Shoot hoops with NBA's finest in your very own backyard with Backyard Basketball 2007! Dwayne Wade, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Shaq, Yao, Paul Pierce, Lamar Odom, Stephon Marbury, and LeBron James headline a list of NBA superstars who are ready to take the court (as kids versions of themselves, of course) for exciting arcade-style hoop action! Choose from officially licensed versions of every NBA squad, plus ten Backyard teams stocked with Backyard Kids. You'll find realistic gameplay and goofy animations in Single Game, Season, Multi-player, and Mini-Game Modes. Customize your team, players, court, uniforms, and logos. You'll also unlock bonus content and find tons of surprises.
Backyard Basketball 2007 delivers great b-ball action that happens in your backyard. Choose from a mix of Backyard Kids and pro NBA players, then get started playing the wackiest basketball game ever!
Backyard Basketball 2007 delivers great b-ball action that happens in your backyard. Choose from a mix of Backyard Kids and pro NBA players, then get started playing the wackiest basketball game ever!
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The month's full moon has come and gone and that peculiar malady known as March Madness almost is upon us.
Selection Sunday and spring's annual Big Dance are just around the corner, after America's college basketball conferences wipe up some unfinished business of their own.
Most leagues with postseason tourneys begin competition on Thursday.
Las Vegas oddsmaker Ken White says it's "easy" to forecast the NCAA Tournament's top four seeds: Florida, North Carolina, Kansas and Ohio State.
"And when I say that, I'm ranking them in order," he noted.
Ohio State (27-3) currently sits atop the Associated Press' national hoops poll, but White is sticking with Florida (26-5) to again win it all.
The Gators have dropped three games in the last three weeks to SEC opponents Vanderbilt, LSU and Tennessee.
"Teams need something to play for," White theorized.
"Florida already had its division clinched and already had lost a conference game (to the Commodores), so they couldn't play for an undefeated (league) season.
"There wasn't any motivation."
The Buckeyes, he says, are starting an all-freshman team, while the defending champion and sixth-ranked Gators are laden with experience.
"If they were playing tomorrow, Florida would be a 3 1/2 to 4-point favorite," White declared.
The managing partner of Las Vegas Sports Consultants, which supplies lines to a great majority of Nevada bet shops as well as clients elsewhere, thinks the ACC is is the USA's leading conference, while the SEC is its most underrated.
"The thing is the SEC has some good teams (in the Eastern Division), but The West is weak," White said.
"The Big 12 is very good this year and the Big 10 is the weakest."
White believes bettors still can find a few futures values, though he claims the best time to shop was closer to the holidays.
"The best time to buy futures is in December or early January," he said.
"I've been pushing Georgetown for months, for example, but the number has really sunk."
The Hoyas, 40/1 in January, are now 8/1.
Texas A&M, another club White has been high on, also is 8/1, down from 25/1.
Two teams the handicapper-turned-oddsmaker considers legitimate sleepers are Pitt and Louisville.
"Pittsburgh has the talent to win it all and right now Louisville is playing as well as anyone," White said.
"I really like their coach (Rick Pitino)."
The 13th-ranked Panthers (25-6) are holding steady at 18/1, while No. 12 Louisville (22-8), winner of six straight since losing to Georgetown a month ago, has dropped from 100/1 to 25/1.
White also cautions players not to overlook No. 21 Duke (22-9).
The Blue Devils, perennial contenders under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, are having a down year by school standards, but White says they shouldn't be ignored.
The Mirage has Duke at 15/1, half the 30/1 it was a month ago.
"And watch out for Maryland (24-7)," White said.
The Terrapins, national champs in 2002, are ranked 17th.
Nevadans need look no further than their own backyard to find teams capable of making some tournament noise, the oddsmaker adds.
Both state schools are among the country's Top 25, with Nevada (27-3) ranked 10th and UNLV (25-6) 25th.
The Wolfpack has tumbled from 50/1 to 30/1, while the Rebels remain at 100/1.
"UNLV looks like it will get a decent seed now," White said.
"For a while it looked like they might have to play a top seed or No. 2 in their first game."
As for the Wolfpack, White couldn't find enough positive things to say about star Nick Fazekas.
"He can do everything," White said.
"Whoever gets him in the NBA draft will be getting a real steal.
"I thought for a while he might go in the Top 5, but he's been pushed down.
"He'll still go in the first round, though -- somewhere between 15th and 25th -- and I see him having having a 10-year career averaging 16 to 18 points a game.
"He's a great team player."
Those seeking more of a sure thing can always turn to nearby UCLA.
The Bruins, who lost to the Gators, are 26-4 and ranked fourth.
They've slipped from 8/1 in futures books to a current 9/2.
"I have UCLA as a second-tier team right now," White said.
"They should get a No. 2 seed, maybe No. 3."
White also notes the days of laughing at Winthrop are over.
He says the Eagles, who have made seven tournament appearances in the last nine years, could be this year's version of George Mason, the 2006 "Cinderella team."
"They're the long shot," White said.
Winthrop cracked the rankings in 24th this week, but was still 750/1 at the Mirage.
Brian Gabrielle is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Brian_Gabrielle.htm
Chase one of soccer's greatest championships in UEFA Euro 2008. The world's best players and most prestigious clubs are all here, and they're all after the same goal: becoming the 2008 UEFA Champion. Lead one of 53 teams though qualifying and into the tournament, playing in the official stadiums of the 2008 UEFA Euro. The new Captain Your Country Mode lets you play on the same team with three friends, all vying for the team leader role. Experience players that raise their game in crucial moments, plus shifting weather conditions, manually controlled goalkeepers, revolutionary corner/penalty kick and set-play accuracy with the Kick Stick system, and much more.
Beijing Olympics 2008
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In Beijing 2008: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games, players will embrace the competitive spirit of the world’s most prestigious sporting event and represent their country as they compete for the highest honor--the Gold Medal. Appearing on next generation consoles, the game promises to deliver a far more entertaining and immersive Olympic experience with superior graphics capturing the detail of each event where a fraction of a second means the difference between winning and losing. With brand new gameplay mechanics challenging their speed, time and coordination, players will strive to break records alone or with up to seven friends online as they lead the US team to victory in 38 authentic Olympic events. This summer, everyone will want to show their patriotism and bring home the Gold. Features: Over 30 Official Events and National Teams: Across 10 authentic-looking stadiums, players will represent the country of their choice and compete in such sports as Track & Field, Aquatics, Gymnastics, Cycling, Judo, Table Tennis and Canoe-Kayak for the highest honor. In-Depth Olympic Games and Competition Modes: In Olympic Games mode, players will organize their daily schedule and customize their national teams with agility, power, stamina and speed for competition in 38 events. With up to three friends, players will participate in either single or multi-event challenges in Competition mode. New Gameplay Mechanics: There are a variety of controls across all events, including a time-based system where timing, power and angle are essential, a rhythm-based method that requires increasing and sustaining speed, and a targeting system to aid players in accurately hitting targets. In the Zone: Pulls players right into the athlete’s mind, getting them closer to the action and giving them time to accurately control every move. Global Online Competition: As a member of the aspiring US Olympic Team, players will face challengers from across nations. A multitude of online features, including exhibition events, and leaderboards will allow players to prove themselves before the world. Capturing the Olympic Spirit: As the exclusive official video game, Beijing 2008 offers an authentic look and feel of the Games, ultra-realistic recreations of the Beijing stadiums and a chance to soak up the atmosphere from the Olympic Host City in your own home.
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Did you know...
London will host the 2012 Olympic Volleyball Tournament. A maximum of 12 teams will participate in the event. The United Kingdom and Brazil -2008 Olympic gold medal- have qualified for the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Curiously, Great Britain has never competed in the Pre-Olympics, World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Games. Great Britain did not qualify for the European Championships in 2007.
