Though SATT focus on baseball and football, the NHL is in full swing.  The 2008-2009 season started with two victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague.  The Rangers had momentum coming back home and lead the Eastern Conference with 13 points though the Canadiens have three games in hand and are only two points back.  I have listened to some games on the radio and intend to get to the Garden to watch some of the action in person this season.

The Rangers lost young prospect to Alexei Cherepanov at 19 years of age to heart issues during a recent game for Avangard Omsk in the Russian Continental Hockey League (KHL).  Alexei broke Pavel Bure's record goals record.  Alexei was learning the professional hockey ropes from teammate and former Ranger Jagomir Jagr.  Alexei had a bright future and it's tragic that he passed so soon.  May his memory be eternal.

Posted by a saddened Tank in NY.

Today marks the final regular season game at Yankee Stadium.  The Yankees odds of making the post-season are not good so this is probably the end of the line for the 85 year masterpiece.

I am grateful to Steve for moving the Everest Base Camp trip up a few days.  I am also grateful that we motored to Everest Base Camp and back.  I didn't want to have to choose between Everest and the Yankees.  I couldn't live with having to choose between two life changing experiences.  I don't need to deal with another closure issue. 

I'll try to see long time Bleacher Creature friends as this year's ticket plan has unfortunately taken me to the Left Field Bleachers and Tier.

It will be tough to say goodbye.  Memories of Reggie Jackson's three home runs against the Dodgers helped give me hope as a young impressionable seven year old.  The loss to the Dodgers in the 1981 World Series took much of that innocence away as an 11 year old.  The pain from the rest of the 1980s was only numbed by Donnie Baseball and following the Oneonta (A) Yankees.

There are too many memories from the last 12.5 years living in the world's greatest City to list.  There will be very few dry eyes starting from the final Roll Call to the last out.  Mine won't be one of them.

Posted by an emotional Tank in NY.

The Yankees and the world lost a true gentleman, Bobby Murcer, on Saturday.  Bobby died at 62 after courageous battling brain cancer.

Bobby played for the Yankees from 1965 to 1974 and 1979 to 1983.  He also played for the Giants from 1975 to 1976 and the Cubs from 1977 to 1979.

According to the "New York Post", he was the only Yankee to play with Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly.  He replaced fellow Oklahoman Mantle in centerfield.  He gave one of the eulogies at Thurman Munson's funeral on August 6, 1979, and then drove in all the RBIs in a 5-4 comeback win that night in the Stadium.

After his playing career ended, he went to the broadcast booth.  He taught us how the game was played.  He was a good guy who played the game and lived life the right way. 

He was diagnosed with brain cancer in late 2006.  He fought the good fight and most importantly did it with grace and class.

Bobby was a great player on some bad teams but never complained because he was even a better person.  R.I.P. Bobby.  You were always #1 (before Billy Martin took your number).  You will be #1 in Our Hearts.

Posted by a grieving Tank in NY.

I met Roy at my friend Robert's house in Tampa, Florida, in May 2004.  We went to a Yankees at D-Rays game that night at Tropicana Field.  Mariano happened to get his 300th save that night and I did my best impersonation of the "Yankeeees Win!"  I was so enthusiatic that Robert asked me to settle down because he had to do business with the clients he brought along. 

Roy needed a new liver and was on the waiting list for years.  He should have passed a couple of years ago but he fought the good fight, stayed positive, and inspired all who met him.  He finally got his new liver over the weekend but he passed on Easter morning. 

Though we rooted for opposing teams, we always liked and respected each other and our love of baseball.  You'll be missed Roy.  You'll be going to a place where everyday is Opening Day. 

Posted by a grieving Tank in NY.

 

 

Some of you may know that I almost drowned twice when I was 10 and 18.  Therefore, swimming in anything deeper than Jacuzzis and kiddie pools was a challenge that brought back the ultimate fear of being helpless while drowning that I pray none of you ever experience.  As Doug said about his fear of heights, "don't let your fear own you.  You own your fear."
                                                                      
Since I was "focused" on my goal of Seven (Marathon) Continents, I had to overcome my fear of swimming in deep water.  I put my floatation device around my waist and gingerly walked from the shallow to the deeper part of the pool.  I thankfully started to kind of float though my head bobbed up and down in the water.
                
Almost immediately after getting in the deeper water, I heard this sarcastic voice yell "this is your elbow and this is your *ss.  Learn the difference!."  I thought of yelling back "hey, bro, I am literally trying to keep my head above water.  And, yes, I do know my body parts," but I was too busy trying to keep my head above water.  Doug was in his element breaking in a new student, yours truly.  He didn't discriminate yelling at all students of all ages and races.  Before long, I became accustomed to other "Sternism" like "arms drive legs", "f*ck you, keep going!"
                                                   
Anyway, I worked hard and thankfully became faster than many of my lighter land only based runners.  Thanks to Doug and Dr. Dan I finished eight marathons on seven continents in 21 months.  I met many great friends like Steve, Linda, Jeff, Kal, and others all over the world.
                                               
It is often said that a pebble dropped in a pond makes a ripple affect all over the world.  Since hundreds (if not thousands) of other runners and myself will be able to run injury free for the rest our lives, we are his legacy of good health and happiness.  Doug is a boulder in the pool of life that will have a ripple effect long after we all have passed from this world.
  
Weeks before he died, I received permission from Doug to raise money for kidney cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center as a member of Fred's Team.  To donate, please go to my Fred's Team webpage and click "Donate".  If this link does not appear, please copy and paste the one of these links into your browser:

 

https://fredsteam.mskcc.org/fundraising/Controller?action=donateForm&user_id=35640&event_id=53 OR

 

https://fredsteam.mskcc.org/fundraising/Controller?action=userHome&user_id=35640&event_id=53

 

Happy Father's Day to my Dad and all the other dads out there.  I love you Dad.
                                                                                       
I also wanted to recognize a father like figure I grew up watching on TV, Bob Barker.  This past Friday marked Bob's last broadcast of the "The Price Is Right".  Bob was the face of the TPIR for over 35 years.
                                     
"Come On Down" is one of the best known phrases as the announcer calls for the contestant to come on down and see if the Price Is Right.  Bob then takes them through different price guessing games.  Family fun for everyone.
                                                
I don't know who will succeed Bob.  Rosie O'Donnell is a rumored replacement (hopefully not) or possibly former NY Giants running back Tiki Barber as I suggested when he retired a few months ago or even someone else.
          
Regardless of who succeeds in trying to fill Bob's large shoes, best wishes to Bob for a happy and healthy retirement.             

Posted by the Tank in NY.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer with barbecues, trips to the beach, and an extra day off to enjoy other leisure activities.
                                   
Memorial Day is much more than that.  Freedom isn't free; it is made possible by the blood of others who came before us. 

Please take a moment today to remember the fallen in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you very much and God bless us all.
                               
Sincerely,

The Tank

The Tank watched one of the biggest meltdowns ever Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands.  The North Carolina Tar Heels had an 11 point lead in the second half including 10 points with six minutes to go in regulation.

The Tar Heels took shots with too much time left on the shot clock.  They couldn't rebound to save their lives and were 2 of their last 22 shots including overtime.  Georgetown tied the game at 81 to force the game into overtime.  Georgetown took over in overtime and won 96-84.   

Instead of having three out of four teams in the Final Four, the Tank only has two, Ohio State and Florida.  I also have to put with my arch-nemisis, Georgetown, in the Final Four.  I will retriple my efforts to root for Ohio State in the National Semifinal.

---------------

Sunday night was also the last show of George Michael's Sports Machine.  Thanks George for 27 great years of sports memories.  You will be missed!  

Posted by the Tank in NY.

 

Friday marked my final day with my current company.  After almost nine years, it was difficult to say goodbye so I said farewell to friends and colleagues.

I especially want to thank those most supportive and understanding of SteveAndTheTank.com at work, i.e. Director Steve, Maria, Daniel, Gil, and Medford Bob amongst others.  At Friday's farewell party, I was awed by Candace's framed Yankees jersey.  It was signed by my friends including "Go Mets" by Jeff.  It's all good as I hope to get Subway Series closure this season.  

The Tank is an alter ego to my regular personality which is also misunderstood at times.  It is not negative or dark, just more crazy and fun loving, letting my receding hair down while I still have it.  Even though the Bears lost, Rex Grossman is still getting my restoration bill.    Because of Grossman's inconsistent play, even professional prognosticators like Brandon Lang is like 3-15 in Bears games this season. (Lang is an excellent handicapper as he is 16-0-2 in the past 18 Super Bowls according to a recent interview on ESPN 1050 AM.)

SteveAndTheTank.com is a good way to convey my sports passion in written form which I already do to anyone who will listen to me vent when I am walking around working and talking about sports.  I am grateful for the artistic freedom.

To quote Morrissey in the Smiths' classic song "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out", "...the pleasure, the privilege, has been mine."

Best wishes for happiness and health to all.

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

President Gerald Ford passed earlier this week at 93.  President Ford was the 38th President and may not be remembered by historians as one of the greatest presidents but he got America through a very difficult post-Watergate and Vietnam period.  The Tank doesn't remember President Ford's Administration well but does remember his Dad slamming the newspaper down on the kitchen table in disgust after President Ford fell short in a late rally against Jimmy Carter in the 1976 Election. 

The Tank admires President Ford for his contribution to America and football.  He was real Old School and a two-time National Champion at Michigan.  He played without a helmet.  If everyone did, there would be fewer injuries from a metal helmet on a body (even with pads).  Ouch!  The Tank may not get this essential reform passed in the near future but he has made progress in his 20 year campaign against astroturf.  If I ever run for office, the Tank maybe assassinated by football helmet manufacturers but thanked by future players and honored by historians.  The health of the players and the betterment of the game will be part of my legacy. 

