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!