The People's Republic of China, Brazil and Russia are the favorites for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. China won the gold medal at the Girls' Under- 18 World Volleyball Championships in Mexico in 2007.
The United States hopes to win its first world title in 2009. With Lang Ping as coach -a former Chinese volleyball player who had taken part in the 1982 World Cup and 1984 Olympics- the U.S. women's volleyball team trains very hard for the 2009 World Cup in Tokyo (Japan).
From 1962 to 1967, Japan dominated the international tournaments and players from that Asian country won two World Championships.
Venezuela qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics through the South American Pre-Olympic in Lima, Peru. For the first time, Venezuela defeated Peru 3-2 ( 22-25, 27-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12). Curiously, Venezuela has never participated in the World Championships or Olympic Games. In 1982, Venezuela finished 5th place at the Central American & Caribbean Games...
Russia has got seven world championships ( USSR ' 52, France ' 56, Brazil ' 60, Bulgaria ' 70, Uruguay ' 73, China ' 90, Japan ' 06 ) and four Olympic titles (Mexico ' 68, West Germany ' 72, USSR ' 80, South Korea ' 88).
In 1980, South Korea -one of the world's best volleyball teams- did not send a team to the Pre-Olympics in Bulgaria. Why ? Between 1948 and 1987, South Korea -an anti-Communist state in the 20th century- did not establish formal diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of Bulgaria. The tournament was part of the Olympic qualification system for the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.
Algeria -which won the gold medal at the 2007 Pan African Games- is the first Arab team to participate in the Olympic Games (Beijing 2008).
From 1952 to 1973, China did not compete in the World Championships ( Moscow ' 52, Paris ' 56, Rio ' 60, Moscow ' 62, Tokyo ' 67, Sofia ' 70 ) and Asian Games ( Jakarta ' 62, Bangkok ' 66, Bangkok ' 70 ). Why ? Because the People's Republic of China was not member of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball ( FIVB ). In 1974, China became an official member of the FIVB. This nation made its international debut at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran (Iran). Three weeeks later, China competed in the World Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico. In the preliminary round, China lost two matches: Poland (3-1) and Japan (3-0/ 1972 Olympic champion).The People's Republic of China finished in 14th place -among 24 nations- at the 1974 FIVB World Championships. In the 1980s, China became the first country to win 5 of 8 major volleyball tournaments:
1980: China boycotted the Moscow Olympics
1981: Japan World Cup-1st place
1982: Peru World Championships-1st place
1984: Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games-1st place
1985: Japan World Cup-1st place
1986: Czechoslovakia World Championships-1st place
1988: South Korea Olympic Games-3rd place
1989: Japan World Cup- 3rd place
South Korea won the FIVB U-20 World Championship in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1977. Korea beat China for the gold medal. For the first time, three volleyball teams from Asia competed in the finals (Korea, China and Japan).
Massachusetts (United States) is the birthplace of volleyball...
The Romanian women's volleyball squad won the gold medal at the 1980 World Olympic Qualification in Varna (Bulgaria). Final standings:
1.Romania
2.Bulgaria
3.Brazil
4.North Korea
5.Hungary
6.Mexico
Like many former Soviet-bloc nations, Ukraine was one of the last members of the FIVB. Surprisingly, Ukraine won the silver medal at the 1993 World Youth Championships in South America.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea / North Korea -which won the Olympic bronze medal in Munich in 1972- did not want to compete in the World Championships in 1974. The team also did not participate in the Asian Cup in Melbourne (Australia) in 1975.
Mexico hosted the 2007 Girl's Youth World Championships. There were 16 teams: Mexico, Serbia, South Korea, Belarus, Brazil, Japan, Puerto Rico, Germany, Italy, Russia, Dominican Republic, Peru, China, USA, Tunisia and Turkey.
Nigeria became the first black African team to qualify for the FIVB World Cup in 1982. On September 14, Peru -1979 Pan American silver medalist- upset Nigeria -African champion- in the opener of the World Cup. The score was 15-0, 15-0,15-0.
Volleyball is one of the most popular Olympic sports in South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, North Korea and the People's Republic of China.
The United States won the gold medal at the 1981 NORCECA Tournament. The U.S. women's volleyball team won the international tournament after losing in the final three times in a row ( 1975, 1977, 1979 ).
In the 1980s, Maria Salgado Barroso (Brazilian volleyball player) played in the Japanese Volleyball League.
Minorka Marisela Mercado Carrero was one of the "most beautiful volleyball players" in the world. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she played for Venezuela. Minorka represented her country at the 1989 World Youth Cup in Lima, Peru. On September 3, 1993 she became the second sportswoman elected Miss Venezuela. Minorka was discovered by Osmel Sousa -Director of Miss Universe Venezuela. Under the direction of Osmel, she was second runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant in 1994...
The German Democratic Republic / East Germany -Olympic silver medalist in 1980- did not compete at the FIVB Women's World Cup in Peru in 1982.
The first Women's Volleyball World Cup was in Moscow ( USSR / Russia) in 1952.
The U.S. women's volleyball team has not won the World Championships.
Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has published more than seventy-five research paper in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latin America.
what and who are you most excited about to watch in this years olympics!!!!!!! beside the basketball team i know everyone here cant wait for them but other than them
oh come on "joseluis s" that the only thing you are going to watch in the olympics nothing else is interesting to you, ok that cool, but your right let bring home that GOLD!!!!!!!but their has to be something else
Capcom's mega-popular survival horror series, Resident Evil, returns for its fourth chapter, and hits the Wii for the first time. American agent Leon Kennedy is sent to Europe on another dangerous mission, this time to save the president's kidnapped daughter. There's more than meets the eye to this new adversary, and before Leon knows it he's knee-deep in possessed villagers and satanic monks! This time, you get to use the Wii Remote to aim, slash, and control action sequences. There are five new chapters for you to play as agent Ada Wong, too. Evil isn't dead. It just has a new address.
Evil Dead Regeneration
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Evil Dead: Regeneration follows along with Ash, the hero of the Evil Dead movies. Ash is the only survivor of the evils unleashed by the Necronomicon, that night in the cabin. Ash is blamed for it and sent to the Sunny Meadows institute for the criminally insane. He thinks he's safe and can rest now, but the perverted experiments of Dr. Reinhard are about to change that.
Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick mixes the comedy and fun of the campy horror movie series with intense combat missions and a number of puzzle-solving sequences for the most complete Evil Dead game yet! Take on the role of Ash, the chainsaw-armed hero from the Evil Dead trilogy, and fend off hordes of Zombies and Deadites with multiple weapons including the axe, rifle, shotgun and infamous chainsaw.
Square-jawed, smack-talking, shotgun-toting Ash must once again battle evil forces, but this time you take control of the fate of the world! Evil Dead: Hail to the King picks up eight years after the cult-classic trilogy ends. Bruce Campbell, the star of the movie series, lends his vocal talents to the game. It continues the ongoing saga of Ash and the Necronomicon, or the Book of the Dead. Open the Necronomicon, and battle all the Kandarian demons, ruthless deadites, and unspeakable monsters that it can spew out. The game takes place in environments familiar to fans of the films, such as the cabin, the cellar, and the bridge. It contains all of the humor, suspense, action, and gore that made the movies such classics, then adds puzzle-solving aspects to the successful formula. Ash has the remarkable ability to use weapons in both hands simultaneously, so feel free to head down into that cellar and carve yourself a witch. Hail to the King, baby!
Evil Dead Regeneration
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Evil Dead: Regeneration follows along with Ash, the hero of the Evil Dead movies. Ash is the only survivor of the evils unleashed by the Necronomicon, that night in the cabin. Ash is blamed for it and sent to the Sunny Meadows institute for the criminally insane. He thinks he's safe and can rest now, but the perverted experiments of Dr. Reinhard are about to change that.
Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick puts you in the role of Ash, the hero of the cult classic Evil Dead movies!
Resident Evil: Dead Aim
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In Resident Evil: Deadly Aim, you'll encounter a new level of unimaginable terrors as follow the crooked trail of the Umbrella Corporation!
Cursed Mountain
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Cursed Mountain is a survival horror game designed specifically for the Wii. Players will take the role of Frank Simmons as he tracks down his brother, who went missing on a trak into the Himalayas to find an ancient Buddhist Artifact
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Ash, the square-jawed, insult-spewing, shotgun-toting, chainsaw-armed hero from the cult classic Evil Dead trilogy is back. Picking up eight years after the last installment of the Evil Dead films, Ash is drawn back to the infamous cabin in the woods only to again face evil forces that have crossed over to our world. Our hero finds himself slicing and dicing carnivorous Kandarian demons, vicious deadites, and other unspeakable atrocities spawned by the notorious Book of the Dead. And in true Evil Dead fashion, Ash must once again attempt to save the world from an appalling and horrific end.Evil Dead: Hail to the King takes the survival horror genre to new heights by combining the successful formula of suspense, action, and puzzle-solving with over-the-top bloodlust and signature Ash humor--all within the confines of the Evil Dead universe. There are over 20 original and familiar enemies and recognizable environments, in-game cutscenes and prerendered sequences that allow the story to unfold, and increased freedom of movement and attack ability.
Additional Resources for: Evil Dead Used, Pre-Played or For Rent
Most people aren't aware how insidious the deadly sin of envy is. It is unhappiness at another's success, or according to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, it's a "painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage." The root word is often Latin invidia, but there is also a Greek word (phonetically) poneiros that means "evil eye." Interestingly, this word can also mean "devil." People can be envied generally because simply they're good at something. It is also, "Ill will pure and simple, the hatred of good because it is good."1
I believe every one of us is susceptible to it, and not only that, it breeds itself. This means if you're the subject of envy (someone envies you) you are likely to be tempted -- by their actions -- to become somewhat envious in return. This is because the malicious intent of their action(s) is felt by us on the receiving end and we'll often be tempted to 'return fire' by at least having a bad feeling toward them, even if it isn't translated in action -- some people might think this is a rather long bow -- but I believe this feeling is envy.
It is interesting that the earlier Greek word is associated with the lazy. Lazy people are often the most envious because they want what others have but don't or can't make the effort. Envious people also envy others with superior personality or character. Notwithstanding these, envy is a wide-ranging emotion and it's dangerous because it can infect you!
How do we beat envy and stop it dead in its tracks? In an earlier article -- "Taming the Green-Eyed Monster - How to Beat Envy" -- I spoke of the role of advocacy in superimposing a solution above this powerful negative emotion. It was suggested that advocacy is employed to enable and empower the weak. In other words, divert your attention to somewhere or someone who you can help.
I suggest however that there is an even more powerful response. It's about actively avoiding the envious and spending time and effort on those who need us. The best thing we can do is avoid being 'infected' with envy's cancerous poison. Avoid contact with people who create envious feelings in you, particularly if this feeling is produced in you firstly from their envy of you. This includes avoiding thinking about them. If we associate with envious people we're likely to have to deal with these feelings in ourselves sooner or later. We need to deal with these feelings by being truthful with ourselves.
1 This is cited from P.E. Koptak, Proverbs - NIV Application Commentary, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2003), p. 602. This author cites William S. Stafford's Disordered Loves, pages 93-94, an exposition on the seven deadly sins.
Steve Wickham is a safety and health professional (BSc) and a qualified lay Christian minister (GradDipDiv). His passion in vocation is facilitation and coaching; encouraging people to soar to a higher value of their potential. Steve's key passion is work / life balance and re-creating value for living, and an exploration of the person within us.
Does anyone know of any good horror movies like EVIL DEAD?
More like the first Evil dead tho, i'm not looking so much for slapstick.
Salvage
C.H.U.D.
The Roost
Dead Mary
Dead Birds
Headspace
The Gravedancers
Dark Corners (2006)
It's tricky to try to stay in the range of "The Evil Dead". I aimed for low budget, not too polished.
Sony's Athens 2004 is the only exclusive, official next gen video game based on the 2004 Summer Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece. Featuring over 25 Summer Events, including multiple disciplines in the seven Olympic Sports of Aquatics, Athletics, Gymnastics, Archery, Equestrian, Shooting and Weightlifting, players will relish the challenge of shining on the world stage in button-mashing, sweat-inducing gameplay. All 64 participating nations are represented. Play single events, compete against friends, or play as a country and test your skills in every event in an all-out Olympic mode.
All-Star Baseball 2004 is the game with all the tools -- it's the realistic baseball simulation that plays like an MLB broadcast! Rookie Mode prepares you for your attempt to make it in the big leagues!
All-Star Baseball certainly lives up to its name. It offers the largest stable of former greats, some 50 in all, and it even offers many of the standouts and stars from the old Negro Baseball League. Its obvious Acclaim decided the best way to deal with the competition is to match it in terms of baseball prowess, but at the same time, outdo them in terms of extras: All-Star throws shovelfuls of extras. Extras like a trivia game, stadium tours, and DVD content. It even includes classic ballparks, just in case you really miss Shibe Park. There are seven fantasy ballparks in currently baseball-free North American cities, and you can pick and choose from over 30 mascots, making the expansion team options all the more interesting. All-Star also offers a deep franchise mode that rivals text simulations like Over the Top Baseball. Baseball lives and dies by the pitcher/batter duel and All-Star has you covered here. How? By offering every option the competition can muster. You can use a cursor system (like MVP Baseball), a timing based system (less realistic, but good for new players), and a system like High Heat where you have to watch the ball carefully (most realistic). Each system works but the cursor-based option could is sub par: the information regarding where and when to swing appears too late. The gameplay has other flaws. Fielding feels soft, unresponsive and slow, and the AI is stupidly aggressive at times: stealing when it shouldn't and slugging when a sacrifice is called for. All-Star has good graphics--not the best available but very good and the animations are all smooth and lifelike. You can even identify many players by their batting stance alone. The audio is a standout, specifically the commentary, which is accurate, insightful, and even includes entertaining side conversations about the rules and quirks of the game. All-Star isn't quite the best baseball game you can buy for your console system, but it offers the best overall package if you aren't sure what you want. Good gameplay, good graphics, lots of options and extras, and a nice range of hitting options. Play ball! --Andrew S. Bub Pros: Nice range of pitching/batting options Good graphics Terrific Audio Cons: Uneven, overly aggressive, artificial intelligence
All-Star Baseball 2004
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Select from all MLB teams.
All-Star Baseball certainly lives up to its name. It offers the largest stable of former greats, some 50 in all, and it even offers many of the standouts and stars from the old Negro Baseball League. Its obvious Acclaim decided the best way to deal with the competition is to match it in terms of baseball prowess, but at the same time, outdo them in terms of extras: All-Star throws shovel fulls of extras. Extras like a trivia game, stadium tours, and DVD content. It even includes classic ballparks, just in case you really miss Shibe Park. There are seven fantasy ballparks in currently baseball-free North American cities, and you can pick and choose from over 30 mascots, making the expansion team options all the more interesting. All-Star also offers a deep franchise mode that rivals text simulations like Over the Top Baseball. Baseball lives and dies by the pitcher/batter duel and All-Star has you covered here. How? By offering every option the competition can muster. You can use a cursor system (like MVP Baseball), a timing based system (less realistic, but good for new players), and a system like High Heat where you have to watch the ball carefully (most realistic). Each system works but the cursor-based option could is sub par: the information regarding where and when to swing appears too late. The gameplay has other flaws. Fielding feels soft, unresponsive and slow, and the AI is stupidly aggressive at times: stealing when it shouldn't and slugging when a sacrifice is called for. All-Star has good graphics--not the best available but very good and the animations are all smooth and lifelike. You can even identify many players by their batting stance alone. The audio is a standout, specifically the commentary, which is accurate, insightful, and even includes entertaining side conversations about the rules and quirks of the game. All-Star isn't quite the best baseball game you can buy for your console system, but it offers the best overall package if you aren't sure what you want. Good gameplay, good graphics, lots of options and extras, and a nice range of hitting options. Play ball!--Andrew S. Bub Pros: Nice range of pitching/batting options Good graphics Terrific Audio Cons: Uneven, overly aggressive, artificial intelligence
All Star Baseball 2004
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Like Derek Jeter, All-Star Baseball 2004 is the game "with all the tools." With the most realistic simulation ever, easier to play functionality, and the same all around skill set that makes Derek the leader and winner he is, ASB 2004 truly is the game with all the tools
Additional Resources for: All Star Baseball 2004 Used, Pre-Played or For Rent
What is a Free Agent?
