Those who know the sport best will tell you hockey has a certain rhythm to it. Every shift, every game, every season is inevitably packed with ups and downs. The very best clubs then must be not just talented, but resilient; not just hungry, but focused. Their sport demands it. The New York Rangers are currently on a six game winning streak, making them the hottest team in the NHL. On November 6^th2011, the Rangers faced off against the struggling Winnipeg Jets at the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. Yet, go to the Garden for a Ranger’s home game, and the last thing you’ll see is an empty arena. Hockey fans from all over flood the Garden, dressed in Rangers garb, and cheer for their True Blue. As you walk up the Garden steps, you’re surrounded by the familiar red, white, and royal blue. There is no feeling like walking through the tunnel and the arena opens up in front of you. People everywhere, just like you, are hoping to perhaps catch a puck, get a broken stick, or somehow manage to high-five one of their favorite players. Camera flashes abound as fans snap pictures of the team and send those pictures to their friends to make them jealous (at least that’s what I do). The game starts and the mood quickly changes. All in attendance gaze upon the frozen pond with undivided attention. Sticks clash, bodies bump, pucks fly, and skates dig into the ice. Every time the puck nears the opposing net, the crowd sighs in unison. Every time the referee calls a penalty on the home team, the proverbial “BOO!” reverberates throughout the building. The Rangers beat Winnipeg goaltender Ondrej Pavelec three times, winning the game 3-0, and earning a shut-out for back-up Rangers goalie, Martin Biron.

Hockey won’t hold still to give you a better look. It’s the action that makes the possibilities endless. The next practice, the next city, and the next game await.

This past weekend was Yom Kippur, the holiest and most solemn day in the Jewish religion. My grandfather, Sol Zim, is the cantor (basically someone who recites the prayers through song) at Hollis Hills Jewish Center in Queens. As I stood and watched my grandfather sing, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and admiration. The melodies and harmonies resonated throughout the synagogue and compeled all in attendance to join in. Now, I don’t consider myself to be religious nor affiliated with any religion in particular; however, on that day I experienced an event that I don’t quite understand. What drives some people to visit their local church, temple, mosque, or place of worship on a daily basis? Whatever it is, I certainly don’t possess it. The ability to maintain such faith in something so vague is something I will always have the upmost respect for.

This past weekend I attended a musical performance of epic proportions. Poofy and the Busboys, an up-and-coming hip-hop/funk/rock band in the New York City music scene, performed live at the Whale’s Tale in the band mates’ hometown of Long Beach, NY. The eclectic band incorporates various kinds of music to create a genre that they call “alternative hip-hop.” Long Beach is currently hosting the Quicksilver Pro Surfing Competition so needless to say the town was packed. Hundreds of people flooded the streets as the hometown boys prepared for an all-nighter. Their set list consisted of originals and covers; originals included their single “Victory”, as well as their newest song “Bruce Lee.” The band’s repertoire of covers spanned from Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 to Adele and Bruno Mars. The crowd was moving, dancing, and simply feeling the music (and not only because they were under the influence). From 11 pm to 4 am, the band drew people from all along the main street to the front window to catch a glimpse of a drum or guitar solo. It’s the small concerts like this that reaffirm my belief that music transcends gender, race, religion, etc. No matter who you are or where you come from, there’s nothing like a great song that creates a good feeling for everyone in attendance.