Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle

At 2.28am EDT this morning Shuttle Atlantis Commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Doug Hurley gently triggered their spaceship’s steering jets to pull away from the International Space Station as they sailed about 250 miles over the Pacific Ocean. In doing so, it ended the 12 year program to build and service the orbital outpost. It was a solemn moment.

As a final salute, the space station was rotating 90 degrees to provide never-before-seen views of the complex and the shuttle and its crew of four flew halfway around the station, with cameras clicking on both vessels, to record the historic event.

Emotions ran high, both in orbit and at Mission Control as the naval ship’s bell aboard the space station chimed three times as Atlantis slowly backed away.

“Atlantis departing the International Space Station for the last time,” announced space station astronaut Ronald Garan Jr. “We’ll miss you guys. Godspeed.”

Shuttle commander Christopher Ferguson thanked the six station residents for their hospitality, then added:

“We’ll never forget the role the space shuttle played in its creation. Like a proud parent, we anticipate great things to follow … Farewell, ISS. Make us proud.”

Flight controllers savored the dual TV images of the shuttle – the last ever seen from orbit – and the station. Mission Control called it the second-best view on Earth.

“It must look pretty spectacular,” Ferguson replied.

And it was: Atlantis sailing serenely against the black void of space, its payload bay wide open, and the space station, its huge solar wings glowing golden in the sunlight.

Atlantis spent over 8 days at the space station and left behind a year’s worth of supplies, insurance in the event commercial providers encounter delays in launching their own cargo ships.

It was the 37th shuttle mission, over more than 12 years, dedicated to building and maintaining the space station – the largest structure ever to orbit the planet. All told, shuttles spent 276 days – or nearly 40 weeks – docked to the station. It’s now a sprawling complex with multiple science labs – 13 rooms in all and more than 900,000 pounds of mass, most of that delivered by shuttles.

With the retirement of the shuttle fleet, the space station now must rely solely on other countries for restocking, at least until the first privately funded rocket blasts off with a load. That could come by year’s end.

Astronaut launches from U.S. soil, however, are three to five years away – at best. Until then, Americans will continue flying to and from the space station via Russian Soyuz capsules at a hefty price.

Before leaving, the Atlantis crew gave their station colleagues a small U.S. flag that flew on the inaugural shuttle voyage in 1981. The flag is the prize for the first rocket maker that brings Americans back to the station, launching from America.

Atlantis is due back at the Kennedy Space Center at 5:57am EDT on Thursday morning. It’ll be a bittersweet moment for the folks in Central Florida as we here the sonic booms for the last time.

Orlando City and 6,932 fans welcomed  English Premier League Bolton Wanderers to the Florida Citrus Bowl last night.  It was the first match of City’s Premier League Challenge and although The Lions fought valiantly they ultimately fell 3-1.

Bolton started out the match with attacking intent after their previous 1-0 loss to FC Tampa Bay. The first real chance for Wanderers came in the 15^th minute as Bolton opened the Orlando City only for  midfielder Chung Young Lee to chip his shot over Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo and the crossbar. It was a lucky escape but short-lived as Bolton scored in the 18^th minute as Martin Petrov crossed over to an unmarked Kevin Davies who headed in for Bolton’s first during their American road trip.

Orlando came back and in the 28^th minute, new Orlando City forward Matt Luzunaris received a pass from Jamie Watson that put him in behind the Bolton defense. A neat finish for his second goal in as many days evened up the match.

Bolton didn’t wait long to strike again though, as a 37th minute Lee corner was spilled by Gallardo to an unmarked Darren Pratley and he restored Bolton’s lead. Bolton then added a third two minutes later as a defence splitting ball found it’s way to Petrov and he gave Gallardo no chance with a superb finish to make it 3-1.

Half time came and it looked as though Orlando would struggle to keep the scoreline respectable in the second half against a strong Bolton side.  To their credit, they pegged Bolton back into their own half with some neat crisp football and conjured up a couple of chances but were unable to convert those opportunities into goals. Max Griffin and Kevin Molino both had shots that missed the left hand post and then in the 73rd minute Molino put the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Owen Coyle

Both defenses held tight and the game ended 3-1 in favor of Bolton. Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath commented on the friendly and the experience gained from playing against English Premier League opposition.

“It was a great experience for our players. The result did not come out in our favor, but this was a chance for our younger players to see what the top level of competition is like. I am very pleased with tonight.”

