GA Russell

Happy Birthday 2016 Late!

Happy Birthday 2016 Stefan!

I will come back later and post more links regarding last weekend's games, as well as a few more pre-season previews. ***** 6/23 3Down Week 1 picks http://3downnation.com/2016/06/23/ya-got-3down-experts-make-week-one-picks/#comments ***** Hamilton 42....Toronto 20 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/23/ticats-ruin-argos-perfect-night-39-20-win/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/24/argos-new-home-shows-ticats-show-plenty-promise/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/24/good-bad-hamiltons-42-20-drubbing-argos/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/24/argos-gabriel-expected-make-full-recovery-scary-collision-vs-ticats/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/26/nine-thoughts/#comments ***** Montreal 22....Winnipeg 14 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/25/glenn-leads-alouettes-season-opening-win-bombers/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/25/bomber-thoughts-new-year-team/#comments ***** Ottawa 45....Edmonton 37 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/26/thats-signed-guy-harris-leads-redblacks-esks/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/26/thoughts-redblacks-season-opener/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/27/explaining-crazy-ottawa-edmonton-ending/#comments ***** BC 20....Calgary 18 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/26/lions-find-way-wallys-return/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/26/sober-second-thoughts-lions-season-opening-win/#comments ***** Luca Congi has retired. http://www.tsn.ca/national-kicker-congi-retires-with-roughriders-1.516557 ***** The Ticats have signed Notre Dame and Florida State QB Everett Golson. http://www.tsn.ca/ticats-sign-former-notre-dame-florida-state-qb-golson-to-practice-roster-1.516571 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/27/star-ncaa-qb-everett-golson-sign-ticats/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/27/everett-golsons-great-canadian-adventure/#comments ***** Scott Cullen 6/28 power rankings http://www.tsn.ca/moves-in-the-middle-of-cfl-power-rankings-1.516997 ***** Sask has (finally) signed their first round pick Josiah St. John to a three-year contract. http://www.tsn.ca/roughriders-sign-st-john-to-three-year-deal-1.518112 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/29/first-overall-pick-josiah-st-john-signs-riders/#comments ***** Henry Burris suffered a finger/hand injury last week, and will be out 4-6 weeks. So Trevor Harris is Ottawa's starting QB. http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/burris-out-4-to-6-weeks-dressler-ruled-out-for-friday%7E901561 http://www.tsn.ca/redblacks-burris-out-thursday-harris-starts-1.516444 http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/27/redblacks-add-burris-to-one-game-harris-to-start/ http://3downnation.com/2016/06/27/redblacks-put-2015-cfl-mop-henry-burris-one-game-injured-list/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/29/statistical-powerrankings-weekly-game-predictor-numbers/#comments ***** Malcolm Kelly 6/28 power rankings http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-power-rankings-1.3655793 ***** cfl.ca 6/29 power rankings http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/28/redblacks-climb-champs-top-nissan-titan-power-rankings/ ***** Jamie Nye 9 Faces in New Places http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/28/nye-9-faces-new-places-keep-eye-2016/ ***** Justin Dunk 6/28 QB rankings http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/28/dunks-quarterback-index-reilly-opens-year-no-1/ ***** 6/29 checking down http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/29/checking-lemar-durant-dressler-week-2-notes/ ***** Jamie Nye Week 2 picks http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/29/weekly-predictor-can-nye-pick-em-players-rebound-week-2/ ***** Week 2 game notes http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/29/cfl-ca-game-notes-a-look-at-week-2-2016/ ***** 6/27 9 thoughts on 9 teams http://3downnation.com/2016/06/27/nine-thoughts-nine-teams-opening-week-books/#comments ***** Calgary's new stadium is now estimated to cost C$1,300,000,000. Anybody remember when a ballpark didn't exceed the budget? http://3downnation.com/2016/06/29/cost-new-calgary-stadium-arena-pegged-1-3-billion/#comments ***** Mark Fulton 6/29 power rankings http://3downnation.com/2016/06/29/statistical-powerrankings-weekly-game-predictor-numbers/#comments ***** The Riders are trying to trade Shawn Lemon. http://3downnation.com/2016/06/29/lemon-already-soured-riderville/#comments

This evening I have added 17 more season previews to Wednesday's post. ***** Plays of the Week http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/27/kegsize-plays-of-the-week-wk-1/

In January I watched Gojira and its commentary. Last night and tonight I have watched the Raymond Burr Godzilla and its commentary. Burr was in that American version much more than I had expected. And it seemed to me that editor Terry Morse gave the pretty girl a lot of face time, not deleting any of her shots!

