Milwaukee Bucks 2011-12 Season Starts Tonight at the Bradley Center

The Milwaukee Bucks 2011-12 season will start tonight with a game against the Timberwolves. This will be the first Bucks game at the Bradley Center since the lockout began months ago. Tip off will be at 7:30. This is one of two games for the month of December. This Friday, the Wizards will come to Milwaukee. Immediately after these two games, the Bucks hit the road for a five game, West Coast road trip.
Bucks Take Long Road Trip in January

The Bucks will have only five home games in the Month of January. In Milwaukee, they play the Spurs, Pistons, Nuggets, Heat, and Lakers. Aside from the West Coast road trip that starts on January 2, they will make stops in Dallas, Philadelphia, New York, Miami, Houston and Chicago. This shortened season makes every game that much more important. Every team has the same disadvantage, as they had almost no preseason to prepare for the upcoming games.

For the Bucks, the month of April will be a time for the team to spend a majority of their time at home. They play nine home games, and five road games in that span, hosting Cleveland, Charlotte, Portland, Oklahoma City, New York, Indiana, and more. Will the Bucks be playoff bound by that time? It's any one's guess.

Badgers Versus Spartans in Big Ten Championship Game

The Badgers get their chance to redeem themselves next Saturday, when they take on the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Championship game. We badgers fans will remember the "Hail Mary" pass that Kirk Cousins completed. Yes, Bucky had already lost a game, but with that completion, Bucky's national championship hopes were dashed. It's payback time for Wisconsin.

The Badgers cruised past all of their opponents since that terrible game, and they will be looking to head to Pasadena. All they have to do is win one more game. Game time is set for 8pm.

Milwaukee Wave Wins at U.S. Cellular Milwaukee | Norfolk New to Indoor Soccer

It was a great night for Milwaukee Wave defender Joe Hammes as he scored three goals at the U.S. Cellular Arena last night. The recipient of his scoring barrage was a Norfolk team that had no hope of slowing him down. The Wave went on to a 21-7 victory, and Milwaukee fans went home happy.

Norfolk New to Indoor Soccer
The Wave built up a ten point cushion before Norfolk scored their first points of the evening. Norfolk is a new team, and has yet to put a "W" up on their stats sheet. They are still getting their "sea legs" when it comes to indoor soccer, so their fans need to cut them some slack. When the Wave were new to the indoor soccer world, they lost their first seven or eight games. Keith Tozer says that there is a bunch of talent on the Norfolk bench, and in time they will be winning games.

For the Wave, all of their scoring came in the first three quarters. Norfolk rallied in the second, cutting Milwaukee's lead in half, but that's as close as they got to being a real threat. Hammes had the hot foot last night, and there was no stopping him. Each team had a penalty, Norfolk was charged for too many men, and Milwaukee had one for dangerous play. Other than that, it was a night of fun for the fans that made it down to the U.S. Cellular Arena.

Summerfest 2012 Headline Act Lady Antebellum June 30

I overheard a coworker say "Can you believe that we already know who is going to play Summerfest 2012 on June 30th?" This was certainly an early announcement for Marcus Amphitheater headline act number one. It's not unheard of to have one of the ten nights booked before the new year, but I think that this Lady Antebellum booking is the earliest on record. In fact, it's such an early that you can actually see the band in La Crosse in the coming weeks, then eight months later at Summerfest.

Summerfest Milwaukee Books Country Music at the Marcus Amphitheater

This show is probably one of three country music acts that will be booked for the Marcus Amphitheater next year. The eleven day festival bring all sorts of music fans down the the lakefront. The acts that are booked range from rock, to pop, to country. Still there is a definite pattern now. Three country acts have been booked each year for at least the past five seasons. This does not include the side stages.

I doubt that we will hear of another Summerfest booking until next year. Most of these announcements come in early spring. Sometimes there can be a late scratch from the program, like there was in 2011. Brooks and Dunn had to cancel their Summerfest booking last year. It doesn't happen often, but you never know. For now, we'll await the next announcement from the folks at Summerfest.

Badgers Football Team Drops in Rank | Wisconsin Basketball in Top Ten Standings

With the loss last weekend at the hands of Michigan State, Wisconsin dropped nine spots in the polls and their hopes at a BCS title have been dashed. The Badgers took over the fifteenth position, while the Spartans rose to number eleven.

Now that a national championship isn't in the picture Bielema and his boys have to focus on making it to the conference title game in December. Assuming they only drop one or two more before then, and go on to win the Big Ten title, another shot at the Rose Bowl could be plausible.

In other poll news, the football teams counterparts on the basketball court have been placed at number two in the Big Ten.

Big Ten Basketball Standings

1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Michigan
4. Michigan State
5. Purdue
6. Illinois
7. Minnesota
8. Northwestern
9. Indiana
10. Iowa
11. Nebraska
12. Penn State

Wisconsin Badgers on ESPN This Wednesday

Now that the Brewers have finished their season, it's time to focus on the Wisconsin Badgers football team. The Badgers may not have the toughest schedule this year, but they will be tested from week to week. They will be featured on ESPN's show titled Depth Chart tonight. The program is certainly big enough to be in the spotlight.

