Saturday, October 31, 2015

2015 World Series: Royals Take Advantage Of Big Boo-Boo In Eighth Inning, Take 3-1 Series Lead; KC Can Finish Off Mets On Sunday For First WS Crown Since '85

At New York:
USP MLB: WORLD SERIES-KANSAS CITY ROYALS AT NEW YO S BBO USA NY
In Saturday's fourth game of the World Series, the Kansas City Royals, aided by second baseman Daniel Murphy's error, rallied for three runs in the eighth inning and upended the New York Mets 5-3 on the road for a three-games-to-one series lead.

The Royals can finish off the Mets and win their first World Series title since 1985 with a game-five road win on Sunday night.

Here, we see Royals first basement Eric Hosner celebrating with teammate Alex Gordon after scoring in that big eighth inning.

USA Today photo by Jeff Curry

Utes Get Back On Winning Track At Beavers' Expense

At Salt Lake City:

Running back Devontae Booker ran for 121 yards and a touchdown while quarterback Travis Wilson completed 14 of 17 passes for 198 yards and another major score (and also running for 56 yards and still another TV) as the Utah Running Utes (7-1 overall, 4-1 in Pac-12 play; #13 in the Associated Press poll, #14 in the USA Today/Amway Coaches rankings ) downed the visiting Oregon State Beavers (2-6, 0-5) 27-12 on Saturday.  

The Utes bounced back after their road defeat at Southern California last week while the Beavers have dropped five straight games and remain winless in conference play.  

Riders Stampeded In Calgary

At Calgary, Alberta:

In Saturday Canadian Football League action, the Calgary Stampeders (13-4), with quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell completing 21 of 29 passes and throwing for three touchdowns, crushed the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-15), who are just playing out the string in a disastrous season,  42-17.

AMERICAN PHAROAH GOES OUT A WINNER IN WINNING BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC

At Lexington, Kentucky:
American Pharoah closes out his career with a convincing victory at Keenland. (USATSI)
In his final race, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, with Jockey Victor Espinoza aboard, led wire-to-wire on Saturday in winning the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Effinex, a 33-1 shot finished second and Honor Code finished third.

This was the first time that a Triple Crown winner had ever run in a Breeders' Cup race.

USATSI photo

Friday, October 30, 2015

2015 World Series: Mets Throttle Royals At Home, Cut KC's Series Lead To 2-1

At New York:
USP MLB: WORLD SERIES-KANSAS CITY ROYALS AT NEW YO S BBO USA NY
David Wright (that's him here; he drove in four runs in the game) and Curtis Granderson each homered on Friday as the New York Mets overpowered the visiting Kansas City Royals 9-3 in the third game of the World Series, which the Royals still lead two games to one.

The Mets will try to level the series at two games apiece on Saturday night at home in game four.

USA Today photo by Jeff Curry


Ducks Pull Out Wild 3OT Road Victory Over Sun Devils

At Tempe, Arizona:

Bralon Addison scored in the third overtime period on a 20-yard pass from quarterback Vernon Adams, Jr. that was upheld by video review, then Arrion Springs intercepted a pass in the same period to end the game as the Oregon Ducks (5-3 overall, 3-2 in Pac-12 play) defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-4, 2-3) 61-55 in a game that ended shortly before midnight on Thursday.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

MLS Cup Playoffs: Timbers Outlast SKC In Epic PK Shootout; Impact Ruin Reds' Playoff Debut

The knockout round of the Major League Soccer playoffs concluded on Thursday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Montreal:

In the first-ever playoff meeting between two Canadian clubs, Patrice Bernier (18'), Ignacio Piatti (33'), and Didier Drogba (39') each scored a goal in the first half as the Montreal Impact dominated visiting Toronto FC 3-0, ruining the Reds' playoff debut.  The Impact will open their Eastern Conference two-game semifinal series this coming Sunday at home against the Columbus Crew at 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (Fox Sports 1).



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Portland, Oregon:

After a 2-2 draw through 120 minutes, Nat Borchers, Liam Ridgewell, Maximiliano Urruti (whose overtime equalizer in the 118th minute forced the shootout), Dairon Asprilla, Darlington Nagbe, George Fochive, and (with the winner) Adam Kwarasey converted their spot kicks as the Portland Timbers won the penalty-kick shootout 7-6 in eleven rounds to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. The aforementioned Mr. Kwarasey saved a spot kick from fellow goalkeeper Jon Kempin to preserve the victory.

