LAUREL, MD. 12-17-11—The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) reached an agreement in principal Saturday to apply and race 146 days at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course in 2012.

“I am glad we got this resolved,” said Richard Hoffberger, MTHA president. “This means running the same amount of live days as this year which was important to the horsemen to maintain a year-round program.”

The parties will continue to meet on a regular basis on developing a long-term plan for thoroughbred racing in the state with a goal of a proposal in place by July 1, 2012.

“The Maryland Jockey Club is pleased that the parties have come together for the betterment of the industry,” said MJC president Tom Chuckas. “And our management team looks forward to working with the other industry participants in creating a long-term plan for sustainability in Maryland.”

The agreement reached needs to be ratified by the MTHA board. The parties will then take the agreement to the Maryland Racing Commission on Tuesday, December 20 for final approval.

“What we are looking for is a sustainable business model for the future,” said Maryland Racing Commissioner John McDaniel, who along with commissioner Bruce Quade has been part of the process. “The Maryland Racing Commission will actively spearhead the process and we are looking forward to working with the parties with frequent meetings. We are also working with the Governor’s office, and his emissary Joe Bryce, to make sure we are conforming to the intent from the legislature for the long-term plan of the racing industry.”

The 2012 Laurel Park winter meet is scheduled to begin Wednesday, January 4. Entries will be taken Friday, December 30.

The 2011 racing season ends with this afternoon’s nine-race card at Laurel.

-mjc-

Honorable Mention: Golf: PGA Tour Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open (Thursday-Sunday 4pm from Las Vegas live on Golf Channel), Champions Tour SAS Championship (Friday-Sunday 7:30pm from Cary, NC on Golf Channel); Preseason NHL: Buffalo Sabres @ Washington Capitals (Friday 7pm Verizon Center), Chicago Blackhawks @ Washington Capitals (Sunday 5pm from Verizon Center live on NHL Network); Canadian Football League: Edmonton Eskimos @ BC Lions (Friday 10:30pm from Vancouver live on NFL Network), Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Calgary Stampeders (Saturday 4pm from Calgary live on NFL Network); WNBA: Eastern Conference Finals Game 3-Atlanta Dream @ Indiana Fever (Tuesday 8pm from Indianapolis live on ESPN2), WNBA Finals: Atlanta/Indiana @ Minnesota (Sunday 8:30pm from Minneapolis live on ESPN); High School Football: Perry Hall @ Kenwood (Friday 7pm), Southern @ Glen Burnie (Friday 6:30pm)

10. Chris Brown (Wednesday 7pm 1st Mariner Arena); Enrique Iglesias/Pitbull (Tuesday 7pm Patriot Center); Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs (Thursday 5:30pm Merriweather Post Pavilion); Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks (Thursday 7pm Rams Head Live); Psychadelic Furs/Tom Tom Club (Thursday 7:30pm Baltimore Soundstage); Phil Vassar (Thursday 6pm & 9pm Rams Head On Stage); Matt Nathanson/Vanessa Carlton (Tuesday/Wednesday 7pm 9:30 Club), The Bridge (Friday 8pm 9:30 Club); George Thorogood & The Destroyers (Sunday 7pm Fillmore Silver Spring); Elvis Costello & The Imposters (Thursday 8pm Warner Theatre), Joe Rogan (Friday 8pm Warner Theatre); Lindsey Buckingham (Friday 8pm Kraushaar Auditorium Goucher College); Bobcat Goldthwait (Thursday-Saturday Baltimore Comedy Factory); Switchfoot “Vice Verses” available in stores/on iTunes (Tuesday)

Wanna impress your old lady? Ray LaMontagne is probably the thing to do the trick…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3xTjvj9tw[/youtube]

I REALLY shouldn’t admit to how much I enjoy this new Matt Nathanson tune…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPuqA94-qCo[/youtube]

I hope that instead of Lindsey Buckingham actually PLAYING Goucher Saturday night, he’s instead pre-empted by DeAndre Cole…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELag3LFbVIc[/youtube]

If you’ve listened to “The Reality Check” on AM1570 WNST.net (and why in the HELL wouldn’t you?), you’ve heard me play the hell out of “Dark Horses” from the new Switchfoot disc. It’s a GREAT football tune…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiNmS-ix43M[/youtube]

9. Fells Point Fun Festival (Saturday & Sunday Fells Point); “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” available on DVD/Blu-Ray (Friday); “50/50″ opens in theaters (Friday); Maryland Renaissance Festival (Saturday & Sunday RennFest Fairgrounds Crownsville); Second City: Charmed & Dangerous (Tuesday-Saturday Center Stage)

The thing about Dark of the Moon is that it wasn’t great, but it WAS a chance for us to see Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s ass in the opening scenes. That’s pleasant…

And while we’re here, I’m buying in on 50/50. I think it looks like a winner in general. And I tend to be a fan of Seth Rogen’s work…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhwXYqt-4k8[/youtube]

Honorable Mention: Golf-LPGA Tour Walmart NW Arkansas Championship (Friday-Sunday 3pm from Rogers, AR live on Golf Channel); WNBA: Washington Mystics @ Indiana Fever (Wednesday 7pm from Indianpolis live on NBA TV), Washington Mystics @ San Antonio Silver Stars (Saturday 8pm from San Antonio live on NBA TV); Horse Racing: Laurel Park Opening Weekend (Friday & Saturday Laurel Park); High School Football: Perry Hall @ Catonsville (Friday 7pm), North County @ Glen Burnie (Friday 6:30pm)

10. Carnival of Madness Tour feat. Theory of a Deadman, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Adelita’s Way (Wednesday 4:45pm Pier Six Pavilion), Several Species: The Pink Floyd Experience (Saturday 6pm Pier Six Pavilion); The National (Tuesday 5pm Merriweather Post Pavilion), Virgin Mobile Freefest feat. Cee Lo Green, Black Keys, Patti Smith, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals (Saturday 11am Merriweather Post Pavilion), Incubus/Young The Giant (Sunday 6pm Merriweather Post Pavilion); Toby Keith/Eric Church (Saturday 7pm Jiffy Lube Live); John Hiatt & The Combo/Big Head Todd & The Monsters (Tuesday 7:30pm Wolf Trap); Chevelle/Hinder/Pop Evil (Thursday 5pm Power Plant Live), DJ Pauly D (Saturday 8pm Power Plant Live); KIX (Saturday 8pm Rams Head Live); Bucky Covington (Monday 7pm Recher Theatre); Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Tuesday 8pm Rams Head On Stage), Blackberry Smoke (Wednesday 8pm Rams Head On Stage), The Yardbirds (Sunday 7:30pm Rams Head On Stage); Peter Bjorn And John (Friday 8pm 9:30 Club); Bret Michaels (Wednesday 7:30pm Birchmere); Edwin McCain (Wednesday 8pm Baltimore Soundstage), Bilal (Thursday 8pm Baltimore Soundstage); Cecil County Food & Wine Festival feat. George Jones (Saturday 4pm Port Deposit Marina Park); Concert For Hope feat. Patti LaBelle & Alan Jackson (Sunday 8pm from National Cathedral DC live on ABC)

Freefest isn’t for me this year, but as a Phoenix Coyotes fan I’ll be singing along to the Black Keys somewhere in my house…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AYNWSuWLSo[/youtube]

Everyone’s heard of Incubus, but perhaps no one had heard of Young The Giant before they rocked the MTV Video Music Awards. A shame, they’re awesome…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlrrYYPvHFA[/youtube]

I like Eric Church so much I almost want to move to North Carolina…and never root for the Tar Heels.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyNdDkspQQo[/youtube]

Another radio station is hooking up with the Ravens to put on the Thursday night show at PPL. I’m not going to give them free promotion, but the station name rhymes with “Finety Feight Frock.” I’m cised. LOVE Chevelle…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YMc6P6UDMk&ob=av2e[/youtube]

9. Glenn Clark’s Birthday (Tuesday); Maryland Seafood Festival (Saturday & Sunday Sandy Point State Park); Maryland Renaissance Festival (Saturday & Sunday RennFest Fairgrounds Crownsville); Ukranian Festival (Saturday & Sunday Patterson Park)

Wondering what to get me for my birthday this year? May I suggest something from the Robert McClintock catalog?

Because that would be awesome.

June 30, 2011 – Aurora, ON: The Stronach Group today announced that it has acquired the racing and gaming assets formerly held by MI Developments Inc. (MID) (NYSE: MIM) as part of a previously announced reorganization proposal approved by MID shareholders on March 29, 2011.

The racing and gaming assets acquired by The Stronach Group include: Santa Anita Park; Golden Gate Fields; Portland Meadows; MID’s joint venture interests in Maryland Jockey Club’s real estate and racing assets (Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and the Bowie Training Center); Gulfstream Park and MID’s joint venture interest in an associated retail development; horseracing technology assets, including Xpressbet®, AmTote and MID’s joint venture interest in HRTV, a cable and satellite television network dedicated to the sport of horse racing; as well as various development properties previously owned by MID.

Belinda Stronach, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Stronach Group, said: “The acquisition of MID’s racing and gaming assets positions The Stronach Group at the forefront of the Thoroughbred horseracing industry. We are fully committed to ensuring the success and profitability of our strong portfolio of racing and gaming operations. We also look forward to working with the horseracing industry and all of its stakeholders to ensure the long-term success and viability of the industry.”

About The Stronach Group

The Stronach Group is a privately-held consortium that owns, operates and manages a number of leading businesses in a wide range of industries, including: Thoroughbred racing and gaming; Thoroughbred horse breeding; agriculture; electric vehicle technologies; and medical technologies. The Stronach Group also owns a number of premier development properties and real estate assets in North America and Europe.

The Stronach Group is a joint venture partner with Magna International Inc. in Magna E-Car Systems, which designs, develops and manufactures hybrid and electric vehicle systems, modules and components, as well as complete hybrid and electric vehicles.

STRONACH GROUP ACQUIRES FULL CONTROL OF MARYLAND JOCKEY CLUB ASSETS AND OPERATIONS

Reaffirms Commitment to Maryland Horseracing

June 16, 2011 –The Stronach Group today announced that it has completed a binding agreement for the purchase of Penn National Gaming Inc.’s stake in the Maryland Jockey Club.  Effective July 1, 2011, following completion of the MI Developments reorganization, the transaction will give The Stronach Group full ownership of the assets and operations of Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and the Bowie Training Center.

Speaking on behalf of The Stronach Group, Belinda Stronach stated, “Today’s announcement is part of our ongoing commitment to the horseracing industry and to the State of Maryland. We are determined to work with industry and government officials across the state to further develop Maryland’s reputation as a premiere location for racing.”