A free agent is a player with 6 years of experience who is not under contract and is available to sign with all thirty major league baseball franchises.
Also, a free agent could be a player who entered the major league draft but was not drafted or a player who was drafted but did not want to sign with that team, might still enter the market and become a free agent. This sometimes works well.
Something else you might here about is arbitration. A player with over 3 years or a very good player with 2 years of major league experience is eligible for arbitration. You might ask yourself "What in the world is arbitration?" When a player is offered arbitration, they go to an arbitrator. The team and the player both make offers. The arbitrator decides which offer is the best. Sometimes the arbitrator sides with the player. Sometimes he sides with the team. Or sometimes they don't offer player arbitration at all and let him be a free agent. Sometimes a player is offered arbitration by a team, but does not want to go through that. If the player is a type A player (see below) then the team that will sign him must give the team that he was offered arbitration a signing club's first-round draft pick and a supplemental pick between the first and second rounds. If the player is a type B player, they must give the other team just the supplemental pick between the first and second rounds. Confused? Here is a way of understanding it.
There are two sides, the team and the player. The team gives a price they think that is fair and the player gives a price that he thinks is fair. Then the arbitrator chooses the price that he thinks is fair. The player must accept. If the team offers to go into arbitration but the player does not want to, he becomes a free agent unless he signs a contract before the December 12th non-tender date. The team the player signs with will give up draft spots. If the player is very good, the team he signs with must give up two draft spots. If they are only okay, they must give up only one. Or a team can choose not to offer it at all and let the player be a free agent. Make sense now?
Here's an arbitration success story.
The Phillies originally had the 41st pick in the MLB 2006 June draft. But they signed Tom Gordon, a relief pitcher. Gordon had been offered Salary Arbitration by the Yankees, his former team, but declined. So the Phillies had to give the Yankees the 41st overall pick in the draft. The Yankees used that spot to secure iconic pitcher Joba Chamberlain.
You might also wonder what type A and B free agents are. It's basically a way of providing draft picks to clubs for signing free agents who are offered arbitration and ranked in the top 50 percent of Major League players, as ranked by a company called the Elias Sports Bureau. The top 20 percent are Type A players, you see. These players are in the top circuit of players. They are the best free agents. The type B players are sort of the secondary players. They aren't as good. So, the type A are great and the type B are okay. Sometimes a team will offer arbitration to a player just for the draft picks.
There are also special rules for different players with different years of experience. If a player has less than 3 years of major-league experience, he can just have his contract renewed. That is, if his contract runs out, and the two sides can't agree on a contract, the team can just pay at least 80% of what he made last year to play for the team again for one more year.
A player is only eligible for arbitration if he has between 3 and 6 years of major-league experience.
History of free agents
When baseball became very successful in the 1890s, owners tried to think of a way to limit salaries. They knew if players could go from team to team, the salaries would be enormous due to the competing teams constantly upping the money to attract the player. So they came up with a "reserve clause," which pretty much kept a player bound for life to a team unless they were traded, sold, released, or retired. The salary was an agreement between the owner and player, but if they couldn't agree, the player had two options: play for a reduced amount or don't play. This was how it was until 1969, when slick fielding center fielder Curt Flood was traded from the Cardinals to the Phillies, but he refused! He demanded Commissioner Bowie Kuhn to make him a free agent, but he would not. This went all the way to the Supreme Court. Flood had filed a lawsuit, claiming the team had violated the nation's anti-trust policy. His efforts would eventually help establish free agency and make him a forgotten hero who cleared the path for the multi-million dollar athletes today. Flood never really even got to enjoy the fruits of his labor, by the way, as he played only 13 games for the Washington Senators before retiring. Jackie Robinson was great, and everybody will remember him, but in a way, Flood stood up for his rights, too. Although he is not a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Flood is an unsung legend of the baseball world.
Japanese Free Agents
Sometimes, star Japanese players want to make a change. They want to come to America. They become free agents. Baseball is huge in Japan, but it's even bigger in the US. The fans, the lights, the media, the money! These star Eastern players love the US. Here are a couple of former and current Japanese stars.
Hideo Nomo-Dodgers, Mets, Brewers, Tigers, Red Sox, Devil Rays, Royals
Hideo Nomo burst onto the scene in 1995 as the National League Rookie of the Year with a league leading 236 strikeouts along with 13 wins and a 2.54 ERA. Over his 12 year career, he won 123 games and struck out 1918 batters. Nomo enjoyed 5 successful years in Japan before becoming a huge star in the US, proving Japanese players were as good as any other ones.
Ichiro Suzuki-Mariners
The best and most recognizable Japanese player, Ichiro has continued his amazing run of success in the states. He's only been here since 2001 but he's set numerous hitting records, the most amazing a record-setting performance of 262 hits in 2004! He also had an outrageous .372 batting average. Ichiro has had 200 hits and a .300 batting average every year he's been in America. Ichiro broke Wee Willie Keeler's 108 year old record for most consecutive seasons with 200 hits, with nine since his inaugural season.
Hideki Matsui-Yankees and Angels
Hideki doesn't have the name ‘Godzilla' for nothing. He's put up monster numbers since his MLB debut in 2003. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2003. In 2004, he hit 32 home runs. He played in a record 519 straight games to start off his career before breaking his wrist in a freak accident. He put up more numbers this year, hitting 28 homers with 90 RBI's and winning the World Series MVP Award last season by hitting .615 in the Fall Classic. He has hit 140 homers in America, a record for Japanese-born players. After 7 years with the Yankees, Matsui signed a 1 year, $6.5 million dollar deal with the Angels to be their 2010 designated hitter.
Daisuke Matsuzaka-Red Sox
Matsuzaka was the top-sought Japanese free agent before the 2007 season. The Red Sox nabbed this star who put up a 2.95 ERA with 108 wins and 1,335 strikeouts. He posted a 15-12 record with a healthy 4.40 ERA and 201 strikeouts in his rookie year. He led the Red Sox to a World Championship in 2007. In 2008, he had a great year, winning 18 games and finishing with an excellent 2.90 ERA. Although he had an injury plagued 2009 season, he still helped Boston win the wild card to get into the playoffs for the 3rd straight year.
Kosuke Fukudome-Cubs
Kosuke had a great 2008 rookie campaign, starting the All-Star game in Yankee Stadium, and earning 6th place in Rookie of the Year voting. The former Chuchini Dragon followed that up by raising his batting average in 2009.
Big Signings
There have been a couple of $100 million dollar deals in the history of the game, even some $200 million! Here's a look at some of the biggest free agent signings in history.
Alex Rodriguez-$275 million, 10 years
It appeared to be "see ya!" for Alex Rodriguez and the Yanks when A-rod used the opt-out clause (see below) on his contract after 2007, as Hank Steinbrenner said "It's good-bye". A-rod knew he made the wrong decision, and, with the help of his billionaire friend Warren Buffet, signed with the Yankees a record-setting deal. He could make more then $300 million if he breaks Barry Bonds's home run record. He's on his way, as due to 35 and 30 homer campaigns in 2008 and 2009 and has 583 homers at the age of 34. Alex tasted the sweet champagne of victory as he won his first title in 2009.
Alex Rodriguez-$252 million, 10 years
A-rod signed a huge contract with the Texas Rangers (who traded him to the Yankees after 2003) which included an opt-out clause after seven years. A-rod used this (see above).
Mark Teixeira-$180 million, 10 years
Teixeira, already a premier first baseman with the Rangers, Braves and Angels, came to the Yankees seeking one thing- a world championship. The Annapolis, Maryland native with the big bat and big wallet got it in 2009, helping the Yankees get there by bashing 39 homers this past season. He won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger this year, and hopes to win several more in his next 7 years in the Bronx.
CC Sabathia- $161 million, 7 years
The 6'7, 290 pound southpaw signed this big contract, like Teixeira, looking for one thing-a world championship, and like Teixeira, he got it. The 2007 AL Cy Young winner was great again in 2009, winning 19 games and nearly striking out 200 batters. He previously spent his whole career with the Indians except for half of the 2008 season with the Brewers where he made several starts down the stretch on 3 days rest to help them reach the playoffs. It was that durability the Yankees were looking for when they signed him to the biggest pitcher's contract ever.
Manny Ramirez-$160 million, 8 years
Manny was been great in Beantown, crushing opposing pitchers. Manny still bashes homers. He led the league in 2004 with 43. Manny had led the Sox to two World Championships, one in 2004 and one in 2007. He was traded to the Dodgers midway through 2008. Manny's contract came to an end when Los Angeles declined the slugger's 2008 option, but he signed a new contract with them.
Alfonso Soriano-$136 million, 8 years
Alfonso signed this contract with the Cubs just before 2007. This one-time 40-40 man (40 home runs, 40 stolen bases) had a great year in 2007, bashing 33 homers and accumulating a .299 batting average. He'll be looking to add a World Championship ring after he led the Cubbies from last in 2006 to first in 2007, nicking out the Brewers by an eyelash. He led them to the NL's best record in 2008, winning the NL Central.
As you can see, Major League Baseball has a very complex but successful free agent system that is beneficial to both the players and teams. I hope, that after reading this article you have a better understanding of the free agent system.
About the Author
James Vaughn is a baseball fan whose detailed articles have appeared on many sites around the web.
How much do you think all of the ps2 games and ps2 slim are worth. Please give honest answers?
Items:
ps2 slim- scph 77001
3 controllers
32 mb memory card
mercenaries
call of duty 2 big red one
guitar hero 2 with guitar
madden 08
need for speed pro street
tony hawk proving ground
socom combined assault
madden 06
ncaa football 06
x man legends 2
motorcross mania 3
all star baseball 2004
splinter cell pandora tomorrow
sorry to break it to you but if you take that to a game store and try to trade it in you'll be lucky to get 150.00 for it. you best bet is craigslist or ebay(fees). the fat ps2 is worth more than the slim. i just sold my fat ps2 with 1 conrtoller, a guitar controller, 32 mb card, guitar hero 2, eyetoy usb camera, eye toy play 2, and 2 other games for $110. so you could possibly get $200+ but the sports games aren't worth jack except madden 08.
It's a top-ten all over again as Deca Sports 2 offers another all-you-can-play buffet of ten games anyone can enjoy. The all-around collection has something for everyone, with tennis, darts, ice hockey, motorcycle racing, synchronized swimming, speed skating, downhill skiing, bocce, kendo, and dodgeball. Multiple single and multiplayer modes offer tournaments, head-to-head matches, skill contests, and league play. Use the Team Editor to customize everything about your squad, including your team's name, logo, and colors, plus the looks and skills of the players themselves. And, just to make sure the playing field is level, beginners can learn the ropes of any of the sports in Tutorial Mode.
Deca Sports 2
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Deca Sports, the hit sports compilation game is back with exciting multi-sport competition across 10 new sporting events in Deca Sports 2. With its easy-to pick up and play controls, Deca Sports 2 will make everyone in your family experts in a wide range of new sports.
Do you have the skills and versatility it will take to achieve mastery over 10 very different and equally challenging sports? In Deca Sports 2, the series returns with a brand-new lineup of sports, including both familiar and lesser-known games, to put you to the test. Pick up your Wii Remote and jump into the competition to prove you have the makings of an impressive decathlete. Fun Games for the Family View larger. Challenging sports View larger. Try your skills out in Dodgeball View larger. Compete against friends View larger. Overview Prove your sports abilities across a wide array of activities in Deca Sports 2. This exciting new game lets you demonstrate your skills in ice hockey, dodgeball, tennis, darts, speed skating, mogul skiing, petanque, kendo, motorcycle road racing and synchronized swimming. Hone your skills in each sport in Tutorial mode, and create your own custom team with the new team editor in the Locker Room. Show off your skills in a variety of single-player options, including Open Match, Tournament, Challenge and Deca League, or compete with friends and family in local and online multiplayer Open Match, Vs. and Tournament modes. Key Game Features: Demonstrate your skills in a new lineup of 10 challenging sports, including ice hockey, dodgeball, tennis, darts, speed skating, mogul skiing, petanque, kendo, motorcycle road racing and synchronized swimming Learn about the games and get in valuable practice time in Tutorial mode Create your own custom team, complete with names, colors, emblems, looks and sporting emblems, with the new team editor Become a solo star with the Open Match (one game in one sport), Tournament (one sport, bracket-style), Challenge (complete a specified goal in a sport) or Deca League (vs. four teams in all 10 sports) options Compete with friends and family in Open Match, Vs. and Tournament modes Challenge up to three additional players in local multiplayer as well as online multiplayer competition
Deca Sports
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The ultimate sports package! So easy to play and fun to master for casual and hardcore gamers alike! Experience fun filled sports competition across 10 different sporting events. With easy-to-pick up and play controls, DECA SPORTS will make a multi-sport athlete out of everyone in your entire family. Smash, spike and smoke the competition in events. Play in sports never before seen on a video game console system including Badminton, Curling, and Figure Skating. Or unleash the speed demon in you by racing in Snowboarding, Kart Racing or Motocross!The spirit of competition never felt this good. DECA SPORTS takes Wii play to the next level!
Deca Sports
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DECA SPORTS, the hit sports compilation series that had over 1 million units sold through on Wii, is taking its exciting multi-sports competition on the road with 10 NEW sporting events in DECA SPORTS DS! With all-new touch screen controls, DECA SPORTS DS will make everyone in your family experts in a wide range of new sports, no matter where they are. Lunge, flip, and kick your way to the top across all of the included events: Arm Wrestling, Wall Climbing, Clay Shooting, Cheerleading, Sky Diving, Ping Pong, Bobsled, Rugby, Golf, and even Sepak Takraw! The spirit of competition is more fun, and more portable, than ever!
{ This was available at Best Buy for the release of this game }
Additional Resources for: Deca Sports 2 Used, Pre-Played or For Rent
Every movie lover is anxiously awaiting the 2010 Academy Awards. Taking place on March 7th, 2010, Hollywood will be in full force during the course of the next month.
Who will win an invaluable Oscar award this year? While there are literally hundreds of awards given out each year, this article is going to focus on the most respected of them all.
The best picture Oscar is the one that we remember most each year. Every director becomes a living legend after winning an award like this, and more importantly, secures the budgets in the future to replicate their masterful works with new movies.
The best picture race is going to be an interesting one this year. As ten movies have been nominated, there are quite a few that could conceivably win the award.
While it may be unlikely that a Disney movie wins, Up was an instant classic that both critics and moviegoers absolutely loved.
Following the tale of an older man who travels the world in a balloon house hybrid around with world with a younger kid, this movie touched the hearts of millions of moviegoers around the world. Some are predicting that Up could conceivably win the award this year.
Others are praising A Serious Man, a drama written by the Coen Brothers with dark comedic undertones. This movie was released later in the year and never became a box office hit, but those who saw it really enjoyed it.
Another possibility is Inglorious Basterds, the Quentin Tarantino movie that many believe brought him back to form. If this movie doesn't win it, it's likely that a best actor or best supporting Oscar could be in the cards.
Then, there's the favorite amongst them all. James Cameron's Avatar is a one of a kind movie that Hollywood had never witnessed the likes of prior to this. Avatar will undoubtedly be the favorite to win the award.
can someone give me a friend code 4 any of games like dj hero rocband2 super smash bros brawl deca sports 2 sm?
i will give u my wii number also so i give u friend codes also add your wii numbers my is 8548 5106 1912 3349 please give me wii numbers and friend codes please
I have super smash bros brawl. My super smash bros brawl friend code is:5199 3260 1559
My wii number is 5598 9835 3667 7658.
Hope i helped
Frank Simmons will never stop trying to find his brother. When his brother went missing during a trek to the Himalayas to find an ancient Buddhist artifact, Frank set out for the mountains to track him down. Using controls designed specifically for the Wii, explore a realistic and daunting mountain environment. As you ascend the mountain, you'll see the summit in the distance - a looming reminder of your final destination. With rituals, mantras, and gestures, you will use your spirit to defeat enemies. Reach the top to determine the fate of Frank's brother.
Spring has arrived and the groundhogs still haven’t left their den. Hurry to help Emma, Andy and her faithful dog Pickles to discover nature and understand this phenomenon!
Additional Resources for: Emma in the Mountains Used, Pre-Played or For Rent
Specialised sleeping bags
When it comes to outdoor equipment, we at Outdoor World Direct have something for everyone. Whether you're a family embarking on a fortnight's holiday at your favourite touring park, or a youngster embarking on the first intrepid leg of your Duke of Edinburgh award, we have everything you need.
Sleeping bags are the one thing that must be carefully chosen. Research has shown that there are thousands of unique ways for people to sleep, whether the roof is tiled or made of canvas – hence, sleeping bags must be equally adaptable. In fact, choosing your outdoor equipment is every bit as important as choosing a bed and mattress. There are many types of sleeping bag available, so make sure you pick the right one for you.
If you intend to camp mainly in the summer months, it's still a good idea to buy a two or three season sleeping bag. Even the hottest days can be cool at night, and unless you've purchased one of our foldable camp beds, there won't be much between you and the ground – remember, the soil isn't underfloor heated. A thick foam mattress or airbed will help but the coolness will still rise from other areas.
When you want to stay really warm and cosy, with no "cold spots", invest in one of the mummy sleeping bags we sell at Outdoor World Direct. These are tapered for warmth, and the hood and zipper will ensure you are insulated from outside temperatures. To avoid overheating in summer, buy a lightweight all-seasons sleeping bag. These trap the body's warmth between insulated layers, while at the same time wicking away sweat and keeping you cool in summer. They also roll up much smaller than conventional padded mummy bags, and so are ideal for backpacking. Our lightweight Vango mummy sleeping bags are recommended outdoor equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
To cosy up to the person next to you, consider a large double sleeping bag. These are also an excellent idea if you like the feel of a duvet, but want the enclosed comfort that sleeping bags bring.
We at Outdoor World Direct supply double sleeping bags from respected names in outdoor equipment – Vango, Coleman and Outwell being just a few. Buy a three or four season double bag and you can zipper yourselves in during the cooler months, and open it up and throw it over like a duvet during the height of summer. Alternatively, you can use two single rectangular bags. Unlike mummy bags these unzipper all the way down, and so can be joined together.
If your frame is more Brian Blessed than Kate Moss, or you're a Peter Crouch lookalike, consider one of our extra large sleeping bags. We at Outdoor World Direct have an impressive range of extra large, extra long sleeping bags in both mummy and rectangular designs. Like our double bags, these include ultra-lightweight all-season designs that roll up to a compact shape for back-packing and mountaineering. For whatever you are buying your outdoor equipment, we have the sleeping bags for you.
About the Author
Emma writes articles on Outdoor World Direct's tents including product guides on sleeping bags
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Can You Translate This In French ?
I know this is a lot to ask but can anyone translate this in french for me thanks so so much if you can:
Hello My Name Is Emma
I am going to the mountains and am going to live in a house with my mum, dad and sister for a week. My sister and i are going to go swimming,rollerblading, horse-riding and a bike ride. My parents are going to play football and golf. I am going to buy some chocolate for my friends, some sweets for my my cousin and buy a cd for myself. When we go to quick i will have some water and chips with tomato sauce and my sister will have the same.
I live in Hamilton. There is a cinema, swimming pool, church, restaurant and train station. The cinema is near the swimming pool and the church is behind the church and the church is infront of the swimming pool. My town dosen't have a airport
I am going to the mountains and am going to live in a house with my mum, dad and sister for a week. My sister and i are going to go swimming, rollerblading, horse-riding and a bike ride. My parents are going to play football and golf. I am going to buy some chocolate for my friends, some sweets for my my cousin and buy a CD for myself. When we go to quick i will have some water and chips with tomato sauce and my sister will have the same.
I live in Hamilton. There is a cinema, swimming pool, church, restaurant and train station. (???The cinema is near the swimming pool and the church is behind the (church?) and the church is in front of the swimming pool.???) My town doesn't have an airport.
You have some errors in your english text, and a prhrase that doesn't make sens too much.
Je vais allé dans les montagnes et vivre dans une maison avec ma maman, papa et ma soeur pour une semaine. Ma soeur et moi aurons nager, faire du rollerblading, faire du cheval et du vélo.
Mes parents vont jouer au football et au golf. Je vais acheter du chocolat pour mes amis, quelques sucreries (friandises) pour mon mon cousin et acheter un CD pour moi. Quand nous allons aux rapides j'aurai de l'eau et des frites avec la sauce de tomate et ma soeur aura le même.
Je vis dans la ville de Hamilton. Ici il y a un cinéma, une piscine, une église, un restaurant et une gare. (??!!Le cinéma est près de la piscine et l'église est derrière (l'église?) et l'église est devant la piscine.!!??) Il n'y a pas d'aéroport dans ma ville.
Big Beach Sports returns to offer more friendly fun in the sun with another collection of sports, games, and competitions best enjoyed in the surf and on the sand. Competitors from around the world are flocking to the tropical island of Moa Loa. Only one will leave as King of the Beach! Earn the crown in a variety of events that you can play solo or in four-person multiplayer. Play soccer, rugby, cricket, and disc golf. Hit the waves to surf and canoe. Race on water rockets and dune buggies. And if you have a Balance Board, you can hop aboard and use it to ride the waves.
Big Beach Sports 2
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We’re going back to the beach for more fun in the sun! Big Beach Sports 2 features 8 sports mini-games designed to provide fun for the entire family!
Big Beach Sports
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Have fun on the beach with your family and friends competing in six easy to play sports designed specifically for the Wii.
The Bigs 2
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The Bigs 2 X360
The Big Leagues just got bigger. The Bigs 2 allows fans to experience heroic gameplay, legendary game modes and incredible player models like they've never seen before. Elevating The Bigs 2 to new heights are bigger power-ups, amazing visual effects, and an all new career mode. Featuring exciting player animations and pick-up-and-play controls, The Bigs 2 delivers an action-packed, heroic MLB video game experience. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td.vgoverview { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; } Develop Legendary skills. View larger. Swing with power in your 'Wheelhouse.' View larger. Earn Turbo Points for strikes. View larger. Put runs on the board with the 'Big Slam.' View larger. The Wheelhouse One of the new features of The Bigs 2 is the 'Wheelhouse,' an area in every batter's swing where their offensive threat is at its greatest. Color-coated and pulsating for both the batter and pitcher to see, balls struck well within this area are most likely to result in a hit, but there are no guarantees. Although it is a dangerous place for pitchers to throw, the Wheelhouse is also a tempting spot for pitchers to challenge hitters since not only do strikes result in the shrinking of a player's wheelhouse, but strikes and strikeouts centered there will earn the defensive team turbo points that can be used elsewhere in the game. Legendary Rated Players The Bigs 2 features a special Legendary Rating system for players as they develop. On defense a high rating means a player will be able to get to balls other players can't, which will make them very valuable against high-powered offensive team. In addition, players with high status are capable of spectacular plays, like jumping into the stands to rob a batter of a home-run, pulling down come-backers off the bat of opponents, etc. When these plays are made players will gain access to play specific mini-games as a reward, that are designed to be fun and further hone their skills in these specific areas. Along with the two mentioned above, players can also expect to see mini-games available to legendary rated players such as handling line drives up the middle, diving plays in both the infield and outfield and foul balls pulled from the hands of fans. Legendary status is not limited to defensive fielding positions though. Pitchers can possess a legendary skill rating that allows them the possibility of domination on the mound. Batter's legendary ranking can also be utilized both by the power and skill they bring as they step up to the plate, as well as in some cases an ability to increase the potency of their teammates skill in the batters box. An example of this is an enlarged wheelhouse for the batter that follows a player with a high legendary ranking or even the entire lineup. In these cases the value and strategy of having legendary players available for insertion into the roster is obvious. The Big Slam Similar to functionality in the first game in the series that allowed players who had accumulated enough turbo points a strikeout or home run when they wanted/needed it, The Bigs 2 brings the 'Big Slam' to the field. In this case offensive players who have enough turbo points can opt to take on a series of pitches in an attempt at a simplified grand slam. The rub is that there are only four pitches involved one for each batter in the series. All it takes to get your man on base is to make contact. Once the bases are full a grand slam is automatic. Key Features Become a Legend Mode - New & improved story mode, picking up at the end of the "Rookie Challenge" mode from The Bigs. Create a player and progress your career from a Mexican league to the Majors and, eventually, the Hall of Fame. Along the way, compete in boss battles against MLB legends. Season Mode - As requested by fans, enjoy a new Season Mode featuring full MLB schedules, stat tracking and roster management, as well as the ability to play as part of the team and general manager. Improved Gameplay - Bigger and better arcade baseball action, featuring Legendary Moves, Batter’s Wheelhouse & a more powerful Big Slam. Home Run Pinball - Enjoy exciting single player or co-op action in Times Square or three new environments. Mini-games - Test your hitting, fielding, running and throwing skills against MLB stars in several all-new mini-games. Multiplayer Support - 2 player local versus; 4 player local co-op; 2-4 player online versus; 5 player online co-op. Game Modes The Bigs 2 comes with a wide variety of modes, some familiar to players and others new. The first of these is the story based 'Become a Legend' mode. This career mode picks up where the 'Rookie Challenge' from the previous game left off and has players creating a player, who comes up through the Minor leagues, the Majors and eventually into hall of fame. Along the way he will be challenged in a variety of boss battles against major league greats from all eras. In addition The Bigs 2 features a 'Season Mode' where players play through an entire 162 game season, as players and general manager, improving your team and making trades along the way. The game also contains a new version of the 'Home Run Pinball' mode, set in modern Times Square, Times Square retro, Tokyo and Las Vegas; mini-games similar to those in the 'Become a Legend' mode; and the 'Pick-up Game' mode where players can play a fast game against a real or AI opponent.
Enjoy all of your favorite summers sports at the Pro Center, where Coach will guide you through intense drills to test your athletic skills. Push yourself to the max as you compete against your rivals to become the ultimate Sports Champion!
The Bigs 2
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It’s the last stop. The final destination. The BIG SHOW. It’s where dreams born in backyards are finally realized. Where the fences are FARTHER. The grandstands are LARGER. And the spotlight is BRIGHTER. It’s where thieves run FASTER, pitchers throw HARDER and the sluggers go DEEPER. Where the bats are BIGGER, the spikes are SHARPER and the comebacks are harder to swallow. It’s where home runs are RUTHIAN and fastballs CATCH FIRE. It’s where a monster lurks in left. Where bombers terrorize the night. And where the confines aren’t always so friendly. It’s THE BIGS. And come July, everything about them is about to get BIGGER.
Summer Sports Paradise
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Check into the Paradise Island Resort and explore the vast array of recreational activities in a lush tropical environment. Compete against friends in a collection of summer-themed games including Basketball, Croquet, Lawn Darts, Badminton, Volleyball, Horse Shoes, and Mini-Golf. Bump, set, spike, throw, putt, shoot, swing, and more - all with intuitive Wii Remote gestures.
Enjoy all of your favorite summers sports at the Pro Center, where Coach will guide you through intense drills to test your athletic skills. Push yourself to the max as you compete against your rivals to become the ultimate Sports Champion!
Go on your dream hunting adventure as you travel to the world's most prestigious hunting locations in pursuit of the most exotic and sought after big-game trophy animals. Put your hunting skills and techniques to the test in Montana, British Columbia, New Zealand, Africa, and Argentina.
The Bigs 2
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PS2 The Bigs 2
The Big Leagues just got bigger. The Bigs 2 allows fans to experience heroic gameplay, legendary game modes and incredible player models like they've never seen before. Elevating The Bigs 2 to new heights are bigger power-ups, amazing visual effects, and an all new career mode. Featuring exciting player animations and pick-up-and-play controls, The Bigs 2 delivers an action-packed, heroic MLB video game experience. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td.vgoverview { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; } The Wheelhouse Along with most of the features that players enjoyed from the original game, The Bigs, players of The Bigs 2 will enjoy new features including the 'Batter's Wheelhouse,' an area in every batter's swing where their offensive threat is at its greatest. Color-coated and pulsating for both the batter and pitcher to see, balls struck well within this area are most likely to result in a hit, but there are no guarantees. Although it is a dangerous place for pitchers to throw, the Wheelhouse is also a tempting spot for pitchers to challenge hitters since not only do strikes result in the shrinking of a player's wheelhouse, but strikes and strikeouts centered there will earn the defensive team turbo points that can be used elsewhere in the game. Key Features Epic Arcade Baseball Action - Larger-than-life gameplay, stadiums and player models provide a truly heroic baseball experience. Batter’s Wheelhouse - Pitches thrown into the Batter’s Wheelhouse are more likely to be launched into the next time zone, but sneaking a pitch past the hitter will shrink his wheelhouse for the rest of the game. Do you have the guts to pitch into the Batter’s Wheelhouse? Legend Challenge - Unique story mode allows users to pit their created player against MLB legends past and present as they strive for a World Series championship and MVP trophy. Screenshots: Become a legend. View larger. Arcade style fun. View larger. Batter's Wheelhouse. View larger. Base-running action. View larger.
M&M's Beach Party
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6 exciting games to ply including Volleyball, Ring Toss, Kayak Races and more.
Additional Resources for: Big Beach Sports Used, Pre-Played or For Rent
Florida Sport Fishing - 4 Great Resources For Fishing Enthusiasts
There is a mass of sport fishing hotspots to be found along the coasts of Florida so this is where many sport fishing enthusiasts flock to year in, year out. There are places like the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and off the coasts around Cabo San Lucas. Sport fishing is an activity popular in Florida for many outdoor enthusiasts who can charter boats for an excursion out on the ocean for the day.
1. Sport Fishing Categories in Florida
There is a vast range on offer in species that can be found in Florida waters for all those who love sport fishing. The sport fishing options that are available in this area which you will find on fishing charters are:
. Catches of Blackfin Tuna
. Evening Swordfishing
. King fish
. Sailfish
. Snapper
. Tackle Sportfishing
. Wahoo
2. The Florida Sport Fishing Regions
In each region of Florida you will find many different beaches and coastal areas. You can find idyllic spots located around Florida to suit both beginners and experts, to catch sizeable fish and to enjoy the beaches. The popular spots include:
. Central Florida: Belle glade, Deland, Haven, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Ocala, Orlando and Winter Haven
. East Central: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Ft. Pierce, Melborne, New Smyrna, Sabastian, Stuart, Titusville and Vero Beach
. Florida Keys: Key Largo, Key West
. Northeast: Fernandina Beach, Flagler Beach, Jacksonville, St. Augustine
. Northwest-Big Bend: Cedar Key, Crystal River, Hernando Beach, Homosassa Springs, Perry, Spring Hill, Steinhatche and Suwanee
. Panhandle: Apalachicola, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Port St. Joe, St. Marks and Tallahassee
. South East: Biscayne Bay, Boca Raton, Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, Jupiter and Miami Beach
. Southwest: Everglades City, Flamingo, Ft. Myers, March Island and Naples
. West Central: Boca Grande, Clearwater, New Port Riche, Pine Island, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa Bay and Venice
3. Sport Fishing Tournaments of Florida
The Florida has many competitions and fishing tournaments which are hugely popular all around. This hive of activity is fun and offers something exciting for those who want to show off their talent locally. Top of the fishing tournaments that you will in the area of Florida are:
. Bahamas White Marlin Open
. Florida Billfish Masters
. George Bush Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament
. Harbor Docks Open
. Islamorada Sailfish Tournament
. Islamorada Swordfish Tournament
. Senorita Shootout
. Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge
4. Baitshops and Marinas for Sportfishing in Florida
Throughout the state of Florida there are baitshops and marinas galore so that you pick up the best in catches and lures for your gear. There are so many shops or stores to choose from that will to manage your supplies and fill your list of equipment from Marco Island right to Naples. The basic supplies for sportfishing are bait, rigged and unrigged ballyhoos, castings for flyfishing, knot equipment, standard lures and spinners. For Marco Island and the western Florida area the main supply shops to be found include:
. 4Yacht in Ft. Lauderdale
. Bayfront Marina
. Cedar Bay Marina
. Esplanade Marina, which is on the shores of Marco Island
. Gulfshores Marina
. Sunshine Ace Hardware
What are some places around Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley that have a good happy hour?
We're looking for places that have cheap draft domestic beers and buffalo wings made with actual Red Hot sauce and a more casual and relaxed atmosphere (i.e. not meat-marketty, not dressy, preferably no big sports bars)... Gay-friendly places would be fantastic but we're not holding our breaths on that one, what with it being Orange County.
theres a really mellow cool place near the huntington harbor called the house of brews..a few pool tables and good music..pretty classy place, but no dress code is enforced and its casual to beachy dress in there..its off of warner and algonquin street in the huntington harbor..check it out..you will like it..great food great wings...by the way, i dont think its a gay-friendly bar per say, but i dont think you'll be looked down upon either as all types,shapes and colors are pretty excepted in huntington beach...contrary to your preformed feelings for orange county.
Shoot hoops with NBA's finest in your very own backyard with Backyard Basketball 2007! Dwayne Wade, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Shaq, Yao, Paul Pierce, Lamar Odom, Stephon Marbury, and LeBron James headline a list of NBA superstars who are ready to take the court (as kids versions of themselves, of course) for exciting arcade-style hoop action! Choose from officially licensed versions of every NBA squad, plus ten Backyard teams stocked with Backyard Kids. You'll find realistic gameplay and goofy animations in Single Game, Season, Multi-player, and Mini-Game Modes. Customize your team, players, court, uniforms, and logos. You'll also unlock bonus content and find tons of surprises.
Backyard Football 2007
List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $7.66
Used From: $5.95
Average Rating:
Backyard Football 2007 brings kid-sized professional football players and the Backyard Kids together for another round of arcade football. The game gives players total control of the style, location, pace, and strategy of the game. Spectacular graphics, crazy effects & addictive gameplaymake Backyard Football 2007 a great way for young football fans to the game and live out their sports fantasy. Create your own player
Real NFL Action! New Pros, Plays and Strategies! Play in the sunshine, rain, or even the snow! Play all 32 NFL teams and 19 wacky Backyard teams, tons of unlockable players, cheats, and goodies, wild new arcade style power moves, new 7 vs. 7 teams, play one game or a whole season, and more. Game comes loaded with top NFL Superstars such as: Daunte Culpepper, Tom Brady, Mike Vick, Donovan McNabb, Matt Hasselbeck, Priest Holmes, LaDainian Tomlinson, Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Brian Urlacher, Peyton Manning, Michael Strahn, Tony Gonzalez, and Ahman Green. Game Features Backyard Football 2007 is the number-one football video game for kids. Hit the gridiron with Super Bowl Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger or NFL superstars such as Manning, McNabb, Brady, and more. Backyard Football 2007 is the fifth version of the best selling kid's football video game of all time and the only one to hold the National Football League and PLAYERS INC licenses. The game features new graphics and environments, interactive backgrounds, and realistic gameplay with stats, minigames, unlockables, and tons of surprises. Backyard Football 2007 includes all NFL teams, uniforms, and logos as well as a complete line up of Backyard teams and kids. Game Highlights Official NFL and Players Inc. Licenses, all pro teams, uniforms, and logos Season play with complete team stats and standings Realistic gameplay and strategies with whacky animations Customizable teams, players, fields, and uniforms Multiple levels Unlockables, power ups, minigames, and surprises Multi-player mode 10 Backyard teams with an extensive line up of Backyard Kids
Additional Resources for: Backyard Sports: Football 2007 Used, Pre-Played or For Rent
The University Of Illinois: A Study In Excellence
The University of Illinois opened for classes on March 2, 1868 with only two faculty members and a handful of students. The school has grown to serve tens of thousands of students with an annual budget of over $1.5 billion. The growth of the university has always focused on excellence: both in the class room and on the athletic field. Many graduates and fans want to show their school spirit. One of the best ways to do that is to buy merchandise: sweatshirts, bumper stickers, etc. the most durable way to show your spirit is to buy an Illinois cornhole set.
To date, 21 alumni and faculty members have been named Nobel prize laureates. Another 20 are Pulitzer Prize winners. John Bardeen is the only person to have won two Nobel prizes in physics. He did so in 1956 and 1972. He was a faculty member when he won both prizes. In 2003, two faculty members won Nobel prizes: Paul Lauterbur(physiology or medicine) and Anthony Legget(physics).
U of I fields a team in 10 men's and 11 women's sports in the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA's Division I. All of the teams are referred to as the Fighting Illini. The teams play at Memorial Stadium(football), Assembly Hall(basketball), and Atkins Tennis Center, and the Ice Arena. The U of I's football team claims the honor of having the first homecoming game in America. The game was held on October 15, 1910. The Illini beat a number one ranked team on the road for the first time in 2007, when they beat the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Horseshoe. The men's basketball team had a dream run in 2005 when they went 37-2 . The season ended with a loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the national championship game.
The Illinois cornhole set is a great way to commemorate your alumnus, or favorite team, while encouraging your family to spend quality time together. You can buy a cornhole game that is made of wood or one that is made out of heavy-duty plastic. Each has a U of I logo and comes complete with a set of eight University of Illinois cornhole bean bags. Everything that you need to have hours of family fun in your own backyard comes in one box.
About the Author
Jerry Coffey, the author, loves to play cornhole and often uses his own Illinois cornhole set. His children enjoy the simplicity of the game and the ease of playing with the light weight Illinois cornhole bean bags. He is also the webmaster at www.cornholegameinfo.com.
are the backyard sports 2007 games good games to play?
