Sarah Palin to Attend Labor Day Tea Party Rally in New Hampshire

The Tea Party Express announced Tuesday night that Sarah Palin will be speaking at their Labor Day rally in Manchester, N.H. on Monday.

“We are always thrilled to have Sarah Palin join one of our rallies,” Tea Party Express chairwoman Amy Kremer said in a statement. “She is an electrifying figure in conservative politics and a hero to the tea party movement.”

SarahPAC confirmed the Tea Party Express announcement of Palin’s New Hampshire appearance.

Palin is heading to New Hampshire after a weekend trip to Iowa to address another Tea Party event on Sept. 3. The former Alaska governor will headline the inaugural event of the Tea Party of America in Indianola.

Palin’s two-state swing along with a campaign-style video she released earlier this month highlighting her recent trip to the Iowa State Fair could be a sign she is preparing to jump into the presidential race. But, it could just as easily be a tease.

News of Palin’s New Hampshire trip was first reported by Craig Robinson of the Iowa Republican.

Palin’s presidential intentions have been the subject of heightened speculation, especially after former George W. Bush adviser, Karl Rove, who does not have a particularly close relationship with Palin, recently said that Palin has a schedule “that looks like that of a candidate, not a celebrity.”

While speaking to reporters at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 12, Palin indicated that she was likely to make an announcement about whether or not she would jump into the race by the end of September, but not necessarily by Labor Day.

“I don’t know if within the next couple of weeks I will be ready for an announcement or not,” she said, adding that the end of the month “is still a possibility for a timetable.”

Palin’s speech to the Tea Party Express event in New Hampshire is part of the group’s “Reclaiming America” bus tour that will culminate on Sept. 12 with a CNN/Tea Party Express debate in Tampa, Florida. Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann is speaking at a similar rally in Iowa on Wednesday and Mitt Romney will attend one of the group’s events in New Hampshire on Sept. 4.

Palin, who has a history of upstaging other candidates, was invited, but has not said she will attend, a presidential forum in South Carolina on Labor Day.

The event is being organized by the American Principles Project and will feature a panel led by Tea Party leader Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. and Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa. Romney, Bachmann, Rick Perry and several other candidates plan to participate.

Palin will not be the only Tea Party superstar in Iowa this weekend. Failed Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell will be there too.

O’Donnell’s on-again, off-again appearance at the Indianola rally — the same one where Palin will also be speaking — appears to be on again as of Tuesday night.

O’Donnell had initially confirmed her attendance at the Tea Party of America event on Saturday but the organizers later rescinded the invitation. On Tuesday night, O’Donnell tweeted that even after getting bounced from the event, the invitation had been re-extended and she decided to go.

“In Troublemaker I talk about ‘rising above it’, and have humbly re-accepted the re-invitation to speak in Iowa on Saturday,” O’Donnell tweeted, referring to her new memoir.

Charlie Gruschow, co-founder of the Tea Party of America, confirmed that O’Donnell is indeed back on the agenda and will be speaking on Saturday.

source

Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Announce Andre Santos

Arsenal have announced the signing of left back Andre Santos from Fenerbache on their official site with a lovely little picture gallery of the man himself looking rather cranky indeed. It's difficult to understand why he'd be upset at joining such a wonderfully storied franchise whose malaise appears to be more temporary than anything else, but it's his face, and he's making it crankly.

Anyway, Santos played 54 games for Fenerbache between 2009 and 2011, scoring ten goals in the process. He's a two-ways fullback, although just how good he is at attacking and defending largely depends on who you happen to be asking. Arsene Wenger praised (of course he did) his new man's quality, highlighting Santos' versatility, while the club revealed that the 28-year-old was be signed to a long-term contract and wear the number eleven jersey.

So, Arsenal get their left back. They've needed one with Gael Clichy sold to Manchester City and Kieran Gibbs having the fragility of a papier mache bath, but Santos may not prove to be a particularly good one, and one would guess that he cost a fair bit of money to bring in if he's just going to be a makeshift.

source

Kate Middleton wedding dress stills a secret

Kate Middleton is finally pleased with concluding selection for her wedding dress with just less than 4 days to go before she ties the knot with her future Royal husband Prince William. According to the reports, Ms Middleton is finished with her fittings.

It’s been reported that she will have 3 wedding gowns, that she’s designing the gown herself and that she may go with a moderately fresh designer. From Vera Wang to Monique Lhuiller, wedding dress experts have emerge and given their belief as to what the princess-to-be should wear on the big day, although it’s still secret as to what she’ll show up in.

