 Saturday, September 30, 2006
The Tank Runs Against Cancer in the NYC Marathon
Though the Tank has endured his share of injuries (IT Band, back, Achilles, tendonitis, knee, etc) in running eight marathons (ran the NYC Marathon twice) on all seven continents over the past two years, the Tank should take Steve's wise advice and retire. Even though I am too injured, too heavy, and too crazy to run, I am running November's NYC Marathon on Fred's Team for those who can't -- children with cancer. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, doctors and researchers are working on clinical trials that have the potential to increase the survival rates. In recent years, the overall survival rate of children with cancer has increased from 55% to 70%.
Though a very worthy cause, I am only about 40 percent of the way there ($1,760 of my $4,500 goal). I have to raise $2,250 by October 15 to get my uniform for the NYC Marathon and $4,500 by December 15 as to not to have to pay the difference. Long story even for me and you know how I like to write.
All proceeds go to cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and are 100 percent tax deductible. Please feel free to share the following fundraising link with friends, family, colleagues, etc.
If you wish to donate offline, please use the following address:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
P.O. Box 27432
New York, NY 10087-7432
Attn: Fred's Team
Please make the check out to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and write my name, runner ID, and race code (Tomislav Djurdjevich, 999035640, E06MPDNY) in the Notes area of the check.
If you wish to donate by fax or snail mail, please provide a fax number or a snail mail address and I'll send you a donor form.
Whichever way you donate, any and all contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
Posted by the Tank running the NYC Marathon against cancer.
Down to the Wire for MLB teams and the Tank's Game 1 NLDS vacation request. Weekend Football Picks
There are several great races and possibilities going into the final MLB regular season weekend. Will the Cardinals replace the 1964 Phillies as the biggest collapse ever? Can the Astros rally to win the NL Central? The Reds still have a chance. Can the Phillies get the Wild Card? Will the Dodgers or the Padres win the NL West? Will the Tigers or Twins win the AL Central?
The dust should be settled by the end of the weekend but the Giants may have to fly to Saint Louis on Monday to play the Cardinals in a rain make-up to break a tie. Will there be another tie to break after that?
Most importantly, will the Tank be able to get out of work for Game 1 of the NLDS as his manager stated Friday morning: "You need to pray that no one else asks for those days (October 3 or 4) since you did not lock them in."? The Tank can not lock in his vacation day request because the TV schedule has not yet been set. The Tank is low on vacation days with the last two vacation days of the year for Game 1 of the NLCS and Game 4 of the World Series, touch wood depending upon the Mets advance. Keep your fingers crossed for the Tank catching Game 1 of the NLDS with Steve at Shea.
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Though the Tank is in full baseball mode, he doesn't want to forget football. Please find my picks below:
#1 Ohio State beats #13 Iowa in a close game at Iowa City.
#11 Virginia Tech beats #24 Georgia Tech.
Syracuse beats Wyoming.
The Bills lose to the Vikings.
The Jets give the Colts a tough fight but lose and cover the 10 1/2 point spread, 27-17.
The Giants have a bye this week. Time to lick their wounds.
Posted by an anxious Tank in NY.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Winning Without Pedro
After Steve hit the "Panic Button" earlier this evening after Pedro's season ending injury which was announced during the game, the Tank had a brief OMG moment but settled down. The surprising part of the injury is it was the left calf, not the previously injured right calf.
Boston Bob reminded me of the Mets success since June without Pedro. The Mets winning formula is great offense, solid starters (other than Pedro), and one of the best bullpens in baseball. NLDS Game 1 Starter El Duque thankfully had a solid start with nine strikeouts and only earned run this evening and is one of the best post-season pitchers. Tom Glavine is a veteran with lots of playoff experience. Steve Trachsel isn't an ace but is one of the NL leaders in wins. John "Remember the Maine" is young but solid.
The WFAN announcers also discussed the Mets success since June without Pedro.
Steve then settled down after hitting the panic button and now thankfully feels better.
