Thursday, May 31, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Kevin Durant And Friends Help End Spurs' Winning Streak; Cut San Antonio West Final Advantage To 2-1

At Oklahoma City:


Kevin Durant scored 22 points while Thabo Sefolosha set playoff-career highs with 19 points and six steals on Thursday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder ended the San Antonio Spurs' 20-game winning steak with a 102-82 home win in game three of the NBA's Western Conference Final, which the Spurs now lead two games to one.  The Thunder will try and square the series with a game-four victory on Saturday in Oklahoma City.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Career Night For Rajon Rondo Not Enough: Heat Top Celtics In OT To Take 2-0 Series Lead To Beantown

At Miami:


LeBron James scored 34 points and pulled in 10 rebounds while Dwyane Wade added 23 and Mario Chalmers 22 as the Miami Heat withstood the 44-point, 10-assist, 8-rebound performance from Rajon Rondo and nudged out the Boston Celtics 115-111 in overtime to take a two-games-to-none lead in the NBA Eastern Conference final.  The series moves to Boston for game number three, to be played on Friday night.

Stanley Cup Final: OT Goal Give(Still-Unbeaten-On-The-Road-In-The-Playoffs) Kings Victory In Series Opener

At Newark, New Jersey:


Anze Kopitar gets Martin Brodeur to commit, which makes it easier for the Kings center to score on a breakaway in overtime.  (US Presswire)


Anze Kopitar scored the winning goal at 8:13 of the first overtime period on Wednesday night (that's him beating Martin Brodeur here) as the Los Angeles Kings won their ninth straight game on the road to start the playoffs with a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils in the opening contest of the Stanley Cup Final.  The second game will be played Saturday night in Newark.


US Presswire photo

Lee Rich, TV Producer Who Created John-Boy And J. R., R. I. P.

Lee Rich, the creative force behind Lorimar Productions, which produced two iconic----and totally opposite dramatic shows-----The Waltons and Dallas (and its' spin-off Knotts Landing), passed away last Thursday in Los Angeles at age 93.

Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr., Polka Singer And Bandleader, R. I. P.

Eddie Blazonczyk, Sr., a former rockabilly singer and musician turned polka singer and guitarist who led one of the more successful polka bands of recent decades(and a Grammy Award winner) the Versatones, passed away on May 21 at Palos, Heights, Illinois from multiple organ failure at age 70.

The Off Button Is Pressed On Inventor Of TV Remote Control

Eugene Polley, an inventor whose best-known creation---the wireless television remote control---changed the way we mundanes watch TV, passed away on May 20 at Downers Grove, Illinois at the age of 96.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Steaming Hot Spurs, With Tony Parker's Hot Shooting, Take 2-0 Series Lead To OKC

At San Antonio:


Tony Parker made 16 of 21 shots from the field in scoring 34 points while Mano Ginobili added 20 points off the bench as the San Antonio Spurs have now won ten straight games to start the playoffs, 20 in a row overall an NBA record bridging the regular season and playoffs), following their 120-111 Tuesday home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a two-games-to-none lead in the NBA Western Conference Finals.  This despite 31 points from the Thunder's Kevin Durant and 27 from Russell Westbrook.  The series resumes Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

Time For A Charlie Chan Movie

Here is the first of six films starring Roland Winters (who succeeded the recently-deceased Sidney Toler) as Charlie Chan in the 1947 Monogram Pictures movie "The Chinese Ring."  In this one, a mysterious Chinese woman visits Charlie's house and is shortly afterward murdered there.  The only clues are the ring with which she introduced herself, and the message "Capt. K" shortly before she kicked the bucket.  Warren Douglas, Mantan Moreland, and Victor Sen Yung co-star.

With original screenplay by W. Scott Darling, based upon the character created by Earl Derr Biggers, photography by William Sickner (ASC), and music by Edward J. Kay, this motion picture was produced by James S. Burkett and directed by William Beaudine.

Enjoy!

Don't Those Pancakes Look Yummy?

As seen during a 1952 ABC Network telecast of the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, here's a commercial for Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix.

Yummy!

Monday, May 28, 2012

NBA Playoffs: LeBron Helps Make Things Too Hot For Celtics In East Finals Opener

At Boston:


A 32-point, 13-rebound performance from LeBron James lifted the Miami Heat to an NBA Eastern Conference Finals-opening 93-79 home win over the Boston Celtics on Monday.  Dwyane Wade added 22 points for the Heat while Kevin Garnett had 23-point, 10-rebound night for the Celtics.  Game two is this coming Wednesday night in Miami.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Rally To Top Thunder In West Finals Opener

At San Antonio:


Manu Ginobili scored 26 points off the bench while Tony Parker added 18 and Tim Duncan 16 (to go with his 11 rebounds) as the San Antonio Spurs outscored the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder 39-27 in the fourth quarter en route to a 101-98 victory in the opening game of the NBA's Western Conference Finals on Sunday.  Kevin Durant scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Thunder.  The Spurs have won nine straight games to open the playoffs (the first team to do so since the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers, who started with an eleven-game winning streak en route to the second of their three straight NBA titles) and 19 straight overall.  The series will resume on Tuesday night in San Antonio.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Rattlers Rattle VooDoo Ending New Orleans Home Winning Streak

At New Orleans:


Quarterback Nick Davila completed 20 of 26 passes for 303 yards and nine touchdowns on Saturday night as the Arizona Rattlers (8-3) put an end to the New Orleans VooDoo's (4-6) three-game home Arena Football League winning streak 69-45.

NBA Playoffs: Rajon Rondo Triple-Double Helps Celtics Win Game And Series; Get Heat Next

At Boston:


Rajon Rondo scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists while Kevin Garnett added 18 points and 13 rebounds as the Boston Celtics, with all five starters scoring in double-digits, defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in game seven of their Eastern Conference semifinal series as the second round of the NBA Playoffs came to a conclusion on Saturday night.  The Celtics, who won the series four games to three, will open up the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat on Monday night in Miami.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Adam Henrique's OT Goal Sends Devils To First Finals Appearance Since 2003

At Newark, New Jersey:


Adam Henrique scored the winning goal 63 minutes into overtime as the New Jersey Devils defeated the visiting New York Rangers 3-2 in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals, enabling them to win the series four games to two.  The Devils will open up their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals since 2003 on Wednesday night at home against the Los Angeles Kings (making their first appearance in the finals since 1993).



Thursday, May 24, 2012

NBA Playoffs: D-Wade Helps Heat Close Out Pacers, Miami To Get Boston Or Philly Next

At Indianapolis:


Dwyane Wade scored 41 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while LeBron James added 28 points as the Miami Heat closed out their NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Indiana Pacers four games to two following their 105-93 road win in game six on Thursday.  The Heat will host the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston or Philadelphia on Monday in Miami.

NBA Playoffs: 76ers Top Celtics To Force Game Seven

At Philadelphia:


Jrue Holiday scored 20 points as the Philadelphia 76ers squared their Eastern Conference semifinal series with an 82-75 home win over the Boston Celtics (despite 24 points and 10 rebounds from Paul Pierce and 20 points and 11 rebounds from Kevin Garnett) in the lone Wednesday NBA Playoff contest.  The series, deadlocked at three games apiece, will be decided on Saturday in Boston.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Devils Blow Three-Goal Lead, Then Pull Out Road Win Over Rangers For 3-2 Series Lead

At New York:


Ryan Carter scored the winning goal with 4:24 remaining in the third period as the New Jersey Devils, after blowing a three-goal first-period lead, still topped the New York Rangers 5-3 on the road in game five of the Eastern Conference finals as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Wednesday.  The Devils can lock up their first conference title since 2003 with a game-six victory at home on Friday night at Newark.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Heat Scorch Pacers To Take 3-2 Series Lead

At Miami:


LeBron James scored 30 points (and grabbed 10 rebounds) while Dwyane Wade added 28 as the Miami Heat scorched the visiting Indiana Pacers 115-83 in game five of their Eastern Conference semifinal series in the lone Tuesday NBA Playoff contest.  The Heat, who now enjoy a three-games-to-two advantage, can close out the pesky Pacers----and the series----with a game-six Thursday night in Indianapolis.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: OT Goal Sends Kings To First Cup Finals Since 1993

At Glendale, Arizona:


Dustin Penner scored the winning goal at 17:42 of overtime on Tuesday night as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 4-3 in game five of the Western Conference finals, which the Kings won four games to two.  Los Angeles, who are currently 8-0 on the road in the playoffs,  will open up their second Stanley Cup Finals appearance next Wednesday night at New York or New Jersey.  The Kings dropped their one previous finals appearance four-games-to-one to the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.

Monday, May 21, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Russ And Kevin Help Offset Kobe's 42 Points As Thunder Finish Off Lakers, Get Spurs Next; Celtics Control Second Half To Take 3-2 Series Lead Over 76ers

The NBA Playoffs continued with two games played on Monday.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Boston:


Brandon Bass scored 18 of his playoff career-high 27 points in the third quarter as the Boston Celtics overcame a three-point halftime deficit by controlling the second half in defeating the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 101-85 in game five of their conference semifinal series.  The Celtics, who lead the series three games to two, can close out the series with a victory in Philadelphia on Wednesday.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Oklahoma City:


Russell Westbrook scored 28 points (and pulled in 10 rebounds) and Kevin Durant added 25 as the Oklahoma City Thunder offset Kobe Bryant's 42-point performance and eliminated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 106-90 in game five and won their conference semifinal series four games to one.  The Thunder will open up the Western Conference finals this coming Sunday at San Antonio.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Devils Top Rangers To Square East Final At Two Games Apiece

