Playoffs

And here we go! The 2009 NHL Playoffs kick off tonight for the blueshirts at 7pm against the Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals.

The rangers are clearly the underdog in this 7 vs 2 seeded series. As long as Hank can play out of his head and keep us in the game like he's done all year, I have some faith!

Not having Drury in the lineup tonight definitely hurts a great deal, but if Callahan and Dubinsky can play the way they have been playing lately, they can hold the Caps off.

The penalty kill needs to be stronger than ever before, its the goddamn playoffs, everything needs to be on point!

I'm not going to predict anything, that's not my style, just say I have faith in the Rangers for this match up!

Yankee Stadium

I had the Honor and privilege of getting to the very first game at the NEW Yankee Stadium on April 3rd 2009, yes it was only exhibition, but I was still awe struck, and I can forever say I was at the first game a the new stadium.

Let me start by telling you that I was the first guy to bash the new stadium last year, do nothing but say ahhh we don't need it its a waste of time and money, even though the old stadium is semi falling apart, we can patch it up and use this another 5-10 years. 

I now want to take back everything I said last season about the new stadium, plain and simple.  

The stadium is beautiful and more user friendly, I have frequented many Yankee games, mostly in the bleachers, so I would always have to eat something before going, because lets face it, choices are limited at the stadium...right?

WRONG!

At this new stadium we have places like Johnny Rockets, Brother Jimmies BBQ, sushi place, many other retail food establishments that I can not even name off right now.  There are a couple of restaurants and bars, the coolest bar being the Mohegan Sun sports bar, also called the "Batters Eye" located in center field exactly where the old black bleachers used to be, clever name because of where the batters eye picks up the ball.  Not only can you pick up a spicy tuna roll, but hey if your wife wants you to pick up dinner on the way home from the game, just go to the butcher and pick up a couple of steaks right in the stadium!!  Better yet order take out from the restaurant that's open all year round right in the stadium.  Monument park is also near the sports bar and still the way we all remember it.  with all of the food choices and bars, you say what about the field??

Well lets walk around the outer track of the stadium where all the Yankee greats are immortalized in Legends Hall in HUGE photo's of all the greats in pinstripes.  as you walk around there are not only many more places to eat with more choices but also many more places to get beer, different types also.  Many many of the most important beer stand, Bud Light, and also other beers such as Coors light as many more stands around the stadium.  

Ever been to a game and the 7th inning rolls around and the bathroom is a tight squeeze and long lines around the whole place, well not here.  At the new stadium fans enjoy extra wide walking hallways accommodating to the amount of people at the stadium, and many more bathrooms, with you guessed right, many more urinals.  

Now back to the field, still the way we remember it, but what John Sterling and Michael Kay are claiming, is that with the hallways being much more wide open, it allows more air into the field from behind home plate, which carries balls out of the field.  Now i am not very technical or scientific in nature, but hey if this is true we are in for some exciting games, two home runs alone in the one game that I was at!!

The seats are a little more comfortable (even though a bit more expensive to sit in), beer is just 50 Cents more, and Dogs are the same price.

So we finally made it into the seats, where I was lucky enough to come across a ticket; I was able to get to the game with my brother and his best friend, and the best part of the game was when he turned to me and said, "your Father and Grandfather would be proud of us that we made it here today and how happy we are just to be here.  They were huge fanatics, and now I am glad we get to continue the tradition..."

Definitely, Maybe

"The thing is.....is that I like you, I have always liked you...like...thats pathetic its so puny, love on the other hand- you would run away from a word like that."  

The quote above is from the movie definitely maybe starring Ryan Reynolds, a guys guy that most men can relate to or look up to.  (especially since he got rid of Alanis Morisete for one of the hottest pieces of ass on the planet Scarlet Johansen upgrade in my book to say the least)

the movie is about a young professional trying to make it in New York City and he tells the story of the relationships and happenings in his love life as a young professional

now by no means is this an action movie, however gentlemen head my advice if your with your lady and she is voting to put on a chick flick -  throw this in the ring because it is somewhat of a sappy love-story, accompanied with comedic moments, but it is one that every guy that has ever been in and out of relationships can relate to.  it will not put you to sleep like a typical chick flick, and the movie has a few good looking chics in there as well, especially Elsa Fisher

This movie has become a 501 favorite and somewhat rocks my world every time I watch it, the movie offers a realistic view on life, love and sends a very heart warming message to kids in a divorced family.  

