Wednesday, June 8, 2016

TGUSA: Postal


The boys of Top Gear (The hit US Show) are finding out which is the best alternative for the aged postal vehicle the USPS had been used for decades. Rut goes for the Honda Element, Adam goes for the Lincoln Town Car hearse, and Tanner goes for the Mitsubishi 3000GT (GTO).

The first challenge involves how fast can they pickup mail from the mailboxes without causing much federal offense. In this challenge, its a three-way tie, resulting to an obstacle race to declare the winner, and it's a no contest after trouble's brewing the gang.

The next one is how to handle deliveries while surviving simulated weather conditions. On this challenge, Rut wins.

While the gang are busy upgrading their vehicles, Tanner tries out the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and challenges against a cyclist on the streets of Long Beach, California. After that, the cyclist defeated the muscle car.

Later, the gang are back with their improved cars (except for one) at an abandoned suburbs and take on the final challenge involving mail deliveries while taking on The Stig in the LLV.  The man who got as close at Stig's time is Rut, meaning the Honda Element is the best delivery vehicle substitute.

Strawberry Trapper

Uranohoshi Girls High School's idol unit, Aqours, from Love Live! Sunshine!!, the second generation of the Love Live franchise, is divided into three sub-groups in tradition of what the legendary μ's did with Printemps, lily white, and BiBi. First, there's CYaRon! comprising of Chika Takami, You Watanabe, and Ruby Kurosawa. Then, there's Azalea comprising of Kanan Matsuura, Dia Kurosawa, and Hanamaru Kunikida, And finally, Guilty Kiss comprising of Riko Sakurauchi, Yoshiko Tsushima, and Mari Ohara.

Strawberry Trapper 

With the launch of Guilty Kiss' first single, Strawberry Trapper, the first wave of Aqours' sub-group CD releases is well and truly complete for now, and on this single, what can you say? It's like BiBi all over again, only this time we are welcomed with two brand news songs coming straight from Guilty Kiss comprising of Riko Sakurauchi, Yoshiko Tsushima, and Mari Ohara. Apart from the two songs offered, there is an audio drama part where we can expect more from this trio.

So, with CYaRon, AZALEA, and Guilty Kiss presented their own singles, which of the Aqours sub-units you like the most? Try them all and decide.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01. Strawberry Trapper
02. Guilty Night, Guilty Kiss!
03. Strawberry Trapper (Off Vocal)
04. Guilty Night, Guilty Kiss! (Off Vocal)
05. 遊覧船でどこまでも❤

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

20 Years of Pokemon: The best Pokemon all things considered is...

Since two months ago, to honor the Pokemon franchise's 20th anniversary, Pokemon fans across Japan decide who is the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time by taking on a one-of-a-kind Pokemon Sousenkyo 720. In that very event, fans voted who is the best Pokemon and the winning Pokemon will be offered for those who attended the crowning ceremony. After a month of tallying the votes, the public decided and as announced on a special crowning ceremony earlier...

This then is the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time...

Ash-Greninja

Not exactly what it looks like in this shot but you get the idea. To repeat, the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time...is none other than Greninja, the Ninja Pokemon.

Yes, the world got shocked on this result but why this Water-and-Dark-type Pokemon is named as the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time, dethroning mythical Pokemons like Mew and Arceus, and all-time favorites like Charizard and Pikachu?

Some say, it's the Protean ability that made this Pokemon a game-changer in rating battles, online competitions, and world championships. Some say, it's the looks that appeal most Pokemon fans, even women. Some say, its unique power to become Ash-Greninja in Pokemon The Series XYZ made this Pokemon a stand-out. All we know is, such fascinating traits made Greninja the best Pokemon all things considered the whole time.

The list of top 10 Pokemon from the Pokemon Sousenkyo 720 (based on vote tallies)
1) Greninja
2) Arceus
3) Mew
4) Pikachu
5) Sylveon
6) Charizard
7) Genesect
8) Rayquaza
9) Meloetta
10) Zygarde

So, there you have it. If someone asked you who is the best Pokemon all things considered after twenty years, there's your answer. The Water-and-Dark type Ninja Pokemon that crowned as the winner of the Pokemon Sousenkyo 720 and now under the hands of guests who made it at the crowning ceremony.

