2010 World Series: Madison Proves To Be No Bum As He Garners Six Strikeouts In Eight Shutout Innings With Giants One Win Away From First WS Title Since '54

At Arlington, Texas:

Madison Bumgarner (above) pitched eight shutout innings, while Aubrey Huff hit a two-run homer in the third inning as the San Francisco Giants blanked the Texas Rangers 4-0 Sunday in the fourth game of the World Series.  The Giants, with a win on Monday, would clinch their first World Series title since 1954, when they were still based in New York.

Ducks Take Over Top Spot In BCS Standings (Oregon Still Tops AP and USA Today/Coaches Polls)

In the aftermath of their Saturday win over USC, the Oregon Ducks overtook Auburn (who defeated Ole Miss on the road) to become the new number one team in the latest Bowl Championship Series standings that were released on Sunday.  The Ducks remain atop both the Associated Press (media) and USA Today/Coaches polls as well, with first place votes totaling 49 (of 60) and 51 (of 59) respectively.


As for Oregon State, after their home beatdown of California, the Beavers edged closer to returning to the AP's top 25 rankings with enough support in which they would be ranked #28.

Riders Lose Again But Clinch Home Playoff Date

At Vancouver, British Columbia:


Yonus Davis returned a punt 88 yards and the British Columbia Lions (7-10) scored on a late turnover as they handed the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8) their fourth straight defeat 23-17 on Sunday.  The Riders still assured themselves of hosting a divisional semifinal playoff game.

Time For A Movie!

From 1941, here's Bela Lugosi starring in "Invisible Ghost."  In this one, Bela plays a man who is disturbed and haunted by the passing of his wife.  This motion picture, originally released theatrically by Monogram Pictures (this one is an Astor Pictures print), was produced for Banner Pictures by Sam Katzman and directed by Joseph H. Lewis with screenplay by Helen and Al Martin.

And Now, A Word From Our Alternate Sponsor

From around 1960, here's a commercial for Kellogg's Gro-Pup Dog Food.

Here's Something To Make You Feel Old

From the 1960s, here's a commercial for Sixfinger.


Remember?

It Was 72 Years Ago Last Night

Here is the famous---or infamous---broadcast of H. G. Wells' "War of the Worlds," an episode of Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre on the Air, which aired over CBS on October 30, 1938.

Niners Head Into Bye Week With Win Over Broncos In London

At London:

Backup quarterback Troy Smith ran for a touchdown and threw 28 yards to Michael Crabtree for another as the San Francisco 49ers (2-6) defeated the Denver Broncos (2-6) 24-16 Sunday in a National Football League contest played at Wembley Stadium (it was designated as a 49ers home game). 

Ducks Beat Trojans In Offensive Slugfest

At Los Angeles:

LaMichael James ran for 239 yards and three touchdowns while quarterback Darron Thomas threw for four more scores (three to Jeff Maehl) as the Oregon Ducks (8-0, 4-0 in Pac-10 play) (#1 in AP and USA Today/Coaches polls; #2 in BCS standings) defeated the Southern California Trojans (5-3, 2-3) 53-32 Saturday night on the road.

2010 World Series: Rangers Hold Off Giants To Cut Deficit To 2-1

At Arlington, Texas:

Solid starting pitching from Colby Lewis, combined with Mitch Moreland's three-run homer in the second inning and Josh Hamilton's 426-foot solo shot in the fifth, carried the Texas Rangers to a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants Saturday in game three of the World Series.  The Giants' lead in the series was reduced to two games to one.  Pictured here are Rangers' outfielder Julio Borbon celebrating the win with closer Neftali Feliz, who came on in the ninth inning and took out the Giants in order to seal the victory.  Catcher Bengie Molina joined in the fun.

Dallas Morning News photo by Louis DeMuca

Beavers Blast Bears

At Corvallis, Oregon:

Running back Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 119 yards and three touchdowns---and threw for another score---as the Oregon State Beavers (4-3 overall, 3-1 in Pac-10 Conference play) buried the visiting California Golden Bears (4-4, 2-3) 35-7 on Saturday.

