Entries from May 2007 ↓

Multiple news sources are reporting today that Warner Brothers and Universal Orlando Resort are teaming up to create the world’s first Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. The park, scheduled to open in 2009, will concentrate on the three biggest locales in Harry’s world; Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade Village, and the Forbidden Forest. Among the attractions will of course be rides, but also restaurants and shops where things like Butter Beer, Pumpkin Juice and Fizzing Whizbees will be available for fans to try and enjoy. I have to admit, I’d probably be more likely to take my kids (should I have them someday) to Hogwarts than Disney.

In other Harry Potter news, Warner Brothers also announced today that the release date for “Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix” has been moved up from Friday, July 13, to Wednesday, July 11. No reason was given for the move, but one could surmise that Warner Bros. took one look at the four day numbers for “Spider-Man III” and “Pirates Of The Caribbean III” and were sold.

(Thanks to Stephanie H, and everyone else who sent me this news.)

According to Arsenal.com, the 22 year Polish international today signed a “long-term contract for an undisclosed fee”. Fabianski joins Arsenal from Legia Warsaw, with whom he won the Polish Premiership in 2005-06. He was also named best keeper in the Polish Prem in 2006 & 2007.

This is interesting. It was obvious that Poom was never going to stay long, but the fight for #2 is wide open between Fabianski and Almunia. Perhaps that fight will also keep Mad Jens on his toes. A little strong competition for the starting role, and the upcoming Euro 2008 tournament, could perhaps bring about a return to 2005-06 form for Lehmann. One can only hope.

After an 18 year career, 16 of those with the Rangers, Brian Leetch has decided to hang up his skates. Leetch started his career with the Rangers in 1986 when he was drafted out of Boston College. He made his first start for the Rangers in 1988, and was part of the US Olympic team that year (and again in 1998 & 2002).

Leetch was part of the storied 1994 Rangers team that won the Stanley Cup after a 54-year drought. In a playoff run that included the amazing goal-keeping of Mike Richter, not to mention Mark Messier’s hat-trick in game 6 of the Conference Finals against the Devils - a game Messier guaranteed the Rangers would win, it was Leetch’s play that drew the most praise, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff’s best player.

The 10 time All-Star and 2 time Norris Trophy winner (best defenseman), scored 247 goals with 781 assists for 1,028 points, making him one of only seven NHL defensemen with at least 1,000 career points.

My favorite player of that 1994 team, Leetch’s was the first jersey I ever got. I was very disappointed when the Rangers decided to let him go a few years ago, and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

Derek Jeter’s 7th inning triple during the Yankees 8-3 win over the Red Sox at the Stadium last night was his 2,116th career hit for the Yankees. Jeter is now ahead of Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio for fifth place on the Yankees’ all-time hits list. Quite the accomplishment, but it’s all in a day’s work for a player who will someday take his place among the all-time Yankee greats.

Meanwhile, taking two of three from Boston this week could be one of the few bright spots of what is proving to be the toughest season in many a year. It’s definitely a season of transition, but after so many years at the top - or just near it - it was always bound to happen sooner or later. People have been calling for Joe Torre’s head, and perhaps going with a new manager may be the way to go, but personally, I’d rather wait until the end of the season to make that change. It’s the least that Joe deserves.