According to the reports, five designers have been supposed to be designing a dress for the future “People’s Princess.” Up-and-comer Sophie Cranston, Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, one of Princess Diana‘s fave Bruce Oldfield and Alice Temperley have all been thought to be designing the top secret ensemble.

Kate has certainly shack a fair amount of weight in expectation of her big day and it’s positive that the fluently chic looking brunette is sure to look suitably stunning come Friday.

source: http://www.freakygossip.com/2011/04/kate-middleton-wedding-dress-stills-secret/

Bieber Fever

Hundreds of Justin Bieber fans braved Saturday’s scorching heat and afternoon downpour to gain access to the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in Sentul, south of Jakarta, where the teen pop sensation held a one-night performance under heavy security.

As hundreds of Beliebers, as fans of Justin Bieber are referred to, tried to make their way toward the venue, a massive snarl formed from the exit gate of the Sentul toll road to the parking lot of the SICC.

At 3 p.m., concert promoter Berlian Entertainment decided to close the SICC parking lot as it was overwhelmed with cars, prompting concertgoers to park on a nearby vacant lot.

After being ferried by shuttle service provided by the concert promoters, Beliebers, mostly teens clad in purple and accompanied by their parents or guardians, soon lined up under the scorching heat to enter the venue, where the concert was due to start hours later.

Veny Lia, 16, and Vera Ayu Ningrum, 17, were two of hundreds of Beliebers standing under the sun. They wore matching purple T-shirts and purple shoes.

“We are wearing purple because that’s Justin Bieber’s favorite color,” said Veny and Vera in unison. The high school students said they left home in Grogol, West Jakarta, at 10:30 a.m. and were driven to the concert venue.

They could not hide their love for the Canadian heartthrob. “We have loved Justin since his first appearance three years ago. We love Justin because he is so unique and talented,” Veny said enthusiastically.

One of the fans put up a sign that read “JB kiss me, I won’t tell Selena”, in big bold letters, referring to Bieber’s rumored girlfriend, Selena Gomez of Wizards of Waverly Place fame.

Some Beliebers, however, went home disappointed without seeing their idol perform.

Fifteen-year-old Jessica and Bernadeth Putri came all the way from Serpong, Tangerang, hoping that someone would give them free tickets to the show. 

“We don’t have any tickets. It’s too expensive,” said Putri with teary eyes.

Riska Nadira, 18, and Diva Rahman, 16, left their home in Bandung, West Java, Saturday morning without tickets to the show. 

“We just want to experience the atmosphere. We hope we are allowed to watch Justin Bieber without a ticket, or maybe we can get tickets at affordable prices,” Riska said, adding that her only hope would be getting tickets from a scalper.

Some scalpers offered tickets to Beliebers for Rp 1.7 million (US$197) for the cheapest seats in the house while the concert tickets were officially sold at between Rp 500,000 and Rp 1 million.

Over 1,000 police officers were deployed at the concert while the promoter readied 10 ambulances and 100 paramedics to anticipate injuries.


source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/04/24/bieber-fever.html

Mourinho thanks critics after Madrid wins cup

Jose Mourinho was happy to endure more criticism if it means more trophies after Real Madrid beat Barcelona 1-0 on Wednesday for its first Copa del Rey trophy in 18 years.

Mourinho was roundly criticized for his defensive tactics in Saturday's 1-1 league draw against Barcelona. Madrid honorary president Aldfredo Di Stefano and Johan Cruyff publicly hit out at the Portuguese coach, with Cruyff saying Mourinho only worked for titles and wasn't a "football coach."

"Winning titles is wining titles - it's always good. Only a few days ago someone called me a coach who wins titles and not football," Mourinho said from the Mestalla stadium. "Thank you - I like being a coach who wins titles."

Mourinho had said Tuesday that Di Stefano's remarks were respected but that he was the coach and he would decide how the team would play.

He did and it worked.

Mourinho's plan to play without a natural striker - with Cristiano Ronaldo filling the role - and use constant upfield pressure forced Barcelona off its usual short passing game. The Spanish champion uncharacteristically gave away possession and even resorted to sending long balls forward in attack.

"They played similar to Saturday's draw," said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola. "They changed players but the concept was pretty much the same as the Bernabeu."

Madrid was unlucky not to be ahead before Ronaldo headed Angel Di Maria's 103rd-minute cross into goal for Madrid's 18th domestic cup and the Portuguese coach's fourth in four different leagues.

"This is such an important goal for Madrid," the Portugal forward said. "It's one to remember."

As expected, Mourinho delivered again, ending a three-year silverware drought for the Spanish giant.

"The title isn't just mine, it's everyone's. After so long without the Copa del Rey, it's nice," Mourinho said. "This has nothing to do with titles, this has to do with changing the structure of how the club works, the mentality of people."

With Madrid eight points behind Barcelona in the league, Mourinho will turn his attention to a two-legged Champions League series with Barcelona that caps four games between the rivals in 18 days.

Mourinho has a chance to deny Guardiola a second straight trip to the European final after doing so last year with Inter Milan, as Barcelona failed with a trophy on the line for the first time under Guardiola.

"If tonight we don't win I leave sad but relaxed," Mourinho said. "The same."

source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/04/21/mourinho-thanks-critics-after-madrid-wins-cup.html

Somalia 'committed' to helping RI free hostages

Somali Foreign Minister Abdullahi Omar Arsharq said Tuesday that his
government was committed to helping release Indonesian people held
hostage by Somali pirates.

“The Somali Foreign Minister has conveyed his commitment to help the
Indonesian government and ship owner to release the hostages,” the
Indonesian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said piracy was an
international crime that must be tackled comprehensively at national,
regional, and global levels.


source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/04/19/somalia-committed-helping-ri-free-hostages.html

Indonesia-Malaysia Student Forum Set up

Indonesian and Malaysian student organization leaders have agreed to set up an Indonesian-Malaysian student association to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.

"The forum will focus on increasing cooperation in education, economy, culture, sports and tourism," said Mohammad Ikram Bin Darus, representative of the Malaysian students council said at the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur Monday as quoted by antara news agency.

He said the forum will hold a conference early in July this year to promote what the forum will carry out in the coming years. In the meantime, education attache at the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur Rusdi MA gave his full support to the Indonesian student forum as a formal communication means of the student organizations of the two countries.

source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/04/19/indonesia-malaysia-student-forum-set.html

Game Of Thrones: Review

It must be said first that all the excitement is for good reason. Based on George R.R. Martin's best selling and much-loved novel series, A Song Of Ice And Fire, the books have sold more than seven million copies worldwide, won countless awards and hit the top of The New York Times bestseller list, so it's no surprise that HBO saw the potential in it. But there's one possible snag - the fantasy genre hasn't traditionally done well on the tellybox. Will Game Of Thrones fare any better?

From the first couple of episodes, we reckon it just might. With a narrative that jumps directly into the action, we're introduced to the seven kingdoms of Westeros, and the things - both human and supernatural - that threaten its peace. In the far north, beyond the wall that protects the kingdoms, the wight walkers - reanimated corpses - of ancient fairytales are moving. Meanwhile, King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) travels to Winterfell to ask his trusted friend Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) to rule at his side, while in the south the last remaining heir of the previous dynasty, Viserys Targaryen, sells his sister Daenerys to buy himself an army and reclaim his crown.

With so many characters, plotlines, locations and backstory to introduce, the worry with Game Of Thrones was always that the series would be confusing. But the filmmakers have found the perfect balance, introducing the world of Westeros at a relaxed pace, while continuously moving the story along. The show's production values are key, not only because it looks so good (and it does look incredible), but because each kingdom is given its own distinct visual identity; the Wall is bleak and miserable, Winterfell is dark and dreary, King's Landing is lush and green, while Pentos in the south is exotic and vibrant. The series' complex mythology is woven into everything from characters' costumes to their accents, all of which are carefully conceived in order to tell us more about our heroes and villains than any lengthy monologue ever could.

That said, the concept of heroes and villains isn't really one that's relevant here. Regardless of its setting, Game Of Thrones is ultimately a tale of humanity. The story is rooted in it's protagonists' ambition, greed and lust, giving Game Of Thrones a realism that helps it to rise above the usual historical costume dramas. Every character has their dark side and cross to bear, no intentions or alliances are clear giving it a thoroughly enjoyable unpredictably quality. It's clear from the outset that each of this large cast of characters has a journey to undertake, but whether they'll make it to the end of the season is anyone's guess.

The characters are, though, perfectly cast - from Sean Bean's noble lord to Lena Headey's performance as conniving queen Cersei, Emilia Clarke's shy and delicate princess Daenerys and Mark Addy's turn as a once powerful soldier who won a crown and went to seed. Rarely does such a large ensemble cast maintain its quality throughout but even the younger members hold their own in this very adult drama, though it's Peter Dinklage who steals the show as the witty, womanising, drunken dwarf Tyrion Lannister.

The daunting task of turning a massive epic fantasy novel into a merely huge fantasy TV series has been met with bravery by the makers of A Game of Thrones, who have succeeded in creating a faithful adaptation for its large fan base. But that shouldn't deter newcomers - this dark, gritty and grim fantasy adventure show has something for everyone. Fingers crossed it's here to stay.


source: http://tv.sky.com/game-of-thrones-review

'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' Broadway musical will stay dark through June as creators revamp show

The curtain will fall on Broadway's accident-blighted "Spider-Man" Sunday, as creators go back into rehearsals to revamp the multi-million dollar show.

The troubled production will stay dark for nearly four weeks while major cast and plot changes are introduced, including two brand new songs by U2's Bono and the Edge.

The pair helped create the most expensive musical in history, which has been marred by an endless array of difficulties including actor injuries, technical problems and creative conflicts.

The most serious occurred in December when stuntman Christopher Tierney's safety harness failed, and he fell 30 feet into the pit, causing a hairline skull fracture, four broken ribs, a bruised lung and three cracked vertebrae.

"Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" has remained in previews since its much-hyped debut in November, when it was widely panned by critics.

The revamped Spider-Man is expected to be more family-friendly - and many of ousted director Julie Taymor's influences will vanish.

The role of spider villainess Arachne will be dramatically cut. A battle between Arachne and Peter Parker will also be cut, and the Geek Chorus of comic book-loving narrators will disappear.

The revamped production will reopen for previews on May 12, and the official opening night is now scheduled for June 14.

"The company's spirit is high, and they're very excited about the changes to the show," spokesman Rick Miramontez said. "They are looking forward to resuming performances."

Many of the changes are the result of focus groups that the show's producers organized in the winter. Despite its troubles, Sunday's final performance is sold out, Miramontez said.

source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2011/04/17/2011-04-17_spiderman_turn_off_the_dark_broadway_musical_will_stay_dark_through_june_as_crea.html

Fergie: Hernandez sidelined Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Javier Hernandes's "startling" impact at Manchester United has ruined Dimitar Berbatov's season.

Berbatov's superior hold up play will likely see him selected in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney as a lone striker for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City at Wembley.

But Berbatov has regularly been condemned to the bench despite the flying start he had to the season which has him leading the Premier League's goal charts, with 22-year-old newcomer Hernandez preferred next to Rooney in Ferguson's two-striker system.

Berbatov has continued to perform when selected, such as when Ferguson hinted at Saturday's tactics by flanking Berbatov with Nani and Antonio Valencia against Fulham a week earlier, but his season has certainly been undermined by Hernandez's increasing involvement, a fact which Ferguson recognised.

"It is unfortunate for Dimitar because he is a fantastic player,'' said Ferguson of Berbatov's present plight. "But the reasons are obvious. The emergence of Hernandez in the last couple of months has been startling. He is improving all the time and is getting stronger. It is very difficult to leave a player out when he hits that kind of form. Every manager and every player in the country has faced that situation in their career when someone emerges to challenge you. It is the horrible part of being a footballer.''

Signed from Guadalajara as a virtual unknown prior to the World Cup, Hernandez scored his 18th goal of the season in Tuesday's Champions League triumph over Chelsea and has earned comparisons from his manager, not only with United hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but England striking legend Gary Lineker.

"I really didn't expect Hernandez to have this impact,'' Ferguson said. "As we said to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, we thought his first season would be about integration. Solskjaer played in a few reserves games and scored a hat-trick against Leeds. After that (coach) Jim Ryan came to me and said he is a first-team player. We made him a sub the following week against Blackburn and he scored.

"The only advantage for Hernandez was that he'd played in the World Cup so there was a profile attached to him and he had also come from a much tougher domestic competition.''

Two goals in South Africa had indicated Hernandez was going to prove a bargain at £7 million and when he scored a ridiculous goal on his debut in the Community Shield, where he fired the ball into the Chelsea net by smacking the ball into his own face, Hernandez instantly avoided the growing demand for a goal that proved to be Diego Forlan's undoing at United.

Although Hernandez had added six more before the turn of the year, it was his New Year's Day matchwinner at West Brom that really triggered a transformation. That late effort at the Hawthorns was the first in a run of 11 goals in 17 games, six of which he has started on the substitutes' bench.

"Hernandez is fantastic at taking up positions inside the penalty box,'' Ferguson said. "It is natural. He has the instinct to move around and his timing is terrific. There have only been a few top strikers who have had that quality. Ole was one and Gary Lineker probably never scored a good goal in his life, but he was always in space. He'd get rebounds off goalkeepers and was always in really good areas.''

Hernandez's emergence has definitely answered the very public question marks Rooney raised about United's ability to recruit high-class players during his much-publicised contract stand-off last year.

"I don't think he really meant that,'' laughed Ferguson. "I think he was prompted on that one. He probably thought he could make me angry.''

source: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/907499/sir-alex-ferguson:-javier-hernandez-sidelined-dimitar-berbatov?cc=4716

Ronaldo eyes United final

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he is hoping to meet former club Manchester United in this year's Champions League final. 

The Spanish side knocked Tottenham out of the tournament on Wednesday night to set up a last-four meeting with arch-rivals Barcelona. 

Success in that tie could see Real facen United in the Wembley final, if Sir Alex Ferguson's side manage to overcome Schalke in their semi-final. 

And Portugal winger Ronaldo, who spent six seasons at Old Trafford before departing for Real in a world-record £80million move in 2009, is relishing the prospect of facing his former team-mates. 

"If you ask me if I want to play for Real Madrid against Manchester United in the final at Wembley then of course I will," Ronaldo said. 

"I've still got a lot of friends there, memories. I had six great years there but we have to play Barcelona first and then we can see what's going on." 

Real will take on Barca four times in the space of a fortnight as the Spanish rivals go head-to-head in the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey. 

Ronaldo knows it is pointless thinking ahead to a tie against United until the outcome of the semi-final is decided. 

"I don't like the word revenge, but it's a big game for the players, the supporters and for people all over the world," he said. 

"At the moment, we are the best two teams in the world. It will make everyone in the world sit up. 

"We have to believe we can do it. But that's why I cannot think about playing Manchester United yet. We have to be fully concentrated on beating Barcelona." 

Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game against Spurs on Tuesday, sealing a five-goal aggregate victory. 

The 26-year-old admits he was expecting more from Harry Redknapp's side after their Bernabeu defeat. 

He added: "To be honest, I expected Tottenham to come at us more in the first 15 or 20 minutes. 

"We expected pressure and then when they didn't it made it easier. They had to score so we played without pressure." 


source: http://www.worldsoccer.com/news/ronaldo_eyes_united_final_news_306949.html

Tornadoes, severe weather strike US; 1 killed

Officials say tornadoes have touched down in the southern state of Alabama, killing one person and causing multiple injuries.

The severe weather was partof a system that has already slammed the South and killed nine people in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said Friday night that one person was killed in the state. No further details on the death or the injuries were immediately released.

The storms began late Thursday in Oklahoma, then pushed into Arkansas. By late Friday, tornadoes had also been reported in Mississippi and strong winds knocked down trees in Georgia.

In Alabama, the governor declared a state of emergency for all counties. In Mississippi, a state of emergency was declared for 14 counties.

source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/04/16/tornadoes-severe-weather-strike-us-1-killed.html

Gears of War 3 beta

Gears of War 3's online beta launched for a select few people this past week, and Destructoid was there in full force to scratch one grub and screw up our active reloads. Oh, and fail to run into Ice-T, much to our chagrin.

Being one of the staff's biggest Gearheads, I gave the beta an extensive workout in order to provide my thoughts. Please feel free to read on and see what you can look forward to when the beta opens up for all participants next week!

One thing to note about Gears of War 3 is how it feels faster, more intense, and "busier" than past games. The maps seem slightly scaled down and contain more choke points than past titles, allowing for increasingly chaotic battles where anything can happen and blood sprays to the far corners of the earth.

The inclusion of ribbons and medals makes for a more engrossing experience. As with Achievement progress in Gears of War 2, in-game pop-ups constantly inform the player of their accomplishments and how close they are to unlocking new medals. There are medals for almost anything -- ending a match with an execution, getting a set number of kills with every weapon, using an opponent as a human shield, and much more. Practically every little trick in the book will be recognized and rewarded.

Speaking of rewards, Epic has done an amazing job of giving players more than just bragging rights as an incentive to keep playing. The Gears of War 3 online experience is all about personalization and the unlocking of new and cooler gear. From extra characters and costumes to badass new paintjobs on the weaponry, there's a lot to work towards. The player rolling into a match with a flaming Lancer is instantly the coolest guy on the battlefield.

Although the gameplay is far more engrossing and the action feels instantly satisfying, the core gameplay of the Gears series remains the same. As always, it's all about heavy, clunking, manly brutality. Classic weapons like the Lancer, Mulcher and Longshot are all there, and behave how they always have. There's still a difference between downing a player and finishing them off so they can't be revived -- there are also new executions, including a beautiful one where a Locust rips an enemy's limb off and beats the rest of the body to a pulp with it.

Unfortunately, the preservation of the core combat has led to the survival of perhaps the series' most controversial aspect -- the shotty. Yes, the shotgun is as devastating and annoying as ever, and once more appears to have turned a cover-based shooter into one where certain people roll around the map, trying to get close enough to one-hit-kill each other. What's more, there are now two types of shotguns to choose from -- the traditional Gnasher, and the one-shot Sawn-off Shotgun, which essentially guarantees a kill if you get close enough with it. The tighter maps make that circumstance far easier to realize, too.

I am personally on the side that dislikes the shotgun, as I feel it changes the entire point of the game. I find an online cover shooter more compelling than an online roly-poly simulator, and it's a shame that the shotgun is still such a dominating part of the online mode. What's more, the shotgun fans have been catered to rather than diminished. Good for them, I guess.

Even as annoyed as I am at the shotguns, I still keep playing because Gears 3 is looking -- to put it bluntly -- badass. One major positive is how much personality the maps have this time around, with traps and gimmicks lending several of them a unique flavor. Thrashball, for instance, takes place in a devastated sports stadium, and features a jumbotron in the center of the map which acts as a Sword of Damocles, regularly struggling to stay attached to the rafters. It's a losing battle, however, and before the end of the match, you can expect to see it drop -- and hopefully squash a few players on the enemy team.

The beta includes three modes, one of which is the brand new Team Deathmatch. Although I'm always a bigger fan of capture-point modes such as King of the Hill, I have to say that Gears 3's TDM is an excellent new take on a traditional gametype. Rather than reach a certain number of kills, teams win by depleting the amount of lives on the enemy side. Each team has a limited pool of respawns shared by the entire team. Every time somebody dies, they take another respawn, until their side has been whittled down to a final, finite crew.

The pooled respawns put an increased amount of pressure on players, as dying now negatively impacts the entire team, and dying the most will make you the biggest liability. Not to mention, when respawns have finally been depleted and you know you're on your last life, the tension is unparalleled. This new twist is, on the surface, a rather small one, but it changes the dynamics of a traditional gametype quite dramatically.

Gears of War 3 so far feels like the culmination of everything the series has been working towards. It's been refined to a shiny polish, and has taken some of the best elements of other online shooters without sacrificing the heavy feel and ludicrously violent combat that sets it apart from the competition. Outside of the shotgun issue, there's simply very little to complain about. Matchmaking is slick and quick, I am yet to experience any of the game's famous online lag, and overall the experience is more engaging and addictive than any previous Gears title.

Of course, whether the full retail experience preserves all this and adds more remains to be seen, but it's looking damn good to me. I was already excited for Gears of War 3, but having spent a week in the beta, my hype levels are now dangerously high.

source: http://www.destructoid.com/beta-test-gears-of-war-3-198902.phtml

SUNG KANG’s (Han)

Fast Five marks SUNG KANG’s (Han) fifth collaboration with director Justin Lin. They previously worked together on the critically acclaimed drama Better Luck Tomorrow, which pre miered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and received a Grand Jury Prize nomination; The

Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift; Fast & Furious; and Finishing the Game: The Search for a New Bruce Lee. Most recently, Kang was featured in Ninja Assassin, directed by James McTeigue, Philip G. Atwell’s War and Len Wiseman’s Live Free or Die Hard. Kang starred opposite Kelly Hu in the indie noir film Undoing, directed by Chris Chan Lee, and in the Miguel Arteta-produced comedy The Motel, an Official Selection at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.

His other film credits include supporting roles in Denzel Washington’s Antwone Fisher, Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor and the feature short 9:30, which was an Official Selection at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Originally from Gainesville, Georgia, Kang began acting in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles-based experimental theater group F.A.T.E. (Friends Artist Theater Ensemble). Kang’s television credits include guest-starring roles on such series as Monk, Cold Case, Threat Matrix, Without a Trace, The Shield, NYPD Blue, Girlfriends, Spin City, Felicity and Martial Law, among others.

Kang currently resides in Los Angeles.

source: http://www.fastfivemovie.com/#/story/

Charlie Chaplin Google Doodle

It’s always a pleasure to visit the Google search pages as you never quite know what to expect in the Google Logo you will encounter as it might have received theGoogle doodle treatment.

Today, Google may well have produced the most fun experience yet, certainly that I’ve seen, marking the 122nd year since the birth of comedy legend Charlie Chaplin (born April 16, 1889) with a most imaginative video treatment of the logo that features the Google doodle team in a 2 minute visual feast that mimics the style of the silent movie era in general, and Chaplin in particular.

source : http://www.nevillehobson.com/2011/04/15/charlie-chaplin-google-doodle/

NASA spacecraft now circling Mercury

For the first time, Earth has a regular orbiting eye-in-the-sky spying on the solar system's smallest and strangest planet, Mercury.

NASA's spacecraft called Messenger successfully veered into a pinpoint orbit Thursday night after a 6 1/2-year trip and 4.9 billion miles (7.89 billion kilometers) and tricky maneuvering to fend off the gravitational pull of the sun. It is the fifth planet in our solar system that NASA has orbited, in addition to the Earth and the moon.

"It was right on the money," Messenger's chief engineer, Eric Finnegan, said. Messenger is in orbit that brings it as close as 120 miles (193 kilometers) above the planet's surface. "This is as close you can possibly get to being perfect."

"Everybody was whooping and hollering; we are elated," Finnegan said. "There's a lot of work left to be done, but we are there."

Mercury is not only difficult to get to, but it's has some of the most extremes in the solar system. Temperatures there swing wildly by 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (600 Celsius). While it gets up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit (425 Celsius) on the planet closest to the sun, it also is so cold and dark in some craters that the temperatures don't get above 300 degrees Fahrenheit below zero (184 degrees Celsius below zero). Radar even shows that there is likely frozen ice in those craters, something Messenger will try to confirm.

In the 1970s, NASA sent a spacecraft, Mariner, whizzing by Mercury, but only got pictures of less than half of the tiny rock. Robert Strom of the University of Arizona was a scientist on the Mariner and current Messenger missions and he said for a while he thought he wouldn't get a second peek at the eccentric Mercury.

"I am just so thrilled it isn't funny," Strom said by telephone minutes after NASA confirmed that Messenger was in orbit. "Thirty-six years waiting for this day. It's just unbelievable."

Strom said he and all his colleagues were nervous as the desk-sized spacecraft automatically shifted into an egg-shaped orbit, with controllers on Earth unable to change commands because it took eight minutes for signals to travel the approximately 100 million miles (160 million kilometers) from Mercury to Earth.

"This was not easy. This was a very, very difficult maneuver to get into orbit," Strom told The Associated Press.

Messenger was launched in 2004. Next month it should start transmitting pictures and investigate Mercury's mysterious magnetic field and unusual density.

source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/18/nasa-spacecraft-now-circling-mercury.html

Sony Ericsson's special section in Android Market

After the launch of Sony Ericsson Xperia Play it was always expected as the phone need its own set of games and applications.

Sony Ericsson has launched its own channel in Android Market. The company becomes the first mobile phone manufacturer to do this. This is basically a dedicated section for Sony Ericsson phones in the Android market, and will be available from today itself.

"My Apps" option in Android Market in Sony Ericsson phone will be replaced by a link to the specific channel. "My Apps" will be available when menu key is pressed.

The channel will provide recommendations to help find the best games and applications that enhance Sony Ericsson phone experience.

It will also provide a way to easily find original apps from Sony Ericsson (SE) such as the Timescape plugins. Not just that, Sony Ericsson will also help its developer partners to promote their apps and games.

SE also hopes to use this channel to judge what people love and what they ignore, for better product design.

This channel become important ever since Xperia play was launched which is a basically a hybrid of Xperia phone and PSP gaming device. This device warranted the availability of PSP games in the Android Market and with this channel it will be much easier for both SE and its user to have dedicated place to look to for device specific requirements.

source: http://www.themobileindian.com/new-launches/323_Sony-Ericssons-special-section-in-Android-Market