Greg Avioli, President and CEO of The Stronach Group’s Gaming and Racing Division, added, “The tremendous support for last month’s Preakness, with more than 107,000 in attendance, demonstrates what a fantastic racing market Maryland can be when given a quality product.  As we turn the page and begin a new chapter in Maryland racing, we are more committed than ever to do what it takes to return Maryland to its rightful place as one of the top racing and breeding states in the country.”

Pimlico Race Course, opened in 1870, is the country’s second oldest racetrack and serves as the annual host of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg in thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown and one of the premiere sporting events in the United States.  Pimlico Race Course features a one-mile oval track, a 7/8-mile turf course and fixed seating for approximately 15,000 spectators.  The 2011 Preakness drew more than 107,000 spectators to Pimlico, the largest annual sporting event audience in Maryland, and recorded the sixth-highest attendance in the history of the race.  Laurel Park, the sister track to Pimlico, opened in 1911 and features a 1 1/8 mile oval track and a one mile turf course with fixed seating for approximately 5,000 spectators.

Congrats to the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Racing Commission for the success they achieved on Preakness Day. It looks like their promotion of Kegasus, which many thought was a terrible marketing idea, worked out in their favor as an announced 107,000 people walked, or staggered, through the gates at Old Hilltop.  The infield concerts headlined by the popular Bruno Mars and Train didn’t hurt either.  The Maryland Jockey Club is resting on it’s laurels and patting itself on the back for what they consider was a very successful day. The only drawback was not having some New York OTB facilities on-line and figure that hurt their projected betting pool numbers. They are very happy and full of themselves with what took place Saturday.

What’s next on the agenda for Maryland horse racing?  “Nothing.”  WHAT? Nothing? Seriously? You’d think they would attempt to parlay the success of the Preakness into an additional marketing attempt to lure people back to the track.  When people love the food or the atmosphere of a certain restaurant, chances are they’ll return or most assuredly, tell a friend about the good time they had.

Here’s a  hypothetical situation;   A guy who has seen horse racing on TV but has never been to the track in person goes to the Preakness. He drinks a little, bets on a few races, wins a little extra cash, and just flat out has a great time. While the experience is fresh in his mind, he decides on the way home he’d like to learn more about horse racing and wants to plan a trip back to Pimlico again soon. He might even take 5 of his friends along with him.

Well guess what, he has to wait 14 more weeks before he can see another live horse race in the State of Maryland. That’s FOURTEEN WEEKS, or on calendar terms approximately August 20, or almost the end of summer.

Supposedly the deal made between the Maryland Jockey Club and  Governor Martin O’Miserable, calls for a gap in live racing from Preakness Day until 14 weeks later, when live racing returns to Laurel Park (and Timonium for the State Fair)  I don’t know too much about the details of that deal, but you know it involves a few million dollars taken from the slots revenue. Supposedly the deal calls for live racing 146 days a year, but just none after the Preakness for a few months, which still makes no sense at all. I think you still might be able to go to Pimlico and Laurel to watch simulcasts of races from other venues, but it’s not the same as experiencing live horse racing.

Why they wouldn’t want to keep the momentum of the Preakness alive and continue to market horse racing throughout the summer months seems a little strange to me. If you have to shut down for a period of time, then why not cancel the racing cards in the winter months and have racing over the summer? People are more apt to go see racing when it’s warm rather than when temperatures are in the 30′s and 40′s. The thrill of horse races live are the sounds of the track from up close near the finish line. To be stuck inside is almost like being in the party suites at OPACY with the AC on and the doors closed. You can’t hear the true sounds of the ballpark unless you go outside.

So yet another Maryland political screw-up takes place. You have a great day Saturday, pat yourselves on the back and then do absolutely nothing to keep the momentum going. I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s pretty typical with the way this state is being run. First they dicked around with the slots bill with their delays and bickering. Now they cut a deal to take away the “sport of kings” for 14 weeks after the most successful day in Maryland racing since last May.

Regardless of what a great time it is, and that over 100,000 people attended, Maryland doesn’t deserve to have the Preakness if they are just interested in promoting the sport of horse racing for one day a year and then locking it away in the closet afterward only to let it out at their convenience during a time frame when the weather isn’t all that great to begin with.

Well,  if you have nothing to do on a weekend this summer and want to see live horse racing, head on up I-95 to Delaware Park. I definitely am planning a trip there very soon. Delaware Park would love to have you visit their beautiful facility and spend a few dollars on horse races and slots, because it’s pretty obvious the State of Maryland doesn’t care about anything but the festivities on the 3rd Saturday in May.

Happy Wednesday!

It’s a Happy Wednesday for me because it’s time to name “The Greatest Song(s) of All Time This Week.”

As I posted on Facebook last night, the retro version of TGSOATTW is the song “Wounded” by Third Eye Blind. There will never be a day when the song won’t mean the world to me…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffMWFsidCDk[/youtube]

As far as the NEW version goes, I also showed my hand on Facebook last night. (A reminder that you can be my friend on Facebook by searching “Glenn Clark” and adding the goofy guy in the pink shirt who is dancing at a wedding.)

When we look back on 2010 in the future, there is no doubt in my mind that we will remember it as “The Year of Cee-Lo Green.” For as great as “F*** You” is, there’s something even more amazing about “Old Fashioned”…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKzHCQCHvYY[/youtube]

Let’s see what everyone has to say…

1. WNST.net’s Drew Forrester says future of horse racing in jeopardy as David Cordish wins Anne Arundel County slots vote

Well…now we know.

