Friday, July 5, 2024

Let's Do The News! (July 5, 2024)

                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Labour Party officially won the 2024 UK General Election after reaching the required 326 seats. As a result, Keir Starmer is set to become the next UK Prime Minister. Speaking in central London, the PM-Elect Starmer says "change begins now." Labour has won more than 400 out of the 650 seats in the Commons while the Conservatives are on just over 110. The Lib Dems make big gains, while the SNP lose most of their seats.

- The Philippine National Police is using AI to enhance the database on gun license renewal.

- The PH Department of Justice will continue the preliminary investigation on complaints against Alice Guo this July 22nd.

- Former Senator Sonny Trillanes is charging former PH president Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Bong Go, and two others with plunder, according to reports. According to Trillanes, the plunder case he filed against Rodrigo Duterte is important and Senator Bong Go to prove that the Judiciary has been freed from the influence and control of the Dutertes.

- Over 200 pigs have died due to the African Swine Fever in Abra.

- BYD opens its EV production plant in Thailand.

- Macross "vision creator" Shoji Kawamori confirmed at this year's Anime Expo that he's directing a new anime film for 2025.

- The next Trigun anime will be titled Trigun Stargaze and this anime is set 2.5 years after the Trigun Stampede anime.

- The final season of the Netflix original anime series BEASTARS is coming this December.

- ASTRO member Sanha confirms his preparation for his solo debut this August.

- Ryan Garcia was expelled by the WBC after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments live-streamed on social media. Garcia's expulsion was announced by the WBC president via X (formerly Twitter).

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: America's Bests

As Americans are celebrating the birth of the so-called "greatest nation in the world," what better way to celebrate the day of grills and fireworks than driving the best sports cars of America; the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette?


Today's Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette have been radically changed, with the C8 Corvette now a mid-engined supercar, and the seventh-generation Ford Mustang being the last V8-powered American muscle car. 


The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its powerful engine, sleek design, and affordable price. The Chevrolet Corvette is another iconic American sports car that has been in production since 1953. It is known for its performance, handling, and luxurious interior.

Both the latest versions of America's best sports cars have such an impressive resume. The latest Mustang flexed its muscles in Formula Drift, NASCAR, IMSA, Supercars, and any other sports car racing series from the GT4 to the GT3 classes. It even got the chance to race in Le Mans as well. The Corvette, meanwhile, has a proven track record for being the last to become the LMGTE class champion before the WEC LMGT3 Class kicked in. The question now is, which of these American legends is the best?



I've picked the Horizon Mexico Circuit as the venue for my little ID4 duel and for this duel, I've picked the C8 Corvette Stingray and the Mustang Dark Horse. Although the C8 Corvette Stingray is five horses less compared to the Mustang Dark Horse, its supercar form and midship layout should give the Vette a fighting chance. The Mustang Dark Horse, well, it's Horizon Mexico after all. Roll the tape!


And now the results...

C8 Corvette - 1m12.906s

Mustang Dark Horse - 1m15.893s

In an unorthodox rivalry between the last V8 muscle car and the American midship supercar, the Corvette wins. 

The Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette are two of the most iconic American sports cars of all time, but they couldn't be more different. Still, both are excellent choices for a day of driving fun. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tearing up the track, you're sure to have a blast behind the wheel of either of these American classics.

Time to give these two a 2024 gun salute.

Godspeed America.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

My FH5 Log: The Silent Movement

Kia's back in Forza! This time around, they've added the latest car to bear the new Kia logo. You know the one, the weird-looking one with the "Movement that Inspires" slogan.


What Kia is this, you may ask? Here's a hint; this is the overall prize car in the Forza Horizon 5 Modern Horizons update by hitting 80 points. It won the 2022 European COTY, 2022 Korean COTY, 2022 Red Dot Award for Best of the Best Car Design and Innovative Product, 2022 What Car? Awards Car of the Year and Electric SUV of the Year, and of course, 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.


The answer is this; The Kia EV6 GT. Before driving this award-winning EV, let's take a quick dive into the EV6 GT.


