Entries from February 2005 ↓

Granted, it’s an indie film, but this seems a bit strange to me…..

George Lucas’ final instalment in the Star Wars canon will open the Cannes Film Festival in May, according to reports.

The Daily Mail says that Episode III - Revenge of the Sith will kick off proceedings on the Croisette, which enjoys a tradition of high-profile launches.

10 man Arsenal forced into replay by last second penalty

With one eye turned towards Munich, Arsene Wenger fielded a relatively weakened side for today’s fifth round FA Cup clash with Sheffield United.

In an effort to put the best foot forward in the Champions League against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, Wenger opted to rest Thierry Henry, and Patrick Vieira, while Robert Pires started on the bench. Sol Campbell is still out through injury, and Ashley Cole has the flu.

So, Dennis Bergkamp and Freddie Ljungberg led the Arsenal charge, but the plan seemed to backfire when the Dutch Master was controversially sent off after getting into a heated arguement with a United player for a late tackle on Cesc Fabregas.

Despite the man advantage, the Blades didn’t really threaten in the second half, and in the 70th minute, substitute Robert Pires seemed to have booked the Gunners’ place in the quarter-finals when he bundled in a rebound of Mathieu Flamini’s shot.

The football gods must really want a replay, as with only 20 seconds left to play, Phillipe Senderos was called for a handball in the box after a shot deflected off of his arm. Sheffield United were awarded the penalty, and the ticket machines started printing out the billets for next Tuesday’s replay.

NHL ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF 2004-05 SEASON

NEW YORK (February 16, 2005) - The National Hockey League announced today that, because a new collective bargaining agreement has not been realized, it no longer is practical to conduct an abbreviated 2004-05 season.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued the following statement:

“Every professional sports League owes its very existence to its fans. Everyone associated with the National Hockey League owes our fans an apology for being unable to accomplish what is necessary for our game and our fans. We are truly sorry.

“Five months ago, I stated that the National Hockey League could not function without an economic system that will bring our League into the 21st Century. I said that our 30 Clubs were united in their dedication to an economic system under which the teams and players, sharing common objectives and a commitment to our fans’ satisfaction, would work together as partners.

“The time since then has been devoted to the pursuit of that goal. Today, I can tell you that our determination remains every bit as strong as it was in September to secure the partnership required to protect and ensure the future of the League … for the benefit of the Clubs, the Players, and our devoted fans.

“When I stood before you in September, I said NHL teams would not play again until our economic problems had been solved. As I stand before you today, it is my sad duty to announce that because that solution has not yet been attained, it no longer is practical to conduct even an abbreviated season. Accordingly, I have no choice but to announce the formal cancellation of play for 2004-05.

“We profoundly regret the suffering this has caused our fans, our business partners and the thousands of people who depend on our industry for their livelihoods. We will continue to explore and pursue all available options in order to achieve a successful resolution to this dispute and to get the best game in the world back where it belongs — on the ice, in front of the best fans in the world.

“As I also said in September, what we must do now is not about the present or the short-term needs of this season. Rather, it is about the future of our League and 30 teams.

“The National Hockey League was formed in 1917, and it has played a season through to a championship in every year but 1919. Through the decades and the generations we have faced a variety of crises and challenges — some of which seemed catastrophic at the time. The League persevered through all those adversities and the League will persevere through this one, as well — to emerge with a framework for the future, one that is fair to everyone — where our players are fairly paid, receiving what we can afford — no more, no less.

“This is a sad, regrettable day that all of us wish could have been avoided.”

Dennis Bergkamp paces Gunners to 5-1 annihilation of Crystal Palace as Arsenal send message to ManUre and Chelski.

Bergkamp’s opening goal in the 32nd minute started a blistering seven minute span which saw Thierry Henry and Jose Antonio Reyes also score, giving the Gunners a 3-0 lead at halftime.

Patrick Vieira literally walked in the fourth goal nine minutes into the second-half, and Thierry Henry scored a blinder twenty minutes later to complete the rout.

The only blip was when Vieira surrendered a penalty to Crystal Palace which was converted by the red-hot Andy Johnson to give Palace their only goal of the game.

While things may look desperate in the league, Arsenal sent a strong message indicating that they’re still one of the elite sides in England.

They’ll look to continue this good run of form at 7:30 ET this Saturday as Sheffield United visit Highbury for the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The match is being televised here in the US on Fox Soccer Channel (the newly renamed Fox Sports World.)

U2 made their first Stateside appearance of the new year at tonight’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The band performed “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own,” while Bono joined in on the all-star rendition of The Beatles’ “Across The Universe.” I was able to catch the U2 performance, which I thought was quite good. However, all accounts online indicate that the “Across The Universe” was a bit crap. Oh well, it’s for charity…

Bono and the boys weren’t in L.A. soley for their health; they were there to pick up some hardware. “Vertigo,” the first single from “How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb,” was up for several awards and after all was said and done, trophies 15, 16, and 17 can now be added to the collection after victories in the following categories:

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal: “Vertigo,”

Rock Song: “Vertigo,” Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen (U2)

Well done lads, see you in May!

Our good friend Brian Moore’s Fool Circle Brewing keeps on racking up the wins at brewfests around the country. This time his Hunting MacRae’s Heavy Scottish Ale won two awards at the B3 Homebrew Competition in California. For the whole story, check out Brian’s site.

Congrats buddy!