Introduction

This will be my first post on our 501 page and I would like to thank Matt for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the prestigious institution that houses young professionals.  

I would like to clarify what 501 is when we refer to it moving forward.  501 is a lifestyle, it is a state of being, it is the mindset of a young professional trying to make it in this crazy world on this crazy hamster wheel we call life.  

That being said my name is Mike and i am the newest writer on this blog and although i can not define what a blog is; I am prepared to offer insight on various things that pop up in the lives of young professionals.  whether it be sports, food, gadgets or girls, anything that will hold my interest long enough to sit in front of my computer and write about, that is until I see something shiny.  

Jay's VD

So at 501 we thrive on people falling and farting. It is the two funniest things in the world. So anytime i can show you one of these i will. This video below is awesome!!!

Spell Fall: F - A - LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

The reason i am posting this video is not because of the actual fall but what occurs during and afterwords. Everyone is watching this kid knowing he is going to fall, look at his eyes widen like he is seeing his first pair of boobs in real life and then you see him get woozy and just go DOWN!!!!! The best part is no one even moves and no adults even go to make sure the kids ok!?!?!?!?!?! But he is a true Champion and he gets back up there.

The Tower

My previous post was about beer and it looks like this one is too, sounds like a problem! Let me try and explain the tower to you all.

Lately 501 and the crew have been gathering at a local watering hole called Rockwells, it is at this Rockwells where they offer the tower. The Tower is a magical device that is filled with approximately 8 beers of your liking. In our case its been Blue Moon. The bartender fills the cylinder up, and then puts it into the base where you, the patron can now serve your self up a nice cold one.

Now you should be asking your self why go through with this Tower contraption, what are the drawbacks, and how much is it. Let me explain the wonders, first a pint of delicious Blue Moon is $5.50 where as a Tower only costs $22.50 for 8, you do the math! So, needless to say your getting smashed!

Sometimes if you pour yourself 5 great pours in a row the tender of the bar gives you a pitcher on the house! I really don't know how Jay swung that one but he did, gotta give the little guy credit when credit is due!

We now fast forward 3 to 4 Towers, and explain to you the drawbacks like I promised I would. First your completely mangled, some many not consider this a drawback but some would especially since you went there on a Sunday with work in the morning. Second, everyone is signing ridiculous things on each others t-shirts with a sharpee marker. Remember this place isn't just a bar, there are families eating Sunday dinners, and your running around the bar playing Pearl Jam as loud as you can and you have dongs on your shirts. (VIVA PERU)

501Huguenot recommends that everyone out there should inquire about a Tower at their local spot. In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, "It'll get you drunk".

Receipe of the Day!!!

MJ's Swedish Meatballs - Simple, Easy and Addictive!!!!

Ingredients:
1- 32oz jar Grape Jelly

2- 12oz Jar Stop and Shop Brand Chili Sauce (Only one size)

1- Bag of Frozen Meatballs (Appetizer Size Ones)

Directions:
Pour the jar of Jelly and the two jars of Chili sauce in and let it simmer on low and let the two sauces mix together. Once the sauce has mixed add the bag of meatballs and continue to let simmer stirring occasionally. Then wait until the meatballs are hot through out and then make sure the sauce is covering them all. You have a great appetizer without any work at all.

UPSET PREDICTION!!! (REVOKED)

Ok so i was dead wrong about my prediction, Binghamton was just a little too scared! I will be posting something good in a little bit so check back!

UPSET PREDICTION!!!

To those loyal 501 Huguenot Readers, i am about to predict the biggest upset of the tournament. If you want to make all your buddies wondering how you are such a great College Basketball Tournament Bracket picker, tell them you have a source. The upset that no one is talking about and is going to occur is Binghamton over Duke!! Thats right you heard it here first. Binghamton is on a 11 game win streak and Duke is very streaky. I think they are going to collapse once Binghamton takes a large lead and never look back. At 12:03am on 3/20/09 is when everone becomes a believer in 501 Huguenot Blog!!!!

Live NCAA Update!!

I have no idea who is going to win but this Memphis vs Cal State Northridge game is awesome!!!! The highlights will be something you dont want to miss!!!

BRAND NEW Jay's VD (Video of the Day)

Ladies and Gentleman,

My name is Jay and I am a fine member of 501. I will now be blogging different things such as sports, women, things that piss me off and Jay's VD (VOTD didn’t sound as good). I will post different links or if I can figure out how to embed them into this I will do that but I'm not computer savvy one bit. The videos will be a variety from hysterical to giving you goose bumps. Here is the first ever VD, Enjoy!

Jay's VD (Click Me)

Hockey & Beers

Yesterday all the members of 501 Huguenot attended an original six match up between the Rangers of New York and the Bruins of Boston.

Let's just say, mangled was not the most precise word to describe our inner and outer states.

Before the game we started off at Stout in NYC right around the corner from the Garden. We ordered several Guinness's for breakfast then made our way into MSG. There, we pounded Bud Heavy's and BL's, as we watched the Rangers oust the Bruins by one for a 4-3 end of regulation win. It was great to see the Rangers finally win a regulation game!

501 then proceeded to meet back up at Stout for some celebratory BL's, where G decided to wear a shirt entirely made out of ketchup, which was hysterical!

Fast forward an intriguing Metro north train ride home with a hot conductor that didn't charge us, and who's eyes were an intoxicating shade of crystal blue. I really don't know if I even said one coherent sentence to her, mumbling like a buffoon. I mean, clearly the booze talking, members of 501 have no issues with the ladies! We then proceed to get off the train one stop too soon only to add more hops and barley fuel to our ever burning fires of booze. This is the part of the story where all parts of the story become a battle of reality or day dreams. Kind of like splicing a film which has many different parts to it. We all have variations that begin the same way and end the same way, its just that the middles don't really fit.

In all, it was a great time, we will continue this now annual affair and will not change a god damn thing!

Remembering J.B. Buono

On Saturday February 28Th the legendary trainer of Iona College J.B. Buono passed away. It was truly a sad day for all Gael fans. An Iona and New Rochelle Hall of Famer, J.B. served as an athletic trainer for more than 50 years at the College.

Buono was hired as the full-time athletic trainer at Iona in 1960. A distinguished World War II veteran he was once described as being to Iona “what the Statue of Liberty is to New York”.

501 Huguenot was always a great admirer of J.B., we have all worked with him in one way or another. From co-workers, to student staff, to basketball manger, he has touched our lives in so many ways.

I can remember him my first week of school at Iona back in 2002. I just had my first day working in the "cage" and here was this old man shuffling his way down the hallway looking at me saying "Yeah, Man!" I remember being amused and nervous (that this man might fall,). He then proceeded to give me the "horns"!

Seven years have passed since that day, and everyday since he has made me laugh with his stories, outlandish gestures, the horns, his social life at Beechmont and Specatators (when his granddaughter was singing), his driving, and most of all his presence at all the Iona basketball games.

We will miss you J.B., rest peacefully.

Funeral Arrangements

Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is scheduled to release the Reissue of Ten, the album that sold over 12 million copies and introduced the world to PJ! There are four packages to choose from and they hit stores on March 24th.

I cannot be more excited for this, Pearl Jam is my favorite band of all time! Stemming from Mother Love Bone to seeing them in concert last summer. You have to be crazy not to like them! They boycotted Ticketmaster for Christ sake! They're everything a band should stand for...the music! Today's musicians play for money, publicity, popularity, clothing lines, perfume/cologne, movie deals, accessories and fame. Young America eats it all up too, buying all that crap!

I wish I was able to see Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Bush, Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, Collective Soul, Blind Melon, and Smashing Pumpkins in their primes. That was my childhood music, not this shit on the radio today!

