THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Smoke rising from NoKor nuke lab

Recent satellite imagery from the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University shows that smoke is rising from a plutonium production facility in North Korea, raising suspicions about activities there.

The image, dated March 12, shows smoke rising from a chimney stake at the Nyongbyon nuclear complex. The researchers say the smoke was observed on 2 or 3 occassions over the partial 5 weeks. It is unknown if this means reprocessing of additional plutonoum underway at the facility or will be in the near future. But they note that US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper stated in February that North Korea could begin extracting plutonium within a few weeks or months.

Last year, North Korea said that all facilities at the Nyongbyon facility have resumed normal operations.

Source: NHK WORLD

Let's Do The News! (April 5, 2016)

- The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to file usurpation of authority and graft chargest against former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and former Special Action Force director Getulio Napenas over last year's Mamasapano incident. The two were also found liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

- Back to the money laundering case, RCBC ex-branch manager Maia Santo Deguito told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that the bank's president Lorenzo Tan knew about the incident. The former employee denied that she knows another businessman suspected to be the beneficiary of the bank heist, Weikang Xu. She also said she didn't deliver any funds to Solaire and didn't receive a single cent.

- Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who's nearing on his final battle against Tim Bradley this weekend, was nearly assaulted last weekend as he emerged from lunch with a large group of family members and friends in his favorite Japanese restaurant. A certain male rushing at Pacquiao, calling him a "homophobe", as the boxer stood by the door of his sportscar at the parking area near the restaurant along Vine Street near Sunset Boulevard. The assailant was restrained by one of Pacquiao's friends in LA and then subdued by their friends.

- Vietnam has confirmed its first Zika virus infections. The nation's health ministry announced that a 33-year-old female in Ho Chi Minh and a 64-year-old female in Nha Trange were confirmed to have the virus. The two women reported having fever and headaches in late March. The younger patient is said to be 8 weeks pregnant. Health authorities are testing the patients' families and neighbors, but haven't confirmed any new infections so far.

- 60 people died from a heavy rainfall in the northern and northwestern regions of Pakistan. Police and local government officials said the death toll covers fatalities reported by Monday. Rain has caused mudslides in multiple areas of the northern mountainous region, cutting off roads.

- BBC announced the initial cast of the upcoming Doctor Who spinoff drama, Class. The new drama series will feature new artists such as Greg Austin, Fady Elsayed, Sophie Hopkins, and Vivian Oparah as one of the students at Coal Hill School and they will be joined by actress Katherine Kelly, as the new teacher in this school. Class is coming this year.

- Nico-nico-ni! Nico Yazawa completes the Love Live! School Idol Project figma range and she's now available to order starting at 5,370 Yen plus tax. Deliveries will commence this October. Or, if the figma toy of her is not suitable to your liking, fear not because a scale figure of her by FREEing is now available to order starting at 9,074 Yen plus tax. Deliveries will commence this October as well.

figma Nico Yazawa

FREEing Nico Yazawa

- Tesla Motors announced that their recently-unveiled Model 3 will have an all-wheel drive layout just like the rest of the lineup and it will come with an optional dual-motor. Last week since its unveiling, Tesla received 276,000 reservations for the Model 3.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, Yaya Pak's starting her first day of the job as the new yaya and Lola Tinidora and Divina's trying to teach their newbie up, even with disastrous results. After her rough first day with them, Yaya Pak received a phone call but what's going on? Tune in next time and find out!!!

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NoKor criticized China again

The South Korean National Defense Commission issued a statement that North Korea lambasted the People's Republic of China for supporting last month's UN Security Council sanctions resolution against the Communist nation.

Without singling out China, the statement indirectly blames the country for damaging a precious legacy and tradition by responding to US demands and supporting the hostile policy of the UN resolution. It came out two days after the Rodong Sinmun carried a commentary apparently critical of China.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed his readiness to collaborate with the US when he met with President Barack Obama on Thursday, saying that China will find ways to cooperate in global issues, including the denuclearization of North Korea.

Source: NHK World

Let's Do The News! (April 4, 2016)

- Davao city mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte received a reply from Pope Francis to the letter of apology for cursing at the pope last year. According to his assistant, a photo of the Pope's reply to Duterte was posted even if Duterte earlier said he will not release a copy of the Vatican letter until the end of next month's elections.

