Next DS just around the corner?

Well, it seems that the Next Nintendo DS is just around the corner! For the record, this picture is simply a mock-up. By NO MEANS is it the real deal. Well, Wired.com apparently has inside info that Nintendo will reveal the new DS soon and it will have such features as:

- (digital) Camera included;

- music playback function;

- Wireless connection function power up;

- larger screen;

- to be released this year in Japan;

- under 20000 yen;

- new types of games by using the camera;

- get/exchange data from Wii and SD card (SD card slot included?);

Now... you want to really hear the interesting part? Nintendo is going to hold 2 simultaneous press conferences on the 2nd of October, one in Japan and one in the States: at the same time. I'll be damned if they don't announce something big!

Roo

Man Utd win through none other than Rooney & Ronaldo!

Second-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put Manchester United's title ambitions back on track with a 2-0 defeat of Bolton at Old Trafford. Ronaldo won and converted a disputed penalty on 60 minutes to score his first league goal of the season, before Rooney arrived from the substitutes' bench to seal victory with an exquisite finish late on. The result represented only United's second win in five Premier League matches, and the first time Sir Alex Ferguson's team have scored more than once in the top flight this season. The opening exchanges belonged to Bolton, however, who took no time in asserting their trademark physicality on United's comparatively lightweight midfield.

Two minutes in the visitors had the first shot on target, when Kevin Nolan reacted first to a loose ball and struck a firm volley into the arms of Edwin van der Sar. Kevin Davies was the next to threaten, driving in from the left and sending over a far-post cross which Rio Ferdinand dealt with comfortably. But United escaped the early volleys unscathed and gradually started to settle in possession. On 13 minutes, Dimitar Berbatov met Darren Fletcher's right-wing cross with a crisp header, but could only direct it straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal.

Two minutes later Carlos Tevez cut in from the left and fired a low shot that Jaaskelainen parried into the path of Park Ji-Sung. The South Korean found the angle too tight, however, and could only find the side netting. Just after the half-hour mark Jaaskelainen made a fine save to deny Anderson, and soon after repeated the feat to punch away a powerful Ferdinand effort.

Bolton were being outplayed and bookings for Johan Elmander, Davies and Gavin McCann owed much to their inability to cope with United's attacking threat. Just before the interval, however, Gary Megson's men launched a counter-attack and missed a glorious opportunity to take an undeserved lead. Gretar Steinsson was the architect, reaching the by-line on the right and finding Fabrica Muamba with a fine cross - only for the midfielder to shoot wide from six yards with Van der Sar sprawling. The second half began with United firmly in the ascendancy. Ronaldo cut across the Bolton box from the left to shoot against the post on 52 minutes, and the visitors duly parked all of their resources behind the ball.

The Portuguese winger moved to the opposite flank soon after and won his side a penalty from referee Rob Styles after Jloyd Samuel was harshly adjudged to have brought him down.

Replays showed the defender got the ball, and Ronaldo compounded Bolton's frustration by sending Jaaskelainen the wrong way and putting United ahead with a flourish. In truth it was no more than the home side deserved, and they doubled their lead on 77 minutes with a fine finish from substitute Rooney. Ronaldo was inevitably involved, driving into the Bolton box before finding the England striker with an impudent backheel. Rooney dragged the ball back and sent a curling shot beyond Jaaskelainen into the far corner. There would be no response from Gary Megson's toothless Bolton, who other than the occasional foray were hopelessly bereft of ambition and ultimately could have suffered a far heavier defeat but for the efforts of Jaaskelainen.

Substitute Paul Scholes was sent clean through by Berbatov on 88 minutes, but the impressive Jaaskelainen once more came to the visitor's rescue - saving with his legs. United played out the closing minutes comfortably, and Ferguson could even afford the luxury of withdrawing the ever-influential Ronaldo once his important work was done. With both he and Rooney on the scoresheet there was a familiar look to this United victory - one that will surely send a clear message to those who dared to doubt United's title credentials.

Roo

PS: Rooney scored, so please shut the hell up all of you pundits who say that Rooney is useless. He's as useless to United as a guitar is useless to a guitarist!!

Slash solo album on the horizon!

"Slash is hard at work on a solo album, according to Rolling Stone. The magazine caught up with the former Guns N’ Roses/current Velvet Revolver guitarist after his weekend appearance at a Los Angeles Guitar Center Sessions. He said making the record has been a “cathartic” experience.

