Stanley Cup Final: Blackhawks Hold Off Flyers For 2-0 Lead

At Chicago:

Marian Hossa and Ben Eager scored 28 seconds apart, while Antti Niemi stopped 32 of 33 shots Monday night as the Chicago Blackhawks took a two-games-to-none lead in the Stanley Cup Final with their 2-0 home win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Another Vitaphone Short

An all-female band, The Ingenues, are featured in this 1928 Vitaphone short from Warner Brothers, "The Band Beautiful."

Historic Film

I thought that for once, I decided to add some culture to these proceedings.  Here are the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, under conductor Henry Hadley, performing the overture from Richard Wagner's "Tannhauser," filmed on July 22, 1926 at the Metropolitan Opera.  It was premiered on August 6 of that year, along with other sound films.  That date marked the first public presentation of the Vitaphone process, roughly one year before "The Jazz Singer."

Have Some Cheerios With The Munsters

From the mid-1960s, here are Fred Gwynne, Yvonne DeCarlo, Al Lewis, and Butch Patrick appearing in a Cheerios commercial that originally aired near the end of a CBS telecast of The Munsters.

Go Take A Bath With Mr. Bubble

Here's a 1965 TV commercial for Mr. Bubble.  Kinda makes you feel old, eh?

And Now A Word

From the makers of Vicks NyQuil Cold Medicine.

NBA Playoffs: Lakers Finish Off Suns To Get Another Crack At Celts

At Phoenix, Arizona:


Kobe Bryant scored 37 points and Ron Artest added 25 as the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their third straight NBA Western Conference championship with a game-six road win Saturday night over the Phoenix Suns, 111-103.  For the second time in three years, the Lakers will take on the Boston Celtics for the NBA Championship, with the opening contest set for Thursday night in Los Angeles.

Stanley Cup Final: Blackhawks Take Opener In Goalfest

At Chicago:

Tomas Kopecky scored the game winner with 11:35 remaining in the third period (that's him celebrating with Dave Bolland and Duncan Keith) as the Chicago Blackhawks took the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday with a 6-5 home triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers.  The series will resume Monday night in Chicago.

US Presswire photo.

NBA Playoffs: No Bruins Repeat: Celtics Finish Off Magic To Reach 21st NBA Finals

At Boston:

Paul Pierce scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the Boston Celtics wrapped up the NBA's Eastern Conference title with a 96-84 home win over the Orlando Magic in game six, enabling the Celtics to take the series four games to two.  The Celtics will open up their 21st NBA Finals this coming Thursday night in Los Angeles or Phoenix (the Lakers currently lead their Western Conference final three games to two).

Fastest Straws In The West

Here's the King of the Cowboys himself, Roy Rogers, demonstrating his quickie six-shooter, and his inhaling Nestle's Quik like a vacuum cleaner.

"What Are You Talkin' About, Willis?" Asked For The Last Time

Gary Coleman, the diminutive former child actor best remembered for his role as Arnold Jackson on the 1978-85 television sitcom Diff'rent Strokes passed away on Friday at age 42 at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center after doctors took him off life support.  Mr. Coleman had slipped into a coma after he suffered an intracranial hemorrhage on Wednesday at his home. 

Gary had been beset by various health problems, dating back to when he was two years old when he was diagnosed with kidney disease.  

He was also a candidate for Governor of California in the 2003 double election which say the recall of then-Governor Gray Davis and the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger.  He finished eighth out of 135 candidates.

NBA Playoffs: Lakers Pull One Out At The End To Take A 3-2 Series Lead

At Los Angeles:

Ron Artest beat the buzzer with a wild bank shot after rounding Kobe Bryant's miss as the Los Angeles Lakers took a three-games-to-two lead in the NBA's Western Conference final with a 103-101 home win in game five over the Phoenix Suns.  As for Kobe, he very nearly wound up with a triple-double as he scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and made 9 assists.  Pau Gasol added 21 points and Derek Fisher added 22 for the Lakers.  Steve Nash had 29 points to pace Phoenix.  Los Angeles can wrap up the series with a win in Phoenix on Saturday.  If the Suns hold serve, then game seven would be played on Monday back in Los Angeles.