Time For Harry

From many moons ago, here are Harry James and his Music Makers with "Trumpet Blues and Cantabile."

 

Alright, Cats and Dolls, Time To Swing!

In this excerpt from a 1938 band remote radio broadcast, here are Artie Shaw and his orchestra with "It Had To Be You."

 

Your Hit Parade

Here's a kinescope of the December 4, 1954 NBC Network telecast of Your Hit Parade, with Dorothy Collins, Snooky Lanson, Gisele McKenzie, and Russell Arms.

An NFL Team In Europe?

With this coming game on Sunday at London's Wembley stadium between two teams with a combined record of 3-11, there is talk that one day there could be an NFL team coming to England.

How 'bout the team losing this Sunday's contest?

Time For A Movie!

Here's one from PRC Pictures (Producers Releasing Corporation) dating back to 1944, "Dixie Jamboree," which stars Frances Langford and Guy Kibbee.  This flick was produced by Jack Schwarz and directed by Christy Cabanne with screenplay by Sam Neuman based on Lawrence E. Taylor's original story.

Enjoy!

2010 World Series: Giants Demolish Rangers To Take 2-0 Lead

At San Francisco:

Matt Cain (pictured here) pitched 7 2/3 inning of shutout baseball as the San Francisco Giants, who scored seven runs in the eighth inning, smashed the Texas Rangers 9-0 Thursday night in the second game of the World Series.  The Giants lead the series two games to none, with game three scheduled for Saturday night at Arlington, Texas.

USA Today Photo by H. Darr Beiser 

Book 'Em No More, Danno

James MacArthur, the actor who will always be remembered for his role as Danny "Danno" Williams on the original version of Hawaii Five-O (CBS, 1968-80), passed away on Thursday at his Palm Desert, California home at age 72.

Mr MacArthur, who was the adopted son of legendary actress Helen Hayes and playwright Charles MacArthur, was the last surviving original member of the Five-O cast.  He left the show in 1979, one year before the series finally expired.

It was at the end of each episode as the criminal was about to be arrested, Danno's boss, Steve McGarrett (played by Jack Lord), barked the order, "book 'em, Danno."

2010 World Series: Giants Use Cliff Lee For Batting Practice As They Open Series With 11-7 Win

At San Francisco:

The San Francisco Giants scored six runs in the fifth inning, half of those runs on a three-run homer by Juan Uribe, as they defeated the visiting Texas Rangers 11-7 in the opening game of the World Series played on Wednesday.  Rangers' pitcher Cliff Lee, who was roughed up in the game, suffered his first career postseason defeat.  Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez hit three doubles in his first three World Series at bats (that's his first hit shown here), producing three runs batted in on four hits in five at bats overall.

San Francisco Chronicle Photo by Lacy Atkins

Sappy Birthday, Andy!

Here's a rare treat:  A non-Three Stooges Columbia two-reel comedy short subject.  This one from 1942 stars Andy Clyde in "Sappy Birthday," produced by Del Lord and Hugh McCollum and directed by Harry Edwards with story and screenplay by John Grey and Lloyd A. French.  Co-starring with Andy is Keystone Kops veteran, and a cast member in many a Stooges short, Vernon Dent.

Gee Dick, It's A Mystery To Me Too

"The Ghost Town Mystery" is the seventh chapter in our 1937 Republic Pictures Dick Tracy Serial, starring Ralph Byrd in the title role and featuring Kay Hughes and Smiley Burnette.  Produced by Nat Levine and directed by Ray Taylor and Alan James. Based on Chester Gould's comic strip with screenplay by Barry Shipman and Winston Miller from an original story by Morgan Cox and George Morgan.

Ducks Still Top Media and Coaches Poll While Staying At #2 In BCS Standings

After their Thursday night demolition of UCLA, the Oregon Ducks still topped both the Associated Press Media (with 44 first-place votes) and USA Today/Coaches (50) polls.  The Ducks remained at number two in the newest Bowl Championship Series rankings that came out on Sunday, after Oklahoma, which topped those rankings, were knocked off at Missouri on Saturday night.  Auburn moved up to the top of the BCS standings (#3 in both the AP and USA/Coaches Polls), with Boise State still at #3 (#2 in both the media and coaches' polls).

As for Oregon State, the Beavers received no support in the coaches' poll, but did get some in the AP poll, where they would be ranked #33.  They were idle this weekend.

First Win For Panthers Made Possible By Late Interception As Niners Fall To 1-6

At Charlotte, North Carolina:

Richard Marshall intercepted backup quarterback David Carr's pass with just over one minute remaining, and veteran John Kasey kicked the game-winning field goal from 37 yards out with 39 seconds left as the Carolina Panthers (1-5) came from behind to defeat the San Francisco 49ers (1-6) 23-20 in Sunday National Football League action for their first win of the season.

Eskimos Overrun Riders

At Edmonton, Alberta:

Quarterback Jared Zabransky completed 16 of 23 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns as the Edmonton Eskimos (6-10) defeated the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-7) 39-24 in
Saturday night Canadian Football League action.

NLCS: The Giants Win The Pennant! The Giants Win The Pennant! The Giants Win The Pennant!

At Philadelphia:

Juan Uribe hit the game-winning home run in the top of the eighth inning with two outs as the San Francisco Giants came back from an early two-run deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 Saturday night and won the National League Championship Series four games to two.  The Giants will now prepare for their first World Series since 2002.  They will host the Texas Rangers back in San Francisco for the opening contest this coming Wednesday.

Hokey Smokes, Bullwinkle, Our Creator Has Passed Away

Alex Anderson, the man who created Crusader Rabbit and Rocky and Bullwinle, passed away on Friday at his Carmel, California home at age 90.

Mr. Anderson was also the nephew of Terrytoons creator Paul Terry. 

50 Years In The Making: Rangers Win First American League Pennant

At Arlington, Texas:

Colby Lewis pitched eight innings of solid three-hit baseball and a four-run fifth inning pretty much put the game out of reach as the Texas Rangers defeated the New York Yankees 6-1 to win the American League Championship Series four games to two and captured their first-ever league championship (and first World Series berth) in their 50-year history (they were the expansion-era Washington Senators from 1961 until moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1972).  

Pac-12 To Split Into Divisions For Football

Beginning next year, the new Pacific-12 Conference will consist of two six-team divisions for football:

One division:

Oregon
Oregon State
Washington
Washington State
California
Stanford

The other division:

Arizona
Arizona State
USC
UCLA
Colorado
Utah

There will be a football championship to be played at the stadium of the divisional champion with the better conference record.

Ducks Turn Bruins Into Cuddly Teddy Bears In Eugene

At Eugene, Oregon:

Darron Thomas threw for a career-high 308 yards and three touchdowns as the Oregon Ducks (#2 in the BCS rankings, #1 in the AP media poll) demolished visiting UCLA (3-4, 1-3) 60-13 on Thursday night as the Ducks are off to their first 7-0 start in 77 years.  They are 4-0 in Pacific-10 Conference play.

NLCS: Three-Run Third and Jayson Werth Solo Shot Send Series Back To Philadelphia

At San Francisco:

The Philadelphia Phillies, with Roy Halladay outdueling Tim Lincecum, got three runs in their half of the third inning, along with Jayson Werth's solo homer in the ninth inning, to defeat the San Francisco Giants 4-2 on Thursday in game four of the National League Championship Series.  The series, which the Giants still lead three games to two, returns to Philadelphia for game six on Saturday.

Time For A Visit From Singin' Sandy

Let's go back to 1933 as John Wayne stars as Singin' Sandy Saunders in "Riders of Destiny."  In this one, Singin' Sandy investigates a land swindle scheme.  This was The Duke's only stab at being a singing cowboy.  This film, produced by Paul Malvern for Lone Star Productions (distributed by Monogram Pictures), written and directed by Robert North Bradbury, also starred Cecelia Parker, George (Gabby) Hayes, Al (Fuzzy) St. John, and Yakima Canutt.

