It's Saturday

It's Saturday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is January 31st, the 31st day of 2015. There are 334 days left in the year.

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Best of slow-mo: Columbus All-Star Weekend.

Blackhawks' Mikita diagnosed with dementia: report.

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

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On today's date in 1858, The Great Eastern, the five-funnelled steamship designed by Brunel, was launched at Millwall.

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Tampa, FL. -- The Bolts go for their 10th straight win at Amalie Arena against the Blue Jackets on Saturday night.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. It was ratified by the necessary number of states on December 6, 1865. The amendment abolished slavery in the United States.

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Rosters for U17 and U18 Five Nations Tournaments Unveiled Teams to Take Part in Annual Tournaments in Russia and Czech Republic ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams -- part of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program -- will join teams from the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and Sweden in their respective Five Nations Tournaments next week. The U17 Five Nations Tournament will take place in Dmitrov, Russia, while the U18 Five Nations event will be held in Kravare and Poruba, Czech Republic. For the complete Under-17 Team roster, click here. For the complete Under-18 Team roster, click here. Tournament information, including schedules, news, scores and stats, can be found at the official website of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, USANTDP.com. Additionally, live scoring updates from each U.S. game in both tournaments will be available through Twitter (@USAHockeyScores and @usantdp). Join the conversation on social media by using hashtags#U17FiveNations, #U18FiveNations and #NTDP. Notes: Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team, will lead the U17s in Russia, along with assistant coach John Gruden and intern assistant coach Tyler Walsh ... All 22 players on the roster are from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program ... Team USA claimed first place in last year's tournament held in Sundsvall, Sweden ... Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team, will lead the U18s in the Czech Republic. He will be joined on the bench by assistant coach Nick Fohr, intern assistant coach J.D. Forrest, and goaltending coachKevin Reiter ... All 22 players on the roster are from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program ... Team USA captured the tournament title last year in Dmitrov, Russia. 2015 Under-17 Five Nations TournamentFeb. 3-6 | Dmitrov, Russia Date Opponent Time (ET) Tues., Feb. 3 Czech Republic 6:30 a.m. Wed., Feb. 4 Russia 10:00 a.m. Thurs., Feb. 5 Finland 10:00 a.m. Fri., Feb. 6 Sweden 10:00 a.m. 2015 Under-18 Five Nations TournamentFeb. 4-8 | Kravare and Poruba, Czech Republic Date Opponent Time (ET) Wed., Feb. 4 Sweden 8:30 a.m. Fri., Feb. 6 Russia 12:00 p.m. Sat., Feb. 7 Finland 10:00 a.m. Sun., Feb. 8 Czech Republic 12:00 p.m.

************************************************ On this date in 1893, the trademark "Coca-Cola" was first registered in the United States Patent Office. ************************************************

Esks come to terms on extension with Willis.

Staying Green: Dressler extends with Riders.

Please visit the league's official website, http://www.cfl.ca.

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On this date in 1929, the USSR exiled Leon Trotsky. He found asylum in Mexico.

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Phoenix, AZ. -- Here's a sampling of media reports on the Buccaneers today.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1930, U.S. Navy Lt. Ralph S. Barnaby became the first glider pilot to have his craft released from a dirigible, a large blimp, at Lakehurst, NJ.

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Corvallis, OR. -- The No. 7/7 Oregon State women’s basketball team (18-1, 8-0 Pac-12) returns home this week for a pair of games against the Los Angeles schools. The weekend tips off with a matchup against USC Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Gill Coliseum.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1936, the radio show "The Green Hornet" debuted.

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Yay for the Lightning Guys!

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as rumors that there's a big football game tomorrow, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History:

1959 - Elvis Presley's song "I Got Stung/One Night" hit #1 in the U.K. where it remained for 3 weeks. 

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On this date in 1940, the first Social Security check was issued by the U.S. Government.

