Saturday, January 5, 2013

"Isang Tastymonial mula sa Tita"

On the January 4, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Balikbayan gags for a surprise at home!

- You're hired and then you're hired. Get it? You're hired-fired! Wait a minute...

- Signing up for the insurance's memorial plan's getting a bit complicating...

- Whenever he gives something to the beggar, he thinks that this beggar's up to when he gives one...

- Isang Tastymonial mula sa Tita. Bubble Gang does Fita Crackers by spoofing it as TITA CRACKERS. THE TASTY CRACKER.

Bubble Gang does Fita

- Rival vampires are settling their differences in a talk show

- A radio show host is robbing a bank for some reasons...but his victims are asking for some advice...

- Guess who? It's Tita Herminigilda! She's back! And she's going to read a letter that can be translated into actions!

- IyoTube in Home

What's on our Car Town garage today? (January 5, 2013)

What's on our Car Town garage today?

1963 Volvo P1800 S Coupe

Does anyone remember a detective show titled The Saint, where Bond actor Roger Moore played as Simon Templar, the titular character of the show? If anyone remembered it, this is the car that Simon Templar drove in the series. Anyway, the P1800 is one of the classic Volvos ever made and this is the car Volvo went to the sports car market. There has been a trial and error process when the project began in the the late 1950's and despite much trouble faced, the P1800 debuted at the 1960 Brussels Motor Show and collaborate with legendary British sports car maker, Jensen, to build it up. However, when Jensesn faced quality problems, production had shifted to Sweden and then the P1800 is now labeled as P1800 S because the S do really means it was made in Sweden.

1963 Volvo P1800 S Coupe

2011 Ford Shelby GT500

When Ford facelifted the Mustang in 2009, they made a rework in the Shelby GT500 model, which served as the pinnacle of the Mustang history. For the 2011 update, they even made it better with Ford's brand new 5.4L aluminum V8 engine which is more lighter than the cast-iron engine from the previous model and it provides a power bump to 550HP of power and up to 23MPG highway. It was sure enough not just to outrun its foes but also the US Gas Guzzler Tax.

2011 Ford Shelby GT500

1998 Shelby Series 1

You might imagine that the Shelby Series 1 is more of a modern take of the legendary Cobra because it was designed by the late Carroll Shelby and produced by Shelby American but this is much more than that. Underneath its slithering biceps of the Series 1 is a V8 engine that once powers the....and we're not joking here...an Oldsmobile Aurora saloon! When production ended in the mid-2000's, a total of 249 units were produced, making it one of the rarest machines you can find elsewhere.

1998 Shelby Series 1

Friday, January 4, 2013

The All-New Range Rover (L405)

2013 Land Rover Range Rover

At long last, after a decade of having the previous incarnation been with us for too long, a full-model change occurred in one of Britain's legendary luxury sport utility vehicle that combines the ruggedness of an offroader while offering preimum luxury of a premium sedan. That ladies and gents, say hello to the All-New Range Rover.Yes, really, this is the all new model. Not the same old model ten years ago.

So, what to expect on the All-New Range Rover? Well, you can expect a host of different engine types available on this new model such as the supercharged 5.0L V8 that you'll find it on the Jaguar XKR, 4.4 SDV8 diesel, and the 3.0L TDV6 diesel engine, all mated to an 8-speed gearbox, which sounds too much for a transmission made by the Germans. 8 gears is like, overdoing the whole litro of your favorite softdrink or overstuffing your clothes in one Space Bag, waiting to be vacuumed. I know it's a bit too much for that kind of gizmo but something's good about this new model...

2013 Land Rover Range Rover interior
While the exterior is no different from the previous model, the interior is a bit more like its little brother, the Evoque, but with some added posh-ness. Imagine if Lord Alan Sugar wants to ride one of those...

Anyway, this new model sure comes in handy for those who are ruling a nation with an iron fist and if I mean iron fist, it's someone who wears a gauntlet. Heh, iron fist....gauntlet....sounds synonymous to me. The thing about this all new Range Rover though is the way it feels because in the past, the Range Rover is made to be somewhat as chunkier as a can of Chunkee Corned Beef. When a corned beef's getting chunkier, it gets even meatier than a normal corned beef and with some added minced potatoes, it looks even more scrumptious. For this new Range Rover though, no corned beef, no crispy pata, no tocino, no ham, no meaty-related nonsense here because what they did there is a bit of liposuction. Nope, not the fat-sucking procedure that most ladies want, it's the use of an all-aluminium monocoque structure that blessed it a reduction of 420 kg (925.9 lb) compared to the outgoing model. So, where does weight goes into?

