Clearing Out The In-Box -- Wednesday Morning -- June 15, 2022

Blogging today: I'm not sure how this morning plays out. It's possible, due to family commitments, I will be off the net for much of the morning. It depends on whether I get "reception" at venue this morning.

A stand-alone post? Maybe. But for now, let this sink in -- do you think the White House is watching?

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The Sports Page

NBA: tomorrow night -- for the Boston Celtics, win or it's over in game six.
USGA: US Open begins tomorrow

• story line: Phil's reception?
• story line: how well will Phil play? Prediction: barely makes the cut.
• story line: how will be be received by fans, athletes? Prediction: not well.
• this will be the number one reason to tune in
• "paired" with first two days:
  
• 1:47 p.m./8:02 a.m. – Phil Mickelson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; Shane Lowry, Republic of Ireland; Louis Oosthuizen, South Africa
• why is Phil "allowed" to play?
• this is a USGA event, not a PGA event.
• Mickelson has a five-exemption following his PGA Championship win last year; this is his first of five years of that five-year exemption. 
• The US Open is the only one of four major championships that Mickelson has not won. He is 51 years old -- perhaps the oldest "real" contender, and he will play this tournament until he wins or the 5-year exemption(s) run out.
  

LIV: I don't care for Steven A. Smith, but I have to agree with his commentary on the LIV. 
NHL: first game of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight, in Colorado. Tampa Bay will be visiting.

********************* The Apple Page

Partners with Major League Soccer, link here.

• will stream every single MLS through the Apple TV app for the next ten years
• deal to kick off next year, 2023
• fans will be able to stream every live match, with no local blackouts or restrictions of any kind
• the deal will include access to all MLS and League Cup games, along with select MLS Next Pro and MLS Next matches
• said to be a "historic first" for a major professional sports league
• deal will last through 2032
• Apple has already established a deal with Major League Baseball 
• rumors: may be pursuing NFL's Sunday Ticket package