Let's Do The News! (May 7, 2015)

- The polls for the UK general elections are opened at 0700 hours London Time and around 50,000 polling stations nationwide will remain open until 2200 hours London times. A total of 650 Westminster MPs will be elected with 50 million British citizens registered to vote.

- Key cities in Afghanistan have been targeted by the Taliban forces and the Afghan government launched a major attack near the north-eastern provincial capital of Kunduz. As the conflict rages on, a huge humanitarian crisis is starting to unravel.

- Mount Hakone, a popular hot spring destination near the Japanese capital city Tokyo, continues to be shaken by volcanic activity as the Owakudani and Kamiyama districts have been experiencing frequent volcanic tremors since late April. Japan's Meteorological Agency officials raised the alert for Mt. Hakone on Wednesday and warned of an imminent minor eruption.

- Japan's Liberal Democratic Party mulls increasing sanctions against North Korea as no further updates have been made on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by the DPRK.

- Typhoon Dodong may possibly make landfall in Metro Manila should the typhoon's direction will change, according to PAGASA, Dodong was last seen at a distance of 925km east, north-east of Surigao, with wind speeds up to 140kph near the middle and gustiness of up to 170kph.

- The Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo Concept has been unveiled and it's coming soon to the PS3-exclusive Gran Turismo 6 video game via update.

- A 2016 minor change for the current-generation Seat Ibiza range has been unveiled with new features, new engines, and so much more.

2016 SEAT Ibiza

- The playable teaser for the once cancelled Silent Hill game has been removed from the PlayStation Store as of April 29 and you can't re-download it even if it's in your library.

- California-based game developer, Spark Factory, the ones behind Capcom's Lost Planet 3 and Koei Tecmo's Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, shuts down as the game developer lays off its employees and stops making games.

- What's up, doc? There is a trailer for the upcoming Looney Tunes original video titled Looney Tunes: Rabbits Run, available on DVD this August.



TTFN!!!

FH2 Storm Island: For the biggest Subarist

The brand new 2015 Subaru WRX STi is part of Forza Horizon 2's Rockstar Car Pack, on sale now, and like me, most Subarists who spent their time enjoying their favorite STi generation can now drive Subaru's latest track-honed and rally-honed JDM sedan in-game.



But before trying the latest version of the WRX STi, I need to head back to Southern Europe for some quick evaluation.



Over the years, the STi has become the epitome of every rally fans' hearts and minds and when it became high-performance versions of Imprezas in the past, most speedo boys can now enjoy the Impreza that was built to be a track-and-rally monster. For the brand new model, Subaru decided that the new WRX will become a standalone model and no longer part of the Impreza range, much like Nissan when their latest GT-R became standalone and no longer part of the Skyline range.

In Japan, two kinds of WRX models are offered such as the S4 model which features a brand new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine developing over 300PS of power while mated with a Sport Lineartronic gearbox as seen in its station wagon derivative, the Levorg, and this one I'm driving now. International models get a turbocharged EJ25 petrol engine while Japan-spec models are equipped with the smaller EJ20 turbo engine which produces a similar power output of over three hundred horsepower. The one we're driving in-game is the international version with the EJ25 engine developing 305HP of power and 290lb-ft of torque while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The WRX STi is famed for not just one of the best rally cars of all time but also a handy-capable fighter at the Nurburgring where the previous version smashed the eight-minute barrier. For the new model, this is Scooby at its best because thanks to its new aerodynamics, low center of gravity provided by its boxer engine, and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD, it's becoming more enjoyable to drive than any STi provided in-game. It can also outsmart even the late Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X as well.



Anyway, enough evaluation, time to take the latest WRX STi to Storm Island to find out how good this Scooby is but first...



Some further improvements have to be made for the WRX STi to survive Storm Island's toughest and of course, you need some special parts to make your car ready for Storm Island. From a low-range gearbox, rally tires, and heightened suspension, these parts are exactly what you need to survive Storm Island or, if you're brave enough, some of Southern Europe's beaten paths like for instance; cross-country.

Anyway, let's get this party started!



That was one heck of the torture but the WRX STi managed to win me my next step towards the Island Finale. This goes to show that this new WRX STi is ready for whatever the elements will throw at you, even in Storm Island. This new car is all about Pure Power in your Control.

Looks like it's time for me to take some rest now. It's either continue my survival on Storm Island or return back to the life as a Horizon champion. The decision's up to me for now but as always, the journey continues...

Let's Do The News! (May 6, 2015)

- Japanese officials releases some information on the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations following calls from opposition parties and industry groups for the information to be disclosed. According to the post from their website, negotiations are ongoing to work out an agreement document consisting of 29 chapters covering 21 areas.