Bad News For Soap Opera Fans

Seems like the folks at Mickey's Place are pulling the plug on SoapNet in favor of a network for pre-schoolers.

See Your Studebaker Dealer

Here's a commercial for the 1962 Studebaker Lark.

How 'Bout Some V-8 Juice With Those Cheerios?

Here is a commercial from the early 1960s for Cheerios and V-8 Juice. 



Are you kiddin'?  I would prefer having a glass of milk or orange juice to a glass of vegetable juice with my cereal.  What's next?  Chocolate-covered hamburgers?

Let's Travel, Shall We?

With Joe Liggins and His Honeydrippers.


That's an Exclusive Records 78 RPM record (236-A) of Joe and the boys performing Mr. Liggins' composition, "T.W.A."  Personnel, besides Joe playing the piano on this 1946-47 recording include:

"Little" Willie Jackson:  Alto and Baritone 

James Jackson: Tenor

Eddie Davis: Bass

 "Peppy" Prince: Drums

Frank Palsey:  Guitar

NBA Playoffs: Magic Doing Their Philadelphia Flyers Impersonation? Orlando Tops Boston Again To Force Game Six

At Orlando, Florida:

Jameer Nelson scored 24 points and Dwight Howard added 21 (to go with his 10 rebounds) as the Orlando Magic overran the visiting Boston Celtics 113-92 Wednesday to cut their deficit in the NBA's Eastern Conference final to three games to two.  The Magic will try to even the series Friday night in Boston.

I'll Bet You They'll Be Saying The Darndest Things Up There

Broadcasting legend Art Linkletter, the longtime host of People Are Funny and House Party on both radio and television, and perhaps, best remembered for his interviews with kids who always seemed to had said the darndest things, passed away at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday at age 97.

Super Bowl XLVIII: A New Super Bowl Record May Be Set In 2014

Most snowballs thrown.

NBA Playoffs: Kobe's 38 Not Enough; Suns Beat Lakers To Tie Series At 2-2

At Phoenix, Arizona:

Despite 38 points from Kobe Bryant, the Phoenix Suns, with 21 points from Jason Richardson, used a balanced attack and help from the bench to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-106 at home Tuesday night in game four of their NBA Western Conference final and deadlock their series at two games apiece.

NBA Playoffs: Superman Helps Keep Magic Alive With Overtime Win

At Boston:

Dwight Howard scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, while Jameer Nelson made back-to-back three pointers in the overtime period as the Orlando Magic avoided being swept in the NBA Eastern Conference final on Monday night with a 96-92 road win over the Boston Celtics in game four.  The Celtics will try once again to finish off the Magic this coming Wednesday night in Orlando.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Flyers Top Habs To Reach First Cup Final Since '97

At Philadelphia:

Jeff Carter scored twice as the Philadelphia Flyers captured the Eastern Conference championship on Monday, defeating the visiting Montreal Canadiens 4-2 to win their conference final four games to two.  The Flyers advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1997.  They will travel to Chicago for the opening game against the Blackhawks on Saturday.  The Flyers last won the Stanley Cup in 1975, the Blackhawks in 1961.

 

Remember, Folks, Slow And Steady Wins The Race

From 1947, here's a dramatization of Aesop's fable starring the Hare and the Tortoise, co-starring the Goose, the Skunk, the Fox, the Dog, the Rooster, and the Owl.  Produced by Encyclopaedia Brittanica Films.

How 'Bout a Brew, Mate?

In another early 1970s commerical that aired on the tube in Australia, here is a commercial for Melbourne Bitter Beer, featuring that country and western outfit, The Hawking Brothers.

And Now Boys And Girls....

Here is an early 1970s commercial for G. I. Joe that aired on the telly in Australia.