The Eagles - The Studio Albums 1972 - 1979 (6 CDs) - $16.46 + $3.99 https://www.amazon.com/Eagles-Studio-Albums-1972-1979/dp/B00B7VPKMY

Mr. Bean (complete series) - $11.99 prime https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Bean-Whole-Complete/dp/B00QJN33II

Happy Birthday 2016 Phil!

Happy Birthday 2016 Peter!

We've seen these before, but these prices are really something. Wings (complete) - $21.38 prime https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LU5PB0I/ ***** NewsRadio (complete) - $20.99 prime https://www.amazon.com/NewsRadio-Complete-Dave-Foley/dp/B00V5JEISU/ ***** 3rd Rock from the Sun (complete) - $20.99 prime https://www.amazon.com/3rd-Rock-Sun-John-Lithgow/dp/B00BM2JVAA/

Belated Happy Birthday Parkertown!

Belated Happy Birthday Bruce!

Belated Happy Birthday Paps!

Happy Birthday Rosco!

LOL! Chuck, I think we all can now agree that you are losing your mind almost as quickly as I am! What you have said here and in the thread title is a famous Yogi-ism (as in Yogi Berra): "He must have done that before he died." In 1982, I had the opportunity to see Buddy Rich with Steve Marcus in Baltimore. I've always been sorry I skipped that. In 1969, I passed on seeing Count Basie in Washington, but I have read that his band wasn't very good then, so I haven't lost any sleep over it. In December of '69, I passed on the opportunity to see Miles perform for what became known as The Cellar Door box. But it was the week of my semester finals, so I never gave it a second thought.

Jeff, my hearty congratulations to you as well! I didn't know that about the Lakers. Do you think there might have been anyone else?

Now I will focus on a few team previews I have found. Montreal http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/alouettes-mystery-wrapped-enigma/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-alouettes-hope-to-find-qb-to-steady-team-1.507876 http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/23/cfl-preview-2016-montreal-alouettes Ottawa http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/redblacks-need-avoid-regression-grey-cup-run/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-redblacks-hoping-to-get-another-year-out-of-burris-1.507864 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/how-will-the-burris-harris-dynamic-work-in-ottawa%7E896234 https://www.getmoresports.com/2016-cfl-team-previews-ottawa-redblacks/ http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/23/cfl-preview-2016-ottawa-redblacks Toronto http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/rejuvenated-ray-leads-way-important-season-argos/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/argos-returning-to-their-roots%7E895539 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/the-argonauts-new-home-will-make-a-difference%7E896232 http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/23/cfl-preview-2016-toronto-argonauts http://thegruelingtruth.net/football/cfl-season-preview-toronto-argonauts/ Hamilton http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/ticats-need-survive-early-season-without-collaros/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/22/2016-ticats-depth-chart/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-tiger-cats-success-could-depend-on-collaros-return-date-1.507822 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/even-without-collaros-tiger-cats-are-still-favourites%7E896229 http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/23/cfl-preview-2016-hamilton-tiger-cats Winnipeg http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/will-bombers-free-agent-frenzy-translate-wins/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-pressure-on-bombers-to-improve-1.507814 https://www.getmoresports.com/2016-cfl-previews-winnipeg-blue-bombers/ http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/23/cfl-preview-2016-winnipeg-blue-bombers Saskatchewan http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/durants-health-key-riders-success/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-roughriders-start-new-with-grey-cup-winning-coach-1.507809 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/the-riders-rebirth%7E896225 http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/23/cfl-preview-2016-saskatchewan-roughriders Calgary http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/stamps-search-identity-dickenson-charge/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-dickenson-finally-gets-shot-in-calgary-1.507771 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/dickenson-takes-charge-in-calgary%7E896237 https://www.getmoresports.com/2016-cfl-team-previews-calgary-stampeders/ http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/06/22/cfl-preview-2016-calgary-stampeders Edmonton http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/esks-face-tough-road-repeat-grey-cup-champs/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-eskimos-look-to-repeat-success-with-new-coaching-staff-1.507745 http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Football/CFL/Edmonton/2016/06/22/22645373.html?cid=rsssportscfl http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/22/cfl-preview-2016-edmonton-eskimos BC http://3downnation.com/2016/06/21/wallys-back-now-well-see-hes-still-got/#comments http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-preview-buono-returns-to-sidelines-to-lead-lions-1.505980 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/what-s-old-is-new-again-for-the-lions%7E896241 http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/06/22/cfl-preview-2016-bc-lions ***** league-wide http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/3-downs-in-3-minutes-which-cfl-team-had-the-best-off-season%7E897049 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/who-are-the-grey-cup-favourites%7E896246 https://canadianfootballblog.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/2016-cfl-season-preview/ https://bomberbuzz.com/2016/06/23/2016-cfl-west-division-preview-lions-make-the-leap/ https://thesportaddiction.wordpress.com/2016/06/22/2016-cfl-preview-early-playoff-outlook/

