Former Gang Bangers Reach Out to Stop Gun Violence

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?: Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean? Alex Rodriguez drops the lawsuits: Where does this go from here? By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 8-...

Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?

Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?

Alex Rodriguez drops the lawsuits: Where does this go from here?

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 8- To those who have been in the corner of Alex Rodriguez as to innocent or guilty, there was an answer Friday afternoon. Rodriguez, from all accounts admitted his guilt by dropping lawsuits against Major League Baseball and the players association regarding his defense in this latest and biggest steroid case that hit the game of baseball.

But from the beginning, A-Rod had guilt written all over him. Spending his millions that were earned, from what we thought he deserved, as the most talented player in the game, kept this an ongoing drama that appears to have come to a conclusion.

And hopefully this is the end of the A-Rod steroid saga and baseball can move on. Because from all accounts this amounts to a major victory for Major League Baseball and through all the hearings and lawsuits filed, baseball nailed the main culprit.

Blame Major League Baseball also from the beginning. When all this steroid and PED drama started almost a decade ago, they failed to take action because fans were coming to the ballpark to see the home run leave the ballpark. A-Rod from the beginning, along with the other culprits, took advantage.

Since that time, as documented, baseball took a hit. Illegal performance enhancing drugs were prevalent and the story. Many times those stories continued to overtake the good things that were taking place on the field, the good from those who played the game without the use of a stimulant that many times awarded big money contracts to the wrong guys.

One of those wrong guys, and a major culprit in all of this was Alex Rodriguez. And like him or not, you have to have some type of sorrow for this talented player, one who did not need PED’s to begin with.

But, A-Rod was able to get away with so much. The first time, he admitted his guilt when he hit over 300 home runs with the Texas Rangers. Then, he came to New York, as a Yankee and hit more, destined to become the lone player in baseball history to hit 700 home runs or more and rewarded with was the highest contract offered to a player.

Again, numbers on the field were rewarded, just unfortunate that those statistics that A-Rod compiled did not come naturally. The fact PED’s contributed to those balls leaving the yard, and a record number of runs batted in, not coming without the use of illegal substances made this story a worse case for baseball.

And now, whether one believes A-Rod was right or wrong, perhaps the game of baseball can get back to normal.  Though the stigma of this latest A-Rod drama of the last year will never go away, nor will it disappear from the names of other culprits who got a lesser suspension from their involvement of Biogenesis or other related PED cases over the past few years.

The difficult aspect is accepting a player who goes on a home run tear, or a pitcher who is throwing over powering stuff, or another record breaker for that matter. Their accomplishments will always be questioned and for that one has to put the blame on Alex Rodriguez and others.

More so, the blame goes to A-Rod for initiating this fraud, one that went further beyond expectations, because he had the money to take this to Federal court by utilizing the services of high profiled lawyers that looked at this case for prominence. And of course A-Rod had the money to pay them what they wanted.

So with his back against the wall, and with no more support from a player’s union that advocated better drug testing and banning of PED’s from the game, Friday afternoon those lawyers getting paid good money from A-Rod petitioned the court to drop their case.

Except, that lawsuit against Major League Baseball, the union, and the Yankees should never have been filed because from the beginning of this, Alex Rodriguez was always guilty.

One can argue that a drug test was never administered to A-Rod to clear his name. But that was never a question here because all the evidence was open via text messages and documents. And one can argue that baseball is at fault for allowing this mess of PED’s to continue, no matter what strict policies were implemented or what type of security was in place.

We do know this: Alex Rodriguez will not play baseball in 2014 for the New York Yankees. There will be no circus atmosphere down in Tampa Florida next week with the media when players report to spring training camp because Alex Rodriguez said he will not be there.

Though the prevailing question is, will Alex Rodriguez play baseball again and if so, will it be with the New York Yankees? That remains to be answered as the Yankees move forward from this, and focus on their goal to fill the void at third base and return to play post season baseball in October.

Comment Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gunmen Chicken Out?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gunmen Chicken Out?: Gunmen Chicken Out? By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 6- Maybe they should have just ordered the combo deal. A pair of crook...

Gunmen Chicken Out?

Gunmen Chicken Out?

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 6- Maybe they should have just ordered the combo deal. A pair of crooks who tried to rob a Morrisania takeout restaurant left empty handed but left cops with some good images of the gunmen.

At around 1 a.m. on January 25, two men walked into the Kennedy Fried Chicken on East 169th Street and demanded cash. One of the men pulled out a handgun and tried to rob the takeout joint but left empty handed.

Police released surveillance video of the attempted stickup. Both men wore hoodies but only one covered his face. The gunman wore a scarf or ski mask over his mouth but his accomplice did not. His face is seen on the video appearing to talk into a cell phone before the holdup.

The thieves are described as two men in their 20s. Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Pol Hails ‘Pill Mill’ Takedown

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Pol Hails ‘Pill Mill’ Takedown: Pol Hails ‘Pill Mill’ Takedown BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 5- Senator Jeff Klein applauded the work of New York City and State law ...

Pol Hails ‘Pill Mill’ Takedown

Pol Hails ‘Pill Mill’ Takedown

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 5- Senator Jeff Klein applauded the work of New York City and State law enforcement in arresting and indicting Dr. Robert Terdiman, Dr. Kevin Lowe and 21 individuals who took part in an illegal scheme to sell prescriptions for oxycodone at their clinic, Astramed Physicians, PC, in the Bronx. The two-year investigation leading to the arrest and indictment came from a tip provided by Senator Klein’s office, alerting them of potentially illegal activity at that site in 2010.  

Senator Klein said, “For years, the physicians at Astramed have illegally sold narcotics prescriptions to individuals who could score up to $30 per pill on the black market. But the impact of Astramed’s illegal activity went beyond just the illegal sale of prescriptions. Astramed – which moved three separate times in the Bronx before being caught – fundamentally disrupted the quality of life for residents and small business owners in the surrounding area. When I first learned of possible suspicious activity at Astramed, I reached out to partners at stage agencies immediately, and eventually teamed up with law enforcement to monitor activity.

“I commend Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan, the DEA, the NYPD and the U.S. Attorney’s office for putting an end to the despicable practices of Astramed’s physicians. We cannot – and will not – allow pill mills like Astramed open doors in our communities. I am proud of the immediate action my office took to bring attention to Astramed’s illegal activities and am thrilled that our community will finally be rid of this scourge to our way of life.”

Four years ago, a constituent of Senator Klein’s notified Klein’s office of a possible methadone clinic instituted without notification to the community. Klein’s office tried to call the clinic, but both the physicians and their office administrators did not return calls. After contacting numerous state agencies, including the NYS Dept. Of Health, NYS OASAS, NYS Office of Mental Health and NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities to learn more about the services Astramed provided, Klein’s office contacted the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Working with investigators from the NYS Department of Health in the summer of 2010, Klein’s office established through video surveillance that between 75 – 100 people were coming out of the office in any given day, along with a preponderance of cars with out-of-state plates surrounding the location.

In October 2010, Astramed moved to 2029 Westchester Avenue in Castle Hill. Klein’s office continued to field complaints from the surrounding community while the investigation by law enforcement was ongoing. They subsequently moved to a location on Southern Boulevard.

The Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York announced the indictment and arrest of Dr. Robert Terdiman, a licensed internist, who allegedly conducted illegal sales prescriptions for oxycodone. In a parallel investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York charged 21 individuals in connection with the distribution scheme, including Astramed owner, Dr. Kevin Lowe.

In the announcement, the office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor estimated that 18,700 prescriptions for oxycodone were issued by Dr. Terdiman to over 4,200 individuals since June 2012. These pills, which tend to yield up to $30 per pill on the black market, amounted to over $90 million in illegal sales.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Open Season on ‘Obama’

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Open Season on ‘Obama’: Open Season on ‘Obama’ Impersonator Denied Justice in Presidential Assault By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 5- Despite t...