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Today in Beatles History:

1967 - John Lennon purchased an 1843 circus poster that read "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite."

2010 - "All Together Now" won a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video. The film documents the story behind the partnership between the Beatles and Cirque de Soleil that resulted in the creation of "LOVE." 

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On this date in 1949, the first TV daytime soap opera was broadcast from NBC's station in Chicago, IL. It was "These Are My Children."

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Today in Sports History:

1920 - Joe Malone (Quebec Bullldogs) set an NHL record with 7 goals in a game. 

1961 - In Houston, TX, voters approved financing for a domed stadium. 

1988 - Herb Alpert performed the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXII. The Washington Redskins beat the Denver Broncos 42-10. 

1999 - The Denver Broncos won Super Bowl XXXIII. It was their second consecutive Super Bowl win. 

2003 - The Chicago White Sox announced a deal that would change the name of Comiskey Park after a 93-year association with the Comiskey name. 

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On this date in 1971, astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr., Edgar D. Mitchell and Stuart A. Roosa blasted off aboard Apollo 14 on a mission to the moon.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 5:00pm 

EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets 7:00pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00pm EST

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild at Kenai River Brown Bears 11:30pm EST

Sunday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00am EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 11:00am EST

Monday --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues 8:00pm EST

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars 8:30pm EST

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings 5:00pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Florida Junior Blades 5:15pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Roswell Bulldogs 8:00pm EST

Sunday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Florida Junior Blades 12:00pm 

EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Roswell Bulldogs 12:15pm EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Anaheim Ducks 5:00pm EST

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow.

It's Friday

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

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Today is January 30th, the 30th day of 2015. There are 335 days left in the year.

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Can't miss: Surprise military reunion in Tampa.

AHL to feature five California teams for 2015-16.

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

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Today's Birthdays: Gene Hackman is 85. Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney is 74. Christian Bale is 41. Wilmer Valderrama (That ’70s Show) is 35.

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Tampa, FL. -- Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper was visibly upset after the Bolts’ 4-2 loss in Carolina on Tuesday, calling the team’s performance during the first 10 minutes of the game in which the Bolts fell behind 2-0 “terrible” and “unacceptable.”

Read the rest here.

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A farmer has become a YouTube celebrity by turning cow herding into an art form. Derek Klingenberg from Kansas manipulated his cattle into the shape of a smiley face and used a drone to film it from above. | VIDEO

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EIGHTH ANNUAL HOCKEY WEEEKEND ACROSS AMERICA, PRESENTED BY CCM, JUST THREE WEEKS AWAY Registration Open for More Than 300 "Try Hockey for Free" Events, Presented by Kraft COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey will lead the nation in the eighth annual Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by CCM Hockey, Feb. 20-22. "Hockey Weekend Across America is something the hockey community looks forward to each year," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "From grassroots programs across the country to the National Hockey League and every level in between, this weekend is about celebrating all the wonderful things about our sport and also giving new people a chance to try our game, whether it be on the ice as a player or as a fan attending a game." Each of the three days of Hockey Weekend Across America features a special theme. "Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day" on Friday, Feb. 20, sponsored by ShopUSAHockey.com, is the day for fans to show off their hockey pride by wearing their prized hockey jerseys. USA Hockey'sFacebook and Twitter pages will accept photos from all in search of the most passionate hockey fans. Saturday, Feb. 21, is "Try Hockey Day," sponsored by the National Hockey League. Hundreds of rinks nationwide will host Try Hockey for Free clinics, presented by Kraft, allowing thousands of children to experience hockey for the first time. To find a participating rink near you and register, visit TryHockeyforFree.com. To cap off the weekend, "Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes" day on Sunday, Feb. 22, encourages all involved in the game to develop ways to honor their local hockey heroes. USA Hockey invites fans to post pictures and stories on its Facebook and Twitter pages. The day, which falls on the 35th anniversary of Miracle on Ice, also includes NBC's Hockey Day in America coverage that comprises an NHL tripleheader. The day begins at 12 noon ET with a half-hour pre-game show on NBC in advance of two games on the network (Washington at Philadelphia; Boston at Chicago). NBCSN will conclude Hockey Day in America coverage on Sunday evening with the Dallas at Minnesota game. Along with its game coverage, NBC will also produce content in and around the games showcasing hockey at all levels in the United States. Fans can register for the Hockey Weekend Across America CCM "Tacks Are Back" Sweepstakes now through Feb. 22. Three grand prize packages will be awarded (one on each day of Hockey Weekend Across America), each including a CCM hockey stick, helmet/facemask combo, hockey bag and skates. Second and third place prizes will also be awarded. Visit HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.comand click "Sweepstakes" in the top menu to enter. At 18 NHL games in American cities as part of Hockey Weekend Across America, two young officials will have the chance to meet with NHL officials working the particular contest prior to teh game and then stay to watch those NHL officials in action. For full information surrounding the weekend, visit HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com. Associations, teams and communities celebrating Hockey Weekend Across America are encouraged to submit their event plans to USA Hockey at this site. Promotional materials, including posters and logos, are also available for download. Use the hashtag #HWAA on Twitter in association with the event. NOTES: Hockey Weekend Across America was created by USA Hockey in 2008 to engage the hockey community in celebrating the sport of hockey at all levels and exposing the sport to new audiences ... Liberty Mutual and Total Hockey are sponsors of Try Hockey for Free Day.

