Tuesday, May 13, 2025

How to dress as the Ikizulive girls

In case you missed it, the Love Live! franchise has unveiled its latest project titled "IKIZULIVE! LOVELIVE! BLUEBIRD." This new installment, designed for X (formerly known as Twitter) and YouTube, focuses on ten girls enrolled in different branches of Love High School. Together, they form a school idol team called "Ikizulive!" It comes from a time when school idols and "Love Live" became a distant thing of the past.

With the reception to the newest installment escalating, it's time to teach you how to be one of your favorite Ikizulive girls as cosplay season is reaching its boiling point.

IKIZULIVE! LOVELIVE! BLUEBIRD
IKIZULIVE! LOVELIVE! BLUEBIRD

As Polka Takahashi - Polka is a first-year high school student attending the Asakusa satellite campus of Love High School. She struggled with math in her early years and also failed her high school entrance exam. However, her life changed when she discovered L High, an online high school. To be Polka, you must first get a long orange wig and give it a tail on your left. Simple, really.

As Mai Azabu - Mai is a first-year high school student attending the Asakusa satellite campus of Love High School. She excels in Tronware, programming, and logical thinking, and dreams of creating a beautiful programming language no one has seen before. A short blackish wig should do the trick, given that her hairstyle is about the same size as Liella's Tang Keke. Don't forget to put a light blue ribbon on your front right.

As Akira Goto - Akira is a first-year high school student attending the Asakusa satellite campus of Love High School. Akira aims to be a top athlete someday, so she enrolled at L High to pursue her hopes. She prefers spending time alone rather than with the others. Becoming Akira requires getting a long brownish wig and giving it a ponytail as long as it matches Akira's hairstyle. Don't forget the small light green ribbon to your right.

As Hanabi Komagata - Hanabi is a first-year high school student attending the Asakusa satellite campus. Her family runs a kimono shop and hopes to take over the business someday. An extremely long black wig and a yellow ribbon to your left is more than enough to become Hanabi. Be mindful of the kimonos.

As Miracle Kanazawa - Miracle is a second-year high school student at L High's Fukui satellite campus. She aspires to become a top pastry chef one day. To become Miracle, you need long, fluffy pink hair adorned with two star-shaped hairpins on your left side.

As Noriko Chofu - Noriko is a first-year high school student at L High's Fukui satellite campus. She aspires to become a voiceover and after taking an audition since she was a senior middle school student, she was able to join a talent agency, but she doesn't have a proper job yet. To become Noriko, you will need long, dark purple hair as well as two lavender ribbons on your top. That's it.

As Yukuri Harumiya - Yukuri is a first-year student enrolling at L High's Umeda satellite campus. She has been learning ballet since she was little, and she loves musicals. Just a short brownish wig should do the trick as long as it matches Yukuri's description.

As Aurora Konohana - Aurora is a second-year student enrolling at L High's Umeda satellite campus. She returned from Los Angeles due to her parents' work and believes that "love is justice". Remind you of someone? Anyway, Aurora has extremely long, light blond hair. As long as you have that kind of wig that matches Aurora's description, you'll be fine.

As Midori Yamada - Midori is a first-year student at L High's Umeda satellite campus. She is passionate about environmental awareness, and her enrollment at L High is her way of promoting this cause. Midori Yamada, the group's environmental activist, has a green hairstyle similar to Maomao, the main character in "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto." If you have been saving a Maomao wig, you will likely need it to dress as her.

As Shion Sasaki - Shion is a first-year high-school girl of unknown origin. She loves coordinating uniforms and broadcast videos from her home, but she mostly can't go to school due to trivial matters, and prefers to stay in her room. To become Shion, you'll need a short brownish wig that resembles the hairstyle of Yukiho Hagiwara from THE IDOLM@STER. Make sure the hair color is slightly darker than Yukiho's. Once you have the wig, add a pair of white nekomimi headphones, and you're all set!


...and there you have it. How to dress as the Ikizulive girls.

Good luck trying to become one of your new favorite school idols from Love High School, as long as it follows the strict Fan-Made Contents Policy. That's all I can say.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Let's Do The News! (May 12, 2025)

         

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Over 68 million Filipino voters have taken part in the 2025 midterm elections, voting for Senate, House, and local positions. This election reflects the escalating Marcos-Duterte family rivalry, with the Senate races pivotal for PBBM's political influence amid a public fallout since their 2022 alliance. It also aligns with heightened tensions as the COMELEC faces scrutiny over election integrity.

- HAMAS says it will release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire.

- Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky offers to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to agree to direct talks with Russia.

- Daihatsu teases next-generation Move set for June release. For the first time, the next-generation Move will have dual sliding doors.

Sir Tom Farmer, the founder of Kwik Fit, passed away at the age of 84. Kwik Fit is a car servicing and repair company based in the United Kingdom. As of May 2025, the company operates over six hundred locations across the UK.

- The second-generation Citroen C5 Aircross was unveiled.

2026 Citroen C5 Aircross

- Japan's METI says that unauthorized use of voices in generative AI is likely illegal, citing music videos and alarm clocks using AI trained on someone's voice without permission.

- The Love Live! franchise has announced the cast for its new project, "Ikizulive! LOVE LIVE! BLUEBIRD," which will be available on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. The cast includes:

  • Honon Ayasaki as Polka Takahashi
  • Rina Endo as Mai Azabu
  • Seri Miyano as Akira Goto
  • Kokoro Fujino as Hanabi Komagata
  • Aiha Sakano as Miracle Kanazawa
  • Ria Seko as Noriko Chofu
  • Yuki Okumura as Yukuri Harumiya
  • Akane Amasawa as Aurora Konohana
  • Honoka Kotomori as Midori Yamada
  • Aoi Suzunose as Shion Sasaki

This announcement highlights the exciting new direction of the franchise with its talented voice cast.


- Son Naeun signs with a new agency after leaving YG.


- Boy group SHINee confirmed to release a new single for their 17th debut anniversary.


TTFN.

Opel/Vauxhall Frontera Mk3 v Citroen C3 Aircross Mk2

The Frontera is back in the Opel/Vauxhall lineup, but it's no longer the off-road capable SUV that Jeremy Clarkson bisected on his final day as a Top Gear presenter. This time, it's a compact crossover with French DNA. Thanks a lot, Stellantis.

2025 Opel Frontera
2025 Opel Frontera

2025 Vauxhall Frontera
2025 Vauxhall Frontera

Starting at 23,900 Euros or 23,995 Pounds plus additional costs, the Frontera returns as a compact crossover that now runs on the same framework as this...

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross
2025 Citroen C3 Aircross

Yes, the Frontera is now basically running on the same shape as the all-new Citroen C3 Aircross, which is yours for 19,700 Euros plus additional costs. While the previous model, as Jeremy Clarkson said in his Grand Tour shenanigans, is faster than itself, strong enough to tow a ship, big enough to fit Angelina Jolie's family, better at catching bad guys, and good enough to get through the mountain than the elephant, this new model wants to be just like the said model.

What we have here are two identical compact crossovers whose predecessors got Clarksoned. Anyway, enough about Clarkson's Troll Farm. Onto the crossovers.

2025 Opel Frontera interior

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross interior
2025 Citroen C3 Aircross interior

Although the Frontera and the C3 Aircross are similar in size, they have distinct appearances. The Frontera showcases the new Vizor design, which was first introduced on the second-generation Mokka. In contrast, the C3 Aircross features a front design inspired by the Oli Concept, similar to that of the regular C3 model.

The interiors tell a similar story. Both models are equipped with similar features, such as a touchscreen for infotainment and smartphone connectivity, USB-C ports, and more. However, the seating arrangement raises some concerns, particularly with the seven-seater option, which feels cramped for anyone seeking comfort. When it comes to boot space, both the Frontera and the C3 Aircross offer a capacity of up to 460 liters with all passenger seats in use, and up to 1,600 liters when the seats are folded down. This all seems quite logical.

2025 Citroen C3 Aircross
2025 Citroen C3 Aircross

Both the all-new Frontera and the all-new C3 Aircross are manufactured at the same Stellantis plant in Slovakia, so you can expect a familiar range of hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. The entry-level model features a 1.2L THP Hybrid engine paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Additionally, there is a 113PS EV model that offers a driving range of 305 km based on WLTP standards, as well as a more powerful 145PS variant. While it's uncertain whether these models can tow a large boat like the previous C3 Aircross, it's best to set that consideration aside.

Both vehicles are front-wheel drive, but don’t expect to navigate through Broughton Hall without sticking to paved roads or crossing the mountains that Hannibal traversed centuries ago. Additionally, you won’t be chasing bad guys speeding in fast cars on French roads. 

It seems that the typical Clarkson-style excitement has been set aside for these models in favor of practicality. With numerous safety features such as Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Alert, speed sign recognition, high beam assistance, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot detection, and a reversing camera, what more could you need?

Unfortunately, the all-new Frontera and the all-new C3 Aircross have moved away from the unique characteristics of their predecessors in the name of practicality. However, they remain some of the most sensible crossovers available today. That said, the seven-seater variants can be quite challenging for those trying to find the ideal balance between functionality and comfort.

Will you buy either of these two crossovers or stick to the old ones Clarkson enjoyed?

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall/Citroen

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - AdventHealth 400

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is in Kansas for the AdventHealth 400. This Mother's Day race aims to rock Kansas like a hurricane.

As the green flag waved, NASCAR's Mother's Day race was on. The first stage saw Bubba Wallace slapped with a pass-through penalty for equipment interference while William Byron was experiencing mechanical issues that forced him to pit. With Kyle Larson winning Stage 1, Stage 2 saw a slow stop for Denny Hamlin on pit road. As Larson weathers through Stage 2, the final stage saw the #6 car collide with the wall on Lap 195, followed by a big slide by Kyle Busch.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - AdventHealth 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

Having stormed through Kansas and led over 10,000 laps in his career, Kyle Larson wins the AdventHealth 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at North Wilkesboro for the NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE this May 18th.

2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - Monterey Sportscar Championship

The 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is taking place at Laguna Seca for the Tire Rack Monterey SportsCar Championship. From the Rahal Straight to the legendary Corkscrew, drivers are pushing their limits to navigate the challenges of Laguna Seca in this Mother's Day race.

2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship - Monterey Sportscar Championship
Screengrab from IMSA

The final corner incident involving the #7 963 and the #22 BMW M Hybrid V8 is currently under review. Meanwhile, the #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 has been declared the winner of this race. In the GTD PRO class, Roxy, driving the #77 AO Racing 911 GT3 R, takes the victory, while the #57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 secures the win in the GTD class.

The next race is the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix this May 31, 2-25.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

2025 Repco Supercars Championship - Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440

The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship continues in Symmons Plains Raceway for the Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440. The crowd goes wild for some intense racing action in one of the picturesque parts of Australia.

2025 Repco Supercars Championship - Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440
Screengrab from Supercars

Broc Feeney dominated the first two races in Tasmania, but in the final race, Matthew Payne barely defeated Feeney with a shocking gap of 0.05 seconds to prevent a weekend sweep.

After the action in Tasmania, the two Red Bull Ampol Racing drivers are leading, with Broc Feeney leading the driver standings with 894 points, 33 points ahead of Will Brown. Matthew Payne of Penrite Racing, meanwhile, is in third place with 819 points.

The next event is the Bosch Power Tools Perth Super 440 this June 6-8, 2025.

2025 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - Road To The Championship

The 2025 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship is underway at Road Atlanta for the Road to the Championship. This second round of the season features the most intense 100 mph door-to-door drifting battles, captivating the attention of local news in Atlanta.

2025 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - Road To The Championship
Screengrab from Formula Drift

The Finals bout between James Deane in his RTR Mustang drift car and Fredric Aasbo in his GR Supra drift car became too close to call; the fans wanted to see it again, not once but twice. After the third attempt, a winner was decided.

James Deane won by unanimous decision against Fredric Aasbo in Atlanta, while Odi Bakchis secured third place.

The next event is SCORCHED at Orlando, Florida, this May 30-31.