If the Mets are going to go far, they are going to have to rally like they did in June when Pedro went down. Pedro shouldn't be used as a crutch but a lightning rod to rally around.
Voting and Praying for Pedro and the Mets!
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
T.O. Needs A Medical Time Out
As reported in many outlets earlier today, Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens reportedly attempted suicide Tuesday evening in Dallas after overdosing on 35 pills. T.O. held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to deny this saying that it was an "allergic reaction". According to his publicist Kim Etheredge, "Terrell has 25 million reasons why he should be alive." This is in reference to his three year, $25 million contract with the Cowboys. It is not rational for someone to kill themselves but T.O. has exhibited irrational behavior over the years from various verbal altercations from San Francisco 49ers to not wanting to play for the Baltimore Ravens to redefining the term "Team Cancer" with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Would T.O. try to kill himself? Probably not, but with T.O. you never know for certain. Only time will answer that question. Let's see if T.O. will play those very Eagles next Sunday, October 8.
Since the Mets have had a tough week, Steve is starting to hit the panic button after the loss at Atlanta and is unfortunately too depressed to blog tonight. Since the Tank has been through really down times over the years including hair loss and relationship issues, I advised him to practice yogic breathing (pranayama) as I have been doing for the last five years. Sometimes care givers like Steve and I overexert ourselves. For instance, Steve and I have been channeling the spirit of Tony Robbins to telepathically help A-Rod through his issues this season. I advised Steve to rest tonight and prepare for the NLDS next week.
Yes, as tough as we look on the outside, we can be fragile on the inside. I am normally a nervous superstitious wreck in October during baseball playoffs. Chin up Steve and T.O. Keep fighting and breathing properly! Ooomm. Namaste!
Posted by the Tank in NY.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
The Saints Come Marching Home
"Good morning America How are you?
"Don't you know me I'm your native son,
"I'm the train they call the City of New Orleans..."
to quote ESPN's Chris Berman citing the great Arlo Guthrie song titled "The City of New Orleans" during the Monday Night Football as the NFL returned to New Orleans. New Orleans took a 20-3 halftime lead and went on to beat Michael Vick and the Falcons 23-3.
Like the Bills, the Saints are one of the possible teams to be moved to Los Angeles after their lease ends at the SuperDome in 2010 according to Yahoo Sports.
As much as the Tank actually likes LA, it is a college football town as people root for USC or UCLA. On Sunday, they watch their hometown teams as many of them are transplants from other parts of the country. If a team with a strong local and national fan base like the Raiders couldn't make it in LA during the 1980s when they were good, would the "LA Bills" (God forbid), "LA Saints" (double God forbid), or another team make it there?
The billion dollars that the NFL would fetch for an LA franchise doesn't mean as much football means in economically depressed areas like New Orleans and Buffalo which has yet to recover from the industry that left since the 1970s. Not only because of the jobs and money it brings to their respective areas, these people live for and need football in their lives as something to look forward to. Football is one of the Tank's Fundamentals of Life: Faith, Family, Fitness, Fun, Food, and Football (regardless of what it is called around the world: American, Australian, Canadian, Rugby, and Soccer).
Join the Tank in keeping the Saints in New Orleans not only for post-Katrina reconstruction but for generations to come.
Posted by The Tank whose heart is in the Bayou.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Weekend Sports Wrap
Football is kicking into gear and the Tank had a good weekend with his picks except the Jets winning at the Bills. The Giants didn't show up until the second half but it wasn't enough at Seattle.
Ohio State convincingly beat Penn State.
Notre Dame made an incredible comeback at Michigan State. They don't call it the Luck of the Irish for nothing.
Cal routed Arizona State.
Though the Tank didn't pick the Broncos-Patriots game, he was happy to see the much maligned Jake Plummer and the Broncos win 17-7. As formidable as Brady, Bruschi, and Bellichick are, the loss of Deion Branch, Adam Vinatieri, and others are too much for the Patriots to get back to the Super Bowl. Yes, the Patriots will win the relatively weak AFC East, but they have too many question marks.