At Newark, New Jersey:


Zach Parise scored twice (once on a power play, once into an empty net) and Martin Brodeur stopped 27 of 28 shots as the New Jersey Devils evened their Eastern Conference final series with the New York Rangers following their 4-1 home victory in game four as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Monday.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

NBA Playoffs: LeBron and D-Wade Help Heat Square Series With Pacers; Spurs Complete Sweep Of Clippers


The NBA Playoffs continued with two Sunday contests.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Indianapolis:


LeBron James scored 40 points and grabbed 19 rebounds (and registered nine assists) while Dwyane Wade added 30 as the Miami Heat squared their conference semifinal series at two games apiece following their 101-93 road win in game four over the Indiana Pacers.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Los Angeles:


Tim Duncan scored 21 points while Tony Parker added 17 as the San Antonio Spurs, with a balanced attack, completed their four-game conference semifinal series sweep of the Los Angeles Clippers with a 102-99 road win in game four.  The Spurs have now won eighteen straight games and are awaiting the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Oklahoma City Thunder series (OKC leads three games to one).



Stanley Cup Playoffs: Mike Smith's Goaltending And Shane Doan's Double Help Coyotes Avoid Sweep

At Los Angeles:


Mike Smith stopped all 36 shots while Shane Doan scored both goals (one of them on the power play) as the Phoenix Coyotes blanked the Los Angeles Kings 2-0 on the road in game five of their Western Conference final, adverting what would have been a four-game sweep, cutting the Los Angeles advantage to three games to one.  The Kings (unbeaten on the road in this year's playoffs at 7-0) can still close out the series at Glendale, Arizona on Tuesday night.



Saturday, May 19, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Comeback Wins For Spurs And Thunder Put Los Angeles Teams On Brink Of Eliminatioin

The NBA Playoffs continued with two games on Saturday, both in the Western Conference semifinals, both played at Los Angeles.


In the opener, Tony Parker scored 23 points (with 10 assists) while Tim Duncan added 19 as the San Antonio Spurs overcame a 24-point second-quarter (and a 28-point, 16 rebound performance from Blake Griffin), went on a 24-0 third-quarter run, and defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 96-86 (for their seventeenth consecutive win overall) to take a three-games-to-none lead in their conference semifinal series, which they can lock up with a game-four win at the Staples Center on Sunday.


In the nightcap, Russell Westbrook scored 37 points (10 of them in the fourth quarter) while Kevin Durant added 31 (to go with his 13 rebounds) as the Oklahoma City Thunder came from behind to overcome the Los Angeles Lakers (and Kobe Bryant's 38 points) 103-100 in game four of their conference semifinal series.  The Thunder, who lead the series three games to one, can close out the series with a home win on Monday night.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Hammerin Hank's Shutout Gives Rangers 2-1 Series Lead

At Newark, New Jersey:


Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 36 shots while Dan Giraldi (power play), Chris Kreider, and Ryan Callahan (empty net) each scored a third-period goal as the New York Rangers took a two-games-to-one Eastern Conference finals lead following their 3-0 road blanking of the New Jersey Devils as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Saturday.

137th Preakness Stakes: I'll Have Another Punks Bodemeister Again; Has Shot At First Triple Crown Since 1978

At Baltimore:


I'll Have Another (with Mario Gutierrez aboard) again came from behind, this time in the final few yards, to nose out (actually, neck out) Bodemeister to win the 137th edition of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.  Creative Cause finished third.  If he wins the Belmont Stakes on June 9, I'll Have Another would be the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win horse racing's coveted Triple Crown.

Friday, May 18, 2012

NBA Playoffs: 76ers Erase 18-Point Deficit To Square Series With Celtics; Lakers Hold Off Thunder To Cut OKC Series Lead To 2-1

Two games were played in the NBA Playoffs on Friday.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Philadelphia:


Andre Iguodala scored 16 points, scoring five straight in the final 90 seconds in the process, as the Philadelphia 76ers overcame an 18-point third-quarter deficit and defeated the visiting Boston Bruins 92-83 to square their conference semifinal series at two games apiece.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Los Angeles:


Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, converting all 18 free throws along the way, as the Los Angeles Lakers fought off the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder (despite 31 points from the visitors' Kevin Durant) 99-96 in game three of their conference semifinal series, cutting their deficit to two games to one.