Well, with a massive weight loss, this feels like a teenage girl went on a binge spree. And with all that binge leads to something...they made it quicker, more agile, and by a chance, more economical. It's no longer a gas-guzzling monster that needs to be put with some Apollo 11-esque experiment on the exhaust that makes zero emissions. Well, that would be timey-wimey but the figures suggest that with the supercharged V8 model, this will lead to 60mph in about 5.1 seconds while the one with the 3.0 TDV6 promises a combined fuel consumption of 37.7MPG. Whoa, turns out that the one with the 3.0L TDV6 engine is proven to be much more economical and its recommended for those who can't afford petrol due to the ongoing crisis.

2013 Land Rover Range Rover
Because Range Rovers are on an active duty when they're offroad, they have a majestic presence, something that its rivals can't do but for an all new Range Rover, it has various gizmos that can adjust the height, change driving response on certain road conditions, and so much more. It even has a new version of Terrain Response system so mastering the most unforgiving roads would be a breeze. Imagine if a Jaguar XJ is toughened up the Mad Max way so it can get through the most punishing desert roads no one can ever survive.

I mean hey, this all new Range Rover is like a Jaguar XJ with some added toughness. Imagine if this is the British Prime Minister's new ride, I'm sure this guy sure knows how to rule Britannia with an iron fist. RULE BRITANNIA! Whoa, sorry about that. This is just whimsical idiot stuff for me. Anyway, as for the pricing, you'll be in a lot of trouble because with prices start at £71,295 to £98,395 and with loads of options and accessories at your command, it's going to be near-Rolls Royce money for that matter but in the name of Solihull, the Range Rover is the last word for ruggedness meets luxuriousness. Only the rich and powerful are welcomed to be indulged with it. Rich and powerful...

You got to love this all new Range Rover. Thanks to its massive weight loss, powerful engines, powerful design, powerful interior, and everything that puts the power in you, you are worthy of dominating every road that steps in your way.

Available Colors: Fuji White, Siberian Silver, Indus Silver, Luxor, Orkney Grey, Nara Bronze, Causeway Grey, Firenze Red, Aintree Green, Baltic Blue, Santorini Black, Mariana Black, Barossa, Havana. and Barolo Black.

Additional Colors coming in Summer 2013: Valloire White Pearl, Borealis Black, Ligurian Black, Piemonte Black, Bardolino Red, Roma Red, Bering Grey, Paris Blue, Balmoral Blue, Antilles Blue, Verbier Silver, British Racing Green, Stanhope Grey, London Gold, Calama Copper, Madagascar Orange, Spectral Red, Spectral Blue, Spectral Green, Spectral Amver, Spectral Light Blue, Spectral Lime.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Let's Do The News! (January 3, 2013)

River's Diary



Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?

Top Gear returns on BBC TWO this January 27

Great news! Top Gear is back! That;s right. Your favorite motoring variety show starring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are back for the 19th and most explosive season yet. Some say, this season will be five episodes long, some say, it will be airing on BBC Two in January 27. Some say, we don't know what cars they'll be featuring but some say, there will be an LFA, SRT Viper, and the new Vanquish tested from Las Vegas to Mexico.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/top-gear-back-on-air-january-27/

Cameraman killed while taking a photo of Bieber's 458

Being a paparazzi can be a tough job because you are trying to enrich other people's lives with a photo of Will Young buying a coffee or Girl Aloud feeding the meter. Sometimes, it can turned out deadly, like this paparazzi who was reported dead while trying to follow Justin Bieber's  white Ferrari 458 Italia somewhere in Sepulvelda Blvd near the Getty Center, Los Angeles. Turns out that Bieber doesn't like paparazzis so much...

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2013/01/paparazzi-killed-in-la-while-trying-to.html

Bentley Continental GTC Speed revealed

2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed


For the 2013 NAIAS in Detroit, Bentley will unveil the Continental GTC Speed, a convertible version of the Continental GT Speed. It may have the same improved W12 engine from the hardtop model but thanks to being a convertible, it's a bit heavier due to some stiffening to the bodywork. Therefore it will go to 100kph in 4.4 seconds and flatout in 202mph. Despite being 0.1 slower than the hardtop model, it still worth it being the fastest open top model from Bentley.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2013/01/bentley-unveils-202mph-continental-gtc.html

My laptop's OS' been corrupted

My HP laptop....been here around since I bought it in either 3rd or 4th quarter 2008 as a replacement to the old Compaq laptop, has been gotten through numerous problems. First there was the hanging, the BSoD (Blue Screen of Death), and now....it didn't run at all. The startup's taking too long. I took it to the Geek Squad section of Best Buy, where we bought it for about five hundred dollars, and as it turned out the HARD DISK DRIVE's been safe but the operating system's been corrupted. The technician said that if they were going to reinstall it, all the files will be gone forever, and I don't want that to happen. He said that for an alternative, I think I should by an EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE and then I'll pay 99 dollars to back up all the files. Sure, I'll consider that but what should I do? Reinstall my laptop's OS or consider buying a brand new one. My HP G60 235DX laptop's been here for about four years now...perhaps its shelf life's pretty much crossed the line or overused. Is it time for be to buy a new one? The one with Windows 8 on it? Spoilers....

