the pop group - for how much longer do we tolerate mass murder?

The Pop Group
For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?
1980
Rough Trade
[post-punk]

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giacinto scelsi - œuvres pour chœur et orchestre

Giacinto Scelsi/Wyttenbach/ Chœur et Orchestre de Cracovie
Œuvres Pour Chœur Et Orchestre
1988-90
Accord
[modern classical]

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I've actually already posted two thirds of this 3CD Scelsi box set (here). But this compilation is just so wonderful I feel like posting the complete thing. It features the three records Jürg Wyttenbach recorded with the Kraków Orchestra in the late 80s, easily the finest recordings of Scelsi's orchestral pieces I've heard thus far. The pieces here were written between 1959 and 1974. Unaware that these records were no longer out of print (as I falsely claimed in the original post), I was amazed to learn that they had been compiled in 2003 by Accord for this remarkable and totally essential box set. For less than $30 you get almost two and a half hours of the best music from one of the most fascinating composers of the 20th century.

The first and second discs features both the Kraków Orchestra and the Kraków Philharmonic Choir, interpreting such masterpieces as Konx-Om-Pax, Quattro Pezzi and my personal favourites, Uaxuctum (possibly the darkest orchestral piece ever written?) and Anahit. If you're new to Scelsi, either of these two discs is the perfect place to start. It's difficult to describe Scelsi's music (you are better off just experiencing it for yourself), but it's safe to say that it is very dark (I've read people describing it as dark ambient), rather slow in places and that it often has a heavy emphasis on the lower register of sound (lots of trombones, tubas, organs and dark, pounding percussion), while also utilizing brass and violins in certain pieces. The third disc, which I've yet to fully explore, follows in the same vein, but leaves out the Kraków Philharmonic Choir. This is totally unique, endlessly rewarding music that you need to buy before it's too late and it goes out of print again.

Gisele Bündchen get married!

The lucky man has been the New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, 31. The wedding was held last Thursday in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Only friends and family closest to the couple went to the wedding.
Gisele Bündchen, 28, was outfitted by Dolce & Gabbana, as were her three dogs.

Congratulations for the couple!

The Color Purple

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

It seems Fashion and Interior Design go hand in hand with colors, textures, and trends. Purple/lavender is everywhere at the moment!! You can easily and inexpensively use purple to update the look of any room in your home. Keep a calm and clean palette accent your home with seasonal touches. Throws on the sofa and colorful patterned pillows can spruce up any room. Don't forget paint. Cut flowers can add so much too for just pennies! Purple is an excellant accent color for the garden as well. It can trasform any space dramatically for little money!

I might be a little obsessed with purple...
Can you blame me?

A Touch of Europe Comes to Houston

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Designer Pamela Pierce applied her signature European style to her own Kitchen....

Check out the Viking refrigerator, my favorite. I loved that she ripped down walls and inserted metal framed windows that pour all the light in!!She added in antiques from her travels to Europe to warm up the space. I love the old beam window headers, the French antique limestone pavers on the floor…The dining chairs are 18th century -Dutch. I love that she ripped out all upper cabinets and installed open shelving...the shelving and back splash are all the same as the countertops, Statuary Marble.
The floors in her pantry sounded really great, they are old pine flooring she found from a cheese shop in Sweden!!!
~Photography by Stephen Karlisch~

colossamite - economy of motion

Colossamite
Economy Of Motion
1998
Skin Graft
[noise rock]

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iannis xenakis - orchestral works vol. iv

Iannis Xenakis/ Tamayo/Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg/Ooï
Orchestral Works Vol. IV
2004
Timpani
[modern classical]

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You'll probably need to add ".zip" or ".rar" to the end of the filename for this one to unzip successfully.

iggy and the stooges - i'm sick of you 7"

Iggy And The Stooges
I'm Sick Of You 7"
1977
Bomp!
[proto-punk]

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faith/void - split lp

Faith/Void
Split LP
1982
Dischord
[punk, hardcore]

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'Deadly Creatures' a creepy adventure for the Wii

Bugs are frowned upon in computer software, especially video games. But in the case of THQ video game Deadly Creatures, they're the main attraction.

