Kia K9

Everyone knows that Korean cars are terribly ugly and cars from Europe, especially from Germany, are better looking, better to drive, and most of all, user friendly. Back in 2008, Hyundai tries to prove BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, what they're capable of by launching the Genesis, their first FR premium sedan. Then, in 2009, Hyundai tries to take a stab on the 7-Series, A8, and S-Class, even the Lexus LS, by launching the flagship Equus sedan that serves as the extended version of the Genesis. Everything's seem to be in order, no wonder Hyundai's already one of the world's fastest-growing car manufacturers. What about Kia? As of now, the Hyundai-owned brand never had a FR car to compete against the Europeans. Now, all's about to change because what Kia Motors did is something a bit more highbrow.

2013 Kia K9

This is the K9, Kia's first RWD sedan that packs more comfort and more luxury like the Hyundai Equus. Those K-letterings, as applied on the K5 and the K7, were now becoming a tradition for Kia Motors. The "K" letter stands for Kia Motors, the automaker's birthplace: Korea, the English word: kinetic, the Greek word: Kratos, and so on, relating to the letter K. Yes, we talked about that in the past but anyway, the K9 has gone up on the world. This is the kind of RWD premium sedan that will give Europe and Japan a run on their money. In terms of design, this is somewhat more of a different animal, waiting for its Battle Royale. The front view looks more like a Maserati Quattroporte but as for the rear view...this is somewhat you would expect from the BMW 7-Series! I couldn't guess that this is some kind of Korean car uses bits from BMW...

2013 Kia K9 interior

2013 Kia K9 interior

Behind this bonkers exterior comes with a finest interior fit for a South Korean government official. Judging from its dashboard, this is somewhat very unique because from the driver's eye, the K9 is offered with state-of-the-art Heads Up Display that monitors your every move. This HUD is much more better to look than the other BMWs with HUDs on it and overall, understandable. In the passenger's sight, this is just something else. Top-of-the-line models offered on the K9 would be expecting host of conveniences such as those rear seat entertainment system, the same thing you would expect on the Equus. Then, the rear seats do come with a thermal massage that soothes a wealthy Korean's senses. Overall, you have a choice of either the ACTUNE Premium Sound System (14 speakers) or the high quality Lexicon Premium Sound System (17 speakers). The 12.3-inch Full Size TFT LCD Cluster is also a convenience here for the K9 and this also monitors your every move as well. The 8-inch navigation system is more than just navigation, audio, video, and something else. This also serve as the basis for the brand new telematics system from Kia, which is somewhat the answer to Hyundai's BlueLink as applied on the new Santa Fe, called UVO.

What is UVO?
Kia's UVO telematics system offers cutting edge technology that allows you to stay on the road while enjoying your personalized driving experience. UVO is powered by SK Telecom and UVO allows drivers to link their smart devices to the cars; it is consisted of 16 service programs under five domains: Smart Control, Safety, Car Care, Assist and Info. A smart, safe, and convenient driving is the promise for Kia UVO telematics system.

2013 Kia K9

Two engine types are offered on the K9 such as the Lambda 3.3 GDi engine that produces 300PS of power, 35.5kg-m of torque, and 9.6km/ℓ of fuel economy. Finally there was the top-of-the-line Lambda 3.8 GDi engine that produces a massive 334PS of power, 40.3kg-m of torque, and 9.3km/ℓ of fuel economy. Both are fitted with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission but some variants do come with a shift knob derived from BMW and its called SHIFT-BY-WIRE. Shift-by-wire gearshifts provide optimal functional reliability and operating convenience.

There are numerous conveniences that help benefit the driver on the road such as this Drive Mode where the driver can choose four different modes such as NORMAL, SPORT, ECO, and SNOW. There is also a button that heightens or lowers the suspension as well. Other conveniences include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Adaptive LED Headlights, some kind of around view monitor that they stole unashamably from Nissan, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Pre Safe Belt.

Seven colors are available on the K9 such as Aurora Black Pearl, Formal Deep Blue, Titanium Brown, Platinum Graphite, Mineral Silver, Bright Silver, and Snow White Pearl.

My Comment:
So, a Korean RWD sedan that has bits of BMW on it and the first to come with the new Kia UVO telematics system powered by SK Telecom, that is brilliant for a sedan that is, well let's be honest, less better looking than the Hyundai Equus. I would personally prefer the Equus rather than this but I can't deny that Kia finally made the first RWD premium sedan that will take a stab on every luxury premium sedans from Europe and Japan.

The K9 may be more of a Korea-only premium sedan but Kia Motors plans to export this on selected left-hand drive markets, including China. And sorry to say that if you were an idiot from Malaysia or Indonesia, you can't get it because don't expect a right-hand drive K9. That's the general rule, don't trolling around for this.

Also, the K9 doesn't work on Philippine roads because of the GDi engines. Don't expect seeing this one on the Philippines.

Despite this, the Kia K9 is a silly premium sedan with some serious performance.

Photo: Kia Motors

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: So, how does it feel to eat Fish Custard?!

Hello everybody! This is me again.

My newly found favorite to BBC's flagship science fantasy, Doctor Who, made me asking the one thing Doctor Who fans love to do it. Nope, it isn't his sonic screwdriver, nor his TARDIS. It's something that occurred in the beginning in Series 5, which is Matt Smith's inaugural performance after replacing Scottish-born actor David Tennant. In one scene that The Doctor wants to eat, he asked young Amy that he wants an apple which later he didn't want it. Then later on, he didn't like yogurt, bacon, beans, even bread and butter. The only thing he likes was...FISH FINGERS and CUSTARD. That developed my newly found obsession with Fish Fingers and custard.

It's hard to find something custard in the market right now but the question is, how can you make a custard. My mother made a custard out of 8 cups milk, 2 cups sugar, 6 eggs beaten, and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract. Seems the results aren't quite significant but Mommy said it looks more custard. I kinda agree to her that and as for the fish fingers...this is quite easy to find.

After sampling a taste of Doctor Who specialty, which is Fish Fingers and Custard, I never realized that this is how The Doctor really liked this. Anyway, most Doctor Who fans worldwide doing that craze ever since Matt Smith's tenure 2 years ago. I wonder if I have the chance to do this again? That Fish Custard really rocked! Tell you what, if it weren't for Matt Smith's idea, we wouldn't eat something as sensible as Fish Custard but that's just half of the story....

Try this at home kids but ask your mum and dad first. Oh, and please get it right about the whole custard thing because it's too complicated to find a custard where you can dip your fish fingers...

This is Forza Motorsport 4 and this is what we do...in a Chrysler 300 SRT8!

Bling-bling racing

So, the Chrysler 300C, it was notorious for being used by the baddest mob in North America or gangsters try to DUB it out with the baddest of body kits and the oversized of rims you can think of. It's like the MS-13 waiting to attack our neighborhoods badly and every time when I think about seeing a modified 300C, it feels like there's someone already armed to the teeth and loaded with weapons waiting to kill us all in one shot. This is somewhat a gangsta' thing. Killing people is what they do best. But we're not talking about dangerous gangs in the world. Let's talk about the 300C SRT8.

One of the many reasons why the 300C is so popular among gangsters and rappers is because judging from the looks of it, it goes through the city streets in style. Smother it with Gold Chrome and this is how it gets even interesting, making it a colossal show-off. You wouldn't guess you would see someone driving at the streets in their fully blinged-up and deadly serious 300C, blasting out some sounds on their sub-woofers. Sadly then, this 300C SRT8's a bit old and what I need something that is more ready for its Battle Royale...and I think I have it...

Come and meet your new 300 SRT8

Welcome everyone to the all new Chrysler 300 SRT8. This car is part of Forza Motorsport 4's May Top Gear Pack and this 4-door premium muscle is just what I need for their Battle Royale. It may look like the new Chrysler 300 but it has some of its pumped-up muscle. For starters, the old 6.1L engine from the old 300C SRT-8 was been replaced by a new 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, the same engine I'd expected from the new Dodge Charger SRT8 that I got from November. When you put your foot on your pedal, it does sound like the new Charger SRT8 as well! It's amazing that I can still expect hearing muscle car sounds on this premium sedan that what SRT made was a fully pumped-up muscle but it wasn't as good as James May's least favorite USA muscle car, the Cadillac CTS-V.

Duel of the fraternal twins

Just one question though, is the new 300 SRT8 be any better than its twin, the new Charger SRT8? Let's stack this up. The new Charger SRT8 packs a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that produces 471HP of power and 470lb-ft. It will do 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds and flat-out in 190mph. The new 300 SRT8 also carries the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine but it produces 465HP of power and 465lb-ft of torque. It will do 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and flat-out in 190mph. On paper, both the Charger SRT8 and 300 SRT8 are highly similar in performance. How can we do this? Bring these two to a tamed racing driver! Some say he's a big fan of THE IDOLM@STER and his favorite iM@S character was Miki Hoshii...

By science and due consideration (and cocking about), the new Charger SRT8 did it in 1:29.579 while the new 300 SRT8 did it in 1:28.584. Personal best. Results may vary. So, doesn't matter which side are you from but what matter is that despite the 300 SRT8 has less power than the Charger SRT8, the 0-60mph time is better. As for the handling, I think the 300 SRT8 does quite well than the Charger SRT8. Heh, same platforms, identical performance. That's just pure conspiracy from Chrysler Group LLC.

The jetliner

Despite the results, this Chrysler 300 SRT8 is more than just a premium sedan on steroids but more importantly, it's a proper Battle Royale on the track. The old 300 was more than just a car made for the rapper but this new one is more of an Apprentice or Richard Branson, or helicopters, or hostile takeovers. A man in a black suit looks cool when he drives one of these. That reminds me of one thing. If you were wasting time on your Facebook, this is the kind of car you got from playing Car Town ever since the new 300 SRT8 came out but you find it a bit bored and you wish Forza 4 to add this car on a DLC Pack. The May Top Gear pack did include the new 300 SRT8 and there's something else I can do...

I may look like a normal 300 or Thema, would I?

There is an available aero parts for this car and with the right combination, I have the look of the standard Chrysler 300 (or a Lancia Thema to the Europeans). This look will make it more of a different animal and becomes more of a businessman status. Seems that this car's rock and roll days are over with such look.

An executive sedan turned into a muscle car is just a piece of conspiracy only Chrysler SRT can do when it comes to create the 300 SRT8 but if you have the devil's gift, you really can't decide if either the Charger SRT8 or 300 SRT8 is your best bet for your own Battle Royale. You know what, after a whole day at the track, I couldn't work it out at all!

Prius PHV meets Star Wars' C3P0 and R2-D2

A Japanese commercial for the Toyota Prius PHV featured Star Wars' C3P0 and R2-D2. Very weird but guess The Force is stronger with this one. He he he....

Still, this isn't the first time those robots from Star Wars featured on a Japanese car commercial. Back in the 1990's C3P0 and R2-D2 are selling Mitsubishi cars from Japan...

Uh...I tell you...I just noticed something recently...that rings a bell.If C3P0 and R2D2 do it for the Japanese, then maybe Darth Vader do it for the Germans. Yep, The Force...Volkswagen Passat...What a coincidence....

Let's Do The News! (May 1, 2012)

Guess we've finally talked about more about THE IDOLM@STER G4U. Kinda peculiar that this is somewhat similar from that Dead or Alive Paradise or 3DS' Dead or Alive Dimensions where you can take pics of your favorite DOA girls. I'm curious of this, but anyway, it's now time to do the news but before that, BBC announced Top Gear Live 2012 schedule at the NEC Birmingham, this October 25 to 28, 2012. That's a far schedule ahead but let's move on...

Guess what, James? I've never know you look good being a miniature version of yourself via Augmented Reality! Anyway, Capt. Slow (or Mr. Slowly) for the first time showing up for some Augmented Reality Science Stories as part of Making of the Modern World exhibition. iPhone and iPad users may download James May's Science Stories App at the App Store for just $2.99. After that, you have to visit Science Museum in South Kensington and find something that will trigger a virtual James May sharing some fun facts.What if you can't make it there? No problem! You can print the marker and bring virtual James May to your home! Freaking sweet!

Uh, can you cut that out? I don't want anyone talking about the virtual me...This is going to be as sick as hell if they do that...

I can't believe Captain Slow gets his virtual self for the exhibition! Anyway, forget about this rubbish and move on...

Uh, back at your talk about G4U, is there really an unaired episode of THE IDOLM@STER anime coming at the final volume?

Yes, yes I am, Clarkson. That never before seen episode looks like this...

That really got me...Still, is that unaired episode coming in THE IDOLM@STER DVD and Blu-Ray volume 9?

Of course, Clarkson. That will come this late June 2012, just a few weeks after the 7th anniversary celebration. So, will you get your hands on it?

Uh, no Hamster. No, I don't want to. And I don't really get about the whole G4U stuff you told about. Let's move on to something else...You know Danny Choo? Internet personality and host of Culture Japan? Guess what, he got himself a new ride replacing his Nissan March (Micra) that Danny Choo often drove. Here's the pic..

Danny Choo's Nissan Dualis

It seems that Danny Choo's Micra has been replaced by a Qashqai (Dualis on that case)! That's right! Danny Choo now drives a Qashqai and the whole Mirai Suenaga itasha is just the fitting touch for his new crossover. Danny Choo's Qashqai was been displayed at the recently concluded NicoNico Chokaigi event hosted by NicoNico Douga at the Makuhari Messe last week. You could never guess that this event do packed an mini itasha car show on that venue, showcasing the brightest or the dimmest of itasha cars.

Scoop: http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/26508/Mirai+Suenaga+Itasha+Ver+2.html

Uh, excuse me but, Danny Choo now drives a Qashqai?

Yes indeed, James. The crossover that is engineered in Britain, made in Japan, and this is the kind of crossover that Danny Choo suits him well.

Mr. Choo, if you're reading, this, CONGRATULATIONS on your new Qashqai or Dualis and hope you enjoy the new car!

(audience clapping)

Good luck on your Qashqai! Now anyway, Hammond and May, you know the Kyoto Animation Award? Back in 2009, Kyoto Animation (famous for animes such as K-ON, Haruhi Suzumiya, Lucky Star, CLANNAD, and others) launched the KyoAni Awards and offered 300,000-yen (about US$3,600) grand prizes and 100,000-yen honorable mention prizes in novel, manga, and scenario (script treatment) categories. Now on this year, no one wins.

(ooohhh)

No. I'm not making this up. Nobody won this year's KyoAni awards!

What? Nobody won this year's Kyoto Animation Award?

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-27/no-winners-announced-for-3rd-kyoto-animation-award

Wow, that puts the people who submitted their entries really upset about that announcement. Nobody won? Oh my...

Indeed it is Richard, after reviewing their submissions, it seems that the committee couldn't select the winner. Don't think this is the first time happened. Back in 2010, no grand prize winners named, which made them very angry.

Oh, I can't believe there is such award that...nobody wins.

(laughing)

Glad I'm wasn't part of that. (laughing)

Good thing, Hammond. I'm not on that. Even though I was impressed about KyoAni works such as K-ON, Haruhi, and Lucky Star, that awards was just suck as hell. Who would think that kind of award that nobody wins? What was that? Can you think of a single award that nobody wins after weeks of submission? Only this one!

(laughing)

ONLY THIS ONE!!! GET IT?

(laughing)

Anyway, tomorrow, Kia Motors going to release a Korea-only flagship sedan that serves as the first RWD Kia ever made. It's called the K9 and judging by its exterior, this is just fantastic. We'll be tackling that Korea-only flagship tomorrow and oh, I just realized something. It seems that GM Korea Company, the Korean subsidiary of General Motors, unveiled the Chevrolet Corvette (쉐보레 콜벳) for the very first time in South Korea. Guess it's better late than ever but this is the final year for this generation. Expect the same 430hp 6.2-liter V8 engine linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission that allows for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.3 seconds.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/gm-introduces-corvette-to-south-korea.html

Wait, Koreans now get the Corvette? How's that possible?

Hammond, remember last year? Chevrolet arrived in South Korea as a replacement to the Daewoo brand and the company name change from GM Daewoo Auto and Technology to GM Korea Company. The Korean Chevy lineup consists of the Orlando, Aveo (Sonic in other countries), Cruze, Spark, Cruze5 hatchback, Captiva, Camaro, and Malibu. Honorable mentions include an Alpheon (a Korean Buick LaCrosse), Damas, and Labo.

Okay, Clarkson. I got it now. But there's something I felt sad for...

What?

Aston Martin DBS Ultimate

The Aston Martin DBS...This is everyone's favorite Aston ever since it was featured in Bond movies such as Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. The Kuwaiti-owned British sports car maker launched a "complete special" edition of the DBS, called the DBS Ultimate, and its only up to 100 units built to bid a farewell to the DBS' tenure because a replacement is coming next year. This pack some bespoke paint colors, exterior and interior trim accents, and alloy wheel designs.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/aston-martin-reportedly-to-end.html

This is just like...well you know. But I'm sure the replacement for the DBS will be as better as cars they get but what I wish for is that the buttons should be easy to understand and ditch the useless Volvo sat-nav just like what they did to the Virage. The Aston Martin Virage has a better sat-nav than other Astons!

Anyway, that's the news and let's go make some FISH FINGERS AND CUSTARD later!

THE IDOLM@STER G4U Volume 2 - 9

What is G4U?
G4U or Gravure For You, is an IDOLM@STER stand-alone game that allows you to take a picture of your favorite 765PRO idols. You can use commands to have your idol do some cute and cool poses. The fun fact is that the photos you've taken can be saved on the PS3 hard drive and you can do whatever you want on the photo you have taken. In Volume One, the girls are wearing swim suits...wait, I already said that ever since the Playstation3 version of THE IDOLM@STER 2 came out in late October 2011. So, how about the other G4U volumes we've missed? Of course because Volume 1 (the one with Haruka Amami in the front cover) was bundled on the limited edition of THE IDOLM@STER 2 PS3 version, we kindly not to tackled it but for those remaining eight volumes, should we talk about what's what in each?

The one with:
School Uniforms and School Swimsuits

On sale date: November 23, 2011


Mami Futami is the front cover idol on Volume 2. For this volume, all your favorite 765Pro idols are wearing either School Uniforms or School Swimsuits. This was included on limited editions of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray Volume 2, which also includes a drama CD, setting book and pin up.

The one with
Winter Casuals and Vivid Bikini

On sale date: December 29, 2011



For Volume 3, Yukiho Hagiwara was the front cover idol and feel free to take photos of your favorite idols in either their winter casuals or "Vivid Bikinis". Expect this on limited editions of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray Volume 3, which comes with a vocal CD, setting book and pin up.

The one with
White bikinis in floral stage

On sale date: January 26, 2012



Takane Shijou takes the center stage as the front cover idol of Volume 4. In here, we expect taking photos of our favorite 765Pro girls in their white bikinis on the stage with petals flowing around. Oh, we may also expect photoshooting them in their Hawaiian-style outfits. This was found on limited editions of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray Volume 4, which also comes with a special DVD.

The one with
Pajamas and white school swimsuits

On sale date: February 23, 2012



Yayoi Takatsuki is the front cover idol for this volume and in here, feel free to take photos of your favorite idols in their pajamas or in their white school swimsuits. A bonus feature where your favorite idols in their white school swimsuit will be initiating "Nekomimi Mode". It's yours if you have the limited edition of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray Volume 5, which also comes with a vocal CD, booklet, and some extras.

The one with
My Dear Vampire and a black bikini

On sale date: March 29, 2012



For Volume 6, it's Makoto Kikuchi's time to shine as the front cover girl and all of your favorite idols are either in their "My Dear Vampire" costumes or in their black bikinis, waiting to get their photos taken. This was included on the limited edition of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray volume 6, which also comes with a drama CD, booklet, and a whole lot of extras.

The one with
Summer School Girls or P.E. uniforms

On sale date: April 26, 2012



Here in Volume 7, we'd expect seeing the bonkers Hibiki Ganaha being the front cover girl but in here, your favorite idols strap on their "Laugh Time School" Uniforms or in their P.E. uniforms they called it "EXERCISE WEAR NEO". This was included on the limited edition of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray Volume 7, which does come with a vocal CD, setting book, and more. Special guest appearance by THE IDOLM@STER DearlyStars' Ai Hidaka and she's waiting in her "Exercise Wear NEO" for you to take a picture of her!

The one with
Bridal gowns and Pastel Bikinis

On sale date: May 24, 2012



Our favorite iM@S gal, Miki Hoshi, shines bright as the front cover idol and in here, you can take pictures of them in their wedding gowns or in their "Pastel Bikinis". THE IDOLM@STER DearlyStars' Eri Mizutani makes a guest appearance in her pastel bikini outfit, waiting for you to take a picture of her. This can be found on the limited edition of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray Volume 8, which do come with a special DVD, setting book, and loads of extras.

The one with
Kimonos and sailor bikinis

On sale date: June 28, 2012



This is the 9th and final volume of the G4U lineup. It even has Chihaya Kisaragi as the front cover idol. Time to wave goodbye to THE IDOLM@STER G4U by picturing your favorite idols in their kimonos set on a city at night packed with fireworks display. Also, expect them in their sailor bikinis. For a proper sendoff, Ryo Akizuki from THE IDOLM@STER DearlyStars makes a guest appearance on her sailor bikini. This can be found on the limited edition of THE IDOLM@STER anime Blu-Ray volume 9 where you can expect a special episode never before aired on TV. A drama CD, setting book, and an exclusive pin-up poster were among them.

Mr. A-Ciimo

Dongfeng Honda Ciimo

An utterly familiar looking car was seen at the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing. This is known as Dongfeng-Honda Ciimo (nope, it's not Bubble Gang's Mr. Assimo) and this is more of a rebadged version of the 8th Generation Honda Civic, the last Civic before the Civic name is gone for good (in Japan) since the summer of 2010.

The Ciimo is powered by a 1.8L VTEC engine and it's available in either a five-speed manual or five-speed auto transmission. It costs 111,800 Yuan and that does seem a lot for an old Civic but the Ciimo name does not only apply on this because Dongfeng-Honda plans their own version of the CR-V soon...

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2012/04/30/dongfeng-honda-ciimo-an-8th-gen-civic-for-china/ 

More "Petrang Kabayo" than what you've expected....

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

2013 Ford Mustang GT500 has 650HP of power that has more power than the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or even the Corvette ZR1. That does seem right for Ford until some breaking news that brought the motoring industry to a standstill.

Some developing news suggest that the 2013 Mustang GT500 doesn't have 650HP of power but more importantly, this has 662 horsepower and 631 lbs.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful V8 engine in the world. It even promises to reach the supercar holy grail of 200mph! How did that happened? Maybe the guys from SAE put the 2013 GT500 on a dyno and ho ho ho! 662HP! Perfect enough to yell "LOSERS!" to Chevrolet! Ha ha!

That muscle has more "Petrang Kabayo" than what I've expected to be. So a message to Chevrolet:

LOOSEEERRSSS!!! :-P

Scoop: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/04/27/2013-ford-mustang-shelby-gt500-to-pump-out-662-hp/

Welcome Back: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Bumblebee meets Top Gear!

How did they made this cut-price
Camaro ZL1 on a budget?

The 5th generation Chevrolet Camaro is more than just a muscle car that competes against the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger, this is more of a pop culture ever since it started out in life as Autobot Bumblebee from the Transformers movies. Richard Hammond reviewed the Chevrolet Camaro alongside the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Thanks to The Stig, it lapped the Top Gear Test Track in 1:27.9. Need to say more?

Even though this Camaro has gained fame for being Bumblebee, I still have a feeling that this is the kind of modern car that looks and handles like a classic car. This was been featured at the beginning of Jeremy Clarkson's 2010 DVD titled "Clarkson: The Italian Job", while Clarkson's checking around the twists and turns of Lydden Hill Race Circuit, where he will participate at a classic car race with his Ford Escort Mexico. While he twists and turns around the Lydden Hill with the Camaro, even with help, he turns out that he wasn't fit enough for his race. Even Clarkson's epic workout in Italy wouldn't help and he decided to use the Imola Circuit as his basis. Well, we're not talking about that, don't we? We're talking about the 5th generation Camaro being back on Forza Motorsport 4.

It's a good thing most players are working on their black rally stripes on their Camaro or trying to replicate something that this Camaro had done since its tenure in 2009. There was Autobot Bumblebee from the Transformers movies, the Synergy Green Camaro, the COPO, Indy 500 Pace Car, or if you're hands is full, a ZL1 on a budget while waiting for Forza 4 to bring the real Camaro ZL1 soon.

It doesn't matter how will you tune or decorate Bumblebee the way you want but what matters most is that this 5th generation Camaro is a pop culture icon you would love to keep it on your garage. I'm picturing something that if you parked this Camaro on the kids' playground, kids would notice that this is their Autobot hero, Bumblebee, from the Transformers movies. Heh, it pays to being a fan of the Transformers movies but it strongly pays to being a Chevrolet Aficionado.

Goin Bulilit Goes to Laoag

For the April 29, 2012 episode, Goin Bulilit goes to Laoag. Looks like the Goin Bulilit kids are getting the most of their summer vacation to Laoag, such as;

- Goin Bulilit's Music Video of Maroon 5's Moves Like Jagger

- Goin Bulilit does Paoay "Kumakaway" Tourism commercial

- Paoay Church gags

- Goin Bulilit spoofs "Princess and I" as "Princess Inday"

- Bert & Willy tries to get something from the three

- Plane Crash site gags

- Ignorante

- Ready Set Goin in ATV Na!

Welcome Back: 1995 Ferrari F50

Ferrari F50 at the Top Gear Studio

As I'm sure you know, this is the Ferrari F50, a Ferrari which I really don't like. I really don't like the way Ferrari putted a V12 engine derived from the 1992 Ferrari F1 car. I really don't like the design. I really don't like its interior. I really don't like its driving feel. And I really don't like the way how did Ferrari made this a follow-up to the F40.

I dislike the F50 so much that in my kindergarten years when I had a Ferrari F50 diecast model in my toy box, I went into considerable lengths to destroy one. Think of it like um...you watched Jeremy Clarkson's VHS titled The Most Outrageous Jeremy Clarkson Video Ever in one part where Jeremy Clarkson (when he was young and he has afro hair) tries to kill the Porsche 911 by any means necessary or in one episode of Top Gear about "Killing a Toyota" that left it completely operational despite numerous beatings from crashes, nature, or even demolitions.

Over the years, when the Ferrari F50 was featured in numerous video games, even Forza, my attitude was softened. I started to respect the quality and engineering, I started to enjoy the driving sensation, and then in Forza Motorsport 4, I was one step ahead. I drove the F50 and I like it. I like the car's downforce, I like the sound of the V12 engine roaring, I like the way Ferrari spend money where it matters when it comes to developing the F50, and I like its rarity because over three hundred units were made from 1995 to 1997. Out of them, the Rosso Corsa was proven to be a popular color for the F50. I kinda agree to that.