So Much For The Weather Cast

This past Sunday night, Dish Network and The Weather Channel came to a multiyear pact that would not only keep TWC on Dish Network (located on Channel 214), but also develop localized weather forecasting on Channel 213, which for some four days, was occupied by a competing service called The Weather Cast, which sort of operated in the way TWC used to before it began airing documentaries and, more recently, movies, that is, doing nothing except reporting and forecasting the weather. 

Was This About Keeping LeBron?

Or was this all about not having to pay this chap for next season?

NBA Playoffs: Amare's 42 Leads Suns Past Lakers To Cut Deficit To 2-1

At Phoenix, Arizona:

Amare Stoudemire equaled his career playoff high with 42 points Sunday night and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 118-109 in game three of their NBA Western Conference final series, cutting the Angelinos' series lead to two games to one.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks Finish Sweep Of Sharks To Reach First Cup Final Since 1992

At Chicago:

Dustin Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal on the power play with 5:55 remaining in the third period as the Chicago Blackhawks completed a four-game Western Conference final series sweep of the San Jose Sharks on Sunday with a 4-2 home win in game four.  The Blackhawks have reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1992 and will have home-ice advantage against the Philadelphia-Montreal winner.  The Blackhawks last won the Stanley Cup in 1961.

NBA Playoffs: Easy Win For Celtics Put Magic On Brink Of Elimination

At Boston:

Backup Glen Davis scored 17 points while Rajon Rondo added 11 to go with his 12 assists as the Boston Celtics took game three of their NBA Eastern Conference final 94-71 at home Saturday night over the Orlando Magic to take a three-games-to-none lead.  The Celtics can punch their ticket for the NBA Finals with a win at home on Monday night.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Flyers Revert To Recent Form To Take 3-1 Series Lead

At Montreal:

In the one Saturday contest in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Michael Leighton stopped all 17 shots and Claude Giroux scored twice as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on the road in game four to lead the Eastern Conference final three games to one.  A game-five win on Monday at home would send the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1997.

Stay Tuned For "Sugarfoot"

Here's a 1958 promo for the ABC Western Sugarfoot, with series star Will Hutchins, who played the title role.  This series, produced by Warner Brothers, aired on ABC from 1957 to 1961.

Time For A Hootenanny!

Well, a promo anyway.  This is a 1963 promo for Hootenanny, a series that aired for roughly a year and a half (April 1963 to September 1964) on ABC.  Feature in this network promotion are The Limelighters, Jo Mapes, and The Clara Ward Singers.  The show was hosted by Jack Linkletter, Art's son.  The episodes were videotaped on college campuses throughout the country.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks One Win Away From First Finals Appearance Since 1992

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with one game on Friday.

At Chicago:

Dustin Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal 12:24 into overtime as the Chicago Blackhawks took a three-games-to-none lead in the Western Conference final as they defeated the visiting San Jose Sharks 3-2 in game three.  The Blackhawks can assure themselves of their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1992 with a home win on Sunday.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Habs Finally Solve Flyers In Game Three Of Eastern Conference Final

At Montreal:

Mike Cammalleri, Tom Pyatt, Dominic Moore, Brian Gionta, and Marc-Andre Bergeron (PP) each tallied once as the Montreal Canadiens ended the Philadelphia Flyers' six-game winning streak with a 5-1 home fistbeating in game three of the Eastern Conference final on Thursday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.  The Flyers still lead the series two games to one.

So That's How A Two-Lane Highway Is Built!

Here's a 1948 educational film from Encycloaedia Britannica entitled "Building A Highway."  This was from the days before there were interstate highways and freeways.

If A Swedish Car Is More To Your Taste...

Then give the SAAB 96 a try as suggested in this 1960 commercial.

Who Knows We Do Belgian Commercials?

From 1958, here's a commercial from Belgium for the Volkswagen.

Anything To Make Your Mouth Water

Besides, it's finger lickin' GOOD, for God's sakes!


Here's a 1970 commercial for Kentucky Fried Chicken.  Yes, that's the Colonel himself, Harlan Sanders.

Beware The Runaway Levi's Trademark

From 1977, here's a Levi's commercial narrated by Mr. Word Jazz himself, Ken Nordine.

Here's Tubby, Folks!

Here is a 1947 George Pal Puppetoon, the Academy Award-nomiated "Tubby The Tuba." 




Released by Paramount Pictures, this cartoon, produced and directed by George Pal,  was narrated by Victor Jory with music written by George Kleinsinger and story by Paul Tripp.  Other personnel include supervisor George Jordan, animator W. King, musical director Clarence Wheeler, and background artist Reginald Massie. 

Time For Gandy, Boys and Girls

It's been a while, but we have, from 1938, a Gandy Goose cartoon entitled "Doomsday."  It was one of Gandy's earliest cartoons, and one of the first Terrytoons to be made in Technicolor. 





Produced by Paul Terry at New Rochelle, New York, this cartoon, released by Twentieth Century-Fox, was directed by Connie Rasinski, with story by John Foster, and music by Phil Scheib.

Here's A Classic Blooper

Let's go back to the 1960s as Art James, host of the NBC game show Say When, conducts this commercial for Peter Pan Peanut Butter (that might go well with the Sunbeam Bread).  In Color!

WOW! Two Heads!

Yes, folks, that was from back in the days when Norelco shavers had two heads instead of three.  For viewers of Forensic Files, that's veteran announcer Peter Thomas touting the virtues of the Norelco Speed Shaver in this 1966 advertisement.

Hungry For A Sandwich?

Better include a couple of slices of energy-packed Sunbeam Bread, as this commercial from roughly 60 years ago suggests.

Hey Jerry, Why The Hell Don't You Grow Up Like A Human Being And Stop Acting Like An Anal Cavity

From 1963, here's an instructional film, entitled "Big Man On Campus," from producer Sid Davis on how not to act like an idiot when in school, like this junior high school student depicted here.

 

NBA Playoffs: Lakers Top Suns Again To Go Up 2-0

At Los Angeles:

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns 124-112 Wednesday night to take a two-games-to-none lead in their NBA Western Conference final.  Pau Gasol scored 29 points, while Kobe Bryant added 21 points to go with his 13 assists to lead Los Angeles, to help offset Jason Richardson's 27 points and Grant Hill's 23 for Phoenix.  Game three will take place in the Arizona capital city on Sunday.

Are You Really THAT Popular?

From 1947, here's a Coronet instructional film about popularity which was shown in schools.  This film, entitled "Are Your Popular?,"was one of a series of post-World War II social guidance films that Coronet produced.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Flyers, Blackhawks Take 2-0 Series Leads

Both conference finals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs resumed on Tuesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Philadelphia:

Michael Leighton stopped all 30 shots to register his second successive shutout while Danny Briere (PP), Simon Gagne (PP), and Ville Leino each tallied once as the Philadelphia Flyers blanked the visiting Montreal Canadiens once again, this time 3-0 in game two of the Eastern Conference final.  Dating back to their game-seven conference semifinal win at Boston, the Flyers have now scored thirteen unanswered goals.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Jose, California:

Dustin Byfuglien and Jonathan Toews scored on deflections 90 seconds apart in the second period as the Chicago Blackhawks took a two-games-to-none lead in the Western Conference final with a 4-2 road win over the San Jose Sharks.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Take Close One To Take 2-0 Lead

At Orlando, Florida:

Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Rajon Rondo added 25 as the Boston Celtics took a two-games-to-none lead in the Eastern Conference final with a 95-92 road win over the Orlando Magic.  This was the lone Tuesday NBA Playoff contest.