- The United Nations began consultations with delegates from the Syrian government, opposition groups, and other parties as part of the ongoing efforts for the resumption of their peace talks.

- US authorities are investigating whether the Islamic State held responsible for the shooting attack in Texas last Sunday, which took place at an exhibition of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad and killed two gunmen in the middle of a crossfire from policemen.

- Party leaders and candidates are making their last-ditch effort for votes on the last day of campaigning before the UK General Election polls open. PM David Cameron said that UK is stronger than it was five years ago but there was more to do. The polls suggest that there will be no party to win enough seats for an outright majority.

- Four men in Afghanistan have been sentenced to death over a mob attack which killed a 28-year-old woman named Farkhunda after being falsely accused for burning the Koran. Such incident triggered outrage over the treatment of females.

- According to reports, there was a 53-year-old plant worker at the Fiat Chrysler Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, who was crushed to death in the plant's waste water treatment facility. The incident is currently under investigation.

- The Alpinestars Car Pack is now available on Forza Horizon 2 for the XBOX One console! For $5, players can gain access to six new machines such as the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 2015 Audi TTS Coupe, 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine", and the 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport.

Forza Horizon 2 Alpinestars Car Pack

- For the first time in 20 years, Japanese game publisher SEGA will not have their own booth for this summer's E3 2015, according to reports.

- Boxer Manny Pacquiao was sued by a lawsuit for not disclosing his shoulder injury before his humiliating loss from Floyd Mayweather Jr.

- News reporter Pinky Webb left ABS-CBN after several years of her service but there's a rumor circulating in the net that she will be transferred to the newly aired CNN Philippines channel, which was on air since March 2015. Pinky denies everything, of course.

TTFN!!!

Audi TTS Mk.3

Last year, the Audi TT has been regenerated to its third-generation and with this new model, think of it as a beginners' luck because this new model doesn't feel as intimidating as most sportscars behave in an unmanageable manner but for those who are looking for some challenge should consider this;

2015 Audi TTS Coupe

2015 Audi TTS Roadster

This is the new Audi TTS and you can think of it as the new Audi TT that is set for the most intermediate drivers. It's not too boring and easy as the normal TT but it's not too harsh and fun as...um...well, expect more from the new TT very soon but still this is the medium of the range because this is the slightly hardcore version of the new model that is made for those who are not interested in sportscars that are as mad as supercars but hey, this is a different breed you know.

You can buy one with either a hardtop coupe that costs you 49,100 Euros or an open-top roadster model which costs you 52,300 Euros but mind you, the Roadster model is heavier and slightly slower than the hardtop model even though they're electronically limited to 250kph. Yes, they both have the same 2.0L TFSi engine producing 310PS of power and the same choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed flappy paddle but the coupe version can do 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds while the roadster version can only do 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds.

Handling wise, the TTS doesn't smack you down like a wrestler hitting your face with a padlock but it's like a karate kid carving a wooden statue out of his karate. While the normal TT feels somewhat milder to drive, the S feels...um...slightly the same as the normal TT even though it comes with added power. It maybe feel more like a hot hatch but for a sportscar of this magnitude, the TTS doesn't feel the cut.

In terms of cruising, the TTS isn't half bad. By the time you're driving home after a game of poker with your mates at the City of Dreams, it feels as civilized as you riding in your neighbor's car after a night out. Hmmm... I see, but this is even more noticing than your neighbor's car because this is just a lame excuse to think you have a hot car cruising home in the late night.

So, how do I like about the TTS? Well, it was the added power on its turbocharged 2.0L engine, the handling's not so intimidating, and it's a 4WD coupester capable on taking on any weather it sees. Things I don't like about it is the pricing, the confusing interior where you can't find anything to listen to your music, its understeering, and that's pretty much it.

Photo: Audi AG

THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS ANIMATION PROJECT 02-07

Over the course of THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS anime series, which is based on the popular mobile game of the same name, we delve deeper into the hearts and minds of the idols who are part of 346 Productions' Cinderella Project as they undergo their dramatic transformations from average teenage girls into the most famed idols a strict producer could ever hoped for. The Cinderella Project is composed into six groups and each comes with a CD for you to collect and discover who these girls really are.

LOVE LAIKA Memories

First, there's LOVE LAIKA which is a idol duo consists of Minami Nitta (CV: Aya Suzaki) and Anastasia (CV: Sumire Uesaka), and they're performing their song called Memories.

Rosenburg Engel

Then, Ranko Kanzaki (CV: Maaya Uchida) goes solo under her idol name "Rosenburg Engel" and the song you'll be hearing from her is -LEGNE- 仇なす剣 光の旋律.