Can Dick Ever Stay Out Of Trouble?

Time now for the sixth chapter in our 1937 Republic Pictures Dick Tracy serial, "Dangerous Waters," starring Ralph Byrd in the title role.  This serial was produced by Nat Levine and directed by Ray Taylor and Alan James.

 

NLCS: Sac Fly Sends Winning Run Home As Giants Take 3-1 Series Lead

At San Francisco:

Juan Uribe's sacrifice fly in the ninth inning sent Aubrey Huff home with the winning run as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 on Wednesday to take a three-games-to-one lead in the National League Championship Series.  The Giants can lock up their first National League pennant since 2002 with a win at home on Thursday night. 

ALCS: Longball and C.C.'s Pitching Keep Yankees Alive

At New York:

C. C. Sabathia pitched six innings and struck out seven batters while Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano hit consecutive home runs, leading the New York Yankees to a 7-2 home win over the Texas Rangers in game five of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday.  The Rangers still lead the series three games to two and can still wrap up the series with a win on Friday in Arlington, Texas. 

ALCS: Rangers One Win Away From First-Ever AL Pennant (And First World Series)

At New York:

Bengie Molina hit a three-run homer off starter A. J. Burnett and Josh Hamilton contributed a pair of solo round-trippers on Tuesday night as the Texas Rangers came back to overpower the New York Yankees 10-3, putting the Rangers, who now lead the American League Championship Series three games to one, one victory away from the first American League pennant and World Series appearances in their 50-year history.  The Rangers have won all five postseason road games so far this year.

NLCS: Seven Shutout Innings From Matt Cain Help Propel Giants To 2-1 Series Lead

At San Francisco:

Matt Cain pitched seven shutout innings (surrendering only two hits) while Cody Ross hit an RBI single in the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie as the San Francisco Giants defeated the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 in game three of the National League Championship Series on Tuesday to take a two-games-to-one lead.

I Guess Fonzie Can Now Date Mrs. C

Tom Bosley, the actor best remembered for his portrayal of Milwaukee hardware store proprietor Howard (Mr. C) Cunningham, husband of Marion and father of Richie, Joanie, and Chuck, as well as landlord to Arthur (The Fonz) Fonzerelli on the long-running television series Happy Days (1974-84) , passed away on Tuesday morning at a hospital near his Palm Springs, California home at age 83 from heart failure.

His agent also reported that Mr. Bosley was also battling lung cancer. 

Boy, R. I. P.

Johnny Sheffield, the former child actor who played the role of Boy in the Tarzan movies of the late 1930s and 1940s with Johnny Weismuller, passed away this past Friday at his Chula Vista, California home from a heart attack at age 79, four hours after having fallen off a ladder while pruning a palm tree. 

Mr. Sheffield went on to star in his own series of films playing the role of Bomba the Jungle Boy.

After leaving Hollywood, Johnny went on to earn a business degree at UCLA and eventually went into real estate. 

ALCS: Cliff Lee Handcuffs Yankees As Rangers Take 2-1 Series Lead

At New York:

Cliff Lee pitched eight shutout innings, surrendering only two hits and one walk while striking out thirteen, while Josh Hamilton belted a two-run first inning homer as the Texas Rangers, who erupted for six more runs in the ninth inning, delivered a 8-0 horse whipping to the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series on Monday.  The Rangers now lead the series two games to one.

Time For A Visit With Curly, Larry, and Moe!

From 1935, here are The Three Stooges starring in the Columbia Pictures short, "Three Little Beers."  In this one, the boys are supposed to be making beer deliveries.  When they arrive at a golf course to deliver the adult beverage, they decide to play a round of golf instead.  With screenplay and story by Clyde Bruckman, this short was produced by Jules White and directed by Del Lord.

How Thick is YOUR Syrup?

From the mid-1970s, here's a commercial for Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup.

Time To Sing Along With....

Cap'n Crunch?! 



1965 television commercial.

NLCS: Solid Pitching From Roy Oswalt+ Big Seventh Inning=Series-Tying Win For Phillies

At Philadelphia:

Roy Oswalt pitched eight strong innings of three-hit baseball and a big four-run seventh inning helped decide matters as the Philadelphia Phillies squared the National League Championship Series at one game apiece on Sunday night with a 6-1 home win over the  San Francisco Giants.

Ducks Top AP Poll For First Time; Also Tops In Coaches Poll; Second To Sooners In BCS Rankings

For the first time in their history, the Oregon Ducks top the Associated Press media poll as the number one team in the country.  The AP poll is not part of the formula for the Bowl Championship Series rankings.  However, the USA Today/Coaches Poll, which the Ducks also top, is part of that formula.  In the first BCS rankings of the season, which came out on Sunday, the Ducks are at #2, trailing only Oklahoma. Boise State is ranked third.

As for Oregon State, after the Beavers' heartbreaking double-overtime defeat at Washington Saturday night, they have fallen off the AP rankings (they were at #24 a week ago).  Still, they managed to get a few votes and would be ranked #34.

Niners Finally Get One In The Win Column With Home Win Over Raiders

At San Francisco:

Quarterback Alex Smith threw for two touchdowns, one to Michael Crabtree on the final play of the third quarter, the other to Vernon Davis in the fourth period as the San Francisco 49ers (1-5) picked up their first win of the NFL regular season on Sunday, 17-9 at home over the Oakland Raiders (2-4). 

Stampeders Overtake Roughriders In Regina

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

Quarterback Henry Burris engineered back-to-back 80-yard touchdown drives in the third quarter and Corey Mace ran back a fumble 60 yards for a fourth-quarter score as the Calgary Stampeders (11-4) overcame a nine-point deficit and defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-6) 34-26 in Sunday Canadian Football League action, opening up a two-game lead atop the CFL's Western Division in the process. 

Huskies Knock Off Beavers In Double OT

At Seattle:

Quarterback Jake Locker threw for a career-high five touchdowns (including two in overtime, both to Jermaine Kearse) as the Washington Huskies knocked off the #24-ranked (AP) Oregon State Beavers 35-34 in double overtime on Saturday.  The Beavers' attempted pass for what would have been the winning two-point conversion in the second overtime period fell incomplete. Both teams are 3-3 overall, 2-1 in Pacific Ten Conference play.

NLCS: Tim Lincecum Outduels Roy Halladay and Cody Ross Bangs Two Homers As Giants Take Series Opener

At Philadelphia:

Outfielder Cody Ross hit two home runs off Phillies starter Roy Halladay on Saturday night while Tim Lincecum outdueled his Philadelphia counterpart as the San Francisco Giants defeated Philly 4-3 in game one of the National League Championship Series. 

ALCS: Rangers Finally Win Home Playoff Game

At Arlington, Texas:

David Murphy hit a home run and the bullpen this time managed to successfully protect a big lead as the Texas Rangers picked up their first-ever home playoff victory, 7-2 on Saturday over the New York Yankees and squared the American League Championship series at one game apiece.  

June and Ward are Together Again

Barbara Billingsley, whose portrayal of June Cleaver on the television series Leave It To Beaver (1957-63) , wife of Ward and mother of Wally and Theodore----a.k.a. The Beaver personified the Hollywood postwar ideal of the ever-sweet, ever-helpful, stay-at-home mom, passed away on Saturday from polymyaglia, a rheumatoid disease, at her Santa Monica, California home at age 94. 

ACLS: Yankees Erupt For Five Runs In Eighth Inning To Top Rangers In Opener

At Arlington, Texas:

The New York Yankees erupted for five runs in their half of the eighth inning on Friday night as they erased what had been a five-run deficit after six innings to defeat the Texas Rangers 6-5 in the opening contest of the American League Championship Series.  This marked the tenth straight postseason win for the Yankees over the Rangers, who still have never won a playoff game at home. 