First launched in 2021, the Kia EV6 signaled the beginning of a new age for Kia. With its just-size styling and performance that defy expectations, the EV6 is the real materialization of the "Movement that Inspires" slogan. The EV6 GT is the range-topper that starts at 76,680,000 Korean Won plus additional costs when it went on sale a year after the normal EV6's launch. With the GT button pressed,  it will unleash the full capability of the EV6 GT. Apart from the adjustments to the e-LSD, electronically controlled suspension, and whatnots, it delivers an explosive performance of 585PS of power, 740Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 260kph. As for the range, it's good for a combined 312km.

Not too shabby for an EV, right? Yes and no. Although I am utterly grateful to have a spin with this high-performance all-electric crossover that upsets the world over, that's the new world order the Korean way to you, feels like it wasn't enough to take on this...


As Han from The Fast and The Furious universe said, “What you think, I’m gonna let you roll in a Hyundai?” For now, yes. There's an all-electric Hyundai crossover that is worthy of bearing the N mark and I won this car straight from the Modern Horizons Storm Season Playlist.


This is the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. The all-electric high-performance crossover with the credentials of the N car.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance version of the IONIQ 5 crossover and a sure sign that N is embracing electrification. It's got a sporty design, and the N Steering Wheel with N-specific functions, as well as a center console with race-specific features for your track day use.

The IONIQ 5 N is armed with an 84 kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels. It produces a default 609 PS of power and 740 Nm of torque, more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. With the N Grin Boost engaged for ten seconds, the power gets bumped to 650 PS, and with N Launch Control in play, it's capable of a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. 

Although winning the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear 2023 Car of the Year, Hyundai has really outdone itself with the IONIQ 5 N. This high-performance electric crossover not only looks the part but it's got the power and speed to back it up. The fact that it recently set a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes is proof of that. I'm sure this car will continue to turn heads and make waves in the automotive world.



Having enjoyed driving the two award-winning Korean EVs, it's time for the long-awaited duel. The Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N will clash to the top of the caldera with the fastest time will decide the victor. Obviously, the IONIQ 5 N has the upper hand because it's more powerful than the EV6 GT and it has one thing the EV6 GT doesn't; the N Drift Optimizer. I can enable the IONIQ 5 N's drifting capabilities at the push of the button. Long story short but you get the point.

Anyway, the grudge match between the two Korean high-performance EVs is about to begin. Roll the tape. Dojeon!


And now the results...

EV6 GT - 3m31.428s

IONIQ5 N - 3m23.687s

Hyundai wins the day! With its powerful electric drivetrain, unorthodox dynamics, and recent PPIHC experience, the IONIQ 5 N proved itself to be the victor over the Kia EV6 GT. I have to say that Hyundai really outdid itself with this high-performance electric crossover. Not only does it look the part, but it's also got the power and speed to back it up. With these recent developments, it's clear to me that Hyundai is embracing electrification, and I can't wait to see what they do next.


As Korean car manufacturers, Kia and Hyundai are in some ways part of the same family tree. But in another way, their recent models are showing the opposite to be true. The Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N both won Car of the Year in their respective years, but when you pit these award-winning cars against each other, the Hyundai comes out on top.

The "new normal" is upon us, and it's clear that electrification is the future. But the Hyundai Motor Group knows how to make EVs fast and clever. They've made these cars not just environmentally friendly but really fun to drive as well.

The more you know.

Let's Do The News! (July 4, 2024)

                       

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The NSC says they're not monitoring any "imminent attack" from Beijing. The AFP says that China is trying to influence various PH sectors such as education, business, and media. This is included in the targeted action of the "updated" territorial defense strategy recommended to President Bongbong Marcos.

- COMELEC receives "unmodified opinion" from the Commission on Audit. Unmodified opinions provide a reasonable level of assurance from the auditor that the financial statements present a true and fair reflection of an entity's results for the period reported.

- The next Senate hearing regarding the POGO issue is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10th. Senator Win Gatchalian hopes that "Alice Guo" will show up and reveal the instigators and protectors of the raided POGOs. Gatchalian recently confirmed that Alice Guo's brother is a Chinese national named Guo Xiang Dian.

- “He is staying in the race” - White House pushes back as pressure mounts on President Joe Biden’s re-election bid.

- Polls open across the UK as voting begins in the general election. Polls are now open in the UK general election, with millions of voters set to elect their local MPs and choose the UK's next government. Voters need a valid photo ID to vote. Polling stations close at 22:00, and will be followed by an exit poll suggesting the projected seats for the top five parties.

- Nick Percat has signed a long-term deal with Matt Stone Racing until the end of the 2027 season.

- The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of the Apocalypse's second season will air this October 6th.

- The live-action Cells at Work! movie will hit theaters this December 13th.

- The JTBC variety program My Name Is Gabriel moves to its new timeslot. It now airs on Fridays at 10:30PM KST beginning July 5th.

- LeBron James has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, 104 million USD deal, according to reports.

- Former San Diego Wave employee Brittany Alvarado alleged a pattern of abusive behavior by club president Jill Ellis in a social media post. The team denied the accusations in a statement, calling them "inaccurate and defamatory," and defended the former United States women's national team coach.

TTFN.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

How to dress as Hasunosora Girls' High School Idol Club members

“Link! Like! Love Live!” is a mobile game and multimedia app featuring the lives of the Hasunosora Girls' High School Idol Club, which launched last year. When it was first launched, we were greeted by the first six members of the group. But for its second outing, three new members joined the fun. If you are not familiar with the Hasunosora Girls' High School Idol Club, I suggest you get to know them!

It’s no surprise that more and more people are cosplaying as their favorite Hasunosora idols. I think it’s really cool how the club is growing, and it’s great to see so many people getting into cosplay as well. Since you're preparing for the big anime convention weekend ahead, it's time to teach you how to be one of your favorite Hasunosora Girls' High School Idol Club members.

Link! Like! Love Live!
Link! Like! Love Live!

As Kaho Hinoshita - The Hasunosora Girls' High School Idol Club will never be possible without the schoolgirl who became the root of it all; Kaho Hinoshita, a second-year high school girl with a bright personality and a dazzling smile. Her goal is to "bloom" as a school idol, and one day perform live with 1 million people. As any Love Live cosplayer would tell you, a normal-sized orange wig is all you need and then tinker it to match Kaho's hairstyle. With Kaho's your gal, feel free to plan on the costumes she wore during her time.

As Sayaka Murano - Sayaka Murano is a second-year student who has been figure skating since she was young and is also an athlete. Her serious personality ends up taking care of them but she can be quite airheaded. To become Sayaka, all it takes is a long dark blue wig and then give it some twin tails that match Sayaka's hairstyle. With Sayaka set, the outfits are up to you.

As Kozue Otomune - Kozue Otomune is a third-year who excels in both academics and sports and has beautiful features. She serves as the school idol club's captain. Getting a long purple wig is a simple task but replicating Kozue's hairstyle is a challenge because the tail and the roundish part are positioned on her right. It's a big job but if you manage to sort it out, you're now officially Kozue Otomune.

As Tsuzuri Yugiri -Tsuzuri Yugiri is a third-year high school student and a well-known performer. Despite her status, she has a laid-back personality and people around her think of her as a genius. To cosplay as Tsuzuri, all you need is a silver, short-haired wig with red extensions. The hair is the hard part; with that done, you can choose whichever outfit you think suits her best.

As Rurino Osawa - Rurino Osawa is known for being an energizer. Get it? Energizer? She's a first-year high schooler who transferred from California, where she studied overseas in her first year. If you're looking to cosplay as Rurino, be mindful of the hairdo. It may be a long blond hairdo with a sky-blue gradient on it, but replicating Rurino's hairstyle is no walk in the park. But if you can manage to pull it off, you'll be the hit of any convention!

As Megumi Fujishima - Megumi Fujishima is a third-year student at Hasunosora Girls' High School. She is known for her talent and cuteness. She is also aware of her cuteness and is not afraid to show it off. She formed a group called "Miracla Park!" with Rurino Osawa, and they are determined to make their cuteness known all over the world. If you want to cosplay as Megumi Fujishima, you'll need a long brown wig and some rubber bands to match her hairstyle. As for her outfit, you can choose any outfit you think suits her best.

As Ginko Momose - Ginko Momose is a first-year student at Hasunosora Girls’ High School who dreams of becoming a school idol who inherits her family’s tradition. If you’re looking to cosplay as Ginko, you will need a short, dark, blackish hairdo and a traditional Japanese ornament to put in it. Ginko’s hairdo is one of the easier ones to replicate, but the traditional Japanese ornament might take some searching to find.

As Kosuzu Kachimachi - Kosuzu Kachimachi is a first-year student and the youngest child of a fishing family from Tsuruga. She's a hard worker who doesn't get discouraged even when she fails, but she sometimes makes remarks that look down on herself. Kosuzu's hairstyle is a long golden-brown one with braids at the front. Replicating Kosuzu's hairstyle won't be an easy job. but it might be fun to try. If you're feeling brave, I say go for it! If anyone can do it, it's you!

As Hime Anyoji - Hime Anyoji is a first-year student and a gamer well-known for winning student tournaments. Getting a long pink hair with the bottom part painted in blond color and then ponytailed is a simple task, right? Well, no. There are a couple of details that can be easy to miss, so make sure you take your time and get it right. It’ll be worth it in the end! Grab some rubber bands because it's going to be a long night replicating Hime Anyoji's ponytail.

Whether you’re a fan of the original six members or the new additions to the club, there’s a Hasunosora girl out there for everyone. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing cosplay that comes out of this new interest in the club.

Let's Do The News! (July 3, 2024)

                      

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Senator Risa Hontiveros blamed the Rodrigo Duterte administration for the spread of POGO in the Philippines.

- The AFP welcomed the planned "access deal" between the Philippines and Japan, saying it showcases the "united front" of the international community.

- Cebu Pacific has purchased a total of 152 Airbus aircraft units for 1.4 trillion PhP, making it the largest aircraft order in the history of Philippine aviation.

- The New York judge has delayed Donald Trump's sentencing to September following the SCOTUS decision regarding Trump's immunity eligibility in prosecutions while he was the President.

- Former nurse Lucy Letby has been convicted of attempted murder of a premature baby girl in the hospital in 2016.

- Over 121 people were killed in a stampede at a religious gathering in northern India, according to reports. The incident took place at the Satsang in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh state.

- Christian Lundgaard will part ways from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing after the end of the 2024 IndyCar season.

- Pagani showcased its one-off Huayra Epitome, featuring a 6-speed manual gearbox mated to its V12 engine.

Pagani Huayra Epitome

- The Defender 110 Octa was unveiled and replaced the Defender V8 range. Powered by a 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine with mild hybrid, it produces 635PS of power and 750Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds.

2025 Defender Octa

- BTS member Jin is confirmed to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics as a torchbearer.

- Actress Lee Yoo Young announced her marriage and pregnancy.

- BTOB canceled its fan concert in Jakarta.

- Shohei Ohtani announced he won't take part in the Home Run Derby despite ranking second in the majors with 27 homers for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

TTFN.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Let's Do The News! (July 2, 2024)

                     

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Senator Sonny Angara was appointed by the PBBM administration as the new PH Department of Education Secretary.

- The US Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump is eligible for some immunity from prosecution for acts taken while he was in the presidency.

- Hurricane Beryl hits the Caribbean.

- Honda and Chevrolet have collaborated behind the development of the new IndyCar hybrid system. Honda developed the Supercapacitor ESS while Chevrolet helped develop the MGU with Ilmor assembling and distributing the combined package to the teams. The hybrid-powered IndyCar machines will make its first appearance in this weekend's Mid-Ohio race.

- The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut smashed the 0-400kph world record in 27.83 seconds.

- The all-new MG HS will make its world premiere at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 11th.

- A new Magic Knight Rayearth anime is in the works.

- Production for the ONE PIECE Netflix show's second season has begun.

Kadokawa resumed several business operations in publishing in the wake of the recent cyber attack while other B2C operations operate on temporary solutions. Its Niconico streaming service remains offline.

- Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, the parent company of Redbox files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

- YOUNITE’s Hyunseung will be leaving the group and the agency, BRANDNEW MUSIC, due to personal reasons.

Jon Gruden lost a bid for the Nevada Supreme Court to reconsider whether a contract interference and conspiracy lawsuit he filed against the NFL after he resigned as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders should be heard in court or in private arbitration.

- Jayson Tatum has agreed on a five-year extension, the largest contract in NBA history, according to reports. The deal includes a player option and a trade kicker.

- Comedian Dinky Doo Jr. passed away.

TTFN.