The lucky man has been the New England Patriots quarterbackTom Brady, 31. The wedding was held last Thursday in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Only friends and family closest to the couple went to the wedding. Gisele Bündchen, 28, was outfitted by Dolce & Gabbana, as were her three dogs.
Bugs are frowned upon in computer software, especially video games. But in the case of THQ video game Deadly Creatures, they're the main attraction.
The adventure for the Nintendo Wii features an interesting story told through the eyes of two unusual lead "characters": a scorpion and a tarantula. As they navigate the desert, they witness the action of two men — voiced by actors Dennis Hopper and Billy Bob Thornton — search for treasure in a landscape littered with dangerous animals and insects.
Players hear bits of conversation as they traverse a small tunnel, or watch key moments while perched on a ledge. The method is very clever and unique.
The game breaks down into 10 levels, five for each creature. While the tarantula is quick and nimble, the scorpion is both bigger and stronger. Attacks are handled using a combination of remote and nunchuk flourishes and well-timed button presses. Taking advantage of its agility, the tarantula can pounce on foes, for example. The scorpion, meanwhile, can deliver tail stings and whips.
Level objectives are pretty straightforward, with directives such as "find your way to the surface." Creatures will climb up walls, slip inside small crevices and even walk upside down on ceilings to reach their destination. The variety of objects keeps you engaged in this very large world, such as sneakers to crawl through or a broken-down truck to trek across.
Overall, the tarantula is a more interesting creature to control. Because you can't string together strikes as easily, you're forced to think more strategically about how best to vanquish enemy creatures. The scorpion, on the other hand, can dish out hits more quickly. Therefore, it's easy to just flail and press buttons frantically to beat down opponents.
Foes ranging from wolf spiders and black widows to gila monsters and rattlesnakes lurk in the wilderness. Yet your greatest nemesis is the perspective. The game's camera stalks your every move, yet struggles to keep pace when the action picks up. As a result, you're left viewing battles from awkward angles, blinded to approaching threats. Prepare to consistently press down on the remote's directional pad to center your view.
Don't be scared off by the creepy-crawly critters that adorn the box art for Deadly Creatures. Despite some noticeable flaws, this adventure offers plenty to embrace.
Yesterday morning Nintendo of America announced that the latest evolution of its DS portable, the DSi, was due to hit stateside on April 5 of this year, priced at $169.99 MSRP. The device is the next system upgrade in the line of DS handhelds, and not a successor to the DS itself (much like the GBA SP or Micro releases for Game Boy Advance), though it promises to bring even more technology to the Big N's innovative pocket platform. Adding in two cameras, internal memory for music, pictures, and downloadable software, a SD port for additional memory, a new front end inspired by the Wii's channel system, and a pair of slightly larger screens, the DSi hopes to bring new lift into the already impressive DS hardware.
Where the real question comes in though, is in some of the changes and sacrifices the hardware asks players to make, and with that we hear the questioning cries of Nintendo fans everywhere as they shout "Should I, or should I not drop the cash and upgrade to DSi?"
Well, we're here to help. Yes the DSi is a bit pricey, and for those of you still catching up on your backlog of awesome Advance titles (or strumming away with Guitar Hero On Tour) the GBA slot has been removed, but there are benefits to the upgrade as well, and therein lies the rub. In order to make sense of it all, the IGN Nintendo Team has jotted down its own personal take on the system in a more personal editor-by-editor format.
If this latest report is to be believed, Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony will welcome a new and welcome face for many a young fan. Sure, you’ll get your Brad and Angelina fix this weekend (both are nominated of course) but who cares about the world’s most famous couple this side of Barack and Michelle when Robert Pattinson is involved.
Yes, HitFix claims they have confirmed the recent rumors that “Twilight” star Pattinson will indeed present an award at the Oscars. The report doesn’t indicate what award Pattinson will present nor whether his “Twilight” co-star Kristen Stewart will be by his side as he bestows a statuette to a lucky winner.
The decision to add Pattinson to the roster of presenters can’t be considered much of a surprise. It’s no secret that the Oscar telecast has been a ratings-challenged affair in recent years. And this year’s ceremony — without a blockbuster like “Titanic” (or even “The Dark Knight”) in competition for the major awards — could use all the help it can. Hugh Jackman will host the proceedings and that certainly establishes a different vibe than the usual stand-up host. But with the addition of Pattinson the Oscar producers are clearly hoping to draw in a younger crowd.
Singer Rihanna has postponed her scheduled February 13 concert in Malaysia, a concert promoter said on Tuesday, following reports she was attacked by boyfriend and singer Chris Brown this past weekend. Los Angeles police investigators have identified Rihanna as the victim in Sunday's attack. Brown has been arrested and charged with making criminal threats and Rihanna is cooperating with detectives, the Los Angeles Times reported.
A group calling themselves, "Americans for Prosperity" has started a so-called no stimulus petition drive concerning the proposed economic stimulus package. Does this group involve concerned Americans in all financial categories or does it simply reflect the "haves" striving to hold down the "have not’s?"
Last month nearly 600,000 Americans lost their jobs, bring us a whopping three-and-a-half million loses during this recession. A recession, some have yet to even acknowledge.
I have a hard time watching John McCain (and others) urging everyone to run online and sign a silly petition. I don’t remember him doing that when Bush blindly announced the first bailout plan, Sure we all squawked when the CEO’s arrived in private jets and even giggled when they were asked if they couldn’t have “jet pooled” But I don’t remember any call for Americans to sign a petition!
And there were plenty of talks about how Bush’s invasion has set our Country into a spiral of debt. If ever there had been a need for Americans to ban together, it was then. But again, no petition was circulated and promoted by members of Congress!
In a time where Congress needs to come together, they seem bent on staying apart. One could argue they are simply setting the stage for their next election. On the other side, one could argue they are truly standing by what they think is right. But a petition, does anyone seriously believe that would have any impact?
And where was this group during the first bailout? Oh that’s right; it was mainly a bailout for the rich. So, maybe, just maybe if people promoting this petition were to lose one of their 7 (or was it 9) homes, they might be able to understand the need the average American. Remember, the idea here is to stimulate the economy which will in turn, help us all.
['Pac talking] Big Syke, Newt, Hank Beugard, Big Sur (yeah) Y'all know how this shit go (y'know) {All Eyez On Me} Motherfuckin O.G. Roll up in the club and shit (is that right?) {All Eyez On Me} {All Eyez On Me} But you know what?
[2Pac] I bet you got it twisted you don't know who to trust So many playa hating niggaz tryin to sound like us Say they ready for the funk, but I don't think they knowin Straight to the depths of hell is where those cowards goin Well are you still down nigga? Holla when you see me And let these devils be sorry for the day they finally freed me I got a caravan of niggaz every time we ride (every time we ride) Hittin motherfuckers up when we pass by (when we pass by) Until I die; live the life of a boss playa Cause even when I'm high, fuck with me and get crossed later The futures in my eyes, cause all I want is cash and thangs A five-double-oh - Benz flauntin flashy rings, uhh Bitches pursue me like a dream Been know to disappear before your eyes just like a dope fiend It seems - my main thang was to be major paid The game sharper than a motherfuckin razor blade Say money bring bitches, bitches bring lies One nigga's gettin jealous, and motherfuckers died Depend on me like the first and fifteenth They might hold me for a second, but these punks won't get me We got foe niggaz, and lowriders, in ski masks screamin Thug Life every time they pass {All Eyez On Me}
[Chorus One: 2Pac]
Live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die live the life of a boss playa {All Eyez On Me} cause even gettin high.. ..{All Eyez On Me} Live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die live the life of a boss playa, cause even gettin high..
[Syke] Heeyyy, to my nigga 'Pac.. So much trouble in the world, nigga Can't nobody feel your pain The world's changin everyday, times moving faaast My girl said I need a raise, how long will she last? I'm caught between my woman, and my pistol, and my chips Triple beam, got some smokers on, whistle as I dip I'm lost in the land with no plan, livin life flawless Crime boss, contraband, let me toss this Needy hookers got a lot of nerve, let my bucket swerve I'm takin off from the curb The nervousness neglect make me pack a tec Devoted to servin this, Moet and paaayyy-checks Like Akai satellite nigga I'm forever ballin It ain't right parasites triggers and fleas crawlin Sucker duck and get busted, no emotion My devotion is handlin my business nigga keep on coastin Where you goin I been there came back as lonely homie Steady flowin against the grain niggaz STILL don't know me It's about the money in this rap shit, this crap shit It ain't funny niggaz don't even know how to act - shit! What can I do, what can I say, is there another way? Blunts and gin all day, twenty-fo' parlay My little homie G, can't you see, I'm busta free Niggaz can't stand me - all eyes on me!
[Chorus Two: 2Pac]
I live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die Live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me} cause even gettin high {All Eyez On Me} I live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me} cause even gettin high
[2Pac] The feds is watchin, niggaz plottin to get me Will I survive, will I die? Come on let's picture the possibility Givin me charges, lawyers makin a grip I told the judge I was raised wrong, and that's why I blaze shit Was hyper as a kid, cold as a teenager On my mobile callin big shots on the scene major Packing hundreds in my drawers; fuck the law Bitches I fuck with a passion, I'm livin rough and raw Catchin cases at a fast rate, ballin in the fast lane Hustle til the mornin, never stopped until the cash came Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die Live my life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high these niggaz got me tossin shit I put the top down, now it's time to floss my shit Keep your head up nigga, make these motherfuckers suffer Up in the Benz burnin rubber The money is mandatory, the hoes is fully strapped This criminal lifestyle, equipped with the bulletproof vest Make sure your eyes is on the meal ticket Get your money motherfucker let's get rich and we'll kick it All eyes on me!
[Chorus Three: 2Pac]
I live the life as a thug nigga, until the day I die Live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me} cause even gettin high.. ..{All Eyez On Me} I live the life as a thug nigga, until the day I die Live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me} cause even gettin high.. ..{All Eyez On Me}
['Pac talking] Pay attention my niggaz See how that shit go? Nigga walk up in this motherfucker and it be like "bing!" Cops.. bitches.. everymotherfuckinbody [overlap] Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die Live my life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high I got bustas hoes and police watchin a nigga y'know? [overlap] I live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die Livin life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high {All Eyez On Me} Hehehe.. it's like what they think? I'm walkin around with some ki's in my pocket or somethin? {All Eyez On Me} They think I'm goin back to jail, they REALLY on that dope [overlap] Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die Live my life as a boss playa I know y'all watchin, I know y'all got me in the scopes [overlap] Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die Live my life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high I know y'all know this is Thug Life baayy-bay Y'all got me under surveillance huh? {All Eyez On Me} But I'm knowin
Blink-182 are back together, the reunion confirmed after the Grammys. The reunion of Blink-182 for 2009 was broke by David Kennedy earlier this weekend with word of a new album for 2009.
Thursday night, David Kennedy told fans that even as A&A is about to put out a new album for 2009, so too is Blink-182 to everyone’s surprise.
“I’m trying to write a statement about how Angels is all good while Blink is coming back”.
Asked if no A&A album would be released in replacement for Blink-182, Kennedy added
“No sir. … It will be a good creative year and I want to make sure that comes across.”
And just to make sure it was super clear, another fan said, hey is Blink-182 reuniting?
“Yeah, putting out a record.”
The three appeared this Sunday as presenters at the Grammy Awards. Now after the awards show , Blink-182 issued the following official statement Sunday evening from Los Angeles:
“Hi. We’re blink-182. This past week there’ve been a lot of questions about the current status of the band, and we wanted you to hear it straight from us. To put it simply, We’re back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album. Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. 17 years deep in our legacy.
Already the highest-paid player, Alex Rodriguez wanted to prove himself one of the greatest. Instead, he wound up atop another list: the highest-profile player to confess to cheating in baseball’s steroids era.
The All-Star third baseman, responding to a weekend Sports Illustrated report that he flunked a drug test, told ESPN on Monday he used banned substances while playing with the Texas Rangers from 2001-03 to justify his 10-year, $252 million contract.
“Back then, it was a different culture,” Rodriguez said. “It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive, and I wanted to prove to everyone that, you know, I was worth, you know — and being one of the greatest players of all time.”
He said he didn’t do it before that and quit during spring training in 2003, before the first of three American League MVP seasons, because “I’ve proved to myself and to everyone that I don’t need any of that.” He was traded to the New York Yankees before the 2004 season and said he hasn’t used banned substances since.
The admission came two days after Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site that Rodriguez was among 104 names on a list of players who tested positive for steroids in 2003, when testing was intended to determine the extent of steroid use in baseball. The results weren’t subject to discipline and were supposed to remain anonymous.
“When I arrived in Texas in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure. I felt like I had all the weight of the world on top of me and I needed to perform, and perform at a high level every day,” Rodriguez said.
“And I did take a banned substance and, you know, for that I’m very sorry and deeply regretful. And although it was the culture back then and Major League Baseball overall was very — I just feel that — You know, I’m just sorry. I’m sorry for that time. I’m sorry to fans. I’m sorry for my fans in Texas. It wasn’t until then that I ever thought about substance of any kind.”
Rodriguez said part of the reason he started using drugs was the heat in Texas.
“Can I have an edge just to get out there and play every day?” he said to himself. “You basically end up trusting the wrong people. You end up, you know, not being very careful about what you’re ingesting.”
Though Rodriguez said he experimented with a number of substances, he never provided details.
“It was such a loosey-goosey era. I’m guilty for a lot of things. I’m guilty for being negligent, naive, not asking all the right questions,” Rodriguez said. “And to be quite honest, I don’t know exactly what substance I was guilty of using.”
Owner feels ‘betrayed’
SI reported Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone.
He said he stopped using during spring training 2003, when he sustained a neck injury. It was just as baseball started its drug-testing survey.
Rangers owner Tom Hicks said the admission caught him by surprise.
“I feel personally betrayed. I feel deceived by Alex,” Hicks said in a conference call. “He assured me that he had far too much respect for his own body to ever do that to himself. … I certainly don’t believe that if he’s now admitting that he started using when he came to the Texas Rangers, why should I believe that it didn’t start before he came to the Texas Rangers?”
During those three seasons, Rodriguez averaged 161.7 games, 52 homers, 131.7 RBIs and a .615 slugging percentage. In the other 10 full seasons of his career, he averaged 149.2 games, 39.2 homers, 119 RBIs, and a .574 slugging percentage, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
“This is three years I’m not proud of,” Rodriguez said.
The 33-year-old Rodriguez ranks 12th on the career list with 553 homers, including 52, 57 and 47 in his three seasons with the Rangers. He is 209 behind Barry Bonds’ record 762.
U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat who sits on the House committee that brought Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and other baseball players to Capitol Hill in recent years, favored a congressional hearing with Rodriguez.
“It would be good perhaps for us to sit down and talk to him,” Cummings said in a telephone interview. “I would think that he would want to cooperate with us so that the Congress would have the information it may need.”
Rodriguez’s admission was in stark contrast to the denials of Bonds and of Clemens,Rodriguez’s former Yankees teammate.
Bonds, a seven-time MVP, is scheduled for trial next month on charges that he lied when he told a federal grand jury in 2003 that he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs. Another federal grand jury is considering whether to indict seven-time AL Cy Young Award winner Clemens on charges he lied when he told a congressional committee last year that he never used steroids or human growth hormone.
Questions remain
Rather than hold a news conference, as Giambi and Pettitte did for their confessionals, Rodriguez chose the controlled setting of an interview with ESPN, one of Major League Baseball’s television partners.
The interview left open many questions:
From whom did Rodriguez obtain drugs?
How did he pay for them?
Did anyone help him obtain them?
“You have nutritionists, you have doctors, you have trainers. That’s the right question today: Where did you get it? We’re in the era of BALCO,” Rodriguez said. “There’s many things that you can take that are banned substances. I mean, there’s things that have been removed from GNC today that would trigger a positive test.”
Monday’s ESPN interview directly contradicted a December 2007 interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes,” when Rodriguez said “No” when asked if he had ever used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing substance.
“I wasn’t even being truthful with myself,” he said Monday. “Today, I’m here to tell the truth.”
In his 2008 book, “Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball,” Jose Canseco claimed he introduced Rodriguez to a steroids dealer. Canseco, who has admitted using steroids, subsequently said he had no knowledge of any drug use by Rodriguez.
“They are looking in the wrong places,” Canseco said in a text message to The Associated Press. “This is a 25-year cover-up. The true criminals are Gene Orza, (union head) Donald Fehr and (commissioner) Bud (Selig). Investigate them, and you will have all the answers.”
SI said that Orza, the union’s chief operating officer, tipped off three players in September 2004 that they would be tested. Orza repeatedly has denied that he tipped off players, saying he merely reminded them late in the season that if they had not yet been tested, baseball’s drug agreement required them to be tested by the end of the regular season.
The Rose is the best flower for Valentine's Day! It's so lovely! You can find it in many colors and shapes, but for the day of love, I recommend the red rose.
If you are looking for love poems or love quotes, you have come to the right place. Read and enjoy with your lover:
Be my Valentine, for I Each day have thought of you. My whole life couldn't manage what Your ready smile can do, Vanquishing my loneliness As though all light were new. Let me be your Valentine Even as you're mine, Needing what I have to give That each might each define In friendship and in harmony, Now you, now I the melody, Each helping each to shine.
A Valentine is nothing like A chocolate or a rose. For in a week these shall be gone, But Valentines remain.
If love were always sweet to tongue Or fragrant to the nose, Each day would be like Valentine's, And we would go insane.
A Valentine just hangs around Waiting to be kissed Long after special days have passed And every days are here.
So one is wise to choose one well And chocolates to resist. For in the midst of mania It's nice to have one near.
Happy Valentine, my love! All my love is yours. Praised be love that brings us home, Pilgrims to these shores. Yearnings here find harborage; Vanities, sly smiles. All that righteous anger rends, Love here reconciles. Even in the darkness where No bitterness finds rest, Thoughts of you are like a dawn Intent on happiness. Nor would I have so light a heart Except that I am blessed!
This Valentine's I wish that you were with me. It's lonelier than most days I'm alone, Even though we'll manage on the phone To touch with words the face we cannot see. You away are far more dear to me Than anyone who might remain at home. My love is in the places that you roam, Being with you where I cannot be. We do not choose the objects of our passion, But passively await the holy fire That immolates our past and lights our fate, Twisting through the alleys of desire. So I am yours, and will contented wait, Allowing love my life and will to fashion.
Valentine Smile
On Valentine's Day we think of those Who make our lives worthwhile, Those gracious, friendly people who We think of with a smile.
I am fortunate to know you, That's why I want to say, To a rare and special person: Happy Valentine's Day!
By Joanna Fuchs
Valentine Treasures
Valentine treasures are people who have often crossed your mind, family, friends and others, too, who in your life have shined the warmth of love or a spark of light that makes you remember them; no matter how long since you’ve actually met, each one is a luminous gem who gleams and glows in your memory, bringing special pleasures, and that’s why this Valentine comes to you: You’re one of those sparkling treasures!
By Joanna Fuchs
Special Connection
Valentine’s Day is for expressing affection; Fond thoughts are coming your way; We’ve always had a special connection, So Happy Valentine’s Day!
By Joanna Fuchs
Valentine Gift
On Valentine’s Day, I’m thinking about the special ways you have made my life better. The little things, the not-so-little things... Your kindness, the way you always listen and pay attention to me. You make my world brighter and richer. You’re a gift to me, and I thank you for being you.
The day of Love is near! Are you Are you looking for Valentine cards? You're so lucky. Here you can find your perfect Virtual Valentine Cards! Open your eyes and your heart:
A group calling themselves, "Americans for Prosperity" has started a so-called no stimulus petition drive concerning the proposed economic stimulus package. Does this group involve concerned Americans in all financial categories or does it simply reflect the "haves" striving to hold down the "have not’s?"
Already the highest-paid player, Alex Rodriguez wanted to prove himself one of the greatest. Instead, he wound up atop another list: the highest-profile player to confess to cheating in baseball’s steroids era.
