Play It
Socom: U.S. Navy Seals
America is under attack in this chilling video game, and the Navy Seals are responsible for its protection. You're one of the top commanders in the storied military juggernaut, and you'll be in charge of deploying troops to defend against sea, land, and air attacks. The opposing forces are part of a terrorist alliance that has its sight set on undermining the American way, and you'll have your hands full with 17 of the most difficult missions imaginable. SOCOM ships with a real headset-microphone that plugs into a serial port on the front of the PS2. This nifty gadget can be used to order around your team via simple commands. Tapping the circle button activates the communications menu, and you'll issue orders in subject-verb-object fashion. SOCOM is the game for someone looking to play a US Navy SEAL. It’s the one of the best tactical shooters out there, be it console or PC.

Experience It
The NFL
The original reality series, with all of its unpredictability, elation and pathos, the NFL continues to delight an ever growing worldwide audience. Even with the onslaught of televised games and the availability of NFL Sunday Ticket through your dish or cable company, the only way to watch a game is live. The grass is greener, the hits are louder and the sound of the rabid fans roar (in this case, at the thunderous Metrodome) can give literally send shivers up your spine. And it’s not just the game. The fan is bombarded with an onslaught of mascots, prize giveaways, cheerleaders and all sorts of behind the scene nuances that a broadcast could never capture. Add that to a superb pre and aft game tailgate party (don’t miss the action on Washington Avenue), and the experience becomes an all day event. As for the game itself, another NFL classic, with the Minnesota Vikings topping the Miami Dolphins with a last chance 50 plus yard field goal. You couldn’t script it any better than that. A perfect way for the guys, the girls or the entire family to spend a fall weekend.

On Video
Minority Report
Steven Spielberg takes a more sophisticated adult sci-fi edge in this actioner set 50 years in the future. Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton, the chief of an experimental Pre-Crime unit that uses three psychic humans to predict the occurrence of violent crimes in the near future, allowing police to step in just before the deed is committed. Unfortunately for Anderton, he's pegged as the next perpetrator of a crime, and must go on the lam to prove his innocence. On the run from his very own Pre-Crime force as well as the FBI, which wants to take over the unit, Anderton learns that one of the psychics disagrees with the group, creating a minority report as the outcome. Now Anderton must kidnap the one dissenting psychic, try to prevent himself from committing the crime, and then try to uncover if he's being set-up. Great special effects, with plenty of twists and turns, Cruise has another winner.
 

"I STILL LOVE BRITNEY"

The Buzz...
Justin Timberlake has confessed that he still loves former girlfriend Britney Spears and may never get over her. Despite being linked with a string of woman, Timberlake confessed that he was still hung-up on the Princess of Pop.

Contrary to rampant reports that Ian McKellen would pull double wizard duty as Hogwarts' Professor Albus Dumbledore and his current role as Gandalf, Michael Gambon will be donning the robes as Dumbledore for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, a role vacated by the death of Richard Harris.

The reality series The Surreal Life will feature seven celebrities sharing a house for ten days. Trapped without transportation, cell phones or personal assistants, they must interact with each other, share bedrooms and bathrooms, do household chores, go grocery shopping and prepare meals together. Some of the guests include Vince Neil, MC Hammer, Corey Feldman and Emmanuel Lewis.

Sopranos star Joe Pantoliano has been cast in the hit Broadway revival of Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune.

George Clooney's is returning to the small screen later this season. Desperate to boost ratings, Bonnie Hunt has also snagged Tom Hanks and David Duchovny to appear on her show Life with Bonnie.

Author J.K. Rowling has surpassed Madonna and Queen Elizabeth II to become the highest paid woman in Britain with a salary of $77 million in 2002.

Metallica have confirmed that they will indeed be hitting the road next year.

Mega photographer/video director Herb Ritts has passed away at the age of 50 from complications from pneumonia.

Domestic box-office receipts topped $9 billion for the first time, with the final tally likely to be up about 10 percent from last year's record $8.35 billion.

The debut album from Billy Corgan's new outfit, Zwan, will be available in a higher priced, limited-edition version. Those initial copies of Mary Star of the Sea will include a bonus DVD featuring a half-hour of studio footage, among other goodies.

Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach has confirmed that he has been recording demos and auditioning for the new band formed by ex-Guns N' Roses members Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum.

Director Ridley Scott received a knighthood in a New Year's list honoring Britons from all walks of life for contributions to their professions and to charity.

Urban Cowboy has set its sights on Broadway. A musical version of the John Travolta - Debra Winger movie has tentatively set a March 20 opening at New York City's Broadhurst Theatre.

George Roy Hill, the Oscar-winning director who helped turn Paul Newman and Robert Redford into one of Hollywood's most celebrated buddy combinations with The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, died at age 81.

Rapper and producer Master P was ordered to pay $105,000 in punitive damages to a grandmother whose voice was secretly recorded and used to introduce a cut on artist Magic's album "ky's the Limit.

Pete Townshend says that the Who is ready for an encore, with he and old sparring partner Roger Daltrey planning to record a new album of Who songs possibly for release in 2003.

A plan to name a street in Atlantic City after boxing promoter Don King is in for a fight, with critics complaining there are more deserving people to honor.

Cheap Trick will release a new album on January 22nd, 2003, and will include a bonus track, Special One, which is sung in Japanese by Robin Zander.