Lamborghini Ferrari | Enforced Break Looks Westwood's Best Bet

GOLF: LEE WESTWOOD played on through the pain yesterday but it looks more likely that he will become world number one by taking time off next week than by finishing second at St Andrews tomorrow.

The Ryder Cup star, who suffered a recurrence of his calf injury during an opening 70 in the Dunhill Links Championship, added a level-par 72 at St Andrews.

Needing a first or second-place finish to dethrone Woods this weekend, Westwood is outside the top 30 at halfway and 10 shots behind surprise leader John Parry.

If he misses his defence of the Portugal Masters next week, however, the 37-year-old from Worksop will overtake Woods on the rankings â€" calculated over a two-year period â€" at the end of this month.

"It was pretty much the same as yesterday," he said of the injury.

"I'm just struggling with it and I'm probably just going to get through this week and make a decision."

Asked if it could mean another lengthy break after this week â€" the Ryder Cup was his first competitive action since August 6th â€" he replied: "Could be, yeah. My gut instinct is to get it better. I'm just consciously thinking about it and the longer the day goes on the worse it gets. It's not great and shutting down for the rest of the year is an option."

England's Parry left nine of Europe's Ryder Cup side trailing in his wake at St Andrews â€" in an event he was not qualified for until he won his first European Tour title two weeks ago.

The 23-year-old from Harrogate, a team-mate of Rory McIlroy at the 2007 Walker Cup, led by four at halfway after a brilliant 65.

"It's nice to be here and I've holed putts from everywhere," said Parry, who from struggling to keep his card is now on course for a massive first prize of over €575,000.

His Vivendi Trophy victory in Paris was worth €190,000 and he celebrated that by buying himself a car â€" not a Lamborghini, Ferrari or Porsche, but a Vauxhall Astra.

"I would have bought something a bit nicer, but I've only just learnt to drive, so the insurance companies don't seem to like me at the minute â€" and my parking's not very good."

Parry turned pro three years ago like McIlroy, but while the Irishman was an instant hit Parry failed to come through the qualifying school and had to go away to the "third division" EuroPro Tour.

"I didn't have any money at all, but my manager sort of backed me and I think I came out about even," he said. From that he earned a place on the Challenge Tour and, thanks to a closing 63 for a win in this same week last year, he graduated from that to the main circuit.

Sweden's Martin Erlandsson, yet to win on Tour, is in second place after a 68 at Carnoustie, the hardest of the three courses used for the celebrity pro-am.

Three players are a further stroke back â€" big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros and Ryder Cup pair Ross Fisher and Martin Kaymer.

They were all at St Andrews, Fisher having a 68 and both Quiros and Kaymer carding 69s.

Monday's match-winning hero Graeme McDowell, playing with his father Kenny, also shot 68 to move up to sixth place on six under, while Pádraig Harrington, cup vice-captain Thomas Bjorn and defending champion Simon Dyson are all five under. In contrast to Parry, McIlroy struggled to a 74 yesterday and, at two over par, needs a good score at Carnoustie today to make the cut.

ST ANDREWS (British unless stated, Irish in bold, par 72): 132 J Parry 67 65 137 R Fisher 69 68, M Kaymer (Ger) 68 69, A Quiros (Spa) 68 69 138 G McDowell 70 68 139 F Zanotti (Par) 67 72, S Dyson 69 70, P Harrington 71 68 140 A Coltart 69 71 141 F Molinari (Ita) 72 69, D McGrane 72 69, S Webster 70 71, A Da Silva (Bra) 69 72, M Ilonen (Fin) 71 70, M Laird 66 75, R Davies 71 70 142 S Kjeldsen (Den) 67 75, R Coles 68 74, D Howell 69 73, L Westwood 70 72 143 D Vancsik (Arg) 68 75, R Karlsson (Swe) 77 66, G Coetzee (Rsa) 73 70, D Clarke 76 67, A Hall (Aus) 75 68, P Larrazabal (Spa) 71 72 144 J Luiten (Ned) 73 71, C Montgomerie 72 72, E Els (Rsa) 70 74, A Dodt (Aus) 74 70, V Dubuisson (Fra) 69 75, M Hoey 71 73 145 C Cevaer (Fra) 72 73, A Haig (Rsa) 73 72, R McIlroy 71 74, R Goosen (Rsa) 73 72, P Gustafsson (Swe) 72 73, G Bourdy (Fra) 69 76, R Cabrera Bello (Spa) 74 71, T Pilkadaris (Aus) 73 72, P McGinley 74 71, E Molinari (Ita) 73 72 146 S Hend (Aus) 71 75, P Lawrie 70 76, S Khan 72 74 147 P Hanson (Swe) 74 73, C Wood 73 74, A Forsyth 75 72, N Dougherty 72 75, S Thornton 73 74 148 O Wilson 72 76 149 J-F Lucquin (Fra) 76 73 150 C Scott (Aus) 73 77, K Horne (Rsa) 76 74 151 J Daly (USA) 75 76 152 S Kapur (Ind) 74 78. CARNOUSTIE 136 M Erlandsson (Swe) 68 68 139 T Bjorn (Den) 66 73 140 R Bland 68 72, R Gonzalez (Arg) 66 74, M Siem (Ger) 69 71, D Willett 67 73 141 G Boyd 69 72, S Gallacher 69 72, A McLean 68 73, G Storm 68 73 142 P Waring 68 74, T Levet (Fra) 70 72, J Edfors (Swe) 70 72 143 A Butterfield 72 71, P Lawrie 71 72, R McEvoy 72 71 144 F Aguilar (Chi) 69 75, S Dodd 68 76 145 O Henningsson (Swe) 71 74, P Hedblom (Swe) 70 75, C Carranza (Arg) 68 77 146 J Elson 71 75, R Jan Derksen (Ned) 71 75, M Warren 70 76 147 M Lundberg (Swe) 69 78, J-F Lima (Por) 70 77, S Lowry 69 78, R Echenique (Arg) 72 75, K Ferrie 67 80, J Quesne (Fra) 71 76 148 M Wiegele (Aut) 72 76, R Rock 70 78, G Murphy 73 75, M Ruiz (Par) 72 76, P Martin (Spa) 69 79, S O'Hara 71 77, C Coetzee (Rsa) 68 80 149 G Lockerbie 72 77, D Drysdale 73 76, D McKenzie (Aus) 69 80, J Huldahl (Den) 74 75, P Whiteford 76 73, M Both (Aus) 73 76, J Donaldson 68 81, R McGowan 70 79 150 A Canete (Arg) 70 80, M Brown (Nzl) 72 78, G Havret (Fra) 73 77, J Morrison 73 77 151 T Fisher Jnr (Rsa) 73 78 152 M Jonzon (Swe) 73 79 153 J Geary (Nzl) 76 77 155 K Mcnicoll 77 78, O Fisher 72 83 157 M Foster 75 82. KINGSBARNS 140 P Price 70 70 141 J-B Gonnet (Fra) 70 71, M Lafeber (Ned) 66 75, R Jacquelin (Fra) 69 72, T Wilkinson (Nzl) 67 74 142 A Wall 73 69, H Otto (Rsa) 72 70, D Lynn 69 73 143 T Aiken (Rsa) 69 74, A Noren (Swe) 72 71, A Hansen (Den) 71 72, R Finch 68 75, P Archer 72 71 144 B Dredge 73 71 145 A Kang (USA) 69 76, J Kingston (Rsa) 69 76, S Hansen (Den) 72 73, A Canizares (Spa) 70 75 146 J Norris (Aus) 72 74, P Sjoland (Swe) 75 71, D Dixon 69 77, M Manassero (Ita) 75 71, M Brier (Aut) 72 74, D Horsey 74 72, M Griffin (Aus) 70 76 147 R Ramsay 69 78, R Green (Aus) 71 76, G Fdez-Castano (Spa) 72 75 148 G Maybin 72 76, R Kulacz (Aus) 72 76, T Goya (Arg) 73 75, J Kamte (Rsa) 71 77 149 S Hutsby 73 76, B Barham 72 77, P O'Malley (Aus) 74 75, J Randhawa (Ind) 77 72 150 J Sandelin (Swe) 73 77, G Bhullar (Ind) 75 75, S Little 74 76, F Andersson Hed (Swe) 74 76 151 D Garza (USA) 76 75, N Fasth (Swe) 76 75, S Strange (Aus) 73 78, N Colsaerts (Bel) 73 78, I Garrido (Spa) 71 80, J M Lara (Spa) 75 76 152 F Delamontagne (Fra) 79 73, P Edberg (Swe) 78 74, T Van Aswegen (Rsa) 77 75 153 L Mckechnie (Aus) 77 76 154 B Rumford (Aus) 80 74, M Campbell (Nzl) 74 80 155 C Muniyappa (Ind) 77 78, S Shankar P Chowrasia (Ind) 77 78 159 B Pieters (Rsa) 77 82 161 J Van de Velde (Fra) 82 79.  

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Ferrari Sports Car | Porsche Car Hire The Ultimate Sports Car

Car manufacturer Porsche SE is a German brand that prides themselves on luxury, quality and performance. Porsche car hire is owned by Germany families, Porsche and Piech families respectively. The Porsche family are a family of industrialists related to Ferdinand Porsche (created the VW beetle and development in German tanks the Tiger) who designed many of the first Porsche cars that were mass produced for the public for the company that he founded in 1940, Porsche.

Porsche car hire currently have a portfolio of high performance and luxury automobiles including the 911, 997, and the Boxster. Also the use specialise in 4 x4, sport and utility vehicles for use in suburban areas.

The 1999 Porsche 911 GT3 was produced and marketed as a high performance road legal car of which was more advanced then the standard 911. Named after the FIA GT, it was the first water cooled version of the Porsche 911. Porsche car hire also have a racing version of the 911 GT3 which has come first in many competitions, included Le Mans and other 24 hour races. Competitions are fierce in the market for super cars and the Porsche 911 GT3 is up against Italian giants Ferrari with their F430 and German luxury car manufacturer BMW with a GTR M3.

Many members of public feel that Porsche are out their price range so this was addressed with the Boxster. This mid engine little roadster was introduced in 1996 and has been quite successful. With a 2.5 litre flat 6 cylinder engine in the beginning, the model has evolved to introduce a 3.2 litre monster for increased performance. Porsche car hire then released a new generation to their popular roadster model with the type 987. These cars were even more powerful then their predecessors with increased engine output. Despite having a few cosmetic changes the Boxster has not strayed from the originals shape and style.

One of the greatest Porsche car hire automobiles ever made is the Porsche Carrera GT. This was a real beast, a mid engine sports car powered with a 5.7 litre V10 engine. From standstill to 60 miles per hour this car can do it in less than 3.5 seconds, with a maximum all out speed of 205 mph. You can get this car from Porsche car hire companies in five colours only, which include variants of Red, Yellow, Black, Silver and Grey. Custom colours were available if you placed an order for the car at a factory.

The Carrera GT has a 6 speed manual gearbox, complemented this with a beech wood gear knob from the Porsche 917 Le Mans racer. The main rival to this car is Ferrari's Enzo, however with the Enzo priced in at approximately $660000 the Carrera GT has as slight advantage being only $444000.

If you're after an unforgettable driving experience then Porsche car hire could be for you! With a wide choice of performance super cars such as the Carrera GT and the 911 GT3 you can be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a hire car to show off in, or just to have a weekend away with the open road.

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Lamborghini Sports Car | Sword's Drummer Quits; Life Honor For Morgan Freeman

Drummer leaves Austin's Sword

If you saw the Sword's Friday set during the Austin City Limits Music Festival, you saw drummer Trivett Wingo's last performance with the Austin metal band. The band announced Monday that Wingo has left the group. Upcoming tour dates have been canceled, and the band is looking toward rescheduling. The group described the split as amicable.

"It is with deep sadness that I am announcing my departure from The Sword. After nearly seven years and some of the most amazing adventures of a lifetime, I have arrived at a place where I am physically and emotionally unable to continue on as part of The Sword," Wingo said in a statement.

And from the rest of the band (Bryan Richie, Kyle Shutt and J.D. Cronise): "We wish Trivett nothing but the best."

A recent profile of the Sword is at austin360.com/music.

- Joe Gross

Life honor for Freeman

The American Film Institute will honor Morgan Freeman with its Life Achievement Award. The 73-year-old Oscar winner will receive the award in June.

Chairman Sir Howard Stringer calls Freeman "an American treasure" who brings a calm authority to his roles, "whether playing a prisoner, a president or God."

New Spidey villain cast

Rhys Ifans will play the bad guy in the next "Spider-Man." But the filmmakers aren't saying yet which character he'll be.

Sony Pictures announced Monday that Ifans, widely known as a comic actor, will co-star as the villain in the superhero film due out July 3, 2012.

Whoever he winds up playing, Ifans will be up against Andrew Garfield,who will star as Peter Parker.

Pleas in Cre DWI case

A lawyer for rocker Vince Neil entered not guilty pleas for the Mtley Cre singer on misdemeanor drunken driving and speeding charges.

Neil is accused of having a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent and driving his Lamborghini sports car 60 mph in a 45 mph zone before he was stopped by police on June 27 near the Las Vegas Strip. Trial was set for Jan. 6.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

World War II veteran William Huntof Austin is 90. World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veteran James R. "Bob" Fordof Georgetown is 88. World War II veteran Bob Bartlett of Pflugerville is 83. Actress Antonia Rey is 83. Comedian-activist Dick Gregory is 78. Actress-singer Susan Anton is 60. Rock singer Bob Schneider is 45. Actor Hugh Jackman is 42. Country musician Martie Maguire (the Dixie Chicks) is 41. Actor Kirk Cameron is 40. Olympic gold medal skier Bode Milleris 33.

Compiled by Dave Thomas

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Ferrari Automobile | Styling Your Car- Exotic Car Rentals

Life is nothing till and unless you taste the experience of driving and riding in an interesting and flourishing automobile like a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Limo and such like. When you touch accelerator of the vehicle you're feeling the air crossing your hair.

At least you must experience the thrill once in lifetime. Exotic vehicle Rentals are enlarging on a fast node. The companies are fetching good cash in hiring high class exotic cars. These firms are satisfying one's dream about driving a luxury vehicle in one's price. Ferrari rental : Ferrari is the leading name in matter of exotic and opulent autos.

It is actually believed that each one has got the right to experience the drive of a seductive Modena Spider. Even if you do not possess the facility to get a Ferrari still you are able to afford well to drive it once to any location you would like.You can hire it for at your replying budget.

Those who need to have an automobile with captivating cutting edge lush style, they should definitely go for Ferrari on rent. Limo rental services These days it's become a trend to hire Limo at numerous occasions for good and trustworthy support and services. Limo matches the class and angle of most all scenarios and functions, whether or not it is to hire for your own marriage, picking up some special like a business associate or a girl chum for a promenade night, it has that charm and feelings employed in it.

You can make your fantasies become reality by paying a touch more than normal autos but much less than purchasing a luxury automobile . At present time, there are lots of vehicle rental firms that may offer you Exotic vehicle rental thanks to the expansion in demand of luxurious riding once.... Look around you. Probabilities are that each 4th vehicle that you see will have a resemblance to the first one that you saw. And if you look at the roads from top of a high rise, you may notice that it virtually appears like a line in a factory. Groups of similar looking autos plying to and fro.

Do you want your auto to be lost in that crowd? Do you want your auto to play a part in a load of standard looking automobiles or would you need it to stand out? Customising automobiles is a trend which has been preferred since the 70's. A couple of customising methods have developed over the year and in some intense cases, the whole frame of the vehicle is re-designed making it seem like a different model altogether. But these revamp techniques are dear and not feasible either.

There are easier and plenty more cost-effective customization strategies like vehicle decals.The colourful and fashionable world of automobile decals for those that don't know, automobile decals are graphic adhesive stickers that are pasted on autos. They can be pasted on the side, the windshield or the hood. The better part is that the arena of car graphics is bigger than you can ever imagine. There are many millions of popular designs, brands, emblems and photographs to choose between. You create your own rules and your own style.

You may have an image of your fave band and add your own custom text to it. Or you may decide to have your own work of art on the automobile. Look at your auto as though it were an empty canvas waiting for an artist to paint it. Business If you've a business, then automobile decals can also be used to brand your <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" href= automobiles </a>. You are losing out on lots of future customers if you're not exploiting the advertising space on your auto.

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Ferrari Show | The Fearful, Ignorant Guy Has Got A Blog On The Internet. It

Of all people in the world I was easily one of the most pessimistic about computers, the Internet and now that I even know they exist-blogs. I think blogs are pretty cool but I never thought I could have one. I thought the processes of getting a site; domain name and the actual building of the blog would just be out of my league. I'm a complete novice when it comes to technology, but I do like writing a journal, and I thought having a journal on-line would be both fun and make life simpler for me. No more writing with pens, other people can read my stuff and comment on it, and I could add pictures to illustrate my points and make things look more interesting. Well, now I've got one! It's awesome. I won't lie and say it was easy, but I think if you hook up with a good web hosting company it's not such a daunting experience as you might expect. I got a few work mates to help me. I went through a couple administrative hitches when filling in my personal information forms for the registration-just because I'm a bit silly in the head. We had a little trouble with the blog program we used, but these challenges were eventually overcome. My boss says he's going to make a simple program that people can hook up easily. I chose my domain name: It's my own name-no one else on Earth can have it. I own it. I picked a nice picture out for the background-it looks really sweet, much better than a blank sheet in a diary. I got it from a site that gives photos out without charging a royalty (the first few): I just want you to know the great feeling I got when I first typed in my domain name and my site came up! It was the equivalent to a person who's afraid of heights being accepted into an astronaut's mission into outer space. Or maybe it was like a turtle driving a Ferrari 300km per hour. Possibly it was like all the ants in the world getting together for peace talks. It's a real blast having this blog. I can write on it any time, anywhere, from my laptop, at an Internet caf etc. I can write as much as I want, and I'm hoping one day my writing may inspire others to communicate with me about the subjects that I'm interested in. Look, if you like writing about anything, and want to have your thoughts and opinions on the Internet, maybe meeting others similar to yourself in the progress; you have to get a blog and get it now. Don't be afraid any longer, the world is in the palm of your hands; it's time to get on! Jesse S. Somer is a human hoping to show his fellow Earth citizens the beautiful opportunities the Internet is making available for all our lives. Of all people in the world I was easily one of the most pessimistic about computers, the Internet and now that I even know they exist-blogs. I think blogs are pretty cool but I never thought I could have one. I thought the processes of getting a site; domain name and the actual building of the blog would just be out of my league. I'm a complete novice when it comes to technology, but I do like writing a journal, and I thought having a journal on-line would be both fun and make life simpler for me. No more writing with pens, other people can read my stuff and comment on it, and I could add pictures to illustrate my points and make things look more interesting. Well, now I've got one! It's awesome. I won't lie and say it was easy, but I think if you hook up with a good web hosting company it's not such a daunting experience as you might expect. I got a few work mates to help me. I went through a couple administrative hitches when filling in my personal information forms for the registration-just because I'm a bit silly in the head. We had a little trouble with the blog program we used, but these challenges were eventually overcome. My boss says he's going to make a simple program that people can hook up easily. I chose my domain name: It's my own name-no one else on Earth can have it. I own it. I picked a nice picture out for the background-it looks really sweet, much better than a blank sheet in a diary. I got it from a site that gives photos out without charging a royalty (the first few): I just want you to know the great feeling I got when I first typed in my domain name and my site came up! It was the equivalent to a person who's afraid of heights being accepted into an astronaut's mission into outer space. Or maybe it was like a turtle driving a Ferrari 300km per hour. Possibly it was like all the ants in the world getting together for peace talks. It's a real blast having this blog. I can write on it any time, anywhere, from my laptop, at an Internet caf etc. I can write as much as I want, and I'm hoping one day my writing may inspire others to communicate with me about the subjects that I'm interested in. Look, if you like writing about anything, and want to have your thoughts and opinions on the Internet, maybe meeting others similar to yourself in the progress; you have to get a blog and get it now. Don't be afraid any longer, the world is in the palm of your hands; it's time to get on! Jesse S. Somer is a human hoping to show his fellow Earth citizens the beautiful opportunities the Internet is making available for all our lives.

Of all people in the world I was easily one of the most pessimistic about computers, the Internet and now that I even know they exist-blogs. I think blogs are pretty cool but I never thought I could have one. I thought the processes of getting a site; domain name and the actual building of the blog would just be out of my league. I'm a complete novice when it comes to technology, but I do like writing a journal, and I thought having a journal on-line would be both fun and make life simpler for me. No more writing with pens, other people can read my stuff and comment on it, and I could add pictures to illustrate my points and make things look more interesting.

Well, now I've got one! It's awesome. I won't lie and say it was easy, but I think if you hook up with a good web hosting company it's not such a daunting experience as you might expect. I got a few work mates to help me. I went through a couple administrative hitches when filling in my personal information forms for the registration-just because I'm a bit silly in the head. We had a little trouble with the blog program we used, but these challenges were eventually overcome. My boss says he's going to make a simple program that people can hook up easily.

I chose my domain name: It's my own name-no one else on Earth can have it. I own it. I picked a nice picture out for the background-it looks really sweet, much better than a blank sheet in a diary. I got it from a site that gives photos out without charging a royalty (the first few):

I just want you to know the great feeling I got when I first typed in my domain name and my site came up! It was the equivalent to a person who's afraid of heights being accepted into an astronaut's mission into outer space. Or maybe it was like a turtle driving a Ferrari 300km per hour. Possibly it was like all the ants in the world getting together for peace talks.

It's a real blast having this blog. I can write on it any time, anywhere, from my laptop, at an Internet caf etc. I can write as much as I want, and I'm hoping one day my writing may inspire others to communicate with me about the subjects that I'm interested in.

Look, if you like writing about anything, and want to have your thoughts and opinions on the Internet, maybe meeting others similar to yourself in the progress; you have to get a blog and get it now. Don't be afraid any longer, the world is in the palm of your hands; it's time to get on!

Jesse S. Somer is a human hoping to show his fellow Earth citizens the beautiful opportunities the Internet is making available for all our lives.

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Lamborghini Automobile | Live Fast: Rent An Exotic Car

A supercar car is a high-end sports car that often costs more than $100,000; in some cases it can cost more than $1,000,000 (take the example of the Bugatti Veyron which has a staggering price tag of $1,500,000). As such, usually only the very wealthy people can afford such incredible and breathtaking vehicles, which are considered more status symbols than practical modes of transportation, for a good reason as you can't imagine going at the market in a McLaren F1, where would you put all of your shopping bags? Supercars are known for their brute power, speed and ability to attract the attention of nearly everyone on the highway and not only. However, they also are subject to some criticism.

Most of us enjoy watching television shows about supercars, fast cars, exotic cars and other "different" cars but only 1% of us can afford to purchase a Lamborghini or a Ferrari. What can be done for the other 99% who want to drive such a car and make their dreams come true? The answer for this question is using a car rental company that has a Pagani Zonda or other exotic car.

While most individuals will never be able to afford one of these cars, they might be available for rent in some designated locations. Some companies make a business in exotic car rentals. Unfortunately, special insurance is most likely required and the rates reflect how expensive the car is. Therefore, many people find that even renting a supercar is beyond their financial means. Still, for most, it may offer the best and single chance to ever get behind the wheel of such an exquisite vehicle.

These exotic car rental companies are gaining more and more clients as many people want to test drive a Ferrari, although it is for only one day it is better than nothing, don't you think? If you do can afford to rent such a car you will have the time of your life using it for that limited period of time.

An exotic car isn't necessarily a very fast car; it can also be one of the following: a very luxurious with state-of-the-art technology car, a very rare model, a very old but well-maintained piece of engineering or even a custom-made unique model. Speaking of custom-made cars, many movie celebrities have their cars custom-made and when they get bored of them they sell them to these car rental companies. Also, cars that were manufactured to "start" in a movie (take the example of the Aston Martin in 007) are sold to these exotic car rental companies. Who among us wouldn't like to drive a James Bond car for a day?

As you can see, these exotic car rental companies have plenty to offer to satisfy the vast and different tastes of automobile fans from all over the world. All things considered, this is a fast-growing business as there is a wide variety of supercars and the need for speed and the curiosity for some people is unimaginable.

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Lamborghini Fact | Filipinos: The Good, The Bad, & The Chaka (ugly)

Allow me to start with the good.

Bayanihan. I love the fact that the word has no english equivalent making it distinctively Filipino. I once thought that the concept died long ago along with chivalry. I was proven wrong some 2 years ago when I was driving (with my 2 kids in tow) along a narrow alley when my car's front tire got stuck in a deep and wide manhole. The only way out was for the front part of the car to be lifted. I called my husband but he was about 2 hours away from our location. I was terrified as it was getting dark and the area was infested by squatters adding paranoia that we might (a) get mugged, (b) get carjacked, or (c) my kids could get kidnapped. Two men approached and offered help, a tricycle driver stopped by to help, and three tambays stood up from their drinking session to help as well. In no time, the six men were able to lift the front part of the car. I offered each of them a small sum for their help but to my surprise, none of them accepted. I call it a random act of kindness. God bless them.

Filipinos truly are beautiful people, inside and out. We once went to ________ and the only women I noticed were those clad in Prada, not neccesarily for their beauty. Even in _______, the transvestites and transexuals are prettier than their women. Walk by anywhere in Manila and you'll always find a pretty face, cloaked in Prada or otherwise.

Filipinos are one happy bunch. We are very optimistic. Filipinos are among the happiest people in the planet and we have the lowest suicide rate in the world. Living in a third world country doesn't seem to matter. Heck, first world countries have the highest divorce and suicide rates. 'Ang saya saya di ba'.

Now for the bad and the chaka.

Traffic. MMDA. Only in the Philippines are there no clear traffic monitoring schemes. No clear traffic guidelines. If you're driving a private vehicle traversing EDSA and for some reason you cross the yellow lane, you'll surely be apprehended. And yet buses, taxis, FX(s), jeeps swerve and cut all they want and then happily and proudly get away with it. Heck, I once saw a bus driving along Monumento, then take Samson Road where buses are not allowed, the driver opens his window and tosses a 20-peso bill to the MMDA standing by. He then happily passes without objection. And you still expect me not to beat the red light?

Politicians. Trapos. Politicos. Cabinet members. Customs officials. BIR officials. Political wannabees. Pulis patolas. Actors, actresses, boxers, and basketball players with no credentials whatsoever desperately pushing their luck into penetrating the political arena. We have the most number of elections and the most number of elected officials. Politics should focus on public service not self-service. Anak ng pulitiko. Need I say more?

Graft & corruption. This goes hand in hand with above mentioned chakaness. Take the case of politicos pre-election, they drive around in a mid-sized sedan, a ginormous van, or a small SUV. Then post-election, they upgrade to a Lincoln Navigator, a Cadillac Escalade, or a GMC Suburban. Note though that they also also need an entire convoy for protection (or to look important). Throw in a Ferrari or a Lamborghini for the weekends, maybe even a Chrysler 300 for the misus, and a discreet Audi for the mistress. Don't even get me started on their luxurious houses, posh weekend homes, jewelry collection, heck even mistresses. Dare I contest the Forbes article proclaiming that we are in the top 10 rank in the world as most corrupt. We desrve first place. We were robbed, seriously.

Noontime variety shows. Not since the birth of cable television have I watched local tv. I cannot sit and watch fellow Filipinos, balikbayans, and tourists laugh like hyenas at contestants making big fools of themselves for a meager sum. No wonder we are mocked, pitied, ridiculed and caricatured by other races. I actually wanted to strangle the guy from the recent APEC summit who called our native barong a 'peasant outfit'. Excuse me, but who the hell do you think you are???!!! But then again, how can I blame him when that is exactly how Willie & co., whether they are aware of it or not (maybe even part of their gameplan), portray how Filipinos are in general. Kawawa naman tayo. tsk tsk

Overly dramatic telenovelas. As if we haven't had enough, we now have koreanovelas and chinonovelas. Morning, noon, late afternoon, primetime, late night, take your pick. I swear I lose I.Q. points by the minute when I see them. Don't we tire of the same plot over and over and over again? Isn't it insanity when we do the same thing over and over and over again then expect a different outcome everytime?

Too much complacency. 'Pwede na yan' ('That'll do') is something I hear quite often. Doesn't excellence matter? Can't we strive for something better, or better yet, the best? After all, people will treat us the way we expect to be treated, therefore if 'pwede na' is okay with us, that's exactly all we'll ever get. di ba?

Inferiority complex. Whilst other races suffer the opposite (i.e., superiority complex), Filipinos perceive and treat other races as superior, yet their own race inferior. If we Filipinos treat each other like 2nd class citizens, how can we expect first class, preferential treatment from others?

We can't say NO. Why do I need to come up with a reason or an excuse everytime I decline or reject something? The word NO should be a complete sentence. Don't you think so too?

I'm not trying to be negative, after all I am a Filipina and (super) proud of it. But what future awaits us when we continue to see ourselves as nothing more than doormats? Unless we manifest change amongst ourselves, amongst our leaders, within our nation, then my Dad is probably right in saying 'This country is going to the dogs'. There are times I want to give up hope, but having children gives me much optimism on a future generation far more confident and competitive than ours is. Although I constantly pray for change, I don't see it coming anytime soon.........................Or at least not in my lifetime. So pray, have faith, keep your hopes and chin up so that one day you can truly be proud to say 'Ako ay Filipino', and actually mean it.

Ako ay Filipina! Mabuhay ang mga Filipino!

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