“I’m totally on my own,” Slash said. “A buddy of mine has got a mini-studio in his house and we stay until two or three in the morning just recording the basic demos,” he says. “I’m used to a band situation where I’m one fifth of the input no matter who brought the song or whatever it is. Every band I’ve ever been in we all just sort of tear it apart, put it back together, and it comes out however it comes out. This is interesting for me because I’m just doing my thing and I have no one to answer to.”

He said he has a running wish list of guest vocalists he would like to recruit to sing the songs, adding that at the rate Velvet Revolver’s quest for a new singer was going his solo work would most likely come out before anything by that band." ―Aidin Vaziri

Roo

HVS: The Conduit should have a "MoH Wii-like online". FANTASTIC!

High Voltage Software stated a few weeks back that friend codes will be a probable inclusion in The Conduit’s online set up. After all, as the company has mentioned, it is ultimately up to Nintendo to decide which companies can develop and include a homemade online system, much like EA did with Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 on Wii. 

There is some light at the end of the tunnel, however. High Voltage Software has yet again noted that “If there is any possible way for us to get around this [friend code] system, we will.” Better yet, it was also added that “A system similar to MoH2’s would be ideal.” High Voltage is hoping that Nintendo will offer “the same exceptions they granted EA.” Gamers might end up with friend codes in the final product, but at least it can be said that High Voltage is doing everything in their power to make the online experience as good as it can possibly be.

The Conduit is shaping up to be Wii's Halo. Actually, much more than that! For more information on The Conduit click HERE.

Roo

PS: If HVS can get EA as their publisher (which is what the rumours are saying) then this would be a no-brainer. The online in Medal of Honour Heroes 2 Wii is incredible and it would really make The Conduit better that it is already shaping up to be!

Manchester United are back in full swing!

I am ready to take a stand and claim and even the most avid, die-hard, Man Utd fan was sceptical before last Sunday's match-up against Chelsea. Lets look at the figures shall we? Chelsea were coming from a fantastic start to the season. Out of four games they had won three and drawn once. They had also given a well deserved beaten to Frech side Bourdeux in the Champions Leage Match Day 1. Manchester United on the other hand didn't have such a rosy start. Some of their key players, including the Portugese wonder-boy Ronaldo, were out because of injury. This reflected on the abysmal results. Out of 3 games Man Utd won 1, drawn 1 and lost 1. Chelsea looked, by miles, the stroger team and was also the favourite to come out victorious after the game. 

We all know what happened, Manchester United played very very well, going in front by Ji-Sung Park's 18th minute goal but were denied victory by Kalou's late winner. It was probably they best game yet this season. Both sides battled fiercely for a victory which ended in 7 yellow cards, and a £25,000 fine for the Red Devils. Manchester United were back, in clear uncut fashion. The game proved once and for all that it will be tough for any team to clench the Premier League (and hopefully the Champion's League) trophy from Old Trafford. 

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed his first goal of the season as Manchester United booked their place in the Carling Cup fourth round at Old Trafford last night, but what would otherwise have been remembered as a satisfying evening’s work was marred by a moment of madness from Emanuel Pogatetz.

There are occasions in football when the result seems almost incidental, and as Rodrigo Possebon was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg, the victim — on his first-team debut — of an appalling challenge by the Middlesbrough defender, that appeared to be very much the case for Sir Alex Ferguson as the United manager reflected on the kind of tackle that can end careers.

If there was any justice, it was that Pogatetz’s red card swung the game in United’s favour, although Ferguson may not be pacified unless the FA takes firm action against the Austria defender, whose nickname of “Mad Pog” hints at an unsavoury side. A mandatory three-match ban should be the least that Pogatetz can expect.

“It’s not good, we hope it’s not the worst possible news,” Ferguson said. “For the kid to make his first-team debut and get an injury like that was pretty horrendous.

“For the ten minutes after, I think everyone was numb about it. It killed the momentum a bit, too. The thing about these challenges is that the opponent always claims his innocence. That’s what I can’t understand, he should have just walked off.”

The incident happened midway through the second half when, challenging for a ball that he would never have won legitimately, Pogatetz launched a shameful lunge at Possebon, the United midfield player feeling the full force of the defender’s studs. The four-inch gash high on the 19-year-old Brazilian’s shin said it all and he had to be given oxygen as United’s medical team attached a splint to his leg before carrying the player off on a stretcher and taking him to hospital.