The Timbers will host the opening game of their two-match series with the Vancouver Whitecaps at home this coming Sunday at 2:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (ESPN).

Two other conference semifinal series start on Sunday as well with DC United hosting the New York Red Bulls in an Eastern Conference semifinal series opener at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time (ESPN) and FC Dallas visiting the Seattle Sounders in game one of their Western Conference semifinal series at 6:30 PM Pacific Time (Fox Sports 1).

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

2015 MLS Cup Playoffs: Sounders End Galaxy's One-Year MLS Cup Title Reign; DC United Come Back To Knock Out Revs

The 2015 Major League Soccer Cup Playoffs commenced on Wednesday with two games in the knockout round.

EASTERN CONFERENCE;

At Washington:

Chris Rolfe scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute as DC United came from behind to upend the visiting (and ten-man) New England Revolution 2-1.  Fabian Espindola assisted on both goals from the hosts, the Chris Pontius goal in the 45th minute and the game winner from the aforementioned Chris Rolfe.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Seattle:

Eric Friberg scored the winning goal in the 73rd minute as the Seattle Sounders ended the Los Angeles Galaxy's one-year reign as MLS Cup champions following their 3-2 home victory.

2015 World Series: Johnny Cueto Puts On Pitching Clinic As Royals Run Roughshod Over Mets In Game Two, Take 2-0 Series Lead To New York

At Kansas City:
USP MLB: WORLD SERIES-NEW YORK METS AT KANSAS CITY S BBO USA MO
Johnny Cueto pitched a two-hit complete game on Wednesday night as the Kansas City Royals, with Eric Hosner delivering a two-run single, scored four runs in the fifth inning en route to a 7-1 home fist-beating of the New York Mets in the second game of the World Series, which the Royals now lead two games to none.  Here's Johnny celebrating after his brilliant victory.

USA Today photo by Peter Aiken

Connie

Here's a theatrical poster for a 1933 RKO Picture, "Bed of Roses," starring Constance Bennett with Joel McCrea.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

2015 World Series: Royals Take Marathon Series Opener

At Kansas City:

Eric Hosmer (that's him here) delivered a sacrifice fly in the 14th inning as Alcides Escobar (who delivered a first-inning inside-the-park homer) scored the game-winning run on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Kansas City) as the Kansas City Royals took the opening game of the World Series, 5-4 over the visiting New York Mets.

Alex Gordon's solo home run in the ninth inning for the Royals forced extra innings.

It was the longest Game One in World Series history.

The Mets' Daniel Murphy's Major League Baseball record string of six consecutive post-season games with a home run came to an end.

USA Today photo by Jeff Curry

Monday, October 26, 2015

Things Didn't Get So Golden For Al

After your team isn't playing up to snuff-----topped off (or is it bottomed off) by getting blown out 58-0 at home by Clemson.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Timbers Overpower Rapids In Regular-Season Finale, Clinch Berth In Playoffs; Portland To Host Sporting KC In Knockout Playoff Match

At Portland, Oregon:

In the Major League Soccer regular-season finale for both clubs on Sunday, Darlington Nagbe scored twice in the first half (5', 33') while Jorge Villafana (63') and Fanendo Adi (88'); his franchise record 16th tally of the season) each delivered a second-half goal as the Portland Timbers dominated the visiting Colorado Rapids 4-1 to lock up a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the second time in three years.

The Timbers, who finished third in the Western Conference standings, will host Sporing Kansas City in a knockout-round match this coming Thursday at 7:00 PM Pacific Time (UniMas, ROOT Sports Northwest).

Ducks Get Support In Coaches' Poll

The Oregon Ducks, who were idle this past college football weekend, received no support in the latest Associated Press media poll but did receive what looked like increased support in the USA Today/Amway Coaches' rankings, where they would be ranked tied for #34 (with Washington State, who had knocked off the Ducks in double overtime in Eugene two weeks ago).

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Buffaloes End Conference Losing Streak, Knock Off Beavers In Corvallis

At Corvallis, Oregon:

Sefo Liufau threw for 140 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score on Saturday night as the Colorado Buffaloes (4-4 overall, 1-3 in Pac-12 play) snapped a 14-game losing streak in Pacific-12 Conference play with a 17-13 win over the Oregon State Beavers (2-5, 0-4), who are now the only remaining winless team left in the conference in league play.

Eskimos Make It Seven Straight, This Time At Riders' Expense

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

The Edmonton Eskimos (13-4) grabbed their seventh straight Canadian Football League victory on Saturday 35-24 on the road over the hapless Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-14).

Can You Say Los Angeles Chargers, Boys and Girls?

The Chargers began life in the City of Angels in 1960, but moved to San Diego after one year.

Maureen O'Hara, One Of Last Surviving Stars From Hollywood's Golden Era, R.I.P.

Maureen O'Hara, the Irish-born actress best remembered for  portraying strong-willed, tempestuous beauties opposite all manner of adventure in escapist motion pictures of the 1940s and 1950s, and who was one of the last surviving stars from Hollywood's "Golden Age," passed away in Saturday at her Boise, Idaho home at age 95.

Miss O'Hara was nicknamed the Queen of Technicolor due to the fact that when that process first came into use, nothing seemed to show off its splendor better than her rich red hair, bright green eyes, and creamy complexion.

Many of Maureen's films, though, were produced in black -and-white, including her Hollywood debut, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), which starred Charles Laughton as Quasimodo.

Maybe the best of Maureen's color films was the John Ford-directed 1952 classic,  "The Quiet Man," in which she the proud and stubborn Mary Kate Danaher, opposite an Irish-American boxer, portrayed by John Wayne.

Friday, October 23, 2015

ROYALS TOP BLUE JAYS 4-3, WIN SECOND STRAIGHT AL PENNANT

At Kansas City:

Ben Zobrist and Mike Moustakas hit a home run while Lorenzo Cain scored the winning run from first base in the eighth inning on Friday as the Kansas City Royals defeated the visiting Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 in game six of the American League Championship series and won their second straight league pennant.

The Royals will open the World Series at home Tuesday night against the New York Mets.

Russ Morgan 1936 "Music in the Morgan Manner." Full 10 minute version.





It's time for "Music in the Morgan Manner," a 1936 Paramount Pictures short subject with Russ Morgan and his Orchestra.  Russ is joined by vocalists Linda Lee and Lewis Julian.

With continuity by Milton Hocky and Fred Rath, this short was photographed by William Steiner, Jr. and directed by Fred (Don't Call Me Fats) Waller.



This is a TV syndication print.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Seahawks Manhandle Sleepy 49ers

At Santa Clara, California:

Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 27 times for 122 yards and a touchdown on Thursday night while Russell Wilson 18 of 24 passes for 235 yards and another score (a 43-yarder to Tyler Lockett in the second quarter) as the Seattle Seahawks (3-4) manhandled the San Francisco 49ers (2-5) 20-3 on the road.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

DANIEL MURPHY MAKES MLB POSTSEASON HISTORY AS METS COMPLETE SWEEP OF CUBS FOR FIRST NL PENNANT SINCE 2000

At Chicago:

Daniel Murphy hit a home run in his Major League Baseball record sixth consecutive game while Lucas Duda hit a homer himself and batted in five runs on Wednesday as the New York Mets completed a four-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs 8-3 on the road and won their fifth National League pennant, their first since 2000.

The Mets, who never trailed in any of the National League Championship Series games, will open the World Series at Toronto or Kansas City next Tuesday night.

American League Championship Series: Marco Estrada Handcuffs Royals' Bats At Blue Jays Stay Alive To Force Game Six In KC

At Toronto:

Marco Estrada pitched 7 2/3 innings of three-hit ball while Troy Tulowitzki delivered a three-run double in the sixth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays dominated the visiting Kansas City Royals 7-1 in Wednesday's fifth game of the American League Championship Series.

The Royals, who still lead the series three games to two, can wrap up their second straight pennant with a home win in Kansas City on Friday.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

National League Championship Series: Mets Top Cubs Again, Find Themselves One Win Away From First Pennant Since 2000

At Chicago:

Daniel Murphy tied a post-season record by hitting a home run in his fifth consecutive game as the New York Mets took a commanding three-games-to-none National League Championship Series lead following their 5-2 game-three Tuesday victory on the road over the Chicago Cubs.

The Mets can lock up their first pennant and World Series appearance since 2000 with a game-four road win on Wednesday.

