Maryland’s Greivis Vasquez {thanks, AP}

1. ACC Tournament
(Thursday-Sunday on RAYCOM and ESPN): If you’re not hardcore enough to travel to Greensboro, N.C., to see if Gary Williams’ Terps can win their first ACC tourney since 2004, I guess you’ll have to tune in on TV. The downside: Duke players won’t be able to hear your boos. MATT VENSEL, B

2. ARTBus Tour
Six hours on a bus is rough, no matter your destination. But we make an exception for the annual Evergreen Museum and Library’s ARTBus, with artist/indie curator Jason Hughes leading an insidery look at the rising stars of Baltimore’s arts scene. Stops include AREA 405 and the H&H Arts Building, and feature artist and gallery owner meet-and-greets and chances to buy artwork. Originates Saturday from Evergreen (4545 N. Charles St., Charles Village) at 9:30 a.m., returns at 4 p.m. $80 (also includes box lunch, snacks and receptions). museums.jhu.edu or 410.516.0341. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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“Alice in Wonderland” {thanks, Disney}

1. ‘Alice in Wonderland’
It’s pretty clear this is going to be one hell of a trip down the rabbit hole with Tim Burton’s refreshingly modern take on the childhood classic. My only complaint is that Johnny Depp bares a disgustingly close resemblance to Elijah Wood when decked out in all his Mad Hatter glory (shrug). Follow the white rabbit to a theater near you Friday. TIM WONG, B

2. The Oscars
It’s “Avatar” vs. “The Hurt Locker,” Sandra vs. Meryl, Mo’Nique vs. … well, no one because she’ll definitely win. As always, there are some shoo-ins at this year’s Academy Awards, but we’re still excited to see how hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin handle the 10-best-picture-nominees madness. And, quick plug: Check out b’s Oscar preview on Friday. 8 p.m. Sunday, WMAR-12 ABC. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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The Black Eyed Peas boom boom pow into the future {thanks, Dimitri Danloff}

1. Black Eyed Peas at Verizon Center
They got that boom boom pow, them chickens jackin’ their style. Oh, sorry. The song is just so catchy! Hear it live — and all those other great Black Eyed Peas songs you love! — at the Verizon Center Tuesday night at 7:30. Tickets start at $49.50. AUBREY FORNWALT, B

2. Olympic men’s ice hockey gold medal game
We won’t know who’s playing in this game until later in the week, but there’s a reason that it’s the final gold medal event of the 2010 Winter Olympics: This is the Games’ premier event. Don’t miss it. 3:15 p.m. Sunday, WBAL-21 NBC. MATT VENSEL, B

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The Situation will make u a drank this Thursday {thanks, MTV}

1. The Situation at ‘Mad River’
Chill out, Freckles McGee. Yes, we’re also excited about “Jersey Shore” hardcore fist-pumper Mike guest-bartending at Mad River. But we fear too much glee/loose talk might get us excluded from surf and turf night — not to mention chicken cutlet and/or ravioli night. We’ll have to settle for silently checking out Mike’s grenade-handling abilities. Better reserve your place soon, because we hear it’s filling up fast. 9 p.m.-close Thursday. 1110 S. Charles St., Federal Hill. 410.727.2333 or madriverbaltimore.com. JORDAN BARTEL, B

2. 2010 Winter Olympics
NBC’s coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics begins Friday with opening ceremonies coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. Then you can expect more than 200 hours of coverage over the next two weeks. I won’t be sleeping much during that fortnight. For TV schedules on NBC’s family of networks, go to nbcolympics.com. BRIAN KRISTA, B

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Peyton Manning wants to put a ring on it {thanks, AP}

1. Super Bowl XLIV: Saints v. Colts
We know you’ll watch the Super Bowl regardless of who’s playing (even if just for the commercials), but this year’s matchup is extra juicy. You’ve got the AFC’s and the NFC’s top seeds meeting for the first time since 1993. You’ve got two of the league’s most underrated defenses. And you’ve got a couple of guys named Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. This one has classic written all over it. 6:25 p.m. Sunday, WJZ-23 CBS. MATT VENSEL, B