As Pogatetz remonstrated against his dismissal, Ferguson tore into Colin Cooper, the Middlesbrough assistant manager, for attempting to absolve the player of blame. Gareth Southgate restored order, however, when he apologised to the United manager for what he conceded was a “poor tackle”.

“Their bench was out screaming that it was never a sending-off and there was nothing wrong with the player,” Ferguson said. “But at least Gareth Southgate was very good afterwards. He understood the gravity of it and was very apologetic, but it was a terrible tackle. I really don’t want to see it again.”

Southgate was unimpressed with Pogatetz, not least by the manner in which the sending-off handed United the initiative after Adam Johnson had put Middlesbrough back on level terms with a terrific volley to cancel out Ronaldo’s first-half header.

Ryan Giggs scored the decisive second, when he seized on a mistake by Chris Riggott to chip Brad Jones, and Nani added gloss to proceedings during the nine minutes of stoppage time played as a consequence of Possebon’s injury.

“Our first thoughts are with the lad, but in terms of the impact it [the sending-off] had on the game, we had just got ourselves back into it and then that knocked all our momentum,” Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager, said. “The last two years he [Pogatetz] has worked incredibly hard on his disciplinary record and that’s an unusual aberration for him.”

Ferguson had made 11 changes to the team who started against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge two days earlier, but with him perhaps being keen to guard against the risk of a repeat of the 2-0 defeat by Coventry City at this stage of the competition last season, Ronaldo, Giggs, Nani, Anderson and Nemanja Vidic were involved and it was a tactic that paid off.

Despite a brief Middlesbrough rally in the 56th minute, when Johnson hammered home a 20-yard volley after Vidic had only partially cleared Gary O’Neil’s cross, United were worthy winners. Unfortunately for them, their second victory of the season proved a bittersweet experience.

Roo

Guess what I've been doing?

Sorry for the lack of any update guys. I've just been extremely, erm, 'busy' actually. I have been wearing a helmet, holding a gun and shooting German forces (see way below for proof!)! Let me give you a more clear hint to what I've been doing.

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Don't worry guys. I'll tell you in detail soon why I've been so uncannily hooked to this VG. But that's for another time. 

Roo

PS: If you are a soldier in MoH:H2, I'll see you online on the battlefield. Add me: AndrooSlash

Look at that flame!!

I've been trying to catch my Les Paul's figured top on photo for ages now without the ugly 'flash spots'. And I have finally succeeded! The end result is pure beauty...

CLICK to enlarge. You owe it to yourself to do so.

Roo

Androo's Top 10: Videogames - #9

To be honest I have been wrecking my mind for this position. I just couldn't decide. I hope that I've made the right decision. 

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The #9 spot goes to: Rachet & Clank 1. 2 and 3 

Yep, another series, this time by Naughty Dog's best buddies Insomniac. Just like Naughty Dog Insomniac sold it's PS1 Spyro the Dragon lincenses to Activision to focus on it's PS2 project: Rachet & Clank. The weasel and his robot buddy worked wonders for Sony. This was pure platforming genious. Players took control of Rachet with his trusty sidekick Clank destroying everything in sight. And guess what? It was fun. Insomniac proved that blood wasn't necessary to make a game fun (I'm looking at your dumbfucks GTA fans). The PS2 offered the developers more room to play with. The end result was a platformer so deep, so engrossing, that even diehard RPG fans could go to bed with the series. 

Another aspect that makes the whole series pure classics was the fact that Insomniac, even though the PS2 could do much much more in the 3D department than the PS1, they opted for stylish graphics instead of over the top realism. This worked so well that the games still look good today, 8 years later. [Oh and by the way, the picture is from the PS3 version. I haven't played it yet but I'm sure it's spectacular. I couldn't find a siutable screenshot of the PS2 games.] They were also drop dead funny. Rachet was incompetent and Clank was the genious. That's a recipe for gold right there! If you haven't played these games you cannot call yourself a gamer. Period.

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I wish I still had my PS2 to play these. I sold it to buy the Wii. I'm happy that I did but still, I won't turn down a cheap offer for a PS2. In fact, even though I sold the console I kept the third game in the R&C series as well as another game that will make it's appearance way down in this list. I'll give you $10 if you can guess what it is. I'm sure you won't.

Roo

England stick 4 [goals] into Bilic's proud ass!

Unsurprisingly, praise has been unanimous for the England team and their coach after their thrilling 4-1 demolition of Croatia in Zagreb. Here's how the newspaper columnists saw the game in the cold light of day.

Most could not help but make the comparison between England's 5-1 win in Munich back in 2001, when the then 21-year-old Michael Owen conquered Germany with a hat-trick that instilled a great sense of hope for the future of the national game. We all know what has happened since then, but Theo Walcott's wonderful goalscoring performance at the Maksimir Stadium - inspired by some astute tactical manoeuvring from Fabio Capello - has had much the same effect.

Richard Williams in The Guardian wrote: "Walcott's performance was a triumph both for the player and for his manager. Intelligently deployed, he refused to be discouraged when things did not go right in the opening minutes and took each of his three chances with a sang-froid that Owen himself would have envied."

The Daily Mirror's Oliver Holt could not resist the temptation to draw comparisons with events in Germany, writing: "This is his [Capello's] Munich. This will make him fire-proof - just like beating Germany 5-1 gave Sven-Goran Eriksson a couple of years of being immune to criticism." Holt added that the England players showed "courage, skill and determination" and "assurance to claim this victory in one of the most hostile environments in the game".

John Dillon in the Daily Express said: "It delivered the joyful surprise of an England team playing with speed, precision, organisation, maturity and adventure in the box - words which had been expunged from the guide-book to our mis-adventures on the international stage." Meanwhile, former England striker Alan Smith hailed England's new found self-belief, which he believes emanates from a man "reeking of the stuff".

Smith wrote in The Daily Telegraph: "Forget the four stunning goals for a second. Concentrate instead on the well-balanced set-up of the side even before the opening goal and the discipline that coursed through every single player. That's what we wanted this highly paid import and, above all else, that's what Capello provided on a remarkable night."

Meanwhile Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp could barely contain his relief that this England team finally put in a performance worthy of their reputations. He wrote in his column in The Sun: "Capello has arrived in the nick of time to revitalise the best group of players this country has produced in ages, a crop of Premier League stars who have under-achieved for years under the Three Lions banner - until Wednesday night.

"Had we waited much longer, it could have been too late. Too many could have been past it. But, on Wednesday night, I believe the whole country sensed the England team had a refreshed look about it, even though the roll call of names has not changed that much in the past couple of years." Matt Dickinson in The Times identified the importance of the "mental fillip" the result has given to the entire England operation, "from the manager to the players and on to the supporters."

And Paul Haywood said in the Daily Mail: "It may have been only one performance, one step, but at least the players can be sure the build-up to the next match against Croatia will not feature pussycats in place of the three lions, as had been the case on one Zagreb newspaper". Those very Croatian newspapers did not make such good reading for Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who came under fire in his homeland after being so comprehensively "outwitted" by Capello.

"It was payback time, and some," Jutarnji List daily said. "This is not [Steve] McClaren's England. This is a powerful team, at the moment stronger and better than Croatia." "Hats off, Mr. Capello," said a headline in another widely circulated daily, Vecernji List. "Fabio the Great has humiliated Bilic on the eve of his [40th] birthday."

"The wily Don Fabio has shown Bilic and our boys that they need some additional education. Bilic is highly talented but still needs to fully master the trade," the Vecernji List said.

Roo

Androo's Top 10: Videogames - #10

Ok so now I have a couple of 'features' that I'm happily running on my blog even though probably nobody reads it [yes that's a joke so laugh damn it!]. Starting from today I am going to list my top ten games one at a time. I'm not going to make any promises - I'll do it when I can! Believe me this is the hardest thing for me to do: listing only 10 excellent games is not an easy feat since I've probably played a bazillion of quality titles. Please note that I'll probably list more than one game in a specific position, to make things easier.

 

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Enough ranting and on to my list. Here's my #10: The Crash Bandicoot [PS1] Series

What made it so great?

Simple, honest to God, platforming is what made the Crash Bandicoot series one of Sony's prime PS1 games between 1997 and 2000. It's no secret that Crash was Sony's unofficial PS1 mascot to rival Nintendo's Mario and Sega's Sonic. Naughty Dog, the then third party developer, did an excellent job to create a character people actually liked and that had attitude - something that the Big N's Mario seriously lacked. 

The first Crash Bandicoot was a masterpiece in itself. It was a serious of levels one afte the other with no actual plot; simply keep on beating levels and you'll arrive at the end where you can meet your nemesis N-Cortex. The simplicity worked because Crash didn't need a complex storyline at all. If it did it would have hindered the tight gameplay it is renowned for. 

Crash Bandicoot 2 is my least favourite of the three. The way you moved around as well as the levels weren't up to standards that the first CB set. It is still a PS1 classic but it is far from the best platformer. I even found some of the levels annoying!

The golden apple of the CB series is the third one; Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. All of it was pure gold. The levels were varied to unprecedented levels, new characters that were introduced actually worked (I'm looking at YOU Sonic) as well as the implementation of special powers. Crash could now double-jump, triple-spin and even shoot apples from a bazooka!! These power-ups were so cleverly implemented that some even wondered how Crash could exist without them! The game sold so many copies and was so highly regarded that Sony took the plunge and bought the company that made it, Naughty Dog!

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I know that there are other CB games on the PS1 but one of them deserves a better place in the list and that is why I didn't include it here. Crash Bash, is a pitiful excuse from an unknow company to make money off the CB series after Naughty Dog sold the lincenses to them so that they could focus on their new PS2 Jak & Daxter series. 

Roo

Quote of the Day: September 10th

Be careful what you wish for; it might happen.

True words or wisdom!

Roo

This Day In Music: September 10th

2007, Girls Aloud broke the record for most consecutive top 10 hits in the U.K. singles chart by a female act. Their latest single ‘Sexy! No No No’ entered the chart at number five giving them a run of 16 top 10 hits. The previous record was held by Destiny's Child, who had 11 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart. 

 

2007, Pamela Anderson's ex-husband Kid Rock was involved in an alleged assault on drummer Tommy Lee, (who was also married to the actress up until 1998). Police interviewed witnesses to a tussle involving the pair at the MTV Music Video Awards in Las Vegas. Lee was removed from the ceremony while Rock, was allowed to stay.

2005, the 1967 Beatles track ‘A Day In The Life’ from Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was voted the best British song of all time by music experts. The survey by Q magazine called the track "the ultimate sonic rendition of what it means to be British". The Kinks' song ‘Waterloo Sunset’ came second in the poll and ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis was voted in third place. 

2002, Chris Cowey the man behind the UK's longest running music TV show Top Of The Pops, accused record bosses of controlling the singles chart with marketing scams and as a result the chart lacked credibility and was 'full of crap records.' 

 

2001, Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay pleaded not guilty to assault charges after being accused of hitting a photographer and destroying camera equipment outside London night-club. Photographer, Dennis Gill, alleged that on April 14, Jay Kay punched him and destroyed camera equipment worth £250 outside the Attica night-club in London's West End, the case was adjourned until October 22. 

2000, Modjo started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Lady'.

1999, Paul McCartney made headline news after being seen at a New York City party minus one of his front teeth after a crown broke off when he was eating. He'd lost the tooth in a motorcycle accident in 1967. 

 

1997, an electric chair, which was used in Alcatraz and once owned by Andy Warhol, sold for £4,800 at an auction in Bristol. Warhol used to sit in the chair and watch horror movies. 

1996, music journalist Ray Coleman died of cancer. Coleman had worked with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and had been the editor of the UK music weekly Melody Maker.

1994, REM were at No.9 on the UK singles chart with 'What's The Frequency Kenneth', the song the inspired by a bizarre incident when a US newsreader was attacked.

1992, appearing at the International 2, Manchester, Smashing Pumpkins, tickets £6.50.

1991, Nirvana’s single ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ was released in the US. 

1989, Wet Wet Wet topped the bill at a free concert held in Glasgow Scotland.

1988, Guns N' Roses started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Sweet Child O' Mine', the groups first US No.1, a No.24 hit in the UK.

1988, Phil Collins was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'A Groovy Kind Of Love', also a hit for The Mindbenders in 1966.

1984, Iron Maiden kicked off a 24-date UK tour at The Apollo Glasgow.

1983, former Stevie Wonder guitarist Michael Sembello, started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Maniac'. The track was featured in the film 'Flashdance'. A No.43 hit in the UK.

1979, Appearing live at The Assembly Rooms, Derby, England, The Police.

1977, Elvis Presley's '40 Golden Greats' went to No.1 on the UK album chart.

1974, The New York Dolls spit up. The influential American band formed in 1972 and made just two albums, the 1973 'New York Dolls' and 1974 'Too Much Too Soon'. 

1973, The BBC banned The Rolling Stones single ‘Star Star’, from their Goat's Head Soup album because it contained the word "Star-fucker" in the chorus a dozen times.

1971, during a North American tour Led Zeppelin appeared at Onondaga War Memorial in Syracuse.

1968, The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Hey Jude', the groups 15th UK No.1 and the longest chart topper ever at seven minutes and ten seconds. The single was the first release on the groups Apple records label. 

1966, The Beatles started a six-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Revolver', the groups ninth US chart topper. 

1966, The Supremes started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'You Can't Hurry Love', the groups sixth US No.1. It made No.3 in the UK and gave Phil Collins a UK No.1 in 1982.

1965, The Byrds begin recording ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’. Unlike their first hit, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’, members of the group itself were permitted to play instead of session musicians.

1964, The Kinks third single 'You Really Got Me', was at No.1 on the UK singles chart. Future Led Zeppelin founder and guitarist Jimmy Page played tambourine on the track.  

1964, Rod Stewart recorded his first single, a version of Willie Dixon's 'Good Morning Little School Girl.' Future Led Zeppelin bass player John Paul Jones played on the session.

1963, during a chance meeting between The Rolling Stones at Studio 51 Jazz Club in London with Paul McCartney and John Lennon, the two played the Stones a partly finished song 'I Wanna Be Your Man' which the Stones later record. 

 

1963, The Daily Mirror published a two-page article about The Beatles. Written by Donald Zec, the feature is entitled ‘Four Frenzied Little Lord Fauntleroys Who Are Earning 5,000 Pounds A Week’ Zec, who had attended a Beatles concert in Luton on Sept. 6 and then invited them to his home to complete the interview, referred to The Beatles' haircuts as ‘A stone-age hair style’. The article provided a major boost to their career.

1962, The BBC banned Bobby 'Boris' Pickett and the Crypt Kickers single 'Monster Mash' saying it was offensive. The single went on to be a UK No.3 hit in 1973. 

Roo

 

Quote of the Day: September 8th

RAP means Retards Attempting Poetry.

Now that's class!

Roo

This Day In Music: September 6th

2006, Victor Willis, who performed as the policeman in The Village People was given three years probation for drugs offences after pleading no contest to the charges, dating from March 2006. Willis co-wrote some of the group's biggest hits - including ‘YMCA’ and ‘In The Navy.’ 

2001, Earth Wind and Fire announced that Viagra would sponsor their forthcoming 30th anniversary American tour. 

1997, Elton John recorded a new version of 'Candle In The Wind' after performing the song live at Diana Princess of Wales funeral. A record 31.5 million across the UK watched Elton play the special tribute to Diana. The track went on to become the biggest selling single of all-time. 

1990, Tom Fogerty guitarist with Creedence Clearwater Revival died aged 49, due to complications from AIDS acquired during a blood transfusion. 

1985, 'Desperately Seeking Susan' went on general release in the UK, the movie featured Madonna and Rosanna Arquette. 

1980, U2 kicked off the first leg of their 29 date UK 'Boy tour' at the General Woolfe in Coventry, England. 

1970, Jimi Hendrix made his final live appearance when he appeared at the Isle Of Fehmarn in Germany. The guitarist died on 18th Sept this year after choking on his own vomit. 

1968, working at Abbey Road studios in London, The Beatles recoded overdubs onto the new George Harrison song ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’. Eric Clapton added the guitar solo and became the first outside musician to play on a Beatles recording and George recorded his lead vocal.

Roo

World Cup 2010 Qualifiers: England vs Andorra

And so it begins, the saga for world supremacy in football! England meet Andorra at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona 17 months after being frustrated by the whipping boys of European footbal in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

England were jeered and booed by their own fans before scoring three second-half goals to win 3-0.

Terry said on the eve of Saturday's match: "As players we understand and take the responsibility of the last two years of disappointments.

"We understand the fans' frustration. After 20 minutes last time the fans did not get their goal and they went against. Stick with us, it's a new campaign, it's a fresh start and we go again.

"We need the fans' support, we realise they pay an awful lot of money for their tickets and travel - and it's about time we put on a performance and got the results for the fans and the whole nation," he added.

Terry said the World Cup qualifiers represented a "fresh start" for England after the disappointment of missing out on Euro 2008.

"We start here against Andorra, hopefully we'll get a good start and take that confidence into the Croatia game."

England face Croatia on Wednesday in Zagreb, the team that knocked them out of the qualifiers for the Euros last November with a 3-2 win at Wembley Stadium.

England will be without central defender Rio Ferdinand on Saturday (back) and either Joleon Lescott, Matthew Upson or Wes Brown will partner Terry in the middle of the England back line.

Quote of the Day: September 6th

Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity.

 

The most blunt, yet true, saying I ever heard.

Roo

"You play?" - The best commercial EVER!

Roo

Metallica's Death Magnetic ready for download!

Well, the loooooooong wait is over. The follow-up to 2003's sonic abortion St. Anger, Death Magnetic, is up for download (I just wrote an oxymoron ha!) long before it's 12th September release date. Metallica won't be happy but who cares?! At least it's compensation for the unlucky sods like me who spent £12 on St. Anger.

Download the album from HERE(password: metal-forever).

Roo

PS: I'll post comments after I listen to it thoroughly. Hope the guys still have it in them.

Gibson Slash Signature Les Paul Goldtop! Good lord another one...

Straight from the Gibson Lifestyle website:

As the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, Slash singlehandedly revitalized the electric guitar with some of the most blistering, colossal riffs know to mortal man. At a time when the spirit of rock and roll and heavy metal was adrift, Slash appeared and with a vengeance slammed it back on course. And he did it with an arsenal of Gibson Les Paul Standards, now immortalized in Gibson’s incredibly popular collection of Slash Signature Les Pauls. 

With the introduction of the USA Slash Signature Goldtop and the Epiphone Limited Edition Slash Les Paul Goldtop, Gibson is paying further homage to the man who embodies rock and roll. 

The new Slash Signature Goldtop from Gibson USA – limited to just 1,000 guitars worldwide – is a heartfelt tribute to Slash and one of his most beloved guitars. With Slash offering his valuable input, Gibson USA has able to build one of its legendary Goldtops with all the individual features and unique characteristics that arouse Slash’s creative and musical instincts. 

The new Slash Signature Goldtop from Gibson USA starts with a standard, un-chambered mahogany body with Gibson’s traditional weight relief system, consisting of a series of “Swiss cheese” holes that give it a comfortable yet heavy feel, exactly as Slash likes his Les Pauls. The body is topped by one of the Les Paul’s trademark features — a hand-carved maple top. The body is then painted with the same finish as the first Les Paul model in 1952 – Bullion Gold with an aged Cherry back. 

A pair of Seymour Duncan Alnico II pickups – exactly the same pickups Slash uses on many of his guitars – provides all the power, punch and performance expected of a Slash Les Paul. The Slash-designed neck is a solid piece of mahogany with a hybrid profile that takes the roundness of the Les Paul necks of the late 1950s, matching it with the slimness of the necks from the early 1960s. Slash’s personal skull/crossbones and top hat logo with signature adorn the headstock. 

At Slash’s urging, the electronics of the new Goldtop were enhanced to include proprietary wiring, caps, resistors and tone pots that give the new Slash Goldtop its own unique tone. It is also set up using the revolutionary Plek system — a computer controlled set-up that carefully measures and dresses each fret, accurately measuring the height4 between the fingerboard and the string, virtually eliminating string buzz and providing unbeatable playability. 

Other features include a TonePro Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, all chrome hardware, Kluson-style Gibson tuners, and a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity in a metal fold-over frame. The guitar comes in a custom-made hardshell case with Slash’s logo screened on the smooth black exterior, and a plush white interior. 

The new Slash Signature Goldtop from Gibson USA is a fitting tribute to a true rock music legend, and one of the best guitarists to ever pick up a Les Paul Standard. "

Custom pots and caps huh? I'd have to research this out. Instead of buying the Goldtop, just rewire my Slash Signature and hey-presto I have the 'custom' Slash wiring coupled with the best finish.

Roo

FAIL: An overheard conversation with an IDIOT...

Customer: "Do y'all carry Super Mario for X-Box?"

Employee: "Oh, no... I'm sorry, you can only play Mario games on Nintendo."

Customer:She was not to be discouraged so easily. "How about for PlayStation?"

Employee: "No... Nintendo owns Mario, it has to be a Nintendo."

Customer: "He's lying. We play Super Mario on Wii all the time."

Roo

I'd like to wish a....

...to me.

This Day In Music: September 4th

I'd like to excuse myself for the lack of this article. I've been extremely busy and didn't have time to write all this. Well, here's what happen on my birthday several years ago in the world of music!

September 4th:

1996, Oasis created outrage at the MTV awards held at New York's Radio City Hall. During the bands performance of 'Champagne Supernova' singer Liam spat on stage and threw a beer into the crowd. 

1984, U2 played the first of five nights at Sydney Entertainment Centre in Australia during their Unforgettable Fire World tour. 

1982, The Steve Miller Band started a two week run at No.2 on the US singles chart with 'Abracadabra' the groups third US No.1, a No.2 hit in the UK. 

1976, The Sex Pistols made their television debut when they appeared on the Manchester based Granada TV program 'So It Goes'. 

1971, during a North American tour Led Zeppelin appeared at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada. 

1968, The Beatles recorded promotional videos for ‘Hey Jude’ and ‘Revolution’ at Twickenham Film Studios. The vocals are recorded live over the pre-recorded instrumental tracks to get round the current British Musicians Union ban on lip-sync performances. For ‘Hey Jude’, The Beatles were accompanied by a 36-piece orchestra and 300 fans and other assorted extras who join in singing the long refrain. 

1965, The Who had their van stolen containing over £5000 worth of equipment outside the Battersea Dogs Home. The band were inside the home at the time buying a guard dog. The van was later recovered. 

1954, to coincide with the release of his second Sun single, ‘Good Rockin' Tonight’, Elvis Presley, along with Bill Black and Scotty Moore made their first appearance at The Grand Old Opry. The audience reaction was so poor, the Opry's manager, Jim Denny told Elvis that he should go back to driving a truck.

Roo

Tomorrow is...

...just another day that marks my 6930th day on this planet. You do the math (or look at the picture for a little hint)!

Roo

Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame Honours Les Paul!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will pay tribute to the "father of the electric guitar" this fall. Les Paul will be honored at the annual American Music Masters series, a weeklong event that begins Nov. 10, Rock Hall officials said Tuesday. A tribute concert - artists will be named later - is scheduled Nov. 15 at Cleveland's State Theater.

Paul, 93, is hoping to attend, said Rock Hall President and CEO Terry Stewart.

"You have an inductee who in some ways maybe has had one of the biggest influences of all our inductees with the creation of his solid-body guitar, overdubbing ... not to mention his musical styling and his ability to play," Stewart said. "He's become an idol and an icon to people in the rock world, as well as people in jazz and popular music."

Paul began playing guitar as a child and by 13 was performing semiprofessionally as a country-music guitarist. He later made his mark as a jazz-pop musician, recording hits like "How High the Moon" with his wife, singer Colleen Summers.

He built a solid-body electric guitar in 1941 - an invention born from his frustration that audiences were unable to hear him play.

In 1952, Gibson introduced the Les Paul model, which became the instrument of choice for musicians such as Duane Allman, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.

"It's not just his innovation and his musical playing, but sort of the residual effects of that guitar," Stewart said. "It's become the beginning point for so many people in music, particularly rock music."

Paul still performs weekly at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. He was inducted into the early influence category of the Rock Hall in 1988.

Paul is only the second living recipient of the annual American Music Masters award, which began in 1996 to pay tribute to artists who helped change American culture. Jerry Lee Lewis was the first living recipient in 2007. Past recipients include Woody Guthrie, Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke.

Roo

WE HAVE BERBA!!

Finally, after a very very very long day the transfer window has just been officially closed and with it came the most joyful news: Dimitar Berbatov is an official Manchester United player. The European Champions have signed Spurs striker for a 4-year deal and is expected to make his Premier League debut against title rivals Liverpool.

As part of the deal, United striker Fraizer Campbell will spend the rest of the 2008/09 season on loan at White Hart Lane. Upon becoming a United player, Dimitar told ManUtd.com: "Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me. I look forward to playing my part in helping this club win more honours in the years to come."

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to finally capture the elegant striker and admitted: "This is a key signing. Dimitar is one of the best and most exciting strikers in world football. His style and ability will give the team a different dimension and I’m sure he will be a popular player with the fans."

Of course, fans like myself are over the moon with delight. One of us [fans] had this to say: "Just picture this: Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo heading at you. God have mercy on our opponents." - Daniel Griminger. Just try to imagine that situation yourself. It's actually quite funny for us, and dreadfully terrifying for the Premier League hopefuls.

Roo