Tribute to Oldie's Moldies

So call the barman over here,
And let us fill our glasses
And drink a toast to olden times
Where all our memories lie...

If I went to look for him
I knew he would be gone
A picture-card of yesterday...
A photograph of yesterday...


 

"Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint." -- Zondex

Community; it's the concept defining the difference between a development of houses and a congregation of homes. People are the thread from which the fabric of any community is woven: unique in its fibers, yet unified in the pattern created in every individual bolt.

All too often, individuals lose site of that which has joined this collection of personalities together through the online venue. "It's just a computer!" "You haven't met this person, how can they be real?" "Go out and meet someone in person rather than sitting here!" We've all seen similar comments: the expressions of incomplete understanding of the human interaction process.

In spite of this apparent bias in people's thinking toward this venue being, for lack of a better word, a fantasy, from time to time there emerges a name in the crowd that causes others to sit up and take notice. And individual whose sprit of caring, grasp of the true human nature, expressions of knowledge, wisdom and guidance garners the respect of others, and gives this cold, digital medium a pulse and breath.

During my decade as part of this electronic assemblage of pixels, one such individual has arisen and truly provided an example of how not only to handle oneself in this venue, but also in the flesh and blood arena known as real life. He was known to many as "HOST GSTD Fan" or "OldTmr," (thank you, Tazzie) but for all of us, the name "ZONDEX" will forever evoke images of what it really means to be a real human being.

When assembling my thoughts for the words to express the spirit of John here, I thought it best to enlist the assistance of others who knew him in different roles than I had the privilege of his company.

Here are what others have had to say:

From Dewluvsheinz:
Zondex was a man who felt that life was too short for too much animosity.  He always did his best to make sure we had an enjoyable place to chat. He liked to joke with those of whom he knew and didn't take anything from anyone. 

He was my "Dad" as well as my mentor. I had the pleasure of meeting John before he left us to join all the great ones who went before. I will always remember that day as one of the best days of my life. Here's to you Dad (toasting with Mt. Dew, of course). We will always love you.

GO MIGHTY BENGALS!!!

From Eagles5627:
John was an inspiration to many people, [and] he holds a special place in my heart. He helped me realize some things about living and dying. There was a time where I was too scared to live and too scared todie, John helped me to understand that I could change and enjoy life.

I used to think the measure of a man was wealth and power. That is not what a man is worth at all; his worth is in how many lives he touched and helped to change. When John died, he was a wealthy man because he had touched many lives and had taught valuable lessons to everyone that knew him. I am blessed to have been one of those people.

From Metaje:
John was my mentor, my father figure, my friend.  We debated like a teacher and a student. We fought like a father and a daughter, but most important of all we laughed like friends. 

ZONDEX made me smile most was when we talked on the phone before he passed away.  He told me he was proud of the host I had become.  He told me to keep the memory of the chat room alive with my picture gallery and he told me he loved me.

John was very proud of the "community" we built in the Pro Football Chat room.  I know he has box seats with Derrick Thomas and Corey Stringer and a host of other players screaming "Go mighty Bengals Go" 

Rest in Peace my friend.

For most of you reading this, ZONDEX had become part of your life through his weekly "Oldies' Moldies" newsletter; his collection of views of the NFL schedule for the coming week. John would not only tell you how he felt about a given situation, he would eloquently and simply express WHY he made his choices. Through his successes, he was always mindful to reinforce two idioms about his contributions: Use your head. If you can get the odds, take them!    

Our intention here is not to imitate or in any way replace John and his "Oldie's Moldies" writings, rather, we wish to continue the traditions that he put forth and pay tribute to one of the finest men we had the pleasure of associating with.

During the season, you can expect two regularly-scheduled updates; On Wednesday evening by Allini with his fantasy football inside scoops, and on Friday afternoon, with Kelly's Corner and his weekly NFL predictions.

From time to time, you'll be treated to an unexpected entry by yours truly, on topics which may cover any colorof the spectrum. We hope you will enjoy, and fully take advantage of this exciting new format.

Before finishing off this entry with the words and memories of my two associates, I'd like to invite you to take advantage of two cool features of this blog. First, the "Alert Me as Entries are Posted" feature. By setting this feature up one time, every time one of us adds an entry here, you will be the first to know.

Second, and the feature which all of us are most excited about, is the "Add Your Own" comment feature. We want to hear what you have to say, as we are sure other readers will as well. Give this a test-drive, and share your favorite ZONDEX memory with our readership.

And without further adieu, this issue's closing comment by my two compatriots:

From Allini:
John AKA ZONDEX and I first chatted outside the football room about my son and his drug problem.  John gave me information on places that could help. Besides football John had a lot of life experiences that he was willing to share with anyone.  We miss his wisdom. This site is dedicated to his memory. Please enjoy and I hope John is looking down upon us.

And lastly from POWOW60804:
This blog is dedicated to a man who saw my potential to be a great handicapper and capitalized on it so here's to you John a.k.a. Zon. 

I came here in 1997 I had been picking games for about 15 years on and off by that time I had met this guy who seemed quite funny by the name of Oldtmr1.  I came to find myself talking more and more to this "Old Guy", as he called himself, and he taught me about not only about football back in the 40's and 50's; he was telling me about how he grew up. He taught me along the way to not take life to seriously and it has actually helped. 

Anyway John told me about this article he wrote every week during the football season called "Oldie's Moldies" and asked if I would be interested in receiving it. I said sure and he told me that most everyone sent him their picks and he didn't mind the competition so I said OK I actually do pick pretty well John said, "GREAT!!!!!!!!"

Well the 1998 season came and I gave him my picks, week in week out I averaged 9-11 wins a week and he said, "Kelly you're pretty damn good at this. Out of everyone who sends me their picks you are averaging 60 percent in picks.

So it was in the Summer of 2001, if memory serves, and John asks if I wouldn't mind writing my own picks along with his. I said I would do it, and he said the competition would keep him on his toes and a rivalry would be healthy for him. Well, as rivals, we never gelled but as friends…

That guy was probably the best teacher I had as a whole and I've had some of the best professors and teachers money could buy.  I remember one week I went 6-8 John went 5-9 and he was like you will do better next week I think I went 12-4 that next week he said see you weren't down for long were you. That's how I remember this extraordinary person.

Until next time, if you can get the odds, TAKE THEM!

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