Time For A Murder Mystery

From Invincible Pictures in 1936, here is "Murder at Glen Athol."  This motion picture stars John Miljan as Detective Bill Holt, with Irene Ware as Jane Maxwell, Iris Adrian as Muriel Randel, and Noel Madison as Gus Colleti.  With adaptation and screenplay by John W. Krafft from Norman Lippicott's novel of the same name, this movie was produced by Maury M. Cohen and directed by Frank R. Strayer.  Invincible, which was a sister organzation to Chesterfield Pictures, was among several small outfits absorbed into the newly-formed Republic Pictures.

Still More Trouble For Dick

Time now for the fifth chapter in out 1937 Republic Pictures Dick Tracy serial, "Brother Against Brother," starring Ralph Byrd in the title role and based upon the comic strip created by Chester Gould.

 

MLB Playoffs: Cliff Lee Handcuffs Rays Again As Rangers Win Series

At St. Petersburg, Florida:

Cliff Lee put together another impressive performance Tuesday night as he pitched a complete game, holding the Tampa Bay Rays to six hits as the Texas Rangers won the fifth and deciding game of their American League divisional playoff series 5-1.  The Rangers won a playoff series for the first time in their 50-year history, a series which became the first in Major League Baseball postseason history in which the road team won every game.

The Rangers will open up the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees at home on Friday night at Arlington, Texas, with the second game slated for Saturday afternoon.  

MLB Playoffs: Giants Overtake Braves Again To Win Series

At Atlanta:


Madison Bumgarner pitched six strong innings, while Cody Ross belted a home run in the sixth inning and drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves in come-from-behind fashion again on Monday by the scored of 3-2 to win their National League divisional playoff series, advancing to the league championship round for the first time in eight years.  The Giants will take on the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia for the opening game this coming Saturday.  The loss drew to a climax Bobby Cox's 25-year managerial stint with the Braves, where he won five National League pennants and one World Series crown.  He retires as the fourth winningest manager in Major League history with 2,504 in 29 years.

MLB Playoffs: Giants Overtake Braves Again To Win Series

At Atlanta:

The San Francisco Giants scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to defeat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on Monday night to win their National League divisional playoff series three games to one.  Rookie Madison Bumgarner pitched six strong innings and Cody Ross hit a home run in the sixth inning and drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out single in the seventh as the Giants advanced to the National League championship series for the first time since 2002.  They'll face off against the Philadelphia Phillies in the series which is slated to start this coming Saturday in Philadelphia.  The loss marks the end of Bobby Cox's 25-year managerial career with the Braves, where he won five pennants and one World Series title. 

Joan Sutherland, R. I. P.

Dame Joan Sutherland, the Australian native who became one of the most acclaimed sopranos of the 20th Century, passed away on Monday morning in Switzerland at age 83, according to published reports.

Here is Miss Sutherland singing "Casta Diva" from "Norma" composed by Vincenzo Bellini.

Joan Sutherland-soprano

The Elizabethan Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Richard Bonynge
from the Sydney Opera House

This seemed to be from the 1970s

Solomon Burke, R. I. P.

Solomon Burke, the Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues singer whose early recordings defined the soul music genre, passed away on Sunday on an airplane at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport at the age of 70.

Mr. Burke had traveled to Amsterdam for a sold-out performance accompanied by a local band.  The cause of his passing was not reported.

"King Solomon," who was also a Pentecostal preacher, was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

Here's a recording of King Solomon's 1962 hit, "Cry To Me."



Here's another one, "Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms)" which was a big R & B hit (that also crossed over into the Pop charts) in 1961.

