Cleveland

Now, five Pilot Flying J employees have pleaded guilty

My post last week about my first concert experiences got me thinking about how big going to a concert was in my young adulthood. I have to admit; I've been thoroughly spoiled. Working in record stores and for a record retailer’s home office put a ton of tickets in my hands, most often for free. I took advantage of that perk every chance I got.Back in the early 90s, I went through my memory banks and ticket stub collection and wrote down every concert I could recall. That list eventually became the spreadsheet upon which I’m going to base a couple of posts.Between 1979 and 2008 (when I saw my last show), I've seen 103 concerts. Sometimes my definition of a “concert” is a little loose. I didn't count when an act would come to our record company office and play a few songs and then have lunch. But I do count an artist playing a short set at an off-site record release party.Statistical Analysis (because that really gets a blog post rolling…)To further break it down, I saw 24 concerts while I lived in Toledo (just getting started in the record store), 38 shows when I lived in Cleveland, (only 2 of which I actually paidto attend), 33 in Albany NY (2 years in stores, 3 years in the home office, and 2 out of the business), and a mere 8 concerts since I've been in Baltimore.1994 was my busiest year, with 11 concerts. After that, I saw 10 in both 1987 and 1993, and 9 in 1985, 88, and 89. DeetsI’m going to do is list the shows I saw, with the dates, venue and anything noteworthy I remember about it. Opening acts will be listed when they’re worth mentioning. You’ll see a lot of what’s considered “Classic Rock,” but at the time, it was just Regular Rock, and I lived and breathed that shit.7/21/79 – Toledo Speedway Jam (Blue Oyster Cult, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, Eddie Money ($8.00)9/28/80 – Elton John, Centennial Hall, University of Toledo, “21 at 33” tour. ($10.00)Covered these two in that earlier post.11/15/81 – Rodney Dangerfield, Centennial Hall ($11.00). Rodney was my first comedy show. The venue was having sound problems that made him hard to hear. Someone yelled for him not to talk so fast. Rodney was like, [Adjusting tie…] “30 years I’m working on this act, and this guy wants me to slow down…”12/11/81 – J. Geils Band, Toledo Sports Arena, “Freeze Frame” tour. I went with my buddy Brill, and my future roommate “Diane,” from my Summer of Bow-Chikka-Wow-Wow post. At the time, I had no idea those two would be dating in a couple years, and then that I’d take a turn as well. J. Geils was at their peak at the time. I was hoping they’d play “Whammer Jammer,” which is a wicked boogie-woogie instrumental featuring their incredible harmonica player. His name is “Magic Dick,” which totally wins the Best Rock Star Name award. When they broke into it, I remember Diane nudging me, going “Here it is!” Dude freakin’ tore it up!Magic Dick, in his prime. Dude was Bad. Ass. (Source)5/1/82 – Charlie Daniels Band, Ohio State Fairgrounds, “Windows” tour. ($9.00) I went all the way to Columbus to see these guys. Bruce, my brother-from-another-mother, lived there, so I bunked with him. Go figure, one month later (6/7), they played the Toledo Sports Arena, so I went to see them again, with a bunch from our “Barn” crowd.11/17/82 – Billy Squier/Nazareth, Toledo Sports Arena, “Emotions in Motion” tour. The Sports Arena was a “general admission” venue, (meaning you could sit or stand where ever you wanted), so I remember being lined up outside the arena long before they started letting people in, and hearing the band doing the sound check. I noticed it was really weird hearing a song without the vocals, as the band played “Everybody Wants You.”3/22/83 – Stray Cats/Bus Boys, Anderson Arena, BGSU, “Built for Speed” tour. Stray Cats had just debuted their first album and were a big hit with “Rock This Town,” and “Stray Cat Strut.” The Bus Boys were the group that plays in that R&B bar Eddie Murphy goes to in the movie “48 Hour

On the day that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent "successful" back surgery, he is not the Patriots tight end generating the most (worst) headlines. According to a report from SI's Greg Bedard and Pete Thamel, Aaron Hernandez was questioned by police on Monday in a homicide investigation in North Attleboro (MA), where Hernandez has a home. Per the report, he is not (at least, currently) a murder suspect, but "a vehicle rented in his name has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the investigation." Based on a report from Michele McPhee of ABC News, Hernandez "has been uncooperative with police," who are seeking a warrant to search his house. Hernandez, my fourth-ranked fantasy tight end, had 51 receptions for 483 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games last season. Stay tuned ...