I’m completely torn on this entire situation.

On one side, I ABSOLUTELY think David Cordish will create a world-class facility. I think it will be outstanding both on the interior and the exterior; and I think it will attract money from both inside the Old Line State and from elsewhere. His track record makes me believe he’s going to do a hell of a job.

On the opposite side, I also think the vote is an unquestioned blow to the state of horse racing in Maryland-at least for the short term. Immediate slots revenue at Laurel might not have been the BEST solution for the future of the sport in the state, but it was probably the best option right now.

The issue now is all about what the Maryland Jockey Club and MI Developments do moving forward. They’ve stated that this will mark the end of live racing at Laurel Park, with Pimlico instead hosting 40 days of live racing in the Spring.

While that might be a necessary move, it clearly isn’t the best option for the sport. The MJC (and MID) will have to go back to the drawing board and consider other options. Is it time to shift focus to a new track? Is it time to explore options for slots in Baltimore? Is it time to think about how the facilities could be better used?

I do not believe this has to be the final nail in the coffin for the sport in the state. But I DO believe it has the potential to be if the folks involved aren’t willing to immediately change course.

It’s going to be an interesting stretch over the next few months.

2. BaltimoreRavens.com’s Mike Duffy says John Harbaugh, Ozzie Newsome would be interested in Shawne Merriman if he clears waivers

Here we go…

I’ll say this much. If I was the GM of the Ravens, I’d pass on “Lights Out.” I think risking a roster spot in season on a guy whose career has been marked in recent years by injuries and ineffectiveness is a questionable judgment at best.

But I’m not saying that because I believe the team doesn’t have pass rush problems.

The team has MAJOR pass rush problems-there’s absolutely no question about that. I’m worried that there might not be an in season fix for the Ravens.

But I DON’T think the answer should include taking a risk on a player who is surrounded by more question marks than the book “Are You My Mother?”

Now-could Shawne Merriman end up in Charm City? Maybe. There’s almost no chance any NFL team claims him off waivers, so he’ll be available. If he passes a physical and is humble enough to understand that he isn’t the Pro Bowl player he was at the beginning of his career-maybe he’s a fit.

It certainly doesn’t smell like it though.

3. Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says Ravens not interested in Randy Moss

We knew this-but now we don’t even bother having to mention it anymore.

The Ravens aren’t interested in Randy Moss…even if they should be. To me, this is one of those “right player, wrong time” situations.

Randy Moss would be the PERFECT compliment to Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason and Donte’ Stallworth (I’ve never thought TJ Houshmandzadeh was a logical fit myself); but it’s not something that can be forced.

If the Ravens had an offseason to meet with Moss and discuss his role and what their expectations were for him-they might be in a place where they could feel more comfortable in adding him to the mix. But adding a player like that in the middle of the season is dangerous.

But then again…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueaHLHgskkw[/youtube]

4. National Football Post has Ravens 4th in power rankings

Which seems about right, considering Sarah Longbottom was ranked 3rd. (Thanks The Smoking Jacket!)

5. WNST.net’s Glenn Clark lists Haloti Ngata amongst NFL MVP candidates

And a few things before we move on from the Ravens…

-A reminder that we will be out at 1 Winning Drive in Owings Mills today, as the Ravens return to the practice field. John Harbaugh, Joe Flacco and others are scheduled to meet with the media following practice-you’ll hear from them throughout the day on AM1570 WNST and at WNST.net.

-Did you miss Greg Gumbel with Drew Forrester Wednesday on “The Morning Reaction” on AM1570 WNST? He’ll be at M&T Bank Stadium Sunday to call Ravens-Dolphins for CBS. Make sure you head over to the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net today to check it out! Some other things you can hear in the Audio Vault today include…

• Lomas Brown (ESPN)-who went around the NFL with Drew Wednesday
• Craig Calcaterra (“HardballTalk”-NBCSports.com)-who wrapped up the MLB season with Drew Wednesday
• KC Keeler (Delaware Football Coach)-who previewed the Blue Hens’ visit from Towson Saturday and talked Joe Flacco with Drew Wednesday
• Reed Harris (WEC GM)-who discussed the UFC/WEC merger and the future of both companies with Thyrl Nelson and John Rallo Tuesday on “The MMA Report”
• Kirk Hinrich (Washington Wizards Guard)-who discussed the start of NBA season in DC with Thyrl Tuesday on “The Mobtown Sports Beat”
• Steve Johnson (Bowie Baysox Pitcher)-who talked about his former San Francisco Giants teammates winning the World Series with Rex Snider Tuesday on “The Afternoon Drive”
• Nate Davis (USA Today)-who went around the NFL with Rex Tuesday
• Jamey Eisenberg (CBSSports.com)-who talked Fantasy Football with Rex Tuesday

It’s all in the Audio Vault. See what I did there? I planned your day for you again. This is getting a bit ridiculous.

6. The AP says Orioles declined option on reliever Mark Hendrickson, give him $200,000 buyout

So long Mark, we’ll always have the memories…

Like….ummm….

In all honesty, Hendrickson was serviceable at times, and was downright EFFECTIVE for stretches against left handed hitters.

I don’t think anyone is crying for the guy when he walks away with $200,000 either. What a nice life that must be…

7. The Sun’s Dan Connolly says Juan Samuel apparently coming back to Birds

I will admit that I’m surprised. I’m not stunned, but I’m surprised. I thought Juan Samuel made a statement about what he was going to do moving forward when Buck Showalter was hired-so I didn’t expect him to end up back in Orange and Black.