Another Gut-Wretching Setback For Niners

At San Francisco:

Kevin Kolb completed 21 of 31 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown, Lesean McCoy ran for 92 yards, including 29 for a score, and Quintin Mikell ran back an Alex Smith fumble 52 yards for one other touchdown as the Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) held off the San Francisco 49ers (0-5) 27-24 on the road in the Sunday night National Football League contest. 

MLB Playoffs: Cole Hamels Handcuffs Reds, Seals Series Sweep For Phillies

At Cincinnati:

Cole Hammels pitched a five-hit, nine-strikeout complete game shutout, while Chase Utley hit a home run as the Philadelphia Phillies blanked the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep of their National League divisional playoff series.  The Phils will take part in their third consecutive National League championship series, which will start this coming Saturday in Philadelphia. 

MLB Playoffs: Late Rally Lifts Giants Past Braves For 2-1 Series Lead

At Atlanta:

The San Francisco Giants rallied for two runs with two outs in the top of the ninth inning as they defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on the road in game three of their National League divisional playoff series on Sunday to take a two-games-to-one lead.  In the Giants' two-run ninth, Buster Posey's grounder skidded under the glove of second baseman Brooks Conrad, who committed his third error of the game, allowing Andres Torres to score the winning run from second base. 

MLB Playoffs: Rays Top Rangers To Force Game Five Back In St. Petersburg

At Arlington, Texas:

Evan Longoria hit a homer and two doubles to snap out of his postseason slump, while Carlos Pena had a pair of extra-base hits as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Texas Rangers 5-2 on the road to square their American League divisional playoff series at two games apiece and force a fifth and deciding game back in St. Petersburg, Florida on Tuesday night. 

AP Poll: Ducks Inch Up To #2; Beavers Back In Top 25

In the aftermath of their 43-23 road win at Washington State, coupled with South Carolina knocking off Alabama 35-21, the Oregon Ducks climbed up one spot to #2 in the new Associated Press media poll.  The Ducks received 15 first-place votes (Ohio State is the new number-one ranked team).  With their win over previously unbeaten Arizona at Tucson, the Oregon State Beavers re-entered the poll at #24.

Beavers Knock Off Wildcats In Tucson

At Tucson, Arizona:

Quarterback Ryan Katz threw for 393 yards and two touchdowns and sneaked in for another as the Oregon State Beavers (3-2, 2-0) knocked off the previously-undefeated #9 (AP) Arizona Wildcats (4-1, 1-1) 29-27 on Saturday. 

Ducks Shake Off Cougs To Ring Up Another Win

At Pullman, Washington:

LaMichael James scored three touchdowns, one on an 84-yard reception, as the #2 (AP) Oregon Ducks (6-0, 3-0) shook off the Washington State Cougars (1-5, 0-3) 43-23 on the road on Saturday.  Whether this was enough to lift the Ducks to second place in the upcoming media poll remains to be seen. 

MLB Playoffs: Yanks Blast Twins To Complete Series Sweep

At New York:

Phil Hughes pitched seven shutout innings, while Marcus Thames and Nick Swisher delivered home runs as the New York Yankees dominated the visiting Minnesota Twins 6-1 Saturday night to complete a three-game sweep of their American League divisional playoff series.  The loss was Minnesota's 12th straight in postseason play. 

MLB Playoffs: Rays Bats Come To Life As Tampa Bay Avoids Sweep

At Arlington, Texas:

The Tampa Bay Rays, five outs away from elimination, scored twice in the eighth inning and thrice more in the ninth as they defeated the Texas Rangers 6-3 in game three of their American League divisional playoff series on Saturday to force a fourth game, to be played on Sunday.  The Rangers still lead the series two games to one.  John Jaso lined a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning after Carlos Pena had already delivered a clutch hit for the Rays.  The Rangers still have not yet won a home playoff game. 

Argos Hand Riders First Home Setback

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

Jermaine Copeland caught a 28-yard touchdown pass on Saturday as the Toronto Argonauts (7-7) handed the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-5) their first home defeat of the season 24-19 in Canadian Football League play. 