The NBA Draft is Thursday (next Thursday). That means it's coming up pretty soon. ESPN's Chad Ford released the 50683rd version of his mock draft and I was anticipating this version quite a bit, actually. It doesn't have much change in it as far as the Cleveland Cavaliers are concerned, but that's a good thing. Recently, various people have been reporting that they think the Cavs are leaning towards selecting Alex Len with the first overall pick. If Chad Ford got on this bandwagon too, I'd really start to get concerned. However, Ford stuck with what he has been saying all along. 1. Cleveland Cavaliers select Nerlens Noel Here's part of Ford's blurb about this selection: "Sources in Cleveland strongly suggest that the Cavs have yet to make their decision. Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, Alex Len and Noel all have visits and/or workouts scheduled in Cleveland this week. Noel is scheduled to visit the team Thursday and has a chance to seal the deal as the No. 1 pick if he performs well." 19. Cleveland Cavaliers select Reggie Bullock Here's what Ford says about the selection of Bullock: "If the Cavs grab Noel at No. 1, look for them to add a small forward or shooter with the second first-round pick. They would love to get their hands on Karasev, but I'm told they believe Bullock wouldn't be a bad consolation prize. Bullock shot 44 percent from 3-point range this season and has the size to play both wing positions." Other highlights from Mock Draft 5.0: Lucas Nogueira rose all the way up to the Utah Jazz at #14 Sergey Karasev rose all the way up to the Dallas Mavericks at #13 Alex Len fell to the New Orleans Pelicans at #6 Rudy Gobert fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves at #26 Giannis Antetokounmpo rose to the Atlanta Hawks at #18

Browns rookie outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo is convinced that his new defense could be the best in the league if everything is going well.

Not every team is fully focused on making their respective selections off the draft board in the upcoming 2013 NBA draft, as there's been plenty of buzz about draft-day trades that could shape up the entire process.There are many more questions than answers at this point leading up to the June 27 affair, but rumors have surfaced across the Association, and we're sure to see the draft order shaken up as the event progresses through its two rounds.Let's break down the biggest draft-day rumors that would be sure to shake things up. Cavaliers Still Mulling Trade OptionsIn a far-encompassing NBA draft update on the Cleveland Cavaliers' plans, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio reported that the Cavs aren't sold in retaining their top overall pick:Trading the top pick is another option the Cavs have explored, and they will likely continue to do so. They’ve also recently taken part in trade discussions involving “a viable” small forward, according to an FSO source.Of course, this tidbit of information comes after Amico uses hundreds of words to break down all of the candidates for the top overall pick, like Nerlens Noel, Otto Porter, Ben McLemore and now even Alex Len. Amico states that Cleveland is also looking into selling both of their second-round picks in order to move up with their No. 19 overall pick.With so many viable options, the Cavs certainly have their work cut out for them in the coming week to figure out how they can best put a playoff-worthy team on the floor to surround budding star Kyrie Irving. It seems they're well into exploring those options. Draft-Day Trade for Paul Pierce?Say it ain't so! It's been a while, to say the least, since we've seen a Hall of Fame player traded on draft day, but it seems that is just what the Celtics have in the works.This ESPN report from Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne primarily dissects late news regarding the potential Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett deal with the Clippers, but don't overlook this development:"Pierce is not part of this trade, but sources say that the Clippers hatched this ambitious plan to acquire Rivers and Garnett with the intent from the start to land Pierce as well. The Celtics have until June 30 to either buy out Pierce for $5 million or guarantee him $15.3 million for next season, but it's believed that Boston wants to wait until the draft later this month to see if it can make a trade to get something for Pierce instead of just setting him free."The 35-year-old has been the heart and soul of the C's ever since he's been there, and his departure from Boston certainly would mark the end of an era.While there's no telling how likely a Pierce move to the Clippers would be if Rivers and KG don't end up there, per ESPN, the growing notion is that Boston is looking to shop its long-time hero. Mavericks Shopping No. 13 PickIn an interview with Dallas' own BaDD Radio on KTCK-AM 1310, per Dallas Morning News, Mavs owner Mark Cuban spoke candidly about his team's upcoming plans.That largely hinged around their No. 13 overall pick in the draft, which Cuban had a quick, four-word affirmative answer of "that is the case" when asked if he wanted to trade their pick.Though, he also admitted his team has a lot of different scenarios for the decision: “We’ll look at taking future draft picks. We’ll look at moving down and getting multiple draft picks. We’ll look at trading for players that we think are good. There are a lot of opportunities.”Per Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News, sources have indicated that Dallas is certain to shop their pick in order to free up space for Dwight Howard. Obviously, the Mavs will need to create some cap space to court the likes of a Howard, and making a move in the draft is a good way to do so. The 13th pick might not be a game-changer for any franchise, but it's the highest pick the Mavericks have had in more than a decade. Certainly, Cuban's Mavericks will keep their options open, but to hear a