For the next 24 hours I hope to find as many pre-season picks and previews as I can. As I always say every year at this time, I love the week before Opening Day because of all of the previews. Malcolm Kelly 6/21 power rankings http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-power-rankings-1.3643461 ***** Dan Ralph preview http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/three-down-football-set-to-kick-off-cfl-season/article30510480/ ***** The CFL and NFL will discuss improvement of officiating this year. http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/cfl/mighty-nfl-steps-in-to-help-make-cfl-referees-great-again-or-something ***** Nine thoughts on nine teams http://3downnation.com/2016/06/14/nine-thoughts-nine-teams-aftermath-pre-season-week-one/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/20/nine-thoughts-nine-teams-cut-deadline-drama-2/#comments ***** Jamie Nye Week 1 picks http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/21/weekly-predictor-nye-returns-cfl-pick-em-selections/ ***** TSN has ranked the league's current Top 50 players. Mike Reilly is #1. http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/21/grey-cup-mvp-reilly-tops-tsns-top-50-cfl-players-2016/ ***** The league has picked each team's most underrated player. http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/07/cfls-underrated-team-team-look/

Now let's take a quick look at this year's pre-season games. You may disagree, but I don't think that any of the head coaches care about winning these games. I think they primarily want to get a good look at the new faces to decide who will make the team. Toronto 25....Hamilton 16 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/11/ticats-fall-25-16-argos-pre-season-action/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/11/good-bad-hamiltons-preseason-loss-argos/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/12/bmo-launch-early-success-argos/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/12/five-thoughts-ticats-pre-season-loss-argos/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/13/ticats-already-know/#comments ***** BC 28....Sask 16 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/12/riders-fall-lions-pre-season-game-takes-forever/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/12/learned-riders-pre-season-loss-b-c/#comments ***** Edmonton 23....Calgary 13 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/12/esks-stamps-23-13-pre-season-action/#comments ***** Hamilton 42....Ottawa 25 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/game/ottawa-redblacks-hamilton-tiger-cats-20160617/Stats http://3downnation.com/2016/06/19/good-bad-hamiltons-victory-redblacks/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/18/sober-second-thoughts-ticats-win-redblacks/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/17/masoli-stakes-claim-starting-qb-job-ticats-pre-season-win/#comments ***** Montreal 22....Toronto 15 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/game/toronto-argonauts-montreal-alouettes-20160617/Stats http://3downnation.com/2016/06/18/alouettes-argos-22-15/#comments ***** Calgary 31....BC 21 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/game/calgary-stampeders-bc-lions-20160617/Stats http://3downnation.com/2016/06/18/stamps-use-strong-q4-rally-past-lions/#comments ***** Edmonton 25....Sask 11 http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/game/saskatchewan-roughriders-edmonton-eskimos-20160618/Stats http://3downnation.com/2016/06/19/learned-riders-pre-season-blowout-loss-edmonton/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/19/eskimos-beat-former-coach-chris-jones-roughriders/#comments ***** Ottawa 18....Winnipeg 14 http://3downnation.com/2016/06/13/bombers-finish-pre-season-winless-loss-redblacks/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/14/injuries-overshadow-redblacks-win/#comments

