Petit Revives Grande Memories

In 1974, Philippe Petit walked a cable stretched between the towers of the World Trade Center. He was arrested by the NYPD and sent for psychiatric tests. After all, what normal man would dare to amaze and excite people with a high-wire feat not performed with the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus inside Madison Square Garden? Though many doubted his sanity by the height of his stunt, he was judged to be normal. An older, but no less entertaining Philippe Petit walked a tightrope in Washington Park recently; this time, a mere five feet above the ground. Nevertheless, he still evoked memories of the WTC and a time when we New Yorkers were able to look skyward and witness beauty and miracle combined. Thanks for the memories, Phillipe.

Stern Unconcerned

At the NBA’s 2008 All-Star Game, basketball Commissioner David Stern made some comments about our beloved Knicks. He said, “I’m optimistic, at least for next season.” And to think that we fans in New York were looking ahead to another catastrophic, hopeless year at Madison Square Garden. Silly us!

Westminster Dog Show Vs. Knicks Dog Show

Madison Square Garden welcomed a new set of dogs this week. However, this group of championship hounds performed at a level that far exceeded any we’ve seen in recent years by our Knicks. Kind of makes one dream of Rin Tin Tin, Lassie and Old Yeller up front with Eddie (Frasier) and Benji in the backcourt. We should only be so lucky.

Hostage Crisis Continues In Manhattan

It began on December 22, 2003, though only a handful suspected it at the time. On that day, we welcomed Isiah as the next savior of the Knickerbockers franchise. A little over four years later, the Knicks are 9-26 with the 3rd worst record in the NBA. Their excessive team payroll is among the worst in the NBA as well. Isiah Thomas remains team President and Coach. He's still preaching though about the good times ahead. Ownership seems unlikely to make an obvious change anytime soon. Let’s be honest. There’s no reason or hope to expect the imminent release of diehard Knick fans trapped inside the torture cell known as "Madison Square Garden."

To someone who began following the Knicks in the late 1960’s when the team had Reed, DeBusschere, Bradley, Frazier and Barnett, this year’s group is hardly worth mentioning in the same sentence. To be fair, perhaps it’s not the players' fault. After all, they were brought here by the team’s savior ... the one who’s turned out to be nothing more than another false prophet. Marv Albert screamed “YESSSSSSS!” in his old broadcast days. Does anyone doubt when he watches a Knicks’ "boredcast" now he's shouting, “NOOOOOOO!” at the television? Luckily for him, he’s no longer a prisoner in the Garden. He’s free of the routine pain and suffering. Too bad we all can't be freed.

For my last shot at the buzzer, I loosely translate the line of a "Sonny and Cher" song to now read ... “And the beatings go on.” That new song line should be played loudly after each new loss. Maybe someday, they'll hear it in the owner's box.