Right, another week has passed but what about those who got advanced to the next round of the 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament? Well, let's find out, shall we? Good thing, we got the results from trusted sources. I will highlight those winners in BOLD.
Group G (September 10, 2012)
Momoko Touyoko - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 261
Mayoi Hachikuji -
Nisemonogatari - 195
Yukiho Hagiwara - THE IDOLM@STER - 179
Kanzaki H. Aria - Hidan No Aria - 263
Rihoko Sakurai - Amagami SS+ - 166
Angelina Nanatsu Sewell - Mashiroiro Symphony ~The Colour of Lovers~ - 164
Rea Sanka - Sankarea - 270
Tsukihi Araragi - Nisemonogatari - 270
Siesta - Zero no Tsukaima F - 73
September 11, 2012
Nodoka Haramura - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 296
Mio Kitahara - Ano Natsu De Matteru - 122
Ami Futami - THE IDOLM@STER - 91
Ako Atarashi - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 293
Yuniko Kouzuki - Accel World - 124
Rena Ryuuguu - When They Cry - 89
Hitagi Senjougahara - Nisemonogatari - 239
Kouko Fukuyo - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 131
Suzuha Amane - Steins;Gate - 120
September 12, 2012
Kotori Otonashi - THE IDOLM@STER - 211
Nao Takanashi - Onii-chan No Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara Ne! - 101
Mio Sakamoto - Strike Witches - 77
Ai Nanasaki - Amagami SS+ - 183
Saku Touyama - Tantei Opera Milky Holmes - 142
Sawako Yamanaka - K-ON! - 59
Ika-Musume - Ika-Musume - 234
Yuuko - A-channel - 117
Sakuya Aizawa - Hayate the Combat Butler! HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH - 48
September 13, 2012
Aoi Yamada - Working! - 249
Rise Kujikawa - Persona 4 THE ANIMATION - 104
Habara - Daily Lives of High School Boys - 69
Hina Takahashi - Papa No Iukoto O Kikinasai - 175
Miyuki Hoshizora - Smile Pretty Cure - 154
Laffinty Fin E Ld Si - Rinne No Lagrange - 101
Mael Strom - Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka? - 171
Akane Hino - Smile Pretty Cure - 143
Minami Shimada - Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni - 108
Group H
September 14, 2012
Airi Kashii - Ro-kyu-bu - 184
Tsubasa Hanekawa - Nisemonogatari - 144
Hecate - Shakugan no Shana III -FINAL- 78
Nazuna Takahashi - WORKING! - 164
Azusa Miura - THE IDOLM@STER - 146
Sora Takanashi - Papa No Iukoto O Kikinasai - 116
Kuroyukihime (Black Lotus) - Accel World - 220
Ritsuko Akizuki - THE IDOLM@STER - 124
Hiroko Funakubo - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 70
September 15, 2012
Minko Tsurugi - Hanasaku Iroha - 197
Shouko Kirishima - Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni - 179
Kirie Konoe - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia - 82
Nano Shinonome - Nichijou - 244
Henrietta De Tristain - Zero no Tsukaima F - 124
Ako Shirabe - Smile Pretty Cure - 119
Elsie - The World God Only Knows - 209
Kana Ikeda - Saki achiga-hen episode of side-A - 198
Eucliwood Hellscythe - Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka? - 112
Sunday, September 16, 2012
It's as Red Dead as a Spaghetti Western
Maybe Amy Pond was right. Maybe he DID traveled alone for too long. Most of the people who died during The Doctor's past journeys is because of HIS MERCY...What could that mean?
Never mind, but I had fun watching a Doctor Who episode titled A TOWN CALLED MERCY. You know what? I'm not going to spill the details about what just happened on that episode but when it comes to impressions, I gotta say that this episode is as RED DEAD as a Spaghetti Western and loads of suspense and drama uncovered for The Doctor.
Well, I think we had enough of this HIGH NOON SALOON stuff. Next week, it's the cube invasion. That's new...Perhaps next week is...THE POWER OF THREE. Get your pants up when you're surrounded by troops...
Until then...GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Welcome Back: 2005 TVR Sagaris
 |
| The last of the TVRs ever made |
This is known to be as the final TVR ever built before operations ended in 2008. It was named after a battle axe used by the Scythians in ancient Greek myths. It was designed by Graham Browne and Lee Hodgetts. Using the same platform as the TVR T350C, the Sagaris was made with endurance racing in mind and powering the Sagaris is a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine that produces 380BHP of power mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. 0-60mph takes about 3.7 seconds and flatout, it will be doing 185mph.
Like most TVRs, the Sagaris doesn't have safety equipment such as ABS, TCS, or airbags, nothing to hinder the driver's freedom to drive.
This car was reviewed by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1.24.6, faster than its cousin, the Tuscan.
Former Stig and author of THE MAN IN THE WHITE SUIT, Ben Collins, listed the Sagaris as one of the cars he hate the most during an interview from Drive.com.au and Ben Collins said "It had no door handles. To open the door you pressed a button under the wing mirror and prayed the electrics worked, because on many TVRs they don't. The seating was invented by Houdini and changing gear required you to dislocate a shoulder. Meaningless quasi-aerodynamic features on the bodywork shook violently when you reached speed and that happened quickly. It had no ABS or traction control, which would normally attract my praise, but the handling was so beguiling. Human beings have an innate feel for cars, perhaps developed over thousands of years of balancing on horseback. The Sagaris told porkies to your instincts. In bends, the weight of the engine over the front wheels made it pitch insanely and I spun off countless times with no idea why. If this was the result with a so-called pro at the wheel, I pitied the man who polished it all week before going for a Sunday drive. Worse still, Jeremy Clarkson loved it. I rest my case."
Molto Veloce means More Power in Italian
 |
| DMC Aventador Molto Veloce |
As the tuning scene for the all new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 continues, we might wanna take a look at this and this time, this spiced-up version of the Aventador, courtesy of tuner DMC, tweaked up the power of its V12 engine and it now produces 900PS of power! 900PS! So that's why Molto Veloce really means MORE POWER in Italian and that name really sums it up! Also, the retractable spoiler has been removed and replaced it with a fixed rear carbon fiber spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.
EXCERPT:
DMC Aventador LP900 Molto Veloce tuning kit cost 125,000 euros
Following initial images released a few weeks ago, DMC has released pricing and details for its new styling package, dubbed LP900 Molto Veloce, for the Lamborghini Aventador.
The German tuner specializing in Italian sports cars has given a mind numbing price of 125,000 euros (~$165,000) for their complete Aventator tuning package. However, broken down into their separate kits the pricing may seem a bit more palatable for some.
"The Molto Veloce aims at Aventador owners that seek to add a little more exclusivity to their LP700," says Thorsten Grebers, Marketing Manager at DMC Germany. "The LP900 engine upgrade clearly targets speed enthusiasts."
The least expensive kits are the new interior which costs 17,700 euros and the ADV1 wheel package which starts at EUR 7.800.
Next is the body kit which costs 19,500 euros and consists of a front fascia, lower lip spoiler and splitter, side skirts, rear wing spoiler and rear fascia with diffuser. All components are made of carbon fiber.
The meat and potatos are found under the hood, accounting for a head banging 80,000 euros. DMC has given the 6.5-liter V12 a complete valvetrain rebuild with 12 unique single intake throttle plates, new fuel pump and lines as well as pressure modulators and new injector nozzles. Also, the optimized engine electronics in addition to an electronic load pressure control system and a completely new wiring system has allowed DMC to rebrand the vehicle as the LP900 suggesting power output is now 900 HP (887 bhp / 662 kW) compared to its standard 700 PS (690 bhp / 515 kW).
DMC recommends clients fly their LP700 to the company's workshop in Germany or Switzerland for the engine modifications, but body components can be installed by one of DMC's global dealers.
All items are ready for order now.
Want one?!
BMW 3-Series Touring F31 vs. Jaguar XF Sportbrake
This is the all new 2013 BMW 3-Series Touring F31...
 |
| 2013 BMW 3 Series Touring |
...and this is the all new 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake.
 |
| 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake |
Both of them are from Europe, both of them are tourers, both of them are good for everyday uses, and both of them have bigger space on the back which sounds perfect on your next grocery shopping, unless you went out with several reusable bags on your next grocery trip. But what differs them is their characteristics. Sure, it's the battle of Britain once again but which of these is my pick?
 |
| 2013 BMW 3 Series Touring interior |
Sure, the BMW F31 has the same features as the F30 sedan, the same choice of either a Modern Line, Sport Line, or Luxury Line, same eccentric front end that feels like...well, I don't what to say but like an alien predator waiting to kill me, and now has a bigger boot at the back. At the start, the available variants for the 3 Series Touring were the 320d, 328i, and 330d. Other models will follow shortly. First off, the the 320d Touring will cost about 37,100 Euros (about 29,380 British Pounds Sterling) and this comes with the 2.0L diesel engine that takes about 184PS of power. The 328i though, this costs about 39,150 Euros or 30,400 British Pounds Sterling and this comes with the 2.0L petrol engine that generates about 245PS of power. My choice for now is the top of the line 330d Touring, which costs about 46,150 Euros or 34,700 British Pounds Sterling. The 330d though, this comes with the 3.0L turbodiesel engine that generates about 258PS of power. With all that power, the the 330d Touring can go about 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, most common to other European cars within this magnitude.
It's all typical BMW interior on this model and seems that the satellite navigation system's too far from my eyes. Because it is rear-wheel drive, I can still respect the German carmaker's Freude am Fahren slogan. It's sharper, it's sleeker, and surprising comfortable. It kinda feels like sipping a cup of delicious 3-in-1 coffee, mmmm....good! With all that German common sense, the Touring version of the new 3 Series feels a bit the same as the normal F30 sedan version with the added space for my groceries.
So...what about the XF Sportbrake?
 |
| 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake interior |
Last year, I examined the facelifted version of the XF sedan and with that new "2.2 LITRE i4 DIESEL" engine introduced, the XF's getting a bit more...well I was gonna say eco-conscious but never mind. Unlike the normal XF sedan, the all new Sportbrake doesn't have the fire-breathing V8 engine as well as its hotter version until further notice. That seems to be disappointing because the all new XF Sportbrake is available diesel-only. Much like other Korean SUVs I knew that they're available diesel-only, the XF Sportbrake comes with the 2.2L diesel and the 3.0L V6 diesel engine. The base model though, the 2.2 litre i4 163 Turbocharged Diesel SE, it costs 31,940 British Pounds Sterling, while the most expensive version, which is the 3.0 litre V6 275 Turbocharged Diesel Portfolio, that costs them 51,505 British Pounds Sterling.
Amazingly though, it's more pricey than the F31 BMW 320d Touring but you do get a lot of luxury features and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system of other Jaguars. Also, it may have the same 8-speed AT as the F31 BMW 3 Series Touring and like other Jaguars and Land Rovers, there's no gear lever because what I can only find was a knob that when you twist it clockwise or counter-clockwise, you can set it in either P, R, N, D, or S. It is a very complicating way but I don't care. That complicating knob is not the least of our problems because the handling is a bit too rough and it really bites. No wonder this XF Sportbrake was used as a support vehicle for Team Sky as they compete in the Tour of Britain. Well, I'm not on Team Sky's side because I don't watch too much Sky and I'm all BBC and no Channel 5 (the one with Fifth Gear on it, which is still the car magazine program I REALLY HATE). He he he he....
The new F31 3 Series Touring is all about keeping yourself cool because the 3 Series is being the yuppie icon of all time but for the XF Sportbrake, this is not the car for the yuppies. This is for those who are a bunch of geography teachers, brokers working for stock exchange, and those who ain't BOVERED. Sorry, if I have to get that Lauren Cooper dialog Ms. Catherine Tate, but anyway, this Jag is a bit more dramatic, a bit more tenacious, not quite a sleeping dog that you can bring it on a dogfighting pen. I would rather bet this car for a winning dog at the pen and take it away when I lost the bet but that's not quite an ideal option if you don't like the XF Sportbrake.
 |
| 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake |
 |
| 2013 BMW 3 Series Touring |
Well, I guess this ends here and to sum this up, the BMW 3 Series is a better wagon while the XF Sportbrake is a pricey break that keeps me disappointed why this one has no petrol variants as the normal sedan variant. Sure, both of them might be different from their sedan counterparts but the real ending for this review is simple; best not to buy the Sportbrake until Jaguar decided to put petrol variants on it but because of today's economy, well probably because of the ongoing crisis in the European economy, might be best not to buy either of these until you are ready.
Photo: BMW AG, Jaguar
"I'm a Love girl and I love it!"
On the September 14, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...
- Superhero gags
- Job interview returns with some more ridiculous questions...
- The gays are getting a rehab on WELCOME HOMO
- Bubble Gang does Dove Intense Repair by spoofing this ad as LOVE INTENSE REPAIR! I'm a Love girl and I love it!
- Weird....how come he keeps calling other names of other women while he's making talik on his wife?
- Mr. Assimo rides a taxi
- Some fresh batch of Pick-Up lines with Checkout, Dahon, and Boy Pick-Up!
- IyoTube in Spice Girl's Stop
- Clowns gathered to witness a retirement of a great clown! One last performance? We like!
- Superhero gags
- Job interview returns with some more ridiculous questions...
- The gays are getting a rehab on WELCOME HOMO
- Bubble Gang does Dove Intense Repair by spoofing this ad as LOVE INTENSE REPAIR! I'm a Love girl and I love it!
- Weird....how come he keeps calling other names of other women while he's making talik on his wife?
- Mr. Assimo rides a taxi
- Some fresh batch of Pick-Up lines with Checkout, Dahon, and Boy Pick-Up!
- IyoTube in Spice Girl's Stop
- Clowns gathered to witness a retirement of a great clown! One last performance? We like!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Welcome Back: 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic
 |
| Porsche 911's Best Hits Selection |
Porsche's 911 Sport Classic served as the "Greatest Hits" version of the legendary 911 because the exterior has bits from famous 911 models from the past and present. Cosmetic treatments to this "Best Hits Selection" 911 start at the nose with a revised fascia and take off from there. The roof panel receives a double-bubble treatment: a pair of domes above the driver and passenger with a channel down the middle. Behind the Sport Classic, the ducktail spoiler from the legendary the Carrera RS 2.7 makes its first appearance on a modern 911 and is flanked by even wider rear fenders to enclose the SC's extended track.
The interior is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather and the use of new materials to the marque, including woven leather/yarn seat panels.
The 911 Sport Classic is priced at €169,300 ($240,702 USD), twice more than the normal Carrera S and they only made 250 of them, which was already sold out fast.
James May drove this one in Series 15 Episode 2 of Top Gear alongside the Boxster Spyder.
Let's Do The News! (September 14, 2012)
Hey! What's that thing you have?
Uh, I just went for some eye checkup at EO
EO?
EO. Executive Optical.
Executive Optical?
Yeah. Statistics show that people aged 50 and over suffer from poor eyesight so all I have to do is get an eye checkup at the nearest EO branch.
So, you're saying is that you're getting an eye checkup at EO, right?
Yeah. I recommend everyone to visit EO. I heard that they're selling Swarovski, Judith Leiber, Vera Wang, Natori, Lulu Castagnette, Jessica Simpson, Betsey Johnson, Manish Arora, Cynthia Rowley, M. Missoni, Kensie Eyewear, Hello Kitty, Arrow, Lucky Brand, Steve Madden, Rocawear, New York Yankees, Daniel Hechter, Jones New York, Fifth Avenue, Adidas, Columbia, Speedo, Converse, and Callaway glasses.
(oohhh)
Also, EO is well known for their reliable eye care services, product variety, value pricing, and service excellence. I would gladly recommend those who love their eyes to visit their nearest Executive Optical branch. EO has 75 branches and present in key cities in the Philippines – from Metro Manila to Naga in Southern Luzon, Pampanga to Baguio in Northern Luzon, Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod in Visayas, and Davao City and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
Official site: http://www.eo-executiveoptical.com/home/
Yeah, you would gladly recommend everyone to take a look at this...Himmel EO....
(audience laughing)
I'm sorry what?
I mean EO. E..O...Executive Optical. Sorry. He he he....
Now, if I mind, I just heard that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd is issuing a recall to all of those X-TRAIL 20GT models, the one with the M9R diesel engine on it. Affected are those built from August 20, 2008 to July 30, 2012 and the reason for this recall is simple.
Uh, what's the reason for this recall to those X-Trail diesel variants?
Here's what's written in Japanese:
1、ディーゼル車で、エンジンルーム内の遮音材固定方法が不適切なため、ブレーキ配管により遮音材がエンジン側に押され、エンジン過給器の熱により遮音材が焼損するおそれがある。
2、ディーゼル車のDPFエンジン制御コンピュータのPM除去制御が不適切なため、短時間の走行を繰り返した場合、PMが多量に堆積した状態で自動再生が行われてDPFが高温となり、DPFが破損して黒煙が排出されるおそれがある。
3、ディーゼル車の吸気ダクト強度が不足しているため、ダクト固定用のクランプ部に亀裂が発生し、吸入空気、ブローバイガスが漏れ、エンジン警告灯が点灯して加速不良に至るおそれがある。
Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/2/172760/
And here's the translation... Thank you Bing translator...
1) Potentially improper insulation materials fixed method in the engine room and diesel engines for the sound insulating materials is pressed on the engine side brake pipe and sound insulating materials burned by the heat engine supercharging.
2) Due to improper DPF engine control computer of diesel PM removal control repeated the short time driving, if PM too likely AutoPlay are deposited in DPF is hot and the DPF damaged emitted black smoke.
3) Crack occurs the duct fixing clamp of diesel air intake duct strength insufficient, intake air and blow-by gas leaks, engine warning light lit, leading to accelerated bad potentially.
Uh...looks like translator's a bit rough but it serves a point. If you get a letter from Nissan, notifying that your X-TRAIL diesel's been recalled, best bet is to service it at your nearest Nissan dealer, quickly before it's too late. That's a tip to all.
Yeah, it's a tip for those who got their diesel X-TRAIL recalled.
Anyway, tonight at 8PM Manila Standard Time, a well-known boy band called The WANTED are going to perform live at the NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. I'm sure everyone got their tickets ready to see The WANTED performing live in the Philippines. Very excited...
Huh? Uh, sorry but I'm not interested to watch a concert...
Me too....
(audience laughing)
Never mind about that. Guess I shouldn't mentioned that. Moving on....
Uh, you might need to be alert right now because a Super Typhoon or what we called it a typhoon with the level of 2009's Ondoy is fast approaching. This one was called Sanba or what they called it Karen...er nope. Not that Karen we all know about. Typhoon Karen, which became the most powerful typhoon of the season, with winds ranging from 270kph are gusting within this storm as it moves...north. Category 3 when it reaches the islands of Okinawa so you might wanna watch out for those and stay safe.
I just point out that this Typhoon Sanba...
Karen...
Yeah, whatever, pointed out that it's heading to either western Japan or in the Korean peninsula but some records say that it is expected to weaken slightly before approaching Okinawa and again, it's a Category 3 storm when it reaches Okinawa so do please BE CAREFUL and if gets worse, run for your lives.
(audience laughing)
While preparing for the perfect storm to rampage western Japan and the Korean peninsula, let's move on to even more interesting news. As you may recall that a Malaysian conglomerate called Berjaya is willing to take over Mazda Philippines after Ford and Mazda gone into separate ways. Guess what? It's official. Berjaya Group officially announces Mazda distributorship in early 2013. This is good news for those.
Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/berjaya-officially-announces-mazda-distributorship-in-2013.html
A good news for those but I didn't like it.
Yeah, and the new Mazda distributor for the Philippines is now Berjaya Auto Philippines, which is the new local arm of Bermaz. Mazda Philippines has saved...once again.
Yeah, Mazda Philippines is saved once again.
(audience laughing)
Anyway, we heard that the people behind the Venom GT that is Hennessey Performance, the American tuning company, created a thousand horsepower monster out of the Cadillac CTS-V, here's the pic...
Uh, I just went for some eye checkup at EO
EO?
EO. Executive Optical.
Executive Optical?
Yeah. Statistics show that people aged 50 and over suffer from poor eyesight so all I have to do is get an eye checkup at the nearest EO branch.
So, you're saying is that you're getting an eye checkup at EO, right?
Yeah. I recommend everyone to visit EO. I heard that they're selling Swarovski, Judith Leiber, Vera Wang, Natori, Lulu Castagnette, Jessica Simpson, Betsey Johnson, Manish Arora, Cynthia Rowley, M. Missoni, Kensie Eyewear, Hello Kitty, Arrow, Lucky Brand, Steve Madden, Rocawear, New York Yankees, Daniel Hechter, Jones New York, Fifth Avenue, Adidas, Columbia, Speedo, Converse, and Callaway glasses.
(oohhh)
Also, EO is well known for their reliable eye care services, product variety, value pricing, and service excellence. I would gladly recommend those who love their eyes to visit their nearest Executive Optical branch. EO has 75 branches and present in key cities in the Philippines – from Metro Manila to Naga in Southern Luzon, Pampanga to Baguio in Northern Luzon, Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod in Visayas, and Davao City and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
Official site: http://www.eo-executiveoptical.com/home/
Yeah, you would gladly recommend everyone to take a look at this...Himmel EO....
(audience laughing)
I'm sorry what?
I mean EO. E..O...Executive Optical. Sorry. He he he....
Now, if I mind, I just heard that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd is issuing a recall to all of those X-TRAIL 20GT models, the one with the M9R diesel engine on it. Affected are those built from August 20, 2008 to July 30, 2012 and the reason for this recall is simple.
Uh, what's the reason for this recall to those X-Trail diesel variants?
Here's what's written in Japanese:
1、ディーゼル車で、エンジンルーム内の遮音材固定方法が不適切なため、ブレーキ配管により遮音材がエンジン側に押され、エンジン過給器の熱により遮音材が焼損するおそれがある。
2、ディーゼル車のDPFエンジン制御コンピュータのPM除去制御が不適切なため、短時間の走行を繰り返した場合、PMが多量に堆積した状態で自動再生が行われてDPFが高温となり、DPFが破損して黒煙が排出されるおそれがある。
3、ディーゼル車の吸気ダクト強度が不足しているため、ダクト固定用のクランプ部に亀裂が発生し、吸入空気、ブローバイガスが漏れ、エンジン警告灯が点灯して加速不良に至るおそれがある。
Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/2/172760/
And here's the translation... Thank you Bing translator...
1) Potentially improper insulation materials fixed method in the engine room and diesel engines for the sound insulating materials is pressed on the engine side brake pipe and sound insulating materials burned by the heat engine supercharging.
2) Due to improper DPF engine control computer of diesel PM removal control repeated the short time driving, if PM too likely AutoPlay are deposited in DPF is hot and the DPF damaged emitted black smoke.
3) Crack occurs the duct fixing clamp of diesel air intake duct strength insufficient, intake air and blow-by gas leaks, engine warning light lit, leading to accelerated bad potentially.
Uh...looks like translator's a bit rough but it serves a point. If you get a letter from Nissan, notifying that your X-TRAIL diesel's been recalled, best bet is to service it at your nearest Nissan dealer, quickly before it's too late. That's a tip to all.
Yeah, it's a tip for those who got their diesel X-TRAIL recalled.
Anyway, tonight at 8PM Manila Standard Time, a well-known boy band called The WANTED are going to perform live at the NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. I'm sure everyone got their tickets ready to see The WANTED performing live in the Philippines. Very excited...
 |
| The WANTED LIVE IN MANILA |
Huh? Uh, sorry but I'm not interested to watch a concert...
Me too....
(audience laughing)
Never mind about that. Guess I shouldn't mentioned that. Moving on....
Uh, you might need to be alert right now because a Super Typhoon or what we called it a typhoon with the level of 2009's Ondoy is fast approaching. This one was called Sanba or what they called it Karen...er nope. Not that Karen we all know about. Typhoon Karen, which became the most powerful typhoon of the season, with winds ranging from 270kph are gusting within this storm as it moves...north. Category 3 when it reaches the islands of Okinawa so you might wanna watch out for those and stay safe.
I just point out that this Typhoon Sanba...
Karen...
Yeah, whatever, pointed out that it's heading to either western Japan or in the Korean peninsula but some records say that it is expected to weaken slightly before approaching Okinawa and again, it's a Category 3 storm when it reaches Okinawa so do please BE CAREFUL and if gets worse, run for your lives.
(audience laughing)
While preparing for the perfect storm to rampage western Japan and the Korean peninsula, let's move on to even more interesting news. As you may recall that a Malaysian conglomerate called Berjaya is willing to take over Mazda Philippines after Ford and Mazda gone into separate ways. Guess what? It's official. Berjaya Group officially announces Mazda distributorship in early 2013. This is good news for those.
Scoop: http://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/berjaya-officially-announces-mazda-distributorship-in-2013.html
A good news for those but I didn't like it.
Yeah, and the new Mazda distributor for the Philippines is now Berjaya Auto Philippines, which is the new local arm of Bermaz. Mazda Philippines has saved...once again.
Yeah, Mazda Philippines is saved once again.
(audience laughing)
Anyway, we heard that the people behind the Venom GT that is Hennessey Performance, the American tuning company, created a thousand horsepower monster out of the Cadillac CTS-V, here's the pic...
 |
| Hennessey VR1200 Coupe |
This is the Hennessey VR1200, a tuned version of the Cadillac CTS-V fully loaded with twin turbos that generate an astonishing 1,226BHP of power and 1,109lb-ft of torque. Hennessey says this is the most powerful four-seater saloon car and they said, it can do 0-60 in 2.9 seconds and top speed is an astonishing 242mph.
That really shocked me to look at its stats! I mean, 1200 horsepower? On a Caddy that was tuned by the makers of the famed Venom GT? That made my head spinning...
(audience laughing)
Anyway, and on that bombshell, that's the news...
TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2
WE ARE TEKKEN
Tekken (鉄拳) is the kind of fighting game for people who want to move about in a big pantomime or massive west end musical full of color and noise and to hell how cool you can thrash your favorite characters against your rivals across the globe.
Unfortunately, back in the new millennium or 2000 to be precise, Tekken Tag Tournament (鉄拳タッグトーナメント), a different kind of Tekken because of its unique tag battle system, never really cut a mustard. As you'd expect, it isn't quite as enjoyable as the other Tekken games where one-on-one duels are more fun. Tag battles are fine but in the world of Tekken, that's not my kind. It's still isn't a proper Tekken game and it feels like something else...
Tekken (鉄拳) is the kind of fighting game for people who want to move about in a big pantomime or massive west end musical full of color and noise and to hell how cool you can thrash your favorite characters against your rivals across the globe.
Unfortunately, back in the new millennium or 2000 to be precise, Tekken Tag Tournament (鉄拳タッグトーナメント), a different kind of Tekken because of its unique tag battle system, never really cut a mustard. As you'd expect, it isn't quite as enjoyable as the other Tekken games where one-on-one duels are more fun. Tag battles are fine but in the world of Tekken, that's not my kind. It's still isn't a proper Tekken game and it feels like something else...
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| TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2 |
Now though, the sequel to the 2000 video game, TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT 2, has arrived and I'm delighted to say, the lunacy's back! What to expect? It comes with a pair-play multiplayer where up to four players are ready for some tag team battles. A one on one, two on two, or even a one vs. two battle, which sounds pretty unique. It now comes with a different kind of training mode called Fight Lab where you can customize your own COMBOT with new moves and attacks that will edge out your friends. Also, this game says that it even features the longest list of characters, over 50 fighters with different ending clips after clearing Arcade Mode. I DON'T CARE!!!
Sure, you're gonna get people coming up to you saying "Oh! You think your's better than me" and then "Oh! You know you have the longest playable characters to choose from" but it doesn't matter. I even prefer Tekken fan faves such as the iconinc Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, the antagonizing Heihachi, Law, Paul Phoenix, King, Xiaoyu, and then listen to this!!!
AAAARRRGGHHHH!!!!! HO HO HO HO!!!!
That's the sound of the largest choice of playable characters that fits your choosing and the globe-trotting backgrounds you can thrash around your foes for a change. They're more like a balls-out continental crushers, delicious enough to mess around someone else's for good.
One of the things I like most about this game is how did the sheer lunacy poured out to make Tekken Tag Tournament 2 great thanks to its vivid graphics. What amazes me the most is some environmental effects, seeing our favorites got smothered with water & dirt effects. Best of all, they all got new moves ranging from their tag-throws & tag-combos. That sounds pretty bonkers but that's just half of the story.
Sure, you want to get your hands busy playing Arcade Mode by yourself to watch every character's ending clip after clearing the last stage but that would be too obvious for a Tekken enthusiast. If you're new to Tekken, don't worry about it but the great thing about this game for enthusiasts and newbies alike is online connectivity. That is pretty seamless because thanks to its online multiplayer, you can form teams or play by yourself and show the world how good you really are. Most players wanna be the King of Iron Fists but there can be only one and that's it. Rather than just for bragging rights, online multiplayer is a bit more enjoyable if you're smash talking your rival with your mic.
For added enjoyment, Tag Tournament 2 features World Tekken Federation. For registration, you can track down your fight history, win percentage, battle points, achievements, and much more. This is all common sense but if you're playing Tekken Tag Tournament 2, have it ready on this website: http://tag2.tekken.com/
What we have here then is not by any means the best fighting game in the world but you can play this game everyday if you want it to and it has the most characters that I look forward on this game and the combos I want to thrash to destroy all of my rivals alive. It's a laugh. This game makes me act like an idiot and I think it's absolutely tremendous. You had to be bonkers to play this game and that is why it should.
OFFICIAL SITE: http://www.tekken.com/home
OFFICIAL JAPANESE SITE: http://www.tekken-official.jp/
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Let's Do The News! (September 13, 2012)
Let's do the news!
Right, we got a lot of stuff to tell today, starting with this. Even with a lot of financial woes, PSA Peugeot Citroen tries to be more competitive. They kept on saying "nous n'abandonnerons pas" by featuring new cars for this year's Paris Motor Show. Here's the new car from Peugeot, it's called the Onyx and this new supercar comes with a 680HP 3.7L diesel-hybrid combo. Sadly though, it's a concept car but is this somewhat their answer to the GTbyCitroen concept car?
Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-photos-of-2013-peugeot-rcz-coupe.html
Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/nissan-terra-concept-is-all-electric.html
Looks the same as the previous 4S but Apple claims that this new model is now 18% thinner, 20% lighter, and now 20% less volume. This one's went for a diet or downsizing perhaps?
Right, we got a lot of stuff to tell today, starting with this. Even with a lot of financial woes, PSA Peugeot Citroen tries to be more competitive. They kept on saying "nous n'abandonnerons pas" by featuring new cars for this year's Paris Motor Show. Here's the new car from Peugeot, it's called the Onyx and this new supercar comes with a 680HP 3.7L diesel-hybrid combo. Sadly though, it's a concept car but is this somewhat their answer to the GTbyCitroen concept car?
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| 2012 Peugeot Onyx Concept |
Ahem. The GTbyCitroen concept car we saw four years ago comes with an electric motor that sounds like an airplane's taking off. This one though, this is a different level because of its diesel-hybrid combination. Cars like the Peugeot 3008 and the 508 do come with the diesel-hybrid combination that no other carmaker can match this kind of technology. First glance though, I think that diesels and hybrids became bitter rivals but...
Wait, you would think that diesels are more efficient and better to drive than hybrids but some say, diesels are tend to be dirty and prone to smoke belching.
That's just stereotype. But let's talk about that later when we left okay?
Right, there's another Peugeot and this time, it's the minor change of the Peugeot RCZ boasting with Peugeot's new design philosophy tracing back to the 508. Here's the pic of this facelifted RCZ...
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| 2014 Peugeot RCZ |
Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-photos-of-2013-peugeot-rcz-coupe.html
(owwww)
Stunning. isn't it? Looks better than the BEFORE MC RCZ. It's no longer as creepy as a scary clown that made kids cry on their birthday parties or at amusement parks.
(audience laughing)
But wait! Aside from the RCZ minor change, they also made a concept version that is somewhat called the RCZ R or as I want to call it, the RCZ with the genes of the Onyx.
(audience laughing)
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| 2012 Peugeot RCZ R Concept |
(wow)
No freaking way! That is my kind of RCZ!
What surprises this car that this 1.6L engine was co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW, so you would explain what the hell BMW's doing, and this produces about 260HP of power and 155g/km of CO2 emissions. You'll be amazed that this RCZ's getting even more scarier thanks to its performance.
Yeah. This is the best RCZ I've ever saw in my life.
(audience laughing)
Also from Peugeot, a compact crossover that will take on the Nissan Juke.
Wait, another crossover? Peugeot already has the 3008 and the 4008. What's that?
Ahem. This is the baby crossover for Peugeot but it's still a concept. Happily, they confirmed that it will be produced next year as a 2014 model. It's called the 2008.
(audience laughing)
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| 2012 Peugeot 2008 concept |
Wait, 2008? Peugeot name this car after a year? As in...four years ago? 2008? The year the World Financial Crisis broke loose?
(audience laughing)
Well, whatever you may want to explain about the upcoming Peugeot 2008 but some say, this is a baby crossover that uses the Peugeot 208 compact as its basis, whatever the heck is.
So, what's the point? A French Juke rival? With an even more comedic face? You gotta tell....
(audience laughing)
Uh, Slow? Hey, is this going to be an answer to another baby crossover seen here, the Nissan TeRRA Concept?
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| 2012 Nissan TeRRA Concept |
Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/nissan-terra-concept-is-all-electric.html
Wha...?! No! The TeRRA is what happens when a Nissan Leaf's gone off-roady but the looks are a bit similar to another zero-emission concept car a few years ago, called the Esflow.
Oh, sorry about that. I mean these two kinda look like a bunch of jerks. It's like one of Joker's hench..
(audience laughing)
GRRRRR....Anyway, let's ignore about it anyway. Want scoop? Go to Paris! That's it! End of discussion.
(audience laughing)
Anyway, moving away from Paris Motor Show related stuff and into something else. I got news that the next volume of the Fate/stay night manga will be the finale. Some say, the Fate manga's 20th volume described as a series finale by retailer listing.
(awwww)
Uh...that bothered me to hear about that.
Wait. What it says here that the finale of the Fate/stay night manga will be go on sale by Kadokawa Shoten this November 22 for 588 yen.
Oh, that REALLY bothered me to hear that.
Me too...
(audience laughing)
Oh hey now! Bad news. This time, some MGS fan popped me around to see me and as we all know, we are expecting the hack-and-slash Metal Gear game starring Raiden in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance in early 2012. That game was originally intended to be on either the PS3 and the XBOX 360 but sadly, there's a sad news that the MGR video game will not be coming to the XBOX 360 console.
(huh?)
Wait? Metal Gear Rising will no longer be offered on the XBOX 360? But why?
No explanation but probably because of the poor sales of the XBOX 360 consoles in Japan.
But...XBOX 360 here in Japan fared a bit well thanks to games like Forza, Halo, or even THE IDOLM@STER, but how come they cancelled the XBOX 360 version of MGR due to the console's poor sales here?
There's a case. You know that Metal Gear Solid HD Edition last year? The PS3 version sold very well while the XBOX 360 version was a slump. Same case for the Silent Hill HD Edition; which only has 2 and 3 remastered. In Japan, only the PS3 version was offered.
No XBOX 360 version offered?
Nope. Nothing.
(audience laughing)
Oh hey now. those otakus who have Android smartphones may have noticed that there was a virus that once infected, may lure them to a topless Naruko "Anaru" Anjo.
Scoop: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/09/10/android-malware-lures-otaku-with-anohanas-anaru
REALLY?!
Yeah. It was an android virus that lures them to a trap. A trap that leads you to Anohana's Anaru that those who got infected to this virus lets them use the touchscreen to manipulate Anaru's body.
Whoa!
But, it might steal your contact data from your Android phone. This was called the Android Maistealer virus. This Trojan virus that once affected, steals info from Android phones.
Don't worry. This trojan app is not available on Google play and for a top tip; keep your Android phones secured, even against Trojan apps containing topless anime chicks.
(audience laughing)
Can't believe that Anohana's Anaru is too attractive to have criminals use her as a virus. (luaghing)
Anyway, that's the news and let's look at Apple's latest version of the iPhone, now called iPhone 5 after years of speculations.
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| iPhone 5 |
Looks the same as the previous 4S but Apple claims that this new model is now 18% thinner, 20% lighter, and now 20% less volume. This one's went for a diet or downsizing perhaps?
Yeah, with all that downsizing comes with a huge surprise. 4-inch retina display, 4G LTE support, new A6 chip for faster CPU performance, faster graphics, and better battery life, new EarPods accessory, iSight camera...
...and now there's a new connector we can't understand what that is. The 30-pin connector we all know from the past iPod devices has been ditched and now replaced with the all new Lightning connector. Apple says that this new Lightning connector comes with the all-digital, eight-signal design that is more durable than the 30-pin connector....
...and for good news, the Lightning connector is backwards compatible. Most iPhone accessories from the future will now be depending on the Lightning adapter but for those who have older iPhone, iPod, and iPad devices that depend on the 30-pin adapter, have no fear because Apple's working on the 30-pin adapter for use on the Lightning connector.
A Lightning to 30-pin adapter? This is about as convenient as a travel socket converter that turns 110V to 220V or back. Sadly, this accessory will cost more to link iPhone 5 to old gadgets.
(audience laughing)
Also, the Google maps has now been ditched and replace to maps designed by Apple and also, Siri understands more.
It's all because of its new iOS 6 operating system. Anyway, the new iPhone 5 will go on sale this September 21 and initial countries, the first countries to get this new generation iPhone are; the USA (the home country for the new iPhone), Canada, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Other countries may follow shortly.