Of course, Samuel likely thought there was a chance he could end up filling one of the managerial vacancies around Major League Baseball. Clearly this news means that he’s not in the picture for the Pittsburgh Pirates job, and the Milwaukee Brewers decided to go elsewhere when they hired Ron Roenicke yesterday.

As it appears that he’s coming back, hopefully he’ll be able to make a contribution. Sadly, I don’t think that contribution will be 30 home runs.

8. MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli says corner infield power bat, shortstop, starting pitching biggest areas of need for O’s

Like Dan Aykroyd said to Chris Farley in Tommy Boy, “Great kid, you’ve identified it, the next step is washing it off.”

Andy MacPhail knows what the team needs-now he just needs to go get it.

No problem, right?

Can I add one more name to the Orioles’ shopping list this offseason? I’d like for them to add Jorgie Porter. (Thanks Guyism!)

9. D1scourse’s Patrick Stevens says Maryland preparing for either Jacory Harris, Stephen Morris to be under center for Miami Saturday

This is a MAJOR question mark.

Against some teams, the dropoff from starter to backup wouldn’t be the most significant situation facing an opponent.

But if the Terps don’t have to face Harris when they play the Hurricanes Saturday, it is UNBELIEVABLY significant.

It doesn’t mean they’ll win. But it DOES mean they’ll have a chance, which I wouldn’t think they’d have if Harris played.

10. The Diamondback’s Conor Walsh says Terrapins women picked up double double from Alyssa Thomas en route to exhibition blowout over Gallaudet

The inappropriate joke of the day would be something along the lines of “Well-at least the Bison players didn’t have to hear any trash talk from the Terrapins at Comcast Center while they were losing…”

I wouldn’t say that though, because I’m not inappropriate.

Exhibit A: It would be inappropriate of me to NOT pass along this picture of Sofija Milosevic. (Thanks Totally Crap!)

And finally, I leave you with this.

This is the end of a real live Canadian Football League game. Honestly. I don’t understand any more than you do (Thanks Deadspin!)…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5BFaykcxGg[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

Honorable Mention: Preseason NBA-Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks (Tuesday 8:30pm from Dallas live on Comcast SportsNet); Auto Racing-NASCAR Pepsi 400 (Sunday 3pm from Fontana, CA live on ESPN)

10. Slayer/Anthrax/Megadeth (Wednesday 7pm 1st Mariner Arena), So You Think You Can Dance (Tuesday 7:30pm 1st Mariner Arena); Roger Waters (Sunday 8pm Verizon Center); Hank Williams Jr. (Saturday 7pm Patriot Center), Gorillaz & N.E.R.D. (Monday 7:30pm Patriot Center); Mary J. Blige (Thursday 7pm Jiffy Lube Live); Sister Hazel (Friday 8pm Power Plant Live); Skillet/Papa Roach/Trapt (Tuesday 7pm Rams Head Live), The Roots (Friday 9pm Rams Head Live); Fools & Horses (Saturday 8pm Recher Theatre); LA Guns (Friday 7:30pm Bourbon Street); K’Naan (Sunday 8pm 9:30 Club); Pete Yorn (Wednesday 8pm Black Cat); Bob Saget (Friday 8pm Warner Theatre)

I don’t think it’s quite worth a drive to Fairfax; but I sure as hell wouldn’t mind seeing Hank Jr. play “Family Tradition”…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyDie_4dOdU[/youtube]

I’m definitely making it down to PPL Friday Night. Sister Hazel was part of the soundtrack to my adolescence…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv1-wnyhmhQ[/youtube]

The Roots aren’t bringing John Legend with them to Rams Head Live, but I’m sure they’ll still figure out a way to kick some ass anyway…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji6kQl71TYU[/youtube]

I met Fools & Horses at Bill Bateman’s in Towson a few weeks ago. Turns out I once introduced them at the HFStival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. I felt bad. They’re good. Go see them…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5spGWsyEYdg[/youtube]

9. High School Football: Woodlawn @ Perry Hall (Friday 6:30pm), Arundel @ Glen Burnie (Friday 6:30pm)

Friday night is Homecoming at PHHS, which means I’m once again in the awkward position of needing to find a date. “Boomer Sooner” is going to visit a friend in North Carolina this weekend (And before any of you amateur comedians asks-No, I don’t know what his name is); so I’m scrambling for a Homecoming date. This is 11th grade all over again.

The thing is, I think I know who I’m gonna ask…

Daniela Pane, will you be my Homecoming date?

(Edit from GMC: I’M SO NERVOUS!!!!)

8. Mixed Martial Arts: Strikeforce-Nick Diaz vs. KJ Noons II (Saturday 10pm from San Jose live on Showtime)

With no offense to the many talented MMA fighters who are participating in the event Saturday night, every time I see that Strikeforce is putting a card on, there’s only one thing I’m concerned about.

IS GINA CARANO FIGHTING?!?!?!?

