I got a call from the Honda dealer on Stevens Creek last night, telling me that the 2006 Civic Hybrids would be arriving later this month and inquiring whether i'd like to put myself on the list. Doing some research, i find that the 2006 model has a more powerful engine (110 HP), and now boasts a GPS navigation unit similar to the one found in the Accord as well as the Toyota Prius. All in all seems, the latest Civic hybrid seems to rival the industry-leading Prius. Hrm. I put down a deposit (they're refundable, so whichever car i choose, i get the other deposit back), and we'll see how it goes.

I've only played three matches in FIFA 06, but i have to say i'm pretty disappointed. I don't know why, the game is basically the same as the one before it and the one before that. EA seems to be suffering from "Dutch boy plugging the leaking dyke" syndrome, as for every problem they fix another three come to the forefront. I'm not sure there are any fundamental controls lacking from the EA game, but it's certainly not as flexible or deep a play system as the one Konami has mastered in the Winning Eleven series. In fact the only real reason to play FIFA, as near as i can tell, is that it features a boatload of authentic leagues, teams, and players. I found myself ready to smash the disc into little pieces when i found i couldn't custom edit formations. They've got Chelsea playing with Lampard, Essien, and Makelele in a line in front of the back four. What tactical genius dreamt that up? If i could change things, i'd make it so Makelele plays in front of the defense, with Lampard and Essien in front of him, and Duff and Robben on the wings just behind the lone striker (Drogba or Crespo). But unfortunately such an arrangement is not one of the preset formations, and unlike WE i can't just mold an existing one to my whims. Dammit. I'll give it some more time, but for now i'm keeping one eye on my trusty copy of WE8. And the other eye towards February and the release of WE9, which will feature online play on Xbox Live ... yippee!

if fortune favors the brave
i am as poor as they come