THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Two superpowers agreed on sanctions against NoKor

The two world superpowers, the United States and China, have finally reached an agreement on the UN Security Council's new sanctions on North Korea following its recent rocket launch and nuclear test.

It's a breakthrough, as the two nations wield veto power on the council but they were clashing about the level of sanctions to be imposed on Pyongyang. And now, members of the UNSC will assemble at the UN HQ in New York on the implementation of new, stronger sanctions on North Korea.

Unknown sources say the key NoKor agencies that are expected to be sanctioned include the General Reconnaissance Bureau, the Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry, and the National Aerospace Development.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (February 25, 2016)

- February 25, 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. Thirty years ago, Filipinos band together to put the Marcos regime down to its knees and inspired pro-democracy uprisings in other parts in the world (like the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the return of democracy in South Korea and Romania) and must not be forgotten by Filipinos. For the full speech of President Benigno Aquino III's message about EDSA 30, CLICK HERE.

- Davao City Mayor and presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte vows that the martial law during the Marcos regime will not be happening again if elected as the new leader of the Philippines.

- The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple faces 12 other requests to unlock its encrypted devices according to the court records from the US Justice Department. The requests were made since late last year but didn't mention about the case of a suspect in December's San Bernardino shootings.

- Margaret Chan, the head of the World Health Organization, sought continued cooperation from Brazilian officials and researchers in establishing a link between the Zika virus and a rare birth defect. Chan visited a public clinic in Brazil's northeastern state of Pernambuco before finishing her 2-day visit to the country.

- The North Korean women's soccer team arrived in Japan for the final round of the Asian qualifying matches for the Rio 2016 Olympics. The team flew from Beijing to Osaka on Thursday and despite sanctions after NoKor's recent rocket launch and nuclear test, they made an exemption by the Japanese government because an official said that athletes should not face discrimination based on nationality. The qualifiers kicks off on Monday and it will be a round-robin match where only the best two teams will enter the Olympics. Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and Vietnam were one of them.

- Looks like the dream of having the world of Sword Art Online is slowly becoming a reality thanks to the cooperation with IBM Japan. They began taking preregistration for the alpha test, which will occur from the 18th to the 20th of March, 2016 and applications will be accepted until the 4th and 208 participants will be chosen.

- It may have been around for six years now but the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback has been given a minor change with a revised exterior, revised interior, new tech, and a new logo.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

- Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson made a public apology and payed a hundred thousand pounds to former producer Oisin Tymon who was attacked in the incident last year.

- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, today is the 32nd weeksary of AlDub and while the lolas are busy with their fashion show gig, Alden and Yaya Dub are onstage wearing their wedding attire, which sparked outrage from Lola Nidora. Because of that kissing incident occurred recently, Lola Nidora's back to her mean self again. Any eagle-eyed viewers caught where they kissed? Anyway, tune in next time to find out!

TTFN!!!

SEVENTH HAVEN

Fans of Dounts' ever-popular idol rhythm mobile game, Tokyo 7th Sisters will be familiarized with the story of the fabled idol group 7th Sisters, the idol group that rose to stardom until their breakup two years later, giving birth to new talents from the 777, the studio named in honor of the fabled idol group. Here's your chance to uncover their never-before told backstory in this new CD.

SEVENTH HAVEN

The latest single, inspired from the hit app game Tokyo 7th Sisters, features two songs performed by the legendary SEVENTH SISTERS (comprising of Nicole Nanasaki, Mito Hanyda, Mana Misonoo, Qruit Kotobuki, Rui Wakaoji, and Memoru Yusa) such as SEVENTH HAVEN and FALLING DOWN. The drama part, titled What is truly 2030??, gives listeners an in depth hearing on who are the SEVENTH SISTERS; two years before they're formed and four years before they're finished, giving fans a much critical backstory in the world of Tokyo 7th Sisters.

There was a limited edition where not only this disc is offered but also one of six special pin badges featuring one of the members of the legendary idol group.

Let's Do The News! (February 24, 2016)

- Vice President Jejomar Binay mulls building a Malacañang of Mindanao. In his speech, the United Nationalist Alliance's standard bearer wants to build a satellite office in Mindanao because he wants to reach out to them and address their concerns. He also states that if he became the new leader of the country, he will experience the true meaning of decentralization.

- Senator Ping Lacson mulls restoring the two-party system that would improve the current Philippine political system. The former senator pointed out that having a two-party system is one of the possible amendments to the 1987 Constitution worth considering.

- An "experimental" museum and an air show will be the top highlights of tomorrow's commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the People Power Revolution that put an end of the Marcos regime.

- The two global superpowers; the United States and China, showed no signs of tensions in the South China Sea as the two diplomats meet up in Washington for an agreement on a UN resolution to punish North Korea after its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.