The adventure for the Nintendo Wii features an interesting story told through the eyes of two unusual lead "characters": a scorpion and a tarantula. As they navigate the desert, they witness the action of two men — voiced by actors Dennis Hopper and Billy Bob Thornton — search for treasure in a landscape littered with dangerous animals and insects.

Players hear bits of conversation as they traverse a small tunnel, or watch key moments while perched on a ledge. The method is very clever and unique.

The game breaks down into 10 levels, five for each creature. While the tarantula is quick and nimble, the scorpion is both bigger and stronger. Attacks are handled using a combination of remote and nunchuk flourishes and well-timed button presses. Taking advantage of its agility, the tarantula can pounce on foes, for example. The scorpion, meanwhile, can deliver tail stings and whips.

Level objectives are pretty straightforward, with directives such as "find your way to the surface." Creatures will climb up walls, slip inside small crevices and even walk upside down on ceilings to reach their destination. The variety of objects keeps you engaged in this very large world, such as sneakers to crawl through or a broken-down truck to trek across.

Overall, the tarantula is a more interesting creature to control. Because you can't string together strikes as easily, you're forced to think more strategically about how best to vanquish enemy creatures. The scorpion, on the other hand, can dish out hits more quickly. Therefore, it's easy to just flail and press buttons frantically to beat down opponents.

Foes ranging from wolf spiders and black widows to gila monsters and rattlesnakes lurk in the wilderness. Yet your greatest nemesis is the perspective. The game's camera stalks your every move, yet struggles to keep pace when the action picks up. As a result, you're left viewing battles from awkward angles, blinded to approaching threats. Prepare to consistently press down on the remote's directional pad to center your view.

Don't be scared off by the creepy-crawly critters that adorn the box art for Deadly Creatures. Despite some noticeable flaws, this adventure offers plenty to embrace.

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Source: USA Today

Nintendo DSi

Yesterday morning Nintendo of America announced that the latest evolution of its DS portable, the DSi, was due to hit stateside on April 5 of this year, priced at $169.99 MSRP. The device is the next system upgrade in the line of DS handhelds, and not a successor to the DS itself (much like the GBA SP or Micro releases for Game Boy Advance), though it promises to bring even more technology to the Big N's innovative pocket platform. Adding in two cameras, internal memory for music, pictures, and downloadable software, a SD port for additional memory, a new front end inspired by the Wii's channel system, and a pair of slightly larger screens, the DSi hopes to bring new lift into the already impressive DS hardware.

Where the real question comes in though, is in some of the changes and sacrifices the hardware asks players to make, and with that we hear the questioning cries of Nintendo fans everywhere as they shout "Should I, or should I not drop the cash and upgrade to DSi?"

Well, we're here to help. Yes the DSi is a bit pricey, and for those of you still catching up on your backlog of awesome Advance titles (or strumming away with Guitar Hero On Tour) the GBA slot has been removed, but there are benefits to the upgrade as well, and therein lies the rub. In order to make sense of it all, the IGN Nintendo Team has jotted down its own personal take on the system in a more personal editor-by-editor format.

Read more!

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Source: IGN

Kitchen Inspiration

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

As some of you may know, my latest adventure has been helping a friend spec' appliances for his kitchen,which is not yet built.

A little known fact…If had not been a designer I would have loved to have been a chef. My dream refrigerator has always been with clear glass doors!
Maybe it's the culinary in me that loves the glass doors, or I just like all the products inside to face in perfect directions... Like your own private gourmet grocery store... I prefer the freezer at the bottom of the frig' as I rarely use it. These all come from Sub-Zero.Darryl Carter is one of my new favorite designer's. This is his own kitchen in a farmhouse in Virginia (photographed by: Simon Upton) I love this photo of a1904 Dallas building where designer Shannon Bowers has mixed Industrial with Antiques. Photo by: Joe Grisham

Robert Pattinson To Present At Academy Awards

If this latest report is to be believed, Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony will welcome a new and welcome face for many a young fan. Sure, you’ll get your Brad and Angelina fix this weekend (both are nominated of course) but who cares about the world’s most famous couple this side of Barack and Michelle when Robert Pattinson is involved.

Yes, HitFix claims they have confirmed the recent rumors that “Twilight” star Pattinson will indeed present an award at the Oscars. The report doesn’t indicate what award Pattinson will present nor whether his “Twilight” co-star Kristen Stewart will be by his side as he bestows a statuette to a lucky winner.

The decision to add Pattinson to the roster of presenters can’t be considered much of a surprise. It’s no secret that the Oscar telecast has been a ratings-challenged affair in recent years. And this year’s ceremony — without a blockbuster like “Titanic” (or even “The Dark Knight”) in competition for the major awards — could use all the help it can. Hugh Jackman will host the proceedings and that certainly establishes a different vibe than the usual stand-up host. But with the addition of Pattinson the Oscar producers are clearly hoping to draw in a younger crowd.

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Source: MTV

French Laundry

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

One of my dreams is to have a beautiful dining experience at the famed and proclaimed French Laundry in Napa Valley. The owner and chef is world renowned Thomas Keller. Dining at French Laundry is supposed to be unlike anything you've ever experienced!!! ever! I cannot wait!!! Here is an excerpt from their website, detailing their dining experience:

Every day we create two unique nine-course tasting menus – chef’s tasting and a tasting of vegetables – each a series of smaller, focused dishes. No single ingredient is ever repeated throughout the meal. What we want you to experience is that sense of surprise when you taste something so new, so exciting, so comforting, so delicious, you think, “Wow” – and then it’s gone. We want the peak of sensation on the palate to be all that you feel. We want you to say, “I wish I had just one more bite of that.” And then the next plate arrives and the same thing happens, but in a different way, a whole new flavor and feel and emotion.

And for those of you who want to take the dining experience home there is the French Laundry Cookbook! Bon Appetit!

Napa Valley Dream Destination Summer 09

by Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

As part of my commitment to "dreaming and doing" I have started researching my dream destination to Napa Valley.
Napa Valley is divine get away. Its a lovely provincial community that reminds me of Europe with its beautiful natural organic settings, earthy sensibility and lush landscapes. The fact that everybody loves gourmet food and wine, even better.

My dream hotel destination is the lovely Auberge du Soleil, also known as the “Inn of the Sun”.

My dream dinner destination is of course French Laundry. I can’t wait to turn this dream into a reality!

Photos courtesy of Max Kim-Bee for Travel & Leisure Magazine 02-09

gilberto gil - expresso 2222

Gilberto Gil
Expresso 2222
1972
Water
[tropicália, mpb]

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Wild Lavender Landscaping

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Recently, while I was doing research for a new project I came across this great article in the May issue of Met Home “08. I love this amazing exterior design.

It looks so simple and wild yet Provincial-as if it has been there for years- growing wild.....un-groomed... I loved the low-maintenance plants and the fact that they are "drought-resistant".

The designer, Ron Lutsko Jr., began by wrapping honey-hued stone walls around the courtyard and used large limestone pavers surrounded by gravel instead of using grass.....It is both cost effective and maintenance free and looks absolutely beautiful... I love that it looks wild...with clusters of "lavandula Stoecha" and lavaundula "grosso" (types of lavender- there are 5000 types) I also love the contrastof the lemon-lime clusters called "Euphorbia", nestled amongst the contrast of the bold Blue Oak tree.

All photographs are by Marion Brenner

Rihanna postpones Malaysian show amid attack case

Singer Rihanna has postponed her scheduled February 13 concert in Malaysia, a concert promoter said on Tuesday, following reports she was attacked by boyfriend and singer Chris Brown this past weekend. Los Angeles police investigators have identified Rihanna as the victim in Sunday's attack. Brown has been arrested and charged with making criminal threats and Rihanna is cooperating with detectives, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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Source: Washintong Post

Americans for Prosperity starts a no stimulus petition drive

A group calling themselves, "Americans for Prosperity" has started a so-called no stimulus petition drive concerning the proposed economic stimulus package. Does this group involve concerned Americans in all financial categories or does it simply reflect the "haves" striving to hold down the "have not’s?"

Last month nearly 600,000 Americans lost their jobs, bring us a whopping three-and-a-half million loses during this recession. A recession, some have yet to even acknowledge.

I have a hard time watching John McCain (and others) urging everyone to run online and sign a silly petition. I don’t remember him doing that when Bush blindly announced the first bailout plan, Sure we all squawked when the CEO’s arrived in private jets and even giggled when they were asked if they couldn’t have “jet pooled” But I don’t remember any call for Americans to sign a petition!