Last and most importantly, I am looking forward to football returning to New Orleans Monday where the Saints host the Michael Vick and the Falcons. The Big Easy needs the moral and financial support. Go Reggie Bush and the Saints!
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As for baseball, the Mets and Yankees both lost on Sunday. The only good part about it was that new 1B Gary Sheffield got more experience for a position he hasn't played in the pros. Granted, the plays didn't always go his way but he needs to known what to do in different situations. Sheffield made a great fielding play on Jeter's errant throw though the running was safe. Let's hope Mike Mussina's hand gets better.
As much as I dislike the Dodgers, Nomar Garciaparra had an incredible grand slam walk off home run off the Pirates.
Houston impressively swept the Cardinals to close within 3.5 games. I don't want Houston to make the playoffs because I am scared of their pitching but they are going make the Cardinals work to make the playoffs. That said, I hope the Cardinals make it because Looper is their closer and I hope the Mets can "reward" him for the games he blew last year. It made you wish for Armando Benitez.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Remember the Maine
"Remember the Maine!" was a rallying cry in the Spanish-American War of 1898. John Maine takes the mound for the Mets.
Linda laughs when I put on the I Love NY Mets bucket hat from the give away coming into Shea. I promptly put my regular Mets hat back on.
Bombero es la palabra del dia. Fireman is (Professor Reyes') Word of the Day.
No hitter through three on what should have been a strikeout with two outs became a double, then WP to third, a HBP, and walk to load the bases with Brian Schneider coming to bat. Schneider was walked to score the first run. Nook Logan flies out to Reyes in left to thankfully end the inning.
David Wright flies out and the Mets don't score as the Tank went to the restroom. The superstition didn't work.
Bases loaded and 3-2 in the fifth as Kearns is walked so the Nats lead 2-0. Vidro singled in two runs but the runner was tagged out by DW at third.
Linda nor I could identify the song in the Mets video. No, it wasn't an 80s song or "Meet the Mets".
Steve's favorite acquisition Shawn Green doubles to center. Lastings Milledge singles Green in, 4-1. Meeting at the mound. Woodward singles to left as Milledge advances to third and Woodward to second. Valentin pinch hits for Maine but is called out on an inside pitch. Steve's MVP singles Milledge home, 4-2. Woodward to third. Chavez singles Woodward home so 4-3. LoDuca flies out to right-center. Double steal on the 2-1 count to DW who hits a bomb to left to give the Mets a 6-4 lead.
Franco and Green single while Linda and I discuss the best James Bond. We agree on Sean Connery is the best James Bond but looking forward to Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. Milledge flies out to left to end the fifth. Mets lead 6-4.
In the top of the seventh, a foul ball lands a couple of sections over from Linda and me. She's like you almost caught it. Yeah, almost. One of these days, years, or lifetimes. 
Soriano hits a solo shot with one out in the seven to close the game to 6-5.
Get up and stretch! The Mets lead 6-5.
DW hit an infield single to open the 8th. Franco sacrifices him to second. The Nats almost turn two to end the inning but the ball is dropped on the transfer. First and third and Woodward single home a run, 7-5. Michael Tucker pinch hits for Mota. Tucker is walked to load the bases for Profesor Reyes. Reyes doubles to center to score two runs, 9-5. Chavez grounds out to end the inning.
Aaron Heilman pitches to open the eighth.
Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" is the XM Satellite Radio Eighth inning song. This song helped propel the Tank into the "Antarctica Idol" finals in March 2005.
As I go to the rest room, Lo Duca hits a home run, 10-5. DW gets to third after a collision in right field. In light of Mike Cameron's and Carlos Beltran's collision last season, the Mets rightfully don't replay the collision. Out comes the wheeled strecher for tough luck injured prone 1B Nick Johnson whose right leg is immobilized. Austin Kearns was also involved in the collision and is substituted.
Franco hits a ground rule double to drive home DW, 11-5. Franco advances to third after the SS Zimmerman supposedly made the catch in the stands. Milledge doubles home Franco, 12-5.
#1 Anderson Hernandez comes to the plate with a drunk guy chanting "MVP" even though he is hitting .143.
45,247 is the paid attendance.
Billy Wagner comes the game to get some work but no "Enter Sandman". Maybe because it isn't a save situation. A young boy sitting with his parents across the aisle from me sees my Blackberry and I try to explain mobile e-mail to him.
Woodward makes a nice play to keep the runner at second who eventually scores on the force, 12-6. Soriano singles to center with two outs. Castro singles to center. Lombard is up with runners at first and third and strikes out.
Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Takin' Care of Business" blares on the speakers as the Mets win 12-6. Professor Reyes and DW were the players of the game because they each had three RBIs and hits. Maine gets the win.
Posted by The Tank live from Shea.
I don't Care if the Mets Win the World Series
The Mets
have been so exciting to watch, Reyes get a single, steal second, advance on a
FC to third and get home somehow, that I don't care if they win the World
Series. They are the most exciting team in baseball and so much fun to watch. I
just hope that they keep up the excitement.
That
said, I will be rooting and hoping all the way for a WS victory. If the Mets do
make the series, I am pretty sure that the Mets will face the Yankees. Rematch
of 2000. The Yanks will be favorites because they have that insane lineup and
the starting pitching is about the same. I actually think that the Mets have a
slight edge due to superior middle relief. With Mo still a little iffy and
Wagner lights out the only distinction at this point is the middle relief. We'll
see.
Remember
if the Mets win the World Series my picks for
World
Series MVP: Jose Reyes
NLCS MVP:
Carlos Beltran
Posted by
Steve in New York.
Rest for some, Rehabbing for others. Weekend Football Preview
As the Yankees and Mets have now thankfully clinched, it is now time to rest key players like Jason Giambi and rehabiliate others like Gary Sheffield who played for Giambi at first base and Mariano Rivera who got the save. Though Pedro lost last night, he pitched four great innings before fatigueing in the fifth and is getting stronger as he only pitched three innings in Pittsburgh last week. Steve's, my, and I am sure other people's "Prayers for Pedro" helped.
The Jets travel to Buffalo for a key intra-division matchup. The Bills should win a close game.
The Giants travel to Seattle. Seattle is a tough place to play and the Giants won't win there.
Though college doesn't have as many great games as last weeke, please note the following fearless predictions:
Ohio State beats Penn State.
Notre Dame wins at Michigan State.
California beats Arizona State.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Subway Series Here We Come!
The Yanks cliched the AL East yesterday and the post says it all. Nine in a row is quite impressive. Since divisional play started in 1969, the NL and AL East has never been dominated by both New York teams. Until now. Awesome!
Hopefully the Mets and Yanks will meet in the Fall Classic and have the battle of the two best shortstops in the league. (The Mets clearly have the better third baseman. :))
Posted by Steve in New York.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
No longer a mojito virgin, Why women are better at 35 than 18.
While at the Harvest in the Square Tuesday evening, the Tank hung out with new and old friends.
As the heaviest lightweight drinker going, The Tank was already slurring his words by the time Kathleen got there about 30 minutes late from work. A brief transcript appears below:
Kathleen: "You're drunk aren't you?"
Tank: "Yup." No use in lying after ten or so shot glasses of wine and Brooklyn Brewery Oktoberfest Beer. (On the back of the Brooklyn Brewery's beer coasters was the fact that Brooklyn Brewery is the first NYC company to switch to 100% wind generated electricity thanks to NewWind Energy. Though the Tank has a more than a few drinks in him, can he get windmills going on his 51.78 acres Upstate which is not far from a current planned wind farm in Jordanville? What are the zoning requirements? Anything is worth a shot to improve the environment and get America away from OPEC supplied oil. Fingers crossed as the Tank investigates.)
