Let's Do The News (May 13, 2012)

Let's Do The News! Anyway because it's Mother's Day, we like to take a peek at one of the Top Gear flashbacks from the past, which involve Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May brought their mothers to test drive the Renault Modus, Peugeot 1007, and the Honfa Fit (Jazz).

The Top Gear Mum Run episode? Wow, good thinking. Good thinking that the Top Gear hosts brought their mommies to do the test drive for them. He he he...

Anyway, care to take a look at this...

This is the MINI that ends all MINIs. The 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP is the most powerful MINI ever made thanks to its Nurburgring lap time of 8 minutes and 23 seconds. This car is limited to 2000 units worldwide but specific output was 100 kW/136 hp per litre of displacement. Still less details for now...

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2013-john_cooper_works_gp/

Oh, a Mini that done better in the Nurburgring? Now that's an elite MINI. I so wanna have one.

Really? Imagine parking this car at the Monte Carlo casino, that would be totally absurd to see a hot hatch parked. This wasn't made to park at the Monte Carlo casino, this Nurburgring-honed rascal is made to hone its skills on the toughest corners. Overall, I think this is going to be the most uncomfortable MINI I have ever driven in my life...

I would rather go for this...

The BMW M135i, part of the new BMW M Performance vehicles but its not just that, this was based on the new 3-door version of the new BMW 1-Series...

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-m135i/

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-1-series_3-door/

That is the most absurd looking 1-Series I have ever saw in my life but the M135i version really did well, making it the only FR hot hatch you can find in Europe. It has a straight six-cylinder engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, delivers a maximum power output of 235 kW/320 hp at 5 800 rpm.

(ooohh)

So is it quick?

Let's see... 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 155mph - the top limit permitted by the vehicle's electronic speed control system.

Yeah, as a poster, it is quick. Anyway, what if I don't want a quick hot hatch and I want something practical for the average European family? Take a look at this...

The brand new 2013 3-Series Touring from BMW. Same as the current-gen 3-Series but with added luggage space at the back. This estate version kinda suits this classification.

Read: http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2013-3-series_touring/

Uh, actually, I'm not into this...I'm actually so not into this...I may not more of a soccer mom (or dad) myself but this actually wasn't for me. That BMW 3-Series Touring wasn't being my perennial favorite but I can't deny that this new model is actually done well like the sedan version.

Anyway, let's talk F1. The Spanish GP held at Circuit de Catalunya was packed with thrills. Guess who won the Spanish GP at Catalunya? Williams-Renault's own Pastor Maldonado!

Scoop: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2012/5/13347.html

HOLY S#%@! This 2012 Formula One race is getting the scrambles. In Australia, Jenson Button won. Then in Malaysia, Fernando Alonso takes the prize. Later in China, Nico Rosberg takes the lead. In Bahrain, they got Sebastian Vettel. Now, in Spain, it's the time for Maldonado to shine! This is spiraling out of control! Who's still in the lead?

A 1st-place tie between Vettel and Alonso with 61 points. Then, Hamilton's left with 53 points. This is getting more of a catch-up to be honest. Finding the winner for this year's F1 season will be difficult. Very very difficult...

Yeah right...Let's move on...

Anyway, THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA is finally over. We've seen the Philippines pushed too hard against Indonesians, Thais, and Vietnamese. Sadly, I'm too short for words but I'll explain who made it. For 3rd place, it's a two-way tie between Indonesia and Thailand. We, the Philippines, made it in 2nd place, which is not bad. And Vietnam hailed as the champion of THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA. Congratulations to all of you and congratulations to the Philippines for achieving 2nd place in THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA.

(applause)

Yes, we never know they made it this far, they pushed too hard, and they give everything they got. We may have beaten the Indonesians and Thais but that's just the beginning. Again, congrats to the Indonesians, Thais, Filipinos, and Vietnamese for winning THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA. You guys really did well. I was wrong. I'd never knew they made it that far.

(applause)

Thank you TV5 for the coverage of THE BIGGEST GAME SHOW IN THE WORLD ASIA! Speaking of which. Joy of joys that Top Gear (UK) won the Honorary Rose Award at the Rose D’Or Festival, held in Lucerne. They really are ambitious, factual, and successful! But rubbish...

Scoop: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2012/05/11/international-acclaim-for-top-gear/

Rubbish? Don't say that. You should be thankful that Top Gear has won the award!

(applause) (laughing)

Yeah. This is an achievement. An achievement where Top Gear's going anywhere and show the world their trophy for gloating. They really are BAD WINNERS. A modest win for the hit BBC motoring TV show hosted by the dimmest of morons.

Uh...what's that I'm not hearing?

What's that I'm hearing about?

What is it?

What?

Anyone?

Oh! I got reports that there's going to be a live-action movie of the horror novel that inspired an TV anime a few months ago titled "Another".

Take a look...

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-05-12/live-action-film-trailer-of-horror-novel-another-posted

Says here that Kento Yamazaki (Control Tower) plays lead protagonist Koichi Sakakibara alongside Ai Hashimoto (Confessions, Avatar) as Mei Misaki, the mysterious girl whose eye-patch hides a secret.

Another...that anime aired in Japan since January 2012...I really didn't like it. I really didn't like the storyline but anyway, that is terrifying.

Terrifying than what?

Ugh...uh...um...ah...never mind. 

(laughing)

Anyway, something's bothering us that I saw Prince Charles doing a weather report for BBC Scotland.

(laughing)

No, it's true! Prince Charles does the weather forecast in BBC Scotland! We have some footage of it...

YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW COULD THAT HAPPENED? A member of a royal family downgraded to a weather reporter?

(laughing)

Well actually, Prince Charles made a special appearance when he visited BBC Scotland's HQ in Pacific Quay, Glasgow. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay met the staff during the tour to celebrate BBC Scotland's 60th year.

BBC Scotland...hmmm...Wasn't that the BBC Alba?

No. It's different. BBC Alba is all Gaelic. BBC Scotland is different because they speak English. BBC Alba is sometimes speaking English but mostly speaking Gaelic.

Um, Ms. Karen Gillan, if you've watched that, don't explain how the heck Prince Charles does the weather report in BBC Scotland.

(laughing)

Wait. Do they have a BBC channel in Scotland that airs Top Gear and Doctor Who?

(awwww)

Kindly better not asking this question...Anyway...

My Top Secret D1-Spec Nissan Silvia S15 has arrived in my Forza 4 inbox as a prize for kicking T10 SIDEFX where it hurts, his high score at the Rising Storm II Rivals Event. I also got a Mugen Civic Type R '04 on the May 10, 2012 article of the official Forza Motorsport website's Heavy Metal Affliction for describing a certain Porsche owned by the father of a certain Forza faithful. Anyway, I asked the Stig to do a lap on the Top Secret S15 and we have to play the tape to see...

Well, it did it in 1:22.039, personal best, meaning that was as quicker than my personal best set on the MINE'S R32. So, do you have plans to push your Ford RS1800 round the test track? This is the car you should be thankful for getting the Top Secret S15. Uh...I'll think about it...That's the news!

Size and width does matters!

Pinto in the Top Gear Studio

Hello and welcome to the classic Ford Pinto. This car was featured on Car Town as a starter car, we drove it on Forza Motorsport 4 a couple of months ago, and Adam Ferrera drove one at the Top Gear USA's Dangerous Cars episode. The Ford Pinto is definitely not more of a classic but it is very rare to see a Ford Pinto driving around the streets of Seattle. Despite the fact that it produced over two million Pintos are sold, it's too rare to see one, making it a rare classic car you would find in Seattle.

The Pinto emblem

Burning rubber in my Pinto

The Ford Pinto was introduced to the market since September 1970 and it has a powertrain proven in Europe from the European Ford Escort. This is the Runabout model and some say, it competes with cars such as the AMC Gremlin and Chevrolet Vega as well as Volkswagen, Datsun, and Toyota. By January 1971, the Pinto sold over a hundred thousand units and on its last model year, Ford built almost 70,000 Pintos. During its 10-year tenure, over two million Pintos are sold.

Sadly, some media criticized the Ford Pinto not only as the worst car in America but also one of the most dangerous cars to drive, partly because of the fuel tank mounted and the back and rear-ending the Pinto's fuel tank will result in fires from spilled fuel. This resulted the conspiracy of THE PINTO MEMO, coined from a 1977 Mother Jones article where a cost-benefit analysis that it said Ford had used to compare the cost of an $11 repair against the monetary value of a human life. Ford was aware of the design flaw and they don't want to pay for a redesign but rather preparing for lawsuits from casualties.

Leave no asphalt burnt

No wonder the media called the Pinto not only it's one of the worst cars according to TIME Magazine but this is one of the most dangerous cars to drive because the gas tank is bolted to the back and crashing through it may cause flames. That's why there are only a few Pintos lurking around the Fast Food Nation. Something bugs me...this Ford Pinto somewhat do have an identical twin. Something more of a substitute for the Ford Pinto....

Hey! You're that last place from the Top Gear Olympics!

This might be a contender. It's called the AMC Pacer.

The AMC Pacer was been produced in 1975 in the wake of the energy crisis. The Pacer was supposed to be clean and frugal but it turned out to be dirty and very thirsty. In "old" Top Gear, Vicki Butler-Henderson reviewed the AMC Pacer. Several years later, the AMC Pacer took part in Top Gear's Carlympics Challenge episode. Sadly, the power-to-weight ratio of the Pacer didn't make this American compact jump high, 6.2 meters to be exact, sending this to the last place. The AMC Pacer made a movie appearance in Wayne's World. It inspired Cars 2 character, Acer, one of the baddies.

This is the X model of the AMC Pacer. It was available from 1975-1978 on the coupe version of the car until it renamed this variant as Sport in 1978 and later discontinued. It has vinyl bucket seats, sports steering wheel, custom trim, as well as a floor mounted gear shift and front sway bar.

The catchcopy for the AMC Pacer was "The first wide small car". Despite the AMC Pacer discontinued in the 80's, it still gained supporters, including stuntman Evel Knievel, country singer Conway Twitty, and Bridgitte Bardot.

This Pacer is all about charisma

Question...is the Pacer and the Pinto identical? Which is better? The Pinto or the Pacer. I pushed both the Pacer and the Pinto on the straight and the Pacer mullered the Pinto. What about Lap Times? Let's bring it to Le Chevalier D'Stig!

By personal best, the Ford Pinto did 1:48.275 while the AMC Pacer did it in 1:47.448, meaning that they're both very close by a second. That's unbelievable.

By general, I prefer the Pacer more than the Pinto because it has presence. Despite the Pacer is dying due to the oil crisis, it gained many supporters such as Evel Knievel, Conway Twitty, and Bridgitte Bardot. It made an appearance on a film WAYNE'S WORLD and it inspired Cars 2 character Acer. I think this Pacer is becoming more of a fan favorite than the utterly dangerous Pinto. I wouldn't blame anyone who drove the Pacer or the Pinto because they're both epic.

ITC280 Update 6

What I learned on Week 6 of the ITC280 class...

1) Here are the minimum credentials necessary to connect to MySQL via PHP
The MySQL Server Name
The MySQL UserName
The MySQL UserName's password
The name of the database

2) We use variables at the top of the page to load our credentials.
$myHostName = "localhost"; //use localhost for same machine, (zephir) or name given to you by hosting company
$myUserName = "horsey01"; //your MySQL (or Zephir) username
$myPassword = "xxxxxxxxx"; //your MySQL password (the one you made up!)
$myDatabase = "horsey01"; //db name, which is the same as our username on Zephir

3) We can store a variable with our SQL data. That way we can change it quickly.
$sql = "select * from test_Customers";

4) Here are the six steps to connect to a DB from the web:
Connect to MySQL, authenticate the MySQL users


Connect to the Database, verify authorization to this resource


Select data to be retrieved via SQL statement


Retrieve data set (result)


Loop through the data, and insert it into our page


Disconnect from MySQL, and release resources


5) We can use MySQL_num_rows to see if there is data
//loop through the data
if (mysql_num_rows($result) > 0)//at least one record!
{//show results
while ($row = mysql_fetch_assoc($result))
{
print "
";
print "FirstName: " . $row['FirstName'] . "
";
print "LastName: " . $row['LastName'] . "
";
print "Email: " . $row['Email'] . "
";
print "
";
}
}else{//no records
print '

What! No customers? There must be a mistake!!

';
}

6) We can create a custom error handler:
or die(myerror(__FILE__,__LINE__,mysql_error()));

SCORES:

*Pop Quiz #8 - 7/10 (67%)
*Test #5 - 73/100 (73%)

NOTES:
We did two assignments in one week! Assignment 6 involves more on adminer while Assignment 7 is involved more on db_test.php. We already done Assignment 6 but as for Assignment 7...

Clearly, some Blue Sky Thinking involved for me because since Wednesday, we did Assignment 7, which involves on db_test.php that has to be worked on two working sites. I have the SQL and I have one onto my Zephir but as for the alternative host...Well, I kinda need some blue sky thinking right now but I have to act fast because I have until Monday to finish Assignment 7.

That is all...

American automotive legend Carroll Shelby died...

Another sad moment in the automotive industry because American automotive legend, Carroll Shelby, passed away at the age of 89 due to pneumonia. 

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/carroll-shelby-passes-away-at-age-89/

An article from the April 2012 issue of Top Gear Magazine explained a story about the tuning legend's triumph that amazed automotive enthusiasts worldwide...

"Moving slowly and deliberately, automotive legend Carroll Shelby, wearing his trademark black Stetson hat, raises his right hand towards the spotlights high up in the rafters and acknowledges the crowd’s applause. It’s amazing he’s here at the 2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang reveal, as he’s been laid up in a hospital bed, fighting his long-running health problems, until about an hour ago. But then, Shelby, even at 89, is amazing.

He’s been fighting the competition and the odds for the past 50 years, so yanking out his life support system to be present at a car launch isn’t unusual for him. It’s just business as usual  for the guy who has put his name, reputation and life on the line for cars all his adult life."

Carroll Shelby was once a pro racer in the 1950's until he established his own racing team to take on Ferrari using the legendary Shelby Cobra. Today, the Shelby name became synonymous thanks for having his name used in the most powerful version of the Ford Mustang, the GT500, which in 2013 Model Year, has the most powerful V8 engine in the world.

R.I.P. CARROLL SHELBY 1923-2012

"Packed sa Sarap!"

On the May 11, 2012 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Explorer gags

- Mr. Assimo at the Gas Station

Mr. Assimo

- This is going to be the ugliest of the Santa Cruzan...ever...

- Tita Herminigilda reads (and re-enacts) a letter from someone who's on an argument against her father that led to a worse case scenario.

Tita Herminigilda

- Imaginin mo ang pinakapaboritio mong bagay, tapos i-times 1 billion mo. Ganon ka-sarap to. Bubble Gang does Voice Combo Sandwich by spoofing this commercial as Poise Combo Sandwich! PACKED SA SARAP!

Bubble Gang does Voice Combo Sandwich

- Alien? Alien! Brod Pete and pals are back to answer your questions on ANG BAGONG DATING DOON!

Ang Bagong Dating Doon

Jackie Rice asks "Meron po bang nasusulat tungkol sa magulo at malungkot na pamilya?" Ang Dating Doon asks why; ANG NANAY NIYA'Y NAGLALABA, ANG TATAY NIYA'Y PAGOD. ANG NANAY NIYA'Y NAGLALABA, ANG TATAY NIYA'Y PAGOD. NAIPIT NG MAKINA SA PABRIKA.

Pekto asks "Meron po bang nasusulat tungkol sa taong matakaw sa tulog?" Ang Dating Doon explains; HINDI KO NANG MASILAYAN ANG SIKAT NG ARAW. HINDI KO PA NAMAMASDAN PA ANG GANDA NG BUWAN.

A PM from someone who lives in Benguet asks Brod Pete if there's anything that has wrong meaning. For this moment, we have Litsong Kawali. Nope, that's wrong. You can't eat kawali. Why did they called it Litsong Kawali? It supposed to be Pritong Baboy!

A PM from someone asked where did the names of the musical instruments come from? It's from the sound themselves that gave them the name of those musical instruments. Take this drum for example, this is one of the first musical instruments where in prehistoric times, they used the bones of the chicken drumstick and they do this...DDDRRRRRRUUUUMMMM!!!

Ano sa tagalog ang foot spa? Is-paa!!!

- The senate hearing is getting a bit...MASUNGIT...even if someone's too illiterate...

- IyoTube in Harana

- A new kind of drama involved on psychics!

Let's Do The News! (May 11, 2012)

Okay, we're doing the news now and ever since the launch of the new E160 Toyota Corolla in Japan, is the Belta dead?

Well, frankly yes. That was told by a Japanese-speaking Toyota dealership in the South of Tokyo. He said that with the launch of the new Corolla, they will be stop selling the Belta/Yaris Sedan. Yep, but that hasn't been verified because the Toyota Belta is still listed on the Japanese Toyota website. If the Belta was removed from their lineup, we'll confirm that the Belta is dead. The Belta cease to exsits.

Anyway, while waiting for the verdict, Toyota said that they'll be offering Aero parts for the brand new 2013 Toyota Corolla Axio and Fielder. We have some pictures here...

(wow)

Ooh, bodykits for the Axio and Fielder looked nice. I like the TRD Sportivo kind of thing anyway though.

Yeah. I gotta say that they really looked good if they are on their different clothing. Those aero kits are an option for the buyer.

Anyway, while we are waiting for the new season of Top Gear next year, Top Gear USA presenter Adam Ferrera confirmed that there will be a new season of Top Gear USA in the works. 

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/top-gear-usa-confirmed-for-third-season/

(wow)

Ah! What a twist. When Jezza's said that there will be no new Top Gear till next year, Adam Ferrera said the complete opposite when it comes to the American version. So, when will they shoot?

Uh, says here that shooting for the next Top Gear USA will start in the weekend so stay tuned for more TG updates.

Right, uh...chaps? About the very last Saab 9-3...Guess what? The Saab fanatics finally got their hands on the last Saab ever built. Yep, they raised enough cash to purchase the final Saab, what is likely to be the last Saab of any sort ever produced.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/saab-fans-save-the-last-9-3/

Oh. Good job Saab fans. You deserve the credit to preserve the final Saab in its existence. It's the fans that deserve the credit more than the Detroit giant.

Anyway, uh I got news that starting May 25 to 27, Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series starts in Sepang Circuit, Malaysia. This starts of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series where we can see Gallardo race cars racing from  Sepang, Fuji, Ordos, Zhuhai, Penbay and Shanghai for the Grand Finale in November. Sadly though, they didn't mentioned Subic because (clears throat)

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2012/05/11/lamborghini-super-trofeo-asia-series-starts-in-sepang/

So, anyway, what to see at the 2012 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series?

We expect teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and mainland China push the Super Trofeo to its limits. This race is sponsored by Blancpain, Swiss watchmaker and the European series’ title sponsor.

So, let's move on to something something because the new F30 BMW 3-Series has arrived in the Philippines.

It's available in two models such as the 2.0-liter 328i with its TwinPower Turbo-equipped engine that puts out 242hp and 350Nm of torque, and the 2.0-liter 320d, which produces 181hp and 380Nm of torque and is billed as "one of the world’s cleanest and most economical diesel engines." This new F30 3-Series is offered in three lines; the Sport Line, the Luxury Line and the Modern Line.

So, how much is the BMW F30?

Prices of the BMW 3 Series (F30) starts at 4,290,000 Pesos for the 328i while the 320d is priced at 3,490,000 Pesos so on paper, the diesel variant is cheaper than the petrol variant. Oh yeah...

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/all-new-sixth-generation-bmw-3-series-is-officially-here

Now, what about this? The new Ferrari FF?

Yep, the Ferrari FF is now in the Philippines courtesy of Autostrada Motore. We know all about its details, its bespoke 4WD, its V12 GDi engine, its four seater, everything. Last year, it sold out since its Geneva debut just like the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. An article of Top Gear Philippines said that someone from GMA's Eat Bulaga was the first one to bought the Ferrari FF. Who could that be? Tito Sotto? Vic Sotto? Joey de Leon? Jose Manalo? Nobody knows who's that person from Eat Bulaga bought the Ferrari FF but anyway. It's good to see the Ferrari FF landed on Philippine soil. I drove this one on Forza Motorsport 4 and I have to say that despite its 4WD, it still acts like a RWD. IT ACTS LIKE A FERRARI!

There is a simple lesson learned from Clarkson's DVD that the Ferrari 458 is fast but if you encounter a puddle of wee, you'll need a 4WD or you could be in big trouble. Yep. You've seen the part on Powered Up where the 458 lost at the final corner covered in pee. Jeremy Clarkson thinks that the FF is ugly.

I have to admit it that the Ferrari FF did featured on one episode of Top Gear against the Bentley Continental GT V8.

What's next for Autostrada Motore? I hope it's the new F12 berlinetta, the new flagship Ferrari that FORZA MOTORSPORT 4 failed to put it on future DLCs! When will Forza 4 get the F12 berlinetta as a DLC? What about the BRZ? The Evoque? The 2012 Yaris SE? When will they get their shot of fame on Forza 4? Where's the Atom? The Ascari? The Caterham? Oliver the Opel Kadett? Veritas?

What? What is it?

That's the problem with DLCs. Previously on Forza 3, they did focused on the latest cars firsts with old cars later. But now in Forza 4, what they did is ruining the balance. It's now common to see old models being featured for the first time in Forza 4. Old cars like for instance the Alfa Romeo Montreal, the Austin Healey, the Alfa Romeo GTV-6, can Forza 4 focus on the latest and the hottest cars rather than featuring old ones? Anyway, forget about what I said and let's talk about the upcoming Porsche DLC pack. So far, they mentioned the #31 Petersen-White Lightning 911 GT3-RSR (996) and the 1970 Porsche 914/6, which are comebacks. Tomorrow, they'll announce another Porsches and will the Panamera be on the list? Oh gosh, I hope so but this is a road ahead till the Porsche DLC Pack's on sale date so stick around because this is going to be a month-long marathon of Porsche announcements on Forza 4. Stay tuned!

Anyway, I just picked up that what's serving on Namco Namja Town are some menu items inspired from animes like Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari. They'll be serving those by May 18 to July 8.

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-05-08/namja-town-bakemonogatari/nisemonogatari-menu-revealed

So, what's serving?

Let's see um...

1. Hitagi's Fluffy Ice Cream 
2. It's Tsubasa Cat's Gelato Nya~! 
3. Mayoi Maimai, Spiral Crepe 
4. "There's Deneb, Altair, Vega..." Hitagi's Blueberry Mousse 
5. Hitagi's Love-Love Gyoza 
6. An Ice Cream Parfait, Ararararagi-san! 
7. Double Jump Hamburger Steak Plate 
8. Nadeko's Strawberry Rare Cheese 
9. Nadeko's Streeetchy Ice Cream 
10. Black Hanekawa's Cat Gyoza 
11. Shinobu's Ice Cream for Donut Lovers 
12. Struggle Against Shinobu! Donut Gyoza 
13. The Fire Sisters' Hot Fried Egg Sandwich 
14. It's Karen Bee's Strawberry Mousse! 
15. Tsukihi the Planner's Delicious Gyoza 
16. The Bravery to Betray Others Gyoza 
17. Koyomi's Round Gyoza 
18. Bakemonogatari Popped Rice Cracker Set 
19. Nadeko Snake 
20. Shinobu and Koyomi's Bathtime 
21. Mayoi's Stuffed Animal Gyoza 
22. Karen and Tsukihi's "Justice" Ice 
23. Gahara-san's Tsuuundere Gyoza 
24. Hitagi's Heavy Crab Gyoza 
25. Hitagi's "Let's Go Eat Crab" Pasta 
26. Nadeko's Casquette Hat 

That's what they're serving, so what's your pick?

Mine, I'm not into these. I haven't been at this...NAMCO NAMJA TOWN yet.

Come on! This is much like Star City, even better. They did collaborations with Gintama, the opening of the Macross Frontier: Sayonara no Tsubasa film, the opening of the Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos film, the opening of The Prince of Tennis: Eikoku-shiki Teikyū-jō Kessen! film, the debut of Squid Girl Season 2, the premiere of the Persona 4 television anime series, The IDOLM@STER anime, the Tiger & Bunny anime, the K-ON! film, and for four different series for their "Spring Girls' Festival 2012" event. You haven't been there, right?

Never...Uh, anyway, THE AVENGERS. Anyone watched this movie, right? It's a team up between Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, among many others from SHIELD. Somethings's a bit cocky after the closing credits. Who is the character at the final scene?

Scoop: http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/avengers-spoiler-revealed-final-scene-224135677.html

Some say that in the final scene after the closing credits, it served as a sign that says "TO BE CONTINUED".

Yep, they're planning what will the next Avengers movie will look like but while this sequel hasn't been told, they confirmed that "Iron Man 3" is slated for release less than a year from now on May 3, 2013.  "Thor 2" will follow on November 15, 2013, and "Captain America 2" is scheduled for April 4, 2014.

I see...

Anyway, about controversial DJ Mo Twister. A few days ago, Mo Twister asked all the listeners to make a trending topic out of the hashtag that says #CharicePempengcoSexTape. That topic enraged famed singer Charice and she tweeted Mo Twister that he should be getting a good lawyer. That tweet was later deleted but later Radio DJs Mo Twister (Mohan Gumatay), Suzy (Tin Gamboa) and Mia Bayuga of Magic 89.9 were suspended  two weeks for putting “an objectionable hashtag about Charice Pempengco on Twitter.”

Scoop: http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/magic-suspends-mo--fellow-djs-for-charice-hashtag.html

So, what's what?

You see, there was a one part on a radio show called GOOD TIMES where DJ Mo Twister tell the listeners to make #charicepempengcosextape a trending topic. That thing was supposed to be a joke and a satire until this gone wrong when Charice noticed it. That made Charice so angry, she said that this is a STUPID CRUEL JOKE.

Okay, I got word from the mouth is that Japan faces 'extinction' in 1,000 years. How's that possible? Japanese researchers on Friday unveiled a population clock that showed the nation's people could theoretically become extinct in 1,000 years because of declining birth rates.

Scoop: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/japan-faces-extinction-1-000-years-074534246.html

Oh come on. Japanese people are doing just fine...

Just fine? Why don't you ask DOCTOR WHO to time travel through Japan in the future and find out?

(laughing)

Uh...uh...uh...

I find it very disappointing that a many modern Japanese men has no interest of sex to women. It seems that modern Japanese men are now becoming feckless bed-wetting Parmesan-shaving imbecile who rebels into his own uselessness. Something has to be done. We need a MAN LAB! Something like James May's Man Lab, even better for the Japanese!

(laughing)

Uh okay. A Man Lab for the Japanese modern men. Sounds perfect! That then, Japanese people won't become "Endangered Species" for the next millennium!

Uh, anyway. About Rufa Mae Quinto. I got reports that after saying good-bye as host of  GMA 7’s “Showbiz Central” a few weeks back, she decided if she wants to give it a try as one of the presenters of Willie Revillame’s variety game show “Wil Time Bigtime.”

(ooohh)

Scoop: http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/rufa-mae-is-willie%E2%80%99s-new-co-host.html

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Rufa Mae's joining the ranks as one of the Wil Time Bigtime presenters?! But...but...Ugh! I lost one of my Bubble Gang faves. I lost Wendell Ramos, who is now on Lokomoko U. I can't afford to lost another...

Let's put this sadness behind us and for something special because reports said that Fil-Mexican contestant on this season's American Idol, Jessica Sanchez, finally made it to the Top 3 spot!

(applause)

Scoop: http://www.pep.ph/news/34060/jessica-sanchez-makes-it-to-top-3-of-american-idol

Wow! I never though that a contestant with Filipina blood make it this far! I never knew she can MAKE IT THIS FAR! I was wrong. She was now one of the best!

And that's the news!

Toyota Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder (E160)

Welcome everyone to the eleventh incarnation of the best selling car in the world for decades, the Toyota Corolla, and what you're looking at here are the JDM-spec eleventh generation Corollas serving as a template of what will the global version will be. From Japan, two body styles are offered such as the Axio, which is the 4-door sedan model, and the Fielder, an estate model targeted for the average Japanese adventurer.

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio

Looks can be deceiving for the Japan-spec E160 Corolla. On the front view, it looks like the current Volkswagen Jetta, which is a bit of a shame for a Japanese automobile giant to copy the front view of a German midsize sedan. The Axio's rear view looks somewhat identical to the Subaru Impreza G4 while the Fielder's rear view looks exactly the same as the previous Fielder. This is going to be one heck of an identity crisis for this new model when it comes to its exterior design. Hmmm...What about the interior?

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder interior

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio interior

Well, the interior of the Japan-spec E160 Toyota Corolla looks new to us. Toyota Motor Corporation said that the new Corolla's interior is made through consideration was given to spaciousness and ease of use, and the high quality can be sensed the minute the door is opened. The new Corolla Fielder is what made them apart because this comes with the reclining rear seat for enhanced relaxation for the rear passenger and as for the luggage space, well if the rear seats are folded down, you would expect a 2,025mm of length and as for the height, well it's 735mm to be exact. Those rear seats at the Fielder can be folder easily with a touch of a button so no manual labor is done to fold the rear seats for luggage purposes. Like most Toyotas, the new Axio and the Fielder do come with nanoe technology sourced from Panasonic; nanoe is an air-cleaning system that fills the cabin with refreshing air characterized by an ultimately balanced ratio of positive and negative ions. This plasma cluster purifies the air inside the car by preventing absorption of mold, fungus, and dust.

2013 Toyota Corolla Axio

2013 Toyota Corolla Fielder

The Axio comes with the 1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i and the new 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine. The Fielder comes with the 1.5L 1NZ-FE VVT-i and the 1.8L 2ZR-FAE Valvematic Engine. Most 1.5L variants (and the new 1.3L model for the Axio) will get a conventional Super CVT-i. Some variants for the Corolla Axio and Fielder do come with a 5-speed manual transmission, a transmission only a taxi driver in Manila would take advantage of. Let's be honest, most Corolla taxis in the Philippines do come with a 5-speed manual. I wonder if this could work. Anyway, how about something else? The new Corolla Fielder's 1.8S AEROTOURER variant comes with a Super CVT-i that comes with a Manual Mode for the modest of shifting feel.

Depending on the variant, the 2013 Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder come with an optional Active Torque Control 4WD system that automatically transfers torque between front and rear wheels for optimum performance in all conditions.

For fuel consumption, well the 1NZ-FE has 20.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle, 19.6km/L for the Corolla Fielder 1.5L, the 1NR-FE available only on the Axio has 20.6km/L, and 16.6km/L for the 2ZR-FAE engine mounted on the Corolla Fielder. Here's the most crucial part. The 1NZ-FE comes with the optional Toyota Smart Stop system that shuts off the engine when stopped, guaranteed to have 21.4km/L of fuel consumption for the Axio and 21.2km/L for the Fielder. To be sure if the Corolla has the Toyota Smart Stop fuel-saving technology, look for the SMART STOP logo at the back just in case. What you're looking at here is an eco-car that is guaranteed for Japan's ECO CAR GENZEI system.

Available colors for the Corolla Axio are Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Mellow Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Blackish Red Mica, and Dark Blue Mica.

Available colors for the Corolla Fielder are Super White II, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Bronze Mica Metallic, Blue Metallic, and Dark Violet Mica Metallic.

My comment:

The eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla (E160) is the world's best selling car made even better and thanks to the 1.5L engine fitted with Toyota's fuel saving Smart Stop technology, this is more of an eco-car. The 1.3L engine fitted for the Corolla Axio is something more than enough...to kill the Toyota Belta off to the lineup. Sad to say that thanks to the eleventh generation Toyota Corolla (in Axio sedan and Fielder estate), we are going to bid farewell to the Toyota Belta/Yaris Sedan. Yep, Toyota will dropping out the Belta/Yaris Sedan on their lineup this year and Toyota Philippines should better stop making the Belta for good because starting now, the Belta is dead. I repeat, the Belta is dead. Long live the new Corolla!

Oh, and before you can Google search the words "is the Toyota Belta discontinued?", use the comments instead of Google searching for these words. That's what a Japanese-speaking Toyota dealer said. No more Belta or Yaris Sedan for now... Yep, the Belta is dead. No more Toyota Belta. Sorry.

Mind you, the new 2013 Corolla Fielder and 2013 Corolla Axio are produced at Central Motor Co., Ltd.'s cutting-edge Miyagi Plant in the Tohoku region, which began operations last year. Another Toyota vehicle made by the hardworking Tohoku people who are struggling for the road ahead after last year's massive disaster.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation