Forza Horizon: Meet the VIPs

Ever since I have the Limited Collector's Edition of Forza Horizon, I have gained myself a VIP status and as a VIP in this game, I get exclusive in-game gifts designed by the Turn 10 staff, VIP Rivals events, expanded storefront, and an expanded MyForza gallery space where I got to store more pics and up to three video clips. Best of all, I got the chance to drive five cars made specifically for Horizon VIP players such as...

Pagani Huayra - Pagani's latest hypercar, the successor to the decade-old Zonda, really packs a divine wind against its rivals.

The Mighty Wind

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento - This dream machine from Lamborghini inspired its name from the periodic table of elements. Sesto Elemento...that's sixth element in Italian and it's CARBON to you and me...

The Sixth Sense

Audi R8 GT Spyder - Audi's hardcore model based on the R8 V10 Spyder comes with the same enhancements from its hardtop equivalent now in an open-top look.

Audi's Next Topless Model

Koenigsegg Agera - The successor of the bewildering CCX supercar from Sweden demands more fear and respect from drivers everywhere. By the moment you set foot on the Agera, your body becomes drunk with speed.

The Swedish Devil

Ruf RT 12 R - RUF's top-of-the-line model combines big power from the turbocharged engine at the back and some spartan driving manners.

The Spartan

Those who have VIP memberships got access to these perks and priviledges but for those who haven't got it, now's your chance because starting at 800MSP at the XBOX Live Marketplace, you can have these perks and privileges that Horizon provides for the VIP players. Hurry! It's never too late to be a VIP!

Oscars 2013 winners

Missed the 2013 Academy Awards? If so, here are the winners of this year's Oscars, let's have a look!

BEST PICTURE: Argo

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE: Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: Brave

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Life of Pi

BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Anna Karenina

BEST DIRECTING: Life of Pi

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Searching for Sugar Man

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: Inocente

BEST FILM EDITING: Argo

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Amour

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING: Les Miserables

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: Life of Pi

BEST ORIGINAL SONG: Skyfall by Adele (007: Skyfall)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Lincoln

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM: Paperman

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM: Curfew

BEST SOUND EDITING: 007: Skyfall, Zero Dark Thirty

BEST SOUND MIXING: Les Miserables

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Life of Pi

BEST WRITING FOR ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Argo

BEST WRITING FOR ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Django Unchained

In summary, movies like Life of Pi, Django Unchained, Les Miserables, and Argo scored big on this year's Oscars. Incredible!

Call The Midwife The Album

Call the Midwife was a true to life story written by Jennifer Worth that inspired a hit BBC TV drama series.  Jessica Raine played the role of Jenny Lee, a character inspired by Jennifer Worth who started her first day at Nonnatus House, a convent in one of the poorest areas in London. In here, she meets good-time girl Trixie, sensible Cynthia, and a newcomer named Chummy. For two seasons and last year's Christmas special, Call The Midwife has charmed viewers with a remarkable storyline and thanks to Jenny Agutter, Miranda Hart, Pam Ferris, and Jessica Raine, this show was a charming success, so successful that Call The Midwife will return sometime next year, which is a bit of a wait for fans. Worry not for Jessica Raine fans because the actress who played Jenny Lee on the show may come back as a guest on Doctor Who Series 7 Part Two and on the docu-drama titled Adventures in Space and Time starring David Bradley as William Hartnell, The First Doctor.

Call The Midwife The Album

However, if you are a big fan of the very popular BBC TV drama inspired by true events, then you'll gonna love this original soundtrack. Call The Midwife The Album is a two-disc original soundtrack which comes with musics heard from the first two seasons and the 2012 Christmas Special including original recordings from the 1950's, cast performances and musical interludes.

Yeah, I know some of the tracks featured are some oldies music but this track comes with some original background musics heard on the hit TV drama as seen on BBC, perfect enough to relive the life and times of Jenny Lee, a midwife who overcomes different obstacles to fulfill her potential at the community she rapidly learns to love.

Available at: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Call-The-Midwife-Album/dp/B00AOAO24G/ref=pd_sim_b_11

TRACK LIST:


Disc: 1
1. Theme Tune
2. Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers - Why Do Fools Fall In Love
3. The Diamonds - Little Darlin'
4. The Champs - Tequila
5. Louis Prima - Jump, Jive An' Wail
6. Original Cast Recording - Elevator Rock
7. Musical Interlude - Urgent
8. Max Bygraves - Meet Me On The Corner
9. Musical Interlude - Biking
10. Perry Como With Ray Charles Singer - Magic Moments
11. Doris Day With Frank Devol & His Orchestra - Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
12. Junior Parker - Next Time You See Me
13. Mitzi Gaynor - I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair
14. Musical Interlude - On The Pier
15. The Four Lads - Who Needs You
16. The Five Satins - In The Still Of The Nite
17. Dean Martin With Dick Stable & His Orchestra - Memories Are Made Of This
18. Musical Interlude - The Docks
19. Bill Doggett - Ram Bunk Shush
20. Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra - Raunchy
21. The Johnny Otis Show - Good Golly
22. The Chordettes - Lollipop
23. Perry Como With Ray Charles Singers - Hot Diggitty (Dog Ziggity Boom)
24. Eydie Gorme - Love Me Forever
25. Malcolm Vaughan - My Special Angel
26. Blossom Dearie - Someone To Watch Over Me
27. Original Cast Recording - The Brothel
28. Original Cast Recording (The Nuns) - Lord Now Let They Servant Depart In Peace
29. Musical Interlude - Slipping Away
30. Original Cast Recording (The Nuns) - Before The Ending Of The Day

Disc: 2
1. Original Cast Recording (The Cub Scouts) - My Special Angel
2. The Four Aces - Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
3. The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You
4. Ondrej Lenard/Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - Carnival Of The Animals: Xiii. Le Cygne (The Swan)
5. Musical Interlude - Back To Life
6. Original Cast Recording (The Nuns) - Psalm 121
7. Perry Como With Ray Charles Singers - Catch A Falling Star
8. Doris Day With Frank Devol & His Orchestra - Everybody Loves A Lover
9. Petula Clark - Baby Lover
10. Tab Hunter - Young Love
11. Musical Interlude - Delivery
12. Original Cast Recording (The Nuns) - Psalm 91
13. Musical Interlude - In The Mirror
14. Andy Williams - Walk Hand In Hand
15. Bill Lee & John Kerr - Younger Than Springtime
16. The Four Aces - Stranger In Paradise
17. Musical Interlude - Country House
18. The Four Coins - Shangri
19. The Solitaires - Embraceable You
20. The Five Satins - Love With No Love In Return
21. Musical Interlude - The Letter
22. Original Cast Recording (The Nuns) Come Holy Ghost Our Soul Inspire
23. The Four Aces - O Holy Night (Cantique De Noel)
24. Elvis Presley - Blue Moon
25. Perry Como - (I Wonder Why) You're Just In Love
26. Musical Interlude - Anxious Wait
27. The Four Aces - Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love )
28. Musical Interlude - Giving Her Back
29. Original Cast Recording (The Nuns) - Psalm 51 Have Mercy Upon Me
30. Jane Morgan - If I Loved You
31. The Duprees - You Belong To Me

GM Korea Chevrolet Trax

Ever since in two years ago when Mr. Mike Arcamone finally axed the Daewoo brand for good and use the Chevrolet brand to its Korean made cars (with the exception of the Damas, Labo, and Alpheon flagship sedan) to boost its sales as well as its renaming the South Korean division of General Motors from GM Daewoo to GM Korea Company, it bridged the gap between Hyundai-Kia and Renault-Samsung, becoming one of South Korea's biggest carmakers. I know it was a good idea to kill of that ugly Daewoo brand for good because nobody in the world really liked the Daewoo brand after all but sometimes, even the Korean-made Chevrolets should have known better than that because I don't think they fared well against the competition. The Chevrolet Cruze, for instance, is facing sluggish competition against the Avante and the K3 while the Chevy Aveo (Sonic in most markets) is making a deadheat against the Kia Pride and the Hyundai Accent RB and the Chevrolet Captiva is losing its ground against the Santa Fe DM and the Sorento R. Sadly though, GM Korea doesn't have a competitor against the Hyundai Tucson iX or the Kia Sportage R so when they guys went to the drawing board, this is what they came up what known to be as a proper rival to the Tucson or Sportage...

2013 GM Korea Chevrolet Trax

This might be a potential contender, it's called the TRAX and by the name TRAX, people should not to be confused with the 2007 concept car of the same name that inspired Mudflap from Transformers 2 or that K-POP duo called The Trax. He he he he he..... Anyway, while the name sounds confusing for a Korean, what's underneath the Trax is the chassis that was used on the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka (Buick Encore). It's even built by the same factory where most Korean-made Chevys were made. Where? Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, South Korea! Not sure where? Look at the map, okay?

2013 GM Korea Chevrolet Trax

 Anyway, the Trax is a compact crossover that slots below the Captiva and as a compact crossover, the TRAX was made to be for those who are living the urban lifestyle, it's like a relaxed adult spending hours listening to Crossover FM on his/her iPhone app or at a sound system that is five times more expensive than an ordinary radio while living in a very luxurious condo somewhere in Filinvest. The Trax though is like that, it's like being me who spend the rest of my free time shopping at Festival or at SM Southmall for some stuff that I like to make myself comfortable. Judging from my free time doing a bit of shopping or relieving my field trip memories, the Trax is just something that I'm easing my worries about.