I'll ease up on the ranting for now and just give the information on the album. The album extras include:

• Remaster of original Ten album + remix by producer Brendan O’Brien
• DVD of previously unreleased 1992 Pearl Jam MTV Unplugged performance with 5.1 surround sound audio remix
• LP of the band’s 1992 "Drop in the Park" concert
• Replica of Pearl Jam three-song demo cassette with Eddie Vedder’s original vocal dubs
• Recreation of Eddie Vedder composition notebook
• Never before seen memorabilia
• Bonus tracks and more.

Each Ten package will include two versions of the album: the remastered version of the original album PLUS an accompanying remixed version done by the band’s long-time producer, Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Audioslave).

So hit up the store on March 24th and enter the world of Pearl Jam!

Big Love

Big Love is a show based upon a family who are Polygamists and who are Mormon. This show is in its third season and is going strong! It gives a much different perspective than what I feel most people insinuate about Mormons. The family is pretty modern for what they make the viewers believe, they do not live on a traditional compound and only one of the wives wears traditional clothes. Bill, the husband and father runs his own business and is constantly coping with the internal and external struggles of being, Mormon, a Polygamist, a husband, father, son-in-law, and an entrepreneur.

501 Huguenot has been hooked on this program recently and has watched the entire season together. I definitely recommend this show for all, it is very interesting, not knowing anything about Mormons is enough to at least watch one episode. To discover and learn about other cultures should be something each and everyone of us should attempt.

Your constantly learning something new by watching this show, scenes never get get unrealistic either like some shows out there. Your satisfied with the choices everyone makes because their probably the same choices you would make. I really feel this show has taken some barriers down for me, especially my ignorance and negativeness of Mormons.

You can catch new episodes Big Love on Sundays at 9:00pm est, or on HBO Demand.

Recipe of the Week

This week I have decided to post one of my favorite TV personality chef's recipe, GiadaDe Laurentiis. I have made this sandwich in the past and it is very simple to make and very delicious. I've made quite a few of Giada's recipes and recommend everything she makes because you won't be dissatisfied.

Remember, don't ever be afraid to attempt! Here's the recipe, good luck!

4 (4 ounce) beef filet steaks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 croissants
6 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 1/2 -inch slices, rind removed, at room temperature
2 cups arugula
1 cup (about 4 ounces) jarred roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced

Season the steaks with salt and pepper. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks for about 5 minutes each side for medium-rare. Set aside for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak, across the grain, into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices.

Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Using a serrated knife, slice the croissants in half lengthwise. In 2 batches, place the croissant halves, cut side-down in the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until lightly toasted. Spread the Brie over the toasted croissant halves. Place about 1/4 cup of the arugula on the bottom halves of the croissants. Add the sliced steak. Arrange the red bell pepper on top of the steak. Top with the remaining arugula and add the top of the croissant. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Relationships....

Why do we commit or attempt to commit when we know it usually ends in a complete disaster, why? I can't even begin to answer that question, I don't think anyone knows why, well actually I do know why, but that's for a later time.

Valentines Day just passed and I don't think one person involved with 501 enjoyed that day. You see, this ridiculous "holiday" is completely controlled by the card companies and the jewelery companies. Commercials, print ads, radio commercials, pop-ups, spam mail, internet ads, are all ploys to get a man to BUY their product. They actually try and make you feel guilty for not getting any of it, they have completely brainwashed the female gender into thinking their way!

Never in 501's experience has V-Day ever gone successful. Either she is so happy with you and the night is "perfect", or she's hurt and unimpressed on how far the man went for her. What ever she picks, you still dropped an absurd amount of money and from the beginning was reluctant to do so. Clearly a catch 22.

What good comes out of this day anyway? It is 5 days since V-Day and 501 along with several of its members are no longer with their "valentines". So tell me what good is V-Day if things don't work out regardless of that "special" holiday? It's not like the scale of "things I do good vs things I do bad" tips to the good side any way. So then why do we do it? What's the point, it's not like we can even begin to rationalize a woman's thought process. Complicated is not even the start of it all.

