Sunday, August 31, 2014

Doctor Who S08E02

Doctor Who S08E02

A bad Dalek turned good...That was quite an unexpected turn for this episode titled "Into The Dalek" and for The Doctor and Clara, along with the help of a female soldier named Journey Blue (played by special guest Zawe Ashton), they CAN make a good Dalek. I know, the words "Dalek" and "good" are not the two words that fit in the same sentence but that turned out to be a good thing for this episode.

Journeying through the inside of the Dalek is definitely one of the most dangerous attempts ever witnessed but for that kind of situation, there is no other choice.

I was quite impressed to see the first appearance of a new character named Danny Pink, played by Samuel Anderson.

What made me bizarre is that female character from the previous episode making a comeback. Who is she? We don't know but they're currently investigating about this mystery character...

Here's the BTS from this episode:



And here's what to expect on next week's episode:



Another new clothes for The Doctor?! Robin Hood? A robot terrorizing Sherwood? That's what to expect next week...

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Kia All New Sorento (UM)

2015 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is now on its third-generation and the Korean carmaker says that this new model is moving upmarket with its new features that makes this new model a class ahead from its rivals. I was surprised by this one but I want further explanation about the latest generation. Without further ado, let's investigate what's what...

Okay, now tell me. What's new?

Well, this is a totally new model just like the Hyundai Santa Fe DM two years ago but unlike the Santa Fe, the new Sorento has a clean muscular design that really stands out more than its previous model. Looks like its image of being a crossover has now been sharpened to give you a glimpse of the future ahead from the Korean carmaker. However, sharp-eyed spotters might think that the new rear design looks more like a Toyota S#q#### . (Sorry, vowels blocked for search engine reasons)

Dimensions?

Well, the new model is now bigger than its previous model. You can see that the new Sorento has gained 95mm of length and 5mm of width but the height has dropped from the previous model's 1,700mm to 1,685mm. Thanks to its added length, the All New Sorento has a wheelbase of 2,780mm, 80mm more than the last one.

What's it like inside?

2015 Kia Sorento interior

2015 Kia Sorento interior

In the previous model, the interior looks okay but it can be somewhat lacking. On the new model, its "bold and premium" character really pulled it off and this new interior really does suit its personality very well. Because it can fit up to seven people, the new Sorento really suits well as a family car for everyday use. If there are any downsides, I believe that the 3rd row seats doesn't have enough room but no matter.

You can also expect a wide variety of conveniences such as the heated/cooled seats, cluster ionizer, heated steering wheel, wide panorama sunroof, smart tailgate, UVO 2.0 eServices, JBL sound system, and so much more to bring out the best for its premium taste.

Did you know that you can fold the 2nd and 3rd row seats for added luggage capacity that is fit enough for factory-fresh shipments the clients awaiting for these? This car supposed so...

Hey, there's something new about that body, right?

Oh, you're right. I almost forgot. The new model is now constructed from Advanced High Strength Steel that has 60kg of tensile strength but it's 10% lighter than the last one. It also comes more than twice as much of ultra-strong hot-stamped steel than the last one, by about 10.1%, sharply strengthening the pillars.

What's it like to drive?

2015 Kia Sorento

The new model now matches the same level of driving from its European counterparts...well, almost. For engine choices, it still retains the same diesel-only lineup as the last one. It comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder and 2.2 4-cylinder. The 2.0L diesel produces 186PS of power and 402Nm of torque. Fuel economy is about 13.5km/L if you would go for the 2WD model. The 2.2L diesel, on the other hand, delivers 202PS of power, 441Nm of torque, and 13.4km/L of fuel economy, should you go for the 2WD model. Both of these engines are bolted to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

It still comes with a not-so-bad fully-independent suspension setup but with some minor alterations. On the rear multi-link suspension, the subframe has gained bigger bushings to better isolate it from the interior and the larger shock absorbers have been mounted vertically behind the axle line to enhance body control motion. That all seems fine but because it comes with a brand new electric motor-driven power steering system, it's starting to get more responsive and more agile than the last one while retaining its ride quality most luxury SUVs have.

It's a good thing it doesn't feel as cheap as a second-hand Korean SUV from the last decade but still, the best of Europe are still edging on such competition and the new Sorento tries to brave through this obstacle like handicapped darts.

Should I buy one?

The new Sorento is now priced from 2.765 million Korean Won up to 3.685 Korean Won (around $28,000 to $36,300) so not only it's becoming more affordable to own than the previous model, it's affordable to own than the Hyundai Santa Fe but that's only for the entry-level model. For a top tip, you can have this than the Hyundai Grandeur diesel because why? It has more room, more seats, and it has 4WD optional. The Grandeur doesn't have that so this can be a decent chauffeur-driven car if you're a celebrity or a politician of a certain province.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Imperial Bronze, Metal Stream, Platinum Graphite, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Photo: Kia Motors Corporation

Thank You and Goodbye to Car Town


So, it's been four years since Car Town began in the summer of 2010 and it's been a long journey. We come a very long way. So what's it all being about?

Well, we learned that it's more enjoyable to collect tons of cool cars than any other game in the world, you can race against friends, you collect more cash from jobs, the DeLorean Time Machine saves your jobs in case you missed them, and we learned that recreating the best Fast and Furious moments using Fast and Furious cars is a lot more enjoyable.

We know that because the plural of the Prius is Prii, we all have different Priuses to choose from, Prius V's five-seater capacity and boot space means good for a camping trip, we learned that Camaros rule than Mustangs, Corvettes rule than Vipers, we can distinguish a car whether if its a road car, a track-day car, or an offroader, we had numerous experiences on adventures such as the desert, the arctic, United Kingdom, Brazil, Italy, the US, Japan, and so many places. 

We also learned that the Scion xB can have different shapes and styles depending on the occasion, that you can fit cars with the best parts to give out the full potential within them, that decorating your car is a work of art from a true car enthusiast, and your garage is your own infinite world of possibilities.

But in the end of it all, maybe we discovered just one thing that in this crazy, fast-moving world of Car Town, WE LOVE CARS.

Today, Car Town is officially ceased to exist. The message goes like this;

We want to thank you all for your patronage over the last 4 years. We all here have enjoyed bringing you this car collecting experience and we feel that we have been truly blessed with a great community and hope you join us in our future projects.. --Car Town Facebook Team / GLU

Thank you and goodbye, Car Town. We all going to miss you.

Friday, August 29, 2014

IMPUL gets their work on the V37 Skyline (Q50)


Nissan specialist, IMPUL, finally got their mojos to work on their latest tuning project using the Nissan V37 Skyline (Infiniti Q50) as the base. Although release schedules aren't announced as of press time, the V37 Skyline tuning program from IMPUL comes with an array of aero kit upgrades and IMPUL has put a price tag each.

The The front bumper with daytime running lamps on it starts at 145,000 Japanese Yen (around $1,450), the side steps costs 95,000 Japanese Yen (around $950), the rear half costs 85,000 Japanese Yen (around $850), and the rear spoiler costs 95,000 Japanese Yen (around $950). Have them all and this full kit will cost you 400,000 Japanese Yen (around $4,000).

IMPUL will also offer an OHLINS SUPER SHOCK suspension, priced at 338,000 Yen (excluding tax), which IMPUL said that it offers great cornering stability.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/V37_SKYLINE.html

CHILDHOOD RUINED: Hello Kitty is NOT a cat!

Hello Kitty's 40th anniversary

The year 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most loved cute characters of all time, Hello Kitty. When it was launched in 1974 by Sanrio, Hello Kitty won millions of fans and not only that, she spawned countless merchandises from toys, video games, clothing lines, and tons of Kitty-ness. If I can only remember that in the Philippines, there was a store called the Gift Gate where Hello Kitty and other Sanrio merchandises were sold exclusively there.

For its 40th birthday, Hello Kitty will have a special exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum, located somewhere in Los Angeles, California, this mid-October and after the exhibit, there's going to be a first-ever Hello Kitty-dedicated convention at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Hello Kitty fans are looking forward to say Happy Birthday to Hello Kitty this year but some conspiracists are trying to uncover Hello Kitty's untold secrets that was never told over the past 40 years. Those damn conspiracists, exposing conspiracies to childhood favorites for the hell of it.

Christine R. Yano, the anthropologist from the University of Hawaii and author of her book titled "Pink Globalization: Hello Kitty's Trek Across the Pacific" revealed that when she was working for the script for the show, the folks from Sanrio stopped by and told that Hello Kitty is NOT a cat. I repeat, Hello Kitty is NOT a cat. Instead...she is a little girl. Really?

Also, it is revealed that Hello Kitty is not her real name. In fact, her real name is in fact Kitty White. Her parents are named George and Mary. Her birthdate is November 1st, she's a Scorpio, she's a third-grader, and she has a twin sister named Mimmy (but we know that). What we also didn't know is...she's British. Why she's British? That's a conspiracy...

Image: Sanrio

Mazda Flair (2015 minor model change)

2015 Mazda Flair

2015 Mazda Flair Custom Style

Following with the launch of the 2015 Suzuki Wagon R facelift which includes its brand new fuel-saving "S-ENE CHARGE" feature that propels its fuel economy up to 32.4kmpl, beating the likes of the Daihatsu Move and the Mitsubishi eK Wagon, it looks like the Mazda equivalent, the Flair, won't be far behind because, like the Wagon R it was based on, the 2015MY minor minor change sees the Flair, along with its Custom Style model, receiving the same S-ENE CHARGE feature.

2015 Mazda Flair interior

2015 Mazda Flair Custom Style interior

If you're new here, let me get this straight; S-ENE CHARGE is basically an improvement of the ENE-CHARGE and it takes  full use of the lithium-ion battery and the Integrated Starter Generator while joining forces with the improved R06A engine. The ISG provides a motor assist during acceleration and during deceleration, it stores some of its electric power.

With S-ENE CHARGE, the 2015 Flair's fuel economy has improved to 32.4km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

Not only the fuel economy that stands out from the rest but it's loaded with safety features such as the very clever Radar Brake Support, a special feature that prevents unintended acceleration, a big issue that was faced with millions of drivers in history, an Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers from behind, ESP, and so much more.

Prices start from 1,166,400 Japanese Yen up to 1,737,720 Japanese Yen. Customers can even afford one with or without S-ENE CHARGE but just like the Wagon R, there are differences to these models because on the normal Flair, you can afford an entry-level model with a 5-speed manual gearbox exclusive to this model while on the Flair Custom Style, the 660cc turbocharged engine is available exclusively for that model.

Dismissed.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Forza Motorsport 5: Meet the SRT_01E electric racer

srt01e

Your eyes don't deceive you. At first glance, it does look like today's Formula 1 cars but what you notice here is something different. It was born alongside the new age motorsports and this new age of motorsport can only mean one thing; zero emission motorsport. That's right, the FIA Formula E is coming and this is the primary machine for the opening match; the Spark-Renault SRT_01E.

srt01e_2

The year 2014 gives birth to a brand new generation of motorsport. The FIA Formula-E Championship is a brand new FIA single-seater championship and the world's first fully-electric racing series. The inaugural season starts from September 2014 to June 2015, spanning 10 different locations from London, Beijing, and Miami.

The Spark-Renault SRT_01E is the first ever open-wheeler electric racing machine to be homologated by the FIA and this zero-emission racer aims to turn the tables of what is achievable in electric motorsport while balancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

It was built by the newly-established Spark Racing Technology while the monocoque chassis, built from carbon fiber and aluminum, was done by Dallara. The electric powertrain and electronics was sourced by McLaren Electronics System while the battery was sourced by the Williams F1 Team, producing 200kw of power while linked to a 5-speed Hewland sequential gearbox with fixed ratios.

In the opener of the FIA Formula E Championship, 10 teams, with two drivers each, are competing in the first season. The teams are AMLIN AGURI, ANDRETTI FORMULA E, AUDI SPORT ABT, CHINA RACING, DRAGON RACING, E.DAMS-RENAULT, MAHINDRA RACING, TRULLI, VENTURI, and VIRGIN RACING. There are selection of aces taking part in the opener; aces of all kinds such as motorsport icons, F1 testers, former Formula 1 racing drivers, even female drivers. The opening match will be in Beijing, the capital city of the People's Republic of China, on the 13th of September.

srt01e_3

Of course, it looks like a Formula 1 car but because this is a zero-emission racing machine that runs solely on electric power rather than prehistoric fossil fuel, this is a total difference to experience but I really want to know what's like to be behind the wheel of the Formula E car and to find out, I went to the Top Gear Test Track for some experimentation.

srt01e_4srt01e_5srt01e_6srt01e_7



As I noticed it, the SRT_01E is a very serious racer with some very serious zero emission technology. Sure I may not hear something at the start until the whirring of the electric motor kicks in on the move, but unlike a Formula 1 car, this Formula E car won't attack you like extremists on a spaceship and when it comes to handling, the aerodynamics really done its sorcery and it handles like a boss! I was very impress to have an electric car that can handle like a Formula 1 car and if I'm going on the opening match, this could be a very exciting match to see. It may be a serious motorsport but it's probably one of the most exciting to see.

 srt01e_8

After taking a lap round the Top Gear Track with the Formula E car, I still believe testing it here is not quite enough because next time, I will travel round the world and see if the Formula E car tackles through the world's best courses in Forza Motorsport 5.

Let's Do The News! (August 28, 2014)

Things we learned so far...

- It is confirmed that the Filipino boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao, will be training Chinese boxers to help ease the tensions between the Philippines and China. He mulls demonstrating his boxing know-how through a training academy in China that will be named as the Manny Pacquiao Boxing Education Institute.



- IS THIS THE NEW SUZUKI ESCUDO? A new model is set for its 2014 Paris Motor Show debut!

スズキ 新型SUV「VITARA」
Is this the new Escudo?

- Based on the current analysis, the search area for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean has been refine while the investigation will not go on unless the wreckage and the black boxes are found.

- On the Ukraine Crisis: Pro-Russian separatists are advancing through the southeastern part of Ukraine as reports stated that the rebels took control the town of Novoazovsk, on the Sea of Azov.

- The Ebola outbreak will continue to get worse according to a top US public health official and it would need an "unprecedented" response to bring it under control.

- Renault has unveiled a racecar to be used on the brand-new Renaultsport Trophy one-make race series next year. The new R.S. 01 comes with the chassis built by Dallara and it comes with the same VR38DETT engine from the Nissan GT-R. This midship racer weighs 1100kg and it can do 0-60mph in under three seconds.
RenaultSport R.S. 01

- The Enzo Pastor murder case starts to unravel as reports told that the PNP has the suspect behind the murder of the racing driver two months ago. Businessman Doming de Guzman III was arrested in Muntinlupa City since August 26 while PO2 Edgar Angel was arrested on the 23rd of August. Also, Enzo Pastor's wife, Dalia, was involved in the murder case as reports told she had an affair with de Guzman.

- Video streaming site, Twitch, was acquired by Amazon for US$970 million dollars.

- The Pyramid Head from the Silent Hill horror game franchise gets its very own figma! Out this April, it's priced a 4,444 Japanese Yen plus tax. Preorders are open for booking so here's your chance to have a piece of Silent Hill!

Figma Red Pyramid Thing

TTFN!!!

Asphalt 8 mobile racing game unveiled its "Dubai update"

Asphalt 8 Airborne's Dubai update

It's been a year since Asphalt 8: Airborne hit the smartphones on the App Store and Google Play and most racing game fans still won't stop playing the most extreme installment of the Asphalt mobile game franchise from developer Gameloft.

Now, they've released a brand new Dubai Update on A8! This update features a brand new Dubai location with different variations ranging from DUBAI, THE ROSE OF THE DESERT, and THE MIRAGE.

Also, keep an eye out for time-limited special events featuring 5 brand-new cars to this update such as the Nissan GT-R NISMO, Jaguar F-Type, SSC Ultimate Aero XT, the Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept, and the unsung Dutch supercar known as the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS. As A8 rules apply, the fastest in the special events will earn an early access to this car before its available for almost everyone in a couple of days or weeks.

A new season is added and for this 9th season called BEYOND, only cars tuned to the max are allowed to take on the toughest challenges yet. These challenges are made specifically to the car, which is tuned to the max, and if you want to beat those, get yourself ready with your car armed to the highest potential!

If you have a Twitch account, you can stream your A8 action but this Twitch feature is only available for those who owned the latest-generation of smartphones and tablets (for example, the iPhone 5/5c or the iPad 4th gen). A Twitch account is required to access this feature.

Asphalt 8 is available to download for free at the App Store or Google Play now.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

THE iDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 3 Prologue ONLY MY NOTE

THE iDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 3 Prologue
ONLY MY NOTE

With the PS3-exclusive THE iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL getting along smoothly with iM@S fans new and old and with thanks to the 9th anniversary concert they've been saving with, looks like the folks from NIPPON COLUMBIA had better way to celebrate these occasions with a brand new chapter of the iM@S MASTER ARTIST chapter of CDs.

