Honorable Mention: Boxing-Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin Trout (Saturday 10pm from San Antonio live on Showtime); MLS: Philadelphia Union @ DC United (Sunday 5pm from RFK Stadium live on ESPN2); Tennis: ATP Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (Tuesday-Friday 4:30am Saturday 7am Sunday 8am from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France live on Tennis Channel)

10. Barry Manilow (Saturday 7:30pm 1st Mariner Arena); Hatebreed (Wednesday 7pm Rams Head Live), Kottonmouth Kings (Thursday 6:30pm Rams Head Live), Clutch (Saturday 7:30pm Rams Head Live), Delta Rae/Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds (Sunday 7pm Rams Head Live), Sevendust (Monday 7pm Rams Head Live); King Los (Tuesday 7pm Baltimore Soundstage), Big Boi (Sunday 8pm Baltimore Soundstage); America (Friday & Saturday 8pm Rams Head on Stage); Presidents of the United States of America (Tuesday 7pm 9:30 Club), Living Colour (Friday 6pm 9:30 Club), Joy Formidable (Sunday 7pm 9:30 Club); Wiz Khalifa (Friday 3:30pm Unitas Stadium); Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (Sunday 7pm RAC Arena); Blackstreet (Tuesday 8pm Howard Theatre); Faith Evans (Saturday 7:30pm France-Merrick Performing Arts Center at The Lyric); Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (Sunday 7pm House of Rock White Marsh); Willie Nelson “Let’s Face The Music And Dance” and Fall Out Boy “Save Rock N Roll” available in stores/on iTunes (Tuesday)

I shouldn’t love Delta Rae because they went to Duke. But I do. I’ll be at RHL Sunday night to see THIS…

And more importantly to see SS&TDB. When I think of them I think of New Orleans. And I LOVE New Orleans…

LOS really is the King of Charm City…

I’ve been to quite a few Quadmanias in my day. I’ll probably miss these guys this weekend, but their message has my support.

9. D.L. Hughley (Thursday 8pm & 10:30pm Howard Theatre); Kathy Griffin (Friday 8pm Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric); Ron White (Saturday 7pm & 9:30pm Warner Theatre), Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie (Sunday 8pm Warner Theatre); Ralphie May (Tuesday 7pm Baltimore Comedy Factory), Bobby Slayton (Thursday-Saturday Baltimore Comedy Factory); Jim Norton (Friday & Saturday Magooby’s Joke House); Kevin Nealon (Thursday-Sunday DC Improv); “Django Unchained” available on Blu-Ray/DVD (Tuesday); “Oblivion” out in theaters (Friday)

I’m admittedly a total Jay & Bob fanboy. The new commercial is fantastic. There’s a lot of language, but they were an incredible part of my adolescence. I’ll be eternally grateful for that.

(Continued on Page 2…)

Honorable Mention: Golf-PGA Tour Northern Trust Open (Thursday & Friday 3pm live on Golf Channel Saturday & Sunday 1pm live on Golf Channel 3pm live on CBS. All golf from Pacific Palisades, CA), Champions Tour ACE Group Classic (Friday & Saturday 6:30pm Sunday 7pm from Naples, FL on Golf Channel), ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open (Thursday & Friday 12:30pm Saturday & Sunday 3pm from Yarralumla, AUS on Golf Channel); Women’s College Basketball: Clemson @ Maryland (Thursday 7pm from Comcast Center live on ESPN3.com), Maryland @ Virginia (Sunday 5pm from Charlottesville, VA live on ESPN2); Tennis: ATP Tour SAP Open (Saturday 4pm & 11:30pm Sunday 6pm from San Jose live on Tennis Channel); Boxing: Adrien Broner vs. Gavin Rees (Saturday 10:30pm from Atlantic City live on HBO)

10. Mumford & Sons (Wednesday & Thursday 8pm Patriot Center); Big Head Todd & The Monsters (Friday 9pm Rams Head Live); Crack The Sky (Sunday 4:30pm & 8pm Rams Head on Stage), Tim Reynolds & TR3 (Monday 8pm Rams Head on Stage); Brian McKnight (Thursday 7pm Rams Head Center Stage); Little Big Town (Thursday 7pm 9:30 Club); Anthony Hamilton (Tuesday & Wednesday 8pm Howard Theatre); Soul Asylum (Tuesday 8pm State Theatre); Pentatonix (Monday 8pm Fillmore Silver Spring); the virginmarys “King of Conflict” available in stores/on iTunes (Tuesday)

Can’t think of a bigger no-brainer than Mumford & Sons’ “Babel” having won Album of the Year at the Grammys. In fact it was such a no-brainer I was certain it would be messed up…

The name Tim Reynolds doesn’t jump out at you? Maybe this will help.

I honestly dig Little Big Town a lot. But nothing they’ve done has ever topped their debut…

The virginmarys were the last really cool band I heard in 2012. I will need this record.

9. Royal Comedy Tour feat. Sommore, D.L. Hughley, Bruce Bruce & Mark Curry (Friday 8pm 1st Mariner Arena); Seth Myers (Sunday 8pm Stevenson University Owings Mills Gym); Mike Epps (Friday 7pm D.A.R. Constitution Hall); Nick Offerman (Friday 8pm & 10:30pm Warner Theatre); Larry The Cable Guy (Saturday 5pm & 8pm Meyerhoff Symphony Hall); “A Good Day to Die Hard” out in theaters (Thursday); “Skyfall“, “The Sessions” and “The Man With The Iron Fists” available on Blu-Ray/DVD (Tuesday); Glenn Clark’s Valentine’s Day plans (Thursday)

As you know, my Valentine’s Day plans don’t change much from year to year, even if I’m now celebrating as a soon-to-be married man. I put on a little D’Angelo, grab some massage oil and then head DIRECTLY to this…

It’s called “romance”, kids. Get in on it.

(Continued on Page 2…)

Honorable Mention: Soccer-MISL Baltimore Blast @ Chicago Soul (Friday 8:30pm from Hoffman Estates, IL live on MISLtv.com), Baltimore Blast @ Milwaukee Wave (Saturday 7:30pm from Milwaukee live on MISLtv.com); Boxing: Friday Night Fights-John Molina vs. Dannie Williams (Friday 9pm from Santa Fe live on ESPN2); Women’s College Basketball: Miami @ Maryland (Thursday 7pm Comcast Center)

10. Jimmie’s Chicken Shack 20th Anniversary Show (Friday 8:30pm Rams Head Live), Bloc Party (Saturday 9pm Rams Head Live); Kris Allen (Monday 8pm Rams Head on Stage); Yellowcard (Friday 5pm 9:30 Club); David Murray Big Band & Macy Gray (Thursday 8pm Howard Theatre); Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club (Saturday 7:30pm Creative Alliance); Dropkick Murphys “Signed and Sealed in Blood” available in stores/on iTunes (Tuesday)

You know someone who is camping out for his spot to check out the JCS anniversary show…

I was never a huge Yellowcard fan, but I know they’re about to hit the road with our boys from All Time Low, so I’m back on the bandwagon. Plus this song always kinda kicked ass…

Say what you want about Macy Gray being a weirdo. Don’t say she isn’t a talented chick.

You may remember Dropkick Murphys as the band that put a Christmas tune on their album that was coming out in January. BRILLIANCE.

9. Jim Gaffigan (Saturday 7pm & 9:30pm Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric); George Lopez (Saturday 8pm D.A.R. Constitution Hall); Christian Finnegan (Thursday-Sunday DC Improv); “Dredd“, “Frankenweenie” & “Archer Season 3” available on Blu-Ray/DVD (Tuesday); “Zero Dark Thirty“, “Gangster Squad” & “Promised Land” out in theaters (Friday); Baltimore County Winter Restaurant Week (Friday-Monday throughout Baltimore County)

Want to move into “best friend” territory with me? Get me Archer Season 3. NOW.

On the list of spots participating in BCWRW? Costas Inn. Oysters Rockefeller for all!!!

(Continued on Page 2…)

Honorable Mention: Exhibition Women’s College Basketball-Catholic @ Maryland (Tuesday 7pm Comcast Center), Goldey-Beacom @ Maryland (Monday 7pm Comcast Center); Golf: WGC HSBC Champions (Thursday & Friday 9am Saturday & Sunday 8am live on Golf Channel), Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup Championship (Thursday-Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 3:30pm from Scottsdale, AZ live on Golf Channel); High School Football: Hereford @ Perry Hall (Friday 7pm), MIAA A Conference Quarterfinals: McDonogh @ Loyola (Saturday 2:30pm), Mount St. Joseph @ Archbishop Spalding (Saturday 6pm); Tennis: ATP BNP Paribas Masters (Tuesday-Thursday 6am Friday 9am & 2:30pm Saturday 9:30am Sunday 9am from Paris live on Tennis Channel); Mixed Martial Arts: Bellator Fighting Championships 79 (Friday 8pm from Roma, Ontario, Canada live on MTV2)

10. Justin Bieber (Monday 7pm Verizon Center); Smashing Pumpkins (Saturday 8pm Patriot Center); The XX (Tuesday 8pm Rams Head Live), Eric Hutchinson (Sunday 7:30pm Rams Head Live); The Ravyns (Saturday 8pm Recher Theatre); MxPx/Unwritten Law (Thursday 6:30pm Ottobar), Further Seems Forever feat. Chris Carrabba (Saturday 7:30pm Ottobar); Aesop Rock (Wednesday 8pm Baltimore Soundstage); Edwin McCain (Thursday 8pm Rams Head Center Stage); Grouplove (Tuesday 7pm 9:30 Club), Dr. Dog (Thursday 7pm Friday 8pm 9:30 Club), Soullive (Saturday 8pm 9:30 Club); Umphrey’s McGee (Wednesday 7:30pm Fillmore Silver Spring), Gov’t Mule (Saturday 8pm Fillmore Silver Spring); Fozzy (Thursday 6pm Empire); Melissa Etheridge (Friday 8pm Strathmore); Roger Clyne (Friday 9pm IOTA Club); Donavon Frankenreiter (Saturday 6pm U Street Music Hall); JD McPherson (Thursday 8pm State Theatre); Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers (Saturday 8:30pm Howard Theatre); Tim Reynolds & TR3 (Saturday 8:30pm The Hamilton); Chris Isaak (Sunday 8pm Warner Theater); Nas & Ms. Lauryn Hill (Sunday 8pm D.A.R. Constitution Hall); Brandi Carlile (Thursday 8pm Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric); Flyleaf “New Horizons” and Trans-Siberian Orchestra “Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night)” available in stores/on iTunes (Tuesday)

Go see the Ravyns because Rob Fahey is the freaking greatest.

I had no idea Unwritten Law was still a thing. I’m so freaking in.

JD McPherson has a throwback sound that pleases me greatly.

I think there’s a significant chance Lauryn Hill is crazy. I don’t care. She’s so freaking ridiculously talented. I still can’t believe what a jerk her mom was to her in Sister Act 2 though.

9. Whoopi Goldberg (Saturday 8pm Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric); Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam feat. Gary Owen (Saturday 8pm D.A.R. Constitution Hall); Tony Rock (Thursday-Sunday DC Improv); Dom Irrera (Thursday-Saturday Magooby’s Joke House); “The Campaign” available on Blu-Ray/DVD (Tuesday); “Flight“, “Wreck-It Ralph” and “The Man With The Iron Fists” out in theaters (Friday)

This isn’t the most impressive list I’ve ever seen if I’m telling you the truth.

Umm…I’m KINDA excited for Wreck-It Ralph. I’d probably go see “Flight” if someone asked nice enough.

Otherwise…here’s a guy with a horse head mask running through Hurricane Sandy on a local DC news cast…

And here’s a picture Kate Upton Tweeted recently…

Yep, we upgraded there.

NBA Draft Day 2012 is upon us. Talented, yet inexperienced players lead the list of those who will likely be taken in the top half of tonight’s draft. Who will the Washington Wizards select with the 3rd pick? Let’s break down their roster and the players available at #3 to find out who fits best.

The Washington Wizards are dead set on surrounding PG JohnWall with more perimeter talent.Having acquired Nene in the JaVale McGee trade and Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza for the expiring contract of Rashard Lewis — Washington has a veteran, defensive minded front line that will hopefully create more opportunities for John Wall & Co.  Who that company may be is the better question.  Second year guard Jordan Crawford showed flashes, but needs to find more consistency with his 3pt. shot and show greater defensive tenacity if he wants to be the full time starer. Aside from Wall and Crawford, there are no major perimeter scoring threats on this Wizards roster.  Expect this to be addressed in Round 1.

What about the rest of the roster? They have NBA quality starters in Nene and Okafor with solid depth in second year PF Chris Singleton and the surprising Kevin Seraphin – who finally showed flashes of developing at the end of 2011.  Ariza brings veteran experience and defensive leadership to the small forward position, giving second year forward Jan Vesely time to develop at his own pace (remember it took Dirk Nowitzki three years before he established himself as a consistent player).  I’m not even going to talk about SF/PW Andray Blatche, the main clubhouse cancer and holdover from the old regime.  The sooner Blatche is amnestied the better. The Wizards lack playmakers and should focus on drafting a player who can not only put theball in the net from the outside, but can create off the dribble and play solid defense.  If it sounds like its asking a lot, it is.

Assuming that Kentucky PF Anthony Davis is the #1 pick in tonight’s draft, here are the top prospects expected to be available for the Wizards at #3.

Michael Kidd-Gilcrist, SF, Kentucky: Smooth, athletic wing player does everything to help his team win.  Can get to the basket, plays solid on-ball defense and is a leader on the court.  Would combine with Wall to make one of the more athletic fast break combo’s in the league, however lacks the 3pt. shot to spread the floor.  Top tier prospect

Bradley Beal, SG, Florida: Long, athletic shooting guard would help Wall spread the floor.  Some compare his shot to Ray Allen’s – though I’m not going to put him there just yet.  Has the ability to create his own shot and is long enough to defend the biggest of 2-guards.   A bit raw but has an extremely high ceiling. Top prospect

Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina: Barnes averaged over 17ppg for the Tar Heels this pasty ear while improving his 3pt. shot and play making ability.   Highly touted out of high school, some have wondered why Barnes didn’t dominate at UNC.  My guess – he’s more of a team player than coaches give him credit, letting his All-American teammates at UNC get their shots as well.  Less high of a ceiling than Kidd-Gilcrest or Beal, Barnes has a more polished game and is NBA ready.  Top prospect.

Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas: Extremely athletic big man, Robinson is NBA ready now.  He scores in the post, rebounds, and plays high quality defense.  There’s no reason Robinson won’t be an All-Star within in three years.  Top prospect.

Wildcard: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke: The son of NBA coach Doc Rivers, Austin has the moxy to be a superstar in the NBA. Early comparison are to Kobe Bryant , though I don’t believe he posses Kobe type athleticism.  Needs to work on his defense and strength, but with the right coach and system, should thrive in today’s NBA.

Who should the Wizards take?

Harrison Barnes.  He gives John Wall an instant #1 option on the wing, has the ability to play shooting guard if necessary and gives Jordan Crawford one more year to develop.

Who will the Wizards take?

Beal.  He’s got more upside than Barnes and could develop into one of the most athletic two guards in the league.

Hard to argue with either pick, but if I were GM, Barnes would be my choice.  But that’s what is great about the NBA Draft, you just don’t know.

This article was written by Ryan Kerr, contestant in the ‘So you want to be a sports journalist competition’.

NBA Draft Preview 6_27_12

Chee makes a rally cry for the O’s during their two game losing streak and the Bros make a grim prediction for the Wizards in tonight’s NBA Draft. Show brought to you by Driscoll & Desimone Investments LLC. www.bigcheeshow.com

Courtesy of Bovada, (www.Bovada.lv,  Twitter: @BovadaLV).

“Even though throughout the whole season the Heat were one of our biggest winners in our future positions unfortunately for us we lost it all back to the bettors on the series price as the Heat opened as +145 underdogs over OKC and in turn in all 5 games the majority of the public money came in on Miami.  It was not the best result for us.  Still a lot to decide in free agency, but there is no question that the Heat are once again overwhelming favorites to repeat.”

-Kevin Bradley, Bovada Sportsbook Manager.

Odds to win 2013 NBA Championship 

Miami Heat                                11/4

Oklahoma City Thunder              5/1

Chicago Bulls                            6/1

Los Angeles Lakers                   10/1

San Antonio Spurs                     10/1

Dallas Mavericks                        14/1

Los Angeles Clippers                 18/1

Indiana Pacers                           20/1

Boston Celtics                           25/1

Memphis Grizzlies                     25/1

Orlando Magic                           30/1

New York Knicks                       35/1

Philadelphia 76ers                      40/1

Atlanta Hawks                           50/1

Houston Rockets                       50/1

Portland Trailblazers                   50/1

Utah Jazz                                  50/1

Golden State Warriors                75/1

Milwaukee Bucks                       75/1

Minnesota Timberwolves             75/1

Phoenix Suns                            75/1

Brooklyn Nets                            100/1

Cleveland Cavaliers                    100/1

New Orleans Hornets                 100/1

Sacramento Kings                     100/1

Toronto Raptors                         150/1

Washington Wizards                  150/1

Charlotte Bobcats                      200/1

Detroit Pistons                           200/1

WASHINGTON, DC – The Washington Wizards will conduct pre-draft workouts on Wednesday, June 13th at Verizon Center.

The following players are currently scheduled to participate in tomorrow’s workout:

• Al’Lonzo Coleman – F – Presbyterian College – 6’7, 255 lbs
• Thomas Robinson – F – Kansas – 6’10, 237 lbs
• Kevin Thompson – F – Morgan St. – 6-9, 240 lbs

Thompson was one of the premiere big men in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference over the last four seasons. He helped lead the Bears to two MEAC Tournament championships and two appearances in the NCAA Tournament. His MSU teams reached the MEAC Championship Game three times in his four seasons.

As a senior Thompson averaged 10.8 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game. As a junior he averaged 13.1 points and 9.1 rebounds. As a sophomore he averaged a double double, 12.7 points and 11.8 rebounds. Even as a freshman Thompson averaged a respectable 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

Thompson’s former Morgan teammate Reggie Holmes was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies after the 2010 NBA Draft and played for the team in the NBA Summer League.