- Meanwhile, South Korea responded aggressively on North Korea's warning referring to the annual drills scheduled to start on the 7th of March, stating they would carry out a pre-emptive strike at the slightest indication that enemy forces and equipment were poised for an attack and also targeting the South Korea's presidential Blue House. This year's US-SoKor joint exercises will be the biggest.

- Reports told that China has sent fighter jets to the contested island in the South China Sea where SAMs are deployed. The Chinese deployed a Shenyang J-11 and Xian JH-7 fighter jets over Woody Island, part of the Paracel chain controlled by the Chinese.

- The fourth-generation Renault Scenic MPV has been unveiled in time before its Geneva Motor Show debut this March.

2017 Renault Scenic

- The Volvo V40 range will be receiving a minor change prior to its Geneva debut next month, featuring a new design, new tech, and new features.

2017 Volvo V40 Cross Country

2017 Volvo V40

- Steven DeKnight, the executive producer of TV shows like Daredevil and Spartacus, pitches in as the director in the upcoming sequel of the Pacific Rim film.

- In case you never once heard of the Tokyo 7th Sisters, it's a idol rhythm app game set in the not too distant future where a new generation of idols straight from the studio 777 take the centerstage and continue the legacy where the legendary 7th Sisters left off. Anyway, a few already heard of it but its popularity is faring well with the other idol stuff we all know about. Anyway, 2016 marks its 2nd year in service and to celebrate the very occasion, a second live event has announced from the official website and it's happening this 21st of August, 2016, at the Pacifico Yokohama National Convention Hall. In addition, a second album titled "Are You Ready 7th-TYPES??" is coming this June 2016 with four new songs.

TTFN!!!

20 Years of Pokemon: The 20 best Pokemon Team Rocket belonged

Continuing on Pokemon's 20 year celebration this year, it might the (inappropriately) proper time to jot down the Pokemon belonged to the dastardly trio that keeps chasing Ash and Pikachu from all corners of the world; Team Rocket.

Team Rocket is known to be the most notorious band of Pokemon thieves in the world. Of course, there are different Team Rocket soldiers everywhere but the most famous ones are the dastardly trio of Jessie (Musashi), James (Koujiro), and their talking Pokemon Meowth. Of course, these bad guys deployed tons of inventions dedicated to steal Pikachu but they always blasting off again...and again...and again, every time, everywhere.

Team Rocket are always in the never-ending game of cat and mouse against Ash and Pikachu. They are cunning, vicious, and sadly, very stupid. Still, we enjoy these baddies blasting off as much as any other cartoon villains getting flung at the end and come back for more. So, ready to jot down the best of Pokemon belonged to the dastardly trio?

1) Ekans/Arbok - This slithering Pokemon has been the choice of Jessie when it comes to scare off Ash and Pikachu and even when it evolved into a much terrifying Arbok, it's great to say that Jessie had the best Pokemon until it was surrendered by a poacher in Hoenn.

2) Meowth - This talking feline needs no introduction because this feline is the third member of Team Rocket and always hatching plots to steal Ash's Pikachu, although most of its plans always failed. Meowth's a real bad guy and all bad guys are not cute...although our favorite Pokemon baddie is also tagging along with Pikachu and friends in series of adventures, including Pikachu shorts shown before a Pokemon movie.

3) Koffing/Weezing - James once said that his Koffing "smells like old sneakers soaked in stinkbug juice mixed with some rotten eggs and dead fish with just a touch of skunk fumes!" Same thing goes to its evolved Weezing and either way, this foul-odored Pokemon is always terrorizing Pikachu and friends with its foul and poisonous attacks. Sadly, like Jessie's Arbok, James' Weezing was surrendered to the poacher from Hoenn.

4) Growlie - When James used to be part of a wealthy family, his parents tried to marry him off to a girl named Jessebelle (who looks just like Jessie) and then he ran away along with his Growlithe named Growlie. Of course, with situations like these, James only relies on the "twerps" to escape from Jessebelle's clutches.

5) Lickitung - Because having one Pokemon isn't enough, Jessie gets another one to use it alongside her Arbok and that's a Lickitung, a Pokemon whose tongue is at least twice as long as its body. Sadly, her Lickitung was swapped for a worthless Wobbuffet, who became the fourth member of Team Rocket. How embarrassing.

6) Victreebel - Same thing goes for James because having a Weezing isn't enough so he gets himself a second cour and that's none other than a Victreebel, probably one of the grass-type Pokemons that like to munch on James' head.

7) Wobbuffet - After a mishaps that completely swapped her Lickitung for this, Wobbuffet officially became the fourth member of Team Rocket and always plays as the dimwitted member of the team.

8) Dustox - When May's Wurmple evolved into Silcoon and then Beautifly, Jessie's Wurmple evolved into Cascoon and then Dustox. In addition of using it to attack Ash and friends, Jessie's Dustox is also her one-way ticket to fame when it comes to participating Pokemon contests and facing stiff competition with May and her Beautifly.

