Blow Out the Candles July 6

Hall of Famer George Armstrong is celebrating his 81st birthday today.

 1964-65 Parkhurst Tallboys #122

"The Chief" played for 21 seasons with the Maple Leafs and was their captain for 11.  He was a seven time All-Star and 4 time Stanley Cup Champion.  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1975.

Another hockey Hall of Famer is celebrating a birthday today.

Ranger and Bruins great Brad Park is 64.

 1971-72 Topps #40

Honors and achievements

Named to the First All-Star Team in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976 and 1978.
Named to the Second All-Star Team in 1971 and 1973.
Runner up in Norris Trophy voting in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976 and 1978
Received both the most First Team All-Star nominations (other than Earl Seibert, who retired before the trophy was awarded) and was runner-up for the Norris more times without winning the Norris than any other defenceman in NHL history.
Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978.
Retired as the leading defence scorer in Rangers' history and the second leading defence scorer in Bruins' history to Bobby Orr.
At the time of his retirement, had played the most seasons in league history for a player never missing the playoffs.
Currently 13th all-time in NHL history in defence scoring.
Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, in this first year of eligibility.
Along with Butch Goring, one of the last two active players who had played in the 1960s.
In 1998, he was ranked number 49 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players.
Ranked No. 11 on the all-time list of New York Rangers in the book 100 Ranger Greats (John Wiley & Sons, 2009).

Rock and Roll pioneer Bill Haley was born in Highland Park Michigan on this date in 1925.

Actor and animal right activist Burt Ward is 67 today.

If the name Burt Ward doesn't ring a bell here's how you probably remember him.

Burt played the Boy Wonder on the 1960's TV version of Batman.

Comedian Pat Paulsen was born in South Bend, WA. on this date in 1927.

Pat is best known for his roles on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" in the 1960's and his several mock runs for President of the United States, the first of which came in 1968.

Presidential campaign slogan: "I've upped my standards. Now, up yours."

Singer Nanci Griffith is 59 today.

I like Nanci's version better than Bette Midler's

Pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashknazy celebrates his 74th birthday today.

A younger Vladimir