Open Season on ‘Obama’

Open Season on ‘Obama’

Impersonator Denied Justice in Presidential Assault

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 5- Despite the not-guilty verdict there will be no presidential pardons granted here, no coming together at a beer garden.

Louis Ortiz, a Puerto Rican who thinks it was his uncanny resemblance of President Barack Obama that had placed a target on his back on that night in question-- and it apparently did not help him with a judge who decided in favor of the Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) Sergeant accused of cold-cocking him inside a Bronx deli.

Ortiz, the moonlighting Obama-double formerly of the Morris Park section who has been featured in commercials, rap videos and spoofs imitating the president, claims he was minding his own business inside the J & R Deli in Morris Park, when he and HHC Sergeant Romeo Vairo got into the dispute in the wee-hours of December 26, 2009.

"He was found not guilty," Ortiz grimly recalled hours after Acting Supreme Court Justice Joseph Dawson's decision was announced late Thursday, January 17.

He continued, "You don't know the hell I went through when I heard the news."

Ortiz, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, suffered a bruise under his cheek in the brief skirmish and claims he has suffered from headaches ever since.

Feeling that the dice was loaded against him from the start, Ortiz says he called officers from the nearby 49th Precinct, who refused to make a report against Vairo. Ortiz also charged that officers told him a report would be made when he went to the Eastchester Road station-house two-days later.

Eventually, Ortiz got the ball rolling with calls to the Internal Affairs Division, HHC, the Inspector General and the Civilian Complaint Review Board.

The dispute, Vairo slugging Ortiz and Ortiz retaliating by striking Vairo on the chin with a grapefruit was believed to have all been caught on store surveillance video. However, the video mysteriously disappeared and was never introduced at the trial.

Ortiz says, "The NYPD lied to me and I tried to prove that and they put up that blue wall of silence."

Ortiz, who received immunity from tossing the grapefruit at Vairo, in exchange for his testimony-- Ortiz was facing a class b-felony and still must answer to a disorderly conduct charge that is expected to be dismissed by the Bronx DA.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Osman Abbasi who was assisted by special prosecutor Peter Kennedy, both men with the Bronx DA's Rackets Bureau.

Speaking of Abbasi, Ortiz recalled, "He truly felt bad that the case went the way it did, he thought the judge didn't believe me when I said that I didn't mean to provoke him."

Ortiz then asks, "If a citizen verbally engages an officer is the correct response a right hook?"

Justice Dawson may have also struggled with Ortiz' decision of waiting nearly 12-hours before seeking medical attention, before deciding the bench trial that lasted a little over a week.

The Bronx District Attorney's office stated that they could not comment on the case because it had been sealed.

A source at the Bronx District Attorney's office offered, "Since the defendant was acquitted everything related to the case is sealed and we are not able to discuss anything."

Vairo was found not guilty of assault, harassment, falsifying business records, offering a false instrument for filing and official misconduct and will apparently be going back to his job at Jacobi Hospital.

Sergeant Romeo Vairo, who did not take the stand in his own defense, has been with the HHC police since 1987.

Contacted by telephone, defense attorney Bert Oberlander stated, "He was acquitted of all charges yesterday and he's looking forward to getting back to work and getting on with his life."

"Mr. Ortiz wasn't credible," Oberlander continued, "His story was fabricated from the beginning and I think the court determined that in the courts decision."

Oberlander also stated that no video was retrieved by investigators, adding, "There was no video of any incident or anything recorded in the store."

However, the deli in question has had a state-of-the-art video system since before the incident took place.

Despite the headaches, Ortiz is getting on with his life as well as he is starring in a new reality show he co-created titled, "South Bronx" that began shooting in Westchester Square on January 17 and is expected to debut on YouTube.

Ortiz recently screened his new bio-flick, "The Audacity of Louis Ortiz," by Brooklyn filmmaker Ryan Murdock and expects to be participating in this months Fashion Week festivities.

In 2010 an official from HHC stated that Vairo was suspended without pay, however HHC officials now say Vairo had been suspended with pay since the incident took place.

HHC stated that Vairo earned $47,560.50 for 2013.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Get help with your finances

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Get help with your finances: Get help with your finances  Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Comes to the Bronx   BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 5- More than two millio...