MLB Playoffs: Braves Come Back From Four-Run Deficit To Square Series With Giants

At San Francisco:

The Atlanta Braves, thanks to Rick Ankiel's tiebreaking home run in the 11th inning, overcame a four-run deficit Friday night to top the San Francisco Giants 5-4 in 11 innings to even their National League divisional playoff series at one game apiece. 

MLB Playoffs: Phils Erase Four-Run Deficit To Take 2-0 Series Lead

At Philadelphia:

The Philadelphia Phillies came back from a four-run deficit after 4 1/2 innings and defeated the Cincinnati Reds, whose relief pitching and defense failed them,  7-4 in game two of their National League divisional playoff series.  The Phils can finish off the Reds with a win on Sunday night in Cincinnati.  With Cincy leading 4-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, Reds' rookie relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman hit Chase Utley with a 101-mile-per-hour fastball.  With runners at first and second with one out, Jimmy Rollins hit a line drive that right fielder Jay Bruce turned into a two-base error.  Chase Utley scored the tying run from second base.  Next, the right fielder threw to second baseman Brandon Phillips, who dropped the ball for another error, allowing Jayson Werth to score what proved to be the winning run for the Phillies.   

MLB Playoffs: Tim Lincecum Stirkes Out 14 In Two-Hit Shutout As Giants Take Series Opener

At San Francisco:

Tim Lincecum pitched a brilliant two-hit, 14-strikeout (a club single-game postseason record) shutout in his playoff debut as the San Francisco Giants blanked the visiting Atlanta Braves 1-0 Thursday in the opening game of their National League divisional playoff series. Cody Ross singled in Buster Posey from second base in the fourth inning for the game's lone run.

MLB Playoffs: Home Field Advantage Does Twins No Good As Yanks Ride Andy Pettitte's Smooth Pitching and Lance Berkman's Timely Hits To Take 2-0 Advantage

At Minneapolis:

Andy Pettitte pitched seven smooth innings while Lance Berkman delivered a pair of big hits as the New York Yankees took a two-games-to-none lead in their American League divisional playoff series Thursday with a 4-2 road win over the Minnesota Twins.

MLS Playoffs: Rays' Bats Handcuffed Again

At St. Petersburg, Florida:

C. J. Wilson pitched 6 1/3 innings of shutout baseball while Michael Young blasted a three-run homer a pitch following a disputed check-swing as the Texas Rangers blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 6-0 on Thursday to take a two-games-to-none lead in their American League divisional playoff series.  The Rangers, who posted their first-ever postseason shutout, can lock up their first-ever playoff series victory with a win over the Rays back home in Arlington, Texas on Saturday.

Good God, Brent!

You can bet there will be some college coaches who are  going to pressure ESPN/ABC to take him off the air.

Here's More Classic Kids TV

Here's a kinescope of the March 16, 1952 CBS Network telecast of  Mr. I. Magination, which starred Paul Tripp in the title role.  The name of this episode is "Annie Oakley."  The series ran from 1949 to 1952.

Here's Something From Before My Time

From the 1950s, here's a kinescope of a CBS Network telecast of Winky Dink and You.  The show, hosted by Jack Barry (of Twenty-One fame---or infamy), featured a cartoon character named Winky Dink (voiced by Mae Questel, who at the time, was still voicing Popeye's girlfriend Olive Oyl at Famous/Paramount Cartoon Studios).  Crumb-crunching viewers at home used a green plastic that stuck to the television screen via static electricity.  These Winky Dink home kits also included a set of crayons for the kids to draw on these "magic drawing screens" primarily for connect-the-dots pictures.  Winky would prompt the youngsters to complete the picture at home.  Once the kids are finished with this assignment, then Winky would continue with the story.  The series ran on CBS on Saturday mornings from 1953 to 1957.  There have incidents of the little kids not bothering with the plastic vinyl and deciding to use their crayons directly on the TV screen.  There were also incidents of the yinyl left on the TV screen after the show was over with.

There was also a syndicated version that aired from 1969 to 1973.

Enjoy.