It's Friday

It's Friday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is July 4th, the 185th day of 2014. There are 180 days left in the year.

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Flyers' Giroux issues apology for incident.

Official 2014 free agent signings tracker.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com.

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The amended Declaration of Independence, prepared by Thomas Jefferson, was approved and signed by John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress in America on this date in 1776.

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Tampa, FL. -- The Lightning are bringing back a link to their championship past.

Read the rest here.

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The U.S. Military Academy officially opened at West Point, NY on this date in 1802.

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Regina, SK. -- The Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive line may have gotten all the ink following a 10 sack performance against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to open up the CFL season, but a lot of those sacks may not have been possible had it not been for a secondary that may be the best in the league.

Read the rest here.

Coming up, the Saskatchewan Roughriders travel to Toronto to take on the Argonauts tomorrow afternoon. Game time from Rogers Centre is 3:00pm EDT. Catch the game on 620 CKRM, the Rider Radio Network and 620ckrm.com with Rod Pedersen and Carm Carteri calling the action. The game can be seen in Canada on TSN and in the U.S. on ESPN2. (There will be no stream on ESPN3 in the lower 48.)

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On this date in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was announced in newspapers. The property was purchased, by the U.S. from France, was for $15 million (or 3 cents an acre). The "Corps of Discovery," led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, began the exploration of the territory on May 14, 1804.

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. Great Grigsby: Bombers back notches three majors in win. Must Watch: Washington Takes One to the House. Please visit the league's official website, cfl.ca. ************************************************ Construction began on the Erie Canal, to connect Lake Erie and the Hudson River, on this date in 1817. ************************************************ Tampa, FL. -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Mike Evans missed time during his first month of offseason practice with a hamstring injury. He returned for minicamp healthy but still isn't in the best condition. Read the rest here. ************************************************ In Washington, DC, the cornerstone for the Washington Monument was laid on this date in 1848. ************************************************ Detroit, MI. -- Rays manager Joe Maddon theorized before Thursday night's game against the Tigers that his starter, Erik Bedard, could survive throwing only curveballs. Read the rest here. ************************************************ Bullfighting was introduced in the U.S. in Dodge City, KS on this date in 1884. ************************************************ San Francisco, CA. -- After the Giants' latest shortcoming, Madison Bumgarner was asked what's going on with his once-dominant team. His answer -- or, more accurately, lack thereof -- put into words what's been evident on the field. Read the rest here. ************************************************ The first rodeo in America was held at Prescott, AZ on this date in 1886. ************************************************ It's cool that it's my birthday! ************************************************ You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as keeping your dog safe from fireworks. ************************************************ Today in Elvis History: 1954 - This day is cited as the day that Elvis Presley began working with lead guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. However, the three had been practicing together for several months.  1956 - In Memphis, Elvis Presley performed at a charity concert for the Memphis Press-Scimitar's Milk Fund.  1964 - The soundtrack "Viva Las Vegas" hit #92 in the U.S.  1968 - Elvis Presley donated a Rolls Royce to an auction for SHARE. ************************************************ At Mount Rushmore, George Washington's face was dedicated on this date in 1934. ************************************************ Today in Beatles History: 1964 - "Billboard" reported that the Beatles' upcoming summer North American tour would be a sell out.  1966 - In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos removed the Beatles' police protection. His wife had claimed that the band had snubbed her by not attending one of her parties. The band was later attacked by an angry mob. The Beatles played two shows for 80,000 people at the Rizal Memorial football stadium.  1984 - Ringo Starr performed with the Beach Boys at their free July 4th concert in Miami, FL. ************************************************ The U.S. Postal Service issued the 4¢ Flag stamp on this date in 1957. ************************************************ Today in Sports History: 1910 - Race riots broke out all over the United States after African-American Jack Johnson knocked out Jim Jeffries in a heavyweight boxing match.  1919 - Jack Dempsey won the world heavyweight champion when he defeated Jess Willard.  1934 - Boxer Joe Louis won his first professional fight.  1939 - Lou Gehrig retired from major league baseball.  1980 - Nolan Ryan (Houston Astros) got his 3,000th career strikeout.  1980 - Martina Navratilova won her sixth straight Wimbledon singles championship and her eighth overall.  2003 - Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault after turning himself in to police. He was released after posting a $25,000 bond. ************************************************ The U.S. celebrated its Bicentennial on this date in 1976. ************************************************ Coming Up: Tonight -- MLB -- San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres 6:40pm EDT MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers 7:08pm EDT Nascar Nationwide Series -- Subway Firecracker 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT Saturday -- CFL Football -- Saskatchewan Roughriders at Toronto Argonauts 3:00pm EDT MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers 4:08pm EDT MLB -- San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres 7:15pm EDT Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway 7:30pm EDT Sunday -- Verizon Indy Car Series -- Pocono Indy Car 500 at Long Pond, PA. 12:00pm EDT MLB -- San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres 4:10pm EDT MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers 8:00pm EDT ************************************************ That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow.