June 16, 1976, was a dark day in South African history.  Hundreds of black schoolchildren were killed protesting the white led apartheid regime.

South Africa has come a long way in the last 34 years.  It elected Nelson Mandela President in 1994.  He was previously a political prisoner for 27 years.

South Africa now hosts of the World Cup, a dream few thought was possible.  It proves that a dream undertaken by a determined few can make all the difference in the world for all.

Posted by The Tank.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga pitched a perfect game on Wednesday night in Detroit.  But, first base umpire Jim Joyce called the Indians’ Jason Donald safe.  He made such a heinous mistake that he admitted to it after the game. 

There was outcry throughout baseball.  MLB Commissioner had an opportunity to right a wrong.  He made the wrong choice and talked about studying instant replay.  Lame. 

The Tank’s Bottom Line: I am not asking MLB to review every play.  What’s the matter of admitting and correcting a wrong?  We all make mistakes.  Selig has his head stuck up his you know what.  He could have done the right thing and award the perfect game.  Do you think Joyce wants to live with this?  Joyce was choked up when Galarraga presented him with the line-up card before Thursday’s game.  Galarraga should have been credited for the 21st perfect game in MLB history.  That’s a shame and one of the countless reasons why Selig will go down in history as the worst MLB Commissioner ever.

Posted by an upset Tank.

Millions of Americans will barbecue and party on this long Holiday weekend.  The reason that Americans can enjoy these precious freedoms is because of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives for our great country.  We often celebrate athletes as heroes but they pale in comparison to those who serve our country.  Please take some time today to remember the fallen, especially Kathleen’s brother Jimmy.  RIP Jimmy.

Posted by a somber Tank remembering the Fallen Heroes.

I want to wish all the Moms, especially my Mom, a Happy Mother’s Day! 

Posted by The Tank.

Philly police have to deal with fans running onto the field.  It’s a difficult issue as security has to protect players safety.  However, tasering offers the best chance of police using non-lethal force.  Think about if police had to draw their loaded guns at a stadium.  God forbid!  Philly fans need to calm down, stop booing Santa Claus, and stay off the field.

Posted by a concerned Tank.

The Winter Olympics begin tonight in Vancouver.  Yes, it isn’t the Cold War when a bunch of American amateur college kids beat Soviet professionals in the 1980 Miracle on Ice.  Al Michael’s “Do you believe in miracles?” still echoes from Lake Placid all around the world 30 years later.  When I played Team Handball in college in the early 1990s, I played and competed at the US Olympic facilities in Lake Placid.  It’s a really great small town home to magical moments.  Please visit when you have a chance.  

Everyone from ski boarders to hockey players is a professional now.  But I’ll still watch as much as I can on TV as this is these athletes best chance to showcase their talents every four years.  I am glad that Richard and I have convinced Steve to appreciate curling more as Richard’s daughter competes in it and I have always liked the technique involved in it.  Small amounts of tickets are still available according to Bloomberg Radio a few moments ago.

Karen from the 2005 Antarctica Marathon was an Official Olympic Torchbearer as the Olympic Torch made its way across Canada.  She is pictured below.

Enjoy the Olympics!

Posted by an excited Tank.

Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner announced his retirement yesterday.  Warner was a true rags to riches story.  While trying to keep his football dream alive playing in the Arena Football League, Warner bagged groceries in Iowa.  He made it to NFL Europe and then the NFL winning two regular season and one Super Bowl MVP. 

He was a class guy on and off the field.  The Saints had so much respect for them that they held him up instead of drilling him into the ground after he threw a pass.  Granted, he was clocked hard but cleanly while trying to tackle a Saints defender who intercepted his pass.  But, it is hard to find some who would say a bad word about him.

As for his football qualifications, Warner had five great years with the Rams and Cardinals.  His stint with the Giants in between wasn't his best.  Warner showed Eli Manning the ropes and helped him become a Super Bowl Champion.  Warner then took over for Matt Leinart and came close last year.  Knowing that Wayne Chrebet and others still suffer from headaches years after retiring, I don't blame Warner for retiring. 

Contrast Warner’s story with Washington Wizards gun-toting guard Gilbert Arenas.  Arenas was suspended earlier this week for a year by NBA Commissioner David Stern.

The Tank’s Bottom Line: Human beings aren’t perfect and make mistakes.  However, I expect a level of decency from people.  I am glad I don’t live in Washington DC anymore and would be in danger with Arenas at the Verizon Center.  It’s sad to see Warner go and hope that Arenas is banned forever from the NBA.

Posted by The Tank.  This article is dedicated to Vicky who is an Arizona Cardinals fan. 

I received an appeal from the AVP.  Please go to this site to help women’s collegiate beach volleyball.  The future of beach volleyball relies on our support for women going from collegiate volleyball to the professional ranks.  I have already signed the petition.  Please join me.  Thanks!  The Tank

Calling Volleyball Nation...The AVP is recruiting you!

Tomorrow, Jan. 15, representatives from Division I schools across the country will meet at the NCAA Convention in Atlanta. On the agenda is an override vote, which if passed would block sand volleyball from being added to the NCAA's list of emerging sports for women. If the override is successful, sand volleyball may never become an NCAA Division I sport.
So where do you come in?
You can help influence the outcome of the vote by reaching out to the decision-makers directly and voicing your support of collegiate sand volleyball. Whether you are a current student, athlete, alumni, avid fan, potential student athlete, or just love sand volleyball, email your school's University President and Athletic Director (email addresses can be found on a school's website). Share with them the reasons you want to see sand volleyball added to the list of emerging sports for women and comment on the one significant point that everyone seems to have forgotten: "Why are we denying more opportunities for female athletes?"
Speak out. Be heard. This is an opportunity that cannot be passed up!
For more information on the collegiate sand volleyball vote, click here.
The AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour proudly supports the addition of collegiate sand volleyball as it will continue to grow the sport as well as provide additional opportunities for women to participate in collegiate athletics.
PLEASE JOIN US IN SUPPORT OF COLLEGIATE SAND VOLLEYBALL AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD: EMAIL YOUR UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR IMMEDIATELY AND ASK THEM TO VOTE NO ON THE OVERRIDE!

eblast@avp.com • AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour

Send this email to a friend:

Take a look at this email!

Posted by a grateful and hopeful Tank.

Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world, if not of all time.  I watched Jack Nicklaus as a boy and Tiger is good as they come though he still has to win four more majors to tie Nicklaus.

He was involved in a traffic accident this past weekend at his Orlando home.  Many details are known about his wrecked Cadillac Escalade, his unconscious state, and his wife breaking the windows to pull him out.

I'll leave the rumors about his alleged affair to other news outlets.  SATT focuses on facts, not gossip.

One thing is not gossip that Tiger has stone walled the Florida Highway Patrol on the cause of the accident for three days.  No one is above the law, neither is Tiger.

Posted by The Tank.

Today is my Mom’s birthday.  It’s been a tough year for her but I wanted to wish her a happy birthday.  I love you Mom!

Posted by The Tank.