Friday, December 29, 2006

Remembering President Ford; NFL Week 17 Picks

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.

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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!

 



Farewell | NFL

Friday, December 29, 2006 12:54:05 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Thursday, December 28, 2006

Zito to the Giants (What?)

Barry Zito and the Giants have agreed to a seven-year, $126 million contract.

Posted by a depressed Steve in Mets starting pitching hell.



MLB

Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:35:45 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Medford Bob Says...

You have often heard me refer to friend and co-worker Medford Bob.  Medford Bob is one of my few friends who can give Linda a run for her money in the sarcasm department.  For as much as I enjoyed hearing and writing about "Jon Stewart throws like a girl" and other Mets issues from Linda, Medford Bob yells at me whenever Randy "Keep 'Em Close" Johnson pitches.  It gets better.  After I leave work, I get 3 a.m. calls from Robert in Tampa venting about any and all Yankee games from the past 40 years.  Like I am responsible?  I am not George Steinbrenner or Brian Cashman.  I would if I could but I can't so I won't.

You should no longer wonder why I write a great deal to keep whatever little sanity I have left.  If writing could only help my hair loss or love life… 

Enough about me for now, here's the first but hopefully not the last "Medford Bob Says…"

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"Medford Bob Says..."

A few thoughts on baseball..Gil Meche?  55 million dollars?  Props to KC.  Looks like they're serious about competing with the Toledo Mud Hens this year.

 

Is Brian Cashman just getting better or what!  It's like he's playing moneyball with a huge budget.  I like the way he has been stockpiling young pitching while solidifying the team and not panicking by overpaying mediocre free agents.  Except for a backup catcher, this team is solid.

 

And any Red Sox fans that think their rotation with Deemat (is that slang for something to clean your shoes on?) will outclass the Bombers are still living in fantasyland.  Barring injury (and if the Yanks, God willing, get rid of "Keep 'em close Randy") do you really want to put your rotation against Mussina, Pettite, Wang, Igawa and probably Phillip Hughes?  Yeah I know there's been talk about getting Barry Zito but he sucks against the American League East and will probably end up with the Mets as they will bid through the roof as they need him more. (will Pedro ever pitch again?  And the only people afraid of the Mets starting rotation as it stands is, the Mets.  And speaking of the Mets, all I can say is, Moises Alou?  Let my people go!  )   J.D. Drew?  Puuleeez!  Cards traded him to Atlanta who let him go as a free agent.  Guy makes Ricky Henderson and his hammy look like a WWII Marine storming Iwo Jima.  Boston fans will LOVE him.  Like they love Coco Crisp. 

 

But you gotta give Theo props for the moves he has made.  Sox may have finished behind Baltimore and Toronto if he hadn't stepped up.  More than an overpriced Japanese import (let's reserve judgment on Cy Young San until the third time he goes through the league and faces major leaguers who haven't had just 2 weeks of pickup games) he's made some nice moves to solidify the team.  But they are still not good enough to overcome da Bombers. (having the Sox win ONCE in 86 years made them think they actually have a chance but it is accepted in the scientific community that if you put a monkey into a room with a watch in pieces, EVENTUALLY the monkey will put it back together)  Let’s face it.  Red Sox nation is just a third world country on cheap steroids ("doesn't everyone have an arm growing out their ear?"). 

 

The Cubs, the Cubs the Cubs.  It's like watching a drunken uncle who hit the lottery and has no money skills.  Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Wade Miller.  And pray for rain.  No really.  But only on the days they're supposed to pitch.  Soriano has become the new A-Rod?  Gonna have him bat leadoff so Juan Pierre can strike out leaving him on base.

 

Cardinals are right now going into the spring with Chris Carpenter and 4 guys named Moe.  But Walt Jocketty will somehow figure all this out because anyone who watches the Cards knows you don't bet against Walt.  NL central looks like the weak sister again this year.And that’s great for St. Louis.  Because they're the best fans in America.  Just ask them.  They'll tell you.  Best fans in America.  It's true.  They took a poll in the old Busch Stadium.  And St. Louis came out on top.  Go figure.

 

I just saw Happy Feet.  It made me………………Happy.

 

Till next time, this is Medford Bob Says...

Introduced and posted by The Tank and Written by Medford Bob in NY.



