Dr Chris Brown answers pet questions, today: How to house train your puppy.
Kirstie Alley has fallen off the treadmill again, with reports she has regained the 34kg she lost while representing weight-loss company Jenny Craig. Her contract with them has not been renewed.
“She’s devastated over the way her Jenny Craig career fizzled. It was a huge professional setback, and a major blow to her ego,” a source tells The Enquirer.
“She told a pal: ‘Actually, I’m glad it’s over. It’s a relief to be out from under the stress and scrutiny of that campaign.'”
On that tack, the Fat Actress star is now seeking alternative weight-loss tactics such as traditional Chinese medicine.
And with her Jenny Craig commitments over, in a move similar to Tom Cruise’s recent appraisals, Kirstie has also thrown herself into spreading the word on how Scientology has enhanced her life.
But The Enquirer‘s source says that few things have been effective in conquering the star’s weight battle.
“Nothing has permanently kept the weight off,” the friend says.
“Her three years with Jenny Craig boosted her visibility, but in the end she was really no better off.”
Your say: Was Jenny Craig right to dump Kirstie? Tell us what you think …
When I found out I was expecting a child, I was already four months along. I was a full-time student at the time and exams were coming up, so I hadn’t been paying attention to when my period was due. By the time I found out, I was too far into my pregnancy to abort and in any case, had I been given the option, probably would not have.
I struggled through the remainder of my studies knowing I would have to work it all out somehow. My partner was a part-time student who spent most of his time helping his family. He was never fond of the idea of children, which made it even harder to face the idea of telling him. One night I called and asked if he would like to come out to dinner as I had some important news. Exams had finished and he thought I was going to fill him in on my results. We had not seen each other in a few weeks as he had gone interstate to help his grandmother move house. He replied with an enthusiastic yes, saying it would be good to catch up as he had news for me too.
As I got dressed for the evening, I fretted over my small baby bump and prayed I could hide it well enough so he wouldn’t notice straightaway. I had organised to meet him at a local restaurant. He arrived shortly after me and sat opposite with a grin. He commented that I had put on weight and mentioned that I looked “radiant”. I looked down at my small bump and took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”
He rose from the table and asked who the baby belonged to. I was furious. I quietly informed him that the baby was his and was due in May. He went pale and sat down abruptly. I told him I was going to keep our child and hoped we could start a family. He fell quiet for a long time then told me in a calm tone that he’d been waiting for the right moment to tell me that he had met a nice girl when he was with his grandmother and had set up house with her and her daughter.
I was devastated. I couldn’t believe my faithful boyfriend of two years was leaving me — while I was pregnant! He told me it couldn’t be his child as we’d always been careful and he wasn’t going to be trapped into a domestic life. I rose from the table, barely managing to hold back tears, and left the restaurant in a rush. I returned home and went to bed to cry myself to sleep.
The next day I talked to my parents and filled them in on the pregnancy. They were very supportive and helped me get things organised for the birth.
In May I gave birth to a beautiful little boy and named him Matthew. I moved into my new place and my mum stayed for a week to get us settled. But it wasn’t long before the money problems started. The rent went up, little Matthew had grown out of his clothing and the bills had come in. I was frantic. I had tried so hard and saved all I could spare from the government allowance we were given to live on.
In desperation I turned to my aunt for help. She was always travelling to help out in orphanages in third world countries as she loved children. She was working on a big fundraising project at the time and said she was really sorry but she hadn’t any money to spare as she was due to leave again soon and needed it for her trip. I thanked her and asked if she needed any help with things. She set me to work at the charity’s office. I was there every day helping my aunt while Matthew played in the corner of the room. It wasn’t till after the final notices came in that I decided I’d have to borrow some money.
While my aunt was in a meeting, I went to her desk and removed the locked cash box she kept there. I felt incredibly guilty but reasoned that I’d pay it back as soon as I had the money. I also knew that the amount I was taking wouldn’t be missed as the cash hadn’t been counted yet. I swallowed a lump in my throat and pushed any feelings of guilt away as I removed $350 from the box.
I paid my debts and shortly before my aunt was due to leave I managed to slip $100 back into the box. She had a very successful trip and returned home with a little Nepalese boy who she adopted.
Ever since, I have thrown myself into charity work and slowly managed to pay back the rest of the money. My son Matthew is now five and has a loving relationship with his cousin. No one will ever know what I did but I am forever thankful to those unknowing children who saved us from homelessness.
Image: Getty / Picture posed by model
David Jones last night launched its new Winter 2008 Collection in a spectacular Tokyo-inspired setting, featuring some of the country’s most innovative and talented fashion designers.
But stealing the limelight throughout the event was stunning David Jones Ambassador, Megan Gale, who celebrated her final season on the runway after seven years with the Australian fashion giant. Both opening and closing the show, Megan, 32, still looked every inch the catwalk queen and showcased a number of designers’ new looks for the season which focused primarily on mini dresses, stockings and sky-high stilettos. Colours were kept muted with charcoal greys, blacks and purples featuring prominently alongside dazzling metallics and the occasional flash of neon.
Setting the trends for the season ahead was an impressive line-up which included Alannah Hill, Kirrily Johnston, Morrissey, Sally Smith, Alice McCall, Collette Dinnigan, Easton Pearson, Fleur Wood, Ginger & Smart and Willow and Zimmermann, all taking to the runway to unveil their Winter 2008 collections exclusive to David Jones stores.
Hair was a big feature on the catwalk with a mix of high, sleek and extended ponytails, geisha influenced couture bows and samari top knots. Make up also played a dramatic part with a strong focus on smoky, feline eyes, translucent skin, contoured cheeks and rich, luscious lips.
Creative Director, Mike Mizrahi, transformed the Royal Hall of Industries into a magical Japanese setting for the 600 VIP guests, celebrities and media in attendance, while Kelvin Harries, the show’s stylist brought together a fascinating blend of colour and texture with the 166 outfit changes which took place throughout the show.
Celebrity guests included the likes of Delta Goodrem and fiance Brian McFadden, who together joined in the standing ovation for Megan as she took her final bow out of the show wiping away tears.
Despite ending her career on the catwalk, she continues her relationship with David Jones in a new role as Brand Ambassador.
The star was spotted in the city of love … and in the arms of her love-rat ex.
Worried family and friends are warning Kylie Minogue against reuniting with her former boyfriend Olivier Martinez, after the pair were spotted looking cosy together in Paris.
Reports said that Kylie had taken Olivier back — on the condition that they get married and try for a baby.
“They’ve both been single for a year and Kylie has realised she’s never had anyone who has matched up to him,” says one friend.
But Kylie quickly hit back at the reports, saying they are simply friends…
Read the full story in Woman’s Day (on-sale February 11, 2008)
Your say: Will 2008 be the year of the love-rat for Kylie? Should she take Olivier back?
By Annette Campbell
Damian Harding is a 43-year-old IT specialist who lives in Canberra with his wife Eunmi and their daughter Destiny, aged seven.
He also happens to be someone’s superhero — Damian and his family made the decision to donate his brother Darren’s organs after Darren died in a motorbike accident in 1988.
But Damian’s story is special, because six years ago he received a life-saving kidney donation.
In the lead-up to Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week (February 17-24), Damian shares his unique perspective on the issue of organ donation.
“When that phone call came to say they had a kidney, I was very happy of course,” says quietly-spoken Damian. “But then I thought … someone’s died. And I knew what that family was going through right there and then. I still haven’t stopped thinking about that donor and their family — I think of them every day. It is such an honourable thing to give an anonymous gift of life.
“I know what it’s like to be sick and have learned to celebrate life more and not to take it for granted.”
Damian’s brother Darren was only 25 when he died following a motorbike accident.
Damian, one of three children, was living in his family’s hometown of Darwin at the time; he flew straight to Sydney to be with his brother.
“Darren was on a machine for another week and it became obvious he wasn’t going to come out,” Damian recalls.
“That’s when one of the doctors mentioned the possibility of organ donation. I thought that was a great idea!
“We were all just in an abyss of despair and this option was a bit of light for something good to happen, so we latched onto it. We understood that there were people waiting and lots of things to be organised, so we all said our goodbyes.
“Later we received a letter from the Red Cross, thanking us for the donation and letting us know that there had been two kidney recipients, one heart and both his corneas. That was really nice to know he’d helped a few people … so even now when I think about his death, it’s not such an overwhelmingly negative thing — there is a positive edge.”
Then in 1993, Damian was diagnosed with kidney disease.
