The Mets have had lots of injuries lately and have slumped during their recent and unprecedented stretch of playing every American and National League playoff team from the Dbacks to the Yankees.  Steve was correct to recently complain about this.  But, there isn't much that can be done about it.

Yes, Alou, Green, and other key players are injured but the Mets need to stay within themselves.  You can see guys trying to hit five run home runs.  Keep within yourself, take pitches, and wear down the opposing pitcher.  The Mets have the offense that will keep them in games.  I always try to think positive and can relate to trying too hard. 

With all the Mets issues, they are still 2.0 games ahead of the Braves going into tonight's games.  Steve is travelling right now so I hope the Mets have righted the ship by the time we get together next week for an Antarctica Marathon reunion.  If it isn't, I will talk him off the ledge.  Keep the faith!

Posted by the Tank in NY.    

Mets Analysis (MLB) | MLB

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:07:57 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The news today portrayed Roger Clemens as some hero riding in on a white horse saving the Yankees season. Let's ignore that Roger won against the worst team in the league in his opener and his fastball was in the high 80s and his command was average. He was where you would want him to be, allowing 3 runs in 6 innings and only having to throw 108 pitches.

I am not going to touch the issue of him being ready. He is ready enough to face the Pirates and the slumping Mets this coming weekend. What I want to discuss is the way that Roger held the entire Yankee organization hostage for an obscene amount of money. His crazy $28 million a year salary, netting him $17.8 million will cost the Yankees approximately $1 million a start. (Half of the Pirates starting lineup yesterday made less for 2007 then Roger will make for the start.)

If Roger really wanted to pitch again in pinstripes he should have came to spring training ready to start. If Roger really wanted to pitch again in pinstripes he should never have waited until the Yankees were desperate with three starters on the DL and the AAA flavor of the week starting random games before opening negotiations. If Roger really wanted to pitch again in pinstripes he should have made up his mind sooner. Roger retired from Baseball after the 2003 season. The Yankees gave him a car and a nice sendoff. They should ask for the car back.

Posted by Steve in New York.

MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Sunday, June 10, 2007 7:24:27 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup, the best trophy in sports, last night in Anaheim.  The Ducks broke the Senators' back in Game 4 in Ottawa on Monday and then finished them off with a 6-2 victory to win the series 4 games to 1.
                                                                        
After the victory, Ducks Captain Scott Neidermayer received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Series from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.  He came back a moment later to lift the 36 inch high and 35 pound Lord Stanley's Cup over his head like a feather.
                              
Why is the Stanley Cup so special?  The NFL, NBA, and MLB Trophies are nice but it doesn't have every player from the winning team's name engraved on it like the Stanley Cup.  Players are immortalized forever on Lord Stanley's Cup.

Hockey is also special because of the handshake after every series.  Even though players players knock the stuffing out of each other during the series, they shake each others hand and show respect for the opponent afterwards.  Very classy.
                      
Much maligned NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman quelled the Anaheim crowd as he announced "I'm bringing gifts" as he came out to the ice to present the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup Trophies.  One of Bettman's few good decisions during his "dual lockout" commissionership is to give the Cup the white glove treatment whenever it is in displayed public. 
                                       
Since the Canadiens/Rangers/Sabres weren't in the Finals, I had no rooting interest for either team.  I was happy though to see some world class hockey on network TV.  It was a trip down memory lane to my Buffalo days as NBC had Don Cherry on during an intermission of Game 4.  For the uniniated, Cherry coached the Boston Bruins to their last Stanley Cup in the 1970s and is the current star of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.  Cherry is old time hockey at its best and advocated fights as a way to control the game.  He challenged the NHL, NBC President Dick Ebersol, and the "US audience" to take him up on it.  I don't think they will but he is always passionate and thought provoking.  (I have no evidence of this yet but don't be surprised if Cherry's appearance was a test of the US waters for more CBC hockey coverage in the US market.  Just a hunch as TV networks are very calculated and they are not rolling legends out like Cherry from competing networks for nothing.)  BTW, Don MacLean, Cherry's "Hockey Night in Canada" Co-Host, is the perfect good cop foil to Cherry's politically incorrect bad cop rants.  If you have a chance to watch them cover the closing of Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens in 2000 or even a regular "Hockey Night in Canada" on a Saturday night, you are in for a treat.
                                     
I am happy for former Buffalo Sabre Brad May from my college days.  It's probably the last game for Finnish star Teemu Selame.  Congratulations are also in order for the Neidermayer Brothers, Rob and Scott.  

Hockey may not enjoy the best TV ratings but it, like soccer, is strong at the youth level throughout North America.  Despite its current inept and greedy leadership, let's hope the NHL continues to recover and grow.

Posted by an optimistic Tank in NY.

NHL | Playoffs

Thursday, June 07, 2007 5:13:42 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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As I am about to enter Shea this past Saturday, I see a young couple holding a "FOCUS" sign for their group meeting.  Since Steve and I often talk about "focusing", I couldn't resist.

David Wright singles and then steals his 11th base of the season in the bottom of the first.  It appears that his back is thankfully feeling better, touch wood.
             
Jose Reyes' Spanish Academy Word of the Day is "La pantalla esta grande".  (Translation: "The screen is big.")      

Eric Byrnes hits a solo shot with one out in the third to give the Dbacks a 1-0 lead.
                                                                    
While I went to the restroom, Delgado hits a solo shot to right to tie the game. (For new readers, running to the restroom is a superstition that I use because I know the team I am rooting for will score when I don't watch them.  It works once again with Delgado's home run.  The other times include for the Yankees at the Stadium and on the road at Fenway and Wrigley.).  The Mets score more runs to take a 5-1 lead. 

It's time for Endy's (Chavez) Neighborhood to the theme of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.  This is another lesson for Lastings Milledge.  You can promote yourself in a positive way. 

Feliciano comes out for the 9th.  Feliciano shuts the door and the Mets win 7-1. 

Posted by the Tank reporting live from Shea Stadium in Queens.

Live! | Mets Analysis (MLB) | MLB

Tuesday, June 05, 2007 8:34:51 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The above assumes decent pitching.  Andy Pettitte tweaked his back Sunday night but is set to make his next start, touch wood.  Roger Clemens' first start is pushed back to Saturday.  Guess who already has tickets to that game in his Yankees ticket plan?  Yours truly, the Tank.   
                                                          
At 24-30, the Yankees can get to 96 wins if they win 72 out of the last 108 games and that should equal a division or wild card berth.  They did it in Fenway this past weekend under the worst of circumstances and need to keep the momentum rolling.  Buckle up and hold on because the season is only a third of the way done.

MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Monday, June 04, 2007 9:31:27 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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It was great catching up with Dana, Colin, Church, Stephanie, Melissa, and other friends before Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister show began at Arlene's Grocery.  Stephanie is taking the place of Jessica Bly who is doing summer theatre.  Good luck Jessica!
                                                               
Elijah warms up with yoga, stretching, and twister moves.  Allan and I concur that we do not want to keep against him in Twister.  I guess Elijah is psyching out the competition.  
                                                              
The Problem took the stage.  They classify themselves as "disco fuzz" with solid lyrics like "why don't you dance with me?" as Colin, Allan, Dana, and Elijah dance and play air guitar in front of the stage.  BTW, Stephanie apologies for calling Elijah "yoga boy" but his real nickname "Kite".  Check out The Problem in person.

DJ Skintight spins "Fly Rocket Fly".

Colin and Stephanie sing the catchy "Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister" theme recorded by yours truly, the Tank, a few months back.
                                   
Game #1: Musical Chairs.  Colin and Stephanie explained the rules.  It's pretty straightforward like when we were kids.
                                                      
I huddle the Good Vibrations (Melissa, Jen, Church, Josh, and Elijah -- glad he's on my team).  Stephanie says that I use my "assets" to my advantage to make the final three.  My hips may not look like Shakira's but they don't lie and deliver a pretty fierce hip check to anyone trying to sit on my chair after the music stops in Musical Chairs. 

After I was eliminated, Kristin is the individual champion.  I handed over my Musical Chairs Crown to her.
                  
Next up, Rotten Cherri versus PBR Street Gang: DJ Skintight plays "Eye of the Tiger". 

Since Melissa is a third grade teacher in Brooklyn, she can count and takes over duties of removing the extra chairs from Colin.

Colin asks me to break the tie between Maja and Brian Van.  I call it as I see them and Brian Van has the advantage.
  
It's now down to the final two.  Brian Van of the PBR Street Gang and Kee of Rotten Cherri stare each other down as the music plays on.  Brian Van wins as Kee is bounced off the final chair.               
                                                     
Ever the triple threat like in basketball, Stephanie does a great job of singing, emceeing, and playing Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister.  Stephanie now takes the stage as the Rotten Cherri's frontwoman.  While her lyrics are a lot like a young Pat Benatar, she looks like a young Gwen Stefani.  (BTW, Steve, Kathleen, Linda, and I saw Gwen in concert at Jones Beach on May 20.  Therefore, I could not file a report from that Sunday's Amateur Female Jello Wrestling.)
                                                                    
Elijah tries to teach Julia how to hoola hoop.  Julia is my female counterpart when it comes to hoola hooping.  I guess we all have our kryptonite.                           
                            
Game #2: Intimate Orange Relay
                                   
The object of the game is to cradle an orange on your chin and chest while passing it to another person who hoola hoops, passes it to another who spins on a chair, yet another who does jumping jacks, and the final one who chugs a beer.  If the orange hits the floor, you have to go back to the start.
                                  
First up, Good Vibrations versus PBR Street Gang.
                         
The Tank passes the orange to Jen who hoola hoops three times and then passes Elijah.  Elijah spins around the chair three times while playing the air violin before passing it to Josh who bounces the ball three times.  Josh passes it to Melissa who does three jumping jacks and passes it to Church.  But, no, the orange falls while Church is trying to chug the beer.  So back to the start and we begin again.

PBR also drops the orange at the same time so back to the beginning for them too.  In a close contest, Good Vibrations loses to PBR Street Gang.  Darn it!

Before the next round begins, Colin announces that he emcees karaoke at Lit every Sunday night.  Speaking of Colin, he utters the famous "You gotta be in it to win it!" to win Co-ed Disco Crisco Twister.
                                          
Next up, the Problem versus Rotten Cherri. 

DJ Skintight spins the Ramones classic "I want to be sedated."

Rotten Cherri wins a photo finish.  When asked for opinion, I scored Brian Van rallying to finish.  In a split decision, I scored Brian Van winning it but outvoted by Colin, Stephanie (of Rotten Cherri), and Jade
the bartender broke the tie.  "Maybe Rotten Cherri tipped Jade the bartender more," Colin says.
                              
After two rounds, the Problem has two points, PBR Street Gang one, Rotten Cherri one, and Good Vibrations zero.

The Problem retakes the stage as DJ Skintight spins the Bee Gees classic "You Should Be Dancing".

Game #3: Flip Cup Drinking Cup: Pretty self explanatory of drinking, flipping the cup over from the top to the bottom, NOT the side.

First up, Good Vibrations versus PBR Street Gang.
                                 
I was supposed to blog but drafted in the last minute.  It ended up being six on six instead of five on five.  As I am the world's heaviest lightweight drinker, where's Linda to drink my beer?
              
Billy Idol's cover of "Mony Mony" blares.  Allan finally flips the cup over.

PBR Street Gang beats Good Vibrations.

Game #4: Name That Tune:

Good Vibrations is down but not out.  Since I am child of both the 60s and 70s (conceived on Woodstock Weekend 1969 and born in May 1970), I better stay true to my retro roots.
                
DJ Skintight plays a short sample of the tune and then the teams have to sing the rest.

First up, "Burn Baby Burn" (not "Bern Baby Bern" after Yankees star Bernie Williams.).  Point for Good Vibrations.

"Hot Stuff".  Point for PBR Street Gang.

"Kung Fu Fighting".  Point for Good Vibrations.

"That's the Way I like it" by KC and the Sunshine Band.  (This is KC's best known song but his best song is "Please Don't Go" IMHO.)
            
"All I need is a miracle" by Mike and the Mechanics.  Point for Good Vibrations -- we are on a roll, knock on wood.

"Put me in Coach" by the Outfield.  Point for PBR Street Gang.

"We Are Family".  Point for Good Vibrations.

"Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister".  Point for the PBR Street Gang.

"Cookie Monster Theme".  Melissa saves the day here.                     

"Donchya" by the Pussycat Dolls.  Point for PBR Street Gang.

"She works hard for the money".  Point for Good Vibrations.

Since both teams are deadlocked with no signs of letting up, movie quotes were considered.  In the interest of time, all points count and onto the battle of the bands.  Yes, Rotten Cherri and the Problem can play music but do the young music stars know their musical trivia?

(BTW, Annie Rock's magical musical touch strikes again for booking these great bands.  She should be an AandR executive for a major label.)                                                                                      

Back to the Problem versus Rotten Cherri:

Neither band got all the lyrics to Rod Stewart's "Do You Think I'm Sexy". 

"Carwash" -- strike two for both bands.  I suggest that Melissa teach a special summer school music course and I will be special guest singer as I know almost all the words.
            
"Loveboat" -- Neither team won.  Melissa and I stole the point as we knew the song.  In a pique over losing, Stephanie just fired her drummer. 
                   
Time for the Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister theme song with Colin, Stephanie, Allan, and Maja.  Everyone dances include me.  I can sing, dance, and blog at the same time.  Wooooo!

Allan announces that the next Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister is at Henrietta Hudson's in the West Village on Sunday, June 10.  The next Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister could be even more fun and chaotic than tonight.      

Game #5 and The Main Event - Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister:

Good Vibrations versus PBR Street Gang.  Church and Elijah represent Good Vibrations.

Jen is the Twister Board Spinner.  Without further ado, here's the play by play, or spin by spin. 
     
Left foot red
Right hand yellow
Left hand green
Left hand blue
Right foot green (Church is out)
Right hand green
Right foot blue (Scotty is out)
Left foot green ("Pants falling off girl" is out.)
                                                    
In other sports, you have to play through pain.  In Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister, you have to play whether you have clothing on or not. 

------
Kristin and Ferhat of the Problem versus Stephanie and Dana playing for Rotten Cherri.  Stephanie asks the crowd to acknowledge the beauty of her legs.  No argument here.  All in favor say "Aye!".  All opposed say "Naye!".  The "Ayes" have it!  The motion is passed without dissent.  (I rarely pass up an opportunity to use Robert Rules of Order so my hard earned political science bachelor's degree does not lay fallow.)
                                           
Left hand red
Right foot blue
Right hand green
Left foot green (Ferhat is out.)
Left hand yellow
Right foot red (Stephanie and her beautiful well shaven thighs are off the Twister dots.  "I'm too drunk to do splits," she exclaims.)
Right hand blue
Right foot yellow
Left hand yellow
Right foot red
Left hand blue
Left foot green (Brian is out.)
Right hand green
Right foot yellow
Left foot red
Right foot blue
Left foot yellow
Right hand red
Left foot red
Right foot green
Left hand green
Right hand red
Left hand red
Left hand blue
Right foot green (Kristin from Bulgaria is almost out.)
Left foot green
Left hand green
Left foot red (Dana slips.)

First timer co-ed disco crisco twister Kristin from Bulgaria wins.

The next round has Good Vibrations versus the Problem:

Josh and Elijah compete for Good Vibrations.

Right foot red
Left hand red
Right hand yellow
Left foot red
Right hand blue
Left foot green
Right hand green
Right foot yellow (Ferhat is out.)
Left hand red
Right foot green
Right hand yellow
Right foot red (Kristin is out but she may wrestle at the next Amateur Female Jello Wrestling at Crash Mansion on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17.)
Right hand green
Left hand green
Right foot green
Right hand red (Like synchronized swimming," Allan says.)
Left foot yellow
Right foot red
Left foot red
Right foot yellow
Left hand yellow
Right foot green
Right hand green
Left hand red
Right foot red
Left foot yellow
Right hand yellow
Right foot green
Left foot green
Right foot red
Left hand green
Left foot yellow
Right foot yellow
Right hand blue
Left foot red
Left hand blue
Right foot green
Left foot blue
Right foot red
Right hand green
Left foot green
Right foot green
Right hand red
Left foot red (Elijah slips.)

Jen and Melissa slip on the wet Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister mat at they rush to congratulate Josh on his victory.
                                            
Good Vibrations wins with 10 points, The Problem and PBR Street Gang are tied for second with two point, and Rotten Cherri is fourth with one point. 

Rotten Cherri rocked the after party and then we went to Lit for karaoke.  Boo yeah!  The night has just begun.  Onto Lit for karaoke emceed by Colin, one of the hardest working people in show biz.
         
Scott with the punk rock hair and New York Dolls t-shirt sang ACDC's "Shoot Me All Night Long".  Melissa and I sang Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'".  Everyone had a blast late into the night.

Posted by the Tank reporting live from Co-Ed Disco Crisco Twister at Arlene's Grocery and Karaoke at Lit in Manhattan.

Co-Ed Disco | Karaoke

Sunday, June 03, 2007 3:36:31 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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