Let's collect a few headlines since June 5. Justin Dunk - Nine Thoughts on Nine Teams http://3downnation.com/2016/06/06/nine-thoughts-nine-teams-early-standouts-camp/#comments ***** Speedy Banks was late to camp because of a family issue, but now he is back, and he was able to renegotiate his contract in the process. http://3downnation.com/2016/06/06/banks-still-no-show-ticats-training-camp/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/07/video-banks-departure-means-ticats/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/09/banks-restructures-deal-ticats-return-soon/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/14/speedy-returns-without-saying-much/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/10/lawrence-uses-twitter-video-announce-banks-arrival/#comments ***** The Lions' OL Matt Norman has retired. http://3downnation.com/2016/06/07/canadian-ol-matt-norman-retires-cfl/#comments ***** Yikes! A speaker at Tim Hortons Field fell 30 metres. http://3downnation.com/2016/06/08/speaker-falls-30-metres-tim-hortons-field/#comments http://3downnation.com/2016/06/09/faulty-bracket-likely-caused-speaker-plummet-hamilton-stadium/#comments ***** The Lions' WR Lavelle Hawkins has retired. http://3downnation.com/2016/06/06/lions-rookie-wr-stays-grounded-hawkins-elects-retire/#comments

Here is the list of games which will be shown on ESPN2 and ESPNews. All of the others will be available at ESPN3.com http://www.cfl.ca/2016/06/16/cfl-espn-unveil-2016-us-broadcast-schedule/

Happy Birthday 2016 CJ!

I tuned in at 10 o'clock, and watched the last hour. It was tied 71-71 at that point. It seemed to me that much of GS's offense was Curry attempting three-pointers that didn't come close. I read a few days ago that GS's center Andrew Bogut was injured and out for the series. Certainly it was remarkable that Cleveland came back after being down 3-1, but I don't recall a team winning a championship without its starting center for the last two games either. I had good friends in school from Cleveland, so I'm happy for them. Bay Area sports fans have enjoyed a number of championships in recent years.

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This was in The News & Observer the day before Memorial Day... Colorful ode to McPartland Jazz Roberta Piket “ONE FOR MARIAN: CELEBRATING MARIAN MCPARTLAND” No visiting jazz musician endeared herself more to Triangle audiences than the late pianist Marian McPartland. Whether performing at the Frog and Nightgown, NCSU’s Stewart Theatre, UNC’s Memorial Hall or one of the area’s elementary or high schools, she was the jazz ambassador you’ll always remember. Classy, humorous and accessible, she not only played much-admired jazz piano but also composed enduring tunes. It is the latter talent that draws pianist Roberta Piket’s focus on “One for Marian: Celebrating Marian McPartland” (Thirteenth Note Records). Leading a band composed of Bill Mobley on trumpet and flugelhorn, Steve Wilson on alto saxophone and flute, Virginia Mayhew on tenor saxophone and clarinet, Harvie S on bass and Billy Mintz on drums, Picket makes colorful work of McPartland’s compositions. Opening with “Ambiance” the horns play in close harmony for an exotic effect, with Wilson’s flute solo complementing the mysterious mood. McPartland’s “In the Days of Our Love,” introduced by Piket at a ballad tempo, features swinging solos by Mobley on trumpet and Mayhew on tenor saxophone. Piket caps the soloing toward the end, employing lively treble lines and block chords. “Twilight World,” another McPartland tune, features vocalist Karrin Allyson in a lovely, delicate duet with Piket. Other McPartland tunes heard here include “Threnody,” “Time and Time Again” and “Kaleidoscope.” Piket contributes two originals to the program: the bright “One for Marian” and the appropriately titled “Saying Goodbye,” the latter featuring a technically advanced bass solo. It’s good to hear these in concert with McPartland’s compositions and it’s good to hear McPartland’s tunes colorfully arranged for an ensemble larger than her customary piano-bass-drums trio. — CORRESPONDENT OWEN CORDLE