MLB | Medford Bob Says

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 11:48:55 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Tuesday, December 26, 2006

5 Reasons why the Mets need to sign Barry Zito

 

  1. 211. That is the average number of innings Zito gives you a year. Last year Glavine gave the Mets 198, el Duque 162, Pedro 132 and Maine 90. With the back end of the rotation not solidified yet and Pedro’s status in doubt you need to add someone dependable to the staff that can give you 200+ innings a year. Zito is your man.
  2. 37. That is the average age of Glavine, el Duque and Pedro. Zito is 28. The Mets’ front of the rotation is filled with old guys who have won a Cy Young, pitched in the playoffs and can pitch on the NY stage. Then now need a young Cy Young winner with tremendous amount of playoff experience. Zito is your man.
  3. 22. That is the amount of major league victories Scott Kazmir has. Mets fans are still irrationally bitter. Steve Philips did make that bad trade, but he was run out of town because of it. I was trying to enjoy the best Mets’ season in 18 years and my friends could only say all summer long “Imagine if Kazmir was on the team” like a broken record. When the Mets went into the playoffs with the bad news bears pitching rotation I actually started to think that maybe the psychos had a point. The Mets need a young stuff pitcher who can exercise the Kazmir ghost. Zito is your man.
  4. 21. That is the number of years since the Mets won a world series. I have always said “Pitching wins pennants.” The Cardinals outlasted the Mets because their pitching shut down the Mets hitting. Zito is your man.
  5. 0. The number of quality starters out on the market left. With Soup signed and Dontrelle in jail for DWI, Lastings Millage’s stock down, Zito is your man.

Posted by Steve in New York.



MLB

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 2:16:29 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The Boras That Stole Christmas

Christmas came and went without the signing of Scott Boras' superstar free agent client, Barry Zito.  Mets fans like Steve, Linda, her Mom, and others will have to wait a little longer than hoped.
                                                      
Here's why: Boras is notorious at getting and maintaining leverage for his clients.  Just ask the Red Sox.  As their plane was going back to Boston, Boras was still negotiating Matsuzaka's terms with Red Sox GM Theo Epstein.  By the end of the negotiations, Epstein aged about ten years and looked as though he had seen a ghost.  He did, it was Scott Boras, the Ghost of Free Agent Greed.

Where Do We Go From Here: Expect Boras to tighten the screws even harder on the Mets, Rangers, and other Zito suitors.  That's his job and he does it better than anyone else in the world.

I don't even expect Zito to be signed by Old Calendar Christmas, January 7.  I expect Zito to be signed as close as possible to Pitchers and Catchers which is just after my least favorite "holiday", "Saint" Valentine's Day.  Expect more from the Tank as we get closer to February 14.
         
Anyway, enough about "Hallmark Holidays" and let's get down to the important stuff.  I give the Mets the edge for the following reasons:

(1) They are a contender as the Rangers are not quite there yet.  The Mets were one strike from the World Series and the Rangers didn't even make the playoffs.

(2) Zito will be reunited with his former pitching coach, Rick Peterson.  Shea Stadium is much more pitcher friendly than the Launching Pad at Arlington.

(3) Texas has an 11 percent state income tax edge as NY has 7 percent state and 4 percent local tax.  However, Zito will be able to up the difference in endorsements in the nation's biggest media market. 

Word to the wise Mets fan: Be patient and keep the faith.  Boras wants top dollar but he is not foolish enough to walk away from a "bad" deal that makes him and Zito millions.  If Omar Minaya makes a competitive offer, Zito will most likely sign with the Mets. 
                           
Posted by The Tank in NY.   



MLB

Tuesday, December 26, 2006 2:25:48 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Monday, December 25, 2006

The Most Wonderful Week of the Year

I hope everyone is enjoying this unseasonably warm (in NY) but great Holiday season.

If you love college football, this is the best week of the year.  There are so many bowl games sponsored by various companies.  Though not a marquee game like the upcoming BCS Champion Game on January 8, The Tank listened to Hawaii beat Arizona State 41-24 in the Hawaii Bowl on the radio last night before going to taking a three hour nap and going to work.  The Tank observes Julian/Old Calendar Eastern Orthodox Christmas on January 7 as there is a 13 day difference between the Calendars.  I am covering for my IT network colleagues who observe Gregorian/New Calendar Christmas.  The Internet and networking is 24/7/365-6 and if the network takes a nap (God Forbid), then we're in trouble regardless of if and when we observe Christmas. 

Merry Christmas! / Happy Hanukah! / Happy Kwanzaa! / Happy Ramadan! / Happy Winter Solstice! / Apologies to others' Holidays I may have forgotten!

Best wishes to you and yours for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Posted by The Tank in NY.



College Football

Monday, December 25, 2006 7:04:56 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Sunday, December 24, 2006

Rocky Balboa

The Tank's old college buddy, Dino The Greek, sent him a welcome surprise e-mail about the opening night of the sixth installment of "Rocky" this past Wednesday, December 20.