To set things off, MASTER ARTIST 3 kicks of with a Prologue titled "ONLY MY NOTE" and at first glance, you might think that this is a 5-track CD but oh no because on track 3 of this brand new CD, there's a non-stop medley featuring the songs you might heard from this month's DLC. We're talking the solo songs scenario stuff and the new DLC solo scenario songs can now be listened for the first time as a non-stop medley featuring all of 765 Production idols! You name them! Harkua, Iori, Makoto, Takane, Azusa, Miki, Ami and Mami, Yayoi, Hibiki, Yukiho, Ritsuko, and Chihaya!

This CD comes with two brand new M@STER VERSION tracks on never-before-heard songs like ONLY MY NOTE and アクセルレーション and with this CD, this will surely kick off the new chapter in the history of iM@S.

Look forward for the arrival of THE iDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 3 CD range very soon!

TRACK LISTING:
01. ONLY MY NOTE(M@STER VERSION)
02. アクセルレーション(M@STER VERSION)
03. アイドルマスターOFA・DLC2014年8月ソロ新曲メドレー
04. ONLY MY NOTE(M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ
05. アクセルレーション(M@STER VERSION) オリジナル・カラオケ

Let's Do The News! (August 27, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Four strong aftershocks occurred in the San Francisco North Bay Area early morning including a 3.9M aftershock that caused extensive damage to Highway 29. According to the USGS, the first aftershock occurred at 5:33AM with M3.9, then a second aftershock occurred at 5:35AM with M2.7. A third one occurred at 6:12AM with M2.8, and the last occurred at 6:45AM with magnitude 3. So far, no casualties are reported.

- The president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, told that the "roadmap" to end the lingering conflict between the Russians and the Ukrainians will be prepared after holding his first direct talks on the crisis with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk.

Photo courtesy of AFP

- An American man, who is believed to be fighting alongside the Islamic militants in Syria, named Douglas McCain, was killed in battle. This report was confirmed from the White House.

- Despite the LPA has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, expect cloudy with a high chance of rainshowers in Metro Manila, according to PAGASA.

- After numerous animals died for unknown reasons, a zoo located in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia was closed, as told by city mayor Yordanka Fandakova. Three Indian bisons, two yaks, and a camel were found death and the cause of death remain unknown.

- The second-generation Volvo XC90 was finally revealed and this new model will spark a new milestone for the Swedish carmaker. Because all Volvos are heavily focused on safety, the new XC90 is beyond compare as it gains "the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry", such as automatic braking, self-driving on the stop-start traffic, "run off-road" protection package, pre-crash protection, whiplash protection, blind-spot info, and road-sign reading. Two engines are available such as a brand new 2.0L turbodiesel and a PHEV model which comes with a twincharged 2.0L engine connected with an electric motor that churns a combined output of a mighty 395HP.

2015 Volvo XC90
- It's almost back-to-school, and G. Hannelius shows off some back-to-school inspired nail art for you to try on the latest G. Nails clip presented by SweetyHigh and M Magazine.

- Sebastian Vettel tries out the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid, better known to you and I as the Nissan Skyline V37, on Russia's newly-completed Sochi Autodrom, the venue for the first ever Russian GP on the F1 2014.

Vettel is 1st Formula 1 driver to try out Russian Grand Prix racetrack
Sochi Autodrom meets Skyline and Vettel
- Actor Dennis Roldan is found guilty as charged from allegedly kidnapping a young Filipino-Chinese boy nine years ago.

TTFN!!!

Gotta Get Ready For The Next Battle?! Pokken announced

Pokken Tournament

Pocket Monsters (or PokeMon from all over the world), a famed video game franchise loved by kids from all ages worldwide since 1996. Tekken, one of Namco's flagship titles which involves hardcore fistfights and white-knuckle thrills and this franchise is on its 20th birthday this year.

PokeMon and Tekken, not two words you often hear in the same sentence and that's because PokeMon are targeted for the little kids while Tekken are targeted for the grownups who love fighting games and it's gonna be a good thing because last night, Bandai Namco Games collaborated with Nintendo and The PokeMon Company to create next year's arcade fighting game featuring some of the roughest and toughest PokeMon assembled and it's forged by the creators of the Tekken and Soul series. What do you get? Pokken Tournament.

Like it said, this arcade fighting game is set for its 2015 debut and it's targeted for PokeMon fans in their 20's. We're not sure if this is going to be a Japan-exclusive arcade game like the PokeMon Tretta but still, PokeMon fans are surely "ready for the next battle".