Talk about a cool gig, Steve is on the board of John's startup Internet Wine Database company. The reason I drank so much is that Steve and I would wait until John sampled the wine. If he liked it (and took their business card), Steve and I knew it was something we should try. If you don't have a chance to party with John because he is the walking wine version of Internet Movie Database, please check out his Internet Wine Database which is in the process of construction so please keep checking back.
If you're going to marathon "train" with Linda, Steve, and Kathleen, you better be ready to "train". After The Tank already had too much to eat and drink, we had mojitos at a nearby bar courtesy of "White Fedora Mike". The Tank has heard about mojitos, especially in the recent hit movie "Miami Vice", so it was worth a shot.
Speaking of the NYC Marathon, Lance Armstrong is training for it. We then started making predictions about how we thought Lance would do. Steve's goal is to finish two hours or less behind Lance Armstrong. Our predictions for Lance's finish are as follows in hours:minutes:
John: 2:45
Mike: 3:10
Steve: 2:39
Kathleen: 2:32.30
Linda: 3:00
Tank: 2:40
The conversation then staggered wildly from "Pushing Tin" with John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, and Angelina Jolie to (b) John's sales trip in a Winnebago from Mansfeld, Ohio, to Wrigley Field, and back to movies (c) "Monster's Ball".
Conclusion of this inebriated conversation: John and I decreed a new Miller Lite Man Law that women are better at 35 than 18. More details when Steve and I get the premium content part of the website going. Until then, please trust us.
Mega thanks to Linda for organizing this and inviting me!
Go Mets! / Yankees! / The Gang!
Posted by The Tank in Union Square, Manhattan.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Finally!
18 years +3 days. The cover of the NY Post says it all. Now its the Yanks turn. Oddly enough it was three Yankees fans to text me first when the Mets won: Jack, Mike and The Tank.
Posted by Steve in Mets Heaven.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Jinxed by the Mets fan on the 7 train, Pour No Champagne in Pittsburgh or the Stadium
He jinxed us for sure.
Just like in '86, the Mets could not get it done on the road.
They are killing me. I've been waiting 18 years. :)
Posted by The Tank, edited by Steve in New York.
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Tom's original message (mega thanks to Steve to reposting after my friend's Mac Safari stripped out the text):
As the Tank was enroute to Shea for the Mets - Dodgers game on Saturday, September 9, he saw a fan on the 7 train writing "2006 NL East Champs" with a black Sharpie. Being very superstitious, I yelled out "No!!!!!" to no avail.
The Pirates played this weekend like Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, and the rest of the 1979 "We Are Family" World Champions. I guess their theme was "Pour No Champagne" in honor of the sponsor their ballpark, PNC. The Mets will hopefully clinch Monday night against the Marlins at Shea, touch wood.
I read a disturbing article on MLB.com unfortunately "reinforced the increasingly strong notion that the Mets no longer can handle left-handed pitching. They now have lost 14 of their last 19 games in which they have been opposed by a left-handed starter."
Let's hope the Mets turn it around the rest of the season and playoffs.
As for the Yankees, they split Saturday's day-night doubleheader and lost the Sunday doubleheader at the Stadium against the Red Sox. The Yankees number to clinch is 4.
Go Mets! / Yankees!
Tom
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Orange and Blue beats Orange and Blue
Early NFL Showdowns
Friday's Red Sox-Yankees game was rained out. The Mets unfortunately lost 5-3 at Pittsburgh and Pedro only pitched three innings and 68 pitches but both he and the Mets have the luxury of knocking the rust off. They will hopefully clinch Saturday as the Fighting Phillies held off a late bases loaded rally at Houston to win 4-3.