Within the next 24 hours, we're going to find out what type of narratives are going to come into play over the next season for LeBron James.If the Miami Heat lose: Is the 'Big Three' a complete and utter failure? Is LeBron going back to Cleveland? Is the career of Dwyane Wade over? Is Chris Bosh getting traded? Was the first championship just a fluke? LeBron James is not the world-defying, capable-of-jumping-over-buildings-in-a-single-bound champion.But if he wins, what a resounding success the 'Big Three' is. The San Antonio Spurs are old, finished and have no chance for Game 7. LeBron James is the perennial champion we all expected him to become.Tonight, the path that is the ongoing, historic and often-criticized legacy of LeBron begins to fork as the NBA world waits with bated breath to find out what type of player he reveals himself to be, again. Bearing just as much significance as the shots he took under pressure in last year's NBA Finals, and the one before that, this Game 6 tonight is going to redefine the career of James.Is it really going to matter to anyone that the San Antonio Spurs had a once-in-a-lifetime series from the likes of Danny Green and Gary Neal if the Heat end up losing this? Will Dwyane Wade's poor performances in the first three games, as well as his defense on Green, take some of the attention? How about the team's overall lackadaisical and borderline imprudent play on both sides of the ball?None of that is going to matter and the Spurs will get zero credit for stopping LeBron, because obviously it's LeBron's fault.Even if Tim Duncan takes home his fifth NBA title, the stories for the summer are going to revolve around LeBron's legacy, not Duncan's as it should for a 37-year-old leading his team to a fifth NBA title since 1999.Instead we'll be subject to stories about a 28-year-old, who turns 29 in late December, and how he can't get it done. How the spotlight is too bright for him, even though he's been to this stage four times in a career that's only ten years in. How he can't win with this stacked Heat team, even though he's been forced to carry his All-Star teammates and supporting cast for a majority of the postseason.We also won't be able to realize that we'll be saying the same thing about LeBron year after year after year. He's going to be having legacy-defining games and postseasons until he can no longer be deemed as a capable primary option.LeBron is going to be at this stage a number of times over the next few seasons, so get used to the world either constantly berating or defending him. 29-year-olds tend to have a few more years of quality basketball left in them, especially the ones that have already won four league MVP's.It's all going to be on LeBron's shoulder no matter what, and for two reasons. One is because he's LeBron James and there's a far better narrative surrounding a moneymaker and ratings-drawer like LeBron, rather than the Heat as a whole.Two, and most importantly, is that we are all extremely well aware that LeBron is capable of lifting entire teams on his back and carrying them to the finish line. He did it when he dropped 48 on the Detroit Pistons in 2007, as well as when he attempted to beat an entire Orlando Magic team by himself averaging nearly 40 points to along with 14 rebounds per.But nothing rings closer to home than his Game 6 against the Boston Celtics in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. It was the most pressure-filled game of LeBron's career, considering his team was facing a closeout game in an environment they usually struggled in, and he responded with flying colors.45 points. 15 rebounds. 5 assists. That's why people want to say this Game 6 tonight lies squarely on LeBron's shoulders. Because they know that he can put up preposterous numbers at any point, including in the games where his team needs him most. He is averaging over 31 points per game in possible closeouts over his career.James already responded to one possible monumental defeat with

Three more employees of the truck stop chain owned by the Cleveland Browns' owner and Tennessee's governor have pleaded guilty in what authorities call a scheme to cheat trucking firms out of rebates.

