Last night I was out for dinner on las Rumblas in Barcelona, early by Spanish standards at about 11pm. As I stepped off the metro I thought I walked into the middle of a riot. Was there a massive government protest? Did George Bush decide to visit? No, Barcelona is host to a match tonight between the Rangers of Scotland and local hometown favorite FC Barcelona.

To say that tonight's match is a huge one is an understatement. The Rangers and FC Barcelona are tied in the E Group in the Championship League with two wins and 1 draw apiece.

The Scottish Soccer hooligans were out in full force on the Rublas last night. I have experienced some crazy European soccer experiences in the past, including being in Paris (by accident) when France won the World Cup, but nothing could prepare me for this. The hooligans took over the square and were separated by police barricades, Scots on one side, Spaniards on the other. They were drunk (of course!), dressed in team colors and singing at the top of their lungs the songs of their team and country. Chants of intimidation in unison were shouted over and over again and at one point the crowd gathered into two groups (separated by police) and were throwing beer, food, and clothing at each other (over the line of police separating them.)

It was a lot of fun to be a part of. What amazes me is that life just stops for soccer fans in Europe and they travel to the city where their team is playing an important match and just go to bars, sing, dance, get in trouble, and watch the game on TV since there is usually no chance of getting a ticket. (I tried, but going rate is 350 euros on the scalper market, too high for our budget, I will be watching at a bar on las Rumblas, hopefully with a camera this time!)

Tennis:

Football is not the only thing going on in Spain this week, the Sony Ericsson Championships are going on in Madrid. With her ailing shoulder clearly healed, Maria Sharapova looked like her usual self. She won her first match in more than two months yesterday in Madrid, a 6-4, 7-5 win against Daniela Hantuchova.

Posted by Steve in Barcelona, Spain

Football (Soccer) | Tennis

Wednesday, November 07, 2007 7:07:46 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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As Joe Torre donned his new LA uniform yesterday at Dodger Stadium, he announced that longtime fan favorite Don Mattingly will serve with him as hitting coach. This will be the first time Mattingly will wear a uniform other than a Yankees one. In addition Larry Bowa will come over as bench coach or third base coach, dealing a loss to the Yankees with two valuable coaches as Ron Guidry looks to leave as pitching coach.

As GMs meet in Florida for the winter meetings the Yankees will be in search for a 3rd baseman. Andy Pettitte declined his $16 million option, still uncertain whether he wants to pitch next season or retire. The Yankees need him to stay one more year as the young pitchers get up to speed.

In other news: it is reported the Maddux has re-signed with the Padres and Shilling has re-signed with the Red Sox.

Posted by Steve in Barcelona.

MLB | Yankees Analysis (MLB)

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 7:47:33 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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The Rumor Mill is that the Mets brass have been thinking about getting into the ARod sweepstakes. Management has spoken to current third baseman David Wright recently. The rumor mill is spinning.

Sure A-Rod will hit 50 home runs and drive in a gazillion RBIs.But do the Mets really want the baggage? We all know he cracks under the pressure (Playoffs) and that the media seems to dislike him, picking on him every step of the way. If I were the Mets I would pass.

Posted by Steve in Barcelona.

Mets Analysis (MLB) | MLB

Monday, November 05, 2007 9:19:03 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Hello sportsfans, this is the Tank checking in with you after running the 2007 ING NYC Marathon earlier today.  I ran it in a personal best of 4:39.  It's not a great time but am grateful given being on the mend most of the past year.  For instance, I did not run for five months after last year's NYC Marathon because of injuries to (1) gastroknemesis or the muscle that goes into the right calf, (2) water on my right knee, and (3) strained soleous muscle and tendon around my right ankle. 

This year's injuries include a slightly tore my left calf on the Japan Day on Sunday, June 2, and retore it at the Fred's Team workout on Thursday, July 12.  After a second opinion, my physical therapist Dr. Dan wanted to check for a stress fracture.  I had my first MRI in late July and it was negative thank God!  Against the advice of Linda, Steve, Kathleen, and many others, I ran this year's race even though I am 15 pounds heavier than last year BUT ran it 17 minutes faster than year.  I didn't run a great race but I ran a smart run with 26 one mile runs instead of one 26 mile run.  I walked each water stop to proper hydrate and recover my legs.  It helped me in later miles and feel better than last year thank God.  Woooo!

Speaking of later miles, I want to thank great and treasured friends like JH for showing up on 82nd and First Avenue.  Soon thereafter, Fiona ran the last 7.2 miles with me.  I also want to thank the great fans of NYC, especially those in the Boogie Down Bronx who allowed me to take the microphone at their music stage to throw down a hip-hop rhyme that I recently wrote for a colleague for a national conference.  The crowd went crazy.  As I transition out of marathon running over the next 18 months due to unbearable pain and fear of long term injury like not walking well.  I'll still do fitness running God Willing so I can tour the world with the healing power of my unique blend of music.  I don't have studio time lined up yet but you will all be invited to the album release party. 

Lastly, I want to thank Steve, Columbus Craig, Kal, JH, Aussie Rod, Buffalo Steve, LI/Vermont Bill, Maria, John the European, and everyone else who sponsored me this past weekend.  A big shout out to friend and Fred's Team Coach Antarctica Jeff.  If you still wish to sponsor me, please do so before December 15.  As I am only $775 short of my goal, any and all contributions are greatly appreciated, no monies go to me, and are tax deductible.

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

OR

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

Posted by a grateful Tank on the road to beating cancer in the 2007 ING NYC Marathon.

Fighting Cancer | Live! | Running

Sunday, November 04, 2007 5:47:32 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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NEXT EVENT: Sunday, November 4th, 2007 at Arlene's Grocery!

Details and more shows on the Event Page

Jello Wrestling

Saturday, November 03, 2007 5:41:08 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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