American League Championship Series: Royals Blow Out Blue Jays; KC One Win Away From Return Trip To World Series

At Toronto:

Ben Zobrist hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Alex Rios added a solo shot in the second inning as the Kansas City Royals destroyed the Toronto Blue Jays 14-2 in Tuesday's fourth game of the American League Championship Series on the road.

The Royals can lock up their second straight pennant (and trip to the World Series) with a game-five victory in Toronto on Wednesday.

Monday, October 19, 2015

American League Championship Series: Blue Jays Hold Off Royals In Offensive Slugfest, Cut Kansas City's Series Lead To 2-1

At Toronto:

Troy Tulowitski and Josh Donaldson each hit a home run during a six-run third inning on Monday as the Toronto Blue Jays held off the visiting Kansas City Royals 11-8 in the third game of the American League Championship Series, which the Royals still lead two games to one.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

National League Championship Series: Daniel Murphy Strikes Again As Mets Take 2-0 Series Lead

At New York:

Daniel Murphy hit his fifth postseason home run on Sunday while pitcher Noah Syndergaard outdueled Jake Arrieta as the New York Mets won game two of the National League Championship Series 4-1 over the Chicago Cubs as the Mets now lead the series two games to none as it heads to Chicago for game three slated for Tuesday.

Timbers Explode For Five Second-Half Goals In First-Ever Road Win Over Galaxy; Portland On Cusp Of Reaching Playoffs

At Carson, California:

A five-goal second half outburst----Fanendo Adi (65', PK-68'), Diego Chara (74'), Darlington Nagbe (85'), and Maximiliano Urruti (90')----carried the Portland Timbers to a 5-2 Sunday Major League Soccer road victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy, the first time the Timbers have ever beaten the reigning MLS Cup champions on their pitch.

The Timbers, who now have climbed to fourth place in the Western Conference standings, will host the Colorado Rapids in their regular-season finale next Sunday at 4:00 PM Pacific Time (ROOT Sports Northwest).  A draw would lock up a berth in the MLS Cup playoffs.  

Niners Hold Off Ravens, Snap Losing Skid

At Santa Clara, California:

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for a pair of touchdowns (76 yards to Torrey Smith, 21 yards to Quinton Patton) as the San Francisco 49ers (2-4) ended their four-game losing streak on Sunday with a 25-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens (1-5), who are off to the worst start in franchise history.

Ducks Pick Up Support In Coaches Poll

After their Saturday road victory at Washington (their 12th in a row over the Huskies), the Oregon Ducks did get support in the USA Today/Amway Coaches college football poll.  They would be ranked in a five-way tie for 34th place (with Illinois, Utah State, Washington State, and Western Kentucky).

Alas, the Ducks received no support in the latest Associated Press poll.

And of course, no support for the Oregon State Beavers in either poll, if not getting dominated on the road by Washington State would have changed anything.

Ducks Hold Off Huskies For 12th Straight Win Over Washington

At Seattle:

After missing the previous two games due to injury, quarterback Vernon Adams, jr. threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns (both to Darren Carrington) on Saturday night as the Oregon Ducks (4-3 overall, 2-2 in Pac-12 play) held off the Washington Huskies (3-3, 1-2) 26-20 on the road.

The victory was the Ducks' twelfth consecutive over the Huskies.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

National League Championship Series: Mets Top Cubs In Series Opener

At New York:

In Saturday's opening game of the National League Championship Series, Matt Harvey pitched 7 2/3 innings of four-hit ball while Daniel Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud homered off Jon Lester as the New York Mets doubled up the visiting Chicago Cubs 4-2.

Cougs Too Much For Beavers

At Pullman, Washington:

Quarterback Luke Falk threw for a school single-game record-tying six touchdowns---all in the first half---on Saturday as the Washington State Cougars (4-2 overall, 2-1 in Pac-12 play) dominated the visiting Oregon State Beavers (2-4, 0-3) 52-31.

American League Championship Series: Royals Overcome Three-Run Deficit, Take 2-0 Series Lead

At Kansas City:

Ben Zobrist's base hit in the seventh inning touched off a five-run scoring binge in that inning on Saturday as the Kansas City Royals erased a three-run deficit and defeated the visiting Toronto Blues Jays 6-3 in the second game of the American League Championship Series, which the Royals now lead two games to none.

Friday, October 16, 2015

American League Championship Series: Edinson Volquez Helps Handcuff Blue Jays Bats As Royal Take Series Opener

At Kansas City:

Edinson Volquez pitched six solid shutout innings as he and three relievers combined on a three-hit shutout on Friday while Salvador Perez hit a towering home run as the Kansas City Royals dominated the visiting Toronto Blue Jays 5-0 in the opening game of the American League Championship Series.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

MLB Playoffs (NLDS): Mets Finish Off Dodgers; Will Take On Cubs For NL Pennant

At Los Angeles:

Daniel Murphy hit the game---and series-winning---home run in the sixth inning on Thursday night as the New York Mets defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 on the road to win their National League divisional playoff series three games to two.

The Mets will host the opening game of the National League Championship Series on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.

The Mets are gunning for their first World Series appearance since 2000 (and first title since 1986) while the Cubs are aiming for their first Fall Classic appearance since 1945 (and first World Series title since 1908).

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Fanendomania Comes Through Again As Timbers Blank RSL On Road To Keep Playoff Chances Alive

At Sandy, Utah:

In the 54th minute on Wednesday, Fanendo Adi converted a penalty kick as the Portland Timbers delivered an all-but fatal blow to Real Salt Lake's playoff chances with a 1-0 road victory in Major League Soccer action.

Fanendo's spot kick became possible after Portland's Lucas Melano was fowled in the 53rd minute in the RSL penalty area by Jamison Olave, who was ejected via a straight red card, forcing the hosts to finish the match with ten men.

The Timbers, whose post-season chances received a major boost with the victory,  will visit the Los Angeles Galaxy at Carson, California for a contest this coming Sunday at 4:00 PM Pacific Time (Fox Sports 1).

MLB Playoffs (ALDS): Blue Jays, Royals Finish Off Texas Teams, Advance To League Championship Series

Both American League divisional playoffs series concluded on Wednesday.

At Toronto:

Jose Bautista hit a three-run home run during a crazy seventh inning as the Toronto Blue Jays took advantage of three Texas Rangers errors during that inning to win the fifth and decing game of their divisional playoff series 6-3 to advance to their first American League Championship Series since 1993, becoming the third team to come back from losing their first two games at home to win a best-of-five Major League Baseball playoff series.

At Kansas City:

Johnny Cueto pitched eight solid innings of two-hit ball, retiring the last 19 batters he faced, while Alex Rios delivered a go-ahead two-run double and Kendrys Morales smacked a three-run homer as the Kansas City Royals smothered the visiting Houston Astros 7-2 to end the visitors' Cinderella season and won their divisional playoff series three games to two and advanced to their second successive League Championship Series.

The Royals and Blue Jays will open the American League Championship Series on Friday night in Kansas City.  The Royals came back from down three games to one to upend Toronto in seven games to win the American League pennant in 1985 en route to their only World Series championship, beating the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games (again, after trailing three games to one).


1938 Count Basie - Jumpin’ At The Woodside





From August 22, 1938, here's Count Basie and His Orchestra with the original version of the Count's own composition, "Jumpin' At The Woodside."

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

MLB Playoffs (NLDS): Cubs Finish Off Cardinals, Head To Championship Series; Dodgers Hold Off Mets, Force Game Five Back In LA

Both National League divisional playoff series continued on Tuesday.

At Chicago:

Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez each homered as the Chicago Cubs defeated the visiting St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 and won their divisional playoff series three games to one to advance to their first National League Championship Series since 2003 (they last won the pennant in 1945).  It marked the first time that the Cubbies ever clinched a post-season series at Wrigley Field and only the second time they won a playoff series since 1908, when they last won the World Series.



At New York:

Clayton Kershaw pitched seven strong innings while his one-out single set the stage for a three-run third inning (highlighted by Justin Turner's two-run single against his former team) as the Los Angeles Dodgers leveled their divisional playoff series with the New York Mets with a 3-1 road win in game four.

The series, now deadlocked at two games apiece, will be decided in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Monday, October 12, 2015

MLB Playoffs (NLDS): Cubs, Mets Slug Their Way To 2-1 Series Leads

Both National League divisional playoff series resumed on Monday.
At Chicago:

Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo, and Dexter Fowler each hit a home run as the Chicago Cubs set a single-game post-season record with six round-trippers en route to a game-three 8-6 home victory over the St. Louis Cardinals for a two-games-to-one divisional playoff series lead.

The Cubs can close out the team that had Major League Baseball's best record this past regular season with a game-four home win at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.



At New York:

In the first-ever playoff game at Citi Field, Curtis Granderson registered five runs batted in thanks to a pair of doubles that bounced off the wall while Travis d'Arnaud and Yoenis Cespedes each homered as the New York Mets overpowered the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers 13-7 in game three of their divisional playoff series for a two-games-to-one series advantage.

The Mets can close out the Dodgers with a home win in game four on Tuesday night.

Coaching Casualties

At Maryland and Southern Cal.

MLB Playoffs (ALDS): Royals, Blue Jays Win In Texas, Force Game 5s Back Home

Both American League divisional playoff series continued on Monday.

At Houston:

The Kansas City Royals scored seven runs in the last two innings as they battled back from a four-run deficit to upend the Houston Astros 9-6 on the road in game four of their divisional playoff series, which is deadlocked at two games apiece and will be decided at Kansas City on Wednesday.

At Arlington, Texas:

Josh Donaldson, Chris Colabello, and Kevin Pillard each delivered a homer as the Toronto Blue Jays doubled up the Texas Rangers 8-4 on the road in game four to square their divisional playoff series at two games apiece.

The series will be decided on Wednesday in Toronto.


The Ol' Ball Coach............

Calls it quits.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Giants Pull Out Late Victory Over Niners

At East Rutherford, New Jersey:

Eli Manning completed 41 of 54 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns, including the 12-yard game winner to Larry Donnell with 21 seconds remaining (completing an 82-yard scoring drive) on Sunday night as the New York Giants (3-2) pulled out a 30-27 home victory over the San Francisco 49ers (1-4) and took over top spot in the NFC's East Division.

MLB Playofs (ALDS): Astros Top Royals To Take 2-1 Series Lead; Blue Jays Stay Alive

Both American League divisional playoff series continued on Sunday.

At Houston:

Dallas Keuchel pitched seven innings of five-hit baseball while Chris Carter hit a home run as the Houston Astros, in their first post-season home game in 10 years, defeated the visiting Kansas City Royals 4-2 in game three of their divisional playoff series.

The Astros, who now lead two games to one, can eliminate the defending American League champs with a home win in game four on Monday.

At Arlington, Texas:

Troy Tulowitzki drove in four runs, three of them on a sixth-inning home run, as the Toronto Blue Jays avoided elimination with a 5-1 road win over the Texas Rangers in game three of their divisional playoff series.  It was the Blue Jays' first post-season game victory since winning the 1993 World Series.

The Rangers, who still lead the series two games to one, can finish off Toronto with a home win in game four on Monday.


Ducks' Support In Both Polls Evaporates After Home Defeat To Cougs

After blowing a ten-point fourth quarter lead at home, then dropping a double-overtime Saturday contest to Washington State, the Oregon Ducks saw their support in both the Associated Press and  USA Today/Amway Coaches college football polls disappear.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

MLF Playoffs (NLDS): Cubs, Dodgers Square Respective Series At One Game Apiece

Both National League divisional playoff series continued on Saturday.

At St. Louis:

Jorge Soler delivered a two-run homer to cap off a five-run second inning as the Chicago Cubs leveled their divisional playoff series with the St. Louis Cardinals at a game apiece following their 6-3 game-two road triumph.

At Los Angeles:

The Los Angeles Dodgers used a four-run seventh inning to came from behind and upend the New York Mets 5-2 in game two and square their divisional playoff series at one game apiece.

Cougs Knock Off Ducks In Eugene In 2OT

At Eugene, Oregon:

Quarterback Luke Falk threw for 505 yards and five touchdowns on Saturday, including one in the second overtime period to River Cracraft that ended in the arms of Robert Lewis for a four-yard TD as the Washington State Cougars (3-2 overall, 1-1 in Pac-12 play) knocked off the Oregon Ducks (3-3, 1-2) 45-38 on the road to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Ducks.

Wildcats Devour Beavers In Tucson

At Tucson, Arizona:

Quarterback Anu Solomon completed 17 of 30 passes for 276 yards while Jared Baker ran for 123 yards (70 on one play) and Orlando Bradford ran for 83 more yards and scored three touchdowns on Saturday as the Arizona Wildcats (4-2 overall, 1-2 in Pac-12 play) demolished the visiting Oregon State Beavers (2-3, 0-2) 44-7.

Friday, October 09, 2015

MLB Playoffs (NLDS): Cardinals, Mets Take Series Openers

Both Natinal League (best-of-five) divisional playoff series opened on Friday.

At St. Louis:

John Lackey gave up but two hits in 7 1/3 shutout innings while Tommy Pham and Stephen Piscotty each homered as the St. Louis Cardinals stifled the visiting Chicago Cubs 4-0 in the opening game of their divisional playoff series.

At Los Angeles:

Over the course of seven shutout innings, Jacob deGrom struck out 13 batters while Daniel Murphy homered off Clayton Kershaw as the New York Mets, in their first playoff game since 2006,  knocked off the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 in the opening contest of their divisional playoff series.

Ti-Cats Too Much For Riders

At Hamilton, Ontario:

Rookie quarterback Jeff Mathews completed 22 of 33 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-5) downed the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-13) 30-15 in Friday Canadian Football League action.  The win placed the Ti-Cats in sole possession of first place in the CFL's Eastern Division while the defeat all but officially eliminated the Riders, who have had a rotten season,  from playoff contention.

MLB Playoffs (ALDS): Rangers Top Blue Jays In 14 Innings, Take 2-0 Series Lead; Royals Rally To Top Astros And Square Series At 1-1

Both American League divisional playoff series continued on Friday.

At Toronto:

Hanser Alberto lined a tiebreaking single to center field in the 14th inning as the Texas Rangers stretched their divisional playoff series lead to two games to none following their 6-4 road victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

At Kansas City:

Ben Zobrist delivered a seventh-inning single that produced the game-winning run as the Kansas City Royals, who ended up surrendering no more runs after giving up four in the first three innings, came back to square their series at one game apiece with their game-two 5-4 home victory over the Houston Astros, for the first win for a home team in this year's Major League Baseball post-season.

Buying Food (1950)





From the Centron Corporation (via Young America Films), here's a 1950 film, entitled "Buying Food," about smart shopping habits and tips.

You'd Rather Fight Than Switch?



Here's a Tareyton cigarettes TV commercial from 1967---in Living Color!  Makes you feel old, doesn't it?

Thursday, October 08, 2015

MLB Playoffs: Rangers, Astros Take AL Divisional Playoff Series Openers On Road

Both American League divisional playoff series (best of three) opened on Thursday.

At Toronto:

In the first Major League Baseball playoff game to be played in Canada since 1993, Robinson Chirinos hit a two-run homer while Rougned Odor added a solo shot as the Texas Rangers ruined the Toronto Blue Jays' first post-season contest in 22 years 5-3 in the opening game of their divisional playoff series.

At Kansas City, Missouri:

Kendrys Morales hit a pair of home runs while Collin McHugh pitched six innings of four-hit baseball as the Houston Astros knocked off the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on the road in game one of their divisional playoff series.

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

MLB Playoffs: Jake Arrieta Handcuffs Bucs Bats As Cubs Take NL Wild-Card Game To Get Shot At Cardinals

At Pittsburgh:

Jake Arrieta pitched a complete-game four-hit 11-strikeout shutout (his club's first CG shutout in post-season play in 70 years) while Kyle Schwarber had an RBI single in the first inning and a two-run homer in the fourth as the Chicago Cubs won a playoff game for the first time since 2003 with a 4-0 road domination of the Pittsburgh Pirates in Wednesday's National League Wild-Card game.

The Cubs will open their National League divisional playoff series (best-of-five) against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Friday.

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

MLB Playoffs: Astros Blank Yankees In Bronx In AL Wild-Card Game To Get Crack At Royals

At New York:

On the opening day of the Major League Baseball playoffs, Dallas Keuchel pitched six innings of three-hit shutout ball while the bullpen did the rest, and Corey Rasmus and Carlos Gomez each hit a solo home run on Tuesday as the Houston Astros (in their first postseason appearance in ten years) blanked the New York Yankees 3-0 on the road in the American League Wild-Card game.

The Astros will next take on the Kansas City Royals in a best-of-five American League divisional playoff series which opens in Kansas City on Thursday night.

1954 BETTY WHITE GERITOL COMMERCIAL





Got tired blood?  Here's Betty White plugging Geritol during a 1954 live commercial on her NBC Network daytime show, The Betty White Show. 

