
27. Belgium (nul points contender)

We will see on Saturday. Watch it live on Eurovision.tv.

Friday Jukebox 5.22.15: B.B. King, Part 2

Another week of paying tribute to the legend himself B.B. King, who passed away last Friday at the age of 89. Here is another one of his hits, "Rock Me Baby" from 1980. Enjoy!

For those traveling this weekend on Memorial Day weekend, stay safe and don't drink too much alcohol. Thank you.

ONE Warriors Quest: Aoki v. Ando for the Lightweight Championship Plus Strawweight Championship Fight

ONE Championship is back Friday night with not one, but two title fights!

The one and only Shinya Aoki will defend his lightweight championship against Koji Ando, while there is also a strawweight title fight as well.

For more visit ONEfc.com.

170 Arrested, Nine Killed in Biker Gang Shootout!

Link.

Franchisee revoked. A real like Sons of Anarchy episode, since that show is history after December's finale.

Oh, and Jax Teller is still dead.

NBA Conference Finals 2015: Clutch City is Back!?

How about that Rockets comeback in the western semifinal, starting in game six, and finishing in style on Sunday! Clutch City is back! First trip to the West final in 18 years for Clutch City. Truly, that and the Hawks reaching the conference final for the first time in eons is also a good story. Sounds like a great recipe for the Finals, maybe?

CONFERENCE FINALS
(best of seven)

WEST
(1) Warriors v (2) Rockets
Game 1 Tuesday
Game 2 Thursday
Game 3 Saturday
Game 4 Memorial Day!
Game 5 5/27*
Game 6 5/29*
Game 7 5/31*

EAST
(1) Hawks v (2) Cavaliers
Game 1 Wednesday
Game 2 Friday
Game 3 Sunday
Game 4 5/26
Game 5 5/28*
Game 6 5/30*
Game 7 6/1*

*-If necessary.

West final series on ESPN/ABC, while East final series is exclusive to TNT. Draft lottery tomorrow, will the Pisces, Tropics or Toon Squad win the #1 pick? Find out, 8:30pm ET on ESPN.

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC: Grand Final Predictions

The grand final for Vienna 2015 is on Saturday night, as this is the 60th annual EUROVISION Song Contest. This year, with Australia (yes folks) in the contest for the first time, thanks to SBS picking up the broadcasts since 1983, the grand final will have 27 spots, including the host nation Austria.

So with the semifinal predictions for Tuesday and Thursday, comes the grand final prediction for Saturday night. And what will be my results be? Here's a look:

12 points: Finland
10 points: Georgia
8 points: Germany
7 points: Slovenia
6 points: Denmark
5 points: Sweden
4 points: Estonia
3 points: Serbia
2 points: Great Britain
1 point: Lithuania
11. Romania
12. Poland
13. Austria
14. Macedonia
15. Netherlands
16. Belarus
17. Armenia
18. Malta
19. San Marino
20. Montenegro
21. Italy
22. Azerbaijan
23. Ireland
24. Switzerland
25. France
26. Spain
27. Australia

Once again, those going fishing:
Albania
Belgium
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Latvia
Moldova
Norway
Portugal
Russia

We will see, starting tomorrow night. Live streaming available at eurovision.tv. 'Building Bridges' for sixty years.

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC: Second Semifinal Predictions

The second semifinal at the 60th EUROVISION Song Contest in Vienna, to be held at the Wiener Staadthalle (pictured) on Thursday, will have more to offer, as seventeen will battle for ten spots for Saturday's grand final.

Who will make it in and who won't? Here is how I see the second semifinal on Thursday:

WHO'S IN:
Slovenia
Sweden
Lithuania
Poland
Malta
San Marino
Montenegro
Azerbaijan
Ireland
Switzerland

GOING FISHING:
Czech Republic
Norway
Latvia
Iceland
Portugal
Cyprus
Israel

Just about every song in the second semifinal is a contender, except a few. Portugal and Cyprus are a longshot, and Israel is definitely a go-homer, simply based on song, not everything else.