As a huge football fan, I would be remiss without mentioning some key matches. Unlike a single of the 162 regular MLB season games, each of the 16 NFL regular season literally counts 10 times as much. For instance, the Giants are 0-1 after losing to the Colts last Sunday night. It's odd to say that the Giants visit to the Eagles is a must win but it almost is as the Giants have a very difficult schedule and the NFC East is arguably the best division in the NFC. Prediction: Giants lose a close game at Philly.
As for the Jets, they travel to New England to play the Patriots. It is student, Eric Mangini, against teacher, Bill Belichick. The two used to be close but no hardly speak since Mangini took the Jets Head Coaching job. Prediction: As much as I want the Jets to beat the Patriots, the Patriots still have Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, and other key veterans. Patriots win a close game.
Speaking of the Patriots, the Bills had a lead on the Patriots last week but gave it away late in the game on a safety 19-17. It doesn't get much easier as they travel to South Beach to take on the Dolphins who lost the NFL opener to the Steelers 28-17. Prediction: The Dolphins win.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
College Football Shifts Into Overdrive
What more can a college football fan ask for than seven games involving Top 25 opponents?!
While #11 Michigan at #2 Notre Dame gets much of the Establishment Media attention, does it get better than #6 LSU at #3 Auburn? The home teams should hold serve though Michigan hasn't won at South Bend since 1994 and is way overdue. Notre Dame should win but Michigan will put up a fight.
#17 Miami at #12 Louisville is a must win for Miami if it wants to get back into the BCS. Miami should win.
A game that many will overlook or not see at 3:30 p.m. Eastern is #15 Oklahoma at #18 Oregon. Oregon is a tough place to play but the Sooners should pull it out.
#24 Texas Tech should beat #20 TCU at home.
The 8 p.m. Eastern games are the icing on an unbelievable early season cake:
#4 USC has the edge over #19 Nebraska because one of the Cornhuskers former defensive backups (and now starter because of injury) shot his mouth this week. If USC wins, they should move up at least one spot, especially if #3 Auburn versus #6 LSU.
#7 Florida travels to Rocky Top #13 Tennessee. Buckle up, Florida wins a close one.
Posted by the Tank from College Football Heaven in NY.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
A New King is about to be crowned
In keeping with last night's regal theme of the Japanese Baseball Emperor's return, the Atlanta Braves are no longer 14 time NL East Champions. The new King is most likely the Mets as their magic number is 2 who will hopefully clinch this weekend in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. (I know that it is almost certain but I am very superstitious and don't want to jinx the Mets.)
The Mets had another come from behind win, 7-4 in 11 innings, against the young and tough Florida Marlins team. It was also their 90th win of the season. As much as I love Willie Randolph as a former Yankee and current Mets manager, Joe Girardi (another former Yankee btw) is the NL Manager of the year as he brought back a vastly underfunded and young team back from 20 games under .500. Even though I am not Roman Catholic, I will name Joe my patent pending "Mother Teresa" Miracle Manager Award (MTMMA) for winning when despite low payrolls, inexperienced players, careless owners, poor morale, etc. The first MTMMA winner was former Tampa D-Rays manager Lou Pinella, also a former Yankee, btw.
Speaking of the Tampa D-Rays, the Yankees beat them 8-4. Derek Jeter extended his hitting streak to 22.
Praying for a Subway Series.
Post by The Tank in NY.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The Japanese Baseball Emperor returns
Tuesday marked Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui's triumphant return to the Boogie Down Bronx after being injured on May 11. It is a testament to his hard work and professionalism. Since he is so revered in Japan, I like to refer to Hideki as the "Japanese Baseball Emperor". Hideki went 4-4 and even worked out a walk which is a good test of his left wrist as it was a close pitch on a full count.
Bobby Abreu led the way with seven RBIs and almost had a grand slam which was caught at the wall. Mike Mussina pitched 6.1 solid innings. The Yankees beat the Tampa D-Rays 12-4.
As for Derek Jeter, Joe Torre apologized to him for taking him out in the seventh inning and Derek said that he wasn't "going to catch Joe D. anyway". However, Derek's 21 game hit streak continues because he did NOT have an official AB with three walks and a HBP. Let's see if Derek can catch Joe D.
