Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Gyakuten Winner

Gyakuten Winner, the latest single by the hit J-POP boy band Johnny's WEST, now added to the court record.

Gyakuten Winner

It's the single from a very popular JPOP boy band featuring the opening theme song from the Gyakuten Saiban (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney) TV series. The brand new Gyakuten Saiban TV show is part of the franchise's 15th anniversary when the first game was launched in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance and spawned different installments, a live action film, stage plays, and many more. The TV show will coincide with the upcoming 3DS release of Gyakuten Saiban 6 for the 3DS this summer apart from the upcoming Gyakuten Kenji (Ace Attorney Investigations) stage play as well. There is a limited edition release in the form of two alternate front covers and each limited edition features a music video of the new single. One is the Story Version and the other is the Cool Version, as well as behind the scenes of each version.

Present this evidence to your friends who love the Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney) TV show? OBJECTION!

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 逆転Winner
02 100% I Love You
03 逆転Winner (オリジナル・カラオケ)
04 100% I Love You (オリジナル・カラオケ)

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NoKor foreign minister visits New York


North Korean foreign minister has departed for New York for the signing ceremony of the Paris Agreement adopted at a UN climate conference last year.

Ri Su Yong left Pyongyang on Tuesday and arrived in Beijing. He will head to New York later in the day. Ri's visit to the United States follows North Korea's nuclear test in January and rocket launch in February. His last US visit was to attend the UN General Assembly late last year.

Reports state that North Korea wants to stress its willingness to collaborate with the global community on issues in order to ease off pressure, including UN Security Council sanctions.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (April 19, 2016)


- Despite his apology regarding his "rape jokes", several women's groups condemned presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte. The Davao City Mayor drew international criticism after making a remark about an Australian lay minister rape victim, comparing the latter to a beautiful AMerican actress and saying that he should "have been first". The groups refused to accept Duterte's apology and said that it was not sincere.

- Hackers defaced the website of ABS-CBN's radio dzMM and leaked its database. Hacktivist groups Bloodsec International and Anonymous Philippines claimed responsibilities for the recent cyber attacks, which is it said was a call for media to be objective in its reporting. 

- Onto the Kumamoto quake, aftershocks from last weekend's quakes are taking a toll on survivors. Tens of thousands have evacuated their homes and many are sleeping in emergency shelters or their cars. The death toll is now up to 46. One of them is a 51-year-old woman who died from economy class syndrome. She became ill on Monday while staying in her car in Kumamoto city, taken to hospital and treated for a pulmonary embolism, or a blocked artery in her lungs, but died about an hour later.

- The death toll from last weekend's Ecuador quake is now up to 413 while over 2,000 people were hurt.

- Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has vowed to fight moves to impeach her, denying speculation that she may resign. The nation's first female leader has been accused of involvement in manipulating government accounts and the lower house of Congress voted in favor of proceeding with her impeachment on Sunday. At a news conference, Rousseff said she is indignant over the congressional vote. She said previous administrations used the same fiscal maneuvers and denied doing anything illegal. She added that she is the victim of what she described as a coup plotted by her enemies.

- The US Defense Department has denounced what it says was a dangerously close encounter to a US reconnaissance plane by a Russian fighter jet. Pentagon officials said that a Su-27 jet flew within 15 meters of an RC-135 aircraft in international airspace over the Baltic Sea on the 14th of April. They said the US aircraft at no time crossed into Russian territorial space. The officials described the Russian jet's flight as unsafe and unprofessional, saying it conducted a barrel-roll from the left side of the US aircraft, going over the top of it, and ending up on the right side.

- Companies from the global defense and security sectors appeared at an international arms fair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASEAN countries are prioritizing spending on maritime military equipment amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. About 1,200 manufacturers from 60 countries and regions are taking part in the biennial Defense Services Asia in the Malaysian capital, showcasing their latest technologies, including Chinese reconnaissance drones and US aircraft with anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

- Check out this publicity stunt pulled off by the FIA Formula E Championship as a stuntman became the first to pull a blind car-dodge on a fast-approaching Formula E car and backflip over it at the last second.



- The Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Tech Line Top Gear Edition, the last reasonably priced car used in the Top Gear TV show during Clarkson, Hammond, and May's tenure, has been auctioned for 17,800 pounds. Proceeds will support BEN, which helps unemployed automotive industry workers.

- Subaru will ready a specially-prepped WRX STi to challenge against its own record at the upcoming Isle of Man TT.

TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: Omigosh, What the FXX K?!

Did you kiss your mother with that mouth? Anyway, let's introduce you to the one car that deserves to have your mouth washed with soap because this car bears a curse word that needs to be burst out to the world. So, the question is...What The FXX K?!

fxxk

No wonder Ferrari named their LaFerrari-based experimental racing machine after an infamous curse word everyone's not afraid to say but whatever the heck is, this car, part of the Top Gear Car Pack, has speeds capable of unleashing curse words straight from your mouth. So, what the FXX K is this FXX K?!!!

fxxk (2)

Based on the LaFerrari, the Ferrari FXX K experimental track car is an evolution to the previous Enzo Ferrari-based FXX while featuring Formula One-inspired KERS. Although not suitable for motorsport use, the FXX K was made for the exclusive group of Client-Test Drivers with whom Ferrari will commence a test program over the next two years.

With the V12 engine and electric motor working together as one, it develops a record-breaking 1050PS of power output while torque output is over 900Nm. Apart from its performance, the FXX K's aerodynamics benefitted quick lap times. Its aerodynamics resulted in a 50% improvement in downforce in the low drag configuration and a 30% increase in the more aggressive downforce configuration, resulting in a figure of 540kg at 200.

The E-Diff, F-Track, Racing Side Slip Angle Control, optimized to suit its Pirelli slick tires, and the high-performance anti-lock brakes can be adjusted using the Manettino on the steering wheel.

Using its motorsport know-how, the FXX K, never intended to be used in motorsport purposes, delivers unbiased track day performance well made for the Client-Test Drivers who want to know more about this machine.

fxxk (3)

Trying to act like the client-test driver who grows interest in Ferrari's FXX K experiment, I went to Circuit of the Americas, home of the Formula 1 US Grand Prix (good thing it's part of this season, right?!), to try out Ferrari's motorsport experiment that was never intended for motorsport use but incorporates most of it. With such speeds, handling the FXX K really sounds challenging, and mostly curse words coming out of my mouth. Perhaps no wonder this car was named after a curse word. Wanna see how I tried with the FXX K?



fxxk (4)

Bottom line: I survived, barely. The FXX K may be a fast machine full-stop but because of its unpredictable behavior, drivers will have a challenging time mastering the FXX K's characteristics. In fact, some curse words came out from the drivers' mouths in the driving of Ferrari's hybrid racecar made for experimental purposes. No matter how many curse words burst from their mouth, having a mastery with the FXX K will prove that this car can FXX K it right up in its rear bumper.

FXX K Yeah!

F1 2016 - Chinese GP

Photo: Getty Images

The classic qualifier, after what the racers demanded following the failed elimination-style qualifiers that plagued the first two races, is finally back into the Chinese leg of the 2016 Formula One season and let's hope the old-school qualifying formula sticks to this season as long as their is feedback. Anyway, onto the Chinese GP, this race sees another win for Mercedes' formidable Nico Rosberg as his win became the fourth driver in history to win six successive world championship races. Red Bull Racing's rookie Daniil Kvyat tasted another podium finished by placing third while Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel placed 2nd. Other races who made it to the end of the race are Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, Williams' Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz.

Onto the driver standings, we can see that Rosberg still leads by 75 points while Hamilton's 26 points behind his teammate and Red Bull's Ricciardo in 3rd place with 36 points.

The next race will be in Russia on the 1st of May.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Let's Do The News! (April 18, 2016)



- International media are giving a stab to "rape" remarks from Davao City mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte. Singapore's The Straits Times, UK's BBC and The Guardian, and Australia's ABC published reports about the Philippine presidential candidate and the online outcry that followed after he made what appeared to be a joke about the missionary.

- Senator JV Ejercito entered a "not guilty" plea on the graft case filed against him before the Sandiganbayan. Ejercito and 19 other former and incumbent officials were charged with graft and technical malversation over their alleged involvement in using calamity funds to purchase P2.1 million pesos worth of firearms eight years ago.

- So far, about 272 people reported dead in last weekend's Ecuador quake. Ecuador's VP Jorge Gias told a news conference on Sunday that 2,527 people were hurt in the quake which occurred shortly before 7PM. The USGS said it measured a magnitude of 7.8. The government declared a state of emergency for six badly affected provinces.

- Returning on the Kumamoto quake, rescue workers are racing against time in search for the missing people after two powerful quakes struck the Japanese southwestern town. Authorities say 42 people were killed since Thursday. Many were found in collapsed houses.

- The lower house of Brazil's Congress favored the proceeding with the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff. In Sunday's voting, 2/3rds of the lower house members supported the move. The lawmakers have been debating the issue since opposition members demanded in December that impeachment proceedings be launched. The president has been accused of being involved in the manipulation of government accounts. If the upper house favors the impeachment court, Rousseff will be suspended from duty during the trial.

- Thousands of people in Brussels have took part in a march against terrorism and hatred, as well as to remember victims and call for solidarity. About 7,000 people participated Sunday's rally almost a month after the attacks that killed 32 people and injured 340 others. People marched over two hours, some holding banners and placards while others carried flowers. Most Muslims took part in the march, one of them shares the grief with others and show solidarity.

- Signatech-Alpine uncovered their entry to next year's World Endurance Championship, the A460. This LMP2 prototype features the same 4.5L V8 engine as last yea'rs A450b, delivering 550HP of power while mated with a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Two A460s, a #35 and a #36, will run under the Signatech-Alpine name but crewed under two different countries.

Alpine A460 Race Car

- Something big is happening in THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE mobile game. Check it out...



- The hit Doctor Who spinoff action drama series Torchwood may soon return, only this time as comic books published by Titan Comics.

- Actress-presenter Toni Gonzaga confirmed her pregnancy on national television. She announced it during last Sunday's ASAP show.

- At last night's Binibining Pilipinas 2016 coronation night, Maxine Medina is named as the Philippine representative for this year's Miss Universe. Meanwhile, Kylie Versoza was named Bb. Pilipinas-International, Joanna Eden as Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational, Jennifer Hammond as Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental, and Nicole Cordoves as Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International. Nichole Marie Manalo, the sister of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo, was named as Miss Globe Philippines. Angelica Alita was crowned 1st runner up while Jehza Huelar is 2nd runner up.

TTFN!!!

Toyota Auris Hybrid (ZWE186H)

Last year, Toyota gave the second-generation Auris, launched since the summer of 2012, a minor change and apart from selling it in selected parts of the Asia-Pacific and Europe, it was made to be sold in North America as a Scion iM. Well, with Scion's untimely collapse, things aren't going so well for the recently facelifted Auris, even if it comes with Toyota's brand new 1.2L 8NR-FTS petrol engine.

2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid

Little did you know that because it's been ten years since the first Auris launch into dealerships since the autumn of 2006, here's a big 10th anniversary offering for the Toyota Auris because it's no longer a Netz-exclusive car because it's now available at both Toyopet and Netz dealerships across Japan. Notice the front view? Same facelifted Auris as last year but the Netz' N logo was now replaced by the Toyota logo on it. Finally, some credit to the sporty hatchback.

Of course, you can still get three petrol types (1.2L turbo, 1.5L, and 1.8L) but because of the Auris' 10th anniversary since 2006, the first-ever Auris Hybrid is now offered for the first time in Japanese markets.

2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid interior
Although, you can still expect the same bits and bobs from the normal Auris, the all-new hybrid variant features a combination of a 1.8: 2ZR-FXE engine, an electric motor, and a conventional nickel metal battery. Delivering a uniquely quiet and relaxing driving experience, the Auris Hybrid offers a top-class fuel consumption of 30.4km/L in the JC08 Mode cycle. Apart from that, its hybrid powertrain is made to eliminate the need for a petrol engine as much as possible during city driving, generating virtually no NOx and Particulate Matter emissions.

Because it can be operated both independently and in combination, the 1.8L petrol engine and the electric motor generate a combined power output of a measly 136PS of power output.

Just like the normal Auris, the Auris Hybrid features Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function. Don't need to repeat how these things work but if you want, it's your loss.

The Auris Hybrid starts at 2,832,545 Japanese Yen before the 100% Eco-Car Genzei benefits kicked into its main pricing. Once crossed into the European streets, the Auris Hybrid is now available for Japanese customers at both Netz and Toyopet dealerships, quite a good way to honor the Auris' 10th anniversary since its 2006 debut.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Sewol Tragedy: 2 years on...


April 16th, 2014 - A Sewol ferry submerged through the southern part of South Korea, leaving 295 people dead with nine remained unaccounted for. Most of the victims died in the submerged ferry were students on a field trip, making this the worst maritime tragedy in South Korean history.

Friends and families of the victims took part on the memorial services at the Jindo Island, near the scene of the accident that occured 2 years ago.

The South Korean government plans to salvage the ship by this summer but bad weather conditions hamper the effort.

About last year, the South Korean Supreme Court upheld a life sentence for the ship's captain, who is held liable for negligence, homicide, and other charges.

URL: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160416_21/

Dozens died in a powerful Ecuador quake


Following the series of powerful quakes struck the Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, a powerful M7.7 quake struck the coastal part of Ecuador.

According to the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the quake, which is the strongest in history, occurred near Ecuador's northern coast at 2359 hours UTC and its focus was about 10km deep. A tsunami warning as high as one meter could hit the coast but three hours later, the warning was lifted.

So far, about 28 people died in the quake. Ecuadorian VP Jorge Gias said he is mobilizing military and police to clarify the extent of the damage as soon as possible.

Detective Conan: Junkoku no Nightmare

Detective Conan:
Junkoku no Nightmare

The year 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Detective Conan franchise. From the pages of Shogakukan Shonen Sunday, over eight hundred TV episodes and counting, a slew of feature films, live-action specials, video games, and tons of merchandising rights, kids from Japan and all over the world became part of the never-ending crime-solving adventures of Shinichi Kudo or Conan Edogawa as he takes on the most ruthless criminals, solving puzzles, gaining evidence, and apprehend the culprit. With his array of gadgets and a little help from his friend Ran Mori and the Detective Boys (comprising of Genta, Mitsuhiko, Ayumi, and Ai), everything's possible in Conan's perspective.

To honor the franchise's 20th year, this year's Conan film will be the biggest mystery yet for everyone's favorite junior detective. The franchise's 20th anniversary offering; Junkoku no Nightmare (The Darkest Nightmare), sees Conan and pals ventured to a newly remodeled aquarium in downtown Tokyo, when suddenly, Conan's encounter with a mysterious woman changes everything. The woman Conan encountered suffered a tragic memory loss and the gang will do everything they can to help her, even if they were in pursuit by Conan's longtime foe; the mysterious organization known as the Black Organization.

In true Conan fashion, this film features a colorful mix of action, suspense, mystery, romance, and a pinch of humor that will keep the whole family enjoy 'till the end. As the story deepens, this film gets more and more interesting just as what you expect from the past Detective Conan films. Having been on the block for over 20 years, Conan's used to desperate situations to pin down the smoothest of criminals but this film is the most extreme yet because he had to use whatever means necessary to unmask the truth even if it costs his life or his friends. 

Whatever the risk is, this film is fun-filled with excitement the kids will surely love. Of course, since this is a family movie made in honor of the franchise's 20th year, fans of all kinds are more than welcome to celebrate Detective Conan's 20th anniversary by enjoying this film.

My rating: 3.8 out 5

Buick Cascada and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

We have two guests who are either late to the party or came here for the very first time. One is somewhat Euro-American and the other is quintessentially British on the other side. So, let's meet up with the open-top slowpokes who came to the open-top party too late or too early.

2016 Buick Cascada

First, let's meet with the latecomer known as the Buick Cascada. Well, basically this is imported from Europe's Opel division and Australians can expect this as a Holden sometime. Anyway, when the Euro-sourced Cascada arrived in America, it seems that its welcoming party got cancelled. VW's Eos and Golf Cabriolet are long dead as are Chrysler's old 200 Convertible. Which means, this car is running unopposed you can't even compare this one to a Mazda Roadster because...that's too cheeky.

Anyway, while Buick's open-top newcomer came here on its own free will, let's get some answers while this car catches some fresh air. Like its European equivalent, the Cascada has the same underpinning as the Verano, meaning that its got some clever Euro-tuned dynamics for a sporty handling that gets the driver into grooves. Under the hood?a 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine generating 200HP of power and 206lb-ft of torque while delivering an EPA-estimated Fuel Economy Highway of 27MPG. Of course, it's mated with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Other features? Well, this open-top Buick comes with a host of tech such as Buick Intellilink, rear park assist, automatic headlamps, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, RainSense wipers, and so much more.

The price? It's 33,990 Dollars for the base 1SV while the top-of-the-range Premium costs 36,990 Dollars. Like I said, it's running unopposed because there are no front-wheel drive convertibles in the market that can compete against the Cascada in the North American market. It's a shame really because while it maybe late for the party, the Cascada tries to reinvent itself from the ground up. So, what about the newcomer who came to the party for the first try?

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

The world's first open-top convertible from Land Rover, called the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, and remember, you saw this one first because I'm not mentioning about the Cr_ssC_br__l_t (vowels blocked for search query reasons) from a distant past because the Evoque Convertible is the first of its kind and that's the end of it.

Based on the recently-facelifted Range Rover Evoque Coupe, the Convertible features similar stuff from the coupe with the clever Z-folding roof system which can be operated at speeds of up to 30mph. Think of this first-ever convertible crossover is a mixture of a visit to the Caribbean beach to the African safari because this crossover changes everything...well, sorta.

The Evoque Convertible maybe heavier than its hardtop equivalent but its offroad capability still works its charm even with the roof up, meaning this sport utility convertible loves to play rough, rain or shine. On the road, it looks pleasantly head-turning because despite being hunky, the Evoque Convertible still looks attractive, roof up or down. In rough terrain, drivers wouldn't mind getting muddy or wet while driving with the roof open. For a stylish, yet adventurous, luxury convertible, the Evoque Convertible is available with either a 2.0L TD4 diesel or a 2.0L Si4 petrol engine, all mated with the brand new 9-speed automatic gearbox as seen on the facelifted Evoque range. The petrol variant is capable of reaching 0-60mph at 7.8 seconds and onwards to 130mph.

The Evoque Convertible starts at £47,500 OTR and just like the Cascada from Buick, it's running unopposed. It's kinda shame really but when you are going to compare these guests who are either late to the party or came here for the very first time, it will be humorous enough to see the late bloomers edging out together. So, which of those late bloomers would you choose? These convertibles maybe late for the party but it would be a blast to give them a try.

Strong quakes continue in Kumamoto


Early Saturday morning, a powerful 7.3 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, the same area where two quakes occured for the past two days, leaving over forty people reported dead and caused harsh damage in the infrastructure.

Right now, officials from Kumamoto and neighboring Oita advised about 240,000 people to evacuate to avoid landslides caused by this Sunday's torrential rainfall.