Up next is my grand final predictions!

Tsarnaev Sentenced to Death!

Link.

Good riddance.

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC: First Semifinal Predictions

It's almost here, the 60th EUROVISION Song Contest from Vienna this year. "Building Bridges" is the theme.

The first semifinal is on Tuesday night (my birthday), so with that in mind, sixteen will battle for ten spots for next Saturday night. Regarding my predictions for the first semifinal:

Who's in:

Finland (I actually like this, Europeans please vote for PKN!)
Georgia
Denmark
Estonia
Serbia
Romania
Macedonia
Netherlands
Belarus
Armenia

Gone fishin':

Greece
Russia
Hungary
Albania
Moldova
Belgium

Pretty much all but Moldova and Belgium are worthy contenders. Europeans across Europe, please don't vote for either one, they're just scammy pretty boys.

Up next is my second semifinal predictions.

Friday Jukebox 5.15.15: BB King, 89 (Part 1?)

This is part one of my miniature tribute to the man, the legend, B.B. 'Blues Boy' King. He passed away at 89 early Friday morning despite being in hospice care in Las Vegas. He was born a Mississippi boy and grew with audiences worldwide, playing with the best in the world. He has had diabetes issues as well during his time. "The Thrill is Gone" is his best work ever, released in 1969.

140th Preakness Stakes Saturday!

The second leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing is here. Two weeks after the riots, Baltimore is ready for race week, and the real riots will be heard on the track of only eight thoroughbreds.

At last check, American Pharaoh is the favorite at 4/5. Firing Line is at 4/1. Only eight horses entered for the 140th Preakness, down from the previous years. Who knows, there could be some late entries! We will see.

The post time is a little bit after 6pm Eastern, and will be carried live on NBC. Also try your local OTB sites, which will feature the live Pimlico broadcast.

For current odds, go here.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals & IIHF World Championship 2015 Semifinals

It's that weekend. Not only the Stanley Cup playoffs reaching the conference final weekend, but also it is semifinal Saturday in the IIHF World Championship.

As far as the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Rangers came down from 3-1 to win their East semifinal series with the Capitals. The Bolts back in the conference final for the first time since 2011, after coming back against the Habs in the conference semifinals.

In the West, the Blackhawks returning to the conference final for the third consecutive year. But we want more Steve Darling! The Ducks back in the conference final since 2007, when they won the Cup in five against the Senators.

CONFERENCE FINALS
(Best of seven)

WEST
(1P) Ducks v (3C) Blackhawks
Game 1 Sunday (at the same time of the IIHF World's final)
Game 2 Tuesday
Game 3 Thursday
Game 4 5/23
Game 5 5/25*
Game 6 5/27*
Game 7 5/30*

EAST
(1M) Rangers v (2A) Lightning
Game 1 Saturday
Game 2 Monday
Game 3 Wednesday
Game 4 5/22
Game 5 5/24*
Game 6 5/26*
Game 7 5/29*
*-If necessary.

In Canada, from Saturday on through the Final series, all will be on CBC. In the US, it is on NBC and NBCSN.

As far as the IIHF World Championship is concerned, both semifinals on Saturday. The host nation Czech Republic takes on Hockey Canada at 8:15am NACDT, while at 12:15pm it is USA Hockey against Russia. Both games on tape later that night on NBCSN here in the states, while in Canada, both on TSN1. The final is on Sunday and live on NBCSN and TSN1, counteracting the West final game 1 on NBC and CBC. Ratings gold and a big boost for the sport.

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: The Makemakes "I Am Yours"

This is it. The 40th of 40 reviews for Vienna 2015, and it ends with the host country. Their selection is a three member group the Makemakes (pictured) with "I Am Yours" (Austria).