1950s Classic Commercial for "Cheerios cereal" (US, c. 1952)





Here's a Cheerios commercial from around 1952.

Sunday, October 04, 2015

Aaron Rodgers Leads Packers Past Sluggish Niners

At Santa Clara, California:

Aaron Rodgers passed for 224 yards and a touchdown (nine yards to Richard Rodgers) on Sunday as the traveling Green Bay Packers are off to their first 4-0 start since 2011 with a 17-3 victory over the sluggish San Francisco 49ers (1-3).

Last time I checked, the Packers did not have anyone named Lorenz Hart or Oscar Hammerstein II on their roster.

Ducks Drop Out Of Coaches' Poll Despite Road Win

Despite their largely impressive road victory over Colorado on Saturday night, the Oregon Ducks couldn't quite climb back into the Associated Press college football poll.  Still they picked up enough support to where they would be ranked #26.

The Ducks fell out of the USA Today/Amway Coaches poll, were they had been tied for 24th place with still-unbeaten California. Oregon would also be ranked #26 in this poll.

No support in either poll for the idle Oregon State Beavers.

Ducks Bounce Back And Top Buffaloes In Boulder

At Boulder, Colorado:

In a Saturday contest which was delayed for more than an hour by lightning, Royce Freeman ran for 163 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Oregon Ducks (tied for #24 in the USA Today/Amway Coaches poll; 3-2 overall, 1-1 in Pac-12 play) bounced back from their home debacle against Utah with a 41-24 home win over the Colorado Buffaloes (3-2, 0-1), spoiling the hosts' Pac-12 Conference opener.

Saturday, October 03, 2015

BC Lions Blow Out Visiting Riders

At Vancouver, British Columbia:

Quarterback Jonathan Jennings threw for four touchdowns and caught a pass for another score on Saturday night as the British Columbia Lions (5-8) manhandled the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-12) 46-20 in Canadian Football League action.

The Lions completed a three-game season-series sweep of the Riders.

SKC Knock Off Timbers On Road; Portland Falls Out Of Playoff Places

At Portland, Oregon:

Krisztian Nemeth scored the only goal of the match in the 83rd minute on Saturday as Sporting Kansas City knocked off the Portland Timbers 1-0 on the road in Major League Soccer play.

Goalkeeper Tim Melia made six saves to preserve both the victory and the shutout.

The defeat, coupled with San Jose's 1-1 home deadlock with Vancouver, dropped the Timbers to a tie for the six and final Western Conference playoff berth (with the Timbers and Earthquakes level on points and wins, San Jose has the superior goal differential).  Portland has three regular-season games remaining, San Jose has two.

The Timbers next game will be on Wednesday October 14 at Sandy, Utah against Real Salt Lake at 6:30 PM Pacific Time (ROOT Sports Northwest).

Maybe This Professor Wasn't So Absent-Minded After All

Here's a magazine ad for the 1959 Rambler.

'57 Rambler

Here are two full-page magazine ads for the 1957 Rambler.

Friday, October 02, 2015

1935 Joe Haymes - Truckin' (Cliff Weston, vocal)





From 1936, here's Joe Haymes and his orchestra with "Truckin'" with vocal by Clifford (Cliff Weston) Wetterau.



Enjoy!

1943 Willie Kelly - Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer (with male vocal): It's A HIT Record!





From 1943, here's Willie Kelly and his orchestra with "Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer," with an unidentified vocalist.  "Willie Kelly" may be a nom-de-plume. This and other recordings from HIT Records were recorded clandestinely without union authorization during the recording ban ordered by the American Federation of Musicians, often using anonymous artists.

HULA HULA LAND Starring Heckle and Jeckle (Terrytoons/20th Century Fox-1949)





From Terrytoons in  1949, here are Heckle and Jeckle starring in "Hula Hula Land," which featured Dimwit.  This cartoon, released theatrically by 20th Century Fox, with story by John Foster and music by Philip A. Scheib, was produced in New Rochelle, New York by Paul Terry and directed by Mannie Davis.



TV syndication print.



Enjoy!

Thursday, October 01, 2015

Time For Some Music

Here's music by Art Kassel and his Kassels in the Air, with "Twenty Million People."

This song was used in the Paramount motion picture "Hello, Everybody!" which starred Kate Smith and had in the cast Randolph Scott and Sally Blane.

Vocal by Milton Antler and recorded in Chicago on January 13, 1933.