Granted we're not as simple as we try and make our selves seem, but I think we do a little bit of a better job at it. You see, we might not know what we want in a woman, however women don't know what they want in most categories, so that just might pan out evenly. Now, I'm not trying to be mean, I'm just saying we might have something perfect in front of us and pass on it for the exact opposite, but continue to state that we are looking for someone like the previous woman. Sometimes we just want to be alone and linger out there and not have additional obligations to tend to everyday, but to enjoy the time spent with that someone. Sometimes we just don't want to argue anymore, sometimes we want to move FAR away just to do something different, and sometimes we're just to scared to see the future. That's life, sometimes we all make mistakes, but we do learn from them.


I don't know...

Thrown under the bus!

A-Rod, seriously! Your cousin shot you up with what you thought was an energy booster. You were injected on a cyclical basis and you only thought it was an energy boost? Being young and stupid, come on! I would have had a lot more respect for some kind of truth, I really didn't think he was going up there today and was going to make a ridiculous statement, like that.

I feel bad for his cousin, this guy is probably sitting on his couch in the D.R. like, "what! You S.O.B! You knew!" He totally threw this guy under the bus!

It just seemed so cheesy, as if he still never actually said he took steroids. Maybe that was the point, I mean he does have an agent, manager, publicist, legal team and a crisis intervention team with him.

What ever its over, hopefully this won't distract everyone else on the team to much.

A-Rod

I know its been a couple of days since the A-Rod story broke, but I needed some time to gather some thoughts on this subject. I feel like there are so many issues with just this instance. What I am about to write are my thoughts and feelings on this issue, I have no affiliation with MLB, A-Rod, the New York Yankees or any other topic that might be expressed. Try to bare with me and my rambled thoughts.

First, why did MLB give these players who tested positive arbitration in 2003? Who were the other 100+ plus players? Is A-Rod the only high profile name on the list? If this was supposed to be kept quiet then why did Sports Illustrated leak this, or even print it? Since when does cheating have acceptable guidelines? This just feels like a slap in the face to Pete Rose and the members of the "Black" Sox? They were caught cheating and were punished to the fullest degree.

Are we just supposed to accept that a majority of MLB players take steroids and are just going with the flow? Is this the only way these players can keep them selves ahead of the curve and in the game? Is it all about the money, and how to keep "providing" for your family? Because my father kept food on the table with a lot less than 10 million dollars a year!

You know, I really wasn't this angry when I started writing, I guess it affects me more than I thought it would.

Is MLB telling us that they knew all about this, that they actually knew for certain that people used and let them continue to play. Where does the trickle down affect start and stop? If MLB knew does that mean the MLBPA knew, did Bud Selig know, did the owners know, did the front office of each team know, did the managers know, for Christ sake did the ball boys know?

I love this game more than a lot of other things, how can you take the purity out of this game? Your supposed to play for the love of it, for the passion.... for the integrity.

Paintball

I would like to start off apologizing for my absence to 501 Huguenot St. Truthfully nothing to interesting happened last week. I know what your thinking, NO EXCUSES, YOU PROMISED! Well I'm sorry!

Anyways, on Saturday 501 and the boys went to long island to play some good ole' fashion PAINTBALL! 10 of us caravan'd to Coram, Long Island to Cousins Paint Ball. We had a hell of a time! Nothing like a bunch of black and blue welts to make you feel like a man!

This was our second annual trip to Cousins, only this year we were put into a public course instead of a private party. This meant we had two teams of 30 or more players, and not just regular players or first timers like us, but near professionals. You know those guys, all decked out in new gear, expensive guns, camoflage, extra clips of paint, CO2 cannisters, pretty much like the guy in the picture above. There we were sweat pants, sweat shirts, sneakers, crappy rental equipment and zero talent but we had a blast! We didn't do that bad either.

There really is nothing like running through the woods scared as hell and hoping your not going to be the first one shot. I completely reccomend people doing this at least once a year, gets alot of frustration out! Plus it is a lot of fun too!