CANDY ISLAND Happy x2 Days

Next up, it's the turn of Anzu Futaba (CV: Hiromi Igarashi), Kanako Mimura (CV: Yuka Otsubo), Chieri Ogata (CV: Naomi Ohzora) who called themselves CANDY ISLAND and they are performing the song they called Happy x2 Days.

Decoration LET'S GO HAPPY!!

Spearheaded by Rika Jougasaki (CV: Nozomi Yamamoto), Kirari Moroboshi (CV: Rei Matsuzaki), and Miria Akagi (CV: Tomoyo Kurosawa), the group Decoration are singing their very own song they called LET'S GO HAPPY!!

*(Asterisk) ØωØver!!

The idol duo *(Asterisk), comprising of Miku Maekawa (CV: Natsumi Takamori) and Riina Tada (CV: Ruriko Aoki), are performing the song titled ØωØver!!

new generations

And finally, the star characters of THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS; Uzuki Shimamura (CV: Ayaka Ohashi), Rin Shibuya (CV: Ayaka Fukuhara), and Mio Honda (CV: Sayuri Hara), formed together by the producer himself and called "new generations" and as heard from the mid-season finale of the CINDERELLA GIRLS anime series, it's the song called できたてEvo! Revo! Generation!

Each CD costs 1296 Yen and inside, you can expect their titular songs, their own version of 夕映えプレゼント, and a Magic Hour short drama where listeners like you can get to know more about your favorite 346 Productions idols.

Let's Do The News! (May 5, 2015)

- In the aftermath of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight last week, Manny Pacquiao could face disciplinary action from Nevada sports officials over his shoulder injury cover-up before he lost the fight by Floyd Mayweather Jr.

- The second Royal Baby of Prince William and Kate Middleton has been given a name and this newborn princess is named Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, in honor of Prince William's parents and grandmother.

- The nation of Russia showcased their next-generation military equipment ahead of their massive parade later this week to celebrate their victory in World War Two 70 years ago. The parade will held in Moscow's Red Square on the 9th of May to commemorate the nation's defeat over Nazi Germany in 1945, and 15,000 troops are expected to join the parade on Saturday.

- A magnitude 7.5 quake struck Papua New Guinea on Tuesday as the US Geological Survey says the quake occured before noon local time near New Britain Island. The focus is believed to have been about 42 km deep. There was a tsunami warning occurred but two hours later, it has been called off.

- Here comes the latest threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or North Korea, and this time the latest threat involves scrapping the agreement with Japan.

- The European Union wants all new cars to be fitted with emergency call devices by 2018, making it easier for the drivers to call emergency services in times of need.

- The first PV for the upcoming God Eater anime series based from the hit video game is up and it features an original main character for the upcoming TV anime series coming this 5th of July.

- New Pokemon XY toys from Takara Tomy are coming for the month of May! This month sees three new additions to the MonColle range of figures ranging from Lugia, Black Kyurem, and White Kyurem. They cost 950 Yen each.

TTFN!!!

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Earth's mightiest heroes return for their most gruelling and most intense challenge yet as the sequel to the hit 2012 movie, Avengers, promises to deliver more thrills and spills for the comic book fans of all ages until it hits the turning point where one of the Avengers face death.

It all starts when our heroes landed in a fictional nation of Sokovia, they've attacked the secret base of the evil organization known as HYDRA and snagged the scepter of Loki, Thor's evil brother. After the retrieval mission, wealthy extraordinaire and Iron Man himself, Tony Stark, envisioned a global catastrophe and to counter this fateful moment, he takes full advantage of Loki's scepter to create a peacekeeping AI known as Ultron (not to be confused by the motor oil of the same name that you get from your local Petron gas station), but instead, he unleashed a weapon of mass destruction that could threaten not just his colleagues but also the world. With Ultron wrecking havoc, it's up to the Avengers to stop this threat and stopping it could come with a big price.

When the first Avengers film in 2012 ended with a big teaser, we are expecting bigger threats to come in Earth, and as a result, that's where Ultron comes in. For a supervillain, it was really bonkers, but the movie never felt like it's showing its full potential, maybe it was the actor who played it known as James Spader, but anyway, while not focusing on the new threat, onto the film.

The film is more of a so-so at the start despite the opening sequence where the Avengers attacked a secret base in some made-up nation in Eastern Europe, but when the film reaches its turning point, that's when this movie kicks in to its peak because when we hear about one of the Avengers will die, we were kinda shocked about it and for obvious reasons, I'm not going to tell whose one of the Avengers will die on the film and it might be best for you to watch it yourself to find the answer.

Age of Ultron may not be one of the coolest films to watch this late spring but it sure is more than enough to blow everyone away with everything a Marvel fan can imagine and this sequel is just the dawn of the endless war that we might expect in the future installments of the Avengers movie.

Rating: 4.1 out of 5