- The Olongapo court reduced the sentence on US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for the murder of transgender Jennifer Laude. The court reduced his sentence to a maximum of ten years according to reports, cited "passion" and "intoxication" as mitigating circumstances for the decision.

- The annual Balikatan exercises kicks off today with the Philippines' new military assets will be put to test such as the landing craft heavy ships sourced from Australia for 726 million pesos. The first two ships arrived last August while the three remaining arrived last month. Two of the five ships will be used in this exercies.

- Foreign journalists are now allowed to visit relevant islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry official. Despite reports of rising tensions in the disputed sea, the Chinese Foreign Ministry assured that the situation in the region is stable as China is resolute on safeguarding its rights and sovereignty over the disputed waters.

- Greece starts deporting migrants to Turkey under the deal between them and the European Union to help curb mass migration into Europe. Buses carrying migrants arrived at a port on the Greek island of Lesbos Monday morning. They boarded two ship under heavy police guard and later left for Turkey.

- The Brussels Airport has been partially reopened with tightened security 12 days after the attack. The operator says three Brussels Airlines flights to Greece, Portugal, and Turkey took off on Sunday, the first day of the resumed service. On the 22nd of March, two suicide bombers detonated explosives at an airport and a subway on the Belgian capital, killing 32 people and injured 340.

- The French capital of Paris held an annual marathon under heightened security, following last November's terror attacks. Around 46,000 runners from about 140 countries took part in the 40th Paris Marathon on Sunday and ran a route that crosses the city east to west, passing scenic spots such as the River Seine, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower.

- An indie film about a dystopian Hong Kong has won the best picture award at this year's Hong Kong Film Awards, but the state-run Chinese television didn't broadcast the ceremony. The indie film "Ten Years" features what would Hong Kong be like if its under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party ten years later. It was shown at an only theater in Hong Kong last year but it became a major hit as people apparently felt the movie is close to the reality of life in Hong Kong. Complimentary showings were held at over 30 locations, including public facities across the city, on Friday.

- Three year-old Caitlin Soleil Lucas or Courageous Caitie died on the 31st of March, 2016, due to a rare type of blood cancer and her memorial service held at the Arlington Memorial Church yesterday for the young one is a big one because it's wedding-themed...and Stormtroopers included in her funeral. Three-year old Caitie inspired millions of netizens because of her courage and cheery disposition despite battling her rare disease.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye; Lola Tinidora's settling the yayas once and for all in a game of arm-wrestling and whoever wins will be named as their new yaya. Yaya In, Yaya Glo, and Yaya Git lost the game but the winner of the game of arm wrestling with Lola Tinidora is the hard-hitting Yaya Pak! So, what will be Yaya Pak's first duty in the mansion? Tune in next time and find out!

TTFN!!!

Jubilee of Mercy: Jubliee for those devoted to the Spirituality of Divine Mercy

Jubilee of Mercy logo

From the first to the third of April, the entire St. Peter's Square is packed of people to attend the Jubliee for those devoted to the Spirituality of Divine Mercy, part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

During the course of the three-day event, Pope Francis urged the Catholic dioceses worldwide to set up a permanent memorial of the Year of Mercy by establishing a hostpital, home for the aged or school in an under-served area.

The Pope said the idea came to him during a meeting with a charitable organization and he decided to mention it at the vigil with participants of the Europeaqn gathering of the World Apostolic Congress of Mercy and followers of the Divine Mercy devotion.

Pope Francis said that the Divine Mercy Sunday celebration was "like the heart of the Year of Mercy" and he announced that Catholic parishes across Europe would be asked to take up a special collection on the 24th of April as a sign of closeness and solidarity with people suffering from the Eastern Ukraine conflicts.

Source: http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2016/pope-asks-for-new-catholic-institutions-of-mercy-charity.cfm

The search for the next Kalyeserye yaya is on!

Image: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook Page

Yaya In, Yaya Glo, Yaya Pak, and Yaya Git, four aspirants are edginig each other out in the search for the next Kalyeserye yaya in the recent Kalyeserye segment from Eat Bulaga! Of course, over the week, the lolas and Divina met up with these would-be yayas, showcasing how good they really are and earlier, they pit these final four to the test both physically and mentally. In the first half, the yayas are undergoing an obstacle course to see how much of a yaya they really are. And on the second half, the yayas are talking trash in a series of debates set up by the lolas.