VooDoo Back On Winning Track As New Orleans Tops Struggling Orlando

At New Orleans:


Quarterback Kurt Rocco threw for nine touchdowns including the 10-yard game winner to Quorey Payne in the fourth quarter as the New Orleans VooDoo (4-5) ended a two-game losing streak with their third straight Arena Football League home win, 68-61 over the struggling Orlando Predators (1-8) on Friday.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Pacers Douse Sluggish Heat For 2-1 Series Lead; Spurs Wear Out Clippers Again For 2-0 Lead

The NBA Playoffs continued with two games on Thursday.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Indianapolis:


George Hill scored 20 points while Roy Hibbert added 19 (to go with his 18 rebounds) and Danny Granger 17 as the Indiana Pacers dominated the visiting Miami Heat 94-75 in game three of their conference semifinal series.  The Pacers lead the series two games to one.  Mario Chalmers scored 25 points to lead the Heat.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At San Antonio:


Tony Parker celebrated his 30th birthday by scoring 22 points while Tim Duncan added 18 as the San Antonio Spurs downed the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 105-88 to take a two-games-to-none lead in their conference semifinal series.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Hot Kings One Win Away From First Finals Appearance Since '93

At Los Angeles:


Anze Kopitar and Dwight King each scored a goal as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the visiting Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 on Thursday night to take a commanding three-games-to-none Western Conference Finals lead as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.  The Kings will go for the four-game sweep and their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1993 with a win at home on Sunday.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Thunder Hold Off Lakers For 2-0 Series Lead; Celtics Take 2-1 Series Lead Against 76ers

The NBA Playoffs continued on Wednesday with two games.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Philadelphia:


Kevin Garnett scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the Boston Celtics won back home-court advantage for their conference semifinal series with the Philadelphia 76ers following their 107-91 road win in game three for a two-games-to-one series lead.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Oklahoma City:


Kevin Garnett scored 22 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder scored the last nine points as they came from behind to upend the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 77-75 to take a two-games-to-none conference semifinal series lead.  The series resumes Friday night in Los Angeles.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Devils Square East Finals With Rangers At One Game Apiece

At New York:


David Clarkson scored the winning goal at 2:31 of the third period on Wednesday as the New Jersey Devils squared their Eastern Conference Final series with the New York Rangers at one game apiece following their 3-2 home win in game two as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Kings Keep Their Cool As They Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Frustrated Coyotes

At Glendale, Arizona:


Jeff Carter delivered his first playoff hat trick (two of his goals were on the power play) and Jonathan Quick stopped all 24 shots as the Los Angeles Kings won an NHL record seven straight road games to start the playoffs with their 4-0 road beat-down of the Phoenix Coyotes in game two of the Western Conference Final.  The Kings take a two-games-to-none lead back to Los Angeles for game three on Thursday night.

NBA Playoffs: Pacers Square Series With Heat At One Game Apiece; Spurs Too Much For Clippers In Series Opener

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


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Miami:


David West scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers squared their conference semifinal series with the Chris Bosh-less Miami Heat at one game apiece with a 78-75 game-two win.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At San Antonio:


Tim Duncan scored 26 points and pulled in 10 rebounds as the well-rested San Antonio Spurs opened their conference semifinal series with a 108-92 victory---their fifteenth consecutive---over the weary visiting Los Angeles Clippers.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rangers Break Open Tight Game In East Final Opener Against Devils

At New York:


Dan Giraldi, Chris Kreider (power play), and Artem Anisimov (empty net) each scored a third-period while Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 21 shots as the New York Rangers defeated the visiting New Jersey Devils 3-0 in the opening contest of the Eastern Conference Final in the lone Monday Stanley Cup Playoff contest.

NBA Playoffs: 76ers Square Series With Celtics At One Game Apiece; Thunder Dismantle Lakers

The NBA Playoffs continued with two games played on Monday.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Boston:


Evan Turner scored two of his ten points with his go-ahead jumper with 40.4 seconds remaining in regulation while Jure Holiday scored 18 and Andre Iguodala added 13 (to go with his seven assists and six rebounds) as the Philadelphia 76ers squared their conference semifinal series with the Boston Celtics at one game apiece following their 82-81 road win in game two.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Oklahoma City:


Russell Westbrook scored 27 points and Kevin Durant added 25 as the well-rested Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the weary, visiting Los Angeles Lakers 119-90 in the opening contest of their conference semifinal series.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Clippers Hold Off Grizzlies Rally To Get Shot At Spurs; Heat Top Pacers In Series Opener

Two games were played in the NBA Playoffs on Sunday.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Memphis:


Chris Paul scored 19 points while Nick Young added 13 (nine of them coming off the bench in the fourth quarter) and Kenyon Martin added 11 (seven of them in the fourth quarter) as the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Memphis Grizzlies 82-72 on the road in the seventh and deciding game of their conference quarterfinal series, enabling the Clippers to pick up only the third playoff series victory in their 42-year, three-city history, four games to three.  Los Angeles will open up their conference semifinal series with the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night on the road.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Miami:


A 32-point, 15-rebound performance from LeBron James carried the Miami Heat to a 95-86 home win over the Indiana Pacers in the opening game of their conference semifinal series.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Kings Start Conference Finals On Right Foot

At Glendale, Arizona:


Dwight King scored twice (once an empty netter) while Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown each added a tally and Jonathan Quick stopped 25 of 27 shots as the Los Angeles Kings picked up their sixth win on the road in the playoffs with their 4-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes in the opening contest of the Western Conference Finals, the lone Mother's Day Stanley Cup Playoff contest.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Lakers Outlast Nuggets To Advnace; Celtics Top 76ers In Conference Semifinal Series Opener

The NBA Playoffs continued with two games played on Saturday.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Los Angeles:


Pau Gasol scored 23 points and grabbed 17 rebounds while Steve Blake scored a career-high 19 points, Kobe Bryant added 17, Metta World Peace, back from a seven-game suspension, added 15, while Andrew Bynum had a 16-point, 18-round (career playoff high) night as the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the visiting Denver Nuggets 96-87 in game seven to win their  conference quarterfinal series four games to three.  The Lakers will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semifinals with their series to start Monday night in the Oklahoma capital city.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Boston:


Kevin Garnett scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Paul Pierce added 14 points and Rajon Rondo 13 (to go with his 12 rebounds) as the Boston Celtics held off the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 92-91 in the opening game of their conference semifinal series.  The game marked the opening of the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rangers Take Game Seven From Caps, Get Devils Next

At New York:


In the lone Saturday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Brad Richards and Michael Del Zotto each scored a goal while Henrik Lundqvist stopped 22 of 23 shots as the New York Rangers defeated the visiting Washington Capitals in game seven of their Eastern Conference semifinal series 2-1 to win the series four games to three.  The Rangers will host the New Jersey Devils in the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night.

VooDoo Electrocuted In OT

At Spokane, Washington:


Terrance Sanders intercepted two passes, one in overtime (the OT pick-off set up a touchdown run from one yard out by quarterback Kyle Rowley), and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as the Spokane Shock (4-4) defeated the visiting New Orleans VooDoo (3-5) 68-62 in Friday night Arena Football League action.

Friday, May 11, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Grizzlies Top Clippers To Force Game Seven

At Los Angeles:


In the lone Friday NBA Playoff contest, Marc Gasol scored 23 points, while Zach Randolph added 18 (to go with his 16 rebonds), and Rudy Gay and Mike Conley each added 13 as the Memphis Grizzlies squared their Western Conference quarterfinal series with the Los Angeles Clippers at three games apiece following their 90-88 road victory in game six.  The seventh and deciding game will take place in Memphis on Sunday afternoon.

Carroll Shelby, Legendary Designer Of Shelby Cobra Sports Car, R. I. P.

Carroll Shelby, the car designer and auto racing driver who built the legendary Shelby Cobra sports car, passed away on Thursday at a Dallas hospital at age 89.

Mr. Shelby, whose passing was reported on Friday, had received a heart transplant in 1990 and a kidney transplant in 1996.

Carroll was inducted in 1992 into the Automobile Hall of Fame.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

NBA Playoffs: 76ers Oust Top-Seeded Bulls; Celtics Also Advance; Nuggets Smother Lakers To Force Game Seven

The NBA Playoffs continued with three Thursday games.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Philadelphia:


Andre Iguodala scored 20 points, two of them on a pair of clutch free throws with 2.2 second remaining as the Philadelphia 76ers completed their upset of the top-seeded Chicago Bulls with a 79-78 home win in game six.  The 76ers, who won their conference quarterfinal series four games to two, will next get the Boston Celtics as they advance to the second round for the first time since 2003.


At Boston:


Kevin Garnett scored 28 points and pulled in 14 rebounds as the Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks 83-80 in game six to win their opening-round series four games to two.  KG and his friends will open up their conference semifinal series with the Philadelphia 76ers at home on Saturday.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Denver:


Ty Lawson scored 32 points while Corey Brewer contributed 18 as the Denver Nuggets dominated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 113-96 to square their conference quarterfinal series at three games apiece (despite 31 points from the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, sour stomach and all) with the seventh and deciding game to be played in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Heat Finish Off Knicks; Grizzlies Force Game Six With Clippers

The NBA Playoffs continued on Wednesday with two games.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Miami:


LeBron James scored 29 points while Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh each added 19 as the Miami Heat eliminated the New York Knicks by winning their conference quarterfinal series four games to one in the aftermath of their 106-94 game-five home victory.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Marc Gasol scored 23 points while Zach Randolph added 19 (to go with his 10 rebounds) as the Memphis Grizzlies avoided elimination by winning game five of their first-round series, 92-80 over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, who still lead the series three games to two.  The Clippers can close out the series in Los Angeles with a game-six win on Friday, otherwise, the series returns to Memphis for game seven on Sunday.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Caps Top Rangers To Force Game Seven

At Washington:


In the lone Wednesday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Alex Ovechkin (power play) and Jason Chimera each scored once with Braden Holtby stopped 30 of 31 shots as the Washington Capitals squared their Eastern Conference semifinal series at three games apiece with their 2-1 home win over the New York Rangers, forcing the seventh and deciding game to be played in New York on Saturday night for the right to face the New Jersey Devils in the conference finals.

