Huzzahs for Harry
Last weekend, Orlando was all about the much-anticipated $200 million Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Author J.K. Rowling and actor Daniel Radcliffe were in town for the grand opening. Local media trumpeted horror stories of muggles standing in line for up to eight hours to gain entry to the 20-acre park. But on Sunday morning, early arrivals entered the world of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village in just over an hour, and lines for the three rides moved quickly. Impressions? The buildings and atmospherics are a triumph. The centerpiece Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride had some glitches on Sunday, but is otherwise an ambitious excerpt from the Potter movies in a format reminiscent of Disney’s Haunted Mansion and Islands of Adventure’s Spiderman. Products pulled right out of the books make merchandising a delight—especially for Potter fanatics—but not worth the hour-plus wait to get into small, crowded shops. If you’re into Harry Potter, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind attraction right in our own backyard. And as you’re walking around, remember that Rowling herself said she envisioned heroic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore as gay.
Sunset at the Strip
One of the trendiest clothing stores in the area is closing its doors this month. Sunset Strip sells bold, edgy, flattering day and nighttime clothing and accessories. It is all 60-70% off at their Winter Park store through June 30. After three years in business at 1198 Orange Avenue, owners Suzi Vachon and Cindy Kaplus said “the economy got the better of us.” Here’s hoping they resurface soon.
Family Law
Five years ago, the University of Florida law school jointly hired its first couple as teachers. And in this case the couple was gay. Lee-ford Tritt was brought in as Estates and Trusts instructor, and his partner Michael Siebecker trained students in Corporations and Business Law. Turns out it was a good move. Siebecker is a respected member of the faculty, and Tritt was recently chosen by students as “Professor of the Year” for the second consecutive year. “There is really nothing more important to me than striving to be a good teacher,” said Tritt. While Siebecker and Tritt’s careers thrived in Gainesville, their relationship didn’t. But they remain good friends.