Get help with your finances

Get help with your finances 

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Comes to the Bronx

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 5- More than two million families have positively changed their financial future through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (FPU). Updated in summer 2012, the now nine-week course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success. The course meets once a week where a different lesson is taught by Dave on DVD followed by a small-group discussion. Lessons include budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing. FPU will be held in Bronx at:

•Crossway Christian Center located at 2730 Bruckner Boulevard in Bronx. The classes will begin Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Contact Nik Adwalpalker at (718)597-3840 for more information or to register.

Since its inception in 1994 FPU has helped more than 1.5 million families positively change their financial future. Through common-sense principles and small-group accountability, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. On average families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days. Following the class nearly 94 percent of those families budget regularly.

“FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your life,” says Ramsey. “This isn’t a boring financial class. We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can benefit from the information.”

Ramsey knows first-hand the pain that financial stress can cause. After creating a net worth of more than a million dollars by age 26, he quickly lost it all. Since then Ramsey has helped families and individuals across the country learn how to get control of their finances and avoid debt so they don’t have to experience the same pain he did.

FPU lessons also include guest speakers Rachel Cruze, speaker and daughter of Dave Ramsey, and Chris Hogan, counselor and speaker for the Dave Ramsey organization.

For more information or to purchase a membership, go to www.daveramsey.com.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Subway Train Severs Sleeper’s Foot

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Subway Train Severs Sleeper’s Foot: Subway Train Severs Sleeper’s Foot     By David Greene   BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 4- A man sleeping under a subway pl...

Subway Train Severs Sleeper’s Foot

Subway Train Severs Sleeper’s Foot

 

 

By David Greene

 

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 4- A man sleeping under a subway platform and possibly drunk-- had a foot severed as one subway car passed over it as he stretched out at the Bronx station.

 

Fire officials were first on the scene of the 1:50 a.m. incident that took place Super Bowl Sunday, February 2 at the Pelham Parkway station of the northbound # 5-train at Esplanade Avenue.

 

One MTA official who spoke with the train’s female conductor, recalled, "She saw something in the roadbed, but she didn't know what it was."

 

The official who declined to give his name, grimly added, "She couldn't stop the train in time and one of the cars passed right over him."

 

It is believed that the Esplanade Avenue exit of the Pelham Parkway station has been without a token booth clerk at night since the MTA started trimming its budget sometime last summer.

 

The MTA official maintained that the man was passed out drunk underneath the subway platform, when his foot apparently extended over the track.

 

EMS officials reported that the still-unidentified victim was critical having suffered multiple traumas however; NYPD officials say the man is, "not likely" to die.

 

The police official reported, "There was a male on the tracks, not the victim of a crime. He was struck by the train, but not full on and received a leg injury. He was taken to an area hospital."

 

The 53-year old victim was rushed to Jacobi Hospital with a severed right foot. Despite repeated calls to officials at Jacobi, the hospital could not say if doctors were able to save the man's foot. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?: Crook Depot? Do it yourself dimwits rip off sinks, ink By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Cops are looking for two groups of cr...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?: Crook Depot? Do it yourself dimwits rip off sinks, ink By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Cops are looking for two groups of cr...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?: Crook Depot? Do it yourself dimwits rip off sinks, ink By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Cops are looking for two groups of cr...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?: Crook Depot? Do it yourself dimwits rip off sinks, ink By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Cops are looking for two groups of cr...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crook Depot?: Crook Depot? Do it yourself dimwits rip off sinks, ink By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Cops are looking for two groups of cr...

Crook Depot?

Crook Depot?

Do it yourself dimwits rip off sinks, ink

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Cops are looking for two groups of crooks who look like they were opening their own Office or Home Depot store.

At around 5:30 p.m. on January 22, two women made off with $1,300 in computer printer ink and cosmetics from a Mount Eden pharmacy. Cops say the women took the items from a Rite Aide on Featherbed Land. 

The first suspect is described as a black woman in her 20s, who was seen wearing a gray baseball cap, black jacket and blue jeans. The second suspect is a black woman in her 20s, wearing a black ski hat, black jacket and blue jeans. 

In a separate incident, cops are looking for two suspects who ripped off plumbing supplies from an apartment building. At around 1 a.m., two men gained entry into the basement of an University Avenue apartment building. The crooks are seen on surveillance video entering a storage closet and removing copper piping, faucets and sinks.

Anyone with information should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams: Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams Photos by Gary Quintal Fordham beat University of Rhode Island in the battle of the Rams 85-79...

Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams

Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams

Photos by Gary Quintal

Fordham beat University of Rhode Island in the battle of the Rams 85-79 improving to 9-12 with its second conference win of the year. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Mount Dealt Tough Loss

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Mount Dealt Tough Loss: Mount Dealt Tough Loss Photos by Gary Quintal By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Visiting Stepinac High School gave Mount Sai...

Mount Dealt Tough Loss

Mount Dealt Tough Loss

Photos by Gary Quintal

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Visiting Stepinac High School gave Mount Saint Michael Academy more than they could handle on Saturday afternoon in Catholic High School hoops action.  

An early 20-6 lead almost had Stepinac running away early, but the 14-point lead was cut in half to 35-28 with 4:19 remaining in the second quarter thanks to early foul trouble giving the Mountaineers multiple trips to the charity stripe.  

Falling behind as much as 24 points in the second half, Mount struggled to keep pace with Crusaders, dealing Mount Saint Michael Academy a 92-76 loss.  

Mount looks to get back to winning next Tuesday February 11, taking on All Hallows in their final home game of the season. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Let it Snow? No more

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Let it Snow? No more: Snow Day Photo by Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Another snowstorm sure looked pretty as long as you did not have to get aro...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Let it Snow? No more

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Let it Snow? No more: Snow Day Photo by Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Another snowstorm sure looked pretty as long as you did not have to get aro...

Let it Snow? No more

Snow Day

Photo by Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Another snowstorm sure looked pretty as long as you did not have to get around in it.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Super Bowl Dreams Come True for Fordham Grad

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Super Bowl Dreams Come True for Fordham Grad: Super Bowl Dreams Come True for Fordham Grad Returns to Metropolitan Area as a Denver Bronco By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY...

Super Bowl Dreams Come True for Fordham Grad

Super Bowl Dreams Come True for Fordham Grad
Returns to Metropolitan Area as a Denver Bronco

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 2- Millions of residents of the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area will be watching the 2014 Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night. Tens of thousands of those football fans will be in the MetLife Stadium viewing the game live.

One 2013 graduate of Fordham University in the Bronx, Greg Wilson, will have a unique experience. On January 16, less than three weeks before the date of the Super Bowl, Wilson signed a contract to be on the practice squad of the Broncos.

On Media Day, Wilson described his excited reaction, “I stood up from my job, said, ‘Hey, I’m out of here’, left, went home, packed a bag, flew out that night.”

His experience with the Broncos since his signing has been just as thrilling to him, “Going from a desk job [as a salesman at Sunrun, a solar electricity provider in San Francisco] and sitting at home watching the games on the weekend to being out here and playing with the guys, it’s just been great. It’s been a blessing. It’s been crazy.”

How did a relatively small pro football player, 6’ and 185 pounds, get that rare opportunity. The Danville, California native played football in high school and for two years at Diablo Valley Community College.

In 2011, Wilson transferred to Fordham University, where he played two seasons of Division I football as a wide receiver. His on-the-field accomplishments in each of his years at Fordham were almost identical. As a junior, he caught 26 passes for 535 yards and scored four touchdowns. He also returned eight punts for 57 yards and three kickoffs for 60 yards. In his senior season, he caught 41 passes for 549 yards for another four touchdowns.

Wilson described his current goal of helping to prepare the defense of the Broncos by playing as a Seattle wide receiver in practice and how it can affect his future in football, “I’m just working to give the defense a good look. If that leads to a contract in the future, that’s great.”

