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...

After allowing a series-clinching opportunity to slip through their grasp on Wednesday evening, the San Francisco Giants went back to work on Thursday afternoon in pursuit of an overall record of 7-3. With Matt Cain and Jorge De La Rosa quickly locked in a pitcher’s duel, San Francisco’s chances at a series victory seemed rather substantial. In the first four innings, Colorado’s explosive offense managed only one hit, while the Giants struck first, taking the lead in the top of the fourth on a wild pitch which scored center-fielder Denard Span. In the bottom of the fifth inning, however, disaster would strike for a confident San Francisco squad. First, Gerardo Parra launched a solo-shot into right field to even the score at one apiece. Then, Colorado starter Jorge De La Rosa knocked one into right field, plating a pair and boosting the Rockies lead to 3-1. As though still unsatisfied, Colorado would proceed to load the bases (which resulted in Matt Cain’s remo...

With an impressive series-opening victory now behind them, the San Francisco Giants entered Coors Field on Wednesday evening in hopes of dropping the Colorado Rockies once more to clinch an early series-victory. Unfortunately for San Francisco, however, their starting pitcher Jake Peavy was unable to quite keep pace with Colorado's starter Jordan Lyles (who also struggled mightily throughout the contest). Inconveniently for the Giants, the Rockies struck rather early this evening, courtesy of a sacrifice fly from Trevor Story and an RBI ground-out from Nolan Arenado in the bottom of the first inning. In the top of the third, however, the Giants were quick to respond, as Denard Span ripped a two-out double into right-center field to plate Angel Pagan and Trevor Brown, evening the score at 2-2. The game would continue very much in this manner -- the Rockies would score, the Giants would answer, the Rockies would score again . . . In the bottom of the third inning, Colorado ...

Following an impressive series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants flew eastward towards Denver, in preparation for their first series of the young season against another divisional opponent: the Colorado Rockies. The first game of this season series would feature a pair of right-handed starting pitchers, including nine-year-veteran Jeff Samardzija, and developing twenty six-year-old Tyler Chatwood. With the Giants sporting a division-leading record of 5-2, San Francisco’s odds of knocking off the subpar Colorado Rockies seemed to be high, regardless of the marvelous efforts of Colorado’s talented rookie shortstop, Trevor Story. In the bottom of the second inning, however, Colorado became the first team to strike, as Gerardo Parra would trot home on a Nick Hundley double-play ball to give the Rockies a 1-0 advantage. Nevertheless, San Francisco’s impressive early record of 5-0 in games in which their opponent had scored first, held true to for...