************************************************ A quarter of Americans believe that God personally controls who wins the Super Bowl. The survey (by Public Religion Research Institute and the Religion News Service) showed that 26 percent of Americans, and 27 percent of those who describe themselves as sports fans, believe God plays a role in determining which team wins a sporting event. ************************************************

Buono inks free agent receiver Collie.

Coach Calvillo: Als name passing leader receivers coach.

Please visit the league's official website, http://www.cfl.ca.

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A wealthy Houston businesswoman married herself. [But not before insisting on a seriously detailed pre-nup.]

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Phoenix, AZ. -- Davin Joseph was as shocked as Buccaneers fans when Tampa Bay went 2-14 under first-year coach Lovie Smith.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1933, "The Lone Ranger" was heard on radio for the first time. The program ran for 2,956 episodes and ended in 1955.

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Corvallis, OR. -- After re-writing the Pac-12 Conference passing record books, quarterback Sean Mannion was selected to participate in the 17thannual Quicken Loans All-Star Football Challenge. The competition which was held in Arlington, Texas on Monday, will air Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2. It will also be broadcast Sunday, Feb. 8 at noon PST on ESPN and again Sunday, Apr. 26 at 1 p.m. PST on ESPN.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1950, NBC-TV debuted "Robert Montgomery Presents." The show lasted for seven seasons.

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Jimmy watches the action at the Lightning Guys game.

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as your morning coffee, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History:

1956 - Elvis Presley recorded "Blue Suede Shoes." 

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Robert Bonilla met his fiancée, Meredith, at a Costco store in Santa Maria, California. So it felt natural for the couple to be married in the store, attended by family and friends. Costco allowed the wedding in the frozen food section after closing.

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Today in Beatles History:

1967 - The Beatles recorded a promotional clip for "Strawberry Fields Forever." 

1969 - The Beatles made their last-ever public appearance as a group. The performance of "Get Back" was filmed for the movie "Let It Be." The performance took place on the roof of London's Apple Records. 

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At her Thursday Super Bowl press conference Katy Perry was asked if she has her eye on a specific NFL cutie and she responded in the most perfect way: “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”

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Today in Sports History:

1910 - Work began on the first board-track automobile speedway. The track was built in Playa del Ray, CA. 

1920 - Joe Malone (Quebec Nordiques) scored seven goals against the Toronto St. Patricks in a 10-6 win. 

