It's Wednesday

It's Wednesday. Here's what's happening....

*************************************************

Today is December 17th, the 350th day of 2014. There are 15 days left in the year.

*************************************************

Must see: 20-round shootout features 11 goals.

Kings unveil NHL Stadium Series uniform.

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

************************************************

Today's Birthdays: Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters) is 69. Laurie Holden (The Walking Dead) is 45. Giovanni Ribisi (Saving Private Ryan, Avatar, Phoebe Buffay’s half-brother Frank on Friends) is 40. Emma Bell (The Walking Dead) is 28.

************************************************

Philadelphia, PA. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning came into their game Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers with losses in four of their past five games.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

On this date in 1777, France recognized American independence.

************************************************

Boston College Continues as Unanimous No. 1 in USA Today/USAH Magazine College Hockey Poll USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine 2014-15 Women's College Hockey Poll - Regular Season #13 (First-place votes in parentheses) Rank School Last Week's Rank 2014-15 Record Weeks in Top 10 1. Boston College, 190 (19) 1 17-0-1 13 2. University of Minnesota, 171 2 16-1-2 13 3. University of Wisconsin, 150 3 17-2-1 13 4. Boston University, 127 4 12-3-2 13 5. Quinnipiac University, 102 5 13-1-3 12 6. Harvard University, 90 7 6-2-2 13 7. University of Minnesota Duluth, 83 8 6-2-2 8 8. Clarkson University, 49 9 12-6-1 13 9. Bemidji State University, 31 10 11-6-1 5 10. Mercyhurst University, 30 8 16-4-2 13 Others Receiving Votes: Cornell University, 14; St. Lawrence University, 2. Notes: The USA Today/USAH Magazine Women's College Hockey Poll is on hiatus until Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... The Western Collegiate Hockey Association leads all women's conferences with four ranked teams, while ECAC Hockey has three and the Hockey East Association has two. College Hockey America has one ... A total of 12 schools received votes in this week's poll ... This season's previous polls can be found here. About the Poll: The 18th annual USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Women's College Hockey Poll is conducted each week in conjunction with the American Hockey Coaches Association. The poll includes input from coaches and journalists representing each of the four NCAA Division I ice hockey conferences, as well as composite votes from officers of the AHCA and USA Hockey. U.S. Junior Select Team Edges Canada East, 3-2, in Final Preliminary Contest of 2014 World Junior A Challenge U.S. Rallies, Scores Two Goals in Final 91 Seconds of Regulation For Victory KINDERSLEY, Saskatchewan — The U.S. Junior Select Team edged Canada East, 3-2, in its final preliminary game of the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. In the final 2.5 seconds of regulation play, Shane Gersich (Chaska, Minn./Omaha Lancers) tipped in a shot from the point to give the U.S. the win. With the victory, Team USA moved into first place in the tournament and clinched a spot in the semifinal round.  “Canada East played a fantastic game. They were tenacious, hard working and very competitive,” said Jay Varady, coach of the U.S. Junior Select Team. “But our group also did a great job. Late in the game, our leadership took control and didn’t panic, and we were able to capitalize on key scoring chances.” For a complete recap, click here. Team USA will return to action during the semifinal round of competition Thursday (Dec. 19). Puck drop be will at either 4:30 or 8:30 p.m. ET. Their opponent is yet to be determined. CheckUSAHockey.com for updates, and follow @USAHockeyScores for in-game updates. U.S. National Under-17 Team Shutout by Russia, 2-0, in Opening Game of 2014 Four Nations Tournament Oettinger Makes 25 Saves for Team USA in Setback ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Jake Oettinger (Lakeville, Minn.) put up a 25-save performance on the opening day of the 2014 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Russia as Team USA fell, 2-0, here tonight at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Alexander Yorovenko helped Russia get on the board first with a power-play goal 5:07 after puck drop. Nikiti Makeyev set him up for the one-timed slap shot from the right point that went sailing into the net. The U.S. had a chance to even the score at 16:32 of the second period when William Lockwood (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) was hooked on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot, but he was unable to convert. The U.S. pulled Oettinger to even the playing field after getting called for a penalty with 1:57 remaining, but Russia’s Vitali Abromov put away an empty-netter with 15 seconds left on the clock to seal the game. Russia’s Vladislav Sukhachyov made 13 saves through the first 30 minutes before being replaced by Mikhail Berdin, who stopped 12 shots in the second half of the game. Russia will face Slovakia on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. EST, followed by Team USA versus Switzerland at 7 p.m. All contests are being held at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Notes: The players of the game were Oettinger (USA) and Sukhachyov (Russia) … Russia outshot the U.S., 25-26 … Tonight marked the second meeting this season between the U.S. National Under-17 Team and Russia. Russia defeated the U.S., 2-1, at the World U17 Hockey Challenge last month in Sarnia, Ontario … Team USA has won six of the last seven Four Nations Tournaments, including last year’s event … The Four Nations Tournament was last held in the U.S. in 2012, when Ann Arbor hosted the U18 tournament … The afternoon game saw Slovakia defeat Switzerland, 3-1 ... Tickets for the 2014 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament can be purchased prior to the event or at the door. Single-day tickets are available and include access to two games. Prices are $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and children, and $5 for groups of 10 or more. All tickets are general admission. To purchase tickets, call (734) 327-9251 or visit the USA Hockey offices at 2121 Oak Valley Drive in Ann Arbor. 2014 Under-17 Four Nations TournamentDec. 16-20 | Ann Arbor Ice Cube | Ann Arbor, Michigan Date Game Time (ET) / Result Tues., Dec. 16 Slovakia vs. Switzerland SVK, 3-1 USA vs. Russia RUS, 2-0 Wed., Dec. 17 Russia vs. Slovakia 3:30 p.m. USA vs. Switzerland 7:00 p.m. Fri., Dec. 19 Switzerland vs. Russia 3:30 p.m. USA vs. Slovakia 7:00 p.m. Sat., Dec. 20 Third Place 3:30 p.m. Championship 7:00 p.m.

************************************************

On this date in 1791, a traffic regulation in New York City established the first street to go "One Way."

************************************************

The Tampa Bay Juniors take part in the USPHL's Southern Winter Showcase in Ellenton starting tomorrow. On Thursday, December 18th, the Elite Juniors meet Richmond at 7:45pm. On Friday, the 19th, the Elite team plays East Coast at 1pm and the Empire team plays Hampton Roads at 7pm. On Sar=turday the 20th, the Elite team plays Hampton Roads at 9am, while the Empire team hooks up with Richmond at 1pm and Atlanta at 8pm. Then, on Sunday the 20th, both teams play Atlanta. The Elite game starts at 2:30pm and the Empire game at 3pm. (All times are EST.) All games will be available for viewing at Fasthockey.com. Admission to the showcase is $25 for the weekend, or $10 a day. Children 12 and under get in free.

************************************************

On this date in 1953, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to approve RCA’s color television specifications.

************************************************

Mitchell, Elimimian lead Weekly Say fan poll winners.

Reynolds named Riders' President and CEO.

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

************************************************

According to a new survey, teens prefer e-cigs over traditional smokes. [Mainly because they can’t seem to master the technology of lighting a match.]

************************************************

Tampa, FL. -- They came for a tour but left living a dream.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

Move over, FOMO, and make room for FOBO: A study by culture experts (Crowd DNA) found that fear of being offline is the new fear of missing out, as 70 percent of respondents 13 through 24 said they have to be connected, no matter where they are.

************************************************

Chapel Hill, NC. --The No. 14/16 Oregon State women’s basketball never trailed in a 70-55 win over No. 6/6 North Carolina Tuesday evening in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Read the rest here.

************************************************

Ever blow the whistle on someone? In China a guy has received so many threats after making corruption allegations that he’s now wearing a bullet proof vest to work.

************************************************

This is our classroom. Pretty neat, huh?

************************************************

You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as a 20-round shootout to decide a hockey game, isn't it?

************************************************

Today in Elvis History:

1958 - Colonel Parker announced that Elvis Presley's single "One Night" had sold over 1,250,000 copies. 

1960 - Elvis Presley's "I Gotta Know," the b-side to "Are You Lonesome Tonight," hit #20 in the U.S. 

1963 - Elvis Presley presented a check for $55,000 for fifty-eight Memphis charities. 

1963 - RCA excercised its option to extend Elvis Presley's recording contract two additional years. 

1966 - The Elvis Presley soundtrack album "Spinout" hit #18 in the U.S.

************************************************

TV TONIGHT: MICHAEL BUBLÉ’S CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK - This holiday special features Michael Bublé, Barbra Streisand, Miss Piggy, Ariana Grande and the Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall. (8p ET, NBC)

************************************************

Today in Beatles History:

1986 - Paul and Linda McCartney's limo caught fire en route to a TV taping in Newcastle, England. They were both unharmed.

************************************************

Seth Rogen and James Franco have cancelled all of their press appearances relating to their North Korean comedy The Interview due to threats of violence from the group that hacked Sony. The movie opens on Christmas.

************************************************

Today in Sports History:

1933 - The Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants in the first National Football League interdivisional championship game. The Bears won 23-21. 

1967 - Noland Smith (Kansas City Chiefs) set a record when he ran a kickoff return 106 yards. 

1984 - Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins) set NFL season records for touchdowns (48), completions (362) and yards (5084). 

1991 - The NBA's most one-sided game took place when Cleveland beat Miami 148-80. 

1993 - FOX outbid CBS for the National Football Conference TV package. 

1994 - George Foreman was a guest on "Saturday Night Live." 

2000 - Terrell Owens (San Francisco 49ers) caught an NFL-record 20 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears. The previous record was held by Tom Fears (Los Angeles Rams) with 18 catches on December 3, 1950, against the Green Bay Packers. Owens also broke Jerry Rice's franchise record of 16 receptions set in 1994 against the Los Angeles Rams. 

************************************************

On this date in 1969, television history was made when Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki Budinger were married on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.

************************************************

Coming Up:

Tonight --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Richmond Generals 7:45pm EST

Friday --

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs East Coast Eagles 1:00pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Hampton Roads Whalers 7:00pm EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EST

Saturday --

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Hampton Roads Whalers 9:00am EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Richmond Generals 1:00pm EST

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Islanders 7:00pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Atlanta Junior Knights 8:00pm EST

Sunday --

NFL Football -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Green Bay Packers 1:00pm EST

USPHL Elite Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Atlanta Junior Knights 2:30pm EST

USPHL Empire Hockey -- Tampa Bay Juniors vs Atlanta Junior Knights 3:00pm EST

************************************************

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