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Pacers Close Out Magic; Hawks, Bulls, Nuggets Stay Alive

The NBA Playoffs continued on Tuesday with four games.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Indianapolis:


Danny Granger scored 25 points as the Indiana Pacers ended the Orlando Magic's season with a 105-87 game-five home victory, win their conference quarterfinal series four games to one.  This marks the Pacers' first playoff series win since 2005.


At Atlanta:


Al Horford scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Atlanta Hawks held off the visiting Boston Celtics 87-86 to avoid elimination and cut the Celtics' first-round series advantage to three games to two.  The Celtics can still wrap up the series with a Thursday night win at home.


At Chicago:


Luol Deng scored 24 points while Carlos Boozer added 19 (to go with his 13 rebounds) as the Chicago Bulls stayed alive in their opening-round series with a low-scoring 77-69 game-five home win over the Philadelphia 76ers, whose series lead now stands at three games to two.  The 76ers can win the series with a home victory on Thursday.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Los Angeles:


Andre Miller scored two of his 24 points by hitting a pair of free throws with 12.8 seconds remaining in regulation while JaVale MeGee had a 21-point, 14-rebound night as the Denver Nuggets withstood a 43-point performance from Kobe Bryant and held off the Los Angeles Lakers 102-99 on the road in game five of their conference quarterfinal series and staved off elimination.  The Lakers, who still lead the series three games to two, can still close out the Nuggets with a victory in Denver on Thursday.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Devils Finish Off Flyers To Advance To East Finals

At Philadelphia:


In the lone Tuesday Stanley Cup Playoff contest, Bryce Salvador, David Clarkson, and Ilya Kovalchuk each scored a goal while Martin Brodeur stopped 27 of 28 shots as the New Jersey Devils wrapped up their Eastern Conference semifinal series four-games-to-one following their 3-1 road win in game five over the Philadelphia Flyers.  The Devils advanced to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2003, the year New Jersey won their most recent Stanley Cup championship.

Monday, May 07, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Spurs Complete Sweep Of Jazz; Clippers Top Grizzlies In OT To Take 3-1 Series Advantage

The NBA Playoffs continued on Monday with two games, both in the Western Conference.

At Salt Lake City:


Tony Parker scored 17 points as the San Antonio Spurs completed a four-game conference quarterfinal series sweep of the Utah Jazz with their 87-81 game-four road win.

At Los Angeles:


Blake Griffin scored 30 points while Chris Paul scored eight of his 27 in overtime as the Los Angeles Clippers took a three-games-to-one lead in their first-round series with a 101-97 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies.  The Clippers can wrap up the series with a game-five win in Memphis on Wednesday.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rangers Score Early OT Goal To Take 3-2 Series Lead; Coyotes Finish Off Predators, Get Kings Next

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Monday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At New York:


Two power-play goals, the first from Brad Richards with 7.6 seconds remaining in regulation, and the second, from Marc Staal, 95 seconds into overtime, carried the New York Rangers to a 3-2 come-from-behind home win over the Washington Capitals to give them a three-games-to-two conference semifinal series advantage.  The Rangers can close out the series and reach their first conference final since 1997 with a win at Washington on Wednesday night.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Glendale, Arizona:


Derek Morris and Martin Hanzal scored second-half goals and Mike Smith stopped 32 of 33 shots as the Phoenix Coyotes eliminated the Nashville Predators with their 2-1 game-five home victory, enabling them to win their conference semifinal series four games to one.  For the first time in their 33-year NHL history, the Coyotes have reached a conference final, in which they would have home ice advantage against the Los Angeles Kings.  

NBA Playoffs: Knicks End Playoff Losing Streak To Advert Sweep; 76ers, Celtics, Lakers Take 3-1 Series Leads

The NBA Playoffs continued with four Sunday contests.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At New York:


Carmelo Anthony scored 41 points, while Amare Stoudemire, back after losing a fight with a fire extinguisher, scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the New York Knicks  The adverted what would have been a four-game sweep in their conference quarterfinal series by defeating the Miami Heat 89-87 at home to cut the Miami advantage to three games to one.  The win ended the Knicks' league-record 13 game playoff losing streak, dating back to 2001.  The Heat can still close out the series with a game-five win at home on Wednesday.