More info: http://www.apple.com/iphone/
That's great and it starts at $199. To shop, go to http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_iphone/family/iphone
I think we'll cover more about this on it's on-sale date but let's spend some time looking at this new car we've encounter on Car Town.
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| 2012 Acura TL |
Yes, this is the all new 2012 Acura TL. For that 2012 model year, this facelifted version of the fourth-generation Acura TL revised the controversial "beak" insert which adorned Acura cars for years and then, it now has a 6-speed automatic transmission for better performance and fuel economy. Still has the same 3.5L engine and the 3.7L V6 engine with added SH-AWD. If you want one in Car Town, best to do it now because LIMITED STOCKS only. Once it's sold out, it's gone and you have to wait 'till you have a shot at the docks to get one.
Hyundai renames their PYL brand.
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| Hyundai PREMIUM YOUNIQUE LIFESTYLE |
Since March 2011, when the Hyundai Veloster was launched to the SoKor motoring public, the South Korean carmaker began the launch of its PREMIUM YOUTH LAB sub-brand, a sub-brand that caters the needs of the young adults with perks and privileges. Sadly though, this whole PREMIUM YOUTH LAB isn't quite enough for this, so Hyundai decided to give the PYL brand a major overhaul and rename this from PREMIUM YOUTH LAB to PREMIUM YOUNIQUE LIFESTYLE.
The new PREMIUM YOUNIQUE LIFESTYLE sub-brand caters owners of the Veloster, i40, and the new i30 with perks and privileges. For those Hyundai BLUmembers with PYL perks, they'll be enjoying great fun, great lifestyle, and everything that a PYL member would want to think of such as concerts, accommodations, dining, sports, and the list goes on.
You can never get too bored for this.
More info: http://blu.hyundai.com/oc/hmnb/prmm_mbr/hmnb_prmm_mbr_index.jsp?screenNm=hmnb_prmm_mbr_index
PREMIUM YOUNIQUE LIFESTYLE Commercial:
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster and AM310 Vanquish
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| 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster |
Here it is. It looks like the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the one that Jeremy Clarkson got emotional in the Season 13 finale of Top Gear, only this time the roof is off. This is the V12 Vantage Roadster but I prefer to think of it as...Chihaya Kisaragi's gone topless. It still comes with the same 6.0L V12 engine from the hardtop V12 Vantage that produces 517PS of power and always ready to rev to the tune of 眠り姫. Also, I'd still expect the worthless Volvo sat-nav of other Astons and buttons that I can't read in the sunshine. Lastly, I'd still expect the only transmission available on the V12 Vantage, that is a 6-speed manual transmission and that's good.
However, aside from having her haircut, she also expected a carbon fiber materials. Something that Chihaya Kisaragi would dress for the concert. There was carbon fibre side strakes, a carbon fibre front splitter, carbon fibre rear diffuser, carbon fibre mirror caps and carbon fibre rear lamp infills. What an overload of carbon materials for the V12 Vantage Roadster!
Sadly though, the convertible's a bit heavier than the hardtop model due to its strengthening needs. The hardtop V12 Vantage can do 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds but for this Roadster version, 0-60mph time is now 4.5 seconds. Still, both the hardtop and the convertible versions of the V12 Vantage can reach a top speed of 190mph.
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| 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster |
When it comes to fun factor, you can really smoke her whatever you want and with such dynamic handling, it's great if you want to handle the V12 Roadster in style but sometimes it could be somewhat difficult to regain grip because it's a challenging machine for beginners. On normal roads, it's surprisingly an epic grand tourer for those who want to go out for a long distance cruising, something that the new Ferrari California 30 couldn't guess what comes next.
This car costs about £150,000 RRP and they'll be making up to 101 units. Because it's a limited production model, a false mistake may cost you dearly. Smuggle one and you've wasted it. It appears that this is the final Aston to use the old 6.0L V12 engine. So, let's move on from ALLONS-Y to GERONIMO...
 |
| 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish |
Welcome to the all new Aston Martin Vanquish. The original one was used by Pierce Brosnan for his last Bond film before his retirement, Die Another Day, in 2002. The cool bit was the one that Q BRANCH gave it body panels that render the car invisible. Now that the name has been resurrected, I was quite surprised that this car served as the replacement to my ever-favorite DBS and now, there's more to this comeback.
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| 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish |
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| 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish |
It seems that the people from Aston Martin were attracted to the design from the mega-expensive One-77 and they decided that they will use the One-77's design as its language to create future Astons and this new Vanquish was one of them to wear the One-77's clothing. I just noticed something, the front looks like the Virage while the back really looks like the One-77. On the interior, it does really look like the One-77 for sure and like the Virage, it no longer has a Volvo sat nav of other Astons. It comes with the one that works.
I was impressed but what about performance? The newly developed 6.0L V12 engine was now positioned lower for added agility and this time, it produces 565bhp of power and 457lb-ft of torque. That's more power than the outgoing DBS or the V12 Vantage but top speed is now 183mph, less than the DBS' top speed. Never mind about that but the transmission is now a 6-speed paddle shift transmission.
What's also clever is that the new Vanquish is the first Aston to come with launch control. Push it, turn the TCS off, build the revs and when the light is green, you'll be ready to yell GERONIMO through a loud haler.
This new model marks the new chapter of Aston Martin's history and while this carmaker is gearing for its centennial anniversary next year, this new Vanquish became an omen, a sign that warns us that it is coming. However, the new Vanquish really has a noble heart that can perform better and as delicate as a piano concerto. By making it better, this is the best Aston I have ever seen in my life. I would gladly ditch the DBS and the V12 Vantage in favor of this car.
Photo: Aston Martin
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