By 1996 he was so sick that his doctor suggested if he wanted to do any travelling, to go and do it now, before the inevitability of beginning dialysis.
“I was taking a lot of medicine, including injections,” explains Damian. “It was obvious my kidneys were failing pretty quickly. So I went backpacking in Ireland and to Korea, where I met my beautiful wife.”
Damian began dialysis in 1997 and was on the treatment for nearly four years.
“As my deterioration continued, we talked about treatment options and one was a transplant. No-one in my family was suitable so I was placed on the waiting list.”
Damian was seriously ill and his weight, usually around 70kg, plummeted to 50-odd kilos.
Then at 4am one day in November 2001, Damian’s phone rang. “And I just knew!” he smiles. “My favourite doctor was on the line and he said, ‘We have a kidney for you, if you want it!’
“We were in living in Darwin at the time, so I had to fly to Adelaide for the procedure. My transplant was done on November 7 and only four days later I was feeling better than ever.
“Until then all food tasted horrible — meat tasted like aluminium foil. And one morning [after the transplant] they gave me boiled chicken and vegetables. I was hungry so I wanted to eat it … and it tasted great! It was the most delicious meal I’ve ever had.
“From that point on I loved food again and the world became wonderful. I felt so good and immediately started making plans for the future.”
Those plans included getting fit, which he did — and Damian ended up representing Australia in cycling at the World Transplant Games in Canada in 2005.
Damian will always be on medication and sees his specialist every two months.
“The kidney is working well — I’m still far better now than before the transplant,” he says. “It is such a wonderful gift and I celebrate it every day.”
In Woman’s Day magazine this week:
(on-sale February 11, 2008)
“I donated my heart and I’m still alive”
Lucinda Simpson is believed to be the only living Australian to donate her heart to save another life. Now she wants to meet the recipient…
The glowing Aussie star reveals her exciting plans for her long-awaited baby.
Mum-to-be Nicole Kidman proudly showed off her growing baby bump to friends during a recent girls’ get-together in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra.
Later, chatting over lunch about her exciting plans for her first-born, an elated Nicole told her sister and her closest girlfriends of her extravagant shopping list and how she wants to decorate the lavish nursery.
But shopping for the baby is only half the fun for Nicole — who says she is loving every moment of her pregnancy, and can’t wait to gain a few more curves.
“Being pregnant, I’ll have bigger boobs,” she laughs. “That’s one of the many good things I can think of that will come of it!”
Read the full story in Woman’s Day (on-sale February 11, 2008)
Read more about Nicole Kidman
The former Hey Hey It’s Saturday funnyman survives a brain tumour the size of a golf ball.
There was a blinding flash of light, a choking feeling and a bizarre sensation, as if someone was pulling him off his chair.
On Christmas Eve morning, John Blackman genuinely thought he was dying. It wasn’t so bad, but he hadn’t stuffed the turkey for his wife Cecile; he hadn’t said goodbye to his daughter Tiffany. What a bugger of a time to go …
Then the Hey Hey It’s Saturday star saw nothing but blackness.
Busy downstairs, Cecile heard a strange yell, followed by a thump. Instantly realising something was very wrong, she raced up to John’s home office. Where was he? Not at his desk? What was going on? Suddenly she spotted her husband of 36 years lying on the floor beside his desk. “He was completely stiff and frothing at the mouth, struggling to breathe,” she recalls…
For the full interview, see Woman’s Day (on-sale February 11, 2008)
By Gill Pringle
The actress opens up about raising her son, being happily single and why she still sees so much of her ex.
Kate Hudson has emerged radiant and beautiful, having survived the most tumultuous 18 months of her life. During that time she ended her five-year marriage to rocker Chris Robinson, father of their four-year-old son Ryder, and embarked on a rocky love affair with Owen Wilson, who later attempted suicide. Since then she’s enjoyed a brief romance with comedian Dax Shepard, although she is currently single.
But, like her mother Goldie Hawn, Hudson is a born survivor. Even in the wake of the tragic death of her friend and The Four Feathers co-star Heath Ledger, the 28-year-old actress manages to put a sunny smile on her face.
Sporting a new look — platinum blonde extensions with sexy bangs — Kate talks about single motherhood, love, loss and Australia.