The answer is “no” this week. Because the answer is “no”, I’ll admit that I’m not quite as excited…

7. Pro Wrestling: TNA “Bound For Glory” (Sunday 8pm from Daytona Beach, FL live on Pay-Per-View)

Usually I post a picture of some hot wrestling gal here and say something like “Here’s a good reason to get the TNA PPV Sunday night.” Instead, I think Jeff Hardy is a hell of a reason to get the TNA PPV Sunday night…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVDdMHa9BbI[/youtube]

6. Soccer: Team USA Women vs. China (Wednesday 7pm from Chester, PA live on ESPN2), Team USA vs. Poland (Saturday 8pm from Chicago live on Fox Soccer Channel); MLS-San Jose Earthquakes @ DC United (Saturday 7:30pm from RFK Stadium live on Comcast SportsNet PLUS & MLS Direct Kick); College Soccer: UConn @ Maryland (Tuesday 7:30pm Ludwig Field); Manhattan @ Loyola (Friday 7pm Ridley Athletic Complex), St. Peter’s @ Loyola (Sunday 1pm Ridley Athletic Complex)

This is tough for me. I’m CLEARLY going to pull for the American women during their showdown up in Philly, but I will admit that it is tough for me to root against a country that gave us Orange Chicken…

5. “Secretariat” in theaters (Friday)

Boomer Sooner and I went over to Arundel Mills the other night to check this flick out. It’s good-especially for a Disney movie. Not “Remember The Titans” good, but certainly “We Are Marshall” good.

A couple of things though. One-Is it just me, or does Diane Lane somehow just keep getting hotter as she gets older???

2-I’m very happy that Laurel rider Grant Whitacre got a role in the flick, he did a solid job in limited time on-camera. But the real question is-how did Glenn Clark NOT get a role in the movie??? I COMPLETELY look the part!!!!

4. Maryland Oktoberfest (Saturday 12pm Timonium Fairgrounds); Baltimore Beer Week Opening Tap Celebration (Thursday 6pm Baltimore Museum of Industry)

GLOR.I.OUS.

3. College Football: Navy @ Wake Forest (Saturday 6:30pm from Winston-Salem live on ESPN3.com), James Madison @ Towson (Saturday 7pm Unitas Stadium), Dickinson @ Johns Hopkins (Friday 7pm Homewood Field)

So if Towson can somehow beat JMU…who beat Virginia Tech…who beat NC State…who beat Cincinnati…who has a chance to beat West Virginia…who beat Maryland…who beat Duke…who beat Butler when Gordon Hayward missed that shot…does that mean that the Tigers would somehow be the transitive NCAA Basketball Champions?!?!?

Would look pretty impressive on Rob Ambrose’s resume…

2. NHL: Washington Capitals @ Atlanta Thrashers (Friday 7:30pm from Atlanta live on Comcast SportsNet), New Jersey Devils @ Washington Capitals (Saturday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet), Ottawa Senators @ Washington Capitals (Saturday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet)

The NHL is back for real Friday night. Make your plans accordingly. Mine will probably involve a significant amount of Moosehead and a Saturday afternoon of screaming at my TV while the Phoenix Coyotes face the Boston Bruins in Prague on VERSUS. Just don’t bother me during that stretch.

Would any of you weirdo Caps fans be interested in a trip to Arizona to for the game against the Desert Dogs on Valentine’s Day?

Trust me, it would beat your other Valentine’s Day plans…

1. NFL: Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens (Sunday 1pm from M&T Bank Stadium live on CBS)

This is a bit of a tricky situation. I mean, we all know I’ll be FULLY behind the Ravens on Sunday; but if Kyle Orton gets hurt-it could pain me.

I mean, how in the hell do you root against THIS GUY?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-qodBTlMtA[/youtube]

I mean, Tim Tebow really does do God’s work. He helped Florida beat Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game. What more can you ask for in the world???

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

Honorable Mention: Mixed Martial Arts: WEC-Jose Aldo vs. Manny Gamburyan (Thursday 9pm from Broomfield, CO live on VERSUS), Bellator Fighting Championships 31 (Thursday 8pm from Lake Charles, LA live on Fox Sports Net); NBA: Washington Wizards Training Camp Midnight Tip-Off (Tuesday 12am Patriot Center), Washington Wizards Fan Fest (Sunday 11am Patriot Center); High School Football: Glen Burnie @ Broadneck (Friday 6:30pm), Perry Hall @ Kenwood (Friday 7pm); Auto Racing: NASCAR Price Chopper 400 (Sunday 1pm from Kansas City, Kansas live on ESPN), IndyCar Series Cafes do Brasil Indy 300 (Saturday 6pm from Homestead-Miami live on VERSUS); NHL: Boston Bruins @ Washington Capitals (Tuesday 7pm Verizon Center), Columbus Blue Jackets @ Washington Capitals (Friday 7pm Verizon Center), Nashville Predators @ Washington Capitals (Sunday 12:30pm Verizon Center); Capitals Convention 2010 (Saturday 12pm Washington Convention Center)

10. Godsmack (Sunday 6:30pm Merriweather Post Pavilion); Jason DeRulo (Friday 8pm Rams Head Live); Wale (Friday 9pm Sonar); Marc Cohn (Wednesday 6pm & 9pm Rams Head On Stage), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Sunday 8pm Rams Head On Stage); Sheryl Crow (Wednesday 8pm Strathmore); Leon Redbone (Friday 7pm Silver Spring Performing Arts Center); Drake (Saturday 8pm Sunday 7pm D.A.R. Constitution Hall); James Otto (Saturday 12pm Laurel Park); They Might Be Giants (Saturday 6pm Millennium Stage); One Night One Show One Cause feat. Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band (Sunday 7:30pm Bourbon Street); Jimmy Eat World “Invented” available in stores/on iTunes (Tuesday)

A few things I like here. First of all, Jason DeRulo will be dismissed by some as a “Flavor of the Day” type R&B/Pop Star. There’s some truth to that, but he’s a little bit better than that…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ESdn0MuJWQ[/youtube]

Wale and Drake are both amongst the brightest stars in hip-hop right now. Drake has certainly benefited from having Lil’ Wayne as a mentor…(Language NSFW, unless you work for Young Money. If you do, tell Nicki Minaj I said hello!)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fo9akQvsNI[/youtube]

I’m going to admit here that while I don’t think it would ever lead me to buy tickets to a Redbone show…there’s NOTHING I like more than “Come Get Your Love”…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0QK5ud1DZo[/youtube]

Go see Derek Trucks. I repeat. Go see Derek Trucks.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrB-tTKxY6w[/youtube]

9. “Iron Man 2″ available on DVD/Blu-Ray (Tuesday), “Get Him To The Greek” available on DVD/Blu-Ray (Tuesday), “Family Guy: Partial Terms of Endearment” available on DVD/Blu-Ray (Tuesday); “The Social Network” opens in theaters (Friday)

I like all of these things.

1-I want to be Tony Stark. More than anything in the world…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o1wind1iUc[/youtube]

2-”Get Him to the Greek” was not “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, but it was pretty frickin’ good. (Language NSFW-ish. And by “ish” I mean, yeah, you probably shouldn’t watch this if language is an issue where you work. I should probably be more direct…)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKac-fd8iyw[/youtube]

I fully understand why FOX didn’t let the episode on TV, but “Partial Terms of Endearment” looks pretty funny…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KwDOaCgYdE[/youtube]

Maybe it has a lot to do with “Power” by Kanye West being in the trailer (and the fact that the flick was filmed at JHU); but I’m REALLY looking forward to seeing the Facebook movie. It looks pretty good…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppamk0iTCQ8[/youtube]

8. Chick-Fil-A Spicy Nuggets giveaway (Tuesday-Saturday at all area Chick-Fil-A locations including Chick-Fil-A Nottingham Square)

I’ve “broken” a few stories in my day, but I will admit that none have been particularly earth shattering. I mean, Mark Viviano broke the news that the Cleveland Browns were moving to Charm City. Until I do something like that, I know my competition.

But for once in my life, I feel like I finally have a major…MAJOR…news story I can break.

Chick-Fil-A is of course rolling out their new Spicy Nuggets this week, and at first they will be rolling them out with a ranch dipping sauce. BUT-sources have confirmed to WNST.net’s Glenn Clark that they will ALSO be rolling out a blue cheese dipping sauce within weeks to go along with them.

I’ll have more on this developing story as it becomes available. Make sure you stay tuned to Glenn Clark’s blog for ALL of your late-breaking Chick-Fil-A news!

You see, I knew I had a major breaking news story in me…

7. Soccer: MLS-DC United @ Colorado Rapids (Saturday 9pm from Commerce City, Colorado live on MLS Direct Kick); College Soccer: Duke @ Maryland (Friday 8pm from Ludwig Field live on Fox Soccer Channel); EA Sports FIFA 11 available for Playstation 3/XBox360/Wii (Tuesday)

It pleases me that Maryland is playing Duke in both soccer AND football this weekend. You see, I despise the Blue Devils-so this is right up my alley. Do you despise the Blue Devils? If not, you’re a bad person. (I’m looking at you, Chad Lamasa!)

As an aside, I LOVE FIFA. Seriously, my freshman year of college was half wasted playing FIFA with my roommate-the great Matt Saenz. That wasn’t all we did though. We also did more productive things…

6. Horse Racing: Jim McKay Maryland Million Day (Saturday 12:35pm Laurel Park)

It’s hard to get anyone excited about Horse Racing in the Old Line State during football season; but this really IS the 3rd best day of racing all year, and certainly the best day of the year to be at Laurel Park.

Now, if Laurel Park REALLY wants to attract a crowd on Maryland Million Day (and also honor the great Jim McKay in the process), I really think they should consider going with one of the sport’s great voices as track announcer Saturday…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxdK9xANQZA[/youtube]

5. Pro Wrestling: WWE “Hell in a Cell” (Sunday 8pm from Dallas live on Pay-Per-View)

Kane is scheduled to face The Undertaker Sunday night in a big Hell in a Cell matchup. Whatever happens, it probably won’t be as memorable for Kane as the whole Triple H/Katie Vick incident. WEIRD…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1ZDwSNdi0Y[/youtube]

4. Lingerie Football League: Tampa Breeze @ Baltimore Charm (Friday 9pm 1st Mariner Arena)

Sure, the Baltimore Charm fell 60-6 to the Philadelphia Passion in the first game in franchise history-but-uh-does anyone REALLY care about the results in these games?

I mean, with no offense…

Also, in perusing the interwebs for more information about the LFL team, I found out that former Maxim model Rachel Kagay tried out for the team. So the question is…did she make it? This is very important…

3. Golf: Ryder Cup (Friday 2:30am live on ESPN, Saturday 8am Sunday 7am live on NBC. All golf from Newport, Wales); Champions Tour Ensure Classic at Rock Barn (Friday-Sunday 2pm from Conover, NC live on Golf Channel)

Apparently this is some sort of big deal. I’d tell you more about it but I just don’t know. Apparently there are players in the thing named Francesco Molinari and Edoardo Molinari.

