| An onslaught of summer screen-sizzlers
An ungodly number of movies will open around town between this week and Labor Day; here are some that caught my eye. Please note that all release dates are tentative, and as changeable as Lindsay Lohan's hair. Big loud movies Summer, for many of us, is all about popcorn and really loud movies — and what could be louder than "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (May 25) or "Spider-Man 3" (May 4)? Well, perhaps "Transformers" (July 4), the dueling-alien-races adventure from noisemaster Michael Bay ("Armageddon," "Pearl Harbor"), or "Live Free or Die Hard" (June 27), starring Bruce Willis (also known as "Die Hard 4"). Matt Damon gets all shifty and elusive for the spy thriller "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Aug. 3), co-starring Joan Allen as an ultra-cool CIA boss lady.
Test Drive Unlimited Released on PC, PS2 and PSP
Atari today announced that Test Drive Unlimited has arrived in retail stores nationwide for the PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and the Windows platform. The ultimate automotive and lifestyle gaming experience, Test Drive Unlimited provides gamers with M.O.O.R.: Massively Open Online Racing and the pure freedom to go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and race whoever they choose all in a spectacular, wide open tropical setting. Test Drive Unlimited is available in North America for a suggested retail price of $39.95. Already available for Xbox 360 since September 2006, Test Drive Unlimited has won a host of awards and attracted high praise from media and fans, becoming a new benchmark for next-generation driving titles. Alongside licensed cars from many of the worlds most exclusive manufacturers including Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Saleen, Shelby, and Jaguar, Test Drive Unlimited is packed with innovation, more than 1000 miles of diverse Hawaiian terrain and is fully streaming with no loading times.
Watney scores one for young Americans
Nick Watney was the coolest customer on Sunday at the Zurich Classic, winning by three strokes and earning a trophy, oversized check and plenty of Mardi Gras beads. Phil Mickelson didn't compete in New Orleans, but he's got a new prize, too. The three-time major winner has announced he will begin working on his long game with noted instructor Butch Harmon. Jason Sobel and Ron Sirak look at this news in our weekly e-mail discussion called Alternate Shot. Sobel: Who says there's a lack of young American talent in golf? Another week, another win for an up-and-coming U.S. player, as Watney follows in the footsteps of Zach Johnson at the Masters and Boo Weekley at the Verizon Heritage by capturing the Zurich Classic title just three days before his 26th birthday. I've liked this kid's game for a few years and he's finally starting to reach his potential.
The Godfather: Blackhand Edition (Wii) Review
The Godfather is one of the greatest movies of all time. Students reference it in film school, musicians listen to its soundtrack for inspiration, and directors hope to make a legacy like it. When Electronic Arts announced that it will be making a game based on this masterpiece many were skeptical. I too was one of the many who doubted it, but to my surprise The Godfather made me an offer I cant refuse on the Nintendo Wii.
Graphics: Before The Godfather made its way to the Nintendo Wii it was crafted for the PS2, Xbox, x360, and the PC. All these iterations paved the way for an excellent version on the Wii. From what I can remember in PS2 and Xbox versions the graphics were decent. Yes there were some popping buildings in the background and some blurry textures, but that was forgivable since the world was huge and the frame rate was constant.
**with pics**
For a man who boasts a billion followers, Ding Junhui is at pains to play down his fame as prepares for the biggest snooker match of his life. The Chinese sensation makes his long-awaited debut at the 888.com World Championship on Sunday in a mouth-watering first-round encounter with Ronnie O'Sullivan. The match is certain to draw a massive television audience in the 20-year-old's homeland, perhaps even surpassing the record 110million who were glued to their screens when he won the China Open two years ago. "I have one billion people behind me and it feels very good," Ding said. "I think it's my biggest advantage." But despite professing to be the the third most famous sporting figure in China after NBA star Yao Ming and Olympic 110 metres hurdles champion Liu Xiang, Ding insists his fame means little.
Computer/gaming advice for parents
Following up on my last post about how to decide how much violence in videogames is okay for your kids, here's a list of gaming/computer tips for parents that I've learned over the years. My top ten computer/game parenting tips for geek dads: Try cooperative mode on any game that offers it. Best father-child bonding ever! Make up your own mind about what's appropriate for your kids. I think Halo 2 is fine (cartoonish violence and fictional settings), and Call of Duty 3 is okay for my 9-year-old (accurate historical setting and a war-is-hell message) although not for the younger kids. But I think Gears of War, which is essentially a horror game, is too scary and full of bad language and adult themes, so they're not playing that. Other parents will come to different conclusions.
Lakers-Suns: Kobe Bryant, a Loser's Loser
Theyve got an ethos in the City of Angels: Fake it til you make it. If youre Nobody, act like youre Somebody. If youre Somebody, act like it matters. Human longings a tough nut to crack, Bubba, and Lord knows Id never begrudge anyone his existential right to shoot for the moon. But still its like if I could only just tell him, you know?; if I could only just give the guy a hug, or a heartbeat, and tell him that he can save all the posturing and the preening and the so-very-pointless point-heavy pathos because man, Kobe, everythings going to be all right, even if its not, and even if it cant be, and even ifeven if Even if Im only just saying, is all... .
Your News, My Views 4.17.07
Welcome to the weekly dose of news and views that you crave. I, as always am you host Larry Csonka. How are we all doing today children? I really only have one question for you WHAT'S CAUSIN' ALL THIS? WOOOOOOOOO! Yeah, good week for me, which I think I deserved one. The wife and kid returned from their vacation and we have had some nice family time this past weekend. Hana has decided that she would like to learn baseball; she saw some kids playing and wants to learn to hit the ball. I went out and bought a "wiffle ball" bat and ball and taught her. She has some good hand-eye coordination, and really for 5 did well. It makes a daddy proud! She is also doing well in learning how to ride her bike. Well, let's hit some talking points and then on with the column! 411 on MySpace? Yeah baby, the rumors are true! Go and check it out @ www.myspace.com/411mania A good week for me as I picked up the 4-Horsemen DVD.
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