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"Rocky Balboa AKA Rocky VI----phenomenal!!!!!

The ending was good.  This movie ended the sequel on a high note.  Thank God Sylvester Stallone made this movie or else the series would have ended on Rocky V. 

The Theater was packed.  People clapped screamed and cheered during the fight and clapped at the end of the movie.  The ending was not predictable but if you are a diehard fan of the Rocky movies it would have made sense.  Without spoiling the movie, contrary to rumors-Rocky did not die in this movie after the fight.  Sylvester Stallone made this movie for the diehard fan of Rocky movies.  Original music, fight match scene, training scene.  Same type of beginning except and thank God for this they did not do a replay of what happened during the previous movie because Rocky V did not have much.

If you are a Rocky fan this is a must."

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The Tank Reflects on Dino's Review: I usually don't see movies opening weekend but Dino's review compelled me to watch it.  I wrote notes but won't ruin it for you.  As clips from previous movies showed, I reflected on priceless memories of watching previous "Rocky" installments with friends and family.  Probably the most memorable was my then 11 year old brother and I (12 at the time) cheering on the Hulkster as "Thunderlips" in "Rocky II".  This is the only time I didn't cheer for Rocky.  The 17 year old usher tried to keep us quiet but we glared at him and he took his flashlight and quickly retreated to the back of the theater.

The magic of the "Rocky" movies is to fight back when you feel down and out.  To quote the Philadelphia Poet, "It's not how hard you've been hit by life, it's how hard you hit back!"  

Posted by The Tank fighting the good fight with guest review from Dino The Greek in NY. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry



Movies | Boxing

Sunday, December 24, 2006 4:15:43 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Saturday, December 23, 2006

Worse Than Isiah

This past week marked the third anniversary (observance in mourning for most) of Isiah Thomas' reign with the Knicks.  Though exciting at times, it has been a painful most of the time as Zeke has taken on huge expiring contracts of "stars" past their prime.  The list is too long for me to write and you to read as the Knicks are paying $62 million to five players not even on the roster anymore.

Since Mr. Dolan has given Isiah through the rest of the season to make progress, the Tank is forced to use reverse psychology to uplift himself and others.  For instance, who could be worse than Isiah?  The Tank thought long and hard and lost lots of sleep.  The nominees are:

(1) Detroit Lions President Matt Millen.  Like Isiah, Matt was a great player but a lousy executive.  Though a different sport, the Lions are even worse than the Knicks.  Is Matt blackmailing Lions ownership into keeping his job?  Is the Lions ownership too cheap to buy out his contract?

(2) Past and current Tampa D-Rays ownership.  While crying that they can't be competitive, past and current owners Vince Namoli and Bruce Sternberg, respectively, are gladly taking the Yankees luxury tax money but NOT reinvesting it in their team.  D-Rays fans like Buffalo Robert and Detroit Dale are furious.

(3) Current Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey H. Loria.  Mr. Loria is a NY art dealer who made a killing when he sold the Expos to MLB and then bought the Marlins to Mr. John Henry who went on to buy the Red.  The Marlins payroll is slightly lower than the D-Rays.  What about the luxury tax money Mr. Loria is pocketing?  Can't Mr. Loria sell anymore art at his NY gallery to pay his players more?

Remember, if you are ever down and out as a sports fan, there is someone worse off than you.

Posted by the Tank in NY.



NBA

Saturday, December 23, 2006 4:03:38 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Friday, December 22, 2006

Brooklyn Nets Thank You Letter

After the Tank called on New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to ensure that his delgate approved the Atlantic Yards project and thus the Nets move to Brooklyn, the Tank received a thank you letter from the New Jersey Nets that he would like to share with you.  It appears in quotes below.

"Dear (The Tank's Given Name -- not YET updated on my credit card, driver's license, or voting records),

Today (Wednesday) marks a watershed day in the history of the Nets organization as the Public Authorities Control Board of New York voted to approve the construction of the Atlantic Yards development project, including a state-of-the art Frank Gehry-designed arena for the Nets in Brooklyn scheduled to open for the 2009-10 NBA season.  We understand that along with the excitement of this news, there may be some questions and concerns for our fans. 

First, it is important for you to know that Bruce Ratner, Rod Thorn, myself and the entire organization are fully committed to giving you a first-class product, not only with the team on the court, but also with extensive enhancements that have been and will continue to be made at Continental Airlines Arena.