You filmed Fool’s Gold on the Gold Coast. What did you like about Australia?
What don’t I like about Australia? I really love Australia. One of my favourite places is Bill’s in Sydney. Bill Granger is such a great chef. Bill’s does the best breakfast. Australian people are just so easy and fun and we had a great crew and everybody just worked so hard and we were all sharing everything. We were on boats — couldn’t leave the boat all day. So we’re all just hanging out and everybody’s working for everybody and helping everybody. And lifting things on and off boats. And to do that with an Australian crew was the most fun, because they’re just a blast.
You had poisonous spiders in your house in Australia?
I think it was one of those funnel spiders. I just stayed away until the landlord came over and took it down.
Were you frightened?
Initially, but by the time I left Australia, I was like an Australian with the attitude: ‘If you don’t bother it, it’s not going to bother you.’ Everybody there has that kind of attitude. I wasn’t like that when I first got there. I was like — can somebody write down and send us pictures of what can kill you, because everybody says, ‘Look out for this, and look out for that …’ Of course, nobody ever did. But by about a month in, we were sitting outside and winding down at night-time and we heard this insane sound of an animal right outside where we were staying. And somebody says, ‘What was that?’ And I was like, ‘I dunno’. So we kept going and then we started to laugh because it could have been like anything, but we were already so used to wildlife by that time because we were in the rainforest and going deep-sea diving and this sound could have been some deadly animal and we all don’t even think twice about it at this stage. We just didn’t care!
And you saw a giant manta ray while you were underwater?
It was pretty scary because at the time I was only just getting certified and behind me was a manta ray. And it’s like the size of a dining table! At the time I wasn’t really sure what it was because I’m at the bottom of the ocean and it was murky. It looked like a whale. And when I signalled to my diving instructor Michelle, she was like, ‘Calm down, calm down.’ And then she kind of went back and was like, ‘Whoa.’ And then we went up. And I think the exact words out of my mouth was: ‘What the f*** was that?!’ And then of course everyone was just so excited to see a manatee.
Did you have any concerns about going out in the ocean?
I just don’t like sharks so I was really kind of freaked out about seeing what was under the water. But once I got under the water — and you have all these amazing people that are helping you — I felt pretty comfortable. Because working underwater is not really like normal stunts where you feel like you might have some control. But when you’re working in an underwater element, you don’t have that. You know you have to be pretty, like, on-point. You cant f*** around! You can’t because otherwise you’re dead. Your lungs will expand … so you really are, when you’re going down under, you kind of all look at each other, and you all know that once you’re down there, that you’re really focussed. Scuba diving is one of those situations where you have to learn to trust one another in an environment where you really need to trust somebody the most. It was a great bonding experience with the other actors. I did a lot of emergency procedures and I got really good at them, which was really fun because now I feel great going in the ocean and scuba diving.
And you agreed to get certified as a scuba diver as part of your contract?
Yes, but I thought it was going to be easier than it was. When I had my first real dive, I was terrified to get into the water, but the marine crew and all the dive masters were amazing. And once you get down there, it’s just incredible. I mean, to be able to do my first dive on the Great Barrier Reef is mind-blowing. The sea life is phenomenal. It was like being in a whole other world. Now I’m in love with diving; I can’t wait to get back in the water.
And despite your new-found confidence in the ocean, you had initial concerns?
Yes but after going through intensive training, you get to know how to breathe and kind of like relax your body. I think the best thing about what I do is that I get to do all these things I would never have done otherwise. I would never have gone scuba diving. I would never have wanted to know what was in there. It freaks me out!
Did you teach Ryder to swim while you were on the Gold Coast?
Yeah. Ryder’s like a little fish now. He’s swimming up a storm. He was learning how to swim there but then he got a little timid for a while. I took him on a surf board in Byron Bay. I asked him, ‘Do you want to go on a surf board?’ And he said ‘Yeah’. And I took him in very shallow water with his little wings on and stuff, and put him on the surf board, and it kind of freaked him out. And so he got very timid for about two months but now it’s gone, and now he’s just swimming all the time.
So does Ryder wake very early? Like at 5am in the morning?
