Random Shiznit

Before I write my post, I want to say this blog is sponsored by Phoenix Storm Rugby. Ok. That's a lie. But we're having a car wash this Saturday. Please read below:
Monsoon season may be over but the Storm is just brewing!

Ever thought of what it would be like to be an athletic supporter?

Well now you can!

The Phoenix Storm is holding a fundraising car wash this Saturday, September 23 at:
Apollo's Lounge (5749 N. 7th St.) from 10am-4pm.

Stop by, drop off your car, and have a few cocktails while the rugby boys get down and dirty...with your car!

Ever thought about being surrounded by dirty jocks...err, um, I mean of course by joining the team as a player or supporter. Come and have a beer with us.

The Phoenix Storm is a diverse rugby team open to men of any sexual orientation, race, age or experience level! It doesn't matter if you've never seen or played rugby before. You'll find the Phoenix Storm to be a supportive, fun, and yes, competitive bunch of men who enjoy every aspect of this great game.


BACK TO THE POST
I find it interesting that so many people call me Teddy. Growing up as a kid, I was always Teddy or Teddy John. In high school, the army, college and even today I introduce myself as Ted and within a week or two, I'm Teddy.

It's continuing today but at a slower pace. I think the idea struck me as funny a couple of weeks ago when Phill called me Teddy on the pitch.

I like it. I like to think of it as a form of endearment. Of course, it could mean that I act childish and the name fits, but I prefer to think the former. ;-)

Thinking this little topic might make for a post on the old blog, I searched "Teddy" in Google images. I didn't like anything that came up. So as a lark I searched my name. I found this picture.




That led me to this description:
Pvt. Ted J. Rybka, 35047338, Company E, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. Killed in Action on 4 January 1943 by gun shot wounds at Buna, New Guinea. Born on 26 September 1919, he entered the service from Lakewood, Ohio.

Pvt. Rybka with all three regiments from the division fought in the Battle of the Buna-Gona beachhead on 19 November 1942. After several other engagements, Pvt. Rybka took part in the Battle of Buna Mission between 24 December 1942 and 1 January 1943 and near the Government Plantation near Giropa Point on 2 January 1943. It was two days later that Pvt. Rybka was killed when he was struck by Japanese bullets.

He is buried at the Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio. He was 23 years old.

It's interesting to note because when my grandfather and his family emigrated from Ukraine to America, they went to Canada first. They walked from Canada to Baltimore and I believe went through Ohio. I wonder if this man was part of that crew. I wonder if his middle name was John too.

I also found this guy. What's freaky here is that his number is 22. Growing up my favorite number in baseball was 22 because that was Jim Palmer's number. Palmer was a left hander like me and pitched for the Orioles. He also did Jockey underwear commercials.

I know the coincidences are stretches, but it makes me think we're all linked in one way or another.