Monday, August 25, 2025

Let's Do The News! (August 25, 2025)

        

                                        

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

- Senate President Chiz Escudero has signed a subpoena against the contractor of various flood control projects.

- A low-pressure area was spotted 290km Northeast of Maasin City, Southern Leyte, or 130km east-northwest of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, according to PAGASA.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the youth to be critical and expose any anomalies in the government, especially those in the private sector.

- A helicopter crashed into the field on the Isle of Wight.

- Lyle Menendez joins his brother in being denied parole in the killings of their wealthy parents in Los Angeles.

- The third-generation Audi Q3 is now offered with the Sportback variant.

2026 Audi Q3 Sportback
2026 Audi Q3 Sportback


- GAC's HYPTEC showcased its SSR Baja Concept.

GAC Hyptec SSR Baja Concept

- Fruits Zipper will perform a new theme song from the hit TV anime series Crayon Shin-Chan.

- Lee Ha Nee gave birth to her second child.

- Chinese Taipei wins the 2025 Little League World Series, their first since 1996 and their 18th overall title win.

- Tommy Fleetwood wins the Tour Championship for his first PGA Tour title.

- US soccer player Weston McKennie became the target of racial abuse. Juventus, the team he was on, condemns this racist abuse.

TTFN.

Sunday, August 24, 2025

DTM 2025: Sachsenring

Sachsenring is the next stop for the 2025 DTM season, as the drivers conclude the summer season with heated racing action amidst overcast skies.

DTM 2025: Sachsenring
Screengrab from DTM

Ayhancan Güven made headlines by sweeping the entire Sachsenring race weekend, marking the first time a Turkish DTM driver has achieved this feat. In Race 1, he triumphed over familiar competitors such as Jordan Pepper and Jack Aitken. In Race 2, he once again took the lead, this time ahead of less familiar faces like Ben Dorr of Dorr Motorsports, who became the first DTM driver on the podium to race a McLaren 720S, and Jules Gounon from the Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter.

Post-Sachsenring, Lucas Auer remains on top with 150 points, two points ahead of Jack Aitken, and Guven's now in third with 145 points.

The next event will be at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring this September 11-14, 2025.

FIA World RX 2025: World RX of Finland

Finland's KymiRing is the newest battleground for the FIA World RallyCross Championship for the 2025 season. As the drivers chartering through uncharted rallycross territory, only one will make a mark in the KymiRing.

FIA World RX 2025: World RX of Finland
Screengrab from World RX

Ole Christian Veiby of KMS pulled a ninja move against Johan Kristofferson in the final stretch out of nowhere and won in KymiRing. Meanwhile, hometown hero Juha Rytkonen completes the podium by finishing third, edging the likes of the Hansen Bros.

Who will win the shortest World RX of the season? Find out as the 2025 FIA World RallyCross Championship concludes in Turkiye's Istanbul this September 20-21, 2025. Don't miss it!

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series Round 5

Round 5 of the Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series brings us to Suzuka Circuit for the Suzuka GT 300km Race. What a way to end the summer season with some intense endurance racing action, only Super GT's finest are bold enough to take on.

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series Round 5
Screengrab from Super GT

Nissan claimed the 1st and 3rd spots of the GT500 podium with the #23 MOTUL AUTECH Z, the winner, and the #3 Niterra MOTUL Z finished 3rd. Sandwiching in 2nd place is the #14 ENEOS X PRIME GR Supra. In the GT300 class, meanwhile, the #7 CARGUY FERRARI 296 GT3 is the winner, while the #61 SUBARU BRZ R&D SPORT finished 2nd, and the #5 MACHSYAKEN AIR BUSTER MC86 MACH GO finished 3rd.

The next race will be at Sportsland SUGO this September 20 to 21, 2025.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Coke Zero Sugar 400

It's the last race of the regular season before the playoffs as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series returns to Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. This is the last chance for the drivers to make it to the playoffs. The question is, who? Time to find out.

As the green flag waved, the final fight before the playoffs had begun. The first stage saw the #34 and the #45 getting together and going sliding down the frontstretch, triggering the big one. Alex Bowman's not spared from it. As Kyle Larson won Stage 1 and Tyler Reddick's playoff spot was sealed, Stage 2 saw another big one, followed by Carson Hocevar stalling. As Ross Chastain won Stage 2, the final stage goes from wild to wildest with the fully-packed four-wide final lap.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Coke Zero Sugar 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense four-wide final lap, Ryan Blaney wins the Coke Zero Sugar 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

And so, the Final 16 are complete. Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, Josh Berry, Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, and Alex Bowman.

Who will survive all the way to Avondale, Arizona, for the title? Who will be eliminated? Find out as the fight for the Final 12 kicks off in Darlington, South Carolina, for the Cook Out Southern 500 this August 31, 2025.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

How to dress as one of the HUNTR/X members

The ultra-hit Netflix original cartoon movie, K-POP Demon Hunters, centers on the life and times of the K-pop girl group known as HUNTR/X. While they were celebrated as a mega-popular K-POP group, their true mission is to uphold the tradition of protecting the world from demons that emerge from darkness. Long story short.

Since you've been getting ready for this weekend's theatrical sing-along celebration, why not try a little DIY to become one of your favorite HUNTR/X members? You've watched this Netflix animated movie countless times. As the song says, you're done hiding, and now you're shining like you were born to be.

HUNTR/X
HUNTR/X
Image: Netflix/Sony Pictures Animation

As Rumi - Rumi does not need an introduction, she is the leader of HUNTR/X. After the passing of her mother, who was a member of the group's predecessor, the Sunlight Sisters, Rumi was raised and mentored by Celine, another member of the Sunlight Sisters. Together, they have established HUNTR/X to continue the legacy. Unaware of her dark ancestry, Rumi is determined to prove that she embodies the demon hunters' code of honor.

Rumi's hair is a vibrant purple, featuring a large, intricate braid that resembles a dragon's tail. This is often referred to as a "dragon braid" or a "mohawk braid." It involves a series of ponytails that are then braided together to create a raised, segmented look. To get the purple color, you can use temporary hair color spray, hair extensions, or, if you're feeling adventurous, purple hair dye.

  • Start by creating a few loose ponytails in a straight line down the center of your head, from your forehead to the crown. The number of ponytails will depend on the length of your hair.
  • Use a topsy-tail tool to flip the first ponytail through itself to start the braid.
  • Split the first ponytail in half and bring the bottom ponytail up through the center of the split sections.
  • Repeat this process, adding hair from the next ponytail down into the braid as you go.
  • Once you reach the last ponytail, continue to a regular three-strand braid for the hanging portion.
  • As you work, you can gently "pancake" or fan out the sections of the braid to give it more fullness and volume, similar to Rumi's.
As Mira - Mira is known for rebelling against her wealthy family. She is the tough girl of the group, but beneath her toughness, she can be quite sensitive.

Mira has long, sleek maroon hair with two high pigtails and bangs. Mira's look is a classic half-up, half-down style with two distinct ponytails on the top of her head. The ponytails are placed high, almost like a pair of "bunny ears." She also has long side bangs.

  • Section off the top half of your hair and create a clean center part.
  • Gather each side into a high ponytail, securing it with a hair tie.
  • Make sure the ponytails are symmetrical and positioned well on top of your head.
  • You can use a straightener to get the super sleek look of her hair.
  • For her bangs, if you don't already have them, you can use clip-in bangs or style your hair to create a faux-bang look.
As Zoey - Growing up in California, Zoey is a cheerful moodmaker and the songwriter of the group. Anyone who messes with Zoey might end up as her punching bag.

Zoey's hairstyle features two braided buns on the sides of her head and short, choppy bangs. Zoey's look is characterized by two low braided buns, placed behind her ears. She also has a set of very short, straight micro bangs.
  • Part your hair down the middle.
  • Create two low ponytails, one on each side, leaving a little bit of room between your ear and the ponytail base.
  • Braid each ponytail all the way down and secure the ends with a small elastic.
  • Wrap each braid around its base to form a bun, creating a "cinnamon roll" shape.
  • Pin the buns securely in place, making sure the top of the bun sticks out slightly, as seen in the image.

...and there you have it. How to be like one of your favorite HUNTR/X members. Once you've worked with the necessary hairstyles, feel free to work on whatever outfits they wore in the movie, from their casuals to their concert outfits.

Move over, demons and Saja Boys! The HUNTR/X girls are ready for the "Take Down"! Yep, that's one of their songs.

Stay "Golden". Again, one of their songs. Oh, and if you happen to run into a derpy blue tiger and a three-eyed magpie wearing a Gat (Korean traditional hat), be sure to greet them.

Friday, August 22, 2025

A Quick 25-year History of the Nissan X-TRAIL

The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Nissan X-TRAIL SUV. Hot on the heels of the recent launch of the Nissan X-TRAIL T33 minor change that saw the addition of the Rock Creek edition and the first-ever X-TRAIL NISMO, it's time for a quick history lesson on 25 years of the Nissan X-TRAIL.

2026 Nissan X-Trail
2026 Nissan X-Trail

First Generation (T30, 2000-2007) - Launched on November 13th, 2000, the first-generation X-TRAIL was launched as a "rugged off-roader" featuring a boxy, utilitarian design. It was built to be a capable and affordable SUV. The interior was simple and functional, with a unique center-mounted speedometer and gauges. It was equipped with Nissan's "All-Mode" 4x4 system, which provided various driving modes including front-wheel drive, automatic, and 4WD lock. Engine options included a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, as well as a 2.2-liter diesel option.

Second Generation (T31, 2007-2013) - The X-TRAIL T31 maintained a boxy, "4x4-like" appearance while refining the original concept. It was slightly larger and prioritized improved on-road comfort without sacrificing its off-road capabilities. The dashboard featured a more conventional layout, with the gauges positioned directly in front of the driver. It included an enhanced "All-Mode" 4x4 system with added features such as Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Additionally, there was a broader range of engine options, including a powerful 2.0-liter turbo-diesel. Buyers could choose between a manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Third Generation (T32, 2013-2022) - The T32 model marked a significant shift for Nissan, as the brand transitioned from a rugged design to a sleeker, more urban crossover aesthetic. The vehicle offered an optional third row of seats. In North America, it was marketed as the Nissan Rogue.

The design adopted a more modern, aerodynamic look and introduced advanced technology and safety features, including Nissan's Intelligent Mobility suite, which comprises features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and the Around View Monitor. A hybrid variant, featuring a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, was also introduced. Additionally, there was an emphasis on comfort with "Zero Gravity" inspired seats and a more refined interior.

Fourth Generation (T33, 2022-present) - The T33 model enhances the urban crossover concept with a bolder and more athletic exterior design, emphasizing electrification and advanced technology. It features Nissan's e-POWER hybrid system, in which a gasoline engine acts as a generator to charge a battery while the wheels are driven solely by an electric motor. The model is also introduced with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine.

Inside, the X-TRAIL T33 boasts a fully digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a Head-Up Display available in higher trim levels. It also includes improved safety and driver-assistance systems, such as ProPILOT Assist, which aids in freeway driving by keeping the car centered in its lane and maintaining a preset speed. The T33 is available in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations.


So, there you have it. Twenty-five years of the Nissan X-TRAIL, evolving from the rugged T30 to the stylish T33, spanning four generations and continuing to make an impact. It's a world-proven crossover that became the new standard for Nissan.

Happy 25th anniversary to the Nissan X-TRAIL.