Saturday, October 14, 2017

Seven Sundays

Veteran director Cathy Garcia-Molina is back for her latest masterpiece from Star Cinema; a family-valued drama movie that centers on a group of siblings trying to patch things up because of the inevitable occurred on their everyday lives.

Seven Sundays

Starring Ronaldo Valdez, Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes, Enrique Gil, and many other well-known celebrities in the industry, Seven Sundays is about the Bonifacio children who are reunited when they heard the news that their father is diagnosed with cancer. While being aware with their father's fatal condition, the children must learn to put their bitter differences aside and reconcile with each other before its too late.

At long last, after months of too much raunchy hot girls, absurd horror, redundant rom-coms, and other stuff we saw throughout 2017, they finally given us a very sensual family-oriented movie with sensual family values that is very ethical for the modern Filipino families. Because of the values this film has, Seven Sundays really warms the hearts of many moviegoers with some common sense and life lessons we can all learn from this movie. Just by watching this movie, you will realize that all the family values you will learn from this film are all part of your slice of life for the rest of your life and this film really sums it up to show the real value of family values for everyone to witness.

My rating: 4 out of 5.

Bubble Gang - October 13, 2017 #BGUmuwingLasing

On the October 13, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Umuwing lasing gags

- LeBrown James returns for another press conference.

- The judgmental waiter

- Bea Bangenge's talking about her fancy massage therapist


- Today's Balitang Ina topic is "Cookie ni Ina!"

- A soldier's reverse psychology turns ugly

- Ngetflix presents Pangets of the Caribbean.

- The mayor's feast keeps the guests guessing...

- Basa-basa pik!

Let's Do The News! (October 14, 2017)



- In Game 1 of the 2017 PBA Governor's Cup, Ginebra San Miguel scored their first win of the match after beating Meralco Bolts at the score of 102-87.

- In his latest tirade against the media over "fake news", US President Donald Trump threatened NBC to revoke their broadcasting franchise renewals. Few hours ago, on an unrelated note, the American firebrand leader threatened to end critical payments to health insurers that help millions of lower-income Americans afford coverage after his tried-and-failed efforts against the Affordable Care Act.

- With their carriage agreement set to expire on Sunday, Viacom and Charter Communications are still at odds heading into the weekend. If the deal isn't set, Spectrum will lose most of the Viacom channels including Nick, MTV, and Comedy Central.

- Aston Martin unveiled the new DB11 Volante, an open-top version of the British sportscar company's latest grand tourer. Unlike its hardtop equivalent, it's powered only by a 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine from Mercedes-AMG.

2019 Aston Martin DB11 Volante

- Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will serve as the official instructor for the upcoming Gran Turismo Sport PS4 game via their newest collaboration.





TTFN!!!

Friday, October 13, 2017

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea and China agree to extend currency swap agreement



At the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Washington D.C., Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol and Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon informed reporters that Seoul and Beijing signed an agreement to extend currency swap deal for another three years. The agreement accounts for some 46% of Korea's total value of currency swap deals that it has with foreign countries.

The deal had already been expanded to the current 56 billion dollars and extended twice since 2009.

Meanwhile, in a statement from the UAE's foreign ministry on Thursday local time, North Korea's ambassador has been told to leave the country and Dubai will also recall its own envoy from North Korea. On the same day, Malaysia said it is considering a shutdown of its embassy in Pyongyang.

Relations between the two nations have soured following the Kim Jong-nam murder case earlier this year at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 13, 2017)



- A task force on cybersecurity will meet on Monday to investigate the hacking of emails of opposition senators' staff, according to a Department of Information and Communications Technology official. This comes after the senators, on Thursday, said that  several emails accounts of their staff were hacked, including “official email addresses for releasing media statements of Sen. Pangilinan and the Liberal Party.”

- After being designated the sole agency in charge of the ongoing war on drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency vowed that the anti-narcotics campaign would be less bloody. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said that President Duterte's decision to shift the responsibility to PDEA for his ongoing drug war was just a "PR" move and Human Rights Watch said that Duterte's "finally feeling the heat".

- Senate President Koko Pimentel defended President Duterte's profanity-laced attack on EU ambassadors, saying it was a defense of "Filipino values" and sovereignty. However, despite Duterte's ultimatum on the ambassador, a Malacanang Palace official says there is no directive to kick out diplomats of the European Union from the Philippines.

- Democrats cried foul over EPA's decision to reverse clean water safeguards, allowing a mining company to set up a mine in the salmon-rich Bristol Bay in Alaska. Washington State Senator Maria Cantwell said in her statement that the EPA's plan to reverse clean water safeguards is "egregious and inconsistent with science and frankly, inconsistent with basic logic." The public has until October 17 to comment on the EPA's proposed withdrawal of a move under the Obama administration to protect the Bristol Bay watershed from potential mining activities.

- Tobu Zoo's Humboldt penguin, Grape-kun, has passed away Thursday at the elder age of 21, a late age for Humboldt penguins that typically live approximately 25 years. This elder penguin won the hearts of Kemono Friends fans many and placed a cardboard cutout of the show's character Hululu in his environment.

- The Netherlands is joining the list of EU nations to ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles beginning in the next two decades.

- Production of the Volkswagen Scirocco hatchback has ended after nine years.

- Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand will unveil the next-generation QX80 full-size SUV at next month's Dubai Motor Show.



- Toyota's Lexus brand announced that the next-generation ES will be sold in Japan in the autumn of next year as the replacement for the lackluster HS250h.