"I Am Yours" is a great, free flowing ballad that rocks. Unlike last year's champion, this has won me over. This is sorta old school alternative pop rock at its finest. This is a contender, unlike that bearded woman last year (yes you Tom Neuwirth). This is a grand final-only performance next Saturday, and I'm looking forward to hearing this. They'll miss the top ten due to even more interesting music this year. Good luck.

That's all the reviews. Next up is my first semifinal predictions for Tuesday night.

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Melanie Rene "Time to Shine"

There is one more semifinalist left for me to review before the semifinals. This is my review of Melanie Rene (pictured) with "Time to Shine" (Switzerland).

"Time to Shine" is a great ballad, with great beats and good voice. Yet another of the countless ballads this year. It will be very tough out there (as it is every year), thus it will be very borderline for her to make it in the grand final. Who knows she might make it in for next Saturday, but first she must impress next Thursday in the second semifinal. Good luck.

Up next: The Makemakes "I Am Yours"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Mans Zelmerlow "Heroes"

Only three more reviews left for Vienna 2015, including two more from next Thursday's second semifinal. Up next is Mans Zelmerlow (pictured) with "Heroes" (Sweden).

"Heroes" is a great atmospheric tune, a house tune, with good melody and flow. Voice too. He is this year's winner of Melodifestivalen. He will no doubt qualify for next Saturday's grand final. We will see come next Thursday as he performs in the second semifinal. Another good contender to win it all. Good luck.

Up next: Melanie Rene "Time To Shine"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Edurne "Amanecer"

With the grand final next Saturday, there are only two more grand final only participants to review for Vienna, starting with Edurne (pictured), with "Amanecer" (Spain).

"Amanecer" is song that is too mainstream for a reason: the biggest reason is the flow of the tune, and also her voice. That is all. And since she will perform on grand final Saturday next Saturday night, I got a feeling she will finish next to last (Australia will finish last in their first ESC, not joking). Good luck.

Up next: Mans Zelmerlow "Heroes"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Maraaya "Here For You"

For the record, I've reviewed all of the first semifinal performers. There are only two grand final-only participants and three second semifinal participants left, starting with Maraaya (pictured) with "Here For You" (Slovenia).

Maraaya is a duo, and "Here For You" is a great, break beat tune, that is atmospheric and free flowing. Great beats. I also thought this might've sampled a past work, like some others have in the past (which is a big no-no by the ESC rules), but just about tweaked it. Marjetka's voice is similar to former ESC champion Lena Meyer Landrut, that is in my honest opinion. Slovenia this year is sending a contender, and this is it. They should make the grand final next Saturday. They will perform next Thursday in the second semifinal. Good luck.

Up next: Edurne "Amanecer"

BELLATOR MMA 137: Middleweight Title Fight

BELLATOR MMA is back this Friday night with another explosive title fight.

Brandon Halsey will defend his middleweight title against Kendall Grove, while Eduardo Dantas takes on Mike Richman. Also Darrion Caldwell in action.

CARD

Middleweight championship

(185 lb/83.25 kg)

Brandon Halsey (c) v Kendall Grove

LIVE on Spike Friday night! 

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Bojana Stamenov "Ceo Svet je Moj"

There are six more reviews for Vienna 2015, including this one: Bojana Stamenov (pictured) with "Ceo Svet je Moj" (Serbia).

Serbia--the country which brought ESC audiences to its feet and made audiences wimper with the likes of Milan Nikolic and Marko Kon as well as Marija Serifovic (2007 winner) and the pop folk legend Zeljko Joksimovic--is back with a bang. "Ceo Svet je Mov" is proof. The song is atmospheric, with house and huge parts that will win over any Eurofan out there. She will perform in the first semifinal on Tuesday, and hopefully she will perform this in the grand final next Saturday. Good luck and welcome back Serbia!

Up next: Maraaya "Here For You"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini "Chain of Light"

Less than a week away from the first semifinal in Vienna! Up next is my review of yet another good duet of Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini (pictured) with "Chain of Light" (San Marino).