Interestingly enough, I prefer the Edoardo Molinari when I’m at Amicci’s in Little Italy.

If they manage to win the thing, I hope the party looks like it did in 1999. That’s the only way I’d care…

2. College Football: Duke @ Maryland (Saturday 6pm from Byrd Stadium live on ESPN3.com), Navy @ Air Force (Saturday 2:30pm from Colorado Springs live on VERSUS), UMass @ Towson (Saturday 7pm Unitas Stadium), Bethune-Cookman @ Morgan State (Saturday 4pm Hughes Stadium), Muhlenberg @ Johns Hopkins (Saturday 2pm Homewood Field)

I have two simple words for you.

Duck Fuke.

1. NFL: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday 1pm from Pittsburgh live on CBS)

In fairness, I get MORE excited for Steelers week when Ben Roethlisberger is playing.

I met a Steelers fan at Looney’s in Bel Air over the summer. When I was introduced to her, I said “so is it mom, or do you go ahead with ‘Aunt Mom’”???

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

I was awfully harsh on the Maryland Jockey Club last year.

I described the 2009 Preakness “Infieldfest” event as a “miserable failure“, which I thought it was.

As far as the 2010 Preakness infield is concerned, the MJC won’t get harsh treatment from me.

Not perfect (and I’ll touch on that), but the 2010 Preakness Infield was much closer to the type of event that Baltimore can be proud to consider a major part of the city’s biggest (and most significant) annual party.

The juice was back. I arrived at 10:30am, and the infield was already electric. Party-goers already filled the infield, taking in their beers and proudly keeping their plastic mugs around their neck. While I did hear complaints about beer selection (I learned only Budweiser products-namely Bud Light and Bud Select-were available) and the fact that there were apparently only 4 re-filling stations available; it appeared as though “The Mug Club” was a MAJOR success Saturday.

While ZZ Top, Buckcherry and Charm City Devils failed to inspire fans to come to the infield last year-and failed to entertain many of those who did; the entertainment at this year’s Preakness was the perfect soundtrack to the party. Preakness organizers ought to think about discussing a deal with O.A.R. that allows them to be the “house band” for the event. O.A.R. hails from Maryland, is a legitimate national headlining act (they’ll be back for what will certainly be a packed show at Merriweather Post Pavilion later this summer), and is especially popular with the college-aged group Preakness organizers want to see fill the infield.

O.A.R. was absolutely a PERFECT headliner. They were fun (which probably wouldn’t have surprised you had you heard Jerry DePizzo with Rex Snider and Ray Bachman Friday afternoon on AM1570 WNST-if you missed it, check it out in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault), they were energetic; and the atmosphere surrounding their performance was similar to the scenes at more major past concert events in Charm City like HFStival and VirginFest. Zac Brown Band provided an eclectic mix by throwing in a set that was half Jimmy Buffett party/half traditional country. Their set was also eagerly anticipated by the crowd in attendance…

Photo Courtesy of MJC

I’ll be forced to admit that I didn’t see any of Collective Soul or Jason Michael Carroll; but I know the crowd was already energetic before 11am thanks in large part to party band Mr. Greengenes.

There was a real buzz.

There was a real level of excitement.

It felt again like the type of event that would lead to thousands of Facebook pictures, thousands of Twitter updates and thousands of stories throughout the upcoming weeks.

There was still a level of raunchiness; but much less dangerous and embarrassing than years past.

Instead, there was a real party. A real party that Baltimore could be proud of. A real party that sets the Preakness apart from the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes amongst Triple Crown events.

With no offense to those who spend their Preakness day inside the Corporate Village or in the more expensive seats in the grandstand; but Baltimore is a blue collar town and Preakness is a blue collar event. Cue Jerry Izenberg from the Newark Star-Ledger…

“Greater Baltimore is too big and too honest, and its people work too hard and wear out too many blue collars for it to be otherwise. It understands exactly what this race is. It is a break in the calendar when the Orioles will not be the lead story. It is an event that the town respects but does not worship.”

Baltimore will never be Louisville, nor should it be. But the infield at Old Hilltop sets our event apart from the others. The curiosity surrounding the infield drives fans in from up and down the east coast.

And after Saturday, the infield is back.

It might never be the event that it once was for some of us. It might never be a day about hauling in as much beer as you could carry and sitting down with everyone on your block to drink until you can’t see straight.

But the infield-despite the silly “Get Your Preak On” campaign-is electric again.

Now-things can still get better. More places to sit (the pro volleyball players in town must have thought they were bigger stars than Super Saver and Lookin At Lucky considering how many patrons hit the pit just because patrons could hit the bleachers), a bigger beer selection, and a bit more involvement with the actual racing could help make things even better.

I was skeptical after 2009.

I’m excited after 2010.

I’m giving credit where it’s due. It’s been a big year for the Maryland Jockey Club. The re-organization of MI Developments kept control of Pimlico and Laurel in their hands after the Magna bankruptcy. The Preakness Covenant agreement announced by MID and Martin O’Malley meant that MJC’s shining jewel (Preakness) would stay in Maryland.

Now, they’ve brought back 20,000 of the nearly 40,000 fans they lost after the beer ban.

As word spreads of the success of Preakness 2010, they’ll have a real chance to get the other 20,000 back as well.

Hopefully their hot streak can next shift to the track itself-as a major party deserves a more fitting venue.

-G