There is a bit of a lesson there; We started life as hating other cars but as we grew up, we started to liking them, even when playing with them on video games, especially Forza Motorsport 4. Like me, I started to hate the F50 when I was little but as I grew up, I started to respect the F50's credentials.

The Ferrari F50 returned on Forza Motorsport 4 and it's part of the game's Autovista feature where you will learn most about the F50 or hear Jeremy Clarkson's comment about this...

ITC280 Update 4

1. We can use print_r to view the contents of an array.

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
print_r($aFruit);

2. We can use the HTML pre tag to view print_r() the way it was meant to be seen.

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
echo "<pre>";
print_r($aFruit);
echo "</pre>";

3. We should used var_dump() instead of print_r() because var_dump() works with almost everything.

var_dump($aFruit);

4. We can use var_dump() for more than one item:

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
$myName = "Leopaul";
echo "<pre>";
var_dump($aFruit,$myName);
echo "</pre>";

5. We can use a for loop to examine the contents of an array:

$aFruit = array("bananas","apples","oranges");
for($x=0;$x<count($aFruit);$x++)
{
echo $aFruit[$x] . "<br />";
}

6. We can add to an array by using empty []
$aCheese = array();
$aCheese[0] = "cheddar";
$aCheese[1] = "swiss";
$aCheese[2] = "limburger";
$aCheese[] = "gouda";
$aCheese[] = "feta";
for($x=0;$x<count($aCheese);$x++)
{
echo $x . ") " . $aCheese[$x] . "<br />";
}

7. We can use a foreach loop to go one direction only.

$aCheese = array();
$aCheese[0] = "cheddar";
$aCheese[1] = "swiss";
$aCheese[2] = "limburger";
$aCheese[] = "gouda";
$aCheese[] = "feta";

foreach($aCheese as $fromage)
{
    echo $fromage . "<br />;
}

8. We can use an associative array to store string data as keys.

$nav1 = array();
$nav1["index.php"] = "Home Page";
$nav1["contact.php"] = "Contact Page";
$nav1["about_us.php"] = "About Us";
$nav1["links.php"] = "Links";

foreach($nav1 as $url => $text)
{
    echo '<a href="' . $url . '">' . $text . '</a><br />';
}

9. Email1.php starting point for Wednesday

<?php
//email1.php
include 'header.php';
define("THIS_PAGE",basename($_SERVER['PHP_SELF']));
if(isset($_POST['FirstName']))
{//email data, then thank user!
echo $_POST['FirstName'] . "<br />";
echo '<a href="' . THIS_PAGE . '">RESET</a>';
}else{
?>
<form action="<?=THIS_PAGE?>" method="post">
First Name: <input type="text" name="FirstName" /><br />
Last Name: <input type="text" name="LastName" /><br />
<input type="submit" value="Email Us!" />
</form>
<?php
}//end of formhandler
include 'footer.php';
?>

10. PHP’s mail function

mail("ldelro02@seattlecentral.edu","My Subject!","My Text","noreply@seattlecentral.edu");

11. We can replace the strings with variables declared at the top of the page.
mail($ToEmail,$Subject,"My Text",$FromEmail);

12. Using var_dump() to view the entire POST array.
echo "<pre>";
Var_dump($_POST);
echo "</pre>";

13. Use PHP_EOL to create operating system specific carriage returns.

*SCORES

- Pop Quiz 5: 10/10 (100%)
- Pop Quiz 6: 10/10 (100%)

*NOTES

I'm very glad that Mr. Newman didn't give us test for this week but Assignment 4 seems to be a bit more difficult. Surely we did half of that in class but how can I finish the other half of Assingment 4 by any means of putting something like a checkbox, radio, or something that is more of a multiple choice?

It said that the form handler must:

1) Email you the information on the form
2) Include at least 2 radio buttons, 3 checkboxes, 2 textboxes and 1 textarea for comments
3) Protect itself from invalid data entry (hacking)
4) Require a valid email from the user and require first and last name textbox entry

...How can we finish this? Clearly we have to finish this by Monday midnight...

...that is all.