Mazda CX-3

2016 Mazda CX-3

As Mazda's SKYACTIV revolution continues by providing exciting products that combine fuel efficiency and enjoyable performance at the same time, with the exception of Mazda's Axela Hybrid which feels like not a Mazda at all due to its hybrid powertrain and CVT nonsense, looks like the whole family's keep expanding with their newborn crossover, the CX-3.

Ah yes, another compact crossover in the stable but for this newcomer, the CX-3 is Mazda's ace-in-the-hole because of its performance and efficiency that stands out from the rest like all Mazda SKYACTIV cars do and if this car picks a fight against Europe, looks like this will have a fighting chance.

2016 Mazda CX-3

The CX-3 looks more of a Demio with some added ground clearance in and by the looks of it, the CX-3 looks very similar to the latest Demio especially when it inherits the signature Kodo -Soul in Motion- design philosophy. Although it's not half bad to look at for a Mazda, there are some loopholes on the exterior design and I believe that it's the side view that looks like a discarded mess. But it doesn't even matter to those who are trying to own one for daily use.

2016 Mazda CX-3 interior

2016 Mazda CX-3 interior

Yes, it's all typical Mazda interior and it's been made to be more driver-focused thanks to its new Human Machine Interface, allowing them to concentrate on their driving while dealing with chunks of info around them. There's also this new Mazda Connect where you can stream internet radio, access navigation, and so much more, which is nice. The seating position is not half bad and although it looks small, its roominess is pretty decent. What's more boggling is the rear seats that are positioned higher than the first row so they can get a clear view of the road ahead.

The boot space isn't so bad and with the capacity of 350 liters with all seats present, you can fit most of your grocery shopping in it, which is nice and best of all, the rear seats can be folded down for more space.

2016 Mazda CX-3

The only engine available for the CX-3 is the revolutionary SKYACTIV-D 1.5L engine and the reason why it's available in diesel only is because of its Demio cousin due to its success with the diesel variant. For this new crossover, this SKYACTIV-D 1.5L engine is much more different than the Demio because of its world's first "Natural Sound Smoother" which suppresses the diesel knock sound while on the standstill or slow acceleration, for a much refined feel unlike any other clean diesels known to mankind. This engine produces 105PS of power and 270Nm of torque. It can be mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic (with 23.2km/L fuel economy) or a more enjoyable 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT gearbox (with 25.0km/L fuel economy).

Thanks to its cleverly unique SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, the CX-3 feels more enjoyable to drive without the drama included and for 4WD models, it comes with Mazda's brand new i-ACTIV AWD system which adapts control of the driving force distribution between the front and rear wheels. It's kinda similar to the ALLGRIP from the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross in so many ways and this clever feature adapts through any kind of road situations, be it dry, wet, frozen, or dirty.

No CX-3 will be complete without Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems such as Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Hi-Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring.

The new CX-3 starts at 2,376,000 Japanese Yen, which is over 300,000 more than the recently launched Suzuki SX4 S-Cross but this is more affordable to own than the Peugeot 2008 or the Renault Captur.

So, what to like about the new CX-3? It's performance, it's value for money, its quality, and overall, its capability as an all-rounder. What's not to like is the stale interior that we can expect on future Mazdas and the idea of offering it as a diesel-only car. Nevertheless, clean diesel is Mazda's way forward because this powertrain championed the Japanese carmaker and so does the CX-3.

Available Colors: Ceramic Metallic, Soul Red Premium Metallic, Crystal White Pearl Mica, Jet Black Mica, Meteor Grey Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, and Dynamic Blue Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

FCC approves new net neutrality proposals

Photo: Media Action Grassroots Network

"The Internet is too important to allow broadband providers to make the rules". Those are the words said by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler as the historic vote on Thursday to implement new net neutrality measures to treat all legal content of the internet equally by internet service providers. He says that with new measures for net neutrality, the FCC will ensure that the internet will be fast, fair, and open for almost everyone.

What does this mean, ladies and gentlemen? The internet is once again saved...for now. Even though millions of people asked the FCC to keep the internet safe from major cable companies charging them for more, it kinda feels like that our fight for the internet's future isn't out of the woods yet.

But still, the hearts of millions of netizens can rest easily tonight because the internet is once again a safe haven for everyone who love to express their thoughts no matter how good or bad it is.

Report: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2015/02/26/fcc-approves-net-neutrality-rules/24053057/

Let's Do The News! (February 26, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The row between the Obama administration and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu deepens as he accuses the US and others of giving up on trying to stop Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Republicans invited the Israeli leader to address the Congress next week, making Democrats furious.

- The FBI arrested three foreigners living in Brooklyn, New York, who they are believed that they are joining the Islamic State. According to them, two of them had threatened to kill police officers and FBI agents in the US if they were unable to travel to Syria. They were charged with conspiracy to provide material support to militants.

- Russian leader Vladimir Putin warns Ukraine about suspending gas supplies to its easter regions controlled by pro-Russian rebels.

- Top officials from the USA and China have confirmed their cooperation against the nuclear programs of North Korea. They believed that the Korean Peninsula will not succeed in their pursuit of nuclear weapons and economic development.

- The Australian division of Lockheed Martin secured a contract to supply the Royal Australian Air Force with a C-130J Hercules virtual maintenance trainer and multifunction training aid to boost training at the RAAF Base Richmond, near Sydney.

- To celebrate the upcoming Furious 7, Universal Studios collaborate with Turn 10 Studios, developers of the famed Forza franchise, to deliver a brand new Fast & Furious expansion on Forza Horizon 2. Available on both XBOX One and XBOX 360 consoles this 27th of March for free until 10th of April ($10 after deadline), players can take on Fast and Furious challenges inspired from the hit racing action thriller franchise.

- The McLaren 675LT has been unveiled and this is the ultimate in McLaren's Super Series lineup, where the 650S is at. The 3.8L V8 twin-turbo has been enhanced to 675PS of power output and thanks to its new aerodynamics, not to mention the signature long tail at the rear, 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and top speed of 205mph, which is 2mph slower than the less-powerful 650S but this is a serious track weapon for a road-legal car.

2016 McLaren 675LT

- Jensen returns with their upcoming GT model that will served as the revival of Britain's legendary sportscar maker since its 2002 demise. It will be made by the same people behind the unofficial, Corvette-powered Interceptor as seen in one episode of Top Gear a few years ago. Spearheaded by ex-Aston Martin boss Tim Hearley, the new Jensen's future plans include another model due next year.

- There was a short web movie made by director Joseph Khan and it features a grim, sadistic look to one of our childhood heroes on TV, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Called POWER/RANGERS, this short clip features Battlestar Galactica's Katee Sackhoff as the Pink Ranger and Dawson Creek's James Van Der Beek as the Red Ranger. It was uploaded by one of the producers, Adi Shankar, on his YouTube channel and according to the producer himself, the reason why they want to bootleg the Power Rangers is the realization that high school teens have been weaponized to fight intergalactic threats and such prolonged experience had turned them into dystopic adults.

Saban Brands, the owners of the Rangers franchise, warned Joseph Khan to take that web movie off the interwebs but as of now, over 8.5 million viewers have seen this. Watch it while you still can if you dare.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (February 25, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Amnesty International urged five UNSC members to give up their power of veto in genocide votes. According to their annual report, the global response to an array of catastrophes in 2014 have been shameful and developing countries were guilty of taking an abhorrent stance by not sheltering more refugees. They expect a much grim outlook for this year and the rights group said world leaders need to act fast to confront the changing nature of armed conflict.

- Eddie Ray Routh was convicted guilty for the murder of American Sniper Chris Kyle and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, although prosecutors had not sought the death penalty. Chris Kyle, known for his record-high sniper kills during his US military service, was shot and killed alongside his mate Chad Littlefield at a certain shooting range south-west of Fort Worth, Texas.

- According to a certain human rights group, Islamic State militants have kidnapped about 90 Assyrian Christians from villages in Syria. Those kidnappings came after Syrian Kurdish militia fighters launched new offensives on Sunday to reclaim territories held by militants in Hasaka.

- US President Barack Obama vetoed a bill to approve construction of part of an oil pipeline linking Canada and the Gulf Coast. This is the first veto since Republicans took over the House and the Senate after last year's midterm elections. Obama exercised his veto three times during his 6-year tenure as the leader of the USA.

- Today marks the 29th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution and here's the full text of President Benigno Aquino III's speech during the celebration which can be viewed by clicking here.

- The Aston Martin Vulcan has been unveiled and this track-only racecar is powered by a 7.0L V12 engine developing over 800bhp of power output. It's set for its Geneva premiere next month.

Aston Martin Vulcan

- Beginning 23rd of March, Google's Blogger won't let users to publicly share images and video that are sexually explicit or show graphic nudity. They will still allow nudity if the content is for artistic, educational, documentary, or scientific purposes.

- The Volkswagen Touran minivan has now gained its full-model change and this new-generation Golf-based minivan is set for its Geneva debut next month.

2016 Volkswagen Touran

- NOW AVAILABLE: The 10th DLC Catalog for the PS3-exclusive The iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL game! For this catalog, Rin Shibuya from Cinderella Girls will be making a special guest appearance! Also, two new outfits have been added such as the Refrain Romance and Night On Stage, as well as the new song edeN.

765SHOP CATALOG Vol. 10

TTFN!!!

Top Gear S22E05

Top Gear S22E05

It's the fifth episode of Top Gear Series 22 and on that episode, Richard Hammond's on the track to try out the latest version of the Chevrolet Corvette as well as the hardcore-ish Porsche Cayman GTS. When handed to The Stig, the Cayman GTS did it in 1:21.6 while the new Vette did it in 1:19.8.

Meanwhile and after moments of waiting, James May finally gets a hold of Ferrari's ultimate machine called the LaFerrari and he even get the chance to try one at Ferrari's Fiorano test track.

Singer Olly Murs is the Star In A Reasonably Priced Car and with the lap time of 1:44.6, he's now named the quickest celeb round the track.

And then, the episode ends with Jeremy and James investigating Peugeots and they even got the chance to drive one in a terrible but hilarious kind of way. Some crashing were involved in that bit but they did made a point about Peugeot, apparently.

2015 Academy Awards

At the 87th Annual Academy Awards, the movie Birdman was named as the best picture as well as having the film's director Alejandro G. Inarritu named best director, best original screenplay, and best cinematography.

Birdman is a film about a waning actor, played by Michael Keaton, who once played a superhero in a superhero flick, tries to start a Broadway play. It also stars Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, and Naomi Watts.

Apart from Birdman winning big at the Oscars, Eddie Redmayne, who portrayed Stephen Hawking in the biopic The Theory of Everything, was named as Best Actor while Julianne Moore, also stared on this film, was named Best Actress.

Patricia Arquette was named Best Supporting Actress from her performance in the film that was made 12 years in the making, Boyhood.

J.K. Simmons was named Best Supporting Actor for his role as an abusive jazz instructor from the movie Whiplash, which scored three Oscar wins this year.

The Imitation Game was named as Best Adapted Screenplay courtesy of Graham Moore.

Disney's Big Hero 6 and an animated short Feast win Animated Oscars as well.

Report: http://www.pep.ph/news/48955/oscars-2015-birdman-named-best-picture-julianne-moore-and-eddie-redmayne-win-top-acting-honors

Let's Do The News! (February 23, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- The Australian government is toughening up their citizenship laws in their all-out effort to combat rampant terrorist threats. It also states that citizenship for dual nationals involved in terrorism could be suspended or revoked. Australian PM Tony Abbott said that the terrorist threat is rising at home and abroad.

- The Greek government's preparing to present a list of reforms to lenders in order to secure the nation's bailout extension. Under the deal set last Friday, the list must be approved by global creditors to secure their four-month loan extension.

- Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko led a march in Kiev on Sunday as remembrance to those who fought and lost their lives during the Eastern Ukrainian unrest. He reiterated his intention to seek membership for his country in the EU while commemorating the first anniversary of the fall of the pro-Russian government.

- Residents of Japan's Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture have voted in the referendum on whether to host a Ground Self Defense Force observation unit. The majority of the votes are favored of the plan rather than opposing it. Part of the efforts to increase the southwestern island's defense, the government plans to base 150 units on Japan's westernmost island.

- Heavy artillery forces the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to retreat from their Cotabato villages and the civilians displaced by the conflict could safely return to their homes now.

- Onto the Mamasapano investigation, Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., the AFP chief General, asked for an executive session for the military's top leaders to uncover their actions on their failed Mamasapano raid that killed 44 of the Special Action Force units last January. This session would allow the leaders to talk freely.

- The Range Rover Evoque is in duty for four years since its 2011 release and now it's time for its minor change for the 2016 model year. It's set for its Geneva Motor Show debut next month.

2016 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

- The second-generation Toyota Auris hatchback has been given a minor change and it's set for its Geneva Motor Show debut next month.

- F1 driver Fernando Alonso was hospitalized after crashing his McLaren-Honda F1 car during test runs in Barcelona.

- The first full-length trailer for the DCOM sequel, Teen Beach 2, is now streaming and this sequel to the 2013 DCOM premieres this summer on Disney Channel!

TTFN!!!