Fordham News: Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics

Fordham News: Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics: Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics Lundquist and Other NHL Stars to Participate in Sochi Winter Olympics By Howard Goldin BRONX, N...

Bronx News Sports: Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics

Bronx News Sports: Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics: Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics Lundquist and Other NHL Stars to Participate in Sochi Winter Olympics By Howard Goldin BRONX, N...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics: Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics Lundquist and Other NHL Stars to Participate in Sochi Winter Olympics By Howard Goldin BRONX, N...

Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics

Bronx Hockey Showdown was WarmUp to Olympics

Lundquist and Other NHL Stars to Participate in Sochi Winter Olympics
By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 31- After the first three of the 2014 Coors NHL Stadium Series concluded late Wednesday night, many NHL fans and players gave thought to the national hockey squads of 2014 Winter Olympics that will take place in Sochi, Russia.

Current NHL teammates will become opponents beginning in mid-February as each participating player will be representing the country of his birth. The NHL teams will be competing for one more week before a two week cessation of games.

Fifteen players from the three local NHL franchises that were at Yankee Stadium during the past week will be in Sochi representing eight nations. Ryan Callahan, Ryan McDonough, and Derek Stepan of the Rangers will be on the United States team. Carl Hagelin and Rick Nash of the Rangers and John Tavares of the Islanders will be on Team Canada. Patrik Elias, Jaromir Jagr and Marek Zidlicky of the Devils will play for Czechoslovakia. The Devils’ Michael Grabner and Thomas Vanek will be with Austria. Ranger Mats Zuccarello will be with Norway. Islander Lubomir Visnovsky will be on Slovakia. Devil Damien Brunner will be on the team from Switzerland. Henrik Lundquist, the Rangers’ goalie, will again lead Sweden.
Of the 15, five are medalists, Callahan, Jagr, Elias, Nash and Lundquist. The latter two received Gold. At this time, the medal favorites are the United States, Canada, Sweden and Russia.

As they are all professionals, they are currently focusing on the final few games to play in early February. At a press conference after Wednesday night’s game against the Islanders, Lundquist explained his and the others’ thought processes as the Olympics approach, “The closer it [Olympics] gets, the more you think about it. Right now, our focus is to get in the playoffs.”

The Olympic teams will have a relatively short time to practice as a team and form a bond before the first day of games on February 12.

Overriding the publicity for each sport is the threat of terrorist violence in Sochi and nearby areas. This issue has become a widespread international concern that has been publicly discussed by world leaders. Terrorist violence at the Olympics has been a reality since the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

Lundquist, an experienced Olympian, discussed his thoughts regarding potential violence in Sochi, “When you’re there, you tend not to think about it [a threat]. I think every Olympics has a threat.”

Hopefully, the games in Sochi between the 12th and 23rd of February will be interesting, competitive and well-played and the area will be free of violence.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 50,027 Watch Rangers Edge Islanders 2-1, at Yankee...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 50,027 Watch Rangers Edge Islanders 2-1, at Yankee...: 50,027 Watch Rangers Edge Islanders 2-1, at Yankee Stadium Photo by Joe McDonald By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 30- The secon...

50,027 Watch Rangers Edge Islanders 2-1, at Yankee Stadium

50,027 Watch Rangers Edge Islanders 2-1, at Yankee Stadium

Photo by Joe McDonald

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 30- The second 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series contest at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night was a sell-out just as the game played at the historic venue three days earlier. A crowd of 50,027 filled the seats to watch the two locals, New York Rangers and New York Islanders, play the first of two games this week, under the lights. 

After the exciting and hard fought game concluded, an elated NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters, “It’s been a memorable month of special events, three outdoor games in five days with more than 150,000 fans. This is a season we’ll all remember.” Not surprised by more than 50,000 attending a night game outdoors with temperatures in the 20’s, the commissioner commented, “Nobody braves the elements like hockey fans.”

The teams played with caution early in the contest. Unlike the high scoring game on Sunday afternoon, the first goal on Wednesday night was not scored until Islanders center Brock Nelson netted the puck with assists from Matt Donovan and Cal Clutterbuck at 18:33 of the 20 minute second period. 

A goal by Benoit Pouliot on assists by Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarllo tied the score 30 seconds after the first goal was scored. 

The game winning goal was not scored until 4:36 of the third period. Daniel Carcillo netted the puck, his second as a Ranger, on assists from Dominic Moore and Brian Boyle. Carcillo did not become a Ranger until earlier in the month when he was traded by the L.A. Kings. His first game with the Rangers was on January 8. 

Ranger coach Alain Vigneault gave credit to the newcomer and other unsung contributors in a post-game press conference, “He [Carcillo] brings energy. You need contributions from your whole lineup. In an 82-game schedule, different guys have to step up.”

Both goalies, Henrik Lundquist of the Rangers and Evgeni Nabokov of the Islanders, played outstandingly, but the hero’s mantle went to the winner, Lundquist. The Ranger goalie stopped 30 shots, and only let one get in the net.

He believed playing one game outdoors earlier in the week benefitted him, “I felt a lot more calm. I felt more relaxed. For me, it was just about doing my job.”

The Swedish Olympian expressed his joyous reaction to the occasion, “It was another amazing night. It’s a great stadium, but you need the fans to show up to make it special. [It was] everything I hoped for, two wins, two sold out crowds, the atmosphere. It was two days I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Islander coach Jack Capuano, despite his team’s fourth straight loss, spoke positively about his team’s current play, “I think we play well, we’re just not getting the results. We’re playing well enough to win; we just have to find a way to win.”

Vigneault praised his team, which has won 8 of its last 11 games, “We’re in a one game at a time mentality. We’re defending better. It took a lot of courage to do those things [block shots] on this kind of day. Our speed is a big weapon and I think we’re using that element better.”

The Rangers and the Islanders face off again in their next game on Friday night, January 31. Each them plays only three more games before the Olympic break.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankee Stadium Turned into Winter Wonderland as Ra...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankee Stadium Turned into Winter Wonderland as Ra...: Yankee Stadium Turned into Winter Wonderland as Rangers Beat Islanders Photo by Joe McDonald By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 30...

Yankee Stadium Turned into Winter Wonderland as Rangers Beat Islanders

Yankee Stadium Turned into Winter Wonderland as Rangers Beat Islanders

Photo by Joe McDonald

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 30- They got off the 4 train at 161^st Street stop these fans of two New York hockey teams, the Rangers and Islanders, and on their mission to spend the evening at a frigid Yankee Stadium. Yes, this was similar to a hockey version of the Yankees playing the Mets in mid-May or sometime in June.

Except the vendors inside Yankee Stadium were not selling cold drinks. Hot chocolate and coffee was the big seller. There were blankets covering the fans, gloves, scarfs, and their faces were covered from the frigid temperatures that dropped below 20.

Yes, for a night in the Bronx, in late January, Yankee Stadium was a winter wonderland. The puck dropped on the ice and it was nice to say that in about 65 days the stadium would once again hear the sounds of “Play Ball” when the Yankees open the 2014 baseball season in the Bronx with high expectations.  

The National Hockey League concept of “The Stadium Series” drew over 100,000 rabid fans of the Rangers, Islanders and New Jersey Devils for two games in the Bronx. They say this successful venture, one that has high marketability for the NHL will continue, though next year there is reportedly a plan to do this again at another venue.

Met Life Stadium, site of the Super Bowl this Sunday, reportedly will get to play host of the “Stadium Series” in the New York area next January. Why not? It is evident now that fans will come and root no matter what the weather conditions are in the height of winter.

“To our fans who were here both Sunday and tonight, simply,” incredible commented NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman who was all smiles. And he should be smiling. The NHL gained some revenue and more exposure. The Yankees were thrilled to keep their stadium busy in the off-season.

Wednesday night in the “House That George Built” it was frigid. However, the fans were loud, more of a Rangers presence as their team completed the two-game sweep over the Devils and Islanders. And at times, with the exception of the colors and an infield as a hockey rink, the ballpark resembled an October baseball playoff game in the Bronx.