The Badgers have a great quarteback, solid run game, and some serious depth at wide receiver. The biggest concern that Badger fans had going into this year was the defense. With J.J. Watt out of the picture, would the team have a great pass rusher? So far, so good for Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Festival Schedule | Mexican Fiesta

We have just two more Milwaukee festivals on the schedule for 2011. This weekend it's Mexican Fiesta on the Summerfest grounds at Maier Festival Park. The music at Mexican Fiesta starts at noon each day, and runs to midnight on most stages.

Mexican Fiesta Music Highlights

The Harley, Miller Lite, and U.S. Cellular stages will feature musical acts from across the country. You will also find more traditional folk music and dancing at the Fiesta Arena.

• Patrulla 81 will play the Miller stage on Friday August 26 at 8:45pm


• Audio Trip performs at the U.S. Cellular stage at 9:30


• Purple Tongue will hit the Lake Performance Square at 9pm that evening.


• Tejano Highway 281 will headline the Miller Lite stage on Saturday

If you feel like a little vino, the Harley Davidson area will host a wine tasting and art show at 7pm on Saturday. Get your tickets early for that event, as space is limited. This is the second to last festival for the summer. Next up is Indian Summer Festival.

What is Funk Latin Music?

I was intrigued by the fact that Grupo Fantasma call themselves a funk Latin band. I had to see for myself what this would sound like. After checking out various videos, I must say that what I hear is more Latin, and less funk. That's okay. This band is tight.

Whether you find them in Las Vegas or on the road, Grupo Fantasma is one of those bands whose songs were probably absorbed by you while you watched an episode of Weeds, or some other cable TV program. Their tour schedule is exhausting. Their shows legendary. Groupo comes to Milwaukee this Sunday, August 21. Admission is $10, and their gig is at Turner Hall.

Prince Fielder All Star Game MVP

Prince Fielder may be heading to where the money will take him, has ingrained himself into the Brewers' history books. Not even the famed Robin Yount nor Paul Molitor were able to achieve a Ted Williams All-Star Most Valuable Player Award. The six year veteran of the team was also the first ever Brewer to hit an All-Star Game homer; and what a homer it was.

The swing that earned him the crystal bat came in a tense fourth. For the first three innings the game had been all defense. Only one American League run made the difference in a 1-0 game. Boos were accompanying Fielder on his way to the plate with two runners on. What followed was a remarkable turn-around of the game and of the crowds jeers. The Brewers star slammed a three-run homer over the left field fence. Rangers lefty C.J. Wilson was stunned and the home crowed was in awe. It took a few moments before the eruption of applause began in Fielders honor. The NL side stacked on two more runs before the end of the game to win their second consecutive All-Star Game. They are hoping to mimic the AL's 13 year undefeated streak that was ended in the 2010 NL win.

Prince Fielder Hit's First All Star Home Run for Brewers

It's been way too long, but Prince Fielder hit the first home run for a Milwaukee Brewer in an All Star game. He slapped that homer in the fourth inning, and it sailed over the left field wall. It's as if these great things are all coming in his final season.

Fielder came out hot, right from the start of the season. There was no April slump for him this time. He really hasn't had a bad month so far in 2011. In 92 games, he has hit a total of 22 home runs, and only 58 strikeouts. It's looking good for Prince as the season rolls along. Where will he play next year? For now, let's just focus on his work here in Milwaukee.

Miller Park Twins Versus Brewers Weekend

I'm sitting down the left field line for the Twins versus Brewers Miller Park series this weekend. I'm not betting on it, but the weather is supposed to be sunny and warm. Will I have to wear sunblock, or a hat? I can't wait for this horrid weather to pass. With the complaining out of the way, I have to say that I'm looking forward to seeing the Brewers destroy the Twins. Let's see a sweep.

Twins Sitting Near Basement of AL Central

Minnesota is eight games out of first place in the AL Central, with three teams under .500 in their division. They have been playing pretty good ball as of late, winning eight of the past ten. They are the hottest team in the AL right now, and need to keep that up if they want to right the ship. Milwaukee has struggled as of late, winning only three of their past ten. Still, they share first place with the Cardinals, as they have been sucking just as badly. The hottest team in the NL right now is Washington, having won nine of their past ten. Still, the Nationals are 8.5 games out of first. It's time for the Brewers to go on a run.

Britney Spears Plays Summerfest | Lady Gaga Does Not

One thing that has some Britney Spears fans up in arms is that her latest album was bumped from its top spot by Lady Gaga. Gaga sold 1.1 million albums in the first week. Already some crazy pundits are stating that she is going to revive the long dead music industry, just because her overall sales of Born This Way have beaten all records going back to 2001.

