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

         

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

- PH President Bongbong Marcos says the government is ready to respond to those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

- Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was urged by the House Quad Committee to surrender.

- Accuracy of information that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is a Chinese spy, will be investigated by the PH Department of Justice, together with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the National Security Agency.

- A request by a group of pig farmers and the swine industry for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine, which is being studied by the PH Department of Agriculture.

- Sir Keir Starmer says he has paid back more than £6,000 worth of gifts received since becoming the UK's PM, following the donations controversy. Earlier, Labour Party peer Lord Alli was investigated by the House of Lords' commissioner over "alleged non-registration of interests".

- US President Joe Biden opposes Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

- A recent Windows 11 update has caused major problems for some users and has frozen PCs, brought blue or green screens or caused reboot loops where PCs repeatedly try to restart.

- Reports confirmed that Renault will stop running their engines in F1 from the 2026 season. Their employees have already protested this decision during the Italian GP and once again expressed displeasure through a statement.

- The FIA scrapped plans for the post-F1 2024 "rookie race" but the topic is open for discussion in 2025.

- Chloe Chambers will race with the Red Bull Ford Academy Program in the 2025 F1 Academy season. The Asian-American driver is the first driver to be announced for next season.

- Caterham is collaborating with Yamaha for the development of its EV sportscar.

- A select number of Cartoon Network shows were removed from the Max streaming service without warning.

- Manny Pacquiao and Mikey Garcia are among the candidates for the 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame.

- Brian Norman Jr. injured his hand and was forced to postpone his WBO title defense against Derrieck Cuevas.

TTFN.

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

        

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

- In PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #28 at 5PM today, October 2, Typhoon Julian was spotted at a distance of 275km west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes outside the Philippine Area of ​​Responsibility.

- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera said that Alice Guo will be allowed to be released if she wants to file a certificate of candidacy in Bamban, Tarlac as long as there is a court order allowed by COMELEC.

- The Taal Volcano continues to erupt, according to PHIVOLCS. The phreatic eruption occurred at 1621 hours local time and lasted 11 minutes.

- Trump's running mate, JD Vance, and Harris's running mate, Tim Walz, clashed at the Vice-Presidentiable Debate in New York. Both sides exchanged verbal jabs on key issues as the election draws near.

- The Israeli military and Hezbollah report direct clashes inside Lebanon. Israel’s military says it is sending more troops to Lebanon as Hezbollah says it has clashed with Israeli forces in a border village. “Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay”: Israeli PM Netanyahu vows consequences after massive missile attack on Israel.

- Lia Block will drive a Subaru WRX at the ARA Rally National season finale.

- Ahead of Season 11, Formula E will run an all-female test session where up to 22 female drivers will test the GEN 3 EVO machines this November 7th at Valencia.

- The facelifted Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was unveiled and it features an updated PHEV powertrain. Sales in Japan will start this fall. Mitsubishi also teases an MPV concept set to premiere at the Philippine International Motor Show.

- The Skoda Elroq crossover was unveiled. It's the first production car to have the SKODA lettering at the front instead of the logo. It will be powered by an EV powertrain with up to 560km of driving range.

2025 Skoda Elroq

- Palworld developer Pocketpair signs deal for a mobile version of a game amid Nintendo's Pokemon lawsuit.

- DC Studios is making an animated film titled Dynamic Duo, centering the origins of two Robins from the world of Batman.

- Actor John Amos passed away at the age of 84.

- Over 100 people are suing Sean "Diddy" Combs alleging rape, assault, and sexual exploitation.

- ICYMI: Dear Satan, a movie that was banned for theatrical release due to its X rating by the MTRCB, will be streamed on Netflix.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (October 1, 2024)

       

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos urged the PH Department of Energy and the government committee for Marawi rehabilitation.

- House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has filed a certificate of candidacy as a re-electionist in the first district of Leyte.

- The National Security Council is carefully studying the revelation of Alice Guo being a spy for China.

- Cancellation of registration and removal from the list as party list and the coalition of 42 groups, ordered by COMELEC.

- Loud blasts were heard in Beirut after Israel's military told residents to evacuate three areas "immediately". Recently, Israel told the US it plans to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon, according to a US official.

- Netflix's NASCAR Full Speed docuseries gets a second season this 2025.

- Hyundai reportedly scrapped plans for the production version of the N Vision 74 Concept, a month after being mentioned in Hyundai's plans to launch 21 new EVs by 2030.

- Assetto Corsa EVO will be launched via early access on PC via Steam this January 16, 2025.

- The D4DJ franchise announced that Sae Otsuka will no longer play the role of RONDO member Nagisa Tsukimiyama.

- Wizards of the Coast steps in following Magic: The Gathering's controversial rule change involving the ban on Commander cards.

- Chungha steps down as DJ of radio show Volume Up.

- MLB legend Pete Rose passed away at the age of 83.

- NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at age 58.

- The BBC has apologized to Amanda Abbington over Strictly Come Dancing verbal bullying by Giovanni Pernice, but he is cleared of physical aggression.

TTFN.

Doko ni Itemo Kimi wa Kimi

Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Kanketsu-hen Chapter 1, the first of the Nijigasaki movie trilogy, saw Ayumu Uehara, Kasumi Nakasu, Shizuku Osaka, Kanata Konoe, Emma Verde, and Zhong Lanzhu taking part at the School Idol GPX in Okinawa to determine who is "the most popular school idol right now".

Having enjoyed the first chapter of the Nijigasaki movie trilogy, the movie's theme song has arrived, giving you plenty of reasons why you became part of the recent Nijigasaki adventure.

Doko ni Itemo Kimi wa Kimi

"Doko ni Itemo Kimi wa Kimi" is the theme song of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Kanketsu-hen Chapter 1 and this mini album not only features the movie's theme song but also songs heard from the movie as performed by the Nijigasaki girls who took part in the School Idol GPX such as Ayumu Uehara, Kasumi Nakasu, Shizuku Osaka, Kanata Konoe, Emma Verde, and Zhong Lanzhu, as demonstrated by the alternate covers also available.

Shizuku performs "Rise Up High!", 

Kanata performs "Daydream Mermaid", 

Emma performs "Cara Tesoro", 

Lanzhu performs "PHOENIX", 

and Ayumu performs "Stellar Stream". 

You get the idea.

This mini album is a way of saying thanks for taking part in the first Nijigasaki movie adventure. As said before, don't expect anything in return, but be prepared for what comes next!

BMW X2 U10 and iX2

The BMW X2 is now in its second generation and it gained its all-electric iX2 equivalent. So, what's it all about the all-new X2 and the first-ever iX2? Come here and let's explain.

2025 BMW X2

2025 BMW iX2

The BMW X2 U10, starting at 47,500 Euros plus additional costs, and the first-ever BMW iX2, starting at 49,900 Euros plus additional costs, showcased something that the predecessor failed to be, a proper coupe-crossover sized to X1 proportions.

While the coupe-crossover is something the all-new X2 wanted to be, there's something about its new looks. It looks like a mini-me XM, especially the crazy XM-styled front face. At the back, BMW borrowed something from Mazda's design department for the taillights.

2025 BMW X2 interior

Like its X1 equivalent, the all-new BMW X2 has an interior similar to the latest 2-Series Active Tourer. It has the new BMW Curved Display, which takes center stage on the driver's side. The display runs on the latest BMW Operating System 9, which has noticeable features, including voice control that works like Alexa. Unfortunately, the new model has a floating center console that removes the storage space under the armrest, making it more difficult to store your stuff. On the plus side, the X2 has more interior space than the previous model.

2025 BMW iX2

Because it runs on the improved FF platform just like its X1 equivalent, the X2 U10 feels slightly improved compared to the previous model, although unhappy about it.

Under the hood, the X2 is offered with the choice of a 1.5L petrol with 48V mild hybrid system, a 1.5L diesel, and exclusive to the M35i xDrive variant, a 2.0L turbo engine with 300PS of power. Mated to a seven-speed DCT, it does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

The iX2, with its 64.8kWh lithium battery pack, is offered with a choice from a 150kW eDrive20 with 459km of driving range up to the 230kW xDrive30 variant that propels this SUV to a 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of a Japanesey 180kph. If the iX2 is good enough on the streets of Tokyo, it's good enough on the streets of Berlin.

Both the new X2 and the iX2 are armed with the most advanced safety features offered. These include the Driving Assistant package with AEB, passive cruise control, and Parking Assistant, among others.

The X2 is the coupe-crossover equivalent of the X1 and this new version is literal indeed, although the XM-styled nose is something the neighborhood should look out for. Still, with its slightly improved packaging and the addition of the iX2 made the all-new X2 worth noticeable from top to bottom. In the end, this is the new normal, after all.

Photo: BMW AG 

Let's Do The News! (September 30, 2024)

      

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

- The National Food Authority has raised the selling price of the NFA rice, which serves as the Philippines' buffer stock and is mainly used during calamities for the government's series of relief operations.

- Typhoon Julian grew stronger as it moved through the Balintang Channel. According to PAGASA's 8AM Tropical Cyclone Bulletin, 'Julian' was spotted in the waters of Balintang Islands, Calayan, Cagayan and moving west-northwest at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour.

- Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa strongly denies that he was involved in the alleged "courtesy call" and meeting of police officers with former President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City that is linked to the death of three Chinese drug lords inside the Davao Penal Farm and Prison in August 2016.

- House Appropriations Committee Chairman and Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co is confident that the Senate will pass the 2025 budget as soon as possible to continue important government programs and improve the lives of every Filipino.

- Projections suggest Austria's far-right Freedom Party heading for unprecedented general election victory.

- Israeli forces continue attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon even after the death of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah. Smoke rises over Hezbollah's Beirut stronghold after recent Israeli strikes.

- Grand Blue Dreaming TV anime renewed for its second season.

- DXMON member Jo has officially left the group.

- Actress Park Jia passed away after her battle with cerebral infarction.

- Actress Joo Sae Byeok confirms marriage to a non-showbiz boyfriend.

- Team USA wins the Presidents Cup for the 10th consecutive time.

- Hollywood actor-singer Kris Kristoffersson died at the age of 88.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Hollywood Casino 400

With 12 playoff contenders remaining, the fight for the final 8 is now on as the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue with Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet in Kansas Speedway.

As the green flag waved, the fight for the final 8 is officially on. The first stage saw Kyle Larson blow a right rear tire and crash on Lap 20. As William Byron won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Erik Jones spinning on Lap 99 followed by Daniel Hemric's Lap 145 disaster, a Lap 149 trouble for both John Hunter Nemechek and Justin Haley, and a Lap 158 disaster when Austin Cindric got spun following his clash with Kyle Busch. As Alex Bowman won Stage 2, the final stage saw Kyle Busch spinning on Lap 237 following his clash with Chase Briscoe followed by Todd Gilliand sent Carson Hocevar spinning on Lap 244.

Screengrab from NASCAR

Sadly, another non-playoff driver spoiled the playoff fight as Ross Chastain won the Hollywood Casino 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series.

The fight for the final 8 continues in Talladega Superspeedway for the YellaWood 500 this October 6th, 2024.