2. ‘Lost’ season premiere
It’s no secret that I’m a “Lost” fanatic. Fanatic is an understatement. And while I realize that this is the beginning of the end, I can’t wait to find out what happens in the final season. Who’s “dead” and coming back? Seriously, what’s up with Walt? Did the bomb really reset everything? Find out during the season premiere, 9 p.m. Tuesday on WMAR-12 ABC. MARISSA GALLO, B

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Anna Gloth feels the chill at last year’s Polar Bear Plunge {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

1. Polar Bear Plunge
Support the Maryland Special Olympics and take a dip in the icy Chesapeake waters during the 14th MSP Polar Bear Plunge. Plunging starts 8 a.m. Saturday at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Go to plungemd.com. BRIAN KRISTA, B

2. b Reader Party
Enjoy a night of free music on b. Head to the 8×10 on Thursday and check out 3 Fifths, the rocky/jammy/bluesy Baltimore band, and the superfly Sticky Mulligan. 8 p.m. Thursday. 8×10, 10 E. Cross St. E-mail “8×10” to contests@bthesite.com with your name and number of tickets. Or text “8×10” to 70701 with the same info. ANNE TALLENT, B

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This sexy anonymous couple is similar to what you’ll see during Restaurant Week. Maybe. {thanks, istock}

1. Baltimore Winter Restaurant Week
By now you know the drill: Nearly 100 Baltimore restaurants offer special three-course menus for $20.10 (lunch) or $35.10 (dinner). But the winter incarnation holds a special place, as it warms the f—ing freezing cockles of our hearts. Starts Friday, runs through Feb. 7. Check out the list of participating restaurants at baltimorerestaurantweek.com. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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Hail, hail, the Mormon fundamentalist gang’s all here: the “Big Love” clan {thanks, HBO}

1. ‘Big Love’ season premiere
There’s an end to my TV drought (no thanks, “Jersey Shore”). And this season, the controversial story line about polygamy grows to include a controversial story line about creepy Alby’s closeted homosexuality. I’m breathless. 9 p.m. Sunday, HBO. ANNE TALLENT, B

2. CA Talent Show
We expect the board, staff and resident artists at Creative Alliance to be talented, because, well, they work at a place called Creative Alliance. So don’t miss this free night of poetry, film, music and “avant sound-scapes.” Oh, and there’ll be puppets and musical saws. 7 p.m. Thursday. 3134 Eastern Ave., Highlandtown. creativealliance.org. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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Our favorite “Christmas Story” co-star {thanks, Los Angeles Times}

1. ‘A Christmas Story’ marathon
If you don’t watch this modern Christmas classic at least three times during the yearly 24-hour marathon, you have no soul … and probably shouldn’t be allowed to celebrate Christmas at all. OK, maybe that’s a little drastic, but you should tune in anyway. Starts 8 p.m. Thursday on TBS. MARISSA GALLO, B

2. Ravens @ Steelers
The Ravens return to Heinz Field, the site of last year’s heartbreaking AFC title game loss. Can they sweep the Steelers and keep their playoff hopes alive? 1 p.m. Sunday, WJZ-23 CBS and 98 Rock. MATT VENSEL, B

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Kind of blue: “Avatar” {thanks, 20th Century Fox}

1. ‘Avatar’
I really hope James Cameron hasn’t wasted away his career with this venture. I love geeky science fiction stuff and hope “Avatar” delivers. Who wouldn’t want their DNA combined with some alien species to create a nifty physical avatar to mix and mingle with the native folk? Jump into the experience Friday. TIM WONG, B

2. Gridiron Sing-Off
Ray Rice and Kelley Washington host the Gridiron Sing-Off Tuesday at Rams Head Live. Don’t miss your chance to see your favorite Ravens showcase their singing abilities during the event that raises money for charities of their choice. Tickets are $20 and the show starts at 7 p.m. ramsheadlive.com. BRIAN KRISTA, B

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