After the last three years of getting things right within the Valentina Monetta camp, it's time to freshen up. "Chain of Light" starts off thunderous and finishes off strong with good beat and great vocals. This is truly one of the best duets this year. And to think this is yet another one of those long line of ballads in this year's event. I believe this is going to be one who will be on stage in next Saturday night's grand final. Remember, Monetta's 'Maybe/Forse' made history last year it was San Marino's first grand final qualification. Who knows if this will be the second straight year, because I think so! They will perform next Thursday in the second semifinal. The Good luck guys!

Up next: Bojana Stamenov "Ceo Svet Je Moj"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Polina Gagarina "A Million Voices"

More reviews for Vienna 2015. Up next is my review of Polina Gagarina (pictured) with "A Million Voices" (Russia).

Another one of the assembly line of ballads this year, "A Million Voices" has it all, including flow, beat and voice. I like this song, but this will be borderline when it comes to the grand final next Saturday. She will perform in the first semifinal next Tuesday night. I hope for the best and a good entry for Russia this year. Good luck.

Up next: Michele Perniola and Anita Simoncini "Chain of Light"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Voltaj "De La Capat"

More reviews for Vienna 2015. Up next is my review of the band Voltaj with "De La Capat" (Romania).

"De La Capat" is a tune that rocks. Starts off nicely with a good piano ballad, and then it ascends as it gets to halfway. Such a rocking tune. It has been the third straight year Romania has brought something so wonderful to the ESC. They will be in the grand final on Saturday, mark my words. These guys will perform during the first semifinal next Tuesday. Good luck!

Up next: Polina Gagarina "A Million Voices"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Leonor Andrade "Ha Um Mar Que Nos Sepera"

The reviews keep on coming for Vienna. Up next is my review of Leonor Andrade (pictured) with "Ha Um Mar Que Nos Separa" (Portugal).

"Ha Um Mar Que Nos Separa" is a very okay song, but the song is too mainstream. Guitar riffs good, but a very okay song. I liked "Quero Ser Tua" last year after listening to it 800 times, but that was better than this. Suzy should've made it in last year, while this is a long shot to make it in the grand final. She will perform in the second semifinal next Thursday. Good luck.

Up next: Voltaj "De La Capat"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Monika Kuszynska "In the Name of Love"

Just about a week behind reviews, and just a week away from the first semifinal in Vienna. Up next is my review of Monika Kuszynska (pictured) with "In the Name of Love" (Poland).

This is the most interesting story of Vienna 2015. The song is good, because this is a great, atmospheric, breathtaking ballad, and one of the best ballads of this year's ESC. However this is not what I'm talking about here: her life changing story is one that has caught my eye. In the 2000s, she was the lead singer of a pop rock band called Varius Manx, when suddenly she and other members of Varius Manx were seriously injured in a car crash. Kuszynska wasn't very fortunate, because she was paralyzed from the waist down. She has been in a wheelchair since then.

Her story was almost similar to the late Teddy Pendergrass (of "Love TKO" fame), who before his death a few years back, performed onstage in a wheelchair following an accident. This is quite a remarkable story as she in her first EUROVISION Song Contest ever. The song is still great (as aforementioned), and heaps better than the garbage last year, which shouldn't make the final anyway. She will no doubt make the grand final on Saturday. She will perform next Thursday in the second semifinal. Good luck.

Up next: Leonor Andrade "Ha Um Mar Que Nos Sepera"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Morland & Debrah Scarlett "A Monster Like Me"

Headed towards the homestretch in the ESC 2015 reviews. Up next is my review of Morland and Debrah Scarlett's (pictured) collaboration "A Monster Like Me" (Norway)

"A Monster Like Me" is a soft, piano-based ballad. Vocals good, everything is good. However, among this cluster of ballads this year, this one will seem to be very borderline when it comes to scoring after their second semifinal performance on May 21. Hope for the best, but it will be so tough for these two.

Up next: Monika Kuszynska  "In the Name of Love"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Trinitje Oosterhuis "Walk Along"

After almost a week on hiatus (due to graduate school finals), I'm back with more ESC reviews! Up next is my review of Trinitje Oosterhuis (pictured) with "Walk Along" (Netherlands).

"Walk Along" is a free flowing song, and I've just about heard numerous similar songs in the ESC in the past because of its similarity. "Na Inat" by Poli Genova from 2011 is a perfect example. Same guitar riffs and beat, but there is a huge difference between Poli's voice and Trinitje's voice. Poli didn't make it to the grand final that year in Dusseldorf, but in 2015, will Trinitje make it to grand final Saturday? She will perform on May 19 in the first semifinal.

Up next: Morland and Debra Scarlett "A Monster Like Me"

Friday Jukebox 5.8.15

Ben E King passed away last week at the age of 76, and was a part of the group The Spinners. However, it is the song that made him famous: "Stand By Me," released in 1962. In 1986, the song was used in the cinematic release of the same name.

GLORY 21 San Diego: Middleweight Title Fight

GLORY World Series returns tonight as they are back in the states for yet more tournament action!

GLORY 21 San Diego is headlined by a middleweight title fight as well as an all-American heavyweight qualification tournament.

The main card is LIVE on SPIKE tonight.

Baltimore Riots: In Pictures

Some images from last week in Baltimore, as riots ensued after the Freddie Gray incident:

And this:

Just about cleaned up for Preakness week.

NBA Playoffs 2015: Conference Semifinals

Congratulations to Stephen Curry for winning this year's Maurice Podoloff Trophy for best NBA player this season. His Warriors are up 1-0 in the Western semifinal series. The Wizards also up 1-0 already in their Eastern semifinal series. The two others begins tonight. Spurs eliminated in seven by the Clippers in the Western quarterfinals.

Conference semifinals
(best of seven)
WEST
(1) Warriors v (5) Grizzlies
Game 1 Warriors won
Game 2 Tuesday
Game 3 Saturday
Game 4 5/11
Game 5 5/13*
Game 6 5/15*
Game 7 5/17*

(2) Rockets v (3) Clippers
Game 1 Tonight
Game 2 Wednesday
Game 3 Friday
Game 4 Sunday
Game 5 5/12*
Game 6 5/14*
Game 7 5/17*

EAST
(1) Hawks v (5) Wizards
Game 1 Wizards won
Game 2 Tuesday
Game 3 Friday
Game 4 5/11
Game 5 5/13*
Game 6 5/15*
Game 7 5/18*

(2) Bulls v (3) Cavaliers
Game 1 Tonight
Game 2 Wednesday
Game 3 Friday
Game 4 Sunday
Game 5 5/12*
Game 6 5/14*
Game 7 5/17*
*-if necessary.

In the states, the games are on TNT, ESPN or ABC.

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Nenad 'Knez' Knezevic "Adio"

More reviews for Vienna 2015 continue! Up next is my review of Nenad 'Knez' Knezevic (pictured) with "Adio" (Montenegro).

"Adio" is another reasonable ballad, but good, flowing and atmospheric. Another year that a Montenegrin entry in the ESC has impressed me. He will no doubt make it into the grand final. He will perform on May 21 in the second semifinal. Yes, I said another impressive Montenegrin entry. Sergej Cetkovic's "Moj Svjet" was good last year, as was the previous two years. Good luck.

Up next: Trijntie Oosterhuis "Walk Along"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Eduard Romanyuta "I Want Your Love"

The reviews for Vienna 2015 rolls on. Up next is my review of Eduard Romanyuta (pictured) with "I Want Your Love" (Moldova).

"I Want Your Love" is a song that is a ripoff of the 1990s boy band craze (see Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, 98 Degrees, even Jack in the Box's Meaty Cheesy Boys as well as 3 Count of World Championship Wrestling fame). In such a competition, this doesn't suit me well. The song is too mainstream, too pop, and absolute garbage. Although he will perform in the first semifinal on May 19, I don't think this is grand final material. He will probably get in because girls across Europe will vote him in simply...because of his looks! Sad, but it's going to be probably true. Just like the Belgian entry.