Top Selling Cosplay outfits of 2012

Cospa, a retail store for anime cosplay stuff are announcing the best selling cosplay outfits of 2012. Here's the list...


1. Vocaloid Hatsune Miku
Costume Set

2. Steins;Gate
Kurisu Makise's Jacket

3. Hyouka
Kamiyama High School Girls' Uniform

4. Rurouni Kenshin
Kenshin Himura Costume Set

5. Yuruyuri
Nanamori Middle School Uniform (Summer)

6. K-ON!
Sakuragaoka Girls' High School Uniform

7. Dragon Ball Z
Freeza Costume Set

8. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Tokyo-3 1st Municipal Middle School Girls' Uniform

9. D.C.III ~Da Capo III~
Royal London Academy of Magic School Girls' Uniform

10. Toaru Majutsu no Index
Tokiwadai Middle School Girls' Uniform

It seems that the Hatsune Miku outfit is the best selling cosplay outfit for 2012, even outfits based on classic animes make it on the list such as Kenshin Himura's outfit, Freeza outfit and the Tokyo-3 1st Municipal Middle School Girls' Uniform from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Hopefully, your childhood memories served it correctly to remember those. Anyway, seems that Kurisu Makise's Jacket from Steins;Gate (there's an upcoming movie coming Spring 2013) sold well because of the fans...Who else liked Kurisu Makise so much eh? He he he he.....

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-01-02/cospa-stores-top-selling-cosplay-outfits/2012

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Forza Horizon: The RAGE of the RACER

Forza Horizon's January RECARO Car Pack is out now and to begin, there is one car in the pack that tickles my fancy, if you know what I mean? First and foremost, I once tried the supercharged Evora S, which is the pinnacle of the Lotus range but for some fans they want something lighter because that's what Lotuses are made of. Luckily though, help is at hand because there's now a Lotus that combines big power and lighter weight and here's the result....

A supercharged V6 Toyota engine in a light car...

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the new Lotus Exige S, the V6 model, not the one that has a Toyota Celica engine from the past. Anyway, this is one of the cars from the January RECARO Car Pack that tickles my fancies because this feels just right. Big power in a light car equals a total recipe of RAGE for the RACER within. Sure you'll gonna get people noticing you and then they'll say "teach this sucker a lesson.", "Move out!", "Don't you know how to drive?", "I like your style, kid...", "Excellent cornering!", and the feedback from others just goes on and on but it doesn't matter because what I got here is a Lotus that will make me happy...VERY happy because a supercharged 3.5L V6 Toyota engine in a lightweight car made in Hethel, Norfolk is just what I want to drive in the world of Forza.

Teach this sucker a lesson...

By the moment I drove this brand-new pinnacle of the Lotus range, first impressions isn't going to be a nice one but as I long I got addicted to the V6 Exige, we're going to have a long-distance relationship between me and the Norfolk-built car with a V6 Toyota engine on it but that will be wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey for that. Anyway, thanks to such big V6 engine on it, I was expecting that the weight is now doubled and yes...sort of because by the data, it's now 500 pounds more than the previous Exige but despite its added weight, it can get me through 60 in four seconds and it can do 170mph on a straight line...just. In terms of handling, thanks to being a lightweight Lotus despite a bulky engine on it, it's just so great to handle. It's not hard to master and it doesn't matter if you're not concentrating. It is as emotional as a gloomy schoolgirl but it is as serious as a professional racer who want to brag everything at the luncheon and if by luncheon, mmmm....luncheon meat...

This has some screen presence on it!

What I also like about the new Exige S V6 is its presence, it's "screen presence" if you know what I mean because in my thoughts, the closing credits from a classic video game titled Rage Racer are gonna look good if I was going to parodize it with my might. Maybe a little AMV or a MAD would do but still, it looks fantastically gorgeous, it kinda reminiscent of the fictitious Fatalita from either Rage Racer or the PSV version of Ridge Racer. Is it just me or am I saying it too far?

A very aggressive corner muncher

But still, I love this car. Even though this car's just unfit for my height, I still love this car, all that zany personality, the lightweight body, the bulky engine, the race-focused cockpit, everything, especially its presence at Forza Horizon. This is going to be my favorite car in Horizon for the month of January.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Let's Do The News! - New Year's Day! (January 1, 2013)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013


JC: It's now time to do the news and it's impossible because this is the week you're not expecting to be...

RH: Yeah, right. Feels like we're in the Twilight Zone...

(audience laughing)

JC: It's because we have the studio booked for today and we have to use it even though the year is now 2013.

RH: It's the past.

(Audience laughing)

JC: Imagine that in the last weeks of December 2012, and then you may have stomped a pesky little cockroach, you're creating a fixed time. As we all know, time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint - it’s more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly… time-y wimey… stuff.

(audience laughing)

RH: Timey-wimey. That's what that is...

JM: Anyway, instead of doing the news right now, we might to look up on what to expect on the year 2013 because this is going to be a really great year. As former DW lead actor David Tennant once said "I bet you're gonna have a really great year"...

(audience laughnig)

JC: Back off with that DW analogy because here's something I'm expecting on 2013...The All New Range Rover. Britain's legendary SUV must have taken some South Beach Diet and such weight loss made it great.

RH: Mine? What to expect on 2013 is....C7 Corvette.

C7 Corvertte Test Prototype
It's going to be a technically advanced Corvette ever using a newly developed LT1 engine that sounds great. I think it's going to be unveiled this One13Thirteen.

(audience laughing)

JC: Excuse me....One13Thirteen? What do you mean by that little man?

RH: Uh...I think it's some kind of a Twitter topic which translates to January 13, 2013. Or better yet, at this year's Detroit Auto Show...

JC: I see....because for second thought, I thought it was this....

A teaser for a new Alfa Romeo car

...says here um...THE ALFA ROMEO PROPHECY OF 2013 WON'T DISAPPOINT. I wonder what could that be? Do you think it's the Alfa 4C?

RH: Spoilers...

JM: Spoilers....

(audience laughing)

JC: Okay, spoilers that is. Let's pretend that it's a new wheel for Alfa Romeo models...

(audience laughing)

JC: Okay....what's next? What to expect more on 2013?

JM: The next generation Nissan Skyline...I guess...

JC: Say what?

JM: No kidding. The next generation Nissan Skyline...to be previewed via Infiniti's upcoming G37 Sedan replacement, the Q50.

Infiniti Q50 teaser

...as you may recall that beginning for the 2014 model year, all sedans and coupes will be branded Q while SUVs and crossovers are labeled as QX. It's a bit questionable for Infiniti's new naming scheme if you know what I mean, right?

JC: Yeah. Anyway, while mourning to the death of the Lexus LFA last year, there's a question that once sparked the horizon...is there life after Lexus LFA? That's an impossible question that nobody will answer. Hidden in plain sight....

(Audience laughing)

RH: Oh geez....DW playing around us eh?

JC: Anyway, while this question remains impossible for Lexus, 2013 sees the arrival of the new generation Lexus IS. NEW GENERATION.

JM: IS....Is it Infinite Stratos?

(Audience laughing)

JC: Sort of, Mr. dude who wears a stripey top all day. Ms. Houki Shinonono, your new IS is coming...

(audience laughing)

RH: How about Cecilia? Rin? Charlotte? Laura?

(audience laughing)

JC: Later for that. Anyway, while diddling about next generation IS, what to expect also on 2013?

RH: The small compact from Opel/Vauxhall. What's that name again?

JC: Adam.

RH: Adam? Eww!!! How come a manly name ever been placed on a compact car? Don't they think they should call it Eve?

(audience laughing)

JM: One of the thing's I'm also expecting on 2013 are the movies. There was MAN OF STEEL, a new movie starring a father-son tandem of Will and Jaden Smith, Iron Man 3, a new G.I. Joe movie, Catching Fire, the second chapter of The Hobbit movie....

RH: There's also a sequel to the THOR movie which also comes with Christopher Eccleston as the baddie....

JM: Despicable Me 2, a new movie from Disney Pixar, there's too many to list! Anyway, on TV sets...

JC: Oh wait! Hold it! It's almost time to say goodbye to the USA version of The Office. Kinda sad that my favorite on this series was Nellie Bertram. Awww....

RH: I see because that Nellie Bertram person was played by the same actress who did Donna Noble, Lauren Cooper, Nan, and others. Who was she again?

JC: Catherine Tate.

RH: Catherine Tate, that is! Guess when The Office is gone for good, it's the last for C Tate, right?

(awwww)

RH: It's so ashamed that 2013 will be the last for Ms. Catherine Tate....Awwww

JC: Okay cut it out little bro. Anyway, as we all know, Karen Gillain finished her stint as a Doctor Who partner Amy Pond but that doesn't mean that Karen Gillan's career is done because she's very busy in upcoming movies such as Not Another Happy Ending and also she's going to be part at some horror movie titled Occulus.

RH: So, you're going to see her in one of those, eh?

JC: Exactly. As for you Capt. OCD. Your souffle girl's waiting for you in the Spring...

(Audience laughing)

JC: Yep. Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 coming soon this 2013 which features souffle girl!

(audience laughing)

JM: Don't be a moron Jezza. I know, that I'm through with souffle girl you know. Clara Oswald's the woman I'm expecting on the second half of Season 7.

JC: So...Clara Oswald...is she still souffle girl?

(audience laughing)

RH: Hey buddy! During her tenure as The Doctor's new companion, would you like to share some souffle recipes that will make you happy?

(audience laughing)

JM: Better knock it off with your souffle jokes you big daft c**k.

(audience laughing)

JC: Okay, okay. If that's what you want. Fine. But there's so many stuff to expect in 2013. So many, our list of list's getting too much to list. Let's see...there was Metal Gear Rising Revengeance coming exclusively on the PS3, To Aru Majutsu no Index movie, Nyaruko-san game for the PSVita (another first), second season of Oreimo, Haganai NEXT, second season of Kagaku no Railgun, a spin-off anime from Zettai Karen Children titled The Unlimited - Kyosuke Hyobu, Senran Kagura (a new anime based on the hit 3DS game), Steins Gate movie, another Tiger and Bunny movie,....

--SEVERAL HOURS LATER--

JC: GRID 2, Project CARS, Silent Hill Book of Memories, Crysis 3, Dead Space 3, God of War Ascension, Soul Sacrifice, another Accel World video game, Fate Extra CCC, Sword Art Online PSP game, Grand Theft Auto V....

-SEVERAL HOURS LATER--

JC: (snoozing)

(audience laughing)

RH: So...guess we're bored, eh? With so much lists of what to expect for 2013, you're trying to mention it all in one day right until you end up sleeping. That's just typical...

JM: And on that bombshell, that's the news. (yawn)...

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Couple of months ago, Mitsubishi launched a full model change on the Outlander which features the most obvious styling a Mitsubishi fan couldn't think of. It's available in 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines and that's it. Period. However, Mitsubishi plans something big for this new model and it promises to be more of an eco car that you can go further through the extra mile. There is now an Outlander that promises to get you through places further...

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Here it is, the world's first 4WD plug-in hybrid vehicle made from Mitsubishi Motors. It's called the Outlander PHEV. Although it looks nearly the same as the latest model, this new model took the lessons that came from the Chevy Volt, which means that as a PHV crossover, you can either refuel it with petrol or charge the batteries in one plug. Thanks to being a full fledged PHEV crossover, the all new Outlander PHEV sure comes in handy if you want to bring your family on a winter vacation on Hokkaido because with an electric range of 67 kilometers per charge and fuel economy of 18.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards, this is a perfect cruiser that can get you through the next prefecture up to another. Might be come in handy for your next adventure to Japan's most beautiful landscapes.

All that power output comes from the dual 60kW electric motors coupled to a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and the 2.0L 4B11 engine that generates 118PS of power and 186Nm of torque. As for the batteries, Mitsubishi's going the right way around because they've placed Lithium ion batteries, the kind of batteries that powers your trusty laptop PC or your new cellphone. These batteries are much lighter than conventional nickel metal hydride batteries that most hybrids have, increased amount of power that can be transferred on the low current, and its self discharge rate is about 5-10% per month. As for the recharging rate, it takes 3 to 4 hours to fully charge the batteries via a 220-volt outlet but if you overdo it, the batteries will about to suffer and the EV range will drop so you better need some careful planning when will you charge the batteries. Well, if you're getting nervous about the batteries, kindly switch on the petrol engine and you'll have as much thinking time to think about the battery charging.

Here in Japan, the PHEV version of the Outlander arrives on late January 2013 and priced at 3,324,000 yen. After much praise, it should be ready for the world market sooner than you can say "you will be upgraded".

Available colors: White Pearl, Titanium Gray Metallic, Black Mica, and Technical Silver Metallic.

PRICE LIST:

2.0 12kWh E - 3,324,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G - 3,569,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G セーフティパッケージ - 3,664,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G ナビパッケージ - 3,978,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G プレミアムパッケージ - 4,297,000 Yen