Posted by The Tank in NY.
Monday, September 11, 2006
What I Learned on September 11
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.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
New York-Penn League Semi-Final Playoff Subway Series, Brooklyn Cyclones at Staten Island Yankees
The Staten Island Yankees beat the Brooklyn Cyclones 5-2 on Saturday night to take a 1-0 lead in the best of three New York - Penn League Semifinal series. Will the Brooklyn Cyclones be able to reverse their fortunes at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George?
Steve's relative Seth Fortenberry singles in the first run in the bottom of the third. After Wilmer Pino was Hit By a Pitch, the bases were loaded. Mitchell Hilligoss hit a bases clearing single to left error. Kyle Larsen hits a home run over the right field fence -- hard to see from my angle if it made the water or not. 6 to 0 at the end of three.
Chicken dance going into the bottom of the fourth.
Fortenberry makes a great catch to preserve Tim Norton's no-hitter.
The Yankees add on another run in the sixth after Wilkins DeLaRosa singles to left fielder Dustin Martin while Christopher Kunda scores.
On a hard hit shot hit by Dustin Martin in the seventh, the Yankees first basemen Kevin Smith recovers just in time to preserve the no-hitter. Tim Norton for the Yankees is pitching great but Daniel Murphy breaks up the no-hitter with a single to right with two outs in the seventh.
An elderly gentleman makes a nice catch of a foul ball behind home plate. As this rate, I am going to be elderly before I catch one as none have come even close to me today.
The SI Yankees sweep the best of three series 9 to 0 with 12 hits and no errors while the Cyclones only have two hits and two errors. Norton gets the win.
Since it was a Sunday (and they must have heard me complain about it), the SI Yankees let fans of all ages including the Tank run the bases.
Good luck to the Yankees in the next round defending their NY-Penn title.
Posted by the Tank live from Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George
Mets demolish Dodgers at Shea
It's September and the leaves are a changin' so the playoffs are right around the corner.
As I am riding the 7 train to Shea, I see a Mets fan writing "2006 NL East Champs" with a black Sharpie pen on a white t-shirt. I yell out "No! You're going to jinx it!". Even though I recent wrote "Braves Burial" that the Atlanta Braves were ALMOST mathematically eliminated, the Braves are still 14 time defending NL East Champions until they are dethroned. Hopefully sooner than later but I am very superstitious.
Saturday's showdown at Shea offered a possible playoff preview with the Dodgers on Italian Day at Shea.
El Duque started for the Mets and future Hall of Famer "The Professor" Greg Maddux started for the Dodgers who is second on the all time wins list behind Roger Clemens with 330.
It was my first time seeing Nomar Garciparra play since Derek Jeter's classic dive into the stands to catch a foul ball on July 1, 2004. Unlike most of the Boston Red Sox, Nomar was actually sitting down in the dugout. Within a month, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs.
The Dodgers fans must have brought the sun and humidity with them to Shea today.
The Mets take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a Carlos Delgado home run.
Kenny Lofton, who has played for eight teams over the past six seasons including the Yankees, starts the top of the fourth and flies out to right field because of a nice catch by Shawn Green at the wall. Steve and Mets GM Omar Minyara are so right about this guy.
As the Tank goes to the restroom in the bottom of the Fourth in his inspirational superstition, David Wright doubles to right-center but is not driven home.
Lofton singles home catcher Russell Martin to tie the game at one in the top if the sixth. Nomar lines to DW who gets "The Professor" in a run down going home and El Duque tags him out. (Maddux later admits that the run down wears him out as he gave up the single to Valentin to start the bottom of the sixth.)
J.D. Drew singles home to take the lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, a little boy a couple of rows in front of me and a little girl several rows back yell out "Let's Go Mets!" and Jose Valentin immediately doubles. Very cute and it's better than them crying. Carlos Beltran is intentionally walked and "The Professor" goes to the bench. Tim Hamulack is the new pitcher. Delgado flies out to right field to advance the runners to second and third. The Dodgers bring in a new pitcher to face DW.