1960 - The women’s singles U.S. figure skating championship was won by Carol Heiss. 

1994 - Natalie Cole sang the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXVIII. The Dallas Cowboys won 30-13 over the Buffalo Bills. 

1994 - Dan Jansen of the United States set a world record of 35.76 when he became the first to skate 500 meters in less than 36 seconds. 

2000 - The New York Mets announced that Garth Brooks would begin training with the team on February 20. 

2000 - John Rocker (Atlanta Braves) was suspended from major league baseball for disparaging foreigners, homosexuals and minorities in an interview published by Sports Illustrated.  

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IN THEATERS - Black or White (PG-13); The Loft (R); Project Almanac (PG-13)

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild at Kenai River Brown Bears 11:30pm EST

Saturday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 5:00pm 

EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets 7:00pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00pm EST

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild at Kenai River Brown Bears 11:30pm EST

Sunday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00am EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 11:00am EST

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow.

It's Thursday

It's Thursday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is January 29th, the 29th day of 2015. There are 336 days left in the year.

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Alfredsson to receive key to city of Ottawa.

Canadiens need to bring their best for stretch run.

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

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Today's Birthdays: Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I., Blue Bloods) is 70. Oprah Winfrey is 61. Heather Graham (The Hangover, Boogie Nights) is 45. Sara Gilbert (The Big Bang Theory) is 40. Singer Adam Lambert is 33.

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Tampa, FL. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning spent a sizable portion of Wednesday’s practice focusing on the team’s struggling power play.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1956, "Indictment" debuted on CBS radio and stayed on the air for three years.

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U.S. National Sled Hockey Team Heads to Leduc, Alberta, This Weekend for 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge Team USA to Compete Against Canada, Korea and Russia COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team begins its 2014-15 campaign at the 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge in Leduc, Alberta, Feb. 1-7. In addition to the United States, the tournament includes Canada, Korea and Russia. Team USA has won four of the last five major international events, including the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia; the 2012 International Paralympic Committee Sled Hockey World Championship in Hamar, Norway; the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia; and the 2009 IPC Sled Hockey World Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The United States roster is highlighted by captain Josh Sweeney (Phoenix, Ariz.); alternate captains Nikko Landeros (Johnstown, Colo.) and Josh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.); and goaltenderSteve Cash (Overland, Mo.). For the complete U.S. roster, click here. The 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge will be streamed live at FASTHockey.com. For more tournament information, click here. 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge • Team USA Schedule Feb. 1-7 - Leduc, Alberta - Leduc Recreation Centre Date Opponent Time (Local/EST) Sun., Feb. 1 Russia 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m. Mon., Feb. 2 Korea 7:00 p.m./9:00 p.m. Wed., Feb. 4 Canada 7:00 p.m./9:00 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 5 Semifinal 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m. Semifinal 7:00 p.m./9:00 p.m. Sat., Feb. 7 Third-Place Game 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m. Championship Game 5:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. Notes: Team USA finished second at last season's World Sled Hockey Challenge, which took place in December 2013 in Toronto, Ontario. The U.S. won the event in 2009 and 2012 ... The 2015 IPC Sled Hockey World Championships will take place in late April and early May in Buffalo, New York ... Eleven players from the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team that won gold in Sochi, Russia, including goaltender Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.); defensemen Tyler Carron (Fort Collins, Colo.),Nikko Landeros (Johnstown, Colo.) and Josh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.); and forwards Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.), Dan McCoy (Cheswick, Pa.), Kevin McKee (Davenport, Iowa), Adam Page(Lancaster, N.Y.), Paul Schaus (Buffalo, N.Y.), Josh Sweeney (Phoenix, Ariz.), and Brody Roybal(Northlake, Ill.) are part of the 2014-15 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. Cash, Landeros and Page also won gold medals at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia... Dan Brennan (Colorado Springs, Colo.), director of sled and inline national teams for USA Hockey, is serving as the general manager of the 2015 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team ... Jeff Sauer(Madison, Wis.), former men's ice hockey head coach at the University of Wisconsin, is in his fourth season as head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. Guy Gosselin (Grafton, Wis.), American Development Model regional manager for USA Hockey, is in his fourth season as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. Additional staff members include team physician Mike Uihlein (Grafton, Wis.), athletic trainer Mike Cortese (Boynton Beach, Fla.) and equipment manager Joel Isaacson (Houghton, Mich) ... Follow all U.S. games during the World Sled Hockey Challenge via Twitter by using @USAHockey and @USAHockeyScores, and join the conversation by using the hashtag #WSHC.

************************************************ Boxers Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao met to negotiate the terms of their title fight. [And to officially weigh the footballs.] ************************************************

Green: 'Ultimately it's all about winning Grey Cups'.

Market Bound: Potential 2015 free agents.

Please visit the league's official website, http://www.cfl.ca.

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Budweiser released its 2015 Super Bowl commercial featuring its signature Clydesdales coming to the rescue of their “Lost Dog” friend. The lost puppy tries to find his way home and when he gets into trouble, his horse buddies are there to take him home. | VIDEO

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Tampa, FL. -- Here's a sampling of media reports on the Buccaneers today.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1958, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were married.

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Tempe, AZ. -- Junior guard Gary Payton II broke the 20-point mark for the fourth time this season but Oregon State’s three-game winning streak ended on Thursday with a 73-55 setback at Arizona State.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1966, "Sweet Charity" opened at the Palace Theatre in New York City. It ran for 608 performances.

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Yay! Another goal for the Lightning Guys Daddy!

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as Super Bowl Media Days, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History:

1966 - Elvis Presley's "Tell Me Why" reached #33 in the U.S. 

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On this date in 1997, America Online agreed to give refunds to frustrated customers under threat of lawsuits across the country. Customers were unable to log on after AOL offered a flat $19.95-a-month rate.

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Today in Beatles History:

1992 - George Harrison's "Dark Horse" was released on compact disc. The album was originally released on December 9, 1974. 

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The overweight in Mexico City can get a free subway ride. Dozens of stations in the city’s metro system have been equipped with special machines that, in exchange for 10 squats, will tell passengers how many calories they burned and give them a token for a free ride.

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Today in Sports History:

1936 - The first members of major league baseball's Hall of Fame were named in Cooperstown, NY. They were Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. 

1963 - The first members to the NFL's Hall of Fame were named in Canton, OH. The list included Sammy Baugh, Johnny Blood, Dutch Clark, Red Grange, Mel Hein, Pete Henry, Cal Hubbard, Don Hutson, Bronko Nagurski, Ernie Nevers, Jim Thorpe, Bert Bell, Joe Carr, George Halas, Curly Lambeau, Tim Mara, and George Preston Marshall. 

1985 - Jari Kurri (Edmonton Oilers) set an NHL record when he scored his 100th point in the 39th game of the season. 

1989 - Billy Joel sang the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXIII. 

1995 - The San Francisco 49ers became the first team in National Football League (NFL) history to win five Super Bowl titles. The 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX. San Francisco quarterback Steve Young threw six touchdown passes in the game. 

2004 - Major League Baseball owners approved the $430 million sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers from News Corp. to Frank McCourt. 

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A man in Beijing has been arrested for stealing a car so he could drive his girlfriend to work. And because his lady deserves the finer things, the guy stole a BMW.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Detroit Red Wings 7:30pm EST

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild at Kenai River Brown Bears 11:00pm EST

Friday --

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild at Kenai River Brown Bears 11:30pm EST

Saturday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 5:00pm 

EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets 7:00pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00pm EST

NAHL Hockey -- Wenatchee Wild at Kenai River Brown Bears 11:30pm EST

Sunday --

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00am EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Atlanta Junior Knights 11:00am EST

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow.