Let's Do The News! (September 18, 2013)

Richard: Anyway, the news and while on the subject of GTAV right now since it's already out now worldwide, I heard that those fans are struggling to get one right now and oh! There's a report saying there was one chap who got attacked and got his game stolen near the supermarket. No kidding! It's true!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: So you're saying is that there was once a chap in London who was attacked after he left a store in north London just an hour and twenty minutes after the notoriously violent video game went on sale? Wow, no wonder the most notoriously violent video game we know as Grand Theft Auto V is so notoriously violent, there are idiots wanted to steal one of those for their liking.

James: Yeah, that's a game worth stealing and guess we're in a middle of PSA here about GTAV because here's a tip, be careful when you're buying a game on a release date because there are crooks everyone who are going...well, knock you unconscious with, what the reports say, a brick, get stabbed, and have all of your belongings as well as your newly bought game stripped out for good. Ouch...

Jeremy: Yeah, that's gotta hurt indeed. Take our advice if you don't want to be wind off like this poor chap who lost his eagerly awaited GTAV game.

Richard: So, uh...are you willing to buy one?

James: Well, no.

Richard: Oh...what about you?

Jeremy: Only if it's a little bit convincing.

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Oh, anyway, there's some more grueling news indeed because...you know the Navy Yard shootings happened in Washington DC? Well, that's quite unexpected for such a...what?

(audience murmuring)

Jeremy: Thanks for explaining about that. Anyway, back to the whole Navy Yard shooting spree, I wonder what motivates this maniac into killing people in the Navy Yard?

Richard: I dunno but hey, the story behind the culprit who got gunned down by the cops has something to do with a little backstory.

Jeremy: Backstory? Don't laugh people. Don't laugh, please. We're in a middle of a very serious concern. I' mean what's more serious than the brutal killings happened in the past year? You know, the Virginia Tech shooting, than last year's Dark Knight Rises brutal killings at some theater in Colorado, and also last year's Sandy Hook killings. Anyone remembered those? Hope so because you know those "NEVER FORGET" stuff mentioned?

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: I SAID NO LAUGHING! THIS IS SERIOUS! OKAY?!

James: Sheesh, don't get all tension for this. Anyway, backstories. Few weeks before the rampage at the Navy Yard, he heard voices and said that there were people sending vibrations through the ceiling to keep him from sleeping from his room somewhere in Marriott hotel. Guess there are some psychological issues for this guy here.

Jeremy: By psychological, any details.

James: The cops reported that he was being followed and worried that the people were going to hurt him.

Jeremy: I'm sorry, what? There were people going to hurt him?

James: (nods head)

Jeremy: Ah...no wonder such psychological issues prompted him to kill 12 innocent people at the Navy Yard. Which reminds me, who are those people who were killed by the mass shooter?

James: Well, due to security concerns, I can't tell the names. I'm sorry.

Jeremy: Oh...

Richard: Oh wait! Some reports said that guns are not to blame for what it's known to be the 5th mass shooting in 2013 in America. Some say...it's video games.

Jeremy: I'm sorry, what?

Richard: Some say it's video games, which are clearly killing people every day in mass shootings. And yes, there goes the whole gun and video game debates, just like in Connecticut regarding the whole regulations and restrictions yada yada yada...

 Jeremy: So, who's to blame in all those mass shootings? Video games or real guns? Well, it may be a strong debate worth arguing about but since the jury's still out, feel free to debate on those because we may never know which is to blame.

Richard: Speaking of which, bad news regarding this because there's a message from Disney regarding the whole Doc McStuffins Mobile Clinic tour. Here's the memo from Disney to everyone, would you like me to read what it says?

Jeremy: Well, go on then. What's it saying?

Richard: It says...(ahem):

"Due to the ongoing police investigation in the Washington DC Navy Yard area, the Disney Junior "Doc McStuffins' Doc Mobile" visit scheduled for Tuesday 9/17 has been cancelled. We regret the disappointment this causes our young guests and their parents. We hope to reschedule in the future and will update you as soon as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the senseless events that occurred today."

Richard: That's a message for parents everywhere who are living in Washington right now regarding this whole incident. Like as they said, they're apologizing for their inconvenience.

Jeremy: Thank you very much for saying that. Now, moving on to the new Datsun brand because now, they've launched the second model of the new Datsun lineup somewhere in Indonesia. Here it is...

Datsun Go+

James: What was that?

Richard: No freaking way! That's way too hideous!

Jeremy: I don't know what that car is but apparently it's an MPV based on the first ever Datsun model which started life as a Nissan March/Micra K13. It's got a 1.2L petrol engine mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Well, that pretty much sums it up then.

Richard: Yeah, there's no need to explain that because that thing's too hideous to look at!

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Tickle's Teaser, ladies and gents because...Daihatsu teases next-generation Tanto and here's some of the teasers just for the warmup before early October reveal...

2014 Daihatsu Tanto teaser

2014 Daihatsu Tanto teaser

2014 Daihatsu Tanto teaser

James: Well, I had to say, it's a good job they've retained the Tanto's trademark pillarless door on the passenger side though but question is...do you think it will have the Radar Support system like what the Daihatsu Move had as well as the improved e:S technology in it?

Jeremy: Yes.

James: Do you think it's going to be more fuel efficient than the Suzuki Spacia, its main rival for the 2014 Tanto?

Jeremy: That, we're going to find out next month. Fingers crossed because it will still spark the whole Suzuki vs. Daihatsu debacle. Can't believe this year that Suzuki launched newer models this year like the facelifted Swift, the new Spacia, the Spacia Custom, the MR Wagon Wit, the all new Carry truck...what's next for Suzuki?

(audience laughing)

James: Beats me...we don't know what's next for this.

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Thank you very much. He he he...Anyway, that is the end of the news, folks!

Grand Theft Auto V

GTA V (PS3)

GTA V (XBOX 360)

The latest installment of the boredom-killing, crime committing, high-praising, highly-criticized, Grand Theft Auto series gets an ingenious spin as the brand new Grand Theft Auto V takes hardcore players to the fictitious world of Los Santos, the city where Grand Theft Auto was to Los Angeles in real life.  Anyway, enough analogy for now, what's like to play GTAV? Well, time to get the job done folks because here in the grueling world of Los Santos, you are in the role of one of three main protagonists in this game and the best thing is, you can switch each one for your liking. Each character has their own unique abilities and how you use it is all up to you.

Michael is a retired bank robber and living comfortably in an unofficial sort of witness protection program. He gets what he wants but he's still miserable. Franklin is a former gangster looking for real opportunities as a repo man for an Armenian car dealership. Whoever can't make the payments, it's Franklin's responsibility to "repo" them. And lastly, Trevor is a drug user and a former colleague of Michael's. This guy's had a lot of anger issues to deal with. All three had different stories but what they had in common is...they're all in this together in a town full of fame and fortune.

Like most GTA games, you start with the easiest stuff but as it progresses, missions are getting tougher and tougher and you'll gonna need a lot of firepower and some armory to clear through the missions with ease but don't take it too seriously, you'll gonna need some cash and some wits to obtain weaponry in both the free roam and in missions. It's tough surviving the bloodbath and no matter how determined you are, it's still the same old, same old until you finished the mission.

In keeping up with the hard work, each character has its own unique abilities. As Michael, you can slow down time during gun battles for precise targeting of enemies, while Franklin has better driving ability, allowing you to get through corners and swerve through built up areas without a scratch, and Trevor take less damage from enemies and can perform a much deadly melee attack on his enemies. Play to their strengths and you're fine.

Amazingly though, in the tradition of hijacking forms of transportation, GTAV offers more rides to hijack than ever. From family cars, taxis, cop cars, sportscars, scooters, motorcycles, whatever you name it, stealing those never felt so exhilarating but that's just the tip of the iceberg because in here; it's by land, by air, and by sea. Not only just the cars and bikes you're hijacking but it's the boats and aircraft you might be hijacking and with numerous choices, the world of Los Santos and Blaine County has so many opportunities to offer.

If you're not in the middle of missions or butchering some cops and robbers, there are so many lifestyles GTAV has to offer. You can go shopping, yoga, golf, tennis, triathlon, scuba diving, jetski, and anything else that will really kills your boredom. Ah yes, living the life like a boss, that's the way to do it!

Also, if you want to kill some time even further, there's even GRAND THEFT AUTO ONLINE offered on this game and you can join the fun with other players worldwide as you can enjoy numerous lifestyles in Los Santos, aside from the butchering, the killing, the shooting, and whatever you want.

There's no doubt about it, the latest installment from the demented minds of Rockstar Games really pulled it off very quickly and Grand Theft Auto V is off for a very promising start. The best game in ages is now made even better and even more addicting than ever. Even more addicting than drugs, I think. If you got bored doing nothing, then this is the game to have because with such new mechanics, GTAV will surely make you occupied for hours. Amusing? Oh yeah...

LIMITED EDITION:

There are limited editions offered. The special edition offers not just the game but there goes the steelbook casing, a blueprint map of Los Santos, special ability boost, stunt plane trials, bonus outfits, tattoos, and additional weapons. The Collector's Edition, on the other hand, has all of the stuff from the special edition with the addition of GTAV security deposit bag with logo key, a New Era 9FIFTY Snapback Cap, customizable characters for GTA Online, and unique vehicles and garage property. 

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: N Korean officials to attend nuclear symposium

Update courtesy from NHK World:

Senior North Korean officials are in Beijing to attend a symposium on Pyongyang's nuclear program.

North Korea sent its top diplomat, First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, and Ri Yong Ho, the chief negotiator to the 6-party talks.

The symposium will take place on Wednesday in the wake of reports that North Korea may have restarted a nuclear reactor in Nyongbyon, in violation of UN resolutions.

Analysts say North Korea sent its top diplomat as a sign that it's eager to resume the 6-party talks without pre-conditions.

The United States, Japan and South Korea say they won't be sending their top envoys to the symposium. They say Pyongyang has yet to take concrete action towards denuclearization.
Sep. 16, 2013 - Updated 16:36 UTC

SYRIA UPRISING: Ban submits Syria report to UNSC

Update taken from NHK World:

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has submitted to the Security Council an investigators' report confirming chemical-weapon usage in Syria.

He received the report on Sunday and released a statement on Monday.

The investigators collected blood and environmental samples. And they interviewed survivors and other witnesses in the Damascus suburbs where the alleged chemical attack took place on August 21st.

They reported that almost all samples tested positive for the nerve gas sarin.

The investigators also identified surface-to-surface rockets capable of carrying chemical agents.

But they did not say which side used the rockets.

US and European officials say photos attached to the report indicate the rockets belong to the government forces of President Bashar al-Assad.

Ban said any use of chemical weapons is a crime. He called on the international community to hold the perpetrator accountable.

Sep. 16, 2013 - Updated 20:50 UTC

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: S.Koreans cross border as Kaesong reopens

Update taken from NHK World:

South Koreans have headed for the border town of Kaesong in North Korea, as a jointly-run industrial zone in the North resumed operations following a five-month hiatus.

On Monday, trucks from South Korean firms were seen gathering in front of a gate leading to the complex. The trucks crossed the demilitarized zone, carrying raw materials.

A South Korean man working at Kaesong says he hopes that his company as well as inter-Korean relations will improve when the complex reopens. He added that his firm suffered because there was virtually no work for five months.

South Korea's Unification Ministry says that about 820 workers will enter the industrial zone from the South on Monday alone.

The North is expected to follow suit by sending its workers there.

Hopes are running high that the resumption of the industrial park will further thaw inter-Korean tensions. In recent weeks, bilateral relations have shown signs of improvement.

The Kaesong complex had been closed since April because North Korea abruptly withdrew its workers.

North and South Korea agreed to resume operations last Wednesday.
Sep. 16, 2013 - Updated 06:17 UTC

Let's Do The News! (September 17, 2013)

James: Right, the news and before that, I just wanna say massive congrats to Bijou from Hamtaro for beating out Poof for the top spot in the HOW CUTE IS YOUR CHARACTER segment yesterday. Can't believe it's her tantalizing eyes, like every Ham-hams in the series, really stand out in the cuteness rating, not even Isabella can knock her out.

Richard: Yeah. You can't beat her right now...or will there be because right now, there are two characters remaining in our segment and my bet was...one can't beat Bijou while the other can beat her to the end. I can't say the answer for a moment but stay tuned to this blog for the last two weeks of this segment. I bet Bijou can't hold off the position any longer now, get it?

(audience laughing)

James: I bet Bijou's going to stay in the top rank till the end.

Richard: She won't!

James: She will.

Richard: She won't!

James: She will.

Richard: She won't!

James: She will.

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Guys, enough now. Enough about that whole Bijou nonsense right now even though you went a bit of Thalia Zucchi-ish yesterday for her to see if she's cute than the others. Because it's time to get serious.

(audience laughing)

Richard: What do you mean?

Jeremy: Because...I got a message sent by some pharmacist dude and it's enclosed by this golden envelope. Says here "Those special segments you covered, regarding North Korea and Syria, doing week in reviews is not enough. There's still more out there so instead of doing week in reviews, why not covering it day by day instead of the whole rubbish week in review stuff?"

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Well, challenge accepted then. Instead of doing the whole Week In Review stuff, we decided to go on a day-by-day basis on those special segments, regarding the whole North Korea threats, the Syria uprising...

Richard: Then, there's the Zamboanga City standoff, don't forget that.

Jeremy: Yeah. Also that. Thanks for the reminder. Anyway, how's everyone who've watched Liv and Maddie yesterday? Hands up...

(audience raising hands)

Jeremy: Well, what do you think?

James: Not bad. Off for a promising start for the twins though.

Jeremy: What about you Richard? Hmmm?

Richard: (shivering)

Jeremy: What's wrong?

Richard: (shivering) That nerd.......

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Oh wait. I remember now, you do realize that Maddie Rooney does look like the majorette nerd from Brainiac, right? Oh I get it know. It reminded her of some teenager electrocuted by the Brainiacs.

(audience laughing)

Richard: Oh come on...Maddies' too nerdy!

(audience laughing)

James: What makes her think she's geeky?

Richard: Her glasses...

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Ah! Looks like poor old Richard can't contain himself when looking at Maddie's geekness! I don't believe it! Look if it makes you feel anything worse, go hide yourself when this geek showed up. Bury your gold!

(audience laughing)

Richard: No! I'm not a gold-digger you idiot!

Jeremy: Oh, okay then. Sorry about that, best to hide in the restroom while it's geekfest all round.

(audience laughing)

James: Weird, I'd never seen him getting reacted this way every time when he sees geeks or nerds. Which reminds me...Geek or Nerd? What's the difference? We're doing this for the geek or the nerds of ladies everywhere like...

Richard: Like who?

James: Name any girl who's geeky or nerdy?

Richard: Uh...Ritsuko from The iDOLM@STER, Eileen from Regular Show, Yomiko Readman from ROD, um...Angela from Fish Hooks...um...

James: Okay, heard that enough. Thanks. Now anyway, Geek or Nerd? What's the difference? To find out, here's a clip from Head Squeeze's Number Hub where Hannah Fry crunches more than just numbers to differentiate geeks and nerds. Just watch...

 

(cheers and applause)

James: That served the point.

Richard: Yeah. That really was and I had to say, I can't believe NERD is almost an anagram of DRUNK or it came from an acronym of Northern Electrical Research Development, where they get that word. But still, I'm allergic to geeks and nerds!

(audience laughing)

Richard: What a generous chap you are.

Jeremy: Yes. But now, let's get serious because...oh! There's some news that a Chinese woman who was killed in an electric shock done by the charger of her Apple iPhone 5. Well, that sounds totally unpleasant because everyday we kept charging our iPhones without faults but that latest news though, that latest news about a Chinese who was killed by charging an iPhone, what would you do now?

James: Guess there's the moral in this news about this one because based on that report you just said, this Chinese lady was died after being electrocuted while trying to make a call with her iPhone 5 while it was charging. The victim's sister posted on one of Chinese equivalents of Twitter that (ahem) "(I) hope that Apple Inc. can give us an explanation. I also hope that all of you will refrain from using your mobile devices while charging,"

Richard: Refrain from using gadgets while charging?! Really? Well, I played with my iPhone while charging and nothing seems bad for me.

Jeremy: Yeah. I was charging my laptop's batteries while doing stuff. Nope. Nothing bad for me.

James: Weird. How's that possible. The moral of the incident points out that since she was killed by the charging iPhone, does this mean that while all of our gadgets are charging, don't use it just yet?

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Not sure but Apple's working on the case right now to see what's the cause of this but the theories go maybe right now. Don't you think her hands were extremely wet when she handled that phone that caused her death?

James: Uh...I'm not particularly sure. Hey, you said that they're working on this cause, right? So stay anonymous, please.

Jeremy: Yeah, best to stay anonymous for us.

(audience laughing)

Jeremy: Anyway, that is the end of the news! So let's get some fixing done...

How Cute Is Your Character? - Bijou

I've been bringing in the cutest characters in the history of cartoons and games, whatever they came from, and facing all three tests; getting kissed, hugged, and resist against Isabella from Phineas and Ferb, in a bid to top my CUTENESS RANKER leaderboard.

Today's cute character is...

Bijou

Is it Bijou one of the hamsters from the Hamtaro TV anime series that was targeted for the little kids and she's the female hamster that shows strong interests to Hamtaro and then she was Hamtaro's companion in the Hamtaro Ham-ham Heart Break game for the Game Boy Advance?

Well she looks cute but...HOW CUTE IS BIJOU?

Bijou is definitely one of the cutest Ham-hams in the Hamtaro series but for our first test, just how kissable is Bijou? After just one kiss, seems that Bijou's getting a bit...happy. Bijou loves getting kissed thanks to being such a cute Ham-ham! This gives her a kissable rating of 7 out of 10

How about the second test? Just how huggable is Bijou? Well, since she's so cute for a Ham-ham, it maybe too small for Bijou to be hugged but luckily, if there was such thing as a stuff toy of Bijou hidden in your closets, Bijou loves getting cuddled and hugged. Look at Bijou, she's as calm as the first day of spring. This gives her a huggable or should I say cuddling rating of 9 out of 10.

And now, the final test...Isabella, do your thing. Shield your