However, as an alternative to the Tucson or the Sportage R, this is a fair choice because with the starting price of just 19,400,000 Korean Won, the Trax is the affordable of the three. Engine choices of these three? Let's have a look... Sportage R has 2.0L T-GDi and 2.0L CRDi-VGT, Tucson is available only with 2.0L CRDi-VGT, Trax is petrol only at that time. It has a 1.4L turbocharged engine that produces about 140HP of power and 20.4kg-m of torque while being mated with the GEN II 6-speed automatic transmission that you may expect on the Malibu. Fuel consumption takes about 12.2km/L for the only engine offered on the Trax.

Sadly though, no 4WD offered on the Trax, which is a bit of a problem for a crossover of this size and seems to be that those Koreans who want to buy the new Trax might have a bit of a rethink because when the Trax was premiered at last year's Paris Motor Show, it has 4WD but when GM Korea brought it here, where's the 4WD? There's none! The Trax is available only in FF, same as the upcoming Scenic X-MOD that has no 4WD on sight.

As for the driving feel, the Trax is a bit more athletic, it's like a nimble hatchback that really shows its grooves but remember, the Trax is always an urban life vehicle designed and made for those who are as much comfortable as living in a condo in Alabang, not an SUV that you can make some ridiculous stereotypes.

2013 GM Korea Chevrolet Trax interior

The interior of the Trax seems to be a bit cheap, feels like it was made of cheap materials and Chevrolet should have known better when it comes to make eye-catching interiors. Despite it's low-quality interior, the one thing I'm going to like about the Trax is the fact that it has Siri. No, I'm not joking and I'm not making this up because Trax got Siri. That's right, it's your personal assistant you often love or hate on your iPhone is in the Trax and while your iPhone's connected to the Chevrolet MyLink, talk to Siri, Siri knows what to do as you give Siri commands but best to speak clearly or Siri won't understand what you're saying. Trust me, my pronunciations are not that good than yours. He he he he....

To sum up then, what I like about the Trax is that it's got Siri, the turbocharged engine, nimble handling that feels like a sports hatchback, and the same feeling you felt on your posh condo. What I don't like about the Trax that the interior design looks cheap, no diesel and 4WD powertrain on sight, and the design that looks a bit more boxy. Now then, for my moment of truce with the TRAX, Siri, go play me Blind by Trax!

Available colors: Pure White, Snowflake White Pearl, Switchblade Silver, Satin Steel Grey, Velvet Red, Sand Beige Brown, Espresso Brown, Hawaiian Blue, Royal Solid Blue, and Carbon Flash Black.

PRICE LIST:

1.4 LS A/T - 19,400,000 Won
1.4 LS 디럭스 A/T - 20,150,000 Won
1.4 LT A/T - 20,900,000 Won
1.4 LT 디럭스 A/T - 21,900,000 Won
1.4 LTZ A/T - 22,890,000 Won

Photo: GM Korea Company

Six Nations 2013: Zero to Hero win for Scotland

Scotland vs. Ireland

Round 3 of the RBS Six Nations rugby match concludes with Scotland bagging a win against the IRFU with the score of 12 to 8. That's 12 points for Scotland and 8 points for Ireland. Seems the first half sees Scotland in a rough start against the Irish rivals but on the second half, with the Scottish had no tries, they managed to outrun the Irish, probably thanks to Laidlaw's....

PRESS RELEASE:


Laidlaw's boot seals Scotland comeback

Greig Laidlaw kicked all the points as Scotland staged a fine comeback to sink Ireland 12-8 and chalk up back-to-back RBS 6 Nations victories for the first time since 2001.

Trailing 8-0 just after the break and having been outclassed in the first 50 minutes, Scotland romped back and Laidlaw's clinical kicking edged out Ireland, who slipped to a second straight Championship loss.
In complete contrast to Laidlaw, Ireland fly-half Paddy Jackson enjoyed a difficult debut, missing three kicks at goal before he was replaced.

For Scotland, having defeated Italy in the previous match, their hopes of clinching the RBS 6 Nations title remain very much alive after a first Championship victory over Ireland at Murrayfield in 12 years.

Despite Jackson's inaccuracy from the tee, Ireland were very much in the ascendancy in the first half but for all their knocking on the Scotland door, they could only take a three-point lead in with them at the interval.

Debutant centre Luke Marshall enjoyed a first cap to remember, making two superb line breaks but Scotland's scrambled defence kept Ireland out.

On six minutes Ireland got their first sniff of the try-line but Rob Kearney's grubber kick didn't find a way through the Scotland line and a minute later 21-year-old Marshall made his first blistering run.

Bypassing Ruaridh Jackson, Marshall scythed through and picked out Keith Earls on the left but with Brian O'Driscoll on the outside, the wing couldn't find the pass.

Ireland showed their intent by turning down a kickable penalty to kick for the corner but that backfired somewhat when Jim Hamilton stole the lineout ball.

Ireland kept coming however and Marshall made another break, this time on the right, only for his pass, which looked forward, to be knocked on by Craig Gilroy on ten minutes.

Scotland then found themselves down to 14 men on 16 minutes when prop Ryan Grant was sent to sin bin after bringing down Conor Murray who had taken a quick penalty but had not travelled ten metres.

Debutant fly-half Jackson shanked his first effort at goal on the international stage however before Scotland embarked on their first real attack, only for Johnnie Beattie's pass to Matt Scott to go forward.

Then it was Earls' turn to split the Scotland defence but he failed to see the supporting O'Driscoll inside and the Munster man was forced inside by Stuart Hogg and Sean Maitland.

Scotland were clinging on but were aided by Ireland's misfiring lineout as the score remained 0-0 despite ireland's dominance.

On 33 minutes an Irish driving maul was brought down by Scotland and again Ireland turned down the three points and kicked for the corner.

But while they won another lineout, they could not force their way through and settled for a kick at goal after Kelly Brown was pinged for not releasing, this time 21-year-old Jackson notching his first points on the senior international stage.

Scotland, despite being outplayed for the opening 39 minutes, were then given a chance to level things up on the stroke of half-time but Hogg, whose range is longer than regular kicker Laidlaw, just fell short from 50 metres.

The second half started with more of the same - Ireland maintaining their policy of keeping the ball in hand with Scotland again on the back foot.

And on 44 minutes they finally made the breakthrough. Bulldozing flanker Sean O'Brien made the break and after a few more phases that saw Kearney and O'Driscoll both go close, Gilroy spun his way over the line after he was fed by Murray. Jackson struck the near upright with his kick from the right, ensuring Ireland led 8-0.

Scotland then earned themselves a foothold in the match by winning a penalty in the Ireland 22 and Laidlaw made no mistake to get the hosts on the board.

Soon after Jackson drifted another penalty wide and when Scotland's powerful scrum earned another penalty in front of the posts, Laidlaw brought his side to within just two points on 59 minutes.

Buoyant, Scotland began enjoying some possession in the Ireland 22 and Beattie fell just short of the try-line when bursting through from the rolling maul.

Scotland had already been awarded the penalty however and when Laidlaw's speculative high kick into the in-goal area did not result in a try, the scrum-half booted his side into a 9-8 lead from the tee.

That prompted Declan Kidney to introduce Ronan O'Gara for his 128th cap and he showed all his nous when chipping ahead, but fellow replacement Luke Fitzgerald couldn't gather the ball.

However a moment of madness from O'Gara, who was wayward with a cross-field kick deep in his own 22, eventually saw Scotland win the penalty and Laidlaw give his side a four-point gap.

Ireland then won a penalty deep in the Scotland half and kicked for the corner with three minutes remaining and despite numerous phases just short of the visitors' line, Kearney ran into his own man and the chance was gone.

Source: http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/22378.php

The third round concludes with England's in the lead by six points while Wales and Scotland had 4 points and Ireland and Italy has 2 points. Seems that France never won a single match in this year's Six Nations rugby. The fourth round will have a very different experience. Scotland vs. Wales, Ireland vs. France, and England vs. Italy...It all happens next month...

Top Gear Season 19 finale

Top Gear Season 19 finale

Here we go, fifth episode is the last of Top Gear Series 19 (or is it?) and on that episode, hilarity ensued because Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson  are off to make a senior-friendly recreational vehicle based on the cruddy Fiat Multipla car. Did they solved OAP transport? Yes, nearly...

Also, James May tries out the next-generation Range Rover and placed on a rather unusual test against some military truck. While we're not gonna tell the outcome, James May claimed that the all-new Range Rover is rather excellent, even though this new model is lighter than the previous model. More luxurious as well...

Lastly, James McAvoy is the STAR IN A REASONABLY PRICED CAR and he set a lap time of 1:43.6, a second faster than the time set by Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith!

That concludes Series 19 of Top Gear...or is it? Because next week sees the very first two-part Top Gear special...It's the AFRICA SPECIAL. Next week is Part One of the AFRICA SPECIAL as the boys return to Africa for a new challenge. Wonder what trouble will the boys face?

Six Nations 2013 - Another win for England and Wales

Italy vs. Wales

All right, the third round of the RBS 6 Nations is heating up and looks like England and Wales pummeled through the ranks against the French and the Italians.

First and foremost, the England rugby team really put a massive blow on the FFR at the once-messed-up-by-Top-Gear Twickenham stadium and if it weren't for Manu Tuilagi's try, England wouldn't got a 23-13 lead against France.

PRESS RELEASE:


Tuilagi sinks France as England edge closer to Grand Slam

Manu Tuilagi picked up from where he left off at Twickenham, scoring England's only try in their 23-13 victory over France to maintain his side's pursuit of a first RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam since 2003.

Tuilagi last played on home soil for England when he inspired the Red Rose's historic victory over New Zealand, and he was at it again against France, darting over in the corner for his side's crucial score.
France were much improved from their first two matches with half-back pairing Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh-Duc excelling in a frenetic opening half - lit up by Wesley Fofana's wonderful try.

But with Owen Farrell - and latterly Toby Flood - keeping the scoreboard ticking over, and Tuilagi pouncing after the break, England secured their third straight win of the 2013 RBS 6 Nations and a third straight Championship win over les Bleus.

As they had done in their previous two matches, England took the lead in the opening two minutes - Farrell notching from the tee after Yoann Maestri was penalised for going over the top.

France showed their attacking intent soon after however as Trinh-Duc chipped through the middle of the pitch, Fofana fielded the ball and England were penalised at the breakdown.

Parra, in for Maxime Machenaud, kicked France level on five minutes a the opening exchanges continued at a ferocious pace.

Mathieu Bastareaud and Tuilagi both embarked on bone-crunching runs as both sides carried the fight to one another, and both winning numerous turnovers.

Yoann Huget also caught the eye in the opening quarter which remained 3-3 as both teams jousted without troubling the scoreboard.

On 27 minutes, Tuilagi almost grabbed the first try of the match, ripping through the French defence but as the try-line beckoned, Parra's last ditch tackle stopped the England centre in his tracks.

England recycled and Farrell looked for Chris Ashton on the right with the cross-field kick and while he was wayward, referee Craig Joubert had already awarded the penalty.

On the half hour mark came Fofana's moment of magic.

Bastareaud proved he's more than just a battering ram by attracting England defenders before releasing his centre partner, who evaded Courtney Lawes' tackle before scorching down the left, leaving Ashton and Ben Youngs in his wake.

England were then handed the chance to trim the gap to one when France prop Thomas Domingo didn't roll away from the ruck, and Farrell duly bisected the posts.

Parra had the chance to extend his side's lead at the end of the half but he didn't have the range from the halfway line and just after the break he was wayward again following a huge shove from the French pack.

And the hosts took advantage of that let-off when France were penalised for bringing down a maul on 47 minutes, giving Farrell a simple shot, by his standards, from les Bleus' 22.

The first-half pattern of both side's making headway then conceding possession ensued before Tuilagi's opportunistic try came on 54 minutes.

A towering kick from Alex Goode was fielded by France but England pressure saw the ball fall loose and Tuilagi pounced on the ball and romped into the left-hand corner.

Farrell pushed his conversion wide however, his first miss of the match, and England then needlessly conceded a penalty in their own half for being offside.

Frederic Michalak, on for Trinh-Duc, slotted the kick on 58 minutes to bring France to within four points at 17-13.

A rare error from Fofana then saw Farrell look to extend England's lead from all of 50 metres but he uncharacteristically fluffed his lines and injured himself in the process as Toby Flood entered the fray in his place soon after.

France then strung together numerous phases - a moment of magic from Michalak almost paying off when he chipped ahead - and England were forced to dig deep and keep their defence in tact.

But Flood did made his telling contribution with seven minutes remaining, giving England some crucial breathing space with a penalty after Bastareaud was called up by Joubert.

As France tired and England's replacements outshone their counterparts, Flood racked up a second penalty to ensure the game was safe, condemning les Bleus to a sixth consecutive RBS 6 Nations match without victory.

Source: http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/22365.php

Also, seems that the kid from the Six Nations 2013 commercial from BBC Cymru Wales is going to be thrilled by the news for this because Wales bagged another win after defeating the F.I.R. Italia rugby team with the score of 9-26. That's 9 points for the Italians and 26 points for the Welsh. Such tries by Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert would been enough to sink the Italians in the third round of the RBS 6 Nations rugby match.

PRESS RELEASE:


Davies and Cuthbert reignite Wales' title defence

Second-half scores from Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert saw Wales get the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown firmly back on track with an impressive 26-9 victory over Italy in Rome.

Having ended a run of eight straight defeats against France last time out, Wales chalked up their second win of the competition with Leigh Halfpenny again excelling at full-back, notching 14 points.
Where the Welsh scrum came under pressure in Paris, it was rampant in Rome and that gave Wales the platform to set up the victory - Halfpenny taking advantage whenever the Azzurri were penalised at the set-piece.

Despite Wales' superiority in the first half, Italy were very much still in the game at 9-6 down at the break but Davies and Cuthbert both scored clinical efforts to wrap up victory as the Welsh road show now gears up for a trip to Scotland.

Buoyed by their victory over France a fortnight ago, it was Wales who made the brighter start, setting up camp in the Italian half in the opening stages of the match.

The Italian defensive line rarely looked threatened by Wales did make their territory count on seven minutes, winning the first penalty of the match which Halfpenny duly converted.