Next, we intend to do everything possible to maintain our relationship with all of you when we move to Brooklyn.  In the coming weeks and months you will be hearing about various opportunities to increase your priority level to select seats at the arena in Brooklyn.  

While seating priority will likely be a question raised by many of our fans pertaining to the Brooklyn move, there are also other issues which we have addressed and presented conveniently online.  Simply click here to review the answers to several "Frequently Asked Questions".   Additionally, we will be keeping you informed in a variety of ways as new information is available.  If you would like to receive information in the future specifically pertaining to tickets, events and other news about our move to Brooklyn, please refer to the "Bring It To Brooklyn Subscription" box below.

Thank you for your support and for being a valued fan.  We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter of Nets Basketball with you.

Sincerely,


Brett Yormark
President & CEO
Nets Sports & Entertainment

 

 BRING IT TO BROOKLYN SUBSCRIPTION

We are pleased to announce the "Bring It To Brooklyn" e-newsletter featuring information specific to the Atlantic Yards development project. By opting-in for this subscription you'll be one of the first to receive the latest updates on arena construction, tickets, special events and more. You'll also get exclusive photos and information as the different phases of the development are completed."

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

The Tank's Response:

Dear Brett,

    I am glad that www.SteveAndTheTank.com and our awesome readers encouraged Mr. Silver and his delegate to do the right thing to help bring the Nets back home to New York.  

    Best wishes to you, your, and the soon to be BROOKLYN Nets family for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season. 

Sincerely,

The Tank

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Posted by an excited Tank in NY who is grateful to the best readers in the world for helping make the sports world a better place to live in.  Happy Holidays!


 



NBA

Friday, December 22, 2006 11:57:21 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Thursday, December 21, 2006

Week 16 NFL Picks

We are hitting the home stretch of the regular season. The Tank was 11-5 in his picks last week, touch wood.

For new readers, my picks are designed for you to win the highest number of games in your office pool.  I do not bet Vegas lines because they are subject to change and Vegas knows more than everyone except God.  Bet within your limits.  The predicted winning team is in bold.

Locks:

Da Bears shake off last week's near defeat and beat the Lions.

The Colts must and do bounce back against the Texans.

The Vikings are starting a rookie quarterback at Lambeau Field.  This could be Brett Favre's last home game in Green Bay so take the Packers.

Should Win:

The Chiefs need a win at the Raiders to help any slim hope of making the playoffs.

The Rams should beat the inconsistent Redskins.

The Patriots should win at the Jaguars who need the win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

The improving Browns beat the Buccanneers who are playing on the road for the third week in a row and in the cold.  Not good.

The 49ers just get by the improving Cardinals.

The Seahawks choked last week and will get beat by the visiting Chargers.

The Jets are going to have a dogfight on their hands at the Dolphins on Christmas Night.

The Cowboys should beat Jeff Garcia and the surging Eagles.

Avoid Picking:

The Falcons are coming off at loss and need a win at home against the disappointing Panthers.

The Bills host the surging Titans who are hopefully due for a loss in Buffalo.  Go Bills!

The Steelers are at home and playing for pride but have to beat the Ravens.

The Bengals are the better team but have to win at the Broncos who need the win to stay in the playoff hunt.  

Protest:

The Giants choked again last week and they greatly disappointed me.  I am protesting their games for the remainder of the regular season.  In fact, I may go to the game with a Reggie Bush jersey that I recently purchased at Modells's to root on America's New Team, the Saints.  Go Saints!

Posted by The Tank in NY.



NFL

Thursday, December 21, 2006 12:55:26 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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  Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Rangers Ticket Cancellation Line
The Rangers hosted the New Jersey D*vils at the Garden on Sunday evening the 17th.  Steve was at his Mom's house so the Tank is flying solo on this one.  The plan was to get a ticket and meet my friends, Moonbeam and Chris, inside the Garden during intermission. Moonbeam and Chris bought their tickets months in advance and the Tank wasn't sure about his nor Steve's status until Sunday.  After the Rangers 9-2 loss at Toronto on Saturday night, they needed to bounce back.  The great Martin Brodeur is in goal for the D*vils.

The Tank flashed the index finger in the air.  A scalper replied $160 per ticket and the Tank kept walking.  I asked other people but they didn't have them either or charging more.  The Tank started making his way toward the ticket window.  However, a ticket usher asked me to go to the Rangers Cancellation Line which is right next to the Borders bookstore.  The Tank compiled with his request because there were better odds of getting tickets.

Two mature ladies from Colorado were standing behind me and asked me what was going on and I explained.  They caught a musical Saturday night.  I told them that they should have seen the Nuggets-Knicks Game last night to watch their own home state Nuggets and then try to catch the musical today.  Saturday is the toughest day to catch Broadway shows so they should have switched days.

BTW, PermaGuest Jack recommended "Avenue Q".  The way the Knicks season is going, the Tank is going to need to listen to the music of ABBA in "Mama Mia" to cheer him up.  ABBA and/or painkillers to get him through the Knicks season.

As the Tank could not vouch for the creditability of the Scalper who dropped his prices from $160 per ticket to $75 and then to $50, the Tank watched out to make sure Colorado Ladies weren't ripped off or mugged.  They decided against the Scalper's tickets and followed me to the Ticket Booth.

For $74.50 per ticket, I better be getting the Club 200 treatment like Rangers fan and New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Mr. Silver did not return my call for a constituent ticket request probably because we are opposite sides of the aisle.  For instance, Mr. Silver voted against the West Side Stadium and the Tank favored it because he wants the Super Bowl, convention business, more concerts, and jobs for New York, NOT other states, especially New Jersey.  (Sorry, Kathleen, I have let go of almost all of my anti-Jersey feelings go but I will continue to fight for the hard working people of New York.)  The Tank wants the Nets in Brooklyn and one of Mr. Silver's delegates is due to vote against the project today, Wednesday, December 20.  

The Tank favors competition and Mr. Silver has sadly sided with the monopolistic Cablevision empire which has its tentacles in every aspect of New York sports and politics.  This is unfortunately because it is a great opportunity to bring a sports franchise BACK to New York where it belongs, unlike the traitorous Dodgers, baseball and football Giants, and Jets.  It creates jobs for New Yorkers, generates tax revenue, and makes Brooklyn an even better place to be.  Regardless of what the NIMBYites in Brooklyn says, it's a stadium and kick arse housing and shopping development concept, NOT a nuclear power plant.  Please change your mind Mr. Silver.

Knicks fans will continue to suffer until their fans don't have to schlep to the Meadowlands and watch the Nets play there.  Only then, will the competitive fires be lit under the Knicks.  The rivalries between the Mets-Yankees make each team better because they not only compete against the division and league rivals, but also with their cross-town rivals. 
 
Needless to say, after waiting in the Rangers Ticket Cancellation Line for a while, there were only two minutes left in the first period and the Tank wasn't going to pay $74.50 for a ticket.  I walked to a nearby Seventh Avenue bar, which was until recently a Hallmark store, and watched the game. 

Patrik Elias scored in the 19th minute to give the D*vils the 1-0 lead at end of the first period.

According to MSG TV, D*vils star Scott Gomez is playing in his 500th game.  Jamie Langenbrunner scored the D*vils second goal at 13:18 to put them up 2-0 on their second power play ago.  A moment later, Prucha gets one back on the assist from Jagr and the D*vils lead cut to 2-1.

Weekes let another one in at 9:48 and the D*vils lead 3-1.  The action is fast and furious as last season's rules changes have accelerated the game.  A fight breaks out between Hollweg and Hale and they both get five minute penalties.  This is the kind of fighting that the Garden is accustomed to. :-)

The Rangers get the power play but can't convert.  Parise called for roughing late in the second period.  The D*vils lead 3-1 at the end of the second period.  The Rangers try to attack the goal early in the 3rd period but Brodeur is equal to the task.  The D*vils counter and Brylin gets his second goal of the game D*vils 4-Rangers 1. 

A guy behind me yells me at the TV and says that Lundqvist is out injured with a sunburn on his neck (from the goal light going off behind him last night in the 9-2 loss). :-)

The D*vils add two more late goals from Elias (his second) and Parise and lead 6-1.

LaDainian Tomlinson scores another touchdown for the Chargers as I watched the Chargers-Chiefs game on another TV on the wall.  He has more touchdowns than the Rangers have goals.  The Rangers are unable to muster anything on offense and lose the game 6-1.
 
On the bright side, I met up with Moonbeam and Chris after the game.  We took the D train back to Brooklyn.  They shared a funny story about Moonbeam's friend and co-worker San Diego Rich who was going to do a background check on Chris before he married Moonbeam.  Opposites attracted as Moonbeam is a Rangers fan and Chris is a D*vils fan.  As soon as they stop arguing over all the details of whether Chris is from Minneapolis or Saint Paul (the Tank tried to mediate a "Twin Cities" compromise to their story), the Tank will share their story:-)

Posted by the Tank in NY.




Live! | Hockey

Wednesday, December 20, 2006 3:58:14 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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