His address at the 1974 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshirement shows the class gentleman that he was and his impact on the country and game.  It was less than two weeks before he took over for President Nixon.  (Speaking of President Nixon, I misspoke at Linda's great Holiday party this past Saturday in response to a question from "White Fedora" Mike.  America went off the gold standard on August 15, 1971, not August 15, 1973.  My apologies to WFM and others in attendance for the error in the year but not the date.  However, the Tank does not apologize for his advocacy of a return to gold standard and real money in this dated but excellent article.)

R.I.P. President Ford.

------------

Last call for the NFL regular season.  The Tank was 9-6 in his picks, touch wood. I excluded the Giants-Saints game out of protest which I continue this week. I felt even better when Vegas pro Brandon Lang avoided the game on Stephen A. Smith's ESPN 1050 AM radio show last Friday.

For new readers, my picks are designed for you to win the highest number of games in your office pool which are normally predicated on wins and losses, NOT the Vegas line.  Unlike Lang who is an excellent analyst, I do not bet Vegas lines because they are subject to change and Vegas knows more than everyone except God.  Furthermore, Vegas lines are designed for the "vig" or the balance of the betting money which is why you see ridiculous double-digit lines to get people to take chances and care about potential blowouts.  Whereas, I want you to win your office pool and be the talk of your office.

Remember, bet within your limits, past performance is not indicative of future results (mutual fund speak legalese disclaimer), and have fun.  The predicted winning team is in bold.

There are five 7-8 NFC teams fighting for the last wild card spot including the Giants with the various permutations and combinations for all teams.

Lock:

The Jets win against the Raiders and they are going to the playoffs.  Yes, the Raiders are playing for pride and their jobs (Art Shell included) but are at the Meadowlands.  Take the Jets.

The Cowboys are playing for NFC East against the rudderless Lions.

The Chargers are at home against the improving Cardinals.

Should Win:

A Ravens win against the Bills and they clinch a week off.

The Colts are playing for playoff seeding and are at home against Dolphins.

The Chiefs are at home against the Jaguars.

The Saints host the disappointing but still playoff eligible 7-8 Panthers.

The Eagles host the inconsistent but still playoff eligible 7-8 Falcons.

The Titans are at home against the Patriots.  Who would have thought at the beginning of the season they had a chance to make the playoffs?  The Patriots should dash those hopes.

The Broncos are at home and need to beat the 49ers to make the playoffs.

The still playoff eligible 7-8 Rams play at the Vikings.

Avoid:

The Bengals are at the Steelers.  The Steelers are playing for pride in possibly Coach Bill Cowher's last game but the Bengals need to win and get some help to win to make the playoffs.

The improving Texans are at home against the Browns.

The Bears hosting the still playoff eligible 7-8 Packers.  Expect Brett Favre to go down swinging in what might be his last game.

The Buccaneers host the Seahawks.  The Seahawks might rest some guys because they have made the playoffs but have a first round game instead of a bye because they choked down the stretch.  Watch, choke-artist Seahawks prove me wrong.

Protest:

The still playoff eligible 7-8 Giants at the Redskins on Saturday night.  Does anyone care anymore?  The Giants don't appear to.  The Tank's protest against the Giants continues.

 

Posted by The Tank in NY. Happy New Year!

 

September 11th's lessons are profound on many levels, e.g. geopolitical, security, etc. which I'll leave for others to debate and discuss.  I'll describe two personal lessons that were driven home that fateful day.

(1) Sometimes God doesn't reveal His answers immediately but that's part of the mystery of life. For instance, my best friend from college, Bay Ridge Bob, got me an interview in August 1999, in his company that was literally packing up and moving as I was interviewing from 61 Broadway to the 78th and 79th floors of the World Trade Center.  I had a good interview and it seemed like a great crew to work with.  Working with my best friend, doing fun computer stuff, and getting paid to talk on (er, work with) Nextel Walkie-Talkies.  What could be better?  Though Bay Ridge Bob pulled for me, I didn't get the job.  I was angry at myself but thankfully transferred from the Help Desk to Network Operations after Luis V. took the LA IT Manager's job in October 1999.  The second plane went through the 80th floor, just above where I would have worked. Bay Ridge Bob thankfully was late because he went to vote that morning.  My perspective boss, Jonathan, thankfully escaped with jet fuel on his shirt from the second plane that had crashed through the floor above.  Unfortunately, there were four people in that company that never made it out.  Since I vote via absentee ballot and would have been on time, I may have been the fifth victim.  I now understood God's answer on why I didn't get the job in August 1999.

(2) Don't procrasinate about your feelings for someone, say what you feel TODAY.  I took a Windows 2000 course after work starting in the Spring of 2001.  I sat next to this cute girl named Chapelle R. Sarker. After working all day, she would elbow me in the ribs or shoulder to keep me awake.  As spring became summer, we started the Exchange part of the course that her and her colleague said that they would pick up in the Fall.  OK, I told myself, I'll ask her out in the Fall.  She worked for Marsh somewhere in the 90s of WTC and never made it out.  Procrastination got the better of me again.  Don't procrastinate, say what you feel to the people you care about.  R.I.P. Chapelle and all the other innocent victims who passed on that tragic day five years ago.  You are missed and loved.  Sincerely and God Bless.

Posted by a mourning Tank in NY.