Let's Do The News! (February 13, 2013)

JM: Okay, let's do the news and hey, has anyone been busy last Sunday?

(audience murmuring)

JM: Anyway, because back in Sunday, there was THE IDOLM@STER Music Festiv@l of Winter going around and on that concert, they've announced that there's going to be an iM@S movie in the works.

(huh?)

JC: Wait a minute? The IDOLM@STER franchise gets its own movie?

RH: Seriously?

JM: Yes. Maybe you guys didn't went to the concert and instead went through the Wonder Festival for some figure previews.

(audience laughing)

JM: Anyway, no further information about that but anyway, it's good to hear that there's going to be an IM@S movie featuring an all new story for the 765Pro idols from Aniplex's A1 pictures staff.



JC: Yeah. Looking forward for it.

JM: Indeed and since you guys are in the Wonder Festival, anything else you want to talk about it?

JC: Okay, while on the Wonder Festival, we saw upcoming figures from To Aru Kagaku no Railgun, Haganai, Vividred Operation, Little Busters, D.C. III, Date A Live, P3, Bakemonogatari, Infinite Stratos, Psycho-Pass, Fire Emblem, Cobra, Nanoha...oh there's also a Bruce Lee figma coming soon as well as the zombie from Dawn of the Dead.

RH: My thoughts exactly! Wait, what? Dawn of the Dead? Bruce Lee?

JC: Yeah. Kinda weird to have a Bruce Lee figma or a figma of a zombie from Dawn of the Dead but who cares about it?

(audience laughing)

JM: I don't know but aren't you forgetting something?

JC: What?

JM: You'd never know that GSC green-lits Idolm@ster figmas!

(audience laughing)

JC: Huh?

JM: You'd never see the announcement at the Good Smile Company booth, eh? Well, you get the idea but you missed it. Good Smile Company has yet to announce which of the 765Pro idol gets the figma treatment but it should be very very soon.

JC: Anyway, the Australian carmaker, Holden, revealed their new generation Commodore model, that is soon to be on the USA as the Chevrolet SS and pretty soon, this could be the next Vauxhall VXR8 or something. Here it is...

2014 Holden VF Commodore

... I think this is the best looking but it seems to be more of a businessman estate rather than being a four-door muscle.

RH: Yeah, right, and if there was an HSV version, coming soon, this would look perfect and above all else, could be our next VXR8. Speaking of which, it kinda looks like a new Chevy Impala, even more macho macho man that hums to the song of Macho Man.

JC: More like a macho man in a businessman's attire who lifts weights and his briefcase loaded with paperwork, pens, and something geeky....

(audience laughing)

RH: Anyway, there's a new Alfa Romeo sportscar coming up and it's called the 4C, and take note, it's the final-production model coming soon in Geneva next month...

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

...I think this is the most stunning-looking Alfa Romeo sportscar ever made and the engine that powers it was the 1750TB engine found on the Giulietta. Dual clutch transmission was equipped on the 4C as well.

JC: This is much more sexier than some idiot wearing a speedo. Guess this isn't so bad after but if I see one wearing a speedo, I would probably attack him right now...

(audience laughing)

JC: Anyway, there's a new AMG model coming up and this is the first ever AMG hatchback based on the new A-Class. It's called the A45 AMG, here it is, look...

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

...this is somewhat the hotter version of the A-Class, comes with the new AMG-developed 2.0L turbo engine that develops 360HP of power, mated with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, and comes with 4MATIC as applied on the E63 AMG S-Model and CLS63 AMG S-Model. This means, this is AMG's pocket rocket that can take you places.

JM: Hmmm....Kinda skeptical for an AMG hot hatch and I think this looks better than the BMW M135i hatchback. And more power as well.

RH: Hey...You're often missing the point despite the new model has more power than the M135i.

JC: What?

RH: A45's AWD while M135i is rear-wheel drive, so I think this M135i is more tail-happy than this utter rubbish A45 hot hatch.

JC: You wanna bet?

RH: You're on. Once the A45's there, let's have a challenge!

(audience laughing)

JC: Anyway, did anyone heard about the North Korean nuclear test?

(audience murmuring)

JC: Anyone? Okay. Seems that North Korea is getting meaner and meaner all the time and seems that this latest nuke test occurred is the most powerful since the previous two tests. So powerful, seems that the United Nations are taking actions against it.

JM: I see, do you think it's because the whole world thinks the North Korea or should they say the "naughty" Korea is acting revenge against its countries because they called it rubbish or more commie than China or Russia?

(audience laughing)

JC: No. Seems that NoKor's getting meaner and meaner every year and oh! Darn it! Someone must have turned right. If someone could have turned left, maybe this test couldn't occurred and it did happened. Someone turned right and...

RH: Oh jeez....Would you cut it out with those wibbly wobbly nonsense?

(audience laughing)

JC: Sorry about that and hey! Seems that the whole Jimmy Savile sex offense case still lingers on. Last month, the BBC issued an apology when Cbeebies aired an encore presentation of the Tweenies, where one character, Max, dressed as that Jimmy Paedo Savile jerk and caused outrage among parents. Now, I just heard that the BBC and the Jimmy Savile Estate were sued by those who are victims of the said sex offender, who is Jimmy Savile.

RH: Uh-oh....When they said BBC, we do mean us, but not just us but others from the BBC...

(Audience laughing)

JM: Do you think there's a disgrunted viewer thinking that the BBC "killed everything they've loved?"

(audience laughing)

JC: BBC? Killing everything you've loved? What's that?

JM: Well, recently, BBC Two decided to cancel a newsroom drama titled The Hour.

The Hour

JC: The Hour? Isn't the one with Dominic West and Ben Whishaw on it? The drama that was more of a British take on Mad Men? Uh-oh...

(uh-oh)

JC: Maybe the disgrunted BBC fan was right! "Killing everything they've loved" Last year, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, who were Amy and Rory, left Doctor Who and to be replaced by Jenna Louise Coleman, who is the souffle girl Clara Oswald, then Merlin, the one with Colin Morgan on it, concluded after a five-season run, then Miranda, which stars comedian Miranda Hart and the handsome Tom Ellis, now this?! The Hour?! No way....That is bad...

(audience laughing)

RH: Yeah, that is well bad! Take the shame, man...

JC: You know what I'm gonna do?

RH: What?



(audience laughing)

RH: Oh geez....This idiot's gonna hide himself at the sand and wait for a few weeks until his laugh box is broken...Very clever....Guess this is a bombshell that we can end this segment...

(audience laughing)

JM: Yeah, pretty soon when he got out...

I broke my laugh box.

Gone Camping...

The US version of Top Gear sees the boys gone camping in their motorhomes based on their cheap cars. Tanner opted for a Porsche with a rocket-shaped shelter at the top, Adam opted for a Buick that was turned from a muscle car into a motorhome muscle, and Rut goes for the 5-door Honda Civic hatchback.

They've crossed North Carolina to show which of these three custom RVs is the best. Tanner dominated two challenges involve speed, Adam's Buick RV is weatherproof, and Rutledge attracted most visitors with his RV.

The final challenge pits three against three motorhomes driven by NASCAR racers. In the end, Rut wins. Tanner's almost had it!

Buick Encore

The Buick Enclave has been the only crossover utility vehicle offered by Buick as of now but despite having around for a few years, it's still one of the most hospitable crossovers made by Buick. I wonder what if someone wants a Buick crossover but can't afford the Enclave? Well, it looks like Buick came up with a cheaper model that slots behind the Enclave and positioned to be a desperate rival to the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q5, and the Acura RDX. It's called the Encore and with the starting price of just 24,200 US Dollars, it seems that this is much cheaper than those luxury import crossovers from Europe and Japan. Apart from its pricing, the Encore does score with some European flair because the design is purely European and hey...did I just talk about that a few months ago?

2013 Buick Encore

Now if I can remember correctly, the Buick Encore was sold in the European market as the Opel Mokka. That's right, it's just another of the Opels turned Buick since the Opel Insignia, which became the Buick Regal in the North America and Chinese market but there's some issues here and because of my stress, I'll shorten the situation okay? Here... Encore first launched, Mokka later. Then, Mokka went sale now, Encore later. In translation, the Encore was premiered at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit while the Opel Mokka showed up at last year's Geneva Auto Show. However, the Opel Mokka went on sale on the European market, just few months before this moment where the Encore is available for the North American and Chinese market. Hey, since it's the year 2013, it's the Encore's time to shine like some kind of pirate living at Encino, California, if you know what I mean?

I once checked it out in last year's Seattle Auto Show and it seems because someone's so generous, they even let us getting inside the Encore's interior to see how lovely is the interior of the Encore's. Need to remind you that the Encore I saw on last year's show was just a pre-production mule, not the finished product because it's not yet available until early 2013. But now it's early 2013 so the Encore is now available for the general public. However, before you jump into conclusions, here are a couple of drawbacks...

First of all, the Encore's cargo volume is too small for a small SUVs of this magnitude. With the cargo volume of just 18.8 cubic feet, the Encore is not quite a fitting compared to others. Also, the 1.4 ECOTEC engine with Variable Valve Timing has a power to weight ratio of 23lb/hp, making it too much for a small SUV of this attitude. Lastly, the front legroom of the Encore is 40.8 inches, meaning that sometimes, there's not enough room to stretch my legs at the front.

Despite the downturn, there are some ups for the Buick Encore. Despite having a not-so-good power-to-weight ratio, the Encore has a best-in-class fuel economy of 33MPG highway and this is covered by a basic 48months/50,000 mile warranty. Not bad for the Encore though...

2013 Buick Encore interior

The things that made the Encore right such as its striking European design, best in class fuel economy and the comprehensive warranty were balanced out by the things that made the Encore wrong such as bad power-to-weight ratio, bad legroom at the front, tiny cargo boot, and the fact that it was made in Bupyeong, which I think its in South Korea. The Encore may or may not be a good Buick crossover but I will say this. I want to have one more than I can handle my breath away and thanks to its status of being a world-class crossover, the Encore sure knows how to sort out against its rivals.

Available Colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Deep Espresso Bronze Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, Brilliant Blue Metallic, Cocoa Silver Metallic, White Pearl Tricoat. Satin Steel Gray Metallic, and Carbon Black Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

Forza 4: 2010 Jaguar XFR

JAAAAAG XFR

The XF is the replacement of the Jaguar S-Type and the most powerful version of the range is the XFR, which was premiered at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

It comes with the new 5.0L supercharged V8 engine developed by Jaguar themselves so it develops 503HP of power and 460.7ft-lb of torque. 0-60mph takes about 4.9 seconds and that makes it on par against other middle-class sedans.

The XFR comes with the "Dynamic Mode" that when it's set at the push of the button, the acceleration response becomes sharper, the exhaust note's more accented, and stability controls are cut off, allowing it for more "dynamic" driving feel.

Jeremy Clarkson reviewed this on Top Gear Season 13 and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:26.7 round the Top Gear Test Track, slower than its BMW E60 M5 rival it compares.

Goin Bulilit 8th Anniversary!

The February 10, 2013 episode of Goin Bulilit was a special one because not only our present Goin Bulilit kids meet up with the alums such as Kathryn Bernardo, Igi Boy, Miles, Julia Montes, Ella Cruz, Kiray, Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, and the other former Bulilits.

It starts with Kathryn doing the Myx Myx Myx segment, a GB classic, with the musical numbers from former and present Bulilits. Later, there was some birthday gags in store for them. Then, the corniest jokes on I'M CORNY.

While we kinda miss a GB classic called SIGAW FAMILY, GB showcased it for the first time in a sketch called SIGAW FAMILY The Next Generation. Just as I thought that yelling is more fun in GB.

On this week's Cute & A, Mrs. Cynthia Villar speaks out, answering questions straight from the Bulilits themselves.

And it all ends with Ready Get Set Goin in Who's The Buhos?

Happy 8th Anniversary, GB!

Top Gear S19E03

Toyota 86 and Jeremy Clarkson

So, Top Gear Series 19 Episode 3 aired on BBC Two and this was an epic race between the 2013 Shelby GT500 against public transport heading from Wembley to the San Siro Stadium at Milan, Italy. Jeremy Clarkson's in the 2013 GT500 while Richard and James are taking public transport.

In the end though, this was a shocking moment because...well, we're not gonna say this but...Jeremy lost the race. Yep, Jeremy and the GT500 lost the race...beaten by public transport. It's a first ever reversal on Top Gear history. It seems that public transportation got the best of him. LOSER!

Anyway, despite the loss, we're very delighted to see a Scottish songbird, Amy MacDonald, guested as STAR IN A REASONABLY PRICED CAR. She's one of the quickest female celebs on the track, recording a lap time of 1:44.4 round the Top Gear Test Track.

To top it all up, Jeremy Clarkson tries out the TOYOTA 86 round the track. It's more fun to see him reading a book while drifting the 86! When handed to The Stig, the TOYOTA 86 set a lap time of 1:31.3 round the Top Gear Track.

Six Nations 2013: England bags another win against Ireland

Okay, round 2 of the Six Nations 2013 rugby match has come to an end with England bagging another win against Ireland at the score of 12 to 6. Let me clarify this, that's 12 points for England and 6 points for Ireland, meaning England gets another win. Seems that England's Owen Farrell really nails it all to propel England Rugby on the lead. With Round 2 of the Six Nations 2013 ended, England Rugby team is in the lead by 4 points while Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Italy all have two points while France...dead last with no wins.

PRESS RELEASE:


England keep Grand Slam dream alive with win in Dublin

England withstood a second-half Irish onslaught to claim their first victory in Dublin in the RBS 6 Nations for a decade, eventually running out 12-6 winners in the tightest of contests.

Owen Farrell kicked four penalties to Ronan O'Gara's two as England edged the battle of the two remaining Grand Slam contenders in freezing conditions.
Leading 6-0 at the interval, England wavered in the first 20 minutes of the second period and when James Haskell was sent to the sin bin at 6-6 the smart money was on Ireland to complete an impressive comeback.

But the visitors gathered themselves and played the rest of the game in the Ireland half to ensure they returned home with their RBS 6 Nations dream alive.

England started on the front foot, going through the phases and winning a third-minute penalty when Ireland failed to roll away from the tackle. Farrell made no mistake from distance, bisecting the posts from 40 metres to put England 3-0 up.

Ireland struggled to get into the game in the early stages with their handling frequently letting them down in the wet conditions, Jamie Heaslip fumbling a high ball from the restart to ease the pressure on the visitors.

And the hosts suffered a huge blow on ten minutes when in-form winger Simon Zebo pulled up injured, to be replaced by Keith Earls.

Ireland began to dominate possession, probing along the edge of the England 22 only for their attacks to break down as first Gordon D'Arcy and then Donnacha Ryan spilled the ball in contact.

Farrell eased the pressure on England when Heaslip was penalised for coming in from the side giving the fly-half the chance to knock over another long, straight penalty.

With a six-point cushion England began to play more rugby in Ireland's half, and they were helped when Heaslip knocked on his second simple high ball of the afternoon.

Ireland's cause wasn't helped when they suffered another injury blow, fly-half Jonathan Sexton appearing to pull his hamstring as he hacked the ball on after 30 minutes, with O'Gara replacing him.

Farrell proved he was fallible when he failed with another long distance penalty attempt from the right on the stroke of half-time as England went in 6-0 ahead.

Ireland started the second period with much more intensity at the scrum winning consecutive penalties, the second of which O'Gara kicked home to reduce the deficit to 6-3 on 45 minutes.

That seemed to boost Irish confidence, with Sean O'Brien breaking two tackles as he embarked on a bullocking run out of his own 22.

England coach Stuart Lancaster introduced Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi for Joe Launchbury and Billy Twelvetrees to increase England's intensity in the tackle and at the breakdown, while Dyaln Hartley took over from the misfiring Tom Youngs at hooker.

An uncharacteristic Brian O'Driscoll handling error in the Ireland 22 gave Tuilagi the chance to kick the ball through but he chose to try and pick it up, knocking on in the process and the chance was gone.

Haskell was then sent to the sin bin by referee Jérôme Garces for playing the ball on the ground and from around 35 metres O'Gara drew Ireland level with his second successful penalty - taking his personal tally against England past 100 points.

England did their best to slow down the play with Haskell on the sidelines, with Mako Vunipola replacing Joe Marler as the visitors played for territory and kept the ball tight.

But when the ball was spun wide Farrell sent a punt into the corner that forced Kearney into touch under pressure from Chris Ashton.

From the resulting lineout Ben Youngs chipped delicately behind the Ireland defence and the ball narrowly avoided the onrushing Tuilagi in the end zone.

But referee Garces pulled play back for an earlier offence by Mike McCarthy and Farrell's penalty restored England's lead to 9-6.

Almost straight away it was 12-6 as Lawes chased down Alex Goode's huge Garryowen to tackle Kearney, with Mike Brown winning the penalty as the Leinster man held onto the ball in the tackle. Farrell made no mistake and with 16 minutes left England looked the likely winners.

O'Gara had one final chance with the boot after Hartley was penalised for entering from the side but he pushed it narrowly wide of the right hand post.

There was still time for Farrell to fail with another penalty opportunity after O'Gara spilled a high ball and was pinned by Ashton but but he too missed the right stick.

As the clock ran down England forced a series of re-set scrums deep in the Ireland 22 and despite a late breakout held out to secure a famous victory and stay on course for a first Grand Slam since 2003 - the last time they won in Dublin.

URL: http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/22158.php

Round Three begins with Italy vs. Wales on February 23, 14:30 GMT, England vs. France on the same date at 17:00 GMT, and Scotland vs. Ireland on the 24th of February at 14:00 GMT.