NBA Playoffs: Kobe Leads Lakers Past Suns In Opening Game Of Western Conference Final

At Los Angeles:

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns 128-107 Monday night in the opening game of the Western Conference final in the only game in the NBA Playoffs.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks Edge Sharks and Flyers Demolish Habs To Take Conference Final Openers

The Stanley Cup Playoffs resumed with two games on Sunday.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Jose, California:

Dustin Byfuglien scored the game-winning goal with 6:45 remaining in the third period and Antti Niemi stopped 44 of 45 shots as the Chicago Blackhawks edged the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on the road in game one of the Western Conference final.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Philadelphia:

James van Riemsdyk, Danny Briere, and Simon Gagne all scored during a span of 9:23 in the second period and Michael Leighton stopped all 28 shots as the Philadelphia Flyers demolished the visiting Montreal Canadiens 6-0 in the opening game of the Eastern Conference final.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Take Confernce Final Opener By Ending Magic Winning Streak

At Orlando, Florida:

Ray Allen scored 25 points and Paul Pierce added 22 as the Boston Celtics handed the Orlando Magic their first postseason defeat of the year, taking the opening contest of the Eastern Conference final 92-88 on the road as the NBA Playoffs began their conference finals phase on Sunday.

Make That 32 Straight Years

At Baltimore:

Lookin At Lucky, with Martin Garcia aboard, won the 135th Preakness Stakes Saturday by 3/4 length over First Dude, with Jackson Bend finishing third.  Trainer Bob Baffert picked up his fifth Preakness win.  Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, with Calvin Borel aboard, finished eighth.  This marks the 32nd consecutive year that there will be no Triple Crown winner.

Here's A Word From Proctor & Gamble

Here's a 1955 TV commercial for Gleem Toothpaste, featuring actress Connie Clausen.

Now A Word About Not One But Two Cereals

From what may look like the early 1960s, here is a two-part commercial from General Mills.  The first part features Bullwinkle and Rocky plugging Sugar Jets cereal while the second part features Mr. Peabody and his pet boy Sherman extolling the virtues of Wheat Hearts, which was a hot cereal.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: FLYERS OVER COME 3-0 DEFICITS---BOTH IN GAMES AND GOALS---TO OUST BRUINS

At Boston:

Simon Gagne scored the winning goal on the power play with 7:08 remaining to be played in regulation time as the Philadelphia Flyers came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Boston Bruins 4-3 in game seven of their Eastern Conference semifinal series to become only the third team in National Hockey League history (and fourth in American major team sports) to come back from a three-games-to-none deficit and win a best-of-seven playoff series.  The winning goal was set up after the Bruins were caught with too many men on the ice.  The Flyers will have home-ice advantage against the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference final, which will start this coming Sunday.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Oust Cavaliers In Game Six Despite LeBron's Triple-Double

At Boston:

In Thursday's only NBA Playoff contest, Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds, while Rajon Rondo added 21 points as the Boston Celtics eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers 94-85 with a game-six victory to wrap up their Eastern Conference semifinal series four games to two.  LeBron James, who may have played his final game in a Cavaliers uniform, had his fifth career playoff triple-double, scoring 29 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and making 10 assists.  The Celtics will take on the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference final, which will start this coming Sunday in Orlando.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Detroned As Habs Win Series Finale In Pittsburgh; Flyers Come Back From Three-Game Deficit To Force Game Seven

Two games, both in the Eastern Conference semifinals, were played Wednesday night as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

At Pittsburgh:

Jaroslav Halak stopped 37 of 39 shots while Brian Gi0nta scored two power-play goals as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 in game seven on the road and won their best-of-seven series four games to three.  The Canadiens became the fourth eighth-seeded team since 1994 to defeat both the President's Trophy winners (Washington Capitals) and defending Stanley Cup champions (Pittsburgh Penguins) in the same playoff season.  The loss marked the final game for the Penguins at the Mellon Arena, their home since they began play in 1967.  The Habs will now take on the Philadelphia-Boston winner in the Eastern Conference final.

At Philadelphia:

Michael Leighton, making his first start in nearly two months, stopped 30 of 31 shots while Mike Richards and Danny Briere (PP) each tallied once as the Philadelphia Flyers came back from a three-games-to-none deficit to force game number seven of their conference semifinal series at Boston on Friday night.  The Flyers defeated the Boston Bruins in game six 2-1 at home.  The winner of Friday's game will have home-ice advantage for the Eastern Conference final versus Montreal.

While Rubbing Out The Bugs And Mice...

How 'bout a cup or glass of Ovaltine?  Here's a commercial from 1951 for Ovaltine.





Bedecked in a flight suit reminiscent of Captain Midnight, announcer Vern Smith, who hosted this half-hour series (this was before Richard Webb assumed the role of the Captain in 1954), was featured in the opening, closing, and commercials wrapped around old episodes of theatrical series edited to 26 minutes.

If You Wanna Put Tom Cat and Sylvester Out Of Work...

Then pick up a package of Raid Mouse Killer, as this old commercial, probably from the 1960s might attest.

Time To Rub Out Some Pests

Here is an animated 1956 commercial for Raid House & Garden Bug Killer, directed by the legendary Tex Avery at his cartoon studio.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks Eliminate Canucks Again To Reach Conference Final

At Vancouver, British Columbia:

In the only Stanley Cup Playoff game played on Tuesday night, Troy Brouwer and Kris Versteeg each scored a second-period goal within 36 seconds of each other, and Antii Niemi made 29 saves on 30 shots as the Chicago Blackhawks eliminated the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference semifinals for the second straight year with a game-six 5-1 road win.  The Blackhawks will now face the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference finals.  

NBA Playoffs: LeBron Bottled Up As Celts Belt Cavs To Take 3-2 Lead

At Cleveland:

Ray Allen scored 25 points, Paul Pierce added 21, Kevin Garnett 18, while Rajon Rondo scored all 16 of his points in the second half as the Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their worst home playoff defeat 120-88 Tuesday night in game five of their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series, taking a three-games-to-two lead in the process.  The Celtics, who held LeBron James to 15 points on 3-for-14 shooting from the field, can wrap up the series at home on Thursday night.

NBA Playoffs: Magic and Lakers Complete Four-Game Sweeps

Two games were played on Monday night as the NBA Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Orlando, Florida:

Vince Carter scored 22 points as the Orlando Magic completed a four-game sweep of their conference semifinal series with the Atlanta Hawks with a 98-84 road win in game four.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Salt Lake City, Utah:

Pau Gasol scored 33 points (and pulled down 14 rebounds) and Kobe Bryant added 32 as the Los Angeles Lakers completed a four-game sweep of the Utah Jazz as they took game four of their conference semifinal series on the road, 111-96.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Habs and Flyers Stay Alive

Two games took place on Monday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Montreal:

Mike Cammalleri scored twice as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 at home in game six of their conference semifinal series.  The series, now deadlocked at three games apiece, will be decided in game seven Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.

At Boston:

Simon Gagne scored twice (once on the power play) and goalies Brian Boucher (who was injured during the contest) and Michael Leighton combined to stop all 23 shots as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Boston Bruins 4-0 on the road in game five to cut the Bruins' advantage to three games to two.  Game six will take place in Philadelphia on Wednesday night. 

Perfect

At Oakland, California:

Dallas Braden threw a perfect game on Sunday as the Oakland Athletics defeated the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 4-0 in American League action.

Lena Horne, Rest In Peace

Lena Horne, the sultry and internationally famous singer and actress, passed away on Sunday at New York City at age 92.

NBA Playoffs: Rajon Rondo Triple-Double Powers Celtics Past Cavs; Suns Set On Spurs

Two games were played as the NBA Playoffs continued on Sunday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

Rajon Rondo's triple-double (29 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assitst) helped guide the Boston Celtics to a 97-87 home win in game four of their conference semifinal series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The series is now deadlocked at two games apiece.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Antonio:

Amare Stoudemire scored 29 points while Steve Nash added 20 as the Phoenix Suns completed a four-game series sweep of the San Antonio Spurs with a 107-101 road win in game four.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Canucks Stay Alive

At Chicago:

In Sunday's only Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Kevin Bieska scored twice (once on the power play) and Robert Luongo stopped 29 of 30 shots as the Vancouver Canucks staved off elimination with a 4-1 road win over the Chicago Blackhawks in game five to narrow their Western Conference semifinal series deficit to three games to two.  The Hawks can still win the series with a win Tuesday night in Vancouver.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Top Habs To Take 3-2 Series Lead; Sharks Finish Off Wings With Game Five Win

Two games were played on Saturday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Pittsburgh:

Kris Letang (PP) and Sergei Gonchar each scored a goal and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 31 of 32 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins took a three-games-to-two lead in their conference semifinal series with a 2-1 home win over the Montreal Canadiens.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Jose, California:


Patrick Marleau scored the winning goal at 6:59 of the third period and  Evgeni Nabokov stopped 31 of 32 shots as the San Jose Sharks eliminated the Detroit Red Wings four games to one with their 2-1 home win in game five.  The Sharks will face (with home-ice advantage) the winner of the Chicago-Vancouver series for the right to go to the Stanley Cup Finals.

NBA Playoffs: Magic , Lakers Go Up 3-0

Saturday saw two games being played as the NBA Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Atlanta:

Rashard Lewis scored 22 points and Dwight Howard added 21 (to go with his 16 rebounds) as the Orlando Magic buried the Atlanta Hawks again, this time on the road in game three, 105-75.  The Magic now lead their conference semifinal series three games to none with a chance to close out the series in Atlanta on Monday night.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Salt Lake City, Utah:


Kobe Bryant (35 points) and Derek Fisher (20) hit back-to-back three-pointers during an 8-2 run at the end of the game as the Los Angeles Lakers took a three-games-to-none lead in their conference semifinal series with a 111-110 road win in game three with the Utah Jazz.  In the final four seconds, Utah had two chances to score the winning bucket, but Deron Williams (28 points) failed from the top of the key and Wesley Matthews' tip-in at the buzzer did not go through.  The Lakers can close out the series with a win in Salt Lake City on Monday night.

Time For A Cartoon, Boys and Girls

From 1945, here's a Barney Bear cartoon from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer entitled "The Unwelcome Guest."  In this cartoon, Barney tries in vain to eat a bowlful of berries, thanks to a skunk. 




This cartoon, produced by Fred Quimby,  was directed by George Gordon (who had left the studio before the film was released, that's why you don't see his name on the credits), with animation by Michael Lah, Ed Barge, and Jack Carr, and music by Scott Bradley.

Remember, Boys and Girls, If You See A Flash....

Be sure to "Duck and Cover."  That was the name of the film that was produced in 1951 in cooperation with the Federal Civil Defense Administration and released in 1952 by Archer Productions to be shown in classrooms all over the country.  If you're old enough to have seen this film, you probably knew the drill, you know, crawl under your desk and cover your face and neck.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Simon Gagne OT Goal Keeps Flyers Alive; Jonathan Toews Power-Play Hat Trick Help Blackhawks Overpower Canucks For 3-0 Lead

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with two games on Friday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Philadelphia:

Simon Gagne scored the game-winning goal at 14:40 of overtime as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Boston Bruins 5-4 at home in game four to stave off elimination from the conference semifinal series.  The Bruins still lead the series three games to one and can wrap it up with a win at home on Monday night. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Vancouver, British Columbia:


The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Vancouver Canucks 7-4 on the road in game four of their best-of-seven series to take a three-games-to-one lead.  The Hawks scored four goals on the power play---three of them by Jonathan Toews.

NBA Playoffs: What Sore Elbow? LeBron Nets 38 As Cavs Rip Celtics In Boston To Take 2-1 Lead; Suns Dump Spurs To Take 3-0 Lead

Two games were played as the NBA Playoffs continued on Friday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

LeBron James scored 21 of his 38 points in the first quarter and Antawn Jamison had 20 points and 12 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Boston Celtics their worst-ever home playoff defeat, 124-95 in game three to take a two-games-to-one lead in their conference semifinal series.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Antonio:

Goran Dragic scored 23 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Phoenix Suns, who trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half, overtook the San Antonio Spurs 110-96 on the road in game three to take a commanding three-games-to-none advantage in their conference semifinal series.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Habs Come From Behind To Square Series At 2-2; Wings Roast Sharks To Stay Alive

Two games were played on Thursday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Montreal:

 Third-period goals from Maxim Lapierre and Brian Gionta enabled the Montreal Canadiens to come from behind to defeat the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in game four and deadlock their conference semifinal series at two games apiece.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Detroit:

Johan Franzen scored four goals, including a natural hat trick during a span of 3:26 in the first period as the Detroit Red Wings averted elimination with a 7-1 home annihilation of the San Jose Sharks in game four.  The Sharks still lead the series three games to one with game five on Saturday in San Jose.

NBA Playoffs: Magic Beat Hawks Again To Go Up 2-0

At Orlando, Florida:

In the lone Thursday NBA Playoff contest, Dwight Howard scored 29 points and contributed 17 rebounds as the Orlando Magic took a two-games-to-none lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Thursday with a 112-98 road win over the Atlanta Hawks.

NBA Playoffs: Suns Drop Spurs Again To Up 2-0

At Phoenix, Arizona:

In Wednesday only NBA Playoff contest, Amar'e Stoudemire scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns took game two of their Western Conference semifinal series, defeating the visiting San Antonio Spurs 110-102 to lead their series two games to none.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Bruins Take 3-0 Series Lead; Blackhawks Top Canucks To Go Up 2-1

Two games were played Wednesday in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Philadelphia:

Tuukka Rask stopped 34 of 35 shots while Blake Wheeler and Miroslav Satan scored 94 seconds apart in the first period as the Boston Bruins are on the cusp of reaching the final four for the first time since 1992 with a 4-1 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers in game three to lead their conference semifinal series three games to none.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Vancouver, British Columbia:

Dustin Byfuglien scored a hat trick (two of the goals came on the power play) as the Chicago Blackhawks overpowered the Vancouver Cancuks 5-2 on the road in game three to take a two-games-to-one lead in their best-of-seven series.

NBA Playoffs: Magic Turn Hawks Into Fried Chicken In Series Opener; Lakers Hold Off Jazz To Go Up 2-0

The NBA Playoffs continued on Tuesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Orlando, Florida:

Dwight Howard scored 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Orlando Magic limited the visiting Atlanta Hawks to 48 points over the last three quarters and delivered a 114-71 frontier-styled fistbeating to the guests in game one of their conference semifinal series.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Los Angeles:

A 30-point night for Kobe Bryant, to go along with the 22-point, 15-rebound performance from Pau Gasol, helped the Los Angeles Lakers hold off the visiting Utah Jazz 111-103 in game two of their conference semifinal series to go up two games to none.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins Blank Habs To Take 2-1 Lead; Sharks Come Back To Bite Wings To Take 3-0 Advantage

Two games were played as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Tuesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Montreal:

Evgeni Malkin scored a power-play goal at 1:16 of the third period and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 18 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins blanked the Montreal Canadiens 2-0 on the road in game three of their conference semifinal series to take a two-games-to-one lead and reclaim home-ice advantage.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Detroit:


Patrick Marleau scored at 7:07 of overtime as the San Jose Sharks overcame a two-goal third-period deficit and defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on the road in game three to take a commanding three-games-to-none advantage in their best-of-seven series.  Only twice in NHL history has a team come back from a three-games-to-none deficit and win a best-of-seven series (the Toronto Maple Leafs did this to Detroit in the 1942 final and the New York Islanders did likewise to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the quarterfinal round in 1975).

Ernie Harwell, R. I. P.

Longtime Hall of Fame Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who called play-by-play for the Tigers during a period from 1960 until he retired in 2002, passed away from cancer on Tuesday night at his apartment at Novi, Michigan, near Detroit at age 92.

Mr. Harwell, who announced last September that he had inoperable cancer of the bile duct, had earlier broadcast games for the New York (baseball) Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, and had called, by his own count, more than 8300 Major League baseball games, was awarded the Ford C. Frick award in 1981 by the Baseball Hall of Fame.