Life's Too Sports

Generally inspired by an unpleasant Chemistry instructor whom J.K. Rowling was forced to endure during her time in secondary school, Professor Severus Snape is amongst the most intriguing of characters in the Harry Potter world. In many ways, Severus Snape acts as the catalyst for the entire series, as it is he who initially informs Lord Voldemort of the prophecy involving a boy who is to become the Dark Lord's downfall (which consequently leads to the death of Lily and James Potter, as well as the first disappearance of “You-Know-Who” himself). However, Snape's impact is much more widespread than on this specific occasion -- rather, the reader spends essentially the entire duration of the series struggling to decipher where his loyalties truly remain. In essence, as the reader becomes more familiar with Snape's character, they also become more confused in regards to his allegiance.  From the onset, J.K. Rowling places Snape in a quite shady role. The reader can...

O n November 15, 2002, almost a full year after the release of the first Harry Potter film, hardcore Potter fans across the globe would finally receive what they had spent four agonizing years awaiting: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was coming to the Big Screen. Much as the first film was quite similar to the novel, the film for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets remained very faithful to J.K. Rowling’s second masterpiece. However, there were (of course) still quite a few omissions, and general liberties taken by the filmmakers, which is why I have dedicated my time to analyzing the differences and creating yet another blog post (I’m sorry . . . or perhaps, you’re welcome). As this novel seems to have even more differences of greater significance than its predecessor, I shall attempt to refrain from stressing the utterly pointless, minor details. (No promises . . .) Once again, I will reiterate that I am not suggesting that there is anything necessarily ...

On the highly anticipated day of November 16, 2001, avid fans of the Harry Potter book series busted into theatres across the globe with purpose, in a desperate attempt to finally catch a glimpse of their favorite characters’ Big Screen adaptations. As these fans left the cinema, however, many of them immediately found something (regardless of how miniscule) to complain about. And while Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s (or, before many of you exit this tab in sheer disgust – Philosopher’s ) Stone ended up being perhaps the most true to the novel, in comparison with all eight of the “Warner Bros.” productions, the vast majority of hardcore Potter fans still felt strangely disappointed by this movie. In actuality, I am not suggesting that every single minor difference between the novel and the film must be highly scrutinized. I am not suggesting that we should collectively revolt because we do not get to see Professor Snape officiating a Quidditch match in the film. I am not sugg...

Throughout the course of twenty-five hard-fought seasons of NHL Hockey (or twenty-four, if you prefer to exclude the 2004-2005 NHL Lockout), the San Jose Sharks have often been selected as favorites to win the sport's ultimate prize: Lord Stanley's Cup. And while the appealing title of 'Stanley Cup Champions' has somehow managed to elude Team Teal in each and every one of their campaigns, hockey experts and loyal Shark fans alike have frequently resorted to the laughable, clich é murmurings of, "They'll get 'em next year . . ." In reality, this is an indisputable case of a franchise which has enjoyed countless regular season "highs" since its inaugural season in 1991 (such as clinching the 2008-2009 Presidents' Trophy for the NHL's best record), while merely achieving mediocrity in their many fruitless postseason endeavors. Yes, the Sharks battled their way to the Western Conference Finals in 2004. Yes, they did it again in 2010...