Project On Hold

I drive a '96 Honda Civic LXI. It's not the VTEC edition but sports the db15, SOHC. It's one of about 120 units shipped from Japan completely built up. The succeeding units were assembled here. Although it is almost 11years old, it can still choke up 102 bhp. It's well-maintained and factory-serviced. I always wanted to soup it up as it's one of the more popular models Honda ever produced.

A little modifications on the engine and I am sure I could add another 30 horses to it. I started modifying my Civic two years ago. I first had it repainted with Dupont's Pearl Black. Next to get modified was the suspension. All were replaced by the stiffer, stronger racing urethane bushings. I had the shocks taken out and replaced with DAB adjustable model. Engine struts were installed as well as tie downs. The stock wheels were replaced with Avanti five-spoke mags with P6000 Pirelli Veloce tires.

I installed Lexus style headlamps with HID bulbs. The fog lamps were replaced with Hella projector fog lamps with HID bulbs as well. A chin was installed with a ducktail in the works. I have yet to install my Spoon carbon fiber side mirrors. I was planning to install K&N air rams mated to Magnaflow headers and Apexi exhausts. I was also planning to have the engine ported and polished.

Sadly, these engine mods have to be temporarily shelved. With the continuing oil price hikes, my little toy will have to wait before its transformation into a beast. Blast these speculators, they've dampened my appetite for speed!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

To my loving wife Liza,

Thank you for the twenty-one years of marital bliss. As we open another chapter in our married life, I will try to be the best that I can be. Not only for you but for our lovely kids as well. Thanks for always being there for me and being the light in my hours of darkness. You are my strength and my life. I will forever love you.

Happy Anniversary my love.

Massa, Ferrari's Rising Star

Kubica may have led the championship but Ferrari's Felipe Massa would have none of it. Massa who was once the whipping boy of Formula 1 has shown that with a competitive car, he can win. Massa qualified 2nd on the grid but the gods may have taken kindly to him. Erstwhile leader and teammate Kimi Raikkonen had encountered exhaust problems mid in the race and had to let Massa pass.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli was 3rd and showed that he has Magny Cours's number. Trulli has never finished the French Grand Prix lower than 6th. Despite Kimi's misfortune, it was a great day for the Prancing Horses. Massa now leads the drivers' championship and Ferrari has extended its lead in the constructors' race. Chalk up another Ferrari 1-2 and I'm sure this will not be the last for this season.

A Certified Tifosi

Yup, I've been hooked on Ferrari for as long as I can remember. When Michael Schumacer came on board, I knew he would turn Ferrari around. And the rest was history. He had a good run and I do not expect anyone to come close to his record. Through the years, I have collected some items that I treasure. I am a fanatic, a Tifosi through and through.

Schumi may have retired but I will never switch to any other team than the Prancing Horses. Hell, I even have a collection of model cars. I have never questioned the wisdom of the team's management, but I suppose it's time for Felipe Massa to shine. He played his role when Schumi was around and helped Kimi win the drivers' title last season.

The whipping boy has grown and had shown that he too can drive. Barrichello was just too eager to wait for his turn. He could have been Schumi's heir in the Ferrari stable. He must be kicking himself now while watching Massa transform into a star. Just my wish, I hope Massa wins the drivers' championship. If Kimi should win it again, I would still be happy as I am sure that Ferrari will once again reign supreme.

To my fellow Tifosi, Chelsea, I will forever be a Tifosi. Hope you like the stuff I have here, and there are more!

Lewis Hamilton: Is He Up To It?

Despite being a die-hard fan of 7-time world champion, Michael Schumacher, Hamilton caught my attention. He is young and obviously a natural. But his youth and immaturity was exposed last season when he made a crucial mistake that caused him the championship in his rookie season.

The accident at the Canadian Grand Prix showed that he is not focused at all on the race. What he is preoccupied with is how to win the drivers' championship. Of course what is foremost in McLaren's mind is to win the constructor's title first. The pressure on the poor guy is just too strong that it causes him to have nightmares. He is still very young and many years to prove that he can outdo Schumi. But every journey starts with a step. There are no shortcuts to success. He just have to sweat it out if he wants to succeed. My advise to him is to relax and have fun.

In any endeavor in life, one must first have the passion for it and success will not be far behind. Hamilton should be able to soak up the pressure. My view is that he had set the bar too high for himself. Unless he changes his attitude towards dealing with the pressure, he will forever be the bridesmaid and never the bride.

Defense Is The Key To The Celtic Pride

As I had expected, the Boston Celtics are now the world champions, but I never a rout as big as this. I have grown up with the NBA and have seen teams from hero to zero. I have always seen the Eastern teams to be more defense-oriented than those from the West. Eastern teams were tougher and more physical. Offense wise, I would say that the Celticss and the Lakers were just about even. An awesome defense coupled with a sensational offense always ends in a win.

I'm a huge Laker fan and was dismayed by their lackluster performance. Game 1 exposed the Lakers weakness. With a team like Boston, the simple switch will not cut it. Bryant cannot do it alone. What the Lakers need is legitimate point guard and a more physical center. They also need to restudy their defense. Players now are more athletic and defense is the key to a win. A perfect example of what a team shouldn't be is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Lebron's awesome talent, they always fall short of entering the finals.

The Celtics showed they have more heart as well. They deserved the crown. This should be a wakeup call to all teams. A champion team is not only made up of stars, it is made up of individuals with cohesion and the desire to win.

Ooops, He Did It Again!

The 7th hole sudden death sealed the fate of Rocco Mediate. Well, 90 holes was not enough to settle the score. Finishing with a 75, Tiger beat Rocco by a single stroke. What was dubbed as a David vs. Goliath playoff, the duo played like the true gladiators they were expected to be. The 45yr. old Mediate proved to be a worthy finalist and did not let up till the last playoff hole.

Rocco parred the last hole and Tiger once again showed that he is the true master that he is. So the the saga of the blazing twosome has ended. It's sad that only one would be crowned champion. Either way, both showed the beauty of golf and the crowd was definitely impressed by the two.

It was well worth the wait. A young man with a throbbing knee and an old man with a bad back played their hearts out. In the end, both showed us what the heart can do. Both also relied on their cerebral game. To Tiger and Rocco, a toast to both of you for giving us the best finals we will ever see in our lifetime..

The Tiger Roars

You really cannot put a great man down, Tiger Woods just proved that once again. Coming from a fantastic 3rd round at the US Open, he pulled back Roco Mediate to force an 18-hole playoff. Despite a pestering knee pain, Tiger showed what he is made of. Once again, Tiger surprised the crowd with his fabulous putting. I have seen great finishes but this one takes the cake.

Tiger was in obvious pain. Every shot must've been like torture to the poor guy. I suppose what makes him different from the rest is his heart and focus. Mind over matter, and he thrives when he is in the zone. He continues to amaze the 50thousand-strong crowd. Wincing in pain, he simply took every stinging moment. It paid off, he now stands to win his 14th major.

Win or lose, Tiger showed what a true sportsman he is. He truly is the greatest.

(photo courtesy of ESPN)