So, who will be the next Kalyeserye yaya? Tune in on Eat Bulaga every weekdays for more of Kalyeserye! In the meantime, congratulations to the winners of this year's Eat Bulaga Dabarkads Awards, in honor of their exceptional performances from this year's Lenten specials. Maine Mendoza, HBD girl Patricia Tumulak, Alden Richards, the rest of the Dabarkads deserved all the awards and congratulations to the job well done.

#BGTripleDubsmash

On the April 1, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Roadwork gags



- Security guard's having trouble dealing with celebs

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...fan pages!

- Imagine life when Dubsmash gets too personal...

- Messing with the action star...

- Antonietta meets Glaiza de Castro!

- Messy things happen inside the MRT.

- This man has plenty of explainations about random stuff everybody knows...

- Girls sharing their BF problems.

Leopaul's Heaven and Hell: Thank you, μ's

μ's, the popular school idol unit from the Love Live! School Idol Project has came to a bittersweet but happy end after the highly successful Final Love Live concert and I have to make one final love letter to the school idol unit that became as popular as...ahem, those two Dubsmashing lovers I saw on TV.

I guess it's time for me to explain how it all started when I got sucked into μ's popularity. You see, even when the Love Live anime aired at the beginning of 2013, I never even heard of it while other people are starting to respect this show more than K-On! a few years ago. Running from two seasons and a full-length movie, the affair of μ's is becoming the trendsetter of every anime otaku worldwide and because μ's is gaining so much attention global, the whole global fanbase is starting to take action. One such example is the app game I played before; the School Idol Festival game. That's how I got into the μ's mess as well as my little sister. I got greeted by every member of the school idol group the world's talking about; Honoka Kousaka (Emi Nitta), Kotori Minami (Aya Uchida) Umi Sonoda (Suzuko Mimori), Rin Hoshizora (Riho Iida), Hanayo Koizumi (Yurika Kubo), Maki Nishikino (Pile), Eli Ayase (Yoshino Nanjo), Nozomi Tojo (Aina Kusuda), and Nico Yazawa (Sora Tokui). Even though I didn't saw the anime, their hit songs really grabbed the best of me like a grappling hook on a tall building. Daring, isn't it?

Thanks to  μ's, the whole world's gone Love Live crazy and it opened up new and exciting opportunities to bring its presence to the world stage. I was very impressed that these idols have became the talk of the town from otakus everywhere. They keep chatting about who's their favorite μ's idol, talk about stuff they saw in the anime, have their say on the women behind the voices of  μ's, everything. I even read pieces of intel about whatever  μ's-related folks, even women, put on in their nifty little diaries and post it anywhere, even instagram. I know, so much intelligence gathering is happening on right now about what's for dinner right now, what show did they watch, what game did they play, or whatever the heck is going on.

I love the idea is that  μ's really reminds me of AlDub but with nine times more manageable because with such success, the commercial endorsements rolled in to the world's number one fictional school idol group especially partnerships with numerous establishments across Japan. You compare these two popular things and you got yourself half-sum worth of accessible fandom the world has ever faced.

Humor me, has my love for  μ's pushed my long love affair with THE IDOLM@STER franchise to second place? Sounds cheesy but even though the Love Live franchise is a half a decade younger than the legendary IDOLM@STER franchise, its popularity made these two idol titans trading punches with each other and to my dismay, most people who used to be in IM@S territory were migrating to the  μ's side because, well, you get the idea.

I know that Haruka Amami is my love affair to the IM@S franchise but when  μ's leader Honoka Kousaka kicks in, I'm starting to fell myself into the conflict between my two favorite anime idols, even though these two managed to become at the top of the CUTE WALL against any other cute characters I mentioned. Yes, they really are the cutest of the anime idol girls but if I had to choose one, it's a tough decision. Either way, they're like a part of me I wouldn't let go.

Watching both of the series gave me a quick reminder about why I got dragged into this idol mess while my little sister wouldn't mind. Getting dragged into this "idol hell" means all of my allowance has been long gone thanks to them and with those anime idol girls begin to haunt me for the rest of my life, I can't escape from their charming grasps even if I have to do by any means necessary to get out alive but no. No matter how many times I escape, they're still onto me no matter what.

Anyway, no time for further explanations about the conflict between the two idol giants because let's talk about the Final Love Live concert happened at the Tokyo Dome last night and don't worry because even you and I never make it to the final concert with  μ's, the playlist of the best of  μ's (including their final song MOMENT RING) as well the whole collection of  μ's figures (Nendoroids and SH Figuarts became a necessity because the figma lineup wasn't complete yet) and some endless imagination like from the AlDub concert last October is sure enough to bring the Final Love Live into the comfort of our homes. Judging what  μ's been through after its summer 2010 debut with their song "Bokurano Live Kimitono Life", the world's number one school idol unit unleashed the coup de grace just to kick the fans' butts to greater heights, delivering the moment they will never forget when they got out from the Tokyo Dome after their final live show. Yeah, this concert became the best sendoff  μ's has ever done.

The girls behind the  μ's gave everything they got to bring this Final Love Live one of the most successful events in anime history but for me, I have big respect for the woman who voiced Eli Ayase, Yoshino Nanjo. Ever since the girl behind my dear Elichika couldn't make it in one of  μ's performances such as the live television performance at Music Japan as well as the annual Kahotan new year's eve concert, I'm starting to grow disrespect from her but with Nanjorno appeared at the Final Love Live, I knew this lady gave her colleagues plenty of reasons to worry but she held out on her own out there because...she's an effing  μ's! (laughing heartly)

So, with the Final Love Live's finally finished, looks like the women behind  μ's will be back to their regular selves again. Mimorin's done being Umi Sonoda and returns to being Sherlock Shellingford from Milky Holmes. Nanjorno, meanwhile, will revert from being the vocalist of fripside as we know it. Everything's back to normal but the echoes of  μ's final concert will never be forgotten. This is the end of  μ's as we knew it but it's a prologue to the new generation of Love Live, mainly Aqours of Love Live! Sunshine!! While waiting for Aqours' next single coming this year as well as their upcoming anime show, guess this is a start of something new and I'm just warming up to prepare for Aqours because...there's now someone from the second generation who will wet my pants in bedtime. Particularly the swimmer from Aqours, You Watanabe. (laughing)

Love Live Forever!!!!!!!!!

Forza Motorsport 6: The Ferrari 488

On the recently launched Meguiar's Car Pack, the all new Ferrari 488 GTB has arrived late in Forza Motorsport 6 but it's better than never being showed up at all for us to try out Ferrari's latest turbocharged masterpiece.



So, what's it all about this new Ferrari? Premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari's brand new sportscar, the 488 GTB, succeeds where the successful 458 Italia left off and in tune with the times, this car is the first turbocharged mid-engined Ferrari since the F40.

Unlike the 458 it replaces, the 488 GTB is armed with Ferrari's brand new 3.9L twin-turbo V8 engine, which is smaller in size but more powerful than the 458 because it produces 670PS of power and 760Nm of torque, while mated with a 7-speed F1 gearbox. Ferrari says that the new model can do 0-100kph in less than three seconds and a top speed of over 330kph.

Apart from its performance, the 488 features carbon-ceramic brakes inspired from the LaFerrari, resulting to better stopping distance than the 458. It features a unique aerodynamic design that improves its downforce by over a half. It comes with a central "Aero Pillar", which deflects air under the flat body while the two vents in the hood deliver air from the dual intakes of the front bumper, to lower air pressure.



As I recall, the new V8 engine maybe as turbocharged as the legendary F40 but it doesn't sound like one because with all that miniaturization comes with a hefty price in the show-off stakes in terms of engine noises, perhaps the folks wanted to lower the volume of the engine noise in the making of downsizing engines. Despite its lowered volume in the engine noise, the 488 still retains its charm in terms of dynamics. Because this is lighter than a normal 458 and it incorporates all of Ferrari's motorsport knowledge, the new 488 still retains its handling charm that its predecessor does, although you could use some special training to get things right while mastering Ferrari's new turbocharged sports coupe.

Anyway, while in the subject of Ferrari's brand new berlinetta, I guess it's time now to see how much of a Ferrari this car is as I'm on a day off somewhere in Spain. One part of Spain to be exact; the Circuit de Catalunya, the venue of the Spanish GP.





So, thoughts on this Ferrari? Well, although its turbocharged V8 engine isn't as sound as I hoped for, it does make up with its sharp dynamics that I can enjoy it harder and longer the more I'm getting accustomed to it. It maybe late to arrive in the FM6 car roster but it's good to have one of the latest Ferraris on the list and with the 488, there's more to discover with this turbocharged stallion from Maranello.

