Sunday, December 16, 2007

16-13-3: Hey, Hey, What Can You Say?

I gotta admit, Wayne Gretzky is a classier individual than I am. With his team ahead 5-0 heading into the third period, he had them sit back and play a conservative game. If it were me, I would have tried to beat the Rangers 10-0, and probably could have, the way the Rangers were playing Sunday evening. Hmm, where to start, where to start ... :

*The most disheartening thing to me was not that the Rangers lost to one of the five worse teams in the NHL but that only one player on the team actually played like he was pissed off: Dan Girardi. Every single player should have been infuriated but they all played the same lackluster hockey in the second period that they did in the first.

*The Rangers scored their one goal on the power play in the third after Phoenix had already started sitting back on their heels. So do the Blueshirts then pounce and build off of the one goal? Nope, their "captain" takes a lazy holding penalty and kills what little momentum they had. Superstar!

*As I expect that little from Jagr, I expected a little more from Tom Renney. The Kind Commander lost the game for the Rangers before it started by not putting them in a position to win. He mishandled the injury/flu depleted roster and put a team out on the ice that couldn't do anything.

>First off, according to Sam, Renney benched Ryan Hollweg to send a message that "He needs to do more." That's fine, but don't do that when your team is decimated by injury. And don't replace him with super-slo-mo Jason Strudwick.

>That set up yet another mistake, reinserting Marek Malik back in the lineup. That changed two of the three defensive pairings and eliminated all of the chemistry ... and put Malik back in the lineup. He was his usual terrible self but certainly not the cause for the Rangers demise.

>Not helping the team either was the fact that Renney put his two call ups, Greg Moore and Nigel Dawes, on the same line. >Two kids, who are going to do their damndest to make a case to stay in the NHL and will take the risks associated with it, on the same line - and playing with the underachieving Chris Drury. Yeah, no.

>And if Hank has a bad wrist and a case of the flu, why was he even dressed for the game? Renney had no intention of letting him play, so why not let him rest at home and bring up Montoya. Give Monty a start and show Phoenix what they missed out on by not trading for him.

*The one roster move that Renney didn't make that I won't complain about is to take Dubi off of Jagr's line. Unless they move Straka to center and get another Czech to play wing, leave it alone. Drury is playing poorly, Gomez is playing poorly, don't add them to a line with a guy who clearly doesn't care about playing - poorly or otherwise. Dubi injects some energy to that line and is willing to check people, something the two Czechs are reluctant to do.

*Jagr apparently lost a tooth in the first period when he was elbowed in the mouth by Fredrik Sjostrom. Did he show outrage and stand up for himself? Nope, he skated to the bench. He deals with double teams, elbows, hooks, holds, slashes, etc. all game long and does nothing about it. This guy is the captain of the New York Rangers! If you have no respect for your teammates - which you clearly don't playing like you don't want to be there - at least have some respect for yourself!

*A quick word on the goaltenders: Valley really isn't to blame on the loss - at least three of the goals against weren't his fault. Ilya Bryzgalov, who regular readers know I am a fan of, was terrible at the start. Bryzgalov couldn't seem to get his angles right and was out of position several times but the Rangers didn't take advantage.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Bryzgalov - 34 saves
2-Radim Vrbata - goal and an assist
1-Joel Perrault - two goals

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Shane Doan - just because he is the last Winnipeg Jet on the team, and that means something, if only to me. He also had an assist and threw some pucks into the crowd to little kids before the game. A good guy, who is very underrated.
2-Bryzgalov - recovered from the aforementioned lousy start to give up just one goal, despite his team mailing it in for the third period.
1-Wayne Gretzky - he returned and conquered, showed class and skill by getting his young team to play composed in the World's Most Famous Arena.



 16-13-3: Hey, Hey, What Can You Say? - The Impact of Music on Emotions



Music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, evokes powerful emotions, and provides solace in times of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. The scoreline reads 16-13-3, but it's not about numbers; it's about the melodies and lyrics that have the ability to touch our hearts and souls. In this article, we'll explore the significance of music in our lives, delve into the emotional impact it carries, and answer frequently asked questions about the connection between music and our feelings.

The Language of Emotion
Music has an extraordinary capacity to communicate and amplify our emotions. Whether it's a melancholic ballad that brings tears to our eyes or an upbeat rhythm that lifts our spirits, music has the power to express what words alone often cannot.

The Science Behind It
Scientific studies have shown that music can affect the brain in various ways. It can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and reward. It can also activate regions of the brain related to emotions, memory, and creativity.

Cultural Universality
Music's emotional impact knows no cultural boundaries. Different cultures may have their own musical traditions, but the ability of music to evoke emotions is a shared human experience.

The Impact on Mood
One of the most remarkable aspects of music is its ability to influence our mood and emotional state.

Uplifting Tunes
Upbeat and energetic music can elevate our mood and increase feelings of happiness and motivation. It's often the soundtrack to celebrations, parties, and moments of triumph.

Soothing Melodies
On the other hand, soothing and gentle melodies can have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. Many people turn to music as a form of therapy and relaxation.

Melancholic Ballads
Sad and melancholic songs can resonate with our own feelings of sadness, providing solace and a sense of connection during difficult times.

Music as a Form of Expression
Music is not only a medium for experiencing emotions but also a powerful form of self-expression for artists and individuals alike.

Songwriting and Lyrics
Songwriters use lyrics to express their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences. Their words often resonate with listeners who can relate to the emotions conveyed.

Personal Playlists
Many people create personal playlists that reflect their current emotional state or experiences. These playlists serve as a form of self-expression and a way to curate their emotional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can music help with emotional healing and recovery?
Yes, music therapy is a recognized form of treatment that can aid in emotional healing and recovery. It can provide an outlet for emotional expression and assist individuals in processing their feelings.

2. Why do some songs evoke strong emotional reactions in people?
Certain songs can evoke strong emotional reactions due to personal associations, memories, and the lyrics' resonance with the listener's experiences. Music's emotional impact is highly subjective.

3. Is there a connection between music and memory?
Yes, music is closely tied to memory. Hearing a song from the past can evoke vivid memories and emotions associated with specific times or events in one's life.

4. Can music be used to improve mental health?
Music therapy has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. It can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress while promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.

5. How can individuals use music to manage their emotions?
Individuals can use music to manage their emotions by creating playlists that match their emotional state, listening to calming music during times of stress, and using music as an outlet for self-expression through songwriting or playing instruments.


"16-13-3: Hey, Hey, What Can You Say?" reminds us that music is more than just sound; it's an emotional journey. It's the joy of a catchy melody, the comfort of a familiar tune, and the solace of a heartfelt ballad. Music connects us to our own emotions and to the experiences of others, bridging gaps and providing a universal language for the human heart. In moments of happiness, sorrow, or contemplation, music is there to speak to our souls, offering understanding, empathy, and a profound connection to the world around us.




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