OrlandoCity’s next international friendly is on Saturday, July 23^rd against Newcastle United! Tickets are available starting at just $25. Be sure to call our ticket office at 855-ORL-CITY (855-643-2489) to secure your seat today!

Scoring Summary

18^th Minute – Bolton: Kevin Davies (Martin Petrov)

28^th Minute – Orlando: Matt Luzunaris

36^th Minute – Bolton: Darren Pratley

39^th Minute – Bolton: Martin Petrov

Orlando City Line-up

GK: Miguel Gallardo (46’ – Sean Kelley)

D: Mechack Jerome, Rob Valentino, Kieron Bernard (81’ – Wes Allen), Jack Traynor (71’ – Adama Mbengue)

M: Kevin Molino, Yordany Alvarez (46’ – Justin Fojo), Luke Boden (71’ – Jamei Mugrew), Lewis Neal

F: Matt Luzunaris (46’ – Max Griffin (81’ – Dennis Chin)), Jamie Watson (46’ – Devorn Jorsling)

More match photos here.

The Japanese women’s soccer team won the World Cup after defeating the United States on penalty kicks this afternoon. The Japanese twice came from being a goal down and took their first-ever world title. Naturally, they had come into the tournament as sentimental favorites, helping to rally a nation that had been devastated by the devastating March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster.

For the United States, it felt like an opportunity lost. Despite dominating the play and creating the most chances during the game the US really only had themselves to blame for the game going into extra time and then penalties. They outgunned Japan 31 to 14 on shots on goal and put over 21 crosses to Japan’s 8.

The first half started well for the USA as they dominated play and created several chances. They hit a post, hit the cross bar and recorded eight of their 31 total shots in the first 20 minutes, but just couldn’t find the net. It seemed fate was against them.

It was more of the same in the second half, with the lively Alex Morgan (pictured above) ringing a ball off the post from several feet away just three minutes in. Then, Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori tapped an Abby Wambach header just over the crossbar 15 minutes later. Finally a goal came and a terrific strike from Morgan gave the U.S. the lead in the 68th minute as she broke away down the left and hammered home a powerful shot just inside the right hand post with her left foot.

The USA then looked composed and comfortable until a dreadful defensive mix up handed Aya Miyama (above) and Japan their first goal in the 80th minute. It was a hammer blow and the game went to extra time.

One thing you can say about this US team is that they never give up and in the first period of extra time, 31-year-old Wambach (above) headed home from a Morgan cross in the 104th minute. The US then looked to shut up shop but Japan were not to be thwarted and three minutes from the end of extra time, Homare Sawa (below) headed home an equalizer that was to prove crucial.

The game went to penalty kicks. It was the second FIFA Women’s World Cup Final to ever reach penalty kicks and previously the Americans, who had never missed a penalty kick in two previous shootouts at the Women’s World Cup, missed their first three. The Japanese took full advantage and Saki Kumagai (below) scored Japans fourth kick to secure the World Cup 3-1 on penalties.

“We lost to a great team, we really did,” remarked U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo. “I truly believe that something bigger was pulling for this team.”

It was hard to argue with that. It seemed fate had indeed intervened and Japan were destined to win this World Cup all along.

In all, it was a fabulous match and so refreshing to see. The men’s game is all about money, power and prestige and because of that the seedy side of the game can often creep in. Football was the overall winner here as both teams played with a passion and flair and it shouldn’t go unnoticed that the game was 22 minutes in before the referee blew for the first foul. Men take note, the women’s game is just about to flower. Congratulations Japan. Better luck next time USA.

Another fabulous round of golf saw Darren Clarke win his first major and the one he wanted to win the most… the British Open Championship by 3 shots. Darren Clarke closed in on his first major title as one American challenger after another fell by the wayside.

Phil Mickelson made an impressive charge to the lead, then faded on the back side. Dustin Johnson had another befuddling blunder in the final round of a major. Clarke, on the other hand, just kept hitting one steady shot after another, bringing little Northern Ireland to the brink of yet another championship in one of golf’s signature events.

The 42-year-old Ulsterman rolled in a 20-footer for eagle at No. 7 — not long after Mickelson had claimed a share of the lead with an eagle at the same hole — and was four strokes clear of the field with four holes left.

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell won the last two U.S. Opens. Now, it’s Clarke, who came into the week as an afterthought next to his homeland’s new stars, making a bid for major glory on another windy, wet and wild day at Royal St. George’s.

Beginning the day five strokes behind Clarke, Mickelson surged up the leaderboard with a brilliant start in gusts of more than 30 mph.

Lefty made three birdies in the first six holes, pumping his fist as the ball kept dropping in the cup. Then he rolled in a 25-footer for eagle at the seventh, moving into a share of the lead.

Clarke didn’t falter. Coming along four groups later in the final pairing, the Ulsterman rolled in a 20-foot eagle of his own at No. 7, reclaiming a two-stroke edge at 7 under.

Mickelson went out in 30 and made another birdie at the 10th, then was bitten by a familiar bugaboo: a 2-footer lipped out at the 11th to give him his first bogey. Three more bogeys coming down the stretch dropped him five shots behind Clarke.

Johnson, who played with Clarke in the final pairing, re-emerged as Clarke’s main challenger with two birdies at the beginning of the inward nine.

Then, the sort of mistake Johnson is becoming known for — from the middle of the fairway at the par-5 14th, he inexplicably knocked the ball out of bounds. That led to a double-bogey and, suddenly, Clarke’s lead had gone from a tenuous two strokes to a commanding four.

Johnson was playing in the final group at a major for the third time. At last year’s U.S. Open, he squandered a three-shot lead on the final day with an ugly 82. Then, two months later at the PGA Championship, he missed out on a playoff when assessed a debated two-stroke penalty for grounding his club in a bunker on the 72nd hole.

Mickelson, who has three Masters titles, one PGA Championship and five runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open, has never been much of a factor on the other side of the Atlantic. In 17 previous Open appearances, he managed only one top-10 finish.

He came into the week saying he wanted to forget his past woes and just act like a British Open rookie. That attitude was giving him one of his most impressive performances, but it wasn’t good enough to catch the steady leader. Clarke kept rolling in clutch putts, getting out of trouble when he needed to and seemed to have the wacky British weather on his side.

Storms rolled in and out, producing drenching showers one moment, bright sunshine the next. It wasn’t usual to hit a tee shot in the rain and finish that same hole needing sunglasses.

Clarke is an old pro at links golf, so these sort of conditions were much to his liking and he didn’t seem at all bothered as he strolled along the course, taking a drag on his cigarette.

Tom Lewis, who began the week as the first amateur to hold the lead at a major in 35 years, finished with a 74 for a 289. He still finished as the low amateur, his goal coming into the week.

“This week has been amazing for me,” the 20-year-old from England said. “It was a shame the last three days. I haven’t played anywhere near as good as I had hoped. But to win the silver medal is a great honor.”

Lewis’ playing partner the first two days, 61-year-old Tom Watson, had another age-defying Open. He closed with an impressive 72 to finish at 286.

“I played pretty well,” Watson said. “A 72 on this golf course is not a bad score. It just wasn’t good enough to get close to the leaders this week.”

But, it was all about Clarke and as he entered the final two holes he had four shots to play with. He dropped a shot at the 17th and then another at the 18th but it didn’t matter one bit as he won by a score of 275 and three shots as he strolled to his first Open and the famed Claret jug as Johnson dropped a shot at the last to be joint runner up with Mickelson on a score of 278.

“I want to share it with everyone. I’m your normal everyday guy and I just want everyone to enjoy it” Clarke said of his win. Yes, Darren…we’ll be sure to do that. Fabulous achievement. Congratulations... now to the Guinness!

In a clash of the titans, American division leaders Orlando City overcame National division leaders Rochester Rhinos by a scoreline of 2-1 to maintain their 9 point lead at the top of the USL Pro League. In essence, the victory effectively secures home field advantage for the Lions in the upcoming play offs.

In front of 4,758 fans, the game started well for the Rhinos as they took an early lead in the 15th minute as Rhino midfielder Alfonso Motagalvan took a corner kick that sailed over the Orlando City defense.  It landed at the feet of Tony Donatelli who blasted a volley past the hands of Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo.

The Lions were down but were not defeated.  Orlando began to discover their rhythm but were then forced into making two substitutions as both Erik Ustruck and Lawrence Olum succumbed to injury. The Lions put this behind them though, and started to exert some pressure as substitute Mechack Jerome saw a shot tipped onto the post by Rhinos keeper Neal Kitsoneven. In the 38th minute Olando was level thanks to a textbook cross  from Jack Traynr that soared over the Rhinos defense and found the head of debutant Matt Luzunaris,  the new Lion on loan from San Jose Earthquakes (Major League Soccer). Luzunaris timed his jump perfectly to send the ball crashing into the net and over the diving hands of the Rochester keeper. 1-1.

Even better was to come for Orlando as they stole the lead in the 41^st minute with an epic goal by Lewis Neal. Orlando received a direct free kick right outside the 18-yard box, which gave them the perfect setup for a goal. Neal struck the ball and it soared into the left corner of the net leaving Kitson clutching fresh air. The Lions exploded with celebration and were able to carry the rhythm and lead into the half. Half Time : 2-1

Tthe second half started with aggressive play from both teams but the match came to an abrupt halt when an intense lightning storm swept across Orlando in the 67th minute causing a 75 minute delay.

The game eventually restarted and despite slick conditions on the field, Orlando was still able to pass well and maintain good possession.  The last ten minutes of the match proved to be a battle as the Lions played very defensively, keeping only Max Griffin in a high forward position. The Rhinos desperately tried to even the score with two dangerous corner kicks within the last five minutes of regular time, but were unable to capitalize due to Orlando’s excellent defense and multiple diving saves by Gallardo.

“Obviously when they scored the first goal we were down, but we came back and had high energy and everyone worked hard together,” said Orlando forward Max Griffin after the game. “This win is huge. It gives us a chance to solidify our spot and gain a special advantage.”

There is no rest for the rain-soaked Lions as the 2011 Premier League Challenge has arrived.  Bolton Wanderers kicks off the challenge tonight at the Citrus Bowl with a start time of 7:30 pm and then next Saturday, July 23, Newcastle United comes to Orlando to take on the Lions.  Tickets for both matches are still available, starting at just $25.  Call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489) for more information or to order tickets today.

Scoring Summary

15^th Minute – Rochester: Tony Donatelli (Alfonso Motagalvan)

38^th Minute – Orlando: Matt Luzunaris (Jack Traynor)

41^st Minute – Orlando: Lewis Neal

Orlando City Line-up

GK: Miguel Gallardo

D: Erik Ustruck (18’ – Mechack Jerome), Demar Stewart, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor

M: Jamie Watson (80’ – Charlie Campbell), Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum (24’ – Luke Boden), Lewis Neal

F: Matt Luzunaris (67’ – Kevin Molino), Max Griffin

More photos here.

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland shot a 1-under 69 Saturday to take a one-stroke lead to the final round of the British Open. Clarke is at 5-under 205 for the tournament and will play in the final group with American Dustin Johnson, who shot a 68 to leave him at 206.

After his round, a jovial Clarke said “I’m 42 now, going on 14, but I’m officially 42 and I haven’t got many more chances left and I said I’d like to prepare properly this time so I came and spent a good 8 hours practice round getting to know the course again.” When asked about his putting, that might have seen him 4 or 5 strokes ahead of the field had a few of them dropped, he said “I couldn’t ask any more from my tee to green play but my putting was off and I didn’t have the pace with the putting and I struggled with it….I kept giving myself chances and it was a frustrating day but I’m pretty proud of myself and I stayed incredibly patient and I got something out of the round. I’m pretty pleased.”

American Rickie Fowler, also shot a 68 and is tied at 208 with first-round co-leader Thomas Bjorn of Denmark and they will be in the penultimate group tomorrow followed by Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain and Lucas Glover of the U.S. who are four strokes back. The weather was the big story in the third round. The day began with howling rain and wind, which sent scores soaring for those teeing off in the morning but the sun came out in the afternoon and made things a little easier for those with later start times.

Have to say, I’m very pleased with the leaderboard as it contains some of my favorite golfers. Here’s me pictured with a few of them when they were in Orlando earlier in the year…all great guys and all quite happy to pose for a picture :

Darren Clarke & Nigel Worrall

Dustin Johnson & Nigel Worrall

Rickie Fowler & Nigel Worrall

Yesterday was a big day for us as we saw our YouTube.com/FloridaLeisure channel top 50,000 friends. Yes, that’s 50,000 people who regularly watch our videos about Orlando, Central Florida, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando and all the other events, attractions and things that happen in the nations number 1 visitor destination.

We are humbled and proud to have such a following and we just wanted to say “Thank You” to all of you that have helped us reach this mark. We’ve enjoyed bringing the videos to you and had a lot of fun in making them. We’ve covered all the theme parks, some of the smaller attractions, places to dine, places to shop, places to indulge, places to step back and chill, places to be entertained, places to entertain and we’ve also covered the weird and the wacky.

In celebration of reaching the 50,000 friends on YouTube mark, we thought we’d bring you some of our favorite videos of the year again:

It’s a big weekend for soccer here in Orlando as Saturday sees Orlando City kick off against the Rochester Rhinos in one of the most important matches of the season.  Major playoff implications surround tomorrow’s match with the Rhinos, as a win would all but guarantee home-field advantage throughout the USL PRO playoffs for Orlando.  On Sunday, Orlando City plays the first match of the 2011 Premier League Challenge against Bolton Wanderers and of course, that follows hot on the heels of the Women’s World Cup Final from Germany where the USA take on Japan.

It’s been a great first season for Orlando City as they have stormed the American league of the USL Pro League but this weekend will really test the team and by Sunday evening we’ll really know how far this club can go in the short term.  The Lions and the Rhinos have already played each other twice this season, both times in Rochester and  Orlando leads the season series 1-0-1, taking four of a possible six points in Rochester.  Both games were tough defensive battles, with just one goal being scored in the two matches combined and we can expect another hard-fought match, as both sides are very well aware of the stakes the game carries.

“This coming game Saturday is the most important out of the remaining four,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath.  “I have great respect for their coach [Bob] Lilley; he will have his team come out fighting this weekend. It we beat Rochester we will essentially lock up the league. Only four games away.”

Orlando will be without key defender Rob Valentino for the Rochester match, as well as the next league match against Charleston.  Valentino has been suspended two additional games for his red card against Dayton on July 8.  Fortunately for the Lions, they also receive a boost in new forward Matt Luzunaris.  The former UCF Knight joined the club today on loan from San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer.

Saturday’s match will be broadcast nationally on FOX Soccer Channel.  Kenn Tomasch, the voice of USL PRO, will have the call with Jason Arnold providing commentary from the sidelines.  Kickoff is set for 6:30 pm.

Following Saturday’s league game, the Lions face off against their first ever English Premier League side, Bolton Wanderers.  Bolton have been training in Orlando all week as part of their preseason tour of North America and on Thursday night, they lost 1-0 to FC Tampa Bay. Bolton will be looking to avenge that defeat and Orlando may just catch the backlash as Owen Coyle’s men look to show the ability that has made them a decent mid level team in the EPL.

The short turnaround between games presents a challenge for the Lions,however, but it is a challenge with which they are quite familiar.  Orlando is 5-1-0 in the second match of a two game set that featured 48 hours or less.  Valentino will be able to play as the game isn’t a USL PRO league match.  Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.

Close on the heels of this weekends matches is another friendly against English Premier League side Newcastle United on July 23^rd.  Tickets for the match are still available and start at just $25.  For more information, call 855-ORL- CITY today!

Proposed Line-up v Rochester (unofficial):

GK: Miguel Gallardo

DF: Erik Ustruck, Lawrence Olum, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor

MF: Jamie Watson, Yordany Alvarez, Luke Boden, Lewis Neal

FW: Matt Luzunaris, Max Griffin

Subs:

Sean Kelley, Demar Stewart, Mechack Jerome, Kevin Molino, Charlie Campbell, Dennis Chin, Devorn Jorsling

The United States is in the Women’s World Cup final for the first time since it last won the title in 1999 in the days of Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Brandy Chastain.  The Americans have won the cup on two previous occasions and have come third in three other finals. They now find themselves in the final courtesy of goals from Lauren Cheney, Abby Wambach (pictured above) and Alex Morgan in a 3-1 victory over France earlier today.

In the other semi-final, a crowd of 45,434 saw Japan came from behind against Sweden as an early goal from Öqvist was canceled out by two goals from Kawasumi,  the second the most delightful finish that many in the men’s world would be proud of, and a headed goal from Sawa.  The final will be played on Sunday in Frankfurt.

Disney has announced that its plans to overhaul the popular Pleasure Island area at Downtown Disney are running a little behind as the company tries to hone in on its master plan. One part of the delay is because of the addition of a bowling alley as part of the shopping and entertainment district’s makeover. Disney said construction on Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot center that includes bowling, billiards, dining, music and nightlife, will start in the fall.

The new addition will take the place of RIDEMAKERZ (which used to house the Virgin Megastore). RIDEMAKERZ is moving to the Marketplace area of Downtown Disney. Disney didn’t share any new details on future plans for the former nightclub district, which shut down in September 2008 but they did say that some of the old buildings have been removed while work is now on hold as the plan is evaluated.

Disney announced in November 2010 that the six-acre plot of land would become Hyperion Wharf and that the new area is to include more shopping and dining spaces. Hyperion Wharf was scheduled to be complete by 2013.