As far as the Moldovan entries of the past, it has sucked ass since 2011's "So Lucky" by Zdob si Zdub. Cristina Scarlat's "Wild Soul" from last year was okay. 2012 and 2013 and this absolutely suck ass, this country should withdraw after this.

Up next: Nenad Knezevic "Adio"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Amber Bondin "Warrior"

Back with the '40 For 40' for Vienna 2015. Up next is my review of Amber Bondin (pictured) with "Warrior" (Malta).

Before I continue on, this will be her debut as performer in the ESC, but in 2012, she was a backup singer for Kurt Calleja on "This is the Night" which made the grand final in Baku. Now, let's proceed. "Warrior" is a good song with a good beat and atmosphere. Nice flow and voice. This is grand final material. She will perform on May 21 in the second semifinal. Good luck.

Up next: Eduard Romanyuta "I Want Your Love"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Daniel Kajmakoski "Lisja Esenski"

I'm still behind on reviews, but on with the 40 For 40 for Vienna 2015. Up next is my review of Daniel Kajmakoski (pictured) with Lisja Esenski (Macedonia).

"Lisja Esenski" is a good track, with its dramatic buildup and atmosphere as well as quality beat, that has won me over. Something the Former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia needs in this event, for the first time since Kaliopi Bukle in 2012 with "Crno i Belo." This will no doubt make it in the grand final. He will perform on May 19 in the first semifinal. Wish him luck.

Up next: Amber Bondin "Warrior"

Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Vaidas Baumila & Monika Linkyte "This Time"

Now back to the reviews, It has been a few days so I'm trying to get back into the flow, because in three weeks from tonight, it is the grand final. So therefore, the 40 For 40 at Vienna 2015 is back. Up next is my review of Vaidas Baumila and Monika Linkyte (pictured)'s duet called "This Time"

"This Time" originally was a Baumila solo, but Monika joined in and made it a duet. The original Baumila solo is good, but this is even better. There's no comparison. Same flow and beat, with an alternative flare. This one will be in the grand final in three weeks. They will perform in the second semifinal on May 21. This almost is like "Going Home" by Firelight from last year, but in a different vocal structure. Think about it. Good luck guys. One of the best duets I've heard in the ESC in a while.

Up next: Daniel Kajmakoski "Lisja Esenski"

Floyd Versus Manny: At Last, the Match Everyone Is Waiting For! Saturday!

After the Derby is over, the biggest day in sport continues in Vegas as the fight all of us have waited for: Manny 'Pac-Man' Pacquiao takes on Floyd Mayweather on Saturday at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

This match took so many years after Floyd ducked, but now it is here. Will Manny stop his undefeated* streak, or will Floyd, with Kenny Bayless, continue this?

Also Vasyl Lomanchenko and Leo Santa Cruz will be on the main card. The fight will be the first in over a decade in which HBO Pay Per View will coincide with SHOWTIME PPV. Be warned, $90 for standard definition and $100 for high definition. Find a bar as soon as possible.

141st Kentucky Derby: Mint Juleps at Churchill are $11!

The 'run for the roses' is upon us, as the first leg of the Triple Crown is here. The party in Louisville is a buzzing each and every year.

As of now, 19 horses are entered, three scratches. American Pharaoh is the favorite at 5-2. The odds are here. Wager at your own risk.

Post time is at 6:07 Eastern (local time), and live on NBC. A lot of us will be at Derby parties and doing some OTB-ing.

Friday Jukebox 5.1.15

How about some electro/house action? Excellent not-alternative rock track by VHS or Beta (out of Louisville) with "I Found a Reason," from the 2011 album Diamonds and Death. Nice tie-in to Derby week in Louisville. Yes, I've heard of these guys for a long time.