At Philadelphia:


Jrue Holiday scored 22 points  as Philadelphia 76ers took a three-games-to-one in their first-round series by defeating the visiting Chicago Bulls 89-82 The 76ers can finish off the the overall top-seeded Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday.


At Boston:


Paul Pierce scored 24 points while Rajon Rondo added 20 (to go with his 16 assists) as the Boston Celtics roasted the visiting Atlanta Hawks 101-79 to take a three-games-to-one lead in their opening-round series.  The Celtics can close out the series wth a win in Atlanta on Tuesday night.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Denver:


Kobe Bryant scored 22 points and Andrew Bynum added 19 as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets 92-88 on the road to take a three-games-to-one lead in their conference quarterfinal series, a series the Lakers can wrap up with a win back in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. 







Sunday, May 06, 2012

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Happy Birthday Present For Marty The Magnificent As Devils Erase Two-Goal Deficit To Take 3-1 Series Lead; Kings Complete Sweep Of Blues

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued with two games on Sunday.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Philadelphia:


Martin Brodeur celebrated his 40th birthday as the New Jersey Devils came back from a two-goal deficit with four unanswered tallies---from Petr Sykora (power play), Marek Zidlicky, and Dainius Zubrus (two, one of them an empty netter)---in their 4-2 home win over the Philadelphia Flyers as they took a three-games-to-one conference semifinal series lead.  Marty the Magnificent stopped 20 of 22 shots.  The Devils can close out the series with a win in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Los Angeles:


Dustin Brown scored twice (once an empty netter) and Jonathan Quick stopped 23 of 24 shots as the Los Angeles Kings completed a four-game sweep of their conference semifinal series with the St. Louis Blues  3-1 at home.  The Kings advance to a conference final for only the second time in their history (the other time was 1993, when they reached their only Stanley Cup Final appearance).

Rest In Peace, Goober

George Lindsey, the actor best remembered for his portrayal of service station attendant Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry RFD, and Hee Haw, passed away on Sunday morning in Nashville after a brief illness at age 83.


Mr. Lindsey began playing the role of Goober on the Andy Griffith Show in 1964 after Jim Nabors, who played Gomer Pyle (who once mentioned Goober as his cousin), left the series to star in his own spinoff, Gomer Pyle, USMC.


George would continue to portray Goober on the Andy Griffith Show's successor series Mayberry RFD (1968-71) and then on Hee Haw (1971-92).

Saturday, May 05, 2012

Flawless Floyd

At Las Vegas:


Floyd Mayweather, Jr. remained unbeaten at 43-0 after having won a unanimous decision over Miguel Cotto to win the latter's World Boxing Association title. 

Kentucky Derby: I'll Have Another Overtakes Bodemeister To Win Run For The Roses

At Louisville, Kentucky:


I'll Have Another, with Mario Gutierrez aboard, came from behind to overtake Bodemeister (who finisihed second) to win the 128th Kentucky Derby on Saturday (becoming the first horse to emerge from the Number 19 position to do so).  Dullahan finished third.

NBA Playoffs: Mavs Dethroned In Four-Game Sweep; Pacers, Clippers, Spurs Pick Up Wins

The NBA Playoffs continued on Saturday with four games.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Orlando, Florida:


David West scored 26 points and pulled in 12 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers recovered from a blown 19-point fourth-quarter lead and defeated the home-standing Orlando Magic 101-99 in overtime to take a three-games-to-one lead in their conference quarterfinal series.  The Pacers can lock up the series with a home win at Indianapolis this coming Tuesday night.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Los Angeles:


Chris Paul scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Blake Griffin added 17 points as the Los Angeles Clippers held off the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 87-86 in game three of their first-round series to take a two-games-to-one lead.  Rudy Gay scored 24 points to pace the Grizzlies, but he missed a three-point jumper just before time expired.


At Salt Lake City:


Tony Parker scored 27 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the home-standing Utah Jazz 102-90 to take a three-games-to-none lead in their opening-round series.  The Spurs can wrap up the series with a win at Salt Lake City on Monday night.


At Dallas:


James Harden scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter as the Oklahoma City Thunder, after trailing by 13 points with 9:44 remaining in regulation time, came from behind to end the Dallas Mavericks' one-year reign as NBA champions with their 103-97 game-four road win to sweep the Mavericks in four games.



Stanley Cup Playoffs: Caps Square Series With Rangers At 2-2

At Washington:


In Saturday's lone Stanley Cup playoff contest,  defenseman Mike Green scored the winning power-play goal with 5:48 remaining in regulation time as the Washington Capitals squared their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the New York Rangers at two games apiece following their 3-2 home victory in game four.

Sharks Come Back Form 23-Point Deficit To Bite VooDoo

At Jacksonville, Florida:


Jamarko Simmons ran for the game-winning touchdown with 3:43 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Jacksonville Sharks (3-4) overcame a 23-point deficit to upend the visiting New Orleans VooDoo (3-4) in a Friday night nationally-televised Arena Football League contest.

Friday, May 04, 2012

NBA Playoffs: 76ers, Celtics Take 2-1 Series Leads; Nuggets Cut Lakers Advantage To 2-1

The NBA Playoffs continued on Friday with three games.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Philadelphia:


Spencer Hawes scored 21 points (10 in the fourth quarter) as the Philadelphia 76ers came back from a 14-point deficit to knock off the visiting Chicago Bulls 79-74 in game three of their conference quarterfinal series, which the 76ers now lead two games to one.




At Boston:


Paul Pierce scored 21 points while Kevin Garnett scored 20 while grabbing 11 rebounds and Rajon Rondo, back from suspension, had a triple-double (17 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists) as the Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks 90-84 in overtime to take a two-games-to-one lead in their first-round series.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Denver:


Ty Lawson scored 25 points as the Denver Nuggets raced out to an early 24-point lead, en route to a 99-84 game-three home win over the Los Angeles Lakers to cut their opening-round series deficit to two games to one.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Coyotes One Win Away From Ousting Predators

At Nashville:


Shane Doan scored the only goal of the game in the first period while Mike Smith stopped all 25 shots as the Phoenix Coyotes blanked the home-standing Nashville Predators 1-0 in the lone Friday Stanley Cup Playoff contest.  The Coyotes, who lead their Western Conference semifinal series three games to one, can clinch their first-ever NHL conference final berth with a home victory at Glendale, Arizona on Monday night.

Maybe The Food Is Better In The Big House

It appears this former Ohio State and Indianapolis Colts quarterback can't stay out of trouble.

Let's Go Under The Bridge With Whoopee John And The Boys!

From 1953, here's "Whoopee" John Wilfart and his orchestra with "Under The Bridge," which is a polka.

Time For The Fat Man!

Here's Fats Domino with his first hit recording, "The Fat Man," recorded in New Orleans in December, 1949 and released on Imperial Records in early 1950.  This was intended to be the "B" side to "Detroit City Blues."  The "A" side did not chart, but the flip side would hit the top ten on Billboard's Rhythm and Blues chart.  It would be the first of many hits for Fats, who co-wrote the song with his longtime collaborator, bandleader Dave Bartholomew.

Enjoy!

Here He Comes To Save Your Breakfast

In what looks like a late-1950s commerical, here's Mighty Mouse hawking Post Sugar Crisp cereal.

Thursday, May 03, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Heat, Thunder Take 3-0 Series Leads

The NBA Playoffs continued on Thursday with two games.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At New York:


LeBron James scored 32 points as the Miami Heat smothered the New York Knicks 87-70 on the road in game three of their conference quarterfinal series for a commanding three-games-to-none series lead.  The Knicks have now lost an NBA record 13 straight postseason contests.  The Heat will go for the four-games series sweep in New York on Sunday afternoon.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Dallas:


Kevin Durant scored 31 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves one victory away from dethroning the defending champion Dallas Mavericks following their 95-79 road victory in game three of their first-round series, which the Thunder now lead three games to none.  Oklahoma City can finish off the Mavericks with a win in Dallas on Saturday night.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: OT Goal Gives Devils 2-1 Series Lead Over Flyers; Kings One Win Away From Ousting Blues

The Stanley Cup Playoff resumed with two games on Thursday.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Newark, New Jersey:


Alexei Ponikarovsky scored the winning goal at 17:21 of overtime as the New Jersey Devils defeated the visiting Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in game three of their conference semifinal series and have taken a two-games-to-one advantage.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Los Angeles:


Goals from Justin Williams, Dwight King, Mike Richards (power play) and Drew Doughty lifted the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-2 game-three home win over the St. Louis Blues.  The Kings, who lead their conference semifinal series three games to none, can complete a four-game sweep with a victory on Sunday at home.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

NBA Playoffs: Grizzlies Recover From Game-One Collapse To Square Series With Clippers; Spurs, Pacers Win

The games made up the Wednesday NBA Playoff schedule.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


At Memphis:


Rudy Gay scored 21 points while O. J. Mayo scored half of his 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Memphis Grizzlies bounced back from their opening-game collapse to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 105-98 in game two and square their conference quarterfinal series at one game apiece, offsetting Chris Paul's 29 points.


At San Antonio:


Tony Parker scored 18 points as the San Antonio Spurs blasted the visiting Utah Jazz 114-83 in game two of their opening-round series to take a two-games-to-none advantage.


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


At Orlando, Florida:


Danny Granger scored 26 points and nine rebounds, while Roy Hibbert added 18 and 10 in those respective categories as the Indiana Pacers downed the Orlando Magic 97-74 on the road in game three of their first-round series for a two-games-to-one advantage.