The visitors allowed Italy swiftly back into the match however and the Azzurri levelled up the scores with their first foray into the Wales 22 - prop Gethin Jenkins pinged for bringing the scrum down and Kristopher Burton slotting the three points.

Italy briefly threatened - Giovanbattista Venditti bursting down the left - but the greasy ball ensured attacking rugby came at a premium for both sides.

Instead, it was the set-piece which dictated matters and in that regard, Wales were on top. Another brutal scrum on 15 minutes gave Halfpenny his second penalty of the game and just three minutes later it was the same story - the full-back converted from 45 metres.

Dan Biggar was then called up on the halfway line for not releasing but Burton decided to go for the corner, only to misjudge his kick and find Cuthbert.

Cuthbert spilled the ball however and from the resulting scrum, Burton attempted a drop goal, only to drag his effort wide.

On the half hour mark, Italy rediscovered their form at the scrum and secured the penalty, Burton on target to trim to gap to just three before Cuthbert finally found some space on the right.

Biggar fielded a kick and found his winger inside and Cuthbert looked to be clear only for a last ditch tap tackle from Gonzalo Canale to avert the danger for Italy.

Wales' impressive forwards then won another penalty - their pressure on Italy forcing mistakes following a chargedown by Jenkins but this time Halfpenny missed from the tee, ensuring Wales took a 9-6 lead in at the break.

Italy came out of the blocks in the second half and almost grabbed the first try of the match after a kick ahead by Burton wreaked havoc in the Wales defence but Tommaso Benvenuti failed to gather the ball cleanly with the try line beckoning.

Undeterred Italy stepped onto the front foot again but Burton missed his second drop goal effort before Davies struck with the decisive try on 44 minutes.

Mike Phillips chipped over the top and the bounce of the ball evaded both Burton and Italy scrum-half Edoardo Gori - but not Davies, who kicked ahead and dotted down, Halfpenny adding the extras.

Burton brought Italy back to within a score with his third penalty of the match but Halfpenny responded in kind with a superb kick from out on the left.

On 59 minutes, Italy then found themselves down to 14 with captain Martin Castrogiovanni sent to the sin bin after for repeated infringement at the scrum and Wales made it count.

A fine drive from the forwards resulted in Biggar picking out the on-rushing Cuthbert who was not to be denied this time, streaking over in the left-hand corner with Halfpenny again on target with the conversion.

With breathing space on the scoreboard, Wales set out closing the match out but Italy wasted a good chance to hit back - Alessandro Zanni knocking on when on the overlap to sum up the Azzurri's day as the visitors eased to a sixth straight RBS 6 Nations victory over their hosts.

Scoop: http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/22358.php

Now stay tuned for the match between Scotland vs. IRFU later...

Let's Do The News! (February 23, 2013)

River's Diary

Right, what's the news today you spoiler-laden TARDIS journal?

MX-5 Superlight GET!

Mazda MX-5 Superlight

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept, a unicorn car on Forza Horizon, is now in my possession and as for that, I have finally completed all seven unicorns on Forza Horizon. Reason for getting that is because the producers sent players like us for a Scavenger Hunt last week. Good thing I got the last of the unicorns before everyone's favorite "Unicorn Saint" johniwanna left for a break. Let's celebrate my completion of my Horizon unicorn collection by having my MX-5 Superlight for a spin...



Horizon VIP Membership available for everyone

VIP Membership on Forza Horizon is only allowed for those who've owned the Forza Horizon Limited Collector's Edition, like me. But now, the cap has been lifted because now, Horizon VIP Membership is now available for everyone starting at just 800MSP and for that you'll get cars like the Pagani Huayra, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, Audi R8 GT Spyder, Koenigsegg Agera, and the RUF Rt 12 R. Not only that, you can enjoy VIP perks and privileges such as taking part on VIP-only rivals event, receive VIP gift cars, expanded storefront, and expanded MyForza gallery space!

Details: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-US/news/Forza_Horizon_VIP_Available_Now

2014 Jeep Cherokee

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Seen here is the replacement for the aging Jeep Liberty to be seen on this year's New York Auto Show and Jeep's reviving the Cherokee nameplate for this new crossover. Sadly though no details have been given and the weirdest thing about the Cherokee's design is the front view because the front kinda reminds me of the Daewoo Musso so this is quite a rubbish-looking crossover to us but that's just the beginning.

Meh, didin't like that kind of car to be driven round town, otherwise some blind people may mistake one for a Musso...

Story: http://www.netcarshow.com/jeep/2014-cherokee/

Great Britain lost its AAA rating

As the Euro Debt Crisis lingers, most countries are suffering from downgrades by either Moody's or Standard & Poors. The latest victim of the downgrade was United Kingdom because reports said that for the first time ever since 1978, the United Kingdom is suffering a downgrade from AAA to Aa1 based on Moody's. Oh geez, those finance experts in the UK need to take action due to the recent downgrade by Moody's but that would be very tough to bring UK back on track on economic growth. Chancellor George Osborne said the decision was 'a stark reminder of the country's debt problems' but as some analysts said, he will be branded as the "downgrade chancellor". That latest downgrade packs a huge damage for the prime minister and chancellor who said keeping our AAA rating was the test of their economic and political credibility".