Lady Gaga Gives Away her Music

What's bothering the Spears fans is that Gaga sold her disk for 99 cents through Amazon. She gave away quite a few as well. How does that count? When you sell a Gaga disk for under a buck, you are sure to move product. I'm with you Spears fans. There's a saying that applies to GaGa's marketing, "Why buy the cow when you get the milk for free?"

Packers and the NFL Draft Pick at Number 32

If you are drafted by the Green Bay Packers at number 32, do you expect to start? Do you think that you will make an impact on the team in your first season? What have others done in the NFL when picked last in the first round?

We have to go back 16 years to see who was last picked 32nd by the Packers. The team moved down to last in that round when they worked out a trade with the Panthers. That man was Craig Newsome. Yes, Newsome played in every game during his time with the Packers. He lasted four years. In Super Bowl 31, Newsome played big and came up with an interception, and forced fumble. He lasted one more season when he moved on to play for the 49rs, then retired.

Derek Sherrod was picked 32nd this year, and much to the surprise of Packers fans, Ted Thompson went heavy on offensive picks this year. Sherrod is no slouch, being named to a half dozen All American college teams, and nabbing a College Hall of Fame honor. On top of the accolades, Sherrod has a business degree from his days at Mississippi State. Sherrod will likely be the man who takes over for Chad Clifton when the time is right.

Brewers Start Road Trip On A High Note

I was looking at the Brewers road trip stats for 2011, and I noticed that they suck on the road. Okay, perhaps the word "suck" is a bit much, but the road is where they falter. If they had just played .500 ball on the road up until this current Brewers series, they would be tied for first place with the Reds.

The Brewers play one more game on the West Coast, then catch the red eye for Milwaukee in time to play at Miller Park tomorrow night. The Rockies are in town for a three game home stand, then the Nationals come for three. The Brew Crew will take next Thursday off, and then host the Giants for four games. Will it finally hit 70 degrees in Milwaukee before the Giants come to town? Don't bet on it.

Dead Man's Carnival Comes to Turner Hall Ballroom

The performers in Dead Man's Carnival have names like "Zero the Clown, Chassy Dee Lux." They are backed up by Sir Pinkerton, the band. This is old school carnival at its best. If you need a dose of fire breathing, burlesque dancing, and some serious work with whips, DMC is your one stop shop. Otherwise known as a variety show, or vaudeville in the modern era, it may be worth your while to check it out. Keep the kids at home for this one, unless you don't mind that they may witness their first fan dance. The show is scheduled for April 30 at the Turner Hall.

Taylor Swift Has Now Sold Millions of Disks

There are three Taylor Swift Disks in the world today. This young country music singer will be the first to tell you that she's amazed at the sheer volume of album sales of her three works thus far. As her European tour wrapped up, she was handed a framed plaque that notes she hit the 20 million mark as far as sales. It's funny to see the video of her reaction. I work with someone who loves her, and I must admit that it looks like Swift is actually singing at her live performances.

Taylor Swift Album Sales Highlights

• Fearless sold over 500,000 copies in its first week.

• She holds the title of most album sales for 2009.
• You Belong To Me is her most popular single in the US.
• Album number three, Speak Now sold a million copies in the first week.

So far, Taylor Swift has managed to keep hold of her image. She is liked by parents, and kids. As long as she stays away from making home videos, or deciding that she is going to break out in another direction, she could certainly continue to reap the rewards.

Summerfest 2011 Lineup Includes Sugarland

We have our two of three country music nights at Summerfest 2011. If Don Smiley books a fourth country music act this year, I think he better change the name of the festival. Sugarland will be closing out the festival. Toby Keith is playing on July 2nd. Katy Perry is July 7. Sugarland tickets for Summerfest have not gone on sale yet. Dare I dream aobu t Summerfest while we are still digging out from the worst snow storm since 1999? Yes, it's the only way to get through this winter.

Sugarland is comprised of two people: Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. They are more pop than country when they play songs like Stuck Like Glue, but they do wear cowboy hats from time to time, and there is some mandolin playing at their shows. I would guess that a steel guitar is on stage, and somebody is playing it. They have five numer one singles going back to 2006. The have been nominated for almost 60 awards in the past eight years.

Aaron Rodgers and the Angry Blogger | NFC Championship at Soldier Field

After an amazing game at Atlanta, I'm picking up NFC Championship tickets for Soldier Field. It's been sixty years since there was a post season Packers versus Bears game. I can't miss this one.

After recovering from the night before a non story unfolded during the Bears versus Seahawks game yesterday. A sports agent who fancies himself a blogger as well as an NBC Sports talking head (okay?) ripped Aaron Rodgers on how he handled an autograph seeking fan who was obviously a cancer survivor. For the record, Rodgers had previously met with this woman and provided her with an autograph. That first meeting was not on film. What looked like a rude brush off was captured on film, and our blogger/sports agent / talking head went to work. Fact checking is very important. Context is pretty important too.