Let's Do The News! (April 1, 2016)

- Back to the money laundering issue, Senate President Pro Tempore Recto said that the masterminds behind the $81 million heist might be from China. Recto added that the Philippines was tricked by the perpetrators of the scheme as there might have been an "inside job" on the hacking at Bangladesh Central Bank.

- Manny Pacquaio urged the nation's college students to choose military service training among the courses offered under the mandatory National Training Service Program to prepare them to protect the Philippines in case of aggression. Running for senator in the May 2016 elections, Pacquiao issued a strong appeal to college students to take up Reserve Officers Training Corps program from among the four NTSP courses they have to enroll in. A student requires one NTSP course as a requisite for graduation.

- Another official takes a stab on the propaganda comic from presidential candidate Mar Roxas as Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez called Roxas' comic book depicting as a hero during Typhoon Yolanda "pure fiction". Romualdez cautioned candidates against coming up with such stories that hurt the people in the region.

- The alleged suspect behind the airport bombings at Zamboanga City six years ago has surrendered to officials of the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila yesterday. Addong Salahuddin, the suspect behind the bombings, said threats to his life prompted him to surrender. Salahuddin, along with several unidentified allies, is facing charges for multiple murder, multiple attempted murder, and illegal possession of explosives.

- The Nuclear Security Summit has opened in Washington, bringing together the leaders of over 50 countries. The summit opened Thursday night with a working dinner by US President Barack Obama, who inaugurated the gathering six years ago. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and South Korean leader Park Geun-hye were among the attendees. The first day of the summit deals about curbing the threat of nuclear terrorism.

- Zaha Hadid, the London-based architect who penned the design for the main stadium of the 202 Tokyo Olympics, died at the age of 65. According to officials, she died of a heart attack on Thursday at a hospital in Miami, where she had been undergoing treatment for bronchitis since earlier this week.

- American electric car company Tesla unveiled the Model 3 compact saloon, a zero emission compact sports saloon capable of 215 miles of range and priced at $35,000. Production will commence at the end of 2017.

2018 Tesla Model 3

- Fancy another Uzuki Shimamura figure in your THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls collection? Be sure to book one with the brand new "Crystal Night Party version" for 11,852 Yen plus tax. If you do, she'll be arriving at your doorsteps this October so empty your checks for her, okay?

Uzuki Shimamura
Crystal Night Party version

- Check out the first trailer of the "brand new" Top Gear airing this May on BBC Two. May include Chris Evans vomitting during a wild ride with Sabine Schmitz in an Audi.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, with the fourth person applying for a position as the new yaya at the mansion of the lolas and Divina's, it seems that the whole roster of would-be yayas will be duking each other tomorrow. So, which of the four will become the new yaya in Kalyeserye? Tune in tomorrow and find out!

TTFN!!!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NoKor fires short-range missile

The South Korean Defense Ministry reported that North Korea has fired a short-range SAM toward the Sea of Japan on Friday.

Ministry officials said the missile was fired from near Sondok in the easter province of Hamgyong-namdo at around 1300 hours local time. They said it fell in the Sea of Japan. Yonhap news agency said the missile flew about 100 km. Defense officials are analyzing the situation.

Source: NHK World

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NoKor successfully designed an ICBM vehicle

According to a US defense magazine, North Korea appears to have succeeded in designing both a re-entry vehicle for the KN-08 intercontinental ballistic missile and a nucler warhead, although it has yet to build them.

Citing recent satellite imagery, NoKor media, and computer analysis, the country's re-entry vehicles may be able to fly straight without losing their balance, while its nuclear waheads appear small and light enough to fit inside the vehicles.

Meanwhile, South Korea issued a warning after facing problems with satellite signal that it appeared to be coming from North Korea. The warning issued at 1930 hours local time in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggido, and Gangwondo provinces, came as North Korea discharged a large amount of ECM, causing mobile phones to malfunction and affect planes and ships that rely on GPS navigation. No damage has been reported in the military or among civillians.

Right now, South Korean leader Park Geun-hye is in Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit and plans to win international concensus on more effectively implementing sanctions on North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Before the summit, Park said she has a strong conviction that the vision for a nuclear-free world must begin with the Korean peninsula and North Korea would "self-destruct" if it continues to go down this path.

Source: Arirang News