DW singles to center to score two runs. Mets lead 3-2 after sixth innings.
Get up and stretch!
As a pinch runner, Lastings Milledge is caught in a run down to end the seventh.
Aaron Heilman works an effective eighth.
Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" is the XM Satellite Radio Eighth Inning Song.
El Profesor Jose Reyes hit a ground rule double to center to start the bottom of the eighth which could have been another inside the park home run as Steve reported Thursday night because he was actually running sooner out of the box. Valentin flies out to first while trying to sacrifice him. Reyes steals third while Beltran is at bat with one out. The Dodgers decide to intentionally walk Beltran with Delgado coming up. Whoa! Buckle up! The Dodgers unfortunately turn a 5-4-3 double play.
Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blares as Mets closer Billy Wagner comes into the top of the ninth.
The Armitron Attendance is 47,062.
J.D. Drew grounds out to Valentin. Jeff Kent is almost called out on 2-2 but singles on 3-2 to center. Kent is replaced with pinch runner Jason Repko. Olmedo Saenz is the pinch hitter. On a strike 'em out, throw 'em double play, the Mets strike out Saenz and solid defensive backup catcher Kelly Stinnett throws out Repko to end the game. Put it in the books, the Mets are "Takin' Care of Business" and demolish the Dodgers 3-2.
Posted by the Tank live from Shea!
 Live! | MLB
 Saturday, September 09, 2006 11:21:02 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, September 07, 2006
Jooose, Jose, Jose, Joooose, Jose
Joooooooooooooooooose!
Linda, her Mom and I get to the game at Shea and we are in the 3rd row behind the Dodgers on-deck circle. Besides the years I worked at Shea, this is the closest I ever sat at a Mets’ game.
The Mets put runs on the board early. Tom Glavine was putting 0s on the board. I booed Jeff Kent. As the game progressed security kept “shushing” me when I taunted the Dodgers in the on-deck circle or when I taunted the Dodgers ball boy trying to get the Tank a ball. Linda thought Dodgers’ starter Brad Penny was cute (“but in a red neck kind of way”), I did the only thing a good friend can do; I tried to get his digits for her. (Security goons have more issues.) Linda’s Mom suggested I set her up with David Wright since we are on the 3rd base side of home plate. Linda thought the 11 year age difference was too much. I remind her of David’s recent huge contract.
Linda’s mom was keeping score. We argued over if a walk was a W (as indicated in the Mets’ scorecard) or BB. A tigh-ass lawyer in front of us shushed Linda and I since we were talking about Sarbanes-Oxley and my company’s potential WTO lawsuit. Whatever, lighten up dude.
Well he did lighten up. In the bottom of the 6th, David Wright scored a much needed insurance run (hey Tom Glavine is only at his second game back.) Then with 2 on and 2 out my MVP candidate, Jose Reyes hit his 18th home run of the season. But this was no normal home run; it was hit Jose Reyes style. It was an amazing Inside the Park Home Run! He hit the ball 400 feet off the left-center wall and by the time the outfielder picked up the ball, Jose was rounding third-there was not even a play at the plate (he slid anyway).
So Jose Reyes is a legitimate MVP candidate. Batting .300, 18 home runs, a gazillion steals, 71 RBIs and 111 runs scored, this guy is an MVP. If he is not MVP he should be MEP, Most Exciting Player. If the Mets do win the World Series, Jose will be the MVP, mark my words-you read it here first.
Mets win 7-0. Glavine passed Jim Kaat and moved into 32nd place on baseball's career strikeout list with 2,463 while getting his 288th Career Victory. 12 away from 300. Mets Magic Number is down to lucky 7.
Posted By Steve Live From Shea Stadium.
Live! | MLB
Thursday, September 07, 2006 10:46:06 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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