Formula One 2012 Abu Dhabi GP Update

F1 2012

In a scale of unfortunate events occurred in the entire F1 2012 history, this year's Abu Dhabi GP race sees the win of Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen even though this race is all drama and all thrills. As of now, the team standings led by Red Bull Racing in 442 points, Ferrari in 340 points, and McLaren in 318 points. Driver standings as of now is...led...by...Sebastian Vettel in 255 points, Fernando Alonso in 245 points, and Kimi Raikkonen in 198 points.

PRESS RELEASE:


Race - Raikkonen wins for Lotus in Abu Dhabi thriller 04 Nov 2012
       
Kimi Raikkonen held Ferrari's Fernando Alonso at bay in a super-dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Yas Marina on Sunday evening, to score Lotus's long overdue first 2012 victory in great style. But a blend of great driving, superb strategic work and pure luck with safety-car interventions saw Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel retain his championship lead with a strong third place after starting on medium tyres from the pit lane.

For the first 19 laps it seemed like Lewis Hamilton's race, even after an early safety car between Laps Nine and 14 after Mercedes' Nico Rosberg flew spectacularly over the rear of Narain Karthikeyan's HRT on Lap Nine as the Indian was slowing with hydraulic problems. Hamilton soon pulled away again at the restart, and was 3.4s ahead of fast-starting Raikkonen when his McLaren lost power and he pulled off at Turn 14 on the 20th lap.

The first safety car helped Vettel to recover from his pit-lane start and a brush with Williams' Bruno Senna which damaged his front wing. There was an unusual moment when Daniel Ricciardo seemed to brake suddenly whilst behind the safety car and in avoiding his Red Bull stable mate, Vettel further damaged his wing on a DRS marker board by the side of the track. A subsequent early pit stop for used soft tyres and a new nose and wing on the 13th lap dropped him back again.

At that stage the focus was on the way Raikkonen pulled away as Alonso put increasing pressure on Williams' Pastor Maldonado for second place as Red Bull's Mark Webber and McLaren's Jenson Button gave chase. Vettel was 12th.

Maldonado succumbed to Alonso on Lap 21, but on the 23rd lap Webber was involved in an incident when trying to pass Maldonado which saw the Red Bull half spin and lose places to Button, Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Sauber's Sergio Perez. Three laps later Webber had an incident with Massa, which saw the Brazilian spin.

By the time the pit stops had been made, from the 27th to the 31st laps, Raikkonen was only 1.4s clear of Vettel, and it had now became a matter of whether he could get through the remaining 23 laps on the same rubber as Alonso and Button battled in his wake. 

The answer was that he couldn't, but a superbly timed stop on the 37th lap saw him take a set of fresh softs and drop only to fourth, crucially keeping ahead of a frenetic battle between Grosjean (who had been hit early on by Rosberg), Paul di Resta (who had been involved in a first-corner collision with Force India team mate Nico Hulkenberg and Senna), a recovering Perez and Webber.

Di Resta and Grosjean had both had to pit on the first lap, and now the Scot found a way by the Frenchman on the 38th lap, but as Perez attempted to pass both of them he hit Grosjean and spun, and Webber was left with nowhere to go. The safety car was deployed again from Laps 38 to 42 as the wreckage of Grosjean's and Webber's cars was cleared away, and Perez was subsequently given a 10s stop and go penalty.

In the closing laps Raikkonen controlled things perfectly, as Alonso launched a massive challenge for the victory with a flurry of fastest laps which reduced the gap from 3.2s on the 46th lap to 0.8s by the finish. Vettel went from being 29.8s down on Raikkonen to just 3.3s thanks to the second safety car deployment, after which he hounded Button until he was able to slip by on the 52nd lap before slashing the deficit to his two title rivals.

Button took a lonely fourth, with Maldonado surviving all his dramas to bring home 10 crucial points for Williams as Kamui Kobayashi made the best of a relatively quiet race to take sixth for Sauber. Massa was seventh, chased hard by Senna and Di Resta, as Ricciardo took the final point for Toro Rosso after overhauling team mate Jean-Eric Vergne. The Frenchman was also overtaken by Mercedes' Michael Schumacher, whose chance of points was ended late on by a right-rear puncture.

Heikki Kovalainen had a strong run for Caterham to 13th ahead of Marussia's Timo Glock, who just fended off Perez by two-tenths of a second by the flag, with Vitaly Petrov taking 16th for Caterham ahead of HRT survivor Pedro de la Rosa.

The result leaves Vettel 10 points ahead of Alonso, 255 to 245, with Raikkonen retaining third with 198. In the constructors' stakes, Red Bull have 422 points from Ferrari on 340, McLaren on 318 and Lotus on 288.

Scoop: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/11/14021.html

This is it! Two more races left for this season and the semi-finals will be in November 18, 2012 in the USA. Can S. Vettel keep the lead in the standings till the very end? We'll find that answer to this question soon.

New Skoda Rapid and New Seat Toledo

This is the first of one of today's offerings. It's the new age of Skoda, the first of its kind, a compact sedan. The Skoda Rapid. It maybe essentially a production version of the MissionL concept car as seen on 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show but this one though is a bit more clever than that...

2013 Skoda Rapid

Now, if you're from India, then to you, your India's Rapid is different from our Rapid. As I want to say, the real Skoda Rapid we'll talk about is the new one. The real one. The made-in-Mladá Boleslav one. The one from the Paris Motor Show. Not the poor man's Rapid which was made in Pune. Indian Rapids had the old Skoda badge on it while the Rapid that was made in Mlada Boleslav, Czech, has the new Skoda trademark front as well as the new Skoda logo. See the difference? Yep, it stays true to its brand slogan; "Simply Clever".

Hopefully, I don't want anyone from India reading this article or searching for it. Anyway, this new Rapid is coming back fighting and the most powerful version as of now is the 1.4 TSi model that produces 122PS of power, 0-100kph time of 9.5 seconds, and top speed of 206kph. Most fuel efficient is the one with the 1.6 TDi engine mated with the 5-speed manual that promises combined consumption of 23.8km/L (4.2l/100km). There are other engine types available such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, and a 1.6 TDi with 105PS power output and whichever engine you're on, transmission offerings will be a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or a 7-speed DSG.

Prices start at about 289,000 Koruna or about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the basic Skoda Rapid Active 1.2 MPi 5MT varnat up to 459,900 Koruna or about an estimated 18,210 Euros for the top of the line Skoda Rapid Elegance 1.4 TSi 7-speed DSG model.

2013 Skoda Rapid interior

It looks nice though and somewhat practical because what's underneath the Rapid is a chassis from the current generation Volkswagen Polo, which means there's a bit of cleverness going on. Sure, Skoda is the Czech subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the Germans have done it again to keep the new Rapid well-made for the developing markets, even China's going to get one of these soon.

2013 Skoda Rapid

It may look like a saloon car but it is essentially a 5-door liftback promising a luggage capacity of 550 litres. That makes it a good compact car all-round for everyday use and I think the all new Rapid could claim to be Czech's first of its kind.

However, it must now face this. A car that seems to be the identical twin of the Skoda Rapid...

2013 Seat Toledo

The se habla español SEAT Toledo. It's back. The compact saloon is back and now it uses the same aesthetics from the Skoda Rapid. It might be more of the production version of the concept version as seen from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show but by the looks of it, the Seat Toledo's dramatic design blows the Rapid out of the water. It looks even more premium and stylish unlike any other compact saloons in this category.

2013 Seat Toledo interior

Even though the new Toledo, like the new Rapid, comes with the same engine choices such as the 1.2 MPi, 1.2 TSi, 1.4 TSi, and the 1.6 TDi engine but when it comes to dimensions, the Toledo is longer than the Rapid thanks to its long wheelbase.

2013 Seat Toledo

However, there are a couple of chinks behind the Toledo's elegance; while the Rapid costs about an estimated 11,500 Euros for the entry-level grade, the entry-level grade for the Toledo will cost you 13.990 Euros, that's more than the Rapid even though they are made at the same line and they used the same A05+ platform. Also, the Toledo's less wider than the Rapid. You really can't tell which one has a wide stance.

But still, the Toledo is much more better looking than the Rapid because while the Rapid is focused to be more simple but the new Toledo is very stylish, very practical, and very emotional in every corner. These two compact saloons is what the Czech and the Spanish are capable of in the midst of the Euro Debt Crisis that hampering European carmakers for days but would they work in today's economy? You'll have to find that out soon...

Photo: Skoda Auto, SEAT

Toki Onjouji is 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament winner

The winner of the 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament from our pals from 2channel, well...is this...

Toki Onjouji

Toki Onjouji from Saki Achiga-hen episode of side-A.

She's voiced by Yui Ogura, she knocked down one of the Achiga-hen lead characters in the past Saimoe rounds, and overall, she knocked down Kuro Matsumi by a 20-pt gap.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-11-03/2ch-forum-anime-saimoe-tournament-2012-semifinals-finals

And that is the end of this year's Anime Saimoe Tournament! Thank you very much for those characters who participated. Good-bye! Woo-hoo!!!!

"Sa totoo lang..."

On the November 2, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Cheering practice gags

- Once again, Tata Lino returned with more quotes for you to live by...

- This whole Cybercrime Law fiasco is headed to Bubble Gang too...Unless what you met from Facebook isn't what it seems...

- Bubble Gang does Luna Blanca in LINO BLANCO!

- Sa totoo lang...Bubble Gang does Novuhair Scalp Lotion by spoofing this commercial as HUKVOHAIR SCALP LOTION! Nature's answer to hair loss! Na-try mo na lahat?

- The search for the big prison break is on in PROTEJAIL!

- Dahon, Bagoong, and Boy Pick Up are here for some Pick Up Lines!

- How to deal with someone who has been addicted to lotto?

- IyoTube in You Belong With Me

What’s in our Car Town garage now? (November 2, 2012)

So, what's in our garage this time?

2012 Volvo S60 Polestar TTA

The S60-based touring car was made in collaboration with Polestar Racing to compete for the TTA Racing Elite League. Powering this touring cars was a 420HP V6 engine mated to a six speed sequential gearbox and boosted with some KERS technology as applied by most F1 racers.

2012 Volvo S60 Polestar TTA

1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione 2

The Delta Integrale is somewhat Lancia's last resort when this Italian carmaker is in the brink of financial ruins due to some marketing disaster right before it became a division of Fiat. What made the Lancia Delta Integrale so special is that it participated and won six WRC titles on the trot! It follows the footsteps where the Fulvia, the Stratos, and the 037 left off.

1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione 2

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Thanks to the new 3.8L Lambda V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi) engine, this new version is quicker than the old Genesis Coupe and also, it's even faster than V6-powered muscle cars and the Infiniti G37S in the track test conducted by AMCI testing. We're expressing our sympathy towards to its rivals.

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2013 Nissan GT-R - 第三世代の進化へ

2013 Nissan GT-R

Another year, another improvement for the R35 GT-R. So, what is it this time though? For starters, the VR38DETT engine now has sharper mid-range engine response and improved high-end acceleration. Not only that, the 2013MY (US 2014MY) GT-R now has increased body rigidity, and specification changes to the shock absorbers, springs and front stabilizer. The Premium Edition now comes with rich Semiarinin leather and custom-colored interior as fashionable interior package.

Judging from its improvements, 0-100kph time is now 2.7 seconds and it lapped the Nurburgring in 7:18.6 seconds, faster than the 2012MY Corvette ZR1 or even the 2009 Dodge Viper ACR! All that 24HR Nurburgring race payed off to have the necessary modifications applied for this update.

VIDEO:

Full Story:  http://www.netcarshow.com/nissan/2013-gt-r/

Rumor: Next Nissan Skyline to have turbocharged engine?

Nissan Skyline Coupe (V36)

Recently, I've just picked up a rumor from a website that the next generation Nissan Skyline (Infiniti G) would have its engines downsized.

A website car-research.jp told that for this latest rumor, the 13th generation Skyline (due next year) would be downsized and have its 3.7L V6 engine be thrown away and be replaced by a turbocharged 3-litre engine. We don't know that but here's the full scoop:

V37スカイラインに搭載されるエンジン候補、ハイブリッド見送りの可能性

V37スカイラインに搭載されるエンジンをめぐって多くのタイプが候補に挙げられている。より上級なエンジンから見ていくと、まずフーガと共通のV6 3.5Lハイブリッドがある。ただ前述の通り、V37スカイラインはフーガと相当近いボディデザインになることが予測され、差別化のためスカイラインにはハイブリッドが設定されないという話もある。現時点では採用の可能性は50%といったところだろう。

次に考えられるのが、V6 3.0Lターボである。V37開発当初から重視されていたダウンサイジングターボエンジンで型式はVQ30VDT。現行V36スカイラインの3.5Lモデルに置き換わる燃費性能の高い新開発エンジンである。気がかりなのは、日産がベンツ（ダイムラー社）とV6エンジンについての業務提携を発表してから、このVQ30VDTエンジンの話題が少なくなっていることだ。日産の自社開発が中断している可能性も指摘されている。

そして、メイングレードとして考えられているのが、V6 3.0Lの新型エンジンである。これは日産開発のもので従来のVQ系エンジンと比較して大幅に燃費性能を向上させたエンジンになりそうだ。

さらに、エントリーグレードとして直4ターボモデルが後追い投入されるだろう。これはベンツとの共同開発エンジンで、先日のレポートでお伝えした次期シルビアへの搭載も想定されているものである。ただし、このエンジンは排気量がいくらになるのか明確な情報が出ていない。1.8～2.4L程度とされているが、小さな排気量が選ばれた場合、V37スカイラインへの搭載はミスマッチとなってしまい実現は難しいだろう。

Scoop: http://car-research.jp/nissan/v37.html

Is there a possibility for a turbocharged engine in the next Skyline? Hope our fingers crossed because if this come to fruition, it will sound like the good old days of the Skyline. As of now, we still have the 12th Generation Skyline. Launched in 2006 and it spent six years of its tenure right now.

New SM5 Platinum revealed!

2013 Renault Samsung New SM5 Platinum

Here it is...This must be the facelifted version of the Renault Samsung SM5 (known in Europe as the Renault Latitude). Kudos to the official Renault Samsung Facebook site (http://www.facebook.com/RenaultSamsungM) for revealing the whole look for what we might think that is this the Renault Latitude facelift. Besides, this New SM5 Platinum borrows some of its design from the All New SM7 flagship sedan.

Stay tuned. More to come as the New SM5 Platinum hits showrooms this month.

Honda's N BOX+ is Japan Automotive Hall of Fame 2012-2013 Car of the Year

2013 Honda N BOX +

Congratulations to Honda Motor Co., Ltd for having the Honda N Box+ (plus) won Japan Automotive Hall of Fame's 2012-2013 Car of the Year. Not only that, the Volkswagen supermini, the up!, hailed not only as 2012-2013 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Import Car of the Year but also 2012-2013 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Design of the Year. Also, the Mazda CX-5 with SKYACTIV-D engine hailed as 2012-2013 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Scoop: http://www.jahfa.jp/JAHFA_PR_2012.pdf

Let's Do The News! (November 2, 2012)

Time now for the news. As you may know, it's one heck of a sem break for our students in the Philippines. Yep, a sem break from October 29 to November 4 for them, meaning I'm sure somebody went out in October 31 for some Halloween and then Undas in November 1 to pay respect to the deceased loved ones.

Tell you what, shortie. Have you been out in Halloween?

Exactly. Most of them are bats, black cats, devils, Frankenstein, ghosts, witches, mummies, zombies, just the usual scary things to wear for Halloween. Not just that, it's whatever they want to be. Most oddity was the child with the gas mask, you may remember back in the first Doctor Who series back in 2005. The one with "Are You My Mummy?"

(audience laughing)

Gas Mask Zombies? Sure, these evildoers that go "Are You My Mummy?" every time. There's been Daleks, Cybermen, Silurians, Ood, Silence, Weeping Angels, Autons, any DW monster those youngsters they want to be for Halloween. Speaking of which, have you seen a kissogram out there?

Uh...nope.

(audience laughing)

Hey! Jezz! What happened to you? Where have you been?

That Sandy. Hurricane Sandy. She karate chopped by man parts, then my back, I got a black eye, fractured bones, ouch....

Whoa. Seems that you've got karate chopped by a powerful hurricane named after the squirrel character from Spongebob Squarepants eh?

(audience laughing)

I guess this is how our East Coast pals thought of it when they got battered by Sandy. It's like...this.

Uh...I can explain...

(audience laughing)

Imagine that happened to you when Hurricane Sandy blown your house and then you said "Uh...I can explain...". You'd never known this happened to you! (breaks back) Ow!!!! My back!

Are you okay?

Seems that I'm not feeling well in the wheelchair....Ugh....

Look, I think you better go home for a while. You know how much cuts, scrapes, blisters, fractures, and all that how much damage Hurricane Sandy done to you.

Thank You James.

Anyway, while our friend is on a sick leave before he's better soon, there's something we forgot to mention. Sure, The Idolm@ster Shiny Festa is already here on the PSP but it seems that the PS3 version of The Idolm@ster 2 is not giving up without one last hurrah.

Is it the DLC Catalog 13?

Exactly. What to expect on that Halloween-themed DLC Pack developed exclusively for the PS3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 is simple. A new outfit called the Halloween Tricker and three outfits derived from the XBOX 360 version such as Visitor From Space, Snaky Showgirl and Happiness Lupinus. Also, a song titled "魔法をかけて！" is included on this DLC Catalog.

Here's the clip of what you might expect on the DLC Catalog 13 of the PS3 version of iM@S 2.

Scoop: http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/cs/list/idolmaster/im2/ps3/dlc/catalog13.php

See?! Oh wait! There's someone who messaged me. Says here...it's from our old friend who left us because of sick leave!

What he said?

He said, he enjoyed playing NFSMW on the PS3. He got all of the 10 Most Wanted Cars such as the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, Shelby Cobra, Mercedes SL65 AMG Black, Lexus LFA, McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Pagani Huayra, and the Koenigsegg Agera R. Well done, mate. But can you hang your Most Wanted status? This game is all about being competitive and if you have a friend playing NFSMW, see if your speedpoints stack up against your friends. That's how NFSMW was made to be.

I see. You may have done that but is your standing still standing? Keep playing to earn more.

Right! He said, he spent nearly 12 hours to complete that game! Really? Oh geez...Must have spent playing that game online with other NFSMW players worldwide. E he he he....

(audience laughing)

By the way, has anyone saw Suddenly, It's Magic?

What's that?

It's the one with Erich Gonzales with Thai actor Mario Maurer on it.

Oh geez....Pairing with a famed actor from the ASEAN region. Here we go again. Do you remember back in 2008 that there was the TV drama from ABS-CBN that stars Jericho Rosales and famed Malaysian actress Carmen Soo?

Uh, yeah. I remember that.

Now, ABS-CBN is having a trend again to pair a famed Philippine personality with someone from the ASEAN region. This time, a movie with the actress from the Philippines and a famed actor from Thailand. Seems that different cultures are getting the best of them...

Yeah, seems that Mario Maurer, who is from Thailand, is going to be guested on Gandang Gabi Vice this Sunday.

Really?

Brace yourselves, kiddo.

Yeah, and speaking of which, many of them are inquiring is there going to be a new season of Luther soon...

Luther? Oh yeah. It's the crime drama with that Idris on it...

Idris, what Idris?

Nope. Not that one who has the heart and soul of the TARDIS. It's that dude Idris Elba on it.

Oh....

(audience laughing)

Idris Elba played as John Luther, the titular main character who deals with some psychological issues while solving crimes. Anyway, BBC uploaded a video filled with some Q and A regarding the next season of Luther.



As announced. Oh yes. Luther is back soon. They've began shooting this month and BBC said that there will be four perfectly dark, chillingly-formed episodes that Luther may face with. You may never know what comes next but I'm sure it's quite a thrilling ride.

Indeed and oh! Word from this year's Istanbul Motor Show is that Renault revealed the updated version of the Fluence sedan. Here it is...

2013 Renault Fluence

Wait a minute? How come it looks different from the facelifted Samsung SM3? How come this facelifted version now has a Clio-styled nose instead of the one we saw from the new SM3?

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/2013-renault-fluence-sedan-goes-under.html

I don't know but we'll gonna have to find out, right? This facelifted 2013 Fluence will go on sale next year and it comes with the new 1.6-liter 115PS petrol engine mated to a new X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission that offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption, which is down by 1.3 liters/100km to 6.4 liters/100km, while CO2 emissions fall 15 percent to 149g/km.

Would that engine be work in France?

I don't know but we'll just wait, okay?

Right. Anyway, this month, Subaru will reveal the all new, fourth generation Forester, which I think this is much better looking than the new Outlander we tackled last month. Here's the full view...

2013 Subaru Forester

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/2014-subaru-forester-officially.html

This is it! This is the 2013 (US 2014MY) fourth-generation Subaru Forester! It's now been regenerated to look like...oh wait! This is somewhat a fatter version of the Subaru XV, eh?

(audience laughing)

Oh geez...The new Outlander is like a whale but this new Forester is...like a Galapagos tortoise in running shoes...

(audience laughing)

Even though this Galapagos turtoise in running shoes comes with the 146hp (148PS) 2.0-liter flat four connected to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT, and a 276hp (280PS) 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer matched exclusively to a CVT.

Oh my gosh....

Anyway, the Mini Countryman, which our wounded friend didn't like it because it was "more fun in Gran Turismo", is now on its 2013MY model year.

What to expect on the 2013 Countryman range is simple; a three-seat rear bench is now standard while a pair of individual seats will be available as a no-cost alternative. Also new are the trim elements, upholstery colors, the redesigned rings surrounding the Center Speedo and four air vents, new door inserts, remodeled door armrests that now house the relocated controls for the electric windows, and a larger storage compartment under the center console.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/11/fresh-colors-materials-and-ergonomic.html

I was surprised by this...surprised and annoyed to have the Countryman updated for more.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, that's the news and check out Richard Hammond's Lotus Excel converted to a proper James Bond-like submarine car. As seen from the Top Gear James Bond special.



As announced, it will also be aired on BBC Knowledge Asia this November 4, Sunday at 9PM (Bangkok Time); 10PM (Singapore and Hong Kong time); 11PM (South Korea time). No word when will this be aired on BBC America soon.

Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 update (November 2, 2012)

Ladies and gentlemen, here are the last two characters duking it out for the crown as 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament winner. Both of them are from Saki Achiga-hen and yes, they're ready for the final round.

Toki Onjouji

Kuro Matsumi

So, who would it be? One Vision or Dragon Magic? Err...I should be saying Toki Onjouji or Kuro Matsumi instead but never mind? Question is, who's going to be hailed as the 2012 Saimoe Tournament winner? On November 3, 2012, we'll find out who's deserving that crowning glory. Until then, good luck to the two of them...

Honda N-ONE

Can I talk about the Honda N360 now? Good. You see, over the years, Honda's first ever kei car, the N360 is quite a charm when it was launched in the 1960's. Now however, Honda Motor Co., Ltd made themselves that what we called it "the Honda N360 of the 21st Century"

This isn't it. It's still the N360...

Actually, the one we've pictured above isn't it. This is the Honda N360 from the 1960's. Produced from 1967 to 1972, the N360 is the brand's first kei car; small in size but big on fun. The N in the N360 name stands for norimono, which is Japanese for vehicle. The design of the N360 though looks similar to the classic and original Mini, perhaps this is more of a Japanese take on the Mini Cooper in the 60's.

2013 Honda N ONE

2013 Honda N ONE

This is the new version. Honda says that they took some inspiration from the old one. This is known as the N-ONE, the next chapter of the Honda N series kei cars since the Palette-rival N BOX and the more convenient N BOX+. The N stands for "New Next Nippon Norimono" and that's because Honda's trying to change the kei car paradigm. Come to think of it, when you put the classic N360 to the modern N-ONE together, they look exactly the same, except for one thing.

The old car, the N360, is smaller, which means, within my height, I can't fit inside because the N360 has 1346mm of height. Happily, the new N-ONE is taller than the N360, meaning I can fit myself in and take it for a joyride. Bye!

I've actually saw one of these in last year's Tokyo Motor Show but that was just a concept. This is the 1,150,000 Yen finished product that Japanese customers would actually buy. Under the hood lies the 660cc inline 3-cylinder water-cooled horizontal position (S07A), which produces 58PS of power, mated to a CVT and an idling stop system that promises a JC08-rated fuel consumption of 27.0km/L. That's a Daihatsu Move territory if you know what I mean. Get it? It's TNP27! It has the same fuel economy of the Daihatsu Move! Don't get too conscious though, because they did have a different variant of the N-ONE called the N-ONE PREMIUM, a more stylish version of the N-ONE and also, both the standard and the Premium variants does offer a turbocharged version of the S07A engine.

2013 Honda N ONE interior

2013 Honda N ONE interior

Just like the old N360, this is like a college student who realized a dream of becoming a representative of the  famed basketball team of his college. It feels a bit more civilized inside and out. And it's easy to park too as well because it's small. Considering it as a poor man's modern Mini, the N-ONE still looks like the modern Mini and when you parked them together, it does look a bit similar. Sure, because of its 1,150,000 Yen pricing for the entry-level model, that's about pricey-wicey than the entry-level Mira Cocoa and the Suzuki Lapin but they're like fashion statements from Shibuya. Eccentric, strange, odd, and cool.

If I'm driving one of these with optional features, especially the one with the i-MID on it, I would never ever get out of it right until the part that I ran out of petrol. Still, I love this modern version and I would never ever get out of it. A modern take of the N360 with the TNP27 fuel economy. Simply clever for this norimono.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Forza Horizon announces November Bondurant Car Pack

How's the party in Forza Horizon? Achieved the status of being a champion or you're just getting started? Hold it right there because your journey is just the beginning because Forza Horizon announces the November Bondurant Car Pack, where six new cars are made to make some party in Horizon. Meet six new cars welcoming to the party:

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante
2012 Shelby 1000
2010 BMW M3 GTS
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
1994 Nissan 240SX SE
2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/news/November_Bondurant_Car_Pack

Available this November 6 for 400MSP or as part of the Season Pass. Those who have the Season Pass will get a bonus car at the third Tuesday of November.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 44

Now, for those of you who keep asking what is the song used in the Opel Mokka commercial, kindly do please STOP it right now because no matter how many times you searched for it or the lyrics you heard from the commercial, the responses remain none. Please? Stop it. I'm begging you. You can't find it. It's an original song used in the commercial. No matter how many times you look at "baby i stand out, it's who i am", there is none. That's it. Please stop doing such unnecessary actions.

Also, I just noticing something...What kind of an idiot tries to search for something that plainly doesn't exists?  "lexus 2013 ls commercial music"? Come on. That commercial wasn't aired in Japan just yet.

To shut you guys up, here are some of the five driving musics (car commercial songs) curated by me..

5) 1901 by Phoenix - from the 2009 Cadillac SRX TV commercial

4) Throwdown by Miley Cyrus - from the 2010 Kia Sportage R Korean TV commercial

3) Roman by Housse de Racket - from the 2012 Peugeot HYbrid4 French ad

2) La Vita E Bella by Motoharu Sano - from the 2012 Toyota Mark X commercial

1) Waiting for You by Chara - from the 2012 Volkswagen Japan up! commercial

...and there we go. Another set of five driving musics curated to shut your mouths up and refrain from asking what's the song from a certain car commercial. If that happens again, you'll know what I'll do. If you have comments about this segment, feel free to post comments below or e-mail me at leopaul_delr@hotmail.com

Need For Speed Most Wanted (2012)

Need For Speed Most Wanted
(XBOX 360)

Need For Speed Most Wanted
(PS Vita)

Need For Speed Most Wanted
(Playstation3)

The original Need For Speed Most Wanted, launched in 2005, is one of the most thrilling Need For Speed titles ever made thanks to the thrilling high-speed escape against the law enforcement that are trying to stop you. We had fun flushing down the Blacklist 15 and then taking out some of the world's finest cars for a joyride of becoming the Most Wanted.

Now, in 2012, forget about anything about the old Most Wanted because, there's a new Need For Speed Most Wanted game arrived and this new game is developed by Criterion Games, the people behind the memorable Burnout series and 2010's NFS Hot Pursuit game.

This game though, there's no Mia, there's no Razor. and there's not even the Blacklist 15. The cars are the stars of this game and when you begin the game, all the cars in Most Wanted will be yours for the taking. That's right, this is a free roaming game having all of the cars available when you start working your way becoming the most wanted in Fairhaven City. Ranging from fast supercars such as the Aston Martin V12 Vantage and Pagani Huayra, convertibles such as the Audi R8 GT Spyder and Lamborghini Gallardo Performante, muscle cars such as the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette ZR1, heavyweight champions such as the Ford SVT Raptor and Range Rover Evoque, to blistering lightweights such as the BAC Mono and the Ariel Atom V8. They're all yours! All you have to do if find a "jack spot" and once you found it, it's yours. There are events made for the vehicle of your choice and when you finished a race, you'll get speed points that you need for the necessary modifications such as the ability for fast cars to go offroad, lightweights to have increased strengths, and so much more.

What's also convenient is this Easydrive feature, which you can modify cars while on the move. It sure is convenient but that saves you because by the time you're approaching a road block, best to have the impact protection ready or even, when you hit a spike strip, quickly equip the run flat tires before you got busted.

Sure, all the cars in Most Wanted are yours for the taking but is the car of your choice fit enough to take on the MOST WANTED? There are 10 MOST WANTED cars to take on such as the Shelby Cobra, Lamborghini Aventador, Lexus LFA, or even the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept. If you're good enough, you can take on the MOST WANTED and if you win, you have the chance to shut that car for good, and when you shut that car down, like when you totaled it with a massive crash, then it's yours to keep.

The new NFSMW game though it maybe as better than the 2005 NFSMW game I played from the past and the multiplayer feature is top notch. No menus, no lobbies, all you have to do is find a meetup point and then you're off to get some Speed Points needed.

Which reminds me, if you are so thirsty for all the cars, there's the Time Savers Pack coming. This DLC will grant you access to all of the cars in multiplayer and on single player gameplay, all the Jack Spots throughout Fairhaven City are marked on your map so you can find the car you've always wanted to have. All is left now is the 10 Most Wanted Cars to take them down one by one.

The new NFSMW is going to be more thrilling than its predecessor and it's going to be sending your pulse beating even further when you're trying to evade the law. It's going to be one of the best NFS titles ever made. Let's Make some Trouble!

Let's Do The News - The day before Halloween special! (October 30, 2012)

Now, we will do the news and right before we begin, let's pray for our Kababayans living in the East Coast of the USA as it's getting be karate chopped by Sandy. Hurricane Sandy that is. Our thoughts belong to those who are affected by Hurricane Sandy. Please be careful out there! We're praying for your safest endeavors!

(cheers and applause)

Anyway, the odd-looking Nissan Cube by the way...it's now on its 2013 model year and what to expect on the 2013MY Cube is simple...

2013 Nissan Cube

The HR15DE engine that powers the Cube is now made even more economical thanks to the addition of idling stop system that shuts the engine off when stopped at the Cube and then start again when you set off. Thanks to that and the improved XTRONIC CVT, the fuel consumption is now 19km/L based on Japan's JC08 cycle. Two new colors are added for the 2013 model year such as Light Ginger and Lagoon Blue. Also, they've added a Vintage Camel interior color as well.

2013 Nissan Cube Autech Rider

2013 Nissan Cube Autech Axis

Also available, it's sportier Autech cousins, the Rider and the Axis.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1227193/

Happy Halloween!!!

Now as you may now, tomorrow, October 31, 2012 is Halloween. It's that time of the day kids are going out for some trick and treating. Everyone around the world are going to dress themselves as...

Mummies...Witches....Ghosts...Frankensteins...Devils...Black Cats....

Hammo!!!!

(Audience laughing)

What? I was thinking that everyone around the world's going to dress themselves as something scary for the Halloween.

Yeah! Indeed! Not just scary but cool.

Really? What are you going to be this time? Don't tell me, you wanna be Sherlock Holmes eh? What Sherlock Holmes is it? The one with the Iron Man dude on it? The one with Benedict Cumberbatch on it? Or is it the American version from the new show called Elementary?

Neither....

Then which Sherlock do you want to be?

Sherlock Shellingford...

(audience laughing)

But Jezza, Shellingford's a girl.

I'm sorry what?

Sherlock...Shellingford's....a girl. Look at her outfit...

Nendoroid Sherlock Shellingford

...Her outfit is pink, her hair is pink, pink is for girls. Don't you understand you fat middle-aged man who spends the most of his life yelling POWERRRRR!!!!!!

(audience laughing)

Never mind about that Hamster...better yet you should be the Walker from The Walking Dead TV show. Not sure why they're going to have a video game based on the hit TV series next year despite there's a five-part video game based on the Walking Dead...

Ahem...

What, Capt. Slow?

Isn't it the Telltale Studios game of The Walking Dead, currently on Episode 4 with the finale coming soon?

Oh sorry. Gosh! What's the difference?!!!!

(audience laughing)

Never mind about that being a walker at the Halloween! I just wanna be...

Majin Boo....

(audience laughing, then cheers and applause)

What?

Majin Boo! The bad guy from the Dragon Ball Z anime. He's pink and I think you're fit for that one, Jezza...

(Audience laughing)

Hamster, I don't wanna be Majin Boo! That's so old-school!

What old-school? DBZ may be an old-school anime but still gets going and going and going with its updated DBZ Kai anime and then they recently have the DBZ Kinect game for XBOX 360.

Hammo! Enough DB stuff. I don't wanna be Majin Boo! It's hideous for me to be like that!

Well fine. I wish this fat middle-aged man like you should be dissolved into several Adiposes...

Adipose

(audience laughing)

Why? Why do you want me to be dissolved into several Adiposes?!

Because Adiposes are cute! I wanna hug them all!

Guys, would you please stop bickering for a moment. There are so many people out there wanting to dress as their favorites for Halloween and I think I might suggest the ladies something else.

Slow, about kissograms, you see that there are so many girls who are Whovians out there really want to enjoy being Amelia Pond in her kissogram outfit...

Kissogram

...I mean how to dress like Amelia Pond in her kissogram outfit? I mean it's a British policewoman's outfit. It's a property to Metropolitan Police but picture this. You are a female Whovian, then your parents worked or used to worked at the Metropolitan Police in UK. You noticed that there is a policewoman's uniform that looks the same as Amy's. What should you do?

(audience laughing)

Permission of course.

It's not that easy. It's like "Hey mom, can I borrow your police uniform for my Halloween Party? I wanna be like Amy Pond from Doctor Who as a kissogram".

(audience laughing)

And then, they'll reject your request because it's theirs. Isn't that complicating? These uniforms are property of Metropolitan Police and not used for dressing as kissograms. I mean what is a kissogram anyway? I kept hearing that word over and over again!!!! What the (bleep)?!

(audience laughing)

What's next? Find a white Alpinestars Racing Suit and a Simpson Diamondback Helmet and then dress yourself as The Stig for Halloween?! Ahem...Stig in a Halloween Party? Stig goes out for some candies?! This is (bleep)!!! (bleep)!!!! (bleep)!!!!

(audience laughing)

Whoa! Clarksie! Better calm down! Perhaps....there's another way...

What?

Why don't we dress like ourselves, the Top Gear boys! Listen up...we went some digging at the BBC America's Anglophenia blog and we found something that you can dress yourselves as Clarkson, Hammond and May! I know it's weird but try it!

First up...how to dress as Jeremy Clarkson:

1: Hair – Like any fashion icon, Jeremy knows the key to a strong look starts with a unique hairstyle, something that would look foolish on anyone else. Forget curly hair, that’s what Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant have. Jeremy has a dense crown of fluff that encircles his pate like a woollen halo. Bear that in mind, and you’re set.

2: Shirt – Some people save their loud shirts for the holidays. Not our Jeremy. What he tends to favor is a long sleeved, slightly-crumpled affair, either white, light blue, washed-out pink, or made of a pattern which would best be saved for the wallpaper in an oppressive, but very expensive hotel.

3: Tie – Don’t be soft. Clarksons don’t wear ties.

4: Trousers – Jeans. Always always jeans. Stonewashed but not necessarily your classic Levi 501s. The trick is to get a pair of jeans that have been worn by someone else, someone whose body shape is not the same as yours. Skin-tight, high-fashion, or low-slung with writing on, these jeans are not your friends. Again, top quality denimwear will not be required. The true Clarkson can rock a $5 pair of jeans like David Beckham on a night out.

5: Jacket – Apart from your classic black sports jacket, there are two options: leather or tweed (with the brown elbow covers), with perhaps leather’s cousin suede coming over at the weekends. Sports jacket or blouson, don’t be afraid of bold tan colors. The Clarkson favors those hues which occur most often in shoe polish: tan, black, oxblood, navy. Speaking of which…

6: Shoes – Anything from a classic brogue to one of your modern pasty-style shoes. Don’t rule out sneakers, but nothing too modern or trendy. Nothing that will cushion the sensitivity between the right foot and the gas pedal either.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/11/how-to-dress-like-jeremy-clarkson/

Then, Richard Hammond:

1: Hair – getting the Hammond hair is trickier than you might think. It’s a style which betrays a certain amount of styling – more so than either of his co-hosts, at any rate – but which is also unattended, to a very specific level. Think if it as being like the school prefect who has just discovered the thrills of breaking the rules here and there. The short-back-and-sides has long since grown out into an unruly shag, but it still has shape. If you’re untroubled by hair, get yourself a Beatle wig and give it some volume in the right places using, y’know, hair products (or sump oil, if you’re at all worried about looking vain).

2: Teeth – whitened (allegedly). Use a cut-up plastic cup if your own teeth don’t quite make the grade.

3: Shirt – again, the look you’re aiming for is of someone who spends a little bit more on his clothes than the other two. So the shirts are of a noticably more modern design and cut. But not too modern. The true Hammond will rock a shirt that makes him look like a dandy, unless he is in the company of an actual dandy. Oh and nothing too bright. Even the white shirts are off-white. Oh and never, ever tuck them in.

4: Jacket – sports jackets in dark colors are a particular favorite. Or something leathery and mid-length. Black leather or tan suede, preferably. Avoid the blouson or anything that puffs out unduly. Hammond’s clothes all have that retro ’70s cut to them. Speaking of which…

5: Trousers – jeans. Stone-washed and boot-cut. And expensive-looking. The classic Hammond looks like an off-duty rock star at his child’s nativity.

6: Shoes – the only deviation from the ’70s cut. Flat-soled, flat-toed shoes in grey or black, with some intricate stitching somewhere. Nothing too heeled or pointy, or cheap.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/12/how-to-dress-like-richard-hammond/

Last, James May:

1: Hair – there are factions of May-ites that prefer the long tresses to the crop. There are others who see the grown-out mop as being decadent and vulgar in comparison to the shorter, more elegant look. Suffice to say that if you wish people to believe that you are James May, you’ll need a volume of hair, equivalent to that of a girl scout on a humid day. A little backcombing will help you achieve this, or failing that, sleep with the wig on.

2: Shirt – assuming you’re not attempting to copy the May chunky turtleneck sweater (not something we would advise for first-timers), you’ll need something eye catching, patterned, and a little too big. If Jeremy Clarkson’s shirts look like wallpaper in a forbiddingly expensive hotel, James May’s look like the curtains in the bathroom.

3: Tie – uh! No way! Ties are for THE MAN, MAN.

4: Jacket – smart but practical but casual. Nothing frock-coatish or try-hard, nothing which represents the very nowness of fashion. A sports jacket in black or tweed or corduroy, or a leather windcheater, these are the staples. However, if you can get a sheepskin-lined RAF leather jacket, and accompanying white scarf, you are ahead of the game.

5: Trousers – Jeans, stonewashed (or, if you will insist on going the turtleneck route, black), comfortable, a trifle baggy and under no circumstances, like not even if he had to meet the Queen in a Levi’s shop, are they to be box fresh. A true May wears his denim like a second (quite baggy) skin.

6: Shoes – sensible, conservative shoes in dark colors and possibly suede. The kind of shoes a man would buy if he wishes to send the message that there is more to him than trendy shoes, thank you very much.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/12/how-to-dress-like-james-may/

Your suggestions are rubbish. The best suggestion is...how to dress as the Eleventh Doctor! BBC America's Anglophenia explained how:

1: Hair – a kind of public school side-parting which has grown out a bit. A floppy mop which can stand a bit of ruffling. If you’ve got it, flaunt it, if not, you’ll need a wig.

2: Shirt – as you’ll see from the picture above, the Eleventh Doctor wears nice shirts. Something that fits quite snugly on your beanpole frame, made of a thick cotton. A light colour but not sparkling bright and white. Something a bit subtle (like this cream shirt here), browny, bluey or reddy.

3: Tie – well we know what the Eleventh Doctor feels about ties, don’t we?

4: Jacket – something tweedy, fitted and of similar length to those sports jackets everyone wore on TV in the ’70s. Brown leather elbow patches optional.

5: Pants – black and tight, ending a good inch above the ankle when the knee bends. Held up with skinny suspenders. Emphasises the storkish legs, y’see.

6: Shoes – either tan loafers or black 18-hole laceup  boots (see pic). The Eleventh Doctor’s shoes reflect his need for something practical and a little stuffy, as if he’s a child in a man’s world and doesn’t want to be found out.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/07/how-to-dress-like-the-eleventh-doctor/

Yeah. Being The Eleventh Doctor is cool unless if you're wearing either a fez or a stetson in your head but who's going to dress as the Eleventh Doctor?!

I think it would be me....

(audience laughing)

You know you'll be getting a bit more ridiculous on that. Anyway, enough on that suggestions because we're out of time and on that bombshell, that's the news. Tomorrow, on Halloween Day, dress whoever you wanna be, whatever be. Praise the Lord!

Oh, any speaking of which, for those who are in the UK, has anyone watched the Top Gear James Bond special? It was aired recently. What do you think?

CLOSED!

Ford Focus Electric vs. Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus Electric

This is a Ford Focus Electric. Sure, it looks like the current generation Focus but it sports a Ford family face at the front of it. Because it's an electric car, it's being powered by a combination of the 100kW electric motor and a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It promises about a combined fuel economy equivalent at 105 MPGe (2.2 L/100 km), with an equivalent 110 MPGe (2.1 L/100 km) in city driving and 99 MPGe (2.4 L/100 km) on highways. It's 3 miles longer than the Nissan Leaf.

Anyway, what I thought I'll do is compare the Focus Electric to a rival, a competitive product of some sort. Producer-san liked that idea so what I thought I would do is by bringing...this.

2013 Ford Focus ST

It's the Focus ST. A powerhouse of hotness and some troublemaking fun in every corner thanks to its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that generates 252HP of power. I think it's better looking than the Focus Electric and of course, it's better than almost everything. This is insanely more like a Ford Focus that spent several days drinking too much bottles of Regain energy drink. No wait...Monster? Rockstar? Never mind. This car feels like it's been fueled by the sweet smell of energy drinks. It's autistic! An autistic Ford Focus! 0-100kph takes about 6.7 seconds, flatout in 245kph, and ADHD for the rest of your life because, you'll be autistic before, during, and after driving it!

Of course, because the Ford Focus ST is now a global high-performance car ideal for the world market, it's a bit half-cocked. And sure, the interior is a bit mental as other hot hatches from Europe, this car begs us belief.

In terms of handling, it isn't a bit as dynamic as a muscle car, as standard as a Nissan GTR, it's a bit...well, MILD. Mild and menacing. Mild's the exact opposite of Dynamic because it's so easy to handle thanks to its FF powertrain. It's a great car though, like a young woman wearing a some one-piece Asics racing swimwear. But how does it compare to the Focus Electric?

Well, in the number of reasons...not well. Sure, the Focus Electric has SYNC, airbag, five seats, and a bigger boot. The ST is pretty much the same as well. The Focus Electric costs $39,200 MSRP while the ST costs about $23,700 MSRP. The Electric maybe more expensive than the ST but it's more economical.

Choosing which Focuses is not all fun and games. Sure, the Focus Electric did well but I think on balance, I'd chose the big yellow autistic one instead...

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 update (October 30, 2012)

Right! It seems that the Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 is drawing near to its climax and yes, it's time to meet the final four, those who are competing on the semi-finals and deciding the last two competitors for the final round on November 3, 2012.

Uh....this is strange because the final four are all came from the Saki Achiga-hen anime! For the first time we've expected this! The final four all came from one series!!!! Here are the four Saki Achiga-hen characters made it on the final four of this year's Saimoe tournament.

1) Toki Onjoji
2) Nodoka Haramura
3) Kuro Matsumi
4) Hisa Takei

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-10-29/2ch-forum-anime-saimoe-tournament-2012-quarter-finals

This is it! It's the semi-finals. Who will make it on the finals?! We'll be back on the eve before the finals to find out and we'll talk about it...

2013 Kia K7 minor change to be revealed this November

2013 Kia K7

Here it is. This is really as it. What you're looking here is the facelifted Kia K7 (Cadenza) for the 2013 model year. What to expect is this newly refined Tiger Nose grille that resembles more like the K9 flagship.

As you may know, the Kia K7 was launched in November 2009, serving as the first of the K-series sedans from this, the midsize K5 sedan, RWD flagship K9, and the compact midsize K3. Well, this is the complete set. The entire Kia K-series sedans are here and the first of its kind will get a refreshed look having spending its three-year tenure.

Specs remain unknown for now but as we all know, it will be on sale in the Korean market this November 2012 and soon worldwide. Oh, it's available exclusively in selected LEFT-HAND DRIVE markets. That's it. Selected LEFT-HAND DRIVE market only. KIA WON'T SELL THESE IN RIGHT HAND DRIVE MARKETS, You get me? You get me? You do get me? Good.

Scoop: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1756&Page=1&s1=&sv=

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert are "top honors" of Artista Academy

Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert

In cased you missed it, aspiring hopefuls Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert are the first ever winners of TV5's reality talent search show, Artista Academy. Vin and Sophie did everything they can do to please not just the judges Lorna Tolentino, Gelli De Belen, “Artista Academy” Principal Wilma Galvante and TV5 Talent Center head Direk Mac Alejandre, but the AA faculty members composed of filmmaker Joel Lamangan, composer Louie Ocampo and choreographer Georcelle Dapat-Sy as well.

Vin, who was the brother of actor Aljur Abrenica, wished to follow his brother's footsteps by auditioning himself at Artista Academy and winning the "Best Actor" achievement at AA is just one step ahead. Sophie (who auditioned under her real name of Bianca Reyes), on the other hand, is the cousin of a former actress Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski. The former Star Magic talent, who deals with half of her life seeing her dad being in a coma, worked her way to the top of AA and earned the "Best Actress" achievement.

With such achievement, they'll be starring in the new TV5 drama, Forever Barkada, with the other Artista Academy scholars such as Chanel Morales, Shaira Mae, Mark Neumann, Akihiro Blanco, Malak So Shdifat, Stephanie Rowe, Brent Manzano, Nicole Estrada, Jon Orlando, Marvelous Alejo and Benjo Leoncio.

Artista Academy is renewed for next year as "Artista Academy Tweens".

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/vin-abrenica-sophie-albert-win-top-honors-on-artista-academy/

Let's Do The News! (October 29, 2012)

And now, the news and this is a serious one because the East Coast of the USA is bracing themselves with a powerful storm that they called it Hurricane Sandy. Here's how Sandy goes at the East Coast according to NHK Newsline's weather reporter Sayaka Mori...

Hurricane Sandy

So, what Sayaka Mori said, this Hurricane Sandy is a Category 1 hurricane, so this is going to be as serious as the other American hurricanes and Philippine typhoons combined, I think. It moves Northeast by 24kph, wind speed of 120kph, wind gusts of 167kph, and pressure of 952hPa. As says here, it's going to hammer down the East Coast painfully and deadly. Everyone at the East Coast are issuing some state of calamity, evacuations, and uh...you know what to deal with during a high-level threat storm. There is just one thing that I'm getting worried about, well not only me, but also anyone at the East Coast that if once merged with a winter storm, it could become a "Frankenstorm" in the run-up of Halloween. Scary and yes, Halloween's on Wednesday so watch out though. As it states, this storm's going to be the worst. Let's pray to God that all of our kababayans out there will be safe from harm. God help us....

Scoop: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20117005#TWEET314586

That one thing I'm thinking about that Hurricane Sandy is um....it's like the East Coast getting nasty karate chops from a squirrel in a suit...

You mean Sandy?

Yes. Sandy...from Spongebob Squarepants...Hi-YAH!!!!

(audience laughing)

Tell you what though? Can you bring me a model of New York City please? Now, tell you what, imagine that this is New York City, which is part of the East Coast. And then, I'm Sandy. Hurricane Sandy at least, and this is what I do when I hit New York City, like this. HI-YAH!!!! HI-YAH!!!!! HI-YAH!!!!!

(audience laughing)

It's like having the whole East Coast being karate-d down by some squirrel! SANDY!!!!!

(audience laughing)

So, Jezza, it was like that squirrel from that cartoon show karate chopping the whole coast.

Like that! Hurricane Sandy is karate chopping the whole East Coast. What to expect? YEE-HAW!!!! HOWDY Y'ALL!!!!

(audience laughing)

Ahem...Blokes? This is no time for jokes. This is a serious case so best to behave yourselves like normal men and let's pray to the Lord God Almighty that nobody will be claimed casualty by Hurricane Sandy. Okay?

Awwwright?

(audience laughing)

Right, time for some more serious news.

No wait! This is even serious! Look what I bought?

What?

It's a Talking Plush Dalek clip!

Talking Plush Clip Dalek Drone

Oh....

(audience laughing, then cheers and applause)

So, your obsession to DW is gone even further and elevated? You got the TARDIS, you got the sonic, then you got one of The Doctor's most hatred foes? Tell you what? Have you guys spotted some DW references in other shows?

(audience murmuring)

First up, I'm sure most of them remember this back in the 90's. It's Rugrats.

A Dalek reference in an episode of Rugrats

See here? On the left, there's a Dalek! Get it? How about this?

Amelia Pond reference in Futurama?

Futurama, made by the guy behind The Simpsons. There's another DW reference on it and when you read "AMELIA POND", it's Amy....

(audience laughing)

Well done Whovians...You're pretty eagle-eyed...How about this?

Hammo! Cut it out with your DW references! Can we please move on?

Sorry...I was going to share this to anyone:

http://drwhogeek10.tumblr.com/post/34469719479/random-doctor-who-references-you-may-have-missed

There was a TARDIS at the back of the newspaper John Watson reads in Sherlock, a Dalek in Season 2 opener of Better Off Ted, a magazine with the Cybermen in the front cover on it in an episode of Supernatural, someone who looks like the Fourth Doctor in an episode of The Simpsons, and there was that dialog from Borderlands 2 that goes like this:

Hammerlock in Liar's Berg can fix me up! Allons-y!

Get it?

(audience murmuring)

I see. Anyone got that point and that's it. Can we please tell some more serious stuff?

Sure, why not?

Ugh...finally....You see, there was a car dealer somewhere in Belgium that sells luxury cars until some stupidity occurred when a large crane trying to position a big fuel tank to the new gas station built right next to the shop tipped over and crushed a pair of cars parked on the lot. Here's the pic...

Large Crane Falls and Crushes Rare
Jaguar XKR-S and BMW 6-Series Coupes

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/10/oopslarge-crane-falls-and-crushes-rare.html

(audience laughing)

That's gotta hurt! Casualties include...a previous generation BMW 6-Series E63 and a rare Jaguar XKR-S, which was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and available only in Europe for 200 units.

A bimmer and a Jag became casualties by a large crane fail? Wow! That's a failure! That's definitely a fail. Pity for these cars who got crushed...especially the...HEY! Jaguar XKR-S? Really?

Yes, but that's the old XKR-S. The 2008 one, not the one with the 550PS 5.0L V8 but with the 4.2L V8 on it.

Oh...I see....I thought it was this kind of XKR-S...

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

Yeah, right. So, this year's SEMA Show begins Tuesday, October 30, 2012, and ends Friday, November 2, 2012. It's jam-packed with some of the nastiest and the baddest modified rides to be displayed in Sin City. Las Vegas that is...Take note though, this show's not open to the general public. Sorry.

Yeah, and on that bombshell, that's the news. Those who are living in the East Coast, please be careful.