Author Archives: Blake Murphy

Columbia House Party: BONUS: January Mailbag

Title: Columbia House Party: BONUS: January Mailbag
Date: January 31, 2020
Original Source: Columbia House Party
Synopsis: In the latest Patreon bonus episode of Columbia House Party, we open up the mailbag to talk video game soundtracks, music to watch for in 2020, and more.

@iTunes :: bit.ly/ituneshp
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@Stitcher :: bit.ly/stitcherhp Read an excerpt!

‘Gotta lead the league in something’: Nobody is using challenges quite like Raptors coach Nick Nurse

Title: ‘Gotta lead the league in something’: Nobody is using challenges quite like Raptors coach Nick Nurse
Date: January 31, 2020
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Nick Nurse’s use of the coach’s challenge, a tool he’s experimenting with at a league-leading rate. Read an excerpt!

How chicken wings created my tightest social circle and gave me my best friends

Title: How chicken wings created my tightest social circle and gave me my best friends
Date: January 30, 2020
Original Source: National Post
Synopsis: In my latest piece for National Post, I wrote about the sacredness of Wing Nights and adult/online friendships.
Read an excerpt!

Radio Appearance: Talking Raptors on Sportsnet 590

Title: Radio Appearance: Talking Raptors on Sportsnet 590
Date: January 29, 2020
Original Source: Sportsnet 590
Synopsis: I appeared on Sportsnet 590, discussing the Raptors’ eight-game winning streak.

Check out the audio!

The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast – Emotional Week: Kobe Bryant’s Impact, Lowry Makes History, Vince Tributes & Gasol’s Status

Title: The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast – Emotional Week: Kobe Bryant’s Impact, Lowry Makes History, Vince Tributes & Gasol’s Status
Date: January 29, 2020
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In the latest edition of The Raptors Reasonablists Podcast, Eric Koreen and I discuss the passing of Kobe Bryant and its impact on the Raptors, the Raptors’ eight-game winning streak, the team’s injury trouble, and more. Read an excerpt!

Progress of Terence Davis II worth tracking ahead of Raptors’ trade deadline, Rising Stars rosters

Title: Progress of Terence Davis II worth tracking ahead of Raptors’ trade deadline, Rising Stars rosters
Date: January 28, 2020
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Terence Davis II trying to establish himself as a rotation piece, and as a byproduct, a possible participant in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge. Read an excerpt!

Columbia House Party: 13. Wilco – A Ghost Is Born (2004)

Title: Columbia House Party: 13. Wilco – A Ghost Is Born (2004)
Date: January 27, 2020
Original Source: Columbia House Party
Synopsis: In the 13th episode of Columbia House Party, we’re joined by Steve Sladkowski, the guitarist for PUP, to discuss Wilco’s A Ghost is Born.

@iTunes :: bit.ly/ituneshp
@Spotify :: bit.ly/spotifyhp
@Stitcher :: bit.ly/stitcherhp Read an excerpt!

‘That’s my one guy that I put up on a pedestal’: Death of Kobe Bryant hits Raptors and Spurs players hard

Title: ‘That’s my one guy that I put up on a pedestal’: Death of Kobe Bryant hits Raptors and Spurs players hard
Date: January 26, 2020
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the Raptors and Spurs playing through the loss of Kobe Bryant, Bryant’s impact on the roster, and the bonds basketball creates. Read an excerpt!

Open Gym appearance

Title: Open Gym appearance
Date: January 24, 2020
Original Source: Open Gym
Synopsis: I made an appearance on the latest episode of Open Gym, discussing the impact Raptors 905 have had on the Raptors, specifically with respect to Fred VanVleet.

You can check out my earlier TV appearances here.

Pascal Siakam shakes off mini-slump against Knicks: ‘I’m excited about it, getting back to being who I am’

Title: Pascal Siakam shakes off mini-slump against Knicks: ‘I’m excited about it, getting back to being who I am’
Date: January 24, 2020
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Pascal Siakam bouncing back from a tough stretch to lift the Raptors against the Knicks and reaffirm his All-Star status. Read an excerpt!