And there were plenty of talks about how Bush’s invasion has set our Country into a spiral of debt. If ever there had been a need for Americans to ban together, it was then. But again, no petition was circulated and promoted by members of Congress!

In a time where Congress needs to come together, they seem bent on staying apart. One could argue they are simply setting the stage for their next election. On the other side, one could argue they are truly standing by what they think is right. But a petition, does anyone seriously believe that would have any impact?

And where was this group during the first bailout? Oh that’s right; it was mainly a bailout for the rich. So, maybe, just maybe if people promoting this petition were to lose one of their 7 (or was it 9) homes, they might be able to understand the need the average American. Remember, the idea here is to stimulate the economy which will in turn, help us all.

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Source: Examiner

2PAC - All eyez on me

['Pac talking]
Big Syke, Newt, Hank
Beugard, Big Sur (yeah)
Y'all know how this shit go (y'know)
{All Eyez On Me}
Motherfuckin O.G.
Roll up in the club and shit (is that right?)
{All Eyez On Me}
{All Eyez On Me}
But you know what?

[2Pac]
I bet you got it twisted you don't know who to trust
So many playa hating niggaz tryin to sound like us
Say they ready for the funk, but I don't think they knowin
Straight to the depths of hell is where those cowards goin
Well are you still down nigga? Holla when you see me
And let these devils be sorry for the day they finally freed me
I got a caravan of niggaz every time we ride (every time we ride)
Hittin motherfuckers up when we pass by (when we pass by)
Until I die; live the life of a boss playa
Cause even when I'm high, fuck with me and get crossed later
The futures in my eyes, cause all I want is cash and thangs
A five-double-oh - Benz flauntin flashy rings, uhh
Bitches pursue me like a dream
Been know to disappear before your eyes just like a dope fiend
It seems - my main thang was to be major paid
The game sharper than a motherfuckin razor blade
Say money bring bitches, bitches bring lies
One nigga's gettin jealous, and motherfuckers died
Depend on me like the first and fifteenth
They might hold me for a second, but these punks won't get me
We got foe niggaz, and lowriders, in ski masks
screamin Thug Life every time they pass {All Eyez On Me}

[Chorus One: 2Pac]

Live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die
live the life of a boss playa {All Eyez On Me}
cause even gettin high.. ..{All Eyez On Me}
Live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die
live the life of a boss playa, cause even gettin high..

[Syke]
Heeyyy, to my nigga 'Pac..
So much trouble in the world, nigga
Can't nobody feel your pain
The world's changin everyday, times moving faaast
My girl said I need a raise, how long will she last?
I'm caught between my woman, and my pistol, and my chips
Triple beam, got some smokers on, whistle as I dip
I'm lost in the land with no plan, livin life flawless
Crime boss, contraband, let me toss this
Needy hookers got a lot of nerve, let my bucket swerve
I'm takin off from the curb
The nervousness neglect make me pack a tec
Devoted to servin this, Moet and paaayyy-checks
Like Akai satellite nigga I'm forever ballin
It ain't right parasites triggers and fleas crawlin
Sucker duck and get busted, no emotion
My devotion is handlin my business nigga keep on coastin
Where you goin I been there came back as lonely homie
Steady flowin against the grain niggaz STILL don't know me
It's about the money in this rap shit, this crap shit
It ain't funny niggaz don't even know how to act - shit!
What can I do, what can I say, is there another way?
Blunts and gin all day, twenty-fo' parlay
My little homie G, can't you see, I'm busta free
Niggaz can't stand me - all eyes on me!

[Chorus Two: 2Pac]

I live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die
Live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me}
cause even gettin high {All Eyez On Me}
I live the life of a thug nigga, until the day I die
live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me}
cause even gettin high

[2Pac]
The feds is watchin, niggaz plottin to get me
Will I survive, will I die? Come on let's picture the possibility
Givin me charges, lawyers makin a grip
I told the judge I was raised wrong, and that's why I blaze shit
Was hyper as a kid, cold as a teenager
On my mobile callin big shots on the scene major
Packing hundreds in my drawers; fuck the law
Bitches I fuck with a passion, I'm livin rough and raw
Catchin cases at a fast rate, ballin in the fast lane
Hustle til the mornin, never stopped until the cash came
Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die
Live my life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high
these niggaz got me tossin shit
I put the top down, now it's time to floss my shit
Keep your head up nigga, make these motherfuckers suffer
Up in the Benz burnin rubber
The money is mandatory, the hoes is fully strapped
This criminal lifestyle, equipped with the bulletproof vest
Make sure your eyes is on the meal ticket
Get your money motherfucker let's get rich and we'll kick it
All eyes on me!

[Chorus Three: 2Pac]

I live the life as a thug nigga, until the day I die
Live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me}
cause even gettin high.. ..{All Eyez On Me}
I live the life as a thug nigga, until the day I die
Live the life as a boss playa {All Eyez On Me}
cause even gettin high.. ..{All Eyez On Me}

['Pac talking]
Pay attention my niggaz
See how that shit go? Nigga walk up in this motherfucker
and it be like "bing!"
Cops.. bitches.. everymotherfuckinbody
[overlap]
Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die
Live my life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high
I got bustas hoes and police watchin a nigga y'know?
[overlap]
I live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die
Livin life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high
{All Eyez On Me}
Hehehe.. it's like what they think?
I'm walkin around with some ki's in my pocket or somethin?
{All Eyez On Me}
They think I'm goin back to jail, they REALLY on that dope
[overlap]
Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die
Live my life as a boss playa
I know y'all watchin, I know y'all got me in the scopes
[overlap]
Live my life as a thug nigga, until the day I die
Live my life as a boss playa, cause even gettin high
I know y'all know this is Thug Life baayy-bay
Y'all got me under surveillance huh?
{All Eyez On Me}
But I'm knowin

---

Source: Quedeletras

Blink 182 back together!

Blink-182 are back together, the reunion confirmed after the Grammys. The reunion of Blink-182 for 2009 was broke by David Kennedy earlier this weekend with word of a new album for 2009.

Thursday night, David Kennedy told fans that even as A&A is about to put out a new album for 2009, so too is Blink-182 to everyone’s surprise.

“I’m trying to write a statement about how Angels is all good while Blink is coming back”.

Asked if no A&A album would be released in replacement for Blink-182, Kennedy added

“No sir. … It will be a good creative year and I want to make sure that comes across.”

And just to make sure it was super clear, another fan said, hey is Blink-182 reuniting?

“Yeah, putting out a record.”

The three appeared this Sunday as presenters at the Grammy Awards. Now after the awards show , Blink-182 issued the following official statement Sunday evening from Los Angeles:

“Hi. We’re blink-182. This past week there’ve been a lot of questions about the current status of the band, and we wanted you to hear it straight from us. To put it simply, We’re back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album. Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. 17 years deep in our legacy.

“Summer 2009. Thanks and get ready…”

2009 is going to be a great year!

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Source: Lalate News

Alex Rodriguez admits drug use

Already the highest-paid player, Alex Rodriguez wanted to prove himself one of the greatest. Instead, he wound up atop another list: the highest-profile player to confess to cheating in baseball’s steroids era.

The All-Star third baseman, responding to a weekend Sports Illustrated report that he flunked a drug test, told ESPN on Monday he used banned substances while playing with the Texas Rangers from 2001-03 to justify his 10-year, $252 million contract.

“Back then, it was a different culture,” Rodriguez said. “It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive, and I wanted to prove to everyone that, you know, I was worth, you know — and being one of the greatest players of all time.”

He said he didn’t do it before that and quit during spring training in 2003, before the first of three American League MVP seasons, because “I’ve proved to myself and to everyone that I don’t need any of that.” He was traded to the New York Yankees before the 2004 season and said he hasn’t used banned substances since.

The admission came two days after Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site that Rodriguez was among 104 names on a list of players who tested positive for steroids in 2003, when testing was intended to determine the extent of steroid use in baseball. The results weren’t subject to discipline and were supposed to remain anonymous.

“When I arrived in Texas in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure. I felt like I had all the weight of the world on top of me and I needed to perform, and perform at a high level every day,” Rodriguez said.

“And I did take a banned substance and, you know, for that I’m very sorry and deeply regretful. And although it was the culture back then and Major League Baseball overall was very — I just feel that — You know, I’m just sorry. I’m sorry for that time. I’m sorry to fans. I’m sorry for my fans in Texas. It wasn’t until then that I ever thought about substance of any kind.”

Rodriguez said part of the reason he started using drugs was the heat in Texas.

“Can I have an edge just to get out there and play every day?” he said to himself. “You basically end up trusting the wrong people. You end up, you know, not being very careful about what you’re ingesting.”

Though Rodriguez said he experimented with a number of substances, he never provided details.

“It was such a loosey-goosey era. I’m guilty for a lot of things. I’m guilty for being negligent, naive, not asking all the right questions,” Rodriguez said. “And to be quite honest, I don’t know exactly what substance I was guilty of using.”

Owner feels ‘betrayed’

SI reported Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone.

He said he stopped using during spring training 2003, when he sustained a neck injury. It was just as baseball started its drug-testing survey.

Rangers owner Tom Hicks said the admission caught him by surprise.

“I feel personally betrayed. I feel deceived by Alex,” Hicks said in a conference call. “He assured me that he had far too much respect for his own body to ever do that to himself. … I certainly don’t believe that if he’s now admitting that he started using when he came to the Texas Rangers, why should I believe that it didn’t start before he came to the Texas Rangers?”

During those three seasons, Rodriguez averaged 161.7 games, 52 homers, 131.7 RBIs and a .615 slugging percentage. In the other 10 full seasons of his career, he averaged 149.2 games, 39.2 homers, 119 RBIs, and a .574 slugging percentage, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

“This is three years I’m not proud of,” Rodriguez said.

The 33-year-old Rodriguez ranks 12th on the career list with 553 homers, including 52, 57 and 47 in his three seasons with the Rangers. He is 209 behind Barry Bonds’ record 762.

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat who sits on the House committee that brought Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and other baseball players to Capitol Hill in recent years, favored a congressional hearing with Rodriguez.

“It would be good perhaps for us to sit down and talk to him,” Cummings said in a telephone interview. “I would think that he would want to cooperate with us so that the Congress would have the information it may need.”

Rodriguez’s admission was in stark contrast to the denials of Bonds and of Clemens, Rodriguez’s former Yankees teammate.

Bonds, a seven-time MVP, is scheduled for trial next month on charges that he lied when he told a federal grand jury in 2003 that he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs. Another federal grand jury is considering whether to indict seven-time AL Cy Young Award winner Clemens on charges he lied when he told a congressional committee last year that he never used steroids or human growth hormone.

Questions remain

Rather than hold a news conference, as Giambi and Pettitte did for their confessionals, Rodriguez chose the controlled setting of an interview with ESPN, one of Major League Baseball’s television partners.

The interview left open many questions:

• From whom did Rodriguez obtain drugs?
• How did he pay for them?
• Did anyone help him obtain them?

“You have nutritionists, you have doctors, you have trainers. That’s the right question today: Where did you get it? We’re in the era of BALCO,” Rodriguez said. “There’s many things that you can take that are banned substances. I mean, there’s things that have been removed from GNC today that would trigger a positive test.”

Monday’s ESPN interview directly contradicted a December 2007 interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes,” when Rodriguez said “No” when asked if he had ever used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing substance.

“I wasn’t even being truthful with myself,” he said Monday. “Today, I’m here to tell the truth.”

In his 2008 book, “Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball,” Jose Canseco claimed he introduced Rodriguez to a steroids dealer. Canseco, who has admitted using steroids, subsequently said he had no knowledge of any drug use by Rodriguez.

“They are looking in the wrong places,” Canseco said in a text message to The Associated Press. “This is a 25-year cover-up. The true criminals are Gene Orza, (union head) Donald Fehr and (commissioner) Bud (Selig). Investigate them, and you will have all the answers.”

SI said that Orza, the union’s chief operating officer, tipped off three players in September 2004 that they would be tested. Orza repeatedly has denied that he tipped off players, saying he merely reminded them late in the season that if they had not yet been tested, baseball’s drug agreement required them to be tested by the end of the regular season.

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Source: Ledger Enquirer

Flowers for Valentine`s Day

The Rose is the best flower for Valentine's Day! It's so lovely! You can find it in many colors and shapes, but for the day of love, I recommend the red rose.