I have no idea there will come a day some Pokemon will dethrone everyone's favorite Pikachu in the title of world's best Pokemon.

Photo: Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, Shopro, JR Kikaku

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: THAAD negotiations made progress



The Pentagon says South Korea and the United States have made considerable progress in the possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system or THAAD to the South. According to reports, the two nations are already discussing possible deployment sites in South Korea.

In a CNN interview, South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo said the THAAD deployment gives allies a chance to counter threats from North Korea.

Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se will visit Moscow next week for talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei LAvrov on North Korea's nuclear weapons program and other issues. It will be Yun's first visit to Russia since he took office in early 2013 and the first such visit by a South Korean foreign minister in five years.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says North Korea could have restarted reprocessing spent nuclear fuel to make plutonium for nuclear weapons.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano says satellite evidence shows North Korea has likely resumed activities at its Yongbyon plant. He went on to urge North Korea to cooperate with the IAEA and fully comply with their international obligations.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (June 7, 2016)


- The incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte mulls a tax on junk food and an additional levy on gasoline and other oil products. In a television interview, incoming finance secretary Carlos Dominguez III said he would like to impose a tax on food products that are "obesity-and-disease-causing" including junk food and the tax imposition should stop people from consuming unhealthy foods.

- Meanwhile, Duterte said he would no longer grant interviews to reporters until his term ends to avoid criticisms and wrong statements following his comments on journalist killings.

- PAGASA said the southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to linger and bring rains over most parts of the country on Tuesday. In its advisory, Luzon will be most affected by the monsoon, with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms likely.

- As Muslims began observing the holy month of Ramadan, governments from across the globe are on heightened alert, after the Islamic State urged its followers to carry out attacks during the period. Some opposition forces in Syria asked the United Nations to urge the government of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to half attacks during Ramadan.

- Ukrainian security officials have detained a French man on suspicion of plotting terrorist attacks to coincide with the Euro 2016 soccer championship. The Security Service of Ukraine announced on Monday that the man was arrested late last month at a checkpoint on the border with Poland, seizing automatic rifles, over 5,000 bullets and rpgs. Investigators say he was planning attacks for around the Euro 2016, which is set to start on the 10th of June in France. They say his targets included French government office buildings and a mosque.

- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was reportedly gained enough delegates to win the presidential nomination at the Democratic Party convention next month. Ahead of an upcoming "Super Tuesday" Democratic presidential primaries, reports told that Clinton secured 2,383 delegates, more than enough to score the nomination. Clinton's the first female politician to win a presidential nomination of a major US party and she's going to have an uphill battle against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

- Tropical Storm Colin gained speed over the Gulf of Mexico on Monday as it headed toward northwest of Florida, causing thunderstorms and flooding while the state's governor activated the National Guard ahead of its landfall. The storm is about 35 miles from Florida as of 8:00 PM easter time and it barrelled toward land at 23mph, faster than it moved earlier in the day, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

- The latest online polls in Britain show the "Brexit" campaign has a slight lead ahead of the June 23rd referendum. The similar results of polls taken last week by ICM and YouGov were released on Monday. The YouGov poll showed that 45% would support Brexit while 41% would opt to stay. On Monday, former London mayor Boris Johnson, the advocate of Brexit, said the risks of remaining in EU are becoming more obvious. UK PM David Cameron, meanwhile, warned that leaving the EU would be catastrophic in its economy.

- The Renault Twingo received the range-topping GT variant packed with 110HP of horsepower from its 900cc 3-cylinder engine. It will debut at this month's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

2017 Renault Twingo GT

- The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate was unveiled, packed with the same technological and performance features as the saloon model as well as a E43 AMG 4Matic variant with 9-speed gearbox.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG Estate
- CHECK THIS OUT: As the audition for the upcoming South Korean drama adaptation of THE IDOLM@STER is still underway, 19 finalists split into two teams, A Team and B Team, and tasked to do original music videos. Here's the result;


TTFN!!!

Top Gear S23E02


Top Gear S23E02

In the second episode of "brand new" Top Gear, we see Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, and Eddie Jordan venture through South Africa for a triple crossover test between the Jaguar F-Pace, Porsche Macan, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Amid the misery from three special guests, the three face series of tests, both on and off-road, to find out which crossover is the best...and some cheating in store.

Before that, Chris Evans is at the Top Gear Track to try out the McLaren 675LT supercar, even with Jenson Button's help. With Stig behind the wheel, it set a 1:13.7 lap time round the track, the fastest car to lap the Top Gear Test Track.

Then, this episode's Stars in a Rallycross Car, Damian Lewis set a 1:53.9 lap time and Sharleen Spiteri did it in 2:01.4.

Third-generation Toyota Estima (2017 Minor Change)

The third-generation Toyota Estima (known in some parts in the world as the Previa) has been around for ten years when it first debuted in 2006 and despite its age, Toyota gave minor changes twice; one by late 2008 and another one by 2012. For 2016, the ten year-old, third-generation, Estima has been given its third minor change and fingers crossed this would be the last because a new version is coming in the future and seems that Toyota's trying to go out with...a pop.

2017 Toyota Estima
The 2017 Estima has been given a new keen look on its aged exterior design, judging from its new trapezoidal look on its new bumper broadly similar to the Corolla Axio/Fielder and the Sienta, Bi-beam LED lamps, slimmer front grille, revised sides, and the revised rear design. Keeping this van fresh after ten years sounds challenging but today's Estima really know how to pull this off.

2017 Toyota Estima interior
2017 Toyota Estima interior

Apart from the exterior, modest changes also occur on the inside, as hinted by a revised dashboard, revised steering wheel, new climate control, and a more comfortable cabin as you can expect in most Japanese minivans used not just for the family but for the wealthy and the influential as well. Of course, the Estima can be offered in either a seven-seater (with luxurious second row seats) and a more family-friendly eight-seater. Whichever the seating variation you're on, this minivan never forgets its practicality and convenience that would benefit drivers and passengers alike.

2017 Toyota Estima

On the petrol version, only the 2,4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine was offered and when mated with a Super CVT-i, fuel consumption is expected to be at around 11.4km/L under JC08 Mode standards. The hybrid model still has the 2.4L 2AZ-FXE engine with two electric motors equipped on both wheels (making it four-wheel drive, of course) and couple that with the CVT, fuel economy is expected to be 18km/L. Hmmm, looks like they're not exaggerating over this one. As for handling, the 2017 Estima features a reworked chassis to make it handle better than the previous facelift.

The 2017 Estima is now safer than ever thanks to the addition of Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function.

Should you buy one? The 2017 Estima starts from 3,473,000 to 4,987,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,490,000 to 2,140,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds like a lot compared to Toyota's flagship minivans, the Alphard and the Vellfire. The third-generation Estima may be ten years old since its 2006 debut but this latest revision puts some keen look to its aged design and let's hope this would be a decent send-off to this generation.


Available Colors: Black x Red Mica Metallic, Black x Dark Cherry Mica Metallic, Black x Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Cherry Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Monday, June 6, 2016

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Two years ago, Michael Bay brought us a live action reboot of a popular cartoon show, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and despite its grotesque appearance, that cannot stop the turtles by showing off their buttkicking moves and their corny jokes some called it funny. Now, the turtles are back for another hilarious thrill ride that will still blow our shells away for more.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Out of the Shadows

Called Out of the Shadows, this second installment promises more action than the previous film with wild results you can expect from Leo, Mikey, Ralph, and Donnie, and the others. In addition to returning baddies such as The Shredder, Out of the Shadows features the movie appearance of mutant villains as seen from the TV series such as Rocksteady and Bebop. This is going to be one heck of a showdown that deserves to be called a thriller with a hint of sarcasm our favorite shell-shocked heroes can expect.

Just like the first film, appearances can be somewhat as discorded as the Transformers movies that Bay directed because their looks really hurt our childhood memories but if you didn't bother about their appearances, this sequel has everything you can expect on an action flick; stunts, martial arts, alien invasion, and some corny jokes the turtles can come up with. Sure, we got tickled by the turtles' comic dialogue and for this sequel, we never know what kind of jokes or puns our heroes come up for this time but jokes aside, it's so darn hilarious to watch.

Although it's as messy as the last one, TMNT2 balances the thrills of the action movie with the humor of a comedy flick, resulting to one heck of a superhero flick you can watch for the summer movie season. Although too bland to call it a superhero flick, it's not half bad to watch this flick even if you're not a fan of the series.

My rating: 3.4 out of 5.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: S.Korea to keep pressuring N.Korea


South Korean President Park Geun-hye says her country will maintain strong sanctions and pressure on North Korea until it chooses to denuclearize itself. Park delivered her speech at a memorial event for soldiers who died in the Korean War held at a national cemetery in Seoul on Monday.

She said that at last month's ruling Workers' Party congress, North Korea called itself a nuclear power. She said that the country also flatly rejected international calls for denuclearization or for it not to conduct any more nuclear tests.

The president said her country's government will cooperate with the international community to maintain sanctions and pressure on the North until it opts for denuclearization and restarts dialogue.

After last month's congress, North Korea made a failed attempt to fire a ballistic missile. It also expressed readiness to discuss ways to unify the two Koreas.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (June 6, 2016)


- President-elect Rodrigo Duterte allocated a one billion peso reward for whoever could arrest drug lords, dead or alive. Duterte said the amount will be used in eliminating 200 drug lords in the Philippines, each has a five million peso bounty on the head, two million up from its previous three million.

- The Sandiganbayan denied the petition of detained Senator Bong Revilla for a furlough so that he can attend the remaining Senate sessions. Based on the decision of the Anti-graft court first division, the court already denied the same motion filed by the Senator last year, and clarified that anyone who's currently in jail cannot practice his profession.

- In preparation for the School Year 2016-2017 in the Philippines to kick off in the 13th of June, the Department of Education receives over 8.4 million pesos worth of donations such as donated boats in case of flooding, bicycles, solar-powered lamps, and school supplies. DepEd's Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide program that aims to bring teachers, parents, and community members to prepare schools for the start of classes this month.

- The vote counting continues in the Peruvian presidential elections, where Former Prime Minister Pedro Kuczynski and Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former leader Alberto Fujimori, are in a tight race. Electoral authorities say with 51.7 percent of the votes counted, Kuczynski has won 50.59 percent of the ballots while Fujimori garnered 49.41%.

- Chinese leader Xi Jinping has stressed that individual issues should not hamper ties between China and the United States. He was apparently referring to the South China Sea row. Xi was speaking at the first day of the two nations' Strategic and Economic Dialogue on Monday in Beijing.

- Some pro-democracy students in Hong Kong have stayed away from the annual commemoration of the Tiananmen Square incident, due to the rift among activists. About 125,000 people took part in the vigil on Saturday night at a a park in central Hong Kong, about 10,000 less than last year.

- In Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors scored two wins after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers at the score of 110-77.

- Bumblebee returns on the upcoming Transformers: The Last Knight film as a sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro.

Bumblebee in Transformers: The Last Knight

- Young actor James Reid reacted about Nadine Lustre landing to the top spot in the partial and unofficial tally of FHM's 100 Sexiest Women of 2016.

- Former Sexbomb girl Rochelle Pangilinan reacts to an old tweet from Eat Bulaga phenom Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza. Maine's tweet dated back six years ago and it mocks about an old TV drama called Daisy Siete, which stars the SexBomb Dancers.

TTFN!!!

FM6 Porsche Expansion: Our Return

The 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans is almost upon us (and I hope they got security on this racing event because of...well, you know), and before we get ready for this summer's endurance event, it might be best to look back at last year's winner at Le Mans, which is by no means a surprise for racing fans many since its return two years ago.



Yes, the arrival of the #19 Porsche Team 919 Hybrid on Forza Motorsport 6's Porsche Expansion pack, available now, is a surprise feat for players just to get to know more about this particular LMP1 Porsche that dominated last year's Le Mans against Audi's dominant R18 e-tron quattro. So, what's it all about?

Since 2014, Porsche returns to Le Mans with their first ever 919 Hybrid, an LMP1 prototype made to compete at the FIA World Endurance Championship. For the 2015, the 919 was been heavily revised with new body parts, allowing it to weigh 870kg (calculated without driver or fuel). With the new upgrades, the 919's subclass has been promoted from 6MJ to 8MJ.

Like the 2014-spec, the 919 features a 2.0L fuel-injected V4 engine with li-ion battery for energy recovery in mid-mounted longitudinal configuration. The hybrid powerplant is capable of producing 900HP of power output and 1,100lb-ft of torque, while mated with a 7-speed hydraulically-activated sequential gearbox with rear-lock differential. It features a bodywork blend of carbon fiber and aluminium as well as independent multi-link pushrod suspension.

At the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #19 Porsche Team 919 Hybrid, driven by Earl Bamber, Nico Hulkenberg, and Nick Tandy, emerged as the winner, dethroning Audi's reigning R18 e-tron quattro by a margin. At the 2015 FIA WEC season, thanks to the performance done by the #17, #18, and #19 919 machines, the team emerged as the constructors' champion of the 2015 season.



If you were like one of the many notable drivers behind the wheel of Porsche's Le Mans-winning machine even those who are involved in Formula One such as Mark Webber or Nico Hulkenberg, then you're very pleased about getting the chance to drive the 919 round the track, especially when you're polishing up your driving skills at your next e-sports event involving LMP1 machines like this in the game.

As you get behind the wheel of last year's champion, you will experience that driving this LMP1 prototype can be somewhat tricky at first but with enough practice, the 919 will be a capable LMP1 prototype that can take on whatever it stands on its way, especially Audi's R18 e-tron. Most of the players who spent countless days perfecting their racing techniques with the 919 Hybrid will realize just how great the LMP1's potential is, especially taking on the e-sports world or getting ready for the real Le Mans race this summer.

Speaking of potential, let's try compare the 919 Hybrid against other LMP1 competitors. There's the Audi R18 e-tron quattro that was an unbeatable force at Le Mans until the 919 beat it last year, and then, there's the TS030 HYBRID, the one that won the 2014 WEC season.



This should be a fun experiment to conduct and with Le Mans is upon us, now's the better time to do it, putting Le Man's finest to the test and see if the 919 has a possibility to score another win at this year's Le Mans.



And now, the results...

919 - 3:43.654
R18 - 3:44.604
TS040 - 3:44.895



So, in theory, the 919 Hybrid from Porsche may have a better chance to score another win at this year's Le Mans but with everything changed for the 2016 season, looks like there's a slight chance that Audi's new and improved R18 may strike a revenge hit against Porsche or should Porsche defend its honor with its slightly revised 919 Hybrid. Whatever what will expect for this season, it would be difficult to place your bets whether if Porsche defend its Le Mans honor or will Audi plots vengeance against Porsche this season...or rather there could be a third option coming up but oh well.

It feels good to be part of the Porsche 919 Hybrid experience at Forza Motorsport 6's Porsche Expansion, available now. If you haven't got your hands with this expansion, now's the time to do it and if you have it, you can experience Porsche's Le Mans-winning machine at the comfort of the living room. It maybe tricky to drive at the beginning but it can be the ideal LMP1 prototype to drive in this game that can adapt through various situations on track. Hope this isn't the last time fans will meet up with the 919 Hybrid.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali passed away


Muhammad Ali, an Black American boxer who was legendary for his unbiased fighting style that defeated some of the most mightiest boxers in his career, passed away at the age of 74. Earlier this week, Ali was hospitalized in Phoenix, Arizona, with respiratory problems and his family gathered around him. According to a statement from Ali's family, he passed away Friday night.

Born as Cassius Marcellus Clay in January 17, 1942, Ali is a native in Louisville, Kentucky and he began his boxing career at the age of 12. The reason why he changed his name to Muhammad Ali is because he joined the Black Muslims. 

Ali became a legend ever since he defeated some of the most mightiest boxers in his career such as Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman, but all the endless fights he endured cost him his life and suffered some head injuries. Because of his "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" fighting style, his career record consists of 56 wins, five losses, and 37 knockouts.

Despite his boxing career, Ali's a true activist at the hearts of many as he travelled around the world to promote Islam, meet with world leaders, and persuade lawmakers to pass the Ali Boxing Reform Act, which protects boxers from being exploited by managers and promoters.

It's have been an honor for the world to meet up with a well-respected boxer who stood up against discrimination, floating like a butterfly, and became a true fighter in the end. He will always be "the greatest" the world will ever remember.

Farewell to The Greatest.