About playing outdoors, where most professional hockey players got their start, Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov said, “You never really know until you’re out there and see that great atmosphere. I loved every second of it.”

And that was the overall consensus of the players, coaches, and the fans, the cold did not seem to be a factor. However, the one difference with playing an NHL game outdoors is the conspicuous absence of the hockey fight or brawl on the ice. As the experts explained, the game does not change.

But taking a punch in the cold elements is not a good idea for a hockey player, or for that matter any one else. The sting hurts a little more to the body outdoors in frigid conditions. So, there were no fights on the ice, rather a good and competitive hockey game with the two New York rivals.

“We’re playing well enough to win, but we’ve got to find a way to win,” said Islanders coach Jack Capuano after 2-1 loss to their Blueshirt rival Rangers. His team is 0-3-1 in the past four games. And like the game of baseball, where the Yankees are accustomed to winning in the Bronx, not getting a win in four games means a lot in the standings.

Because in the game of hockey, a stretch of not winning games in a competitive division where the Islanders, Rangers and Devils are situated, can be crucial. In this case, the Islanders did not prevail in what was their home game, away from the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale.

The Islanders got the shots, but Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist stopped a good many of them. The Rangers and their fans are content getting the road win. Their team has won five consecutive games away from Madison Square Garden and prevailed in 13 of their last 19 on the ice.

“They’re a ton of fun,” said the Rangers defenseman Marc Staal who got a feel of outdoor hockey before huge crowds the past few days in the Bronx. He said he could play in 50 or, 40 of these games during the course of a season. 

The National Hockey League scheduled more of the outdoor games in stadiums this season including the “Winter Classic.” They are all popular and now New York got caught up in the atmosphere in a week busy with the premiere game in town, the Super Bowl.

You get the feeling the outdoor game will return to the Bronx soon. The overall consensus is, hockey fans in New York are all for it.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com   Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso   www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Firefighters Gagged

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Firefighters Gagged: Firefighters Gagged FDNY: ‘Never Speak Against the Family’ (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 30- The fir...

Firefighters Gagged

Firefighters Gagged

FDNY: ‘Never Speak Against the Family’

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 30- The fire lines at an emergency are no longer the only barriers that separate New York's Bravest from the general public as a new policy regarding social media is now preventing journalists from photographing firefighters in their off-hours.

For ages it has been the New York City Police Department that has been accused of holding the media at bay, but the new fire department policy is now preventing journalist from coming into the firehouse and photographing members participating in the most basic human tasks-- like standing around a Christmas tree.

After photographing members of Squad 61 purchasing a Christmas tree along E. Tremont Avenue, this journalist sent a request to the FDNY's public information office on December 17 asking for permission to photograph members around their decorated tree.

A follow-up call prompted no response from the department.

Having visited firehouses for over a decade and having been welcomed into houses and have watched firefighters treat members of the media and public almost like family, it was a surprise walking into the squad.

Your first greeted into Squad 61 by a sign in bold block letters that reads, "Never speak against the family in public."

A captain at the company blamed the lack of hospitality on the FDNY's new policy regarding social-media, adding, "They’re looking for someone to make an example of."

One firefighter stated he didn't mind the policy while a second fireman offered, "That's what you get when you get a newbie half-naked in bunker pants," referring to a New York Post article on a probationary firefighter reprimanded for a racy photo posted on the Internet, while partially in uniform. 

A source with the Uniformed Firefighters Association who declined to be identified, stated, "It's not a new policy, it's a policy that has been in place for decades... you've always needed permission from the department to get in."

The source then asked when the request was made, before offering, "I don't know I don't work down there."

The source then added, "I don't understand this story and why this story, I think it was in the Post, was news because this has been the policy that goes back at least into the last decade and related to your individual request, unfortunately, I don't have an answer for you."   

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Chipolte, Cheesecake Factory could be coming to Ba...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Chipolte, Cheesecake Factory could be coming to Ba...: Chipolte, Cheesecake Factory could be coming to Bay Plaza? By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 29- A spokesman for the develope...