Oh yeah. Totally. Although today I beat him. Today he was out cold. I was getting ready for work which is always absolutely super cute because that’s always one of my favourite times — watching him sleep. I think parents love to watch their kids sleep. The older they get, and the more active they get, when they’re finally asleep, you can just stare at them forever. It’s also my favourite time to talk with him when he’s really tired because we’ll lay down together and we’ll just talk and talk and talk. And he’ll be so concentrated and so happy to talk because he doesn’t really want to go to sleep but he knows he has to, so he’s very focussed on the conversation which I love. Imagination and kids, it’s so amazing. They see so many things that, as adults, we don’t see.
Has Ryder already started pre-school now?
Oh yeah. He loves it. Unfortunately he’s not there today because he got a little sick. But he loves it. He’s a good little schoolboy. I’m actually kinda shocked although he did say once, ‘You know, Mummy, I don’t like school. Its too much work and not enough toys!’ I loved that!
Does he spend more time with you than with Chris?
Chris and I spend a lot of time together but I think that’s kind of the way it ends up cause Ryder’s too young really right now really to go on tour, but I’m sure by the time he’s about eight or older he’ll start going on tour more with Chris because then it’ll be a little easier and he can help out with stuff and be a part of everything. He’s too little to be on the road right now.
And there’s too much trouble for him to get into on the road?
No, because they’re old guys now. They’re no trouble any more.
No! I mean more like all the heavy equipment and electrical gear on stage!?
Oh yeah! I don’t want him getting run over by road cases! Totally! I thought you meant like rock’n’roll excess! But they’re getting old now. The Black Crowes are no longer in their 20s! They’ve calmed down now. They’re all parents now.
Your Fool’s Gold co-star Matthew McConnaughey recently found out he’s going to be a father. He says it was a surprise. Was it the same for you when you discovered you were pregnant with Ryder?
Yes! That’s exactly how I felt about Ryder. It was, like, not planned but definitely not not being planned.
And you were glowing after you had Ryder, saying how it was just the greatest thing?
It is! It’s still the greatest thing in the world. Now though he’s at that age where I can’t wait to have more! Can’t wait. Yeah! He’s just the best thing ever.
Do you have any parenting advice for Matthew?
One thing I can’t stand is advice. I don’t want anybody telling me what to do. But if somebody wants it, and asks for it, I’m more than happy to offer whatever it is I have experience with. With parenting, there are no real answers. Instinctually you probably do the right thing. Especially, with the mother, instinctually it all just happens the way it’s supposed to happen. And then you make some mistakes or you discover things that are more difficult for you than maybe they were for your friends, and vice versa, things that are less difficult. It’s such an on-going journey. The one thing that’s amazing is that it’s just, that’s it, that’s all your life ever wants to be, is to be with your child. And now that he’s communicating and talking, and he’s sensitive and has all these ideas. I’m writing everything down because the things he says are just amazing. And you know it’s not going to last very long — it’s like this window of three-and-a-half to four-and-half years old.
What do you think about how they’ve made your boobs bigger on the publicity posters for Fool’s Gold?
Yeah! My breasts?! I mean, I love them! I wish I had them.
So you’ve no complaints? You’re not going to sue the film company?
No. If I ever was going to get my boobs done, I’d take this photograph to the doctors. They look great!
This is the second time you’ve worked with Matthew in a romantic comedy, first pairing up five years ago in How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days. You have amazing on-screen chemistry despite the fact Fool’s Gold director Andy Tennant claims you’re totally incompatible in real life…
That’s true. That’s very true. I am a very serious, organised person who needs to know exactly what’s going on. I also got that after I had Ryder.
You may be incompatible but it’s obvious you like Matthew?
Yes. I have a total soft spot for him. He’s so endearing; there’s not a mean bone in his body. We can goof around and have a great time, but we also know how to push each other’s buttons perfectly. We both have a little bit of a competitive nature and throw little jabs at each other.
But you have to be organised as a mother?
Oh yeah, I’ve got a baby on my hip and I want to know where this is going; I want to know if I’m going to make it home in time to cook dinner. So there’s a little bit of that in me that I think probably shifted since Matthew and I worked together last…
For more of this interview, see Woman’s Day (on-sale February 11, 2008)
Fool’s Gold is screening in cinemas now.
Facing his own mortality even put Hollywood’s oldest playboy off women (briefly!).
Legendary Lothario Jack Nicholson had a major wake-up call while filming his latest movie, The Bucket List, in which he plays a filthy rich bachelor facing death.
Admitted to hospital just before the shoot, the actor who once boasted he made love seven times a night suddenly found himself facing his mortality after urgent surgery to remove a stone from his salivary gland.
Jack, who’s previously been involved with actresses Anjelica Huston, Rebecca Broussard and Lara Flynn Boyle, reveals how even his most beautiful lady-friends failed to ignite his passion while he fought in a hospital bed for two months to regain his health. Recovered from his brush with death, 70-year-old Jack counts his blessings while puffing on a Camel cigarette …
Who visited you when you were in hospital?
I can’t tell you that! I’ll tell you one thing, though — the last thing on my mind when my attractive lady friends may have come bringing me flowers was … I mean, I wasn’t thinking, “Come on, get over here among the tubes and oxygen tanks with me”!
What has got better with age for you?
I’ve certainly learned focus. That’s improved. I prioritise more. Without an innate system you’re kind of weaving your way through life. I’m more in touch with the idea this could be the last time. It’s more a part of your life at a certain stage in life. I have had many older friends in life who have since passed on and so on. It’s enriching. I knew through my teenage children, I knew — which I didn’t necessarily know through my first child — that this would be a boon in my life. I knew this so therefore it enriched my life in a more relaxed way. Striving minimises as you get older. People say ‘Oh you’re a risk-taker!’ and I always say ‘Risk taker? What are they going to do to me? Yell at me?!’ Where’s the risk? ‘Say you’re suddenly no good? Or you’re a swine?’ So you become informed, and you probably become blinder, and you probably become more accurate in your observations. Hopefully, my character has improved basically — not so much because of the striving — but because of life; it takes away certain alternatives as you move through it. You can’t be as vain in the mirror if you can’t see the mirror!
And your daughter Lorraine is off to university this year. How do you feel about that after visiting several campuses with her?
Well, first of all I did not go to college so I felt like a moron. What I will always remember is when Lorraine turned to me and said, ‘Look. I know that it’s only possible for me to go to these wonderful colleges that we’re visiting, because I worked hard in high school’. And I thought, you know, actors will never really be happy about themselves but this kind of honest self-appraisal on the up-side. But it was one of those great moments. Oh Thank God! Yes, I’m supportive, but it’s so wonderful that they’ve got their own point of view about it and it’s not all ‘Ooh, what’s wrong with me?’
Do you have a favourite joke?
Yes. A woman standing in front of the mirror says ‘God, my breasts are down to my waist, my stomach’s sliding and my ass.’ She turns to her husband and says ‘Jeez, I’m getting so depressed here, hubby? Is there anything you can say to me? I need to be cheered up?’ and he says ‘Well, certainly nothing wrong with your eyesight!’ I don’t like jokes as a rule cause Freud told me they’re seduction. And some people, once they start, they won’t stop. That’s it — they joke until you’re ready to kill yourself.
Can you relate to death being funny, like in this movie?
Only in a Fellini movie. Gallows humour makes us all laugh, so I guess it’s funny. And you can bet that the last thing on earth that you want to do will be the last thing on earth that you do.
Are you religious?
I resist all beliefs just like my character says it. I think beliefs take you out of the now. If you believe something it keeps you from experiencing what actually is. As the character says — I envy people who are totally convinced that there’s life after death and that there’s this and that and the other thing. But I’m too empirical about life. When I used to run, I definitely know I was praying also and I know I was thinking ‘up’ so I think everybody has what I call that ‘God sense’. Call it superstition. Call it what you will. But I’m also not going to waste my time saying that it doesn’t exist because I equally do not know that. But my main philosophy is to live in the now which is very difficult to do. Don’t leave something that you really want to do undone.
That’s surprising. The public doesn’t perceive you as a philosophical kind of guy?
It’s true. I’m not very Zen. But I’m not as tough as people think. I’m not a fighter. I’d just as soon go home.
What are your thoughts on Heath Ledger’s death given he will reprise your role as The Joker this year?
That’s awful. I warned him. I warn them about Ambien. I don’t take sleeping pills, but somebody said, ‘Take this, it’s mild.’ I then got a call in the middle of the night, an emergency, and almost drove off a cliff 50 yards from my house up in the mountains in Aspen.
Read more of this interview in Woman’s Day (on-sale February 11, 2008)