Sorry, UK....

Story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21554311

Reece Shearsmith to play as Patrick Troughton?

Moments ago, Whovians are anticipated for the upcoming true-to-life story titled "An Adventure in Space and Time", a special to be aired in Autumn 2013 in celebration of Doctor Who's 50th birthday and then they've pitched in David Bradley (he was guested last year as Solomon on Dinosaurs on a Spaceship episode of Doctor Who Series 7) as William Hartnell, the first ever Doctor Who lead actor in 1963, while Call the Midwife lead actress Jessica Raine appointed as Doctor Who producer Verity Lambert and others garnered for roles of the upcoming docu-drama written by Sherlock's Mark Gatiss.

Something fishy that there's a report from RadioTimes indicating that LXG actor Reece Shearsmith will land a role on being Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor Who lead actor. Is it a rumor? Jury's out soon...

Story: http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-02-18/doctor-who---reece-shearsmith-cast-as-patrick-troughton

To Aru Majutsu no Index Endymion no Kiseki

To Aru Majutsu no Index
Endymion no Kiseki

The To Aru series has been one of the pinnacle of ASCII Media Works' history and because it's the 20th anniversary of ASCII Media Works, the hit anime series, To Aru Majutsu no Index, that caused a stir among fans everywhere for the past two seasons as well with its Railgun spin-off (which the second series will be airing this Spring 2013 under the Railgun S banner), some PSP games (the Index fighting game, the Railgun game, and the Ensemble game that brings every To Aru character you loved in one complete package), and a whole lot of promotion that keeps the To Aru spirit flowing through every otaku's fandom, now gets its very first feature length film and this goes to show that ASCII really did had a big start on the year 2013 and what could be more than starting the year right with an Index movie.

Called Endymion no Kiseki, the first ever Index film features every Index character you loved in the big screen such as Toma Kamijo, Index, Mikoto Misaka, Kuroko Shirai, Kazari Uiharu, Kaori Kanzaki, Stiyl Magnus, and Accelerator. If that wasn't fancy enough, a fan favorite from the Kagaku no Railgun spinoff by the name of Ruiko Saten, for the first time, makes an appearance on the movie as well. Thumbs up? Yes, very.

In the movie, just before the Academy City space elevator known as Endymion, our heroes made a close encounter with a level zero girl named Alisa Meigo but as it turned out, a number of rogue magicians are on the hunt against her and the Academy City. It is believed that Alisa Meigo could be the only key to a brewing war between Magic and Science according to Stiyl Magnus. This movie is a race against time as our heroes risk everything to prevent Alisa fell to the wrong hands and who can blame them?

Behind this first ever Index film is Hiroshi Nishikiori who directed the film at the J.C. Staff studio, Hiroyuki Yoshino's responsible for the film's script based on the concept by the To Aru series creator, and of course Maiko Iuchi (who was responsible for the background musics from the To Aru franchise) returns to stir up the soundtrack of the Endymion no Kiseki film.

The surprising bit about the Index film is that Warner Bros. Japan is now responsbile for the film's distribution, meaning that the songs you'll about to hear from the Endymion no Kiseki movie is...well, let's put it in a chase, no longer Geneon Universal material, well except for the ending theme titled FIXED STAR by Mami Kawada because's it's still a Geneon Universal material. Explain?

First and foremost, there's a mini-album on sale and those songs were sung by Sachika Misawa, who did the voice of Alisa Meigo from the film, and this mini-album, titled POLARIS, has five tracks. Then, the other one, provided by Yuka Iguchi, who was Index, is a maxi-single CD called Shining Star-☆-LOVE Letter. Uh, you know what? Forget about the WMG-labeled songs you'll hear on the film, let's just concentrate on the bigger aspects on the film.

Although, this is the first ever theatrical film for the To Aru series, Endymion no Kiseki is going to be more of a Miracle Day with a thousand times more manageable. The start will get a little bit smooth but as the film progresses, it gets even more intense and intense and intense right until to the moment you'll start asking questions or taking a break at the comfort room if you wish. Once you look at this film, you'll never gonna blink on the first half of the film right until your senses think that you're going to snooze over but I'd recommend not to do it because you'll be missing out the action. Speaking of action, Endymion no Kiseki really packs a thriller, this is just one of the few good anime films you can get yourself a thrill if you wish. You'll be excited to watch it again and again and again until the theater staff asked you to leave and come back on the second day but for the record, don't because if you watch it on the first day, consider it enough and watch it again in the next day but this time, bring your friends so you can share this kind of experience.

In essence then, Endymion no Kiseki really is the cherry at the top of the cake when you think about it because this is what fueled the 20th anniversary for ASCII Media Works but being more than just an 20th anniversary celebration for ASCII, Endymion no Kiseki is definitely a must-see for every To Aru fan across Japan and if you were the idiot to sneak onto that film, I really don't care about what you did. But still, it's a To Aru fans' dream come true to see that kind of movie.

"Leave him wanting more"

In the February 22, 2013 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Locker room gags for the losers

- One man argues at the funeral "I Shouldn't Be Alive"

- Bubble Gang does Harlem Shake!

- A peaceful wild west turned awry when a mad cowboy challenges a cowboy on a duel...

- Don't worry, those girly stuff can also be..."FOR MEN" so it's okay if you're a dude...

- Leave him wanting more with KAMEY. Bubble Gang does Camay Bar Soap and Shower Gel by spoofing this commercial as KAMEY BAR SOAP AND SHOWEL GEL!

Bubble Gang does Camay

- Pickup Lines! Ayt! Ayt! Katahimikan!

- News reporters making up some news coverage of some prisoner set for execution

- Problems with your life? Tata Lino's here to help!

- A talk with some guy who's facing problems due to communication gap with his dad. Don't ask...Let them talk...

- IyoTube

To Aru Majutsu to Kagaku no Ensemble

In celebration of Ascii Media Works' 20th year, there's going to be a movie version of the hit TV anime series "To Aru Majutsu no Index" under the banner "To Aru Majutsu no Index Endymion no Kiseki", which will hit theaters this Saturday across Japan but before that, there's a new PSP game that combines all of your favorite characters from two To Aru series. That's right, your favorite characters from To Aru Majutsu no Index and To Aru Kagaku no Railgun joined forces for this one-of-a-kind video game that some say it took place before the film.

To Aru Majutsu to Kagaku no Ensemble is an icing in the cake that really sums it up for Ascii Media Works' 20th birthday but this is just more than just a birthday present to ASCII. Aside from meeting up with your favorite characters from the To Aru franchise such as Index, Toma Kamijo, Mikoto Misaka, Kuroko Shirai, Styil Magnus, Kaori Kanzaki, Kazari Uiharu, Ruiko Saten, Accelerator, Last Order, Sisters, and other characters from the franchise, you can also expect original in-game characters as well. If that wasn't surprising, there's a special character waiting in the game and Alisa Meigo from the upcoming Endymion no Kiseki film makes a very special appearance on Ensemble.

Ensemble takes place before Endymion no Kiseki and the storyline made by the series creator Kazuma Kamachi were purely original meaning that this is an all-original storyline made for this game. While the game begins at their respective routes of the Science Side and the Magic Side, the two routes intertwine at a certain point. Like most games, Ensemble is depend on the player's decision because it has choices, multiple approaches, multiple paths, and multiple tools you can expect on this game. Choose your path and you'll be facing some crucial consequences of your actions and it's up to you how the Ensemble story unfolds.

As a headsup, To Aru Majutsu to Kagaku no Ensemble was developed by the same blokes behind Toradora Portable and Oreimo Portable. We're talking about Guyzware, the developer. Which means that there's a bit of a clever Live 2D System that you expect from other games, the Live 2D System lets the character change moods as you scroll your way to the story so far.

A good effort all round and for a To Aru fan, I think that the Ensemble PSP game is the biggest treat for any To Aru fan who just can't wait for Saturday's big movie.

LIMITED EDITION:

Although the game may cost you 6,280 Yen, there's a limited edition offered for 9,980 Yen as well. For the Limited Edition, which is a must have for any To Aru fan around here, not only you can get the PSP game but also comes with 4 Chibi-Kyun mini-figures: two of the returning heroines Misaka and Index, and the other two of Urepady Exica and Hibiki Kukimoto. It will also bundle a stage set for the figures and come in a box with an exclusive illustration by the animators at J.C. Staff.

2014 Suzuki Alto Eco

2014 Suzuki Alto Eco

Ever since the Suzuki Alto Eco came out in 2011, Suzuki is now the king of fuel efficiency because it's fuel economy is about 30.2km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards and that's about .2kmpl more than the Daihatsu Mira e:S.

As fuel economy is now an issue of today, the Suzuki Alto Eco is updated for the 2014 model year and for this year, the Alto Eco borrows something from the latest Suzuki Wagon R; a new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge'). Combining the Alto Eco's R06A engine with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and at least some level of power assist to the internal combustion engine.

For that, the fuel economy for the world's most fuel efifcient car is now improved to a record high 33kmpl  based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. 33KMPL! No other fuel efficient car comes close!

For styling details, the 2014 Alto Eco has given a new front design and a new speedo on the interior. Prices start at 900,000 Yen and for the first time, the Alto Eco now comes with an available 4WD variant.

URL: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/alto_eco/index.html

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1313764/