Instead of scrapping the fan kickoff event now that Bon Jovi is not coming to town, the Cleveland Browns should put together a night for their loyal fans, and it wouldn't be that difficult to arrange.

1 Nerlens Noel Cleveland Cavaliers COLLEGE: Kentucky AGE: 18 HT: 7-0 WT: 206 POS: C Analysis: The Cavs have been talking to teams for weeks about a trade, but they are finding a limited market and at this point are likely to keep the pick. Sources in Cleveland strongly suggest that the Cavs have yet to make their decision. Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, Alex Len and Noel all have visits and/or workouts scheduled in Cleveland this week. Noel is scheduled to visit the team Thursday and has a chance to seal the deal as the No. 1 pick if he performs well. Noel remains on top because he fits the profile of a player the Cavs prefer to draft -- the player with the most long-term upside. That's why they picked Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters at No. 4 the past couple of years and why Noel remains the favorite. Sources say Noel's strongest competition right now is Len, whom some in the organization favor because he, too, has size and defensive ability, but he's less raw and should be cleared to play much sooner than Noel. 2 Victor Oladipo Orlando Magic COLLEGE: Indiana AGE: 20 HT: 6-4 WT: 213 POS: SG Analysis: The Magic are in the hunt for Eric Bledsoe. If they can address their point guard issue via trade, they're free to take the best player available at this spot. Indiana's Victor Oladipo and KU's Ben McLemore are widely seen as the two best fits in Orlando. While McLemore might have more pure upside, I continue to hear that Oladipo has the upper hand. McLemore was in Orlando last week, but according to multiple accounts, his workout wasn't terrific. Noel is a strong possibility, too, if he doesn't go No. 1 to the Cavs. 3 Otto Porter Washington Wizards COLLEGE: Georgetown AGE: 20 HT: 6-9 WT: 198 POS: SF Analysis: The Wizards continue to be in a strong position at No. 3. The two players they really like -- Porter and UNLV's Anthony Bennett -- are both on the board here. Both are getting looks from the Cavs, but neither is the favorite at this point. There continues to be a pretty strong debate on this one inside the front office, and it might come down to risk aversion for the Wizards. Do they go with more of a sure thing (Porter) or gamble on the guy with more upside (Bennett)? 4 Anthony Bennett Charlotte Bobcats COLLEGE: UNLV AGE: 20 HT: 6-8 WT: 240 POS: PF Analysis: This one sounds like it's coming down to a showdown between Bennett and Alex Len. Either player would give Charlotte's front line a much-needed scoring boost. The Bobcats have Bismack Biyombo as a defensive presence but not a lot else. Also, don't totally write off Cody Zeller here. I hear he's a dark horse. 5 Ben McLemore Phoenix Suns COLLEGE: Kansas AGE: 20 HT: 6-5 WT: 189 POS: SG Analysis: McLemore remains in the top 5, but I'm starting to have my doubts. I love the talent. But his lack of preparation for the draft is hurting him. Multiple sources told me that his workout in Phoenix was not impressive; he wasn't in shape, and he struggled to keep up in the workout. I heard similar things in Orlando. McLemore is in a tug-of-war right now between adviser Rodney Blackstock and his agency Rivals. It's kept McLemore out of the gym and for the most part, out of workouts. How much will all of this affect the draft stock? I'm told teams are worried. But how worried? Enough for one of the most talented players in the draft to slide further? If the Suns pass on McLemore, both C.J. McCollum and Michael Carter-Williams are possibilities here. 6 Alex Len New Orleans Pelicans COLLEGE: Maryland AGE: 19 HT: 7-1 WT: 225 POS: C Analysis: Len could go as high as No. 1 to the Cavs or No. 4 to the Bobcats, but I doubt he gets past the Pelicans at No. 6. Pairing him on the floor with Anthony Davis makes for a terrific front line. Small forward and point guard are the other two directions in which the Pelicans could go. They love Porter, but it's dou