So Jenson Button has answered his many critics, fighting off competition from team mate Rubens Barrichello and rival Sebastian Vettel to become Formula One World Champion.

Now I have to admit that I am a recent convert to the delights of Motor Sport, and I must say that I had never really understood the point of it until this year.

Firstly, I couldn’t see how it was even a sport. And secondly I saw no pleasure in watching a load of cars do endless laps of a racetrack all afternoon.

But this year something changed and I decided to give it a go. I can’t really remember why, perhaps it was Sunday afternoon boredom, more likely procrastination from revision, but I am glad that I made the conversion, whatever the reason.

Changing of the guard

Lewis Hamilton (c) Paul Woolrich 2007

Back in April when the season began, my knowledge of Formula One pretty much extended to the two British contestants Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.  I was expecting big things from (then) reigning World Champion and media golden boy Hamilton. I was consequently not expecting much from Button.

All that I knew of the latter, aside from the fact that he once dated a Fame Academy contestant only to change his mind about their wedding at the last minute, was that he had so far in his career made little impression on the track.

So it was to my great surprise that as the races got under way that Lewis seemed to be a little bit rubbish, whilst Button was leaving the rest of the field trailing in his exhaust fumes.

All about the team

But then I realised the sport was more complex than that. Put very simply, Jenson’s good fortune was down to his shiny new Brawn GP car which allowed him to go very fast. Lewis did not have a new car and so did not go very fast.

I also realised that Formula One was about more than just the drivers, it is a true team sport. A driver, no matter how talented is only as good as the car he sits in; just as a jockey can only reach the potential of the horse he rides.

I soon began to see that Lewis and Jenson were only ever going to be as good as the person changing their left rear tyres, or the brains behind a brand new engine or gearbox.

And so I came realise that Lewis was of course not rubbish, but that McClaren were just having their fair share of teething problems as they made a slow start to the 2009 season, whilst Brawn GP seemed to be experiencing all the beginners luck they could have ever hoped for.

What struck me too at this point was the fickleness of the media. As far as I knew Jenson Button had been all but ignored by the press in recent years, except when he was being photographed with a string of beautifull women. But as he rode in on his white charger, Lewis Hamilton (following all the controversy at the Australian Grand Prix), fell from grace quicker than his compatriot completed his opening lap.

A dramatic conclusion to a dramatic season

Being new to Formula One, I am unaware as to whether every season is as dramatic as this one has been, but there seem to have been more twists and turns in the story this year than the Nurburg ring.

From Hamilton lying to race officials, to allegations of race fixing, and teams threatening to quit the series it does seem to be more eventful than the average sport.

World Champion Jenson Button (c) Luke Hayfield 2009

If the Formula One powers that be had wanted any more drama in the season, then they couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion. No scriptwriter could have done much better if they had tried.

Seeing as six out of the first seven races this year went the way of Button, one would have thought that the Championship would have been a foregone conclusion long ago. Whilst the Brawn driver may have been feeling the pressure in recent weeks due to a dip in form, at least that way the season has been much more exciting for the spectator.

Ok so it didn’t boil down to the very last race like last year, but the Brazilian Grand Prix certainly contained enough excitement be a fitting almost finale to the 2009 race calendar.

To begin with a spectacular first lap collision swept aside Jarno Trulli, Adrain Sutil and Fernando Alonso as Kimi Raikkonen’s car erupted in a burst of flames, leaving the remaining contenders to battle it out on the track.

To me it seemed like it was Rubens Barrichello’s race to lose, starting in pole position with championship rivals Button and Vettel way down the grid. He was by far the crowd favourite, having been born a stone’s throw away from the ring, but lose it he did thanks to an unfortunately timed puncture toward the end of the race, allowing Button to clinch the World title that both men so desperately coveted.

Maybe it is partly down to all the drama, but I think I definitely joined Formula One in a good year. Yes Lewis didn’t do so great this time but once again a British driver reigns supreme, as Button takes over the mantle from his fellow countryman. Perhaps next year the two British drivers could be battling it out for the title.

But with the ups and downs and dips and peaks in form I have witnessed this year from the Formula one teams and drivers, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were in for a new reversal of fortunes come 2010. In fact I don’t think anything would surprise me in this most unpredictable of sports. I can’t wait to tune in and see what happens…

Interesting, exciting, tiring and memorable. These are the words I would use to sum up my experience watching F1 car race live for the first time ever in my life when I attended the 2009 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix (night races) last weekend.

I have mentioned in my previous blog entry that I am not a fan of F1 and I was not sure if I would enjoy myself. Well, I am glad that I had a great time despite having to stay late for three consecutive nights and suffering huge crowds everywhere in the Marina area. It was through this first-hand experience that I learned a lot more about F1 race and got a better idea on how the event is like.

Lewis Hamilton’s win that night made the event even more memorable for me because I am his supporter! I was both thrilled and touched when watching the British flag being raised at the podium over the big screen, and hearing a group of his British supporters seated behind us singing the British anthem loudly and proudly.

A newly formed F1 team by Malaysia will join in the race from the next season (2010) and I wonder if there will ever be the day when Singapore will have its F1 team?

Must have for the event – the survival kit which costs S$2 and consists of a pair of ear plugs and a poncho. Thanks to the great weather throughout the event and we did not have to use the poncho at all!

Crowds everywhere!

Great demand for beer during the 3 nights. S$8 per cup of Tiger beer and S$10 per cup of Heikenen beer!

Lots and lots of manpower deployed to put the event in good order

Racing accident happened every night

Large crowds waiting patiently near the Bay Grandstand to catch a glimpse of the drivers during the Drivers’ Parade on Sunday (27 Sep) evening

Timo Glock from Panasonic Toyota Racing. He won the second place in the race

Loudest cheers for Lewis Hamilton during the Drivers’ Parade!! He was in pole position for the race and was the winner for the night as well.

The upcoming new landmark for the Marina Bay area – The Marina Sands IR (Integrated Resort) which is due to open in 2010

Drivers’ in action. Lewis Hamilton leading all the way!

Jarno Trulli of Panasonic Toyota Racing and Fernando Alonso of Renault Team

Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari

Jenson Button of Brawn GP

A stroll down the racing track around the Bay Grandstand area after the race

A group of Lewis Hamilton’s supporters at the track after the race.

Vintage cars used for the Drivers’ Parade on display near Empress Place

Will I want to watch the race live again in future? Well, I don’t know yet. I have to say that the tickets are expensive but if I could, I would be interested in those S$1,388 Pit-stop tickets to be able to see all the “happenings” there. My younger sister, a fan of F1 and a supporter of Kimi Raikkonen, was very fortunate to have received a complimentary S$1,388 ticket from her friend. I hope I will be this lucky someday!!

If you are a fan of Top Gear or you use the motorway to get to your summer holiday destination near Skegness, you will be familiar with the rage that many drivers express towards caravan owners, but I wonder if the same would be true for the cycle paths if this made it into production?

Kevin’s illustrations of vehicles are also worth a gander as well, he has a beautiful style that teeters on the boundary of photorealism.

And since we are now on the topic of vehicles, and since I am in many ways undoubtedly a male, McClaren have just released the first details of this. It’s a pretty exciting website too.

You may not be into cars and you may even regard them as planet menaces, that is perhaps another blog post, but I do appreciate a jolly lovely bit of craft and design and this piece of glorious vehicular showmanship sits sweetly in that category.

My friend, Adam Ellis, posted this quote from Brian McClaren on his facebook this morning: “What is the purpose of the church? [Is it] to enfold and warehouse Christians for heaven, protecting them from damage and spoilage until they reach their destination? Or to recruit and train people to be transforming agents of the kingdom of God in our culture? The missional church understands itself to be blessed not to the exclusion of the world, but for the benefit of the world.”

McClaren killed it with that truth. We have defiled the church’s true beauty and identity. We have made the church an entity, an enterprise, a social club, a gathering, a place….ultimately, a destination. I use “we” intentionally and not generically, because in my own life I have been a part of this abuse.

But “the church” is the body of Christ on this earth…it is the moving of His passion for His purpose, which is to be a seeker redeemer of all men and all women, not an aquarium for the saved. May we repent…may I repent…from turning the movement of heaven into a destination on earth.

Over the next couple of weeks I will be posting on some various things surrounding this question….”So, what is the church?” Would love your feedback!

So I was on the bus today and as always I was looking at what kind of cars passed the street. Then for no apparent reason, a thought occurred to me. Arent girls really just cars in disguise?

The reasoning for this? Ok, so lets assume you nothing from cars, and we can start from the very beginning.

There are “4 kinds of women”, the first is the Celebrity/Model. They seem to have it all in life. Blessed with good looks, rich, ‘nice’ personalities, you name a good quality, they probably have it. What are the bad things about these girls? They dont truly exist (or theyre really rare, like the chances of you dating a supermodel/celebrity) and they probably have a high upkeep (they need the latest brands, to look their very best etc). Now think about cars. Does something seem to come up? Yes, i think youve got it! These girls are like supercars! Theyre rare to come by and they attract attention everywhere you go. In other words, highly exclusive. Just like McClaren, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin.  Coupe, Two doors? Exclusive ( i mean how many of these cars / girls do you see). Nice personalities? Great handling and superb engine power. High upkeep? Just like the original price of the car and the maintenance costs. Great looks? Thanks to Pinafarina.

The second type is the upper class girl. Someone with a decent reputation, looks decent, has a decent personality,has a decent upkeep, comes from a decent family, and is an all around generally decent person. Now what kind of car brands are you thinking of? Mercedes, a BMW, Lexus and Audi (Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen if you must) of course!!  Decent reputation? Prestige of the german luxury brands. Decent family? German Reliability. Decent upkeep? German efficiency (and high[er] maintenance costs). Decent looks? European Styling. Decent Personality? German engine (and power)

The third type is the girl next door. Someone you can get along with, they look ok (they arent like WOW but they wont embarrass you), theyre fun to be with, cheaper upkeep, more normal and they wont attract unwanted attention, but they have their downsides too (like wanting to be the great type; ie better looking, more rich etc). Whats the best thing about these girls? They actually exist and are probably easier to get along with (they know they arent supercars or prestige luxury brands). So, what are these brands? Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mazda (basically all the Japanese car brands). Ok looks? Thanks to the improved “european styling”. Cheaper upkeep? Thanks to Toyotas genuine advantage (100 or was it 199 for all servicing). Fun to be with? Thats when you realise the original price and maintenance costs compared to your friends hot girlfriend (he probably tells you about his high upkeep).

Finally, theres the bogan. I wont go into their traits, but certainly we can all name the brand that reprsents these girls. Ford and Holden come to mind? Petrol guzzling, frequent breakdowns, way too big (in terms of the size of the chassis and engine) than you want it to be.

A trecut si miercurea cand si ultimii au luat vacanta, fie ei chiar multimilionari campioni si vicecampioni. 10 iunie, cu ocazia jocului de calificare din preliminariile C.M. 2010, Anglia – Andorra. Si cat de diferite sunt datele problemei. Dar chiar, cat a trecut, macar pentru unii? Ei bine, campioana ramasa “in functie”, Man United, pornea pe 10 august 2008, pe Wembley, cu ocazia FA Community Shield, 0-0 cu “Pompey”, iar una ca Arsenal, peste alte 3 zile, intr-un 2-0 la Enschede, cu Twente, in a treia faza preliminara a Champions League… Le-o fi si lor de-ajuns, nu-i asa, Mister Rooney ori Walcott? Dar ma contrazic, asta vizavi de “ziua” de alaltaieri si conflictul Wenger – Pearce, pentru Walcott.

Capello si selectionata sa au adunat 7 victorii din tot atatea posibile pentru accederea la turneul final din Africa de Sud, o schimbare la fata comparativ cu descinderea Albionului la Barcelona, cu McClaren la timona, cand un 0-0 la pauza impotriva micutului stat din Pirinei a generat furia oarba a sustinatorilor englezi deplasati in Catalonia si a anticipat o campanie esuata de calificare la Euro 2008. Dar nu la paralelele inegale Capello – McClaren ma voi referi, nici la revenirea Angliei pe linia de plutire alimentand marile asteptari ale unei mandre natiuni fotbalistice, ci la doua considerente afectand tangential sportul nu doar in Albion rege si mai ales activitatea federatiei din Soho Square.

Acel 0-0 cu huiduieli la pauza s-a consumat in 28 martie 2007, la patru zile dupa ce Albionul remiza alb in Israel, iar rateurile par acum la ani lumina, mai ales in lumina ultimului 4-0 cu care s-a intors Capello din Asia. Dar altele-s subiectele…

Uno… 

Luni seara, cu prilejul amicalului de tineret Anglia – Azerbaidjan, difuzorul irlandez prin satelit Setanta Sports parea a-si fi facut retragerea cu coada intre picioare in ceea ce priveste transmisiile fotbalistice in direct ce tin macar de reprezentativa celor Trei Lei. Un vis conturat in joaca, intr-un bar din vestul Londrei, cand cu meciul Irlanda – Olanda de la Coppa del Mondo 1990, pentru care doi “verzi” au licitat drepturile de difuzare pe propria lor retea si au perceput 5 lire sterline de la fiecare client ce a calcat pragul stabilimentului pentru a viziona acea remiza, tocmai era pe cale sa se destrame intr-un bluf de mari proportii, si inca pe marea scena.

Setanta Sports si-a consolidat proeminenta cand a reusit sa dobandeasca un “pachet” din drepturile de difuzare impartite de Premier League si detinute in prealabil sub forma de monopol de BSkyB, control care fusese zdruncinat prin decizii europene stipuland legea concurentei. Odata infipti macar si cu un stegulet modest, cei de la Setanta se puteau declara multumiti… The New Kids on The Block. Au transmis in direct din Premier League si, undeva peste mana, tinand cont de statutul lor de post privat prin satelit dinafara Regatului Unit, au greblat pana si dispute din competitia K.O. patronata de Football Association, si anume Cupa Angliei, ba chiar si meciuri oficiale de calificare ale Albionului si al altora dintre tarile Home Nations. Asta insa pana luni, cand The New Kids n-au mai avut forta in buricul degetelor sa se mentina pe bloc. Li se va deschide parasuta? Analistii au estimat ca nu… Serviciul de abonamente pentru clienti, atat telefonic cat si pe internet, a fost brusc sistat, semn al lacatului iminent la usa.

Setanta s-a vrut a fi o alternativa sau mai bine zis o contrabalanta la monopolul Sky in Premier League, si in acest sens a fost asadar binevenita desi, licitand exact pentru meciurile Angliei, si-a intins plapuma cu o impunitate de ordin mai degraba moral. Jocurile Angliei, in orice oranduire normala, ar fi trebuit sa ramana apanajul BBC, tot asa cum ale Romaniei ar fi ramas in mod ideal in curtea TVR. Dar vremurile s-au schimbat subit si canale comerciale, ba chiar prin satelit si straine, au obtinut drepturile de difuzare de la cel mai vechi for fotbalistic federal din lume. Bastioanele traditionalismului erau daramate. Nu supararea celor care ar fi dorit sa vizioneze Anglia tot pe BBC au facut insa ca Setanta sa nu-si perpetueze consolidarea pe piata, ci slabele sale vanzari. 1,25 milioane abonamente nu suna mult, intr-o tara avida de fotbal si dresata recent in a fi ahtiata de fotbalul transmis pe micul ecran, numarul de abonati necesar macar pentru a supravietui fiind estimat la 1,9 milioane.

Sesizand esafodul destramat al conlucrarii cu Setanta, Football Association e pregatita pentru redistribuirea imediata a drepturilor de difuzare, asta daca se incumeta cineva sa liciteze la nivelul stachetei ridicate de postul prin satelit, in disperarea sa de a-si asigura un contract ce parea cu mare priza la public. Ei bine, cert e ca jocul cu Andorra e pe mainile ITV, unul dintre canalele terestre nationale ce lua initial transmisii ale nationalei de la pana recent monopolista pe aceasta felie, BBC.

Daca nu multi ar fi simtit lipsa Setanta cand e vorba de meciurile cu implicarea Football Association, deci ale Albionului ori din Cupa Angliei, in schimb atat Premier League cat si Scottish Premier League isi refac socotelile zdruncinate de incapacitatea de plata a Setanta. Care a ratat deja termenul de plata, de saptamana trecuta, a celor 3 milioane lire sterline, in cuferele forului primei ligi a “cimpoierilor”, si pare si mai subreda in privinta mult mai consistentei sume ce o are curand de livrat pusculitei lui Richard Scudamore, la Premier League. Problema e ca Setanta mai avea un an din contractul in derulare plus castigase din nou o particica din viitoarea intelegere, si mai banoasa, pe 3 ani. Cine va prelua potul, in conditiile in care Sky nu are dreptul, conform avertismentului primit de la “centru”? S-a auzit in iarna, cand cu licitatia viitorului contract, numele ESPN, de peste Atlantic, ba chiar n-ar fi exclusa lansarea propriu-zisa a “Premier League TV”, o proprie afacere, in familie. Si apropo de posturile proprii, Setanta avea intelegeri financiare pana si cu cateva din canalele private ale unora dintre cluburi, printre care Liverpool, asa incat ramificatiile incapacitatii de plata a Setantei sunt mai adanci si mai raspandite decat pare la prima vedere. Mica – mica in comparatie cu gigantul Sky, si totusi semnificativa, cand e vorba de achitarea platilor. Minusul in vistieria fotbalului, per total, din picajul Setanta, s-ar ridica la 150 milioane lire, deloc de neglijat in conditiile creditarii actuale restranse, a devalorizarii lirei si a conditiilor mai neprielnice de piata.

Un crah similar se lasa cu consecinte mult mai drastice la inceputul anilor 2000. Atunci, intr-o tentativa gen pionierat, ITV a incercat lansarea transmisiilor digitale a unor jocuri din Football League, obtinand drepturile de difuzare pentru “pachetul” respectivelor dispute din ligile 2-4. Proiectul nu s-a materializat, ba chiar a capotat din fasa, crah care a lasat The Football League si implicit cele 72 cluburi profesioniste de sub umbrela sa fara veniturile anticipate. Neavand de unde sa le imparta sumele asteptate, Liga a asistat la automutilarea sau chiar alunecarea in faliment a unor cluburi membre. Acum, cu bani de rezerva, mai puternicele foruri ale primei ligi engleze respectiv scotiene, vor face probabil platile necesare membrelor ei, chiar daca banii asteptati de la Setanta nu vor mai veni sau vor rasari de undeva, cu intarziere.

Esecul Setantei e implicit masura puterii BSkyB. Care domina si controleaza piata, chiar marind potul la licitarea viitorului contract de difuzare al jocurilor din Premier League. Setanta n-a tinut pasul si puritanii nu pot decat sa se bucure, obiectand ca jocurile Angliei n-aveau ce cauta in difuzarea unui post nu terestru si inca strain. Iar la fel cu Cupa Angliei, intr-un fel patrimoniu national. Devenise ridicola in actuala campanie de calificare imposibilitatea multor suporteri sa vizioneze meciurile nationalei tarii lor, asta pe cand acelasi joc era difuzat bine mersi peste mari si tari. Poate ca federatia va fi mai chibzuita, cui sa ofere contractul…

Setanta nici n-a patruns in multe case, nici in prea multe puburi de pe colt, care au fost “sugrumate” de Sky in a-si obtine licenta de redifuzare, si nici transmisiile in sine ori comentariile din platou n-au avut calitatea rafinata peste ani de Sky. Sunt multi care spun ca a viziona o transmisie fotbalistica asigurata de Sky e o alternativa mai buna decat a te deplasa la respectivul meci. Si asta spune multe. Dar Setanta poate fi deplansa ca orice competitoare care s-a vrut acolo, in bucate, sa ofere un serviciu publicului.

Dar dupa o saptamana de a fi sau a nu fi, postul a fost “injectat” cu zecile de milioane necesare pentru aducerea la zi a platilor drepturilor de televizare si cu promisiunea ca va subzista cum necum pe piata. In schimbul a 20 milioane lire, un investitor nord-american de origine europeana a preluat 51% din Setanta. Cum va naviga in continuare, demn de urmarit… 

Due…

Anglia – Andorra, fie ea si o confruntare de mana a doua, datorita inferioritatii oaspetei, ramanea totusi un joc oficial de calificare la Mondial, si inca pe Wembley. O umbra a deznadejdii s-a intins insa peste ultima aparitie inaintea pauzei de vara a starurilor Angliei in fata fanilor sai. Si anume dilema descinderii conform obiceiului la marea arena din nord-vestul Londrei. Si asta pentru ca, din preziua jocului, de la ora 7 post meridian, timp de 48 ore, sindicatul transporturilor are anuntata o greva inclusiv a metroului londonez. Si cu ce sa ajungi mai lesne la Wembley decat cu metroul, pe ultimul tronson dat in folosinta, “argintiul” Jubilee Line?

Anticipand actiunea revendicativa, The F.A. a stopat la 70.000, inca de saptamana trecuta, numarul biletelor puse in vanzare la jocul Angliei, preferand niste venituri mai mici unei potentiale seri cu cantec, de atata ingramadeala. Cuvantul haos a fost amintit in stirile pe marginea complicatei situatii a deplasarii fanilor la si de la stadion pentru un joc in nocturna, de la mijlocul saptamanii, si acesta e colacul peste pupaza la niste saptamani foarte agitate in general in peisajul social din Albion. Taman o greva a transporturilor, la ora pelerinajului spre Mecca fotbalistica, pentru a vedea o Anglie renascuta, mai trebuia unei societati care afla de la o zi la alta ca parlamentari percepeau din banii contribuabililor cheltuieli pentru sa zicem dopuri de chiuveta ori ca alte nu stiu cate posturi de munca sunt agatate in cui in lungul si latul insulei. Greva generand poate chiar anularea unui drum cu baiatul la Wembley, un alt motiv de fiert in suc propriu pentru o natiune neobisnuita in ultimul deceniu cu asemenea nemultumiri si o alta adaugire la ceea ce ar putea sfarsi intr-o provocare fatisa a unui an de fierbere.

Mai intai multor case li s-a luat sansa de a viziona meciurile Angliei, pe canalele terestre traditionale, BBC ori macar ITV. Doar 1,25 milioane abonati pe Setanta plus ingramaditii prin baruri asistau la ceea ce devenea un privilegiu. Iar acum multor fani li se complica existenta cu niste garnituri de tren sistate, spre stadion.  Batai de cap pentru FA, pentru autoritati, forte de ordine. Dar i-as plange de mila doar fanului care sigur a platit un pret piparat si acum se scarpina-n cap: cum sa ajung fain frumos acolo? Nu “ingramaditi ca vitele”, cum sesiza un localnic aventura de a te strivi si sufoca intre usi inchizandu-se si alte corpuri la urcarea la ora de varf in metroul londonez…

Pana la urma au fost putin sub 60.000 de spectatori, iar scorul cu Andorra a fost pe masura, 6-0, Rooney si Defoe facandu-si datoria cu “duble” iar Beckham reconfirmand ca e mai mult decat folositor fie si ca inchizator… Capello i-a folosit pe Green – G Johnson, Terry, Lescott, A Cole – Walcott, Lampard, Beckham, Gerrard – Rooney, Crouch. Asadar Walcott a fost titularizat, cu 5 zile inaintea startului C.E. Under-21, contra Finlandei. Si se pare ca nu doar Capello plus Pearce sunt incantati in a-l fi pus la punct pe Wenger in privinta folosirii lui Theo la aceste “oficiale” din vara, ci insasi tanarul jucator. Care pune selectionatele nationale mai presus de odihna inaintea unei noi campanii. Asta spre deosebire de Bentley, acum 2 ani, si care, iata unde a ajuns… Nici macar rezerva la Spurs si pe farasul lui Harry Redknapp.

This game is literally “THE FUTURE” of all car games…nuff said.

I am still amazed on how realistic the cars, scenery, and the people look in this game!!

This makes me wonder how virtual games will be in the next 10 years…haha I can only imagine them coming out with some virtual sex game or some kinda of sort LOLZ

The new addition to this game I hear the cars get damaged? Correct me if I am wrong people, but I know they also added NASCAR racing in it as well.

I can’t wait to see one of my team member from Auto Concept Elite – Mr. JR Rocha’s G37 TT aka Mr. Best of Show SEMA 2008 car to be featured/played in the game!!

Gran Turismo® 5

Genre: Racing
Publisher: SCEA
Release Date: TBD

The next installment of the award-winning racing franchise, Gran Turismo® 5, is coming exclusively to the PlayStation®3 system. Known for its signature beauty and precision, the highly anticipated racer will showcase new jaw-dropping cars, real-life tracks, and diverse racing styles. Gran Turismo promises to deliver exciting advancements to the series in the most comprehensive racing experience

[MUST] Watch in HD

You can see and learn more by visiting:

http://us.playstation.com/granturismo/default.html

Sneak peak of game play/spyshots/new cars brought to you by:

itzjOw3.com Phen Club bitchz!!

*EDIT CAUGHT RED HANDED LOLZ*

JOWE = PWNEDDD!!

dammitttttttttt x 1000000

Hello Everyone! Welcome to jasonmcclaren.com

If you read the about me you will see much about my life. Also be sure to check out McClarenMinistries.com,  Enjoy.

Jason

And do you blame them?

This F1 season is a farce, people recon that the new rule have made the sport more exciting. Well until this diffuser situation is sorted, I’ll just say that the new rules was the FIA conceding that McClaren and Ferrari were just too powerful and needed to take away their cutting edge.

Is this fair? Is this what the sport has come to?

As for the Hamilton situation, I think Lewis apologised for the situation and it seemed genuine. McClaren need to get their car sorted out and fast because I don’t think Lewis will hang about for a season as bad as this one is turning out to be.

I love Hamilton though, he is competative and very focused on being the best driver in the competition. He also has a Pussycat Doll so what can you say but Bravo.

There is an article in the Daily Mail that claims that Hamilton Sr is planning to take Lewis away from the McClaren. That stuff might hit the fan sooner than most fans think.

Jesus was often criticized for this “table fellowship” with notorious sinners; his critics assumed that Jesus’ acceptance of these people implied an approval and endorsement of their shabby behavior.  But they misunderstood: Jesus wanted to help them experience transformation.  Rejection hardens people, but acceptance makes transformation possible.  By accepting and welcoming people into his presence, just as they were, with all their problems and imperfections, Jesus was exposing them to this example and to his secret message.  In this way, he could challenge them to think–and think again–and consider becoming part of the kingdom of God so they could experience and participate in the transformation that flows from being in an interactive relationship with God and others.

- Brian McClaren ‘Secret Message of Jesus‘ p. 162-63

I feel like posting a hysterical Youtube video.

Forgive the poor lad for having a competitive streak, Michael Shumacher had one and ‘cheated’ numerous times but he is hailed  as a genius.

I hate to pull out the race card but it seems that some in F1 are not entirely happy with our Lewis and seems that the UK media are willing to go after him more now that they have Jenson Button. I isn’t Jenson driving an illegal car at the moment? Have people forgotten that?

I think that Lewis should quit F1 and head over to the states where he probably will be paid more and will be worshiped for his over-competitiveness.

Here is the story from the Daily Mail.

Esto de tener un blog bilingüe y en ocasiones trilingüe es ciertamente agotador…a menudo escribo los posts sin plantearme si lo estoy haciendo en una lengua o en otra pero otras veces como hoy, trato de plantearme motivos por los que debiera escribirlo en castellano o en catalán…y me lo trato de plantear con criterios casi periodísticos;

* El lugar de que voy a hablar o la “noticia” en cuestión sucedió en Catalunya o fuera?

*  El tema despertará mayor interés entre catalanes o quizás entre castellanos? o mejor ingleses o americanos?

* Alguno de mis alumnos norte americanos de Journalism 2.0 tratará de seguir mi blog? es evidente que si alguno lo hace sólo será capaz de cazar alguna palabra si es en castellano… (nuestras clases son íntegramente en ingles…)

Bueno, sea como sea, hoy escribiré en Castellano. A pesar de hablar de fórmula 1 y de que sea un tema tan seguido a nivel mundial, no creo que hoy os vaya a descubrir nada como para que necesitéis entenderme pero…al tema!

JUEVES 12, 11.15h – CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA, MONTMELÓ

Tras recibir un par de invitaciones de X para ver las sesiones de entrenamientos de Fórmula1, un amigo y yo decidimos entrar en el circuito de Catalunya. Nuestro pase nos da acceso al parking, boxes, paddock, Vial…vaya creo que en definitiva a todos los puntos del circuito. La temperatura es perfecta y el ambiente que se respira en las instalaciones también. Gracias a la crisis, las gradas de delante de los boxes y del punto de salida están bastante pobladas y los pilotos se sienten acompañados por su afición, bueno… todos menos Obama, hombre que cuando se paraba en la línea de clasificación con su McLaren para ensayar las “salidas” debía oír más los silbidos de la afición que los rugidos de su motor. Motor que por cierto parecía no funcionar demasiado bien en las sesiones de puesta a punto…

Pero Hamilton no fue el único que no parecía sentirse cómodo con su coche; Alonso tras una mañana desastrosa con los peores tiempos por la tarde parece que consiguió lo que perseguía: romper el motor. Después de que se le parara el coche sus mecánicos se vieron obligados a ponerse manos a la obra para tener el coche a punto antes de que perdiera toda la tarde…finalmente lo consiguieron; 5º mejor tiempo de las sesiones de la tarde.

En cualquier caso, fue un día grande, nos metimos por todas partes y pudimos cotillear y fotografiar todo lo que  quisimos. empezamos por los boxes, viendo como los mecánicos de BMW Sauber recibían una especie de clase de uno de sus jefecillos para después ponerse manos a la obra…

Tras unos minutos viendo como ponían a punto el coche decidimos movernos y ver cómo trabajaban en algunos de los otros equipos en los demás boxes…

Después de las entradas y salidas de todos los monoplazas y teniendo en cuenta que estábamos cerca de los 20º de temperatura decidimos ir al Hospitality de Red&Bull con alguno de los compañeros de TV3 que nos encontramos por el circuito, y que a partir del 29 de marzo seguirán este espectáculo por todo el mundo, empezando por Melbourne. Allí pudimos desayunar para después darnos un paseo por el Paddock dónde vimos a pilotos y seguidores a diestro y siniestro. Más tarde, una paseo por el “vial” del circuito desde donde se podía apreciar cómo el nuevo equipo “Brawn Gp” daba la talla y algo más que eso.

* Por cierto, hay quien dice que este equipo que aparentemente aún no tiene sponsors podría tener detrás dos manos negras con mucho poder de la fórmula1; por un lado uno de los “mandamases” de este espectáculo (caballero de pelo blanco) y por el otro un expiloto, con también muchísimo poder y unos cuantos grandes premios y victorias a sus espaldas.

Tras un ratito en el vial, unas vueltas más por el Paddock y una buena comida en una Masia en Alella. Mañana redonda.

Moltes gràcies…

Way back in April, I posted about my search for a new mobile phone. Well it appears not only was I not offered the right phone (even by my request) that was available, but as time has gone on my vendor (Vodacrone) has been made all too aware of my unhappiness.

Now, to be completely fair I like the systems employed by this once great company – but their sales people are nothing more than cut-throat sharks!!!

I listed that I wanted a robust phone with qwerty keyboard, quadband, and wifi. I told them I would like something like a Blackberry. I was told that I could not have one as these were for business tariffs only. They sent me a Nokia E65 which is one hell of a clever phone, there is nothing this thing cannot connect to. I was away for the two weeks after it arrived so fell foul of the ‘14 day returns policy’.

So why don’t I like this phone – well it’s crap because it dials numbers and connects to the internet all by itself!! This is a ’slide’ phone, if you lock the keypad and place it in your inside jacket pocket you would think it would be safe – NO WAY, if that slide moves just one millimeter it unlocks the keyboard! – and then you end up connecting to the internet, ringing friends in Australia and all manner of stupidity…

So I complained about it – they told me to buy a case for it. In fact every time ‘they’ have phoned me and ask if everything is alright – I tell them the phone is not alright and is not working in the manner it was expected to.

Last week I get a call from Vodacrone and they tell me what a wonderful customer I am, they say they’re giving me a second line with hundreds of free minutes and that for nime months they’ll only charge me £10 a month for it. On top of this I will get unlimited internet and a new fone.

The new phone was a Blackberry Curve and didn’t do what they said it would do – no wifi!!! The software is slow and frankly crap – though the video is pretty darn good.

However, I looked into their tariffs and realised I had been fooled yet again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I spent over an hour trying to get through to these people. I told them I wishd to return the Blackberry and talk about my primary tariff – I then went on to complain about my phone.

This is the outcome;

Extra line canceled and Blackberry to be collected.

I can upgrade my tariff, but I have to keep the same Bag of SH*T phone. But the lady did tell me something VERY VERY interesting… I could of had the phone I wanted in the first place all along… I was and I still am livid!!

It turns out that they claim I can only upgrade this phone 72 days before the end of the contract, but they’re happy to take more money off me for a) selling me a product not fit for purpose b) being mislead and lied to by a sales person and just to add insult to injury c) the lady noticed that the deal on the second line for 9 months at £10 has been then reset to 3 months!!!!

Not a surprise that they rip us off and do dodgy stuff when they sponsor the most expensive Formula 1 team in the world!!

I told her they could have this crap phone back and I would place the sim card in a old cheap phone – she told me that I should ring their customer service as there is a possibility (at a cost) that under these circumstances that my phone can be changed.

BOLLOCKS: Vodafone was better when Ian Heath worked for them! (and that’s saying something)

Si tomases una muestra de individuos de entre 25 y 50 años, fans de la Fórmula 1, y les hicieses la pregunta: ¿Cuál es tu piloto favorito de todos lo tiempos?, la respuesta en un 85% sería Ayrton Senna, y al tiempo en que te diesen la repuesta, verías cómo los ojos de esas personas, tomarían un aspecto vidrioso, nostálgico, como si estuviesen hablando de alguien cercano y, como si desde que esa persona desapareció no hubiesen vuelto a “emocionarse” de verdad viendo Fórmula 1.

what a race! what a finish! hard luck for massa but total joy for hamilton & mcclaren as he becomes the youngest f1 world champion & britain’s first since damon hill in 1996..

Law of Marathon Marriages:

1. When there are cousins and relatives who are in the same age range chances are they will not get married in the same year, unless you plan a Vacation to India during that time.

2. The net amount of marital force is calculated by the formula = Number of vacation days multiplied by Number of Marriages.

3. For every Marriage happening in a Marriage hall in Madurai, there will be a Balloon seller standing opposite to the hall.

Marriages are made in heaven goes the old saying. But when Marriages happen in quick succession and especially if you are supposed to attend each and every one of them right from the time you land, it becomes drastically deviated from being heaven. I wouldn’t call it hell though as I loved the experience and the food. Well Ok, mostly the food!

The last vacation to India, We had close to 25 days to spend in Madurai but most of the days were spent in attending marriages and functions. We had to attend a marriage function right on the day we were landing in Madurai and I totally wished I had the following conversation with the Air hostess of the delayed Air Deccan flight from Chennai to Madurai.

… IMAGINARY CONVERSATION BEGINS

Me: Excuse me, Artificially-looking-beautiful-due-to-heavy-makeup Air Hostess! I am getting late for my cousin’s marriage. Can you please ask the captain to drop me by the marriage hall.

Air Hostess: Sure, why not! Whatever the customer says, Customer is first.

(She moves towards the cockpit)

Me: While you are there can you ask him to not wiggle the airplane, it feels funny! and ask him to drive faster, I just saw a 90 year old passing us in his bicycle in mid air! and Please go in and change the color of your uniform, your bright red color dress is blinding me!

(She comes back from the cockpit.)

Air Hostess: The Captain said you must be crazy. There is only one runway in Madurai airport, so if we take that runway and put it near the Marriage hall, where your Cousin’s marriage is going on then there will be no runway in the airport.

… IMAGINARY CONVERSATION ENDS

After we arrived home we were immediately transported to the cousin’s marriage. We were hardly dressed for the occasion and by the time we went there the marriage was over, but we were about on time for the Photo Session and Lunch. I enjoyed the food so much that I shamelessly had extra helpings of Veg Briyani when everyone had almost reached the end of the game eating their curd rice. Such was the start of the Vacation of Marathon Marriages.

The procedure to attend a marriage function after you are married is drastically different from attending one when you are bachelor. The itinerary between your home and the marriage hall is usually intersected by a visit to the in laws, especially if the marriage is happening on your in laws side.

So, The next day we got ready and went to my in-laws house from where we were supposed to go to another marriage hall for attending another cousin’s marriage.To avoid myself explaining the relationship (which I am terrible at) I am just going use the phrase “Another Cousin” for every Cousin. My wife had to get dressed for the occasion at her place, as the materials needed were (in)conveniently at her place.

As I entered the in laws house, I couldn’t help notice my Father in Law sitting on the sofa wearing a Munda Banian and a Sangu Mark Lungi. He was sitting there silently channel surfing with the TV remote control. Here I am completely dressed and ready for the function and he was lounging in the couch. So I had to ask:

Me: “Aren’t you getting ready to go FIL? We have to be there in 30 minutes.”

FIL: “Relax, Your mother in law has just now got in to get ready. Please sit down now, why don’t you have Bovonto and watch some TV for a while”

And so I made up my mind and sat down on the couch watching TV with him. In few minutes I was involuntarily getting restless of the fact that the time was approaching, while the daughter merrily played with her toys and FIL still in his relaxed at-home costume watching TV. Just then, my Wife and MIL came out of the room in their Saree.

Me: Great, we are ready now. FIL, I think you should get ready now and we should go.

FIL: Relax, They just got dressed. They have to wear Jewels now.

Me: But, we have to be there in 5 minutes. We will be disrespecting them if we go late. ( Which I actually meant to say – “We gotta go, what if the food gets over? I want to eat the main lunch, not the Its-over-so-let’s-make-up-something-quick lunch”)

FIL goes back to his TV watching. I now wanted to beat the restlessness and so carried myself to the computer room and played a few games for a while. Apparently it seems it takes the same time for a Woman to wear Jewels as wearing the Saree and I am scientifically unable to explain this phenomenon. So we were obviously getting delayed. I finally realized it doesn’t matter how restless I am, things will happen at its own pace, I had to be patient, a self realization moment.

The Jewels were on and I finally heaved a relieving sigh and got up from the computer. But FIL is unbelievable as his relaxation didn’t end even after that. I badly needed a magic wand to wave at him and get him dressed but his reply was “There is always the last touch up!” and he was right. As they were just about to finish on their last minute touch up, the FIL man went in and came out in his dress in 1 minute. He simply put a Well disciplined McClaren Formula one Pit Crew to shame.

But I learnt something that day. I learnt to be patient, I learnt to endure under circumstances and keep myself cool. I learnt that it doesn’t matter if you get restless, you just sit down, relax and play along. When we got there we were not as late as we thought. Everything was fine and I was able to have my moment of eating a delicious meal.

20 out of 25 days of Waking up early, getting ready and going through the waiting process of the ladies getting ready, attending the function, smiling at people, laughing at jokes, cracking intelligent jokes and receiving blank stares, cracking dumb jokes and setting the entire hall in laughter and so on it went. We had a fun time and when it was all over, emptiness returned and we were back to our normal life.

When we work on things, we fail to see the bigger picture. We only see how difficult the task at hand is, we forget that we have worked tougher tasks before or there are people who have worked tougher tasks before. If you learn to see the things in that perspective, there will never be a moment of frustration. You will be able to handle and solve any problem in your life. I will leave you with a Haiku:

See not a Problem

as a Hurdle, but see it

as a task to solve!

What I mean is if you are going to be late for a Marriage don’t be so late to miss the lunch!

David Davis

Brian Mickelthwait, libertarian blogger, talks about cricket the whole time, so I guess that lets me bore you abour Formula-1.

I would have bet £500,000 on this appeal result, if I had had the moolah to hand. I’d have guessed 1000:1 that McClaren win and 1:11-on that Ferrari get what they want (which they did.)

Am I the only person who thinks that the FIA have it in for British teams right now – and – worse – that the “Europeans” (especially dyed-in-the-wool Savoyards like Ferrari) can’t stand being shown up by a “black” driver (who’s British, which makes it even worse!)

What's that thing on his head?

Because we live in Italy I’d better be careful how I phrase this but I can’t help but believe the FIA has pulled yet another stroke in their determination to assist Ferrari to win the F1 World Championship at the expense of McClaren and Lewis Hamilton.  Did you watch the event yesterday? – probably one of the best races I’ve seen in years with Hamilton finally winning after a thrilling tussle with Raikonnen’s Ferrari. But after the race the FIA’s stewards called Hamilton and McClaren into their office and imposed a 25 second forfeit for gaining an unfair advantage on Raikonnen’s Ferrari as he cut the chicane to avoid hitting the Finn’s car. Yes he overtook his competitor in the processs which is not allowable but under guidance from his team Hamilton dropped his speed to concede the advantage and leading position in the race to Raikonnen. Effectively he self-moderated his error. He went on to overtake Raikonnen, fairly and thrillingly, shortly afterwards. Yet the post-race penalty dropped him to 3rd place, allowing the Finn’s team-mate, Masse’s Ferrari to win by default (Raikonnen having crashed out just before the end of the race). Masse never headed the race at any stage yet he comes out the winner, a result which puts him just 2 points behind Hamilton in the race for the driver’s Championship. Just in time for the upcoming Italian GP at Ferrari’s home circuit at Monza.

Neat eh? Remember the $100M fine imposed last year by the FIA on McClaren for being caught receiving technical  information on the Ferrari team. Ferrari were later found to have done something similar but were let off with a slapped wrist. What about Ferrari driver Schumacher being let off after appeal for illegal us of the base board? And the Ferrari team being merely fined for letting Masse out in front of another driver in the pit lane, thus deliberately impeding him. When another team were found to have done the same thing, the punishment was far more swingeing.

So as far as the FIA (the sport’s governing body let us not forget) is concerned it’s OK if you’re with Team Ferrari but a little punishing if you happen to be employed by Ron Dennis. Well done Max, yet again you’ve allowed F1 to be besmirched. Surely even more people are going to turn off watching if this is allowed to continue. A great race has been utterly devalued by petty politics. What’s the point in following a sport whcih does its level best to ruin its own repuatation. Does anybody share my view or believe I’ve got it entirely wrong?

pp