- Rotom Dex says "NEW POKEMON ULTRA SUN & MOON INFO ON THE RADAR!" Today's info puts the spotlight on Legendary Pokemons' brand new Z-moves such as Searing Sunraze Smash for Solgaleo/Dusk Mane Necrozma and Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom for Lunala/Dawn Wings Necrozma. Also, Rotom Dex says he's got upgraded with new features such as Roto Loto where you can get special power-ups such as added prize money, Exp. points, added capture rate, and so much more. Later, Rotom Dex can grant you the new "Rotom's Z-Power" feature which allows you to use your Pokemon's Z-move again!



TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 7: Driving the M2

The BMW M2 can be easily criticized by some for not being a proper M car because it has an ordinary BMW engine, basically a turbocharged 3.0L l6 engine on the front, but thanks to its back-to-basics approach, it can be easily regarded as one of the best M cars ever made, which is very exaggerating to think that the baby M car is the best car to live with. Despite being slower than any other M cars of today, the M2 is all about bringing driving back to the drivers and that really is perfection on so few levels.



It's hard to say why I am falling in love with the M2 not because of being small but because it has a unique characteristic I had fallen in love since I first set off with this thing back in Down Under years ago. Why? Because it's enjoyable at so many levels, which is unheard of for a baby M car powered by an ordinary turbocharged BMW engine.



Yes, I know that this car can get a bit twitchy and can be a real pain in the corner in the event of the understeer but with so much character on it, this is exactly why I am starting to fall in love with the M2 more than its M4 big brother, in fact, there's so much to tell about it.



So, the M2, 3.0L straight-6, turbocharged, 365HP, stronger and lighter wheel carriers, improved suspension components, and locking differential from the M3, this M car is all about getting familiar with this car, and even though it's not the fastest M car around, it's still one of the most enjoyable M cars to drive even though you are new to this. No wonder Top Gear host Chris Harris likened it to the old M3s of the last century but he mostly preferred its 1-Series M Coupe predecessor. Speaking of which, who wants to see the M2 round the Top Gear Track? Basically, the prime target was the BMW 1M's 1:25 lap time and let's see if I can do better with its successor. Ready? Cue the tape...



After a lap around the Top Gear track, which took me a fortnight, it did it in 1:24.932, which is amazingly similar to the 1M's lap time. Not bad, even though it wasn't a quick car to do the job rather nicely.

I'm already in love with this M2 because while this isn't the fastest despite its size, this is the car that you can spend a lot of time with until you had enough of it, and no matter how hard I try, it often left me with a rather nice impression at the very end.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Toyota Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder (E160) - 2018MY Minor Change

The eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla has been around in the market for five years now and with the latest minor change for the 2018 model year, the new Corolla in two different models, the Axio sedan and the Fielder wagon, are now the safest Corolla ever made with the addition of new safety features capable of tackling through the Tokyo rush hour with ease. So, what's new on the 2018MY Corolla?

2018 Toyota Corolla Axio
2018 Toyota Corolla Fielder

When Toyota first facelifted these Corollas years ago, the bland styling has been replaced with an even more sleeker taste to make sure these two commoners' cars are back in business. However, a single facelift wasn't enough so the folks from Toyota redesigned the eleventh-generation model once more and the result is a sporty and fine design thanks to its new front bumper and grille. On the inside, there are plating decoration on the passenger side instrumental panel for added texture as well as new black sheet color.

2018 Toyota Corolla Axio interior
2018 Toyota Corolla Fielder interior

In the hybrid variants, the 1.5L 1NZ-FXE VVT-i engine with the 1LM electric motor has been slightly improved and because of the slightly improved control of engines, motors, inverters, and so on, the fuel economy by JC08 Mode standards is now up to 34.4km/L. Of course, if the hybrid variant wasn't your thing, there is a normal 1.5L petrol with idling stop available in CVT and 5-speed manual gearbox (which is nice if you're an UBER driver using this car for ride-sharing purposes). Of course, nothing special done with what's under the car, meaning they still behave pretty much the same as the others.

For safety purposes, the 2018MY Corolla lineup comes with standard Toyota Safety Sense C- which features Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and a Pre-Collision System, all of which can help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of vehicle speeds. Apart from that, these models come with the Intelligent Clearance Sonar, smart entry and start system, and a new Cruise Control setting that allows constant speed running without stepping on the gas pedal. Now that's science get it right, again.

Price? The new 2018MY Corolla range starts from 1,550,520 Yen for the Axio saloon and 1,614,000 Yen for the Fielder wagon. It maybe a fair price hike but they remain one of the most reasonably priced cars offered in the Japanese market and with the added safety features, it's as Japanese as it ever gets for the world's best-selling car in history.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: President Moon to hold summit with ASEAN leaders



South Korean president Moon Jae-in will make a three-nation Southeast Asia trip next month for regional forums where he is also expected to hold numerous bilateral summits with other world leaders.

The trip is expected to start on November 8th with a visit to Indonesia, where he will likely hold a summit with his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widowo. Then, he will visit Vietnam on the 10th for the APEC summit, which will bring together leaders from 21 member economies, including US President Donald Trump. They are also scheduled to hold a bilateral summit in Seoul before they head to the Southeast Asian nation for the annual APEC summit. The bilateral talks between Moon and Trump will be the third since the South Korean president took office in May.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 12, 2017)



- Tish Bautista, the estrange wife of ousted COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista said they have full confidence in government institutions handling the cases against him. Her spokesperson explained that even with the disappointment at the first round of impeachment deliberation when the complaint was found insufficient by the House committee on Justice, they never lost their hope and remained optimistic.

- President Rodrigo Duterte attacked the European Union for supposedly lobbying for the Philippines' removal from the United Nations, this time, he issued the ambassadors an ultimatum to leave the Philippines within 24 hours.

- Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV slammed Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for calling him an "opportunist" for seeking support of President Duterte before the 2016 elections.

- Numerous transport groups announced that they are not joining the planned two-day transport strike on October 16 and 17 next week. Among the transport groups who reportedly announced that they are not joining the jeepney strike are the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) and Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (PASANG MASDA).

- As Robert Mueller's investigation on the Russian interference in the 2016 elections draws some heat, a group of Republicans and Democrats unveiled a legislation that would stop the White House from firing Special Counsel Mueller and it would preserve the independence of future Special Counsels.

- A special edition MINI One 1499 GT model was unveiled for the UK market, featuring an optional JCW Sport Pack, special interior, and special striped decal.



- PROJECT CARS 2 is joining the list of car racing games partnered with Mattel's Hot Wheels line of toy cars for their new diecast collection.



- Toyota will display an LCV Concept at this month's Tokyo Motor Show with three different variations.



- The last Holden car is expected to roll out of GM's assembly plant in Elizabeth, South Australia, on October 20.

TTFN!!!

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Two B-1B bombers fly over Korean peninsula



The US flew two B-1B strategic bombers over the Korean peninsula late on Tuesday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff say the bombers flew from Anderson Air Force base in Guam and entered the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone at around 2050 hours.

The South Korean military added that the regular deployment training is aimed at enhancing extended defense capabilities against North Korea. Late last month, the US flew B-1B bombers over international waters close to North Korea's east coast.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has met with his top national security officials to discuss "a range of options" on North Korea. The White House said in a statement that President Trump was briefed by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford during a national security team meeting.

The statement added that the discussion focused on the range of options to better prevent North Korea from threatening the US and its allies with nuclear weapons. The White House didn't give details of the options but experts believe that military options were among the list.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 11, 2017)



- The House of Representatives has overturned the decision of its Justice committee to impeach COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista, who earlier in the day announced his decision to step down from his post at the end of this year.

- President Rodrigo Duterte designated the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as the "sole agency" in charge of the war on drugs despite public outcry over alleged police abuse in the ongoing crackdown.

- House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that the ruling PDP-Laban wants to field a complete slate of senatorial candidates for the 2019 midterm elections. Meanwhile, former president and Pampanga representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has joined the ruling party.

- Catalan leader Carlos Puigdemont and other regional leaders have signed a declaration of independence from Spain following the disputed referendum but the move will not be implemented for several weeks to allow talks with the Spanish government. The document calls for Catalonia to be recognized as an "independent and sovereign state".

- South Sudan aims to restore production of their oil sector to pre-war levels next year, according to the oil minister. "Security is now under control, and those investing will be provided with security," Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth said in an interview in the South Sudanese capital Juba.

- As the next Fast and Furious film won't come until 2020, a spin-off film starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham has been confirmed for 2019 release.

- Steel manufacturer Kobe Steel reported that its Aluminum & Copper Business division has traded products that didn't comply with specifications. This recent scandal has affected 19,300 tons of aluminum products, 2,200 tons of copper products, and 19,400 units of aluminum castings and forgings, shipped out between September 1, 2016 to August 31 this year. Most of the materials were supplied to car manufacturers.

- Renault plans to launch 21 new models in 2022, including eight electric vehicles and 12 hybrids which will deliver annual revenues of over 70 billion euros within their six-year plan.

- The Range Rover has been given a minor change for the 2018 model year and it added the new PHEV variant as well.



- Ciao! Mari Ohara joins DreamTech's Love Live! Sunshine!! Kimino Kokorowa Kagayaiterukai? figure lineup. She's available for orders starting at 14,800 Yen (including tax and delivery) and arrives this February.



TTFN!!!

PROJECT CARS 2: The Holy Trinity

For today's PROJECT CARS 2 session, it's time to recreate the first Grand Tour episode using the hypercar holy trinity at the racetrack as seen in the series opener, Portugal's Algarve circuit. It's hard to believe a year has passed since The Grand Tour began and looks like I'm reliving the beginning using the three hybrid hypercars in Algarve right here on PROJECT CARS 2.

Untitled

First, let's start with the McLaren P1, the hybrid hypercar that started the craze. As the forefather of hybrid exotics, the P1 combines McLaren's motorsport knowhow with its promise to reduce global carbon footprint. With hybridization became the new norm for production vehicles, the P1 pushes the hybridization to uncharted heights with its revolutionary IPAS petrol-electric powertrain which combines the improved version of the 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine as applied on the 12C and a single electric motor, making the combined power output of 903HP and torque output of 664ft-lb of torque. With its extensive use of carbon fiber, the P1 weighs 1395kg and overall, it has a 0-100kph time of 2.8 seconds and top speed of over 350kph.

Untitled

The Porsche 918 Spyder, like the McLaren P1, is a hybrid hypercar and while this car is heavy and less powerful than the P1, its four-wheel drive system can easily shame the P1 by a second margin. With its carbon fibre reinforced plastic bodywork that weighs 1640kg, a combination of a 4.6L V8 engine, two electric motors bolted on the axles, and a 6.8kWh Li-ion battery, it delivers a combined output of 881HP of power, and mated with Porsche's 7-speed PDK, the 918 has has a top speed of over 340kph (211mph). As for efficiency, the 918's range can get up to 680km (420 miles).

Untitled

Lastly, the LaFerrari is known to be the ultimate decider between the P1 and the 918 because this is the most powerful and the lightest of the three hybrid hypercars. It is powered by an upgraded version of the same 6.3L V12 engine lifted from the F12berlinetta and HY-KERS (Hybrid-Kinetic Energy Recovery System) which develops a combined power output of 963PS, making this the most powerful Ferrari ever made and it lapped the Fiorano Test Track faster than the F12berlinetta. Unlike the other two, the car's V12 engine and the electric motor are working in unison and cannot be separated, which is very clever by Ferrari standards but what's even more clever are the computer-controlled aerodynamics that makes the LaFerrari the automotive equivalent of a Typhoon fighter jet. Well, you get the point but Ferrari's F1 knowhow really payed off in the making of this car.

Untitled Untitled Untitled

In the first Grand Tour episode, the boys sent professional racing driver Jerome d'Ambrosio to drive these three round Algarve. After his first impressions regarding the three hybrid hypercars, he then set off to see which one is the fastest or risk losing one of the presenters' home, basically Jeremy Clarkson's. Anyway, what am I going to do in this session is to recreate the three hypercars' Algarve lap, although my times aren't as fast as the real-world times set by d'Ambrosio himself but still, feel free to enjoy my re-enactment of the one as seen in the first Grand Tour episode.



And now the results...

LaFerrari -  1:57.600
918 - 1:56.962
P1 - 1:58.120

Hmmm...not as fast as what d'Ambrosio set in real life but this is just like the first episode! If I was on the P1's side, I would literally lost my house just like Clarkson's. How amusing. It really feels like what happened last year! Well, with season 2 coming this fall, I can't hardly wait to see what sort of mischief the presenters are up to so watch for it.

In the meantime, feel free to drive with the hypercar Holy Trinity on PROJECT CARS 2 on PS4 and PC via Steam.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Tensions mounting over possible N. Korea provocations



Marking its 72nd anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers' Party, experts say North Korea could mark the occasion with yet another ICBM launch.

According to a member of a Russian parliament who recently visited Pyongyang, North Korea could be planning to do just that in the coming weeks if not today. He said the North is planning another launch of the Hwasong-14 ICBM which was tested twice in July and that is capable of reaching the US West Coast.

Meanwhile, the Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has told the US Army to be ready for military action against North Korea if called upon by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a convention in Washington on Monday local time, Mattis spoke of an uncertain future, and the need to ensure military options that the president can employ if needed. However he stressed that sanctions and diplomatic efforts are currently being used to try and convince North Korea from provocations.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 10, 2017)


- The Malacanang regrets that the congressional Commission on Appointments rejected Department of Health secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial's appointment. A Commission on Appointments panel on Tuesday afternoon voted to reject the ad interim appointment of Ubial.

- The Supreme Court votes 9-6 to junk Senator Leila de Lima's petition to nullify her arrest and a halt order on the criminal proceedings against her due to lack of merit her petition challenging the legality of her arrest.

- Ralph Trangia, one of the main suspects behind the hazing of Horacio "Atio" Castillo III, has returned to the Philippines. Trangia fled to the US on September 18, a day before the Department of Justice was able to issue to an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against him and several other members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, the University of Santo Tomas law fraternity being blamed for Castillo's death.

- Catalan leader Carlos Puigdemont is set to reveal his plans for independence as he addresses the regional parliament for the first time since the referendum that provoked the standoff with the Spanish government.

- Mazda will display two new concept cars at this month's Tokyo Motor Show.

- Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Ferrari will have an SUV in the foreseeable future.

- Watch Hoonigan's Ken Block messing around with the legendary Escort Cosworth WRC.



- Here comes the new trailer for STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, coming in theaters this December.



TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 7: Not the same...!?

While JDM fans mourn the deletion of production Toyotas and Lexus on FM7, the majority of 86 sympathizers who can't cope with the loss of Toyota's 21st century JDM hero are making due with its Subaru equivalent, the BRZ. Question is that even though the BRZ is a Subaru version of the Toyota 86, does this car had the same feeling or not?



Built in the same factory as the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ is the company's first-ever rear-wheel drive car, breaking Subaru's tradition of making four-wheel drive cars in its lifetime. This is also Subaru's first two-door coupe of the 21st century since the Alcyone, the SVX, and the Impreza Retna. Under the hood, the BRZ is powered by a 2.0L D-4S BOXER engine, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, producing 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque. It promises about 12.4km/L to 13.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. There are two transmission types available such as a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Paddle Shit transmission.



A Hachiroku fan driving a Subaru BRZ might say that even though they're made from the same factory, he or she believes that BRZ's driving style doesn't match Toyota's 21st century JDM sportscar and I have a clear reason why. The moment I taste the BRZ on the road, I have a clear impression that heritage is what separates them apart because while the Toyota 86 follows the tradition of Toyota's successful sports cars, the BRZ breaks the Subaru tradition like a village idiot in a family of geniuses. That's why more and more believe that the 86 and BRZ are not the same when it comes to its audience impact rather than performance and handling likewise.



Well, since the producers kicked out most of the Toyota-made cars, including our favorite, guess this is no other choice but driving Subaru's take on the Hachiroku whether we like it or not as I shall now demonstrate it by driving this car round the entire Long Beach track, even though this city course is sponsored by Toyota, which is a shame for us.



The Subaru BRZ maybe a treason to Subaru's heritage or despised by most Hachiroku fanatics for not living it up to the 86's promises but hey, at least they made a fun and affordable rear-wheel drive car we can live with and I agree with that. Although I still going to miss the 86 in every tangible way, this Subie keeps me company for the time being in FM7.

Monday, October 9, 2017

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Hangul history



Today, Korea celebrates Hangul Day, the 571st anniversary of the invention of the Korean alphabet, which is considered as the most scientific and logical writing system in the world. It was invented by King Sejong the Great who officially invented the new writing system in 1446.

An official ceremony was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon gave a speech during today's ceremony as he highlighted the intentions of King Sejong the Great and honored numerous people who have helped spread the Korean language worldwide and brought up the increasing popularity of Korean, with more and more people studying it as their second language.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that North Korea's nuclear weapons program should have been taken care of 25 years ago, blaming his past administrations for mishandling the issue. President Trump pointed at former president Bill Clinton for paying billion of dollars to the regime but failing to bring results.

Trump emphasized that the US has a very strong military, and said that now more than ever is the time to have a great military. The president has spoken about using military force against North Korea when necessary.

In the meantime, the USS Theodore Roosevelt has been deployed to the West Pacific region amid growing threats from North Korea. Carrier Strike Group Nine left its home port of San Diego on Friday.

The group comprised of around 75,000 sailors and marines will focus on maritime security and security cooperation efforts in areas including the Korean peninsula.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 9, 2017)



- Senate President Koko Pimentel said that the ruling PDP-Laban party will not accept new members by the end of November in preparation for the 2019 midterm elections.

- President Rodrigo Duterte fired two high-ranking Philippine National Police officials allegedly involved in the drug trade.

- As President Duterte's satisfaction and trust ratings drop in a recent survey, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said that President Rodrigo Duterte is not in a "popularity contest." He also states that having Duterte as impeachment prosecutor is pure nonsense.

- Hundreds of thousands of people joined a rally in Barcelona to express their opposition to Catalan independence from Spain. Carles Puigdemont, the regional president, is expected to address the Catalan Parliament on Tuesday, when separatists could declare independence. The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, said that he was “not ruling out anything” to maintain the country’s integrity.

- The US and Turkey suspended non-immigrant visa services at their respective consulates days after the arrest of a consulate employee in Istanbul over alleged ties to Fethullah Gulen, the exiled Islamist cleric who Turkey says orchestrated a failed coup last year.

- Harvey Weinstein was fired by the directors of his film company days after a recent investigation revealed accusations of sexual harassment that stretched back decades.

- US President Donald Trump laced into Republican Senator Bob Corker over his decision not to run for the 2018 midterm elections. In an interview, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee warned that Trump's "recklessness" could put his nation on the verge of war.

- In case you missed it, the next Fast and Furious film got delayed to 2020 launch.

- A selection of Mercedes-Benz cars will be making an appearance in the upcoming Justice League movie, including the AMG Vision Gran Turismo.



TTFN!!!

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Bank of America 500

The Monster Energy NASCAR series returns at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500 as the Playoffs are now on the Round of 12 where drivers are striving to survive the oval warfare for the coveted title or risk losing it all in the cloud of dust and debris.


In Lap 44, Ryan Newman's car spins and caused light damage as he tries to regain control of his car until his car caught fire, forcing him out of the race. Kevin Harvick won Stage 1 of the race. In Lap 137, Kyle Busch's car sustained damage while Harvick scored another stage win of the race. In lap 265, the #38 and the #10 got involved in a crash and then in lap 331, Kurt Busch spun out of control.

Martin Truex Jr. wins the Bank of America 500 race in Charlotte, earning himself a top spot of the Round of 8.

Here's the post-race Playoffs results as the drivers are advancing to the Round of 8.

1) Martin Truex Jr. - 3106
2) Kyle Larson - 3072
3) Kevin Harvick - 3069
4) Chase Elliott - 3059
5) Denny Hamlin - 3056
6) Kyle Busch - 3055
7) Jimmie Johnson - 3051
8) Jamie McMurray - 3044

The playoffs continue at Talladega Superspeedway for the Alabama 500 on the 15th.

Super GT 2017 - Thailand

Of course, with Japan became a battleground for Formula 1, the Autobacs Super GT Championship continued their 2017 season at the Land of Smiles, Thailand. Specifically, Chang International Circuit. Different nation, same Super GT action, especially if this is the penultimate round of this season.


In this penultimate round of the 2017 Autobacs Super GT Championship, which lasted for 66 laps, the pole position advantage prompted the #37 KeePer TOM'S LC500, driven by Ryo Hirakawa and Nick Cassidy, won the GT500-class race while the #51 JMS RMU LMcorsa RC F GT3, driven by Yuichi Nakayama and Sho Tsuboi, won the GT300 class.

Highlights:



Don't miss the final round of the 2017 Autobacs Super GT Championship happening on Twin Ring Motegi on the 12th of November. Who will win the title? Watch for it!

F1 2017: Japanese GP

It's the mid-autumn of the year and despite the cool climate going on around Japan, the Suzuka Circuit served as a table-turner for the F1 2017 season and nothing's more sweeter than someone's luck to block out a certain obstacle from chasing the dream of snagging this year's title.


That's right, ladies and gentlemen, Sebastian Vettel's mechanical failures on the track prompted Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, thanks to his pole position, a sheer and flawless victory in Suzuka, followed by the rest of Red Bull Racing who tasted a podium finish with a 2nd-3rd combo with Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. Other finishers in this year's Japanese GP are Valtteri Bottas, Kimi Raikkonen, the Force India duo, and Kevin Magnussen.

Thanks to what happened to Vettel during the Japanese GP, the gap between the two racers in the championship standings is now up to 59 points, 306 for Hamilton vs. 247 for Vettel but since 3rd placer Bottas is now 13 points behind Vettel, it won't be long before another Vettel-related mishap in the next race will dethrone the German ace down to his knees while Hamilton's gaining his upper hand.

Next race is on the United States this 22nd of October.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

The Cute Wall (Volume Ninteen)

Now, the moment of truth is time because it's now time to do...THE CUTE WALL!



(applause)

Before we begin, I want to ask you what happen to our good friend out here. Look at him...

Whoa...You don't see that everyday.

What happened to him?

Well...

SEVERAL DAYS AGO...

Sir. I want you to know that Love Live Sunshine returns this weekend and we can expect a much crazier Mari Ohara on the show. Tie her up somewhere and remember, don't believe anything she says, always keep her in front of you, and most importantly, don't let her kiss you. Okay?

Okay.

PRESENT DAY

Looks like he broke the no kissing rule. Mari lured him and then kissed and then later, he's gone. Poisoned or could be worse.

You think Mari Ohara's wearing some kind of...lipgloss? Hmmm?

You mean Paralyzing Lip Gloss?

Yep.

Sneaky little b******d.  All of you, hunt Mari Ohara down! I want her alive for questioning. And don't fall her to her kissing tactics!

Yes. She's wearing a Paralyzing Lip Gloss. Kiss her and you'll be as good as dead two hours later.

(audience laughing)

Don't worry. If all else fails, I know someone who can hunt Mari Ohara down. We got a Pokemon who can do that job rather well.

You don't possibly mean...

Chandelure!


Chandelure

Don't worry. Chandelure learned a little finale it pulled off during our Pokken matches with our mates. I'm sure that Ghost-and-Fire type Pokemon will struck Mari Ohara from her back and BAM! BAM! BAM!

Ooohhh! Hey! Everyone! Take Chandelure with you!

(footsteps)

Well, that settles it. Good luck with Chandelure. Although I might put this on NOT CUTE just in case. This Pokemon has been a real thorn to my Pokken career.

(audience laughing)

Shall we begin?

Of course and let's begin with...this fella.


Nebby
Who's that? I think I'm familiar with this little fella.

Yes but our friend, the Rotom Dex, didn't know what kind of creature Ash found somewhere before he showed it off to the rest of the class. That meant they gave it a name, Nebby.

Nebby? As in the "get in the bag, Nebby!" Nebby?

(audience laughing)

You really did do your homework, huh? Now, Ash's got two little critters in his backpack. Rowlet and Nebby. No wonder the Aether Foundation asked Ash to accept their offer to take care of Nebby until they figure it out what its power is.

But at what cost?

We'll never know until Ash learns Nebby's secret. Still, look at our Nebby friend. It goes PEW! PEW! PEW!

(audience laughing)

Wow. That does sound cute. PEW! PEW! PEW!

So, care to guess where should we put little Nebby in the wall? Oh wait! I know! Get in the NAKAKAGIGIL section, Nebby!

(audience laughing)

Hmph. Bags. Who's next?

(ooohhh)

Wait, what's going on?

What's going on around here?


Shuka Hanazono

OH SHRIMP! It's Shuka Hanazono from Idol Time Pripara! The rich girl who's making Laala and Yui's life miserable!

Shu-shu-shu-Shuka Hanazono? Wait, I'm familiar with that girl.

You know her?

All I know is that Shuka Hanazono is the sister of a famous personality and what I heard is that Shuka has some connections with Hibiki, which makes her one of the most powerful and influential idols in Pripara. Don't underestimate her, okay?

Yeah. I wasn't. She's all business to her, even at school and at Pripara. For her, (ahem) Idol Time Is Money, even in Pripara.

(inaudible noises)

I was going to say that but the audience impact is too much. Oh wait, I think she's leaving.

(noise fades)

Well, now that she's left, I'd guess I'd better put her to SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE because for a girl who has interests in money, she's too much to slap her face with. After all, money talks, even idols.

(audience laughing)

Who's next?

(ooohhh)

Again?!

Who is it this time?

(angelic singing voice)

Huh?

Wait. I remember who that singing voice is...


Aria Futaba
Aria Futaba.

Aria Futaba?

Yes. The new My Little Heart bearer.

Wait. She's now bearing the My Little Heart name Yume and Hime used to possess?

That's right. Since the very beginning, Yume Nijino and Hime Shiratori possessed the My Little Heart name and perfected it performance after performance. Now, Yume's an official S4 member and possesses her Berry Parfait name (now Rainbow Berry Parfait) and Hime's graduated from the academy, leaving doubts over what happens next for the My Little Heart name until this time, there is now someone to pick the My Little Heart name and that someone is none other than...

Aria?

Exactly. Sorry, must have read the journal. Anyway, did you notice something about Aria Futaba's...what's the word?

Singing? Well, if she keeps singing, the whole place is covered in Misty Terrain.

Misty Terrain? Wait, isn't that a Pokemon thing?

Misty Terrain covers the field for a brief moment of time. With this, you will deal less damage from...ahem...dragons.

Dragons.

Yep. Dragons and with this Misty Terrain, you are immune to status conditions.

Okay, enough about the Misty Terrain stuff. I already got the point but that Aria's an intriguing idol indeed with such "angelic" voice and if I said "angelic"....uh oh.

Huh?

(distant echoes)

ARRGH! My head! It hurts! Put her to NOT CUTE! NOT CUTE?

Seriously?! What's going on?

(murmuring)

What?!

(murmuring)

Okay, fine. Put her in. Sorry about what's going on with my partner here but anyway, that's Miss Aria Futaba to you, the fairy idol with angelic voice from Aikatsu Stars. Don't worry, I know what will cheer you up. Remember Ducktales?

Ducktales? That's a very old show...

Uh-huh, but now it's back with a fresh new twist and with a star-studded cast and new adventures pushing them through uncharted heights, the new Ducktales is going to be the next Gravity Falls or is that what I think it is...


Ducktales

Oh! That new Ducktales. The newly revived Ducktales cartoon that eats fictional adventurers for breakfast, not even the likes of Jones, Croft, Drake, or whatever adventurer I know in my lifetime. So, these are the stars of the new Ducktales? Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby?

Yep.

Hold on. Huey, Dewey, and Louie are Donald Duck's nephews and in their classic taste, they're tad adorable. But in the modern Ducktales, these three felt a bit...mature? Grown up? Adolescent?

(audience laughing)

Why you ask?

They sounded like grown-ups and look at Miss Webbigail Vanderquack. In the original, she looks rather adorable for a sidekick, but now in the modern Ducktales, gosh, she's crazier than both Mabel Pines and Star Butterfly.

(audience laughing)

Here's a little secret. To prepare for her comeback, Webby took some grappling hook classes from Disney characters who used a grappling hook such as Kim Possible and Mabel Pines.

(audience laughing)

Even Milo Murphy's on that stint.

Exactly, so when Ducktales is back for 2017, Webby is now known as the new Mabel Pines. Simple as that.

(audience laughing)

Not forget her pom-pom hardcore thing. She learned it from Kim Possible. Ha ha ha...

So, for that, these boys should be put in NOT CUTE because they now talk like grown men...

(audience laughing)

...and Webby should be put in NAKAKAGIGIL because of her Mabel-ish attitude.

(beeping)

Speak of the devil. What's this? "Meet me at the rooftop tonight. I know what's going on with that Aria girl of yours."

Who's that?

Says here it's from our friends from The Wayne.

The Wayne. Oh! Did you mean the Team Timbers?!


Team Timbers
Yep. The Team Timbers from Welcome to the Wayne. Ansi Molina, Olly Timber, and Saraline Timber are three kids investigating the weird stuff going around The Wayne. It's their kind of thing.

Oh. Those guys. Hold on. I got another message. Says here (ahem) "I know your guys are doing that wall thing. Put me on NOT CUTE or you'll regret it. Saraline."

Ouch... Well, too much investigating spoiled their cuteness so let's put them in NOT CUTE secretly. He he he...

(audience laughing)

TIME FOR THE RECAP!

SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE:
Raichu
Whisper
Minion
Nico Yazawa
Takane Shijou
Azusa Miura
Makoto Kikuchi
Anzu Futaba
Croagunk
Touma Amagase
Shota Mitarai
Hokuto Ijuin
Teru Tendo
Kaoru Sakuraba
Tsubasa Kashikawa
Kyouji Takajou
Minori Watanabe
Kyosuke Aoi
Yusuke Aoi
Shiki Iseya
Haruna Wakazato
Hayato Akiyama
Jun Fuyumi
Natsuki Sakaki
Rui Maita
Chio Hazama
Jiro Yamashita
Treecko
Jill Valentine
Rebecca Chambers
Claire Redfield
Ada Wong
Ashley Graham
Sheva Alomar
Helena Harper
Sherry Birkin
Moira Burton
Natalia Korda
Osomatsu
Karamatsu
Choromatsu
Ichimatsu
Jyuushimatsu
Todomatsu
Miyabi Fujiwara
Risa Shirakaba
Rin Kurosawa
Mia Fey
Rayfa Padma Khura'in
Buttercup
Yoshiko Tsushima
Sion Todo
Aroma Kurosu
Gaaruru
Hibiki Shikyoin
Ako Saotome
Yuri Katsuki
Victor Nikiforov
Grumpy
Chiri Tsukikawa
Lori Loud
Lucy Loud
Lola Loud
Manjimutt
Shogunyan
Mimikyu
Mareanie
Michiru Koda
Elza Forte
*Shuka Hanazono

NOT CUTE:
Dopey
Kwazii
Minion
Amethyst
Rin Hoshizora
Hibiki Ganaha
Minami Nitta
Ranko Kanzaki
Miku Maekawa
Kion
Fuli
Beshte
Bunga
Ono
Pierre
Scraggy
Bulbasaur
Squirtle
Cyndaquil
Turtwig
Sumire Hikami
Juri Kurebayashi
Nono Daichi
Hime Shiratori
Tsubasa Kisaragi
Yuzu Nikaido
Yozora Kasumi
Maya Fey
Pearl Fey
Ema Skye
Trucy Wright
Kay Faraday
Athena Cykes
Blossom
Mirai Kasuga
Shizuka Mogami
Tsubasa Ibuki
Shiho Kitazawa
Umi Kousaka
Julia
Megumi Tokoro
Yuriko Nanao
Serika Hakozaki
Anna Mochizuki
Kana Yabuki
Nao Yokoyama
Riko Sakurauchi
Dia Kurosawa
Mikan Shiratama
Junon
Kanon
Pinon
Mahiru Kasumi
Doc
Sleepy
Lily Shirogane
Pepper Taiyou
Lynn Loud
Lana Loud
Dismarelda
Nino Nijiiro
Rei Kizaki
*Chandelure
*Aria Futaba
*Huey
*Dewey
*Louie
*Ansi Molina
*Olly Timber
*Saraline Timber


CUTE:
Pichu
Plusle
Minun
Pachirisu
Emolga
Dedenne
Mokona
Mog
Catbug
Bashful
Froakie
Fennekin
Harukasan
Stuffy
Tunip the Vegimal
Minccino
Piplup
Sylveon
Queen Delightful
Axew
Jibanyan
Minion
Serena's Pancham
Umi Sonoda
Eli Ayase
Hanayo Koizumi
Maki Nishikino
Nozomi Tojo
Miki Hoshii
Yukiho Hagiwara
Iori Minase
Ritsuko Akizuki
Anastasia
Kanako Mimura
Chieri Ogata
Miria Akagi
Rika Jougasaki
Kirari Moroboshi
Riina Tada
Rin Shibuya
Mio Honda
Komasan
Komajiro
Grizz
Panda
Ice Bear
Clefairy
Jigglypuff
Chansey
Eevee
Tepig
Snivy
Chikorita
Charmander
Totodile
Torchic
Mudkip
Chimchar
Hinaki Shinjo
Madoka Amahana
Kokone Kurisu
Nina Dojima
Yume Njino
Rola Sakuraba
Laala Manaka
Bubbles
You Watanabe
Kanan Matsuura
Ruby Kurosawa
Hanamaru Kunikida
Mari Ohara
Sophy Hojo
Dorothy West
Reona West
Falulu
Fuwari Midorikaze
Koharu Nanakura
Sneezy
Non Manaka
Rowlet
Litten
Popplio
Togedemaru
Rockruff
Bounsweet
Lincoln Loud
Leni Loud
Luna Loud
Lisa Loud
Lily Loud
USApyon
Happierre
Tomnyan
K. Koma
K. Jiro
Hidabat
Robonyan
Robonyan F
Gnomey
Steenee
Alolan Vulpix


NAKAKAGIGIL!!!:
Pikachu
BMO
Bijou
Poof
George
Happy
Chespin
Doc McStuffins
Mabel Pines
Sofia
Cottonee
Minion
Oshawott
Star Butterfly
Honoka Kousaka
Kotori Minami
Haruka Amami
Yayoi Takatsuki
Chihaya Kisaragi
Ami Futami
Mami Futami
Uzuki Shimamura
Noibat
Togepi
Squishy
Ichigo Hoshimiya
Aoi Kiriya
Ran Shibuki
Akari Ozora
Braixen
Chika Takami
Mirei Minami
Luan Loud
Yui Yumekawa
Bewear
Kirara Hanazono
*Nebby
*Webby

Forza Motorsport 7: My first ride

Yes, baby, I'm back in Forza Motorsport for their seventh and ultimate installment to date and while some of you got their sweet first ride of the game, my first FM7 ride is not what you call exciting, a tad above average if you may. So, in the spirit of first impression, I will share you which car I began with; it's the Corsa E VXR.



Need a refresher? The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E OPC/VXR was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and it is known to be the ultra-powerful small hot-hatch in the OPC/VXR lineup that is less expensive than its competitors with its £17,995 on-the-road pricing.

Under the hood, this hot Corsa is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 205PS of power output, 245Nm of torque, and mated exclusively with a second-generation six-speed transmission with a short, fluid gear change. It is capable of going 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph - quicker than the outgoing car it replaces.

For this model, they've enlisted damper-supplier, Koni, to develop the Frequency Selective Damping which  allows damping forces to adapt to the car's movements, balancing body control and ride quality depending on the speed.

Customers can opt in for the optional Performance Package which comes with a Drexler limited-slip differential, larger 330mm-diameter Brembo front brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels with super sticky Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres and enhanced FSD damper settings.



Once a tater tot that can humiliate a supercar in the parking lot, the Corsa VXR is a small wonder that can pull different tricks from its sleeves but when I put it on the track, it's hard to get around through the corners even though this VXR comes with a Performance Package that unleashes its full potential of the smallest VXR hatch ever made. It maybe slower on the straights, it may be harsher on the bends, but when it comes to enjoying your first race, the Corsa VXR always leave first-timers a first impression they will never forget since they chose on from the very beginning.



After having my first impression with the Corsa VXR, I'd decided to see how it fares on a real track where everything comes full circle with this pocket rocket. How about putting it on the Indy Circuit layout of Brands Hatch? That will make it the perfect breeding ground for this small VXR hatch. So, who wants to see it go round Brands Hatch?



Well, that handling left me with a nasty bruise in my arms, but this is a great start for me because now that I'm back in driving real cars in real tracks, Forza Motorsport 7 has a lot of opportunities waiting for me and this is just the beginning.