Ducks Climb Up A Spot In Media And Coaches Polls

Following their 57-37 season-opening home win over Arkasas State, the Oregon Ducks climbed up a spot to #4 in both the Associated Press (media) and USA Today/Coaches polls.

Time For Music From Whoopee John!

From 1957, here's music by "Whoopee" John Wilfahrt and his orchestra, "St. Paul Waltz."

Riders Take Out Frustration On Winnipeg, Annihilate Bombers, End Losing Streak

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

The Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-5) ended their five-game Canadian Football League losing streak with a 52-0 demolition of the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-7) on Sunday.  Quarterback Darian Durant completed 13 of 19 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns (both to Weston Dressler) to pace the Riders.  The loss ruined the debut of new Bombers head coach Tim Burke, who replace Paul LaPolice, who was dismissed on August 25.

Hal David, Oscar and Grammy-Winning Lyricist Who Collaborated With Burt Bacharach, R. I. P.

Hal David, the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning lyricist who wrote the words to such memorable songs as "What's New Pussycat?" ( a hit for Tom Jones), numerous hits for Dionne Warwick ("Don't Make Me Over," "I Say A Little Prayer," "Do You Know The Way To San Jose?," "Walk On By," amongst others), "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" (from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), all in collaboration with composer Burt Bacharach, passed away on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a stroke at age 91.

Steve Franken, Comic Actor Who Played Snob On "Dobie Gillis," R.I.P.

Steve Franken, a veteran character actor who specialized in comedy and appeared in motion pictures with, amongst others, Jerry Lewis and Peter Sellers, but who is best remebered for portraying the wealthy, snobbish Chatsworth Osborne, Jr. on the classic 1959-63 television sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, passed away on Friday, August 24 from cancer in Los Angeles at age 80.

I Wanna Tell You A Story: Max Bygraves OBE, British Entertainer, TV Game-Show Host, R. I. P.

Max Bygraves, the English singer, actor, and comic who went on to host the British version of Family Feud, and also known for the catchphrase "I wanna tell you a story," passed away this past Friday at his daughter's home in Hope Island, Queensland, Australia at age 89.

Mr. Bygraves, who emigrated in 2005 to Australia along with his wife Blossom (who passed away last year), was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Born Walter William Bygraves in Rotherhithe, London, England in 1922, Max, who made his first appearance on stage at the Roxy Theatre in Falkirk, Scotland, made 20 Royal Variety Performance appearances.

For two years (1983-85), after replacing Bob Monkhouse, Max hosted a British TV game show entitled Family Fortunes, which was based on the American game show Family Feud.

Ducks Have Big Opening Quarter, Coast To Opening Night Victory

At Eugene, Oregon:

Ranked #5 in both the Associated Press (media) and USA Today/Coaches polls, The Oregon Ducks raced to a 29-0 first-quarter lead, en route to a 57-37 season-opening home win over the Arkansas State Red Wolves.  Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 18 of 22 passes for three touchdowns, two (12 yards each) to De'Anthony Thomas (who also ran 33 yards for a score).