9) Seviper - As a replacement for her Arbok, Jessie got a Seviper from the Hoenn region after facing a long-time feud with Zangoose. Although loyal to Jessie, Seviper never back down without a fight and when it comes to attacking Pikachu and friends, this Seviper is vicious.

10) Cacnea - Another grass-type Pokemon that likes to have James' head as its feast is a Cacnea.

11) Chimecho - Apart from his Cacnea, James' second Hoenn Pokemon is a Chimecho after being duped into buying a Hoppip. When it became sick, James left his Chimecho to his Nanny and Pop-Pop but vows to return for it after it recovers...which sadly he didn't came back for his Chimecho.

12) Yanmega - After Jessie captured a Yanma in the Sinnoh region, it evolved into a Yanmega very quickly and with its sharp sense of sight, Jessie's Yanmega can see everywhere when it comes to hunting down Ash's Pikachu.

13) Carnivine - Like Victreebel and Cacnea, James' Sinnoh Pokemon, Carnivine, is also a big fan of his head and likes to munch on it when he calls one out. Believe it or not, this Carnivine is James' long-lost childhood friend. Talk about a heart-breaking reunion, right?

14) Mime Jr. - While James' Nanny and Pop-Pop are nursing his sick Chimecho, this little Pokemon unknowingly jumps into an empty Poke Ball and became part of James' Pokemon entourage. Although cute, this little Pokemon tends to play tricks on Ash and friends.

15) Woobat - One of Jessie's Unova Pokemon in their never-ending game of cat and mouse against Ash and Pikachu, its Gust attack is strong enough to blow Ash's Pikachu out in the sky.

16) Frillish - This is also one of Jessie's Unova Pokemon and one grip from it can paralyze a Pokemon with poison.

17) Yamask - One of James' Unova Pokemon and a great friend of his upon feeding one because the only way to this Pokemon's hearth was through its stomach. It terrified Ash and the gang with its Will-o-Wisp attack as well as Shadow Ball.

18) Amoonguss - Also one of James' Unova Pokemon. Its Body Slam is so strong, it stopped Ash's Pikachu in its tracks and use devious array of attacks to make Ash and friends' lives miserable.

19) Pumpkaboo/Gourgeist - Jessie's Kalos Pokemon is a Pumpkaboo and she caught one upon being caught in a crossfire between them and a Pangoro. Believe it or not, the Pumpkaboo Jessie caught is a Super Size Pumpkaboo, the largest of the Pumpkaboos, and in the XY episode "A Festival Trade! A Festival Farewell?" a heartbroken trade made Pumpkaboo evolved into a Gourgeist and then traded back to Jessie's, showing how much she cherished her friendship with the Pumpkaboo. With the two together, not only they made Ash's life on field miserable, but also Serena's in Pokemon performances.

20) Inkay - Inkay is James' Kalos Pokemon which is also making Ash's life miserable with its Psybeam attack. Our favorite moment of James doing with his Inkay is disguising it into Pikachu while fooling the townspeople thinking that they're Ash (James), Serena (Jessie) and Bonnie (Meowth) in the episode "Heroes, Friends and Faux Alike!" but in the episode "Facing the Grand Design!", James' Inkay plays as the good guy to stop a sinister plot done by a horde of Malamars, showing how much love James and Inkay meant for each other.

That's it for the 20 best Pokemon belonged to Team Rocket as seen in the TV series. So, what's next during the year-long Pokemon 20 year celebration? Find out soon!

Oops! There goes the finishing line; WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!!!

Photo: Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korean women's soccer team heads to Japan

The North Korean women's soccer team are heading to Japan to participate in the final round of the Asian qualifying matches for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The recent sanctions posed by Japan against North Korea include a ban on North Koreans entering the country but the government decided to give them an exemption so it could take part in the Olympic qualifiers that begin in Monday. The team travelled from Pyongyang to Beijing on Tuesday and the Japanese Embassy in Beijing issued them entry visas.

North Korea is one of the six teams participating in the round robin competition, where only two teams will qualify for the Olympics. The other teams are Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, and Vietnam. The match between Japan and North Korea is set on the 9th of March, 2016.

Source: NHK World

Jubilee of Mercy: Jubilee of the Roman Curia

Jubilee of Mercy logo

February 22, 2016 - Pope Francis celebrated the Jubilee for the Roman Curia, the Governorate, and the Institutions attached to the Holy See, part of the ongoing Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

The Jubilee occurred on the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, which has the rank of "Solemnity" in the Vatican Basilica, at the Paul VI Hall, where employees of the Vatican and its related institutions, with their families, gathered for a meditation led by Father Marko Rupnik, SJ.

Report: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/02/22/pope_celebrates_jubilee_for_roman_curia,_vatican_employees/1210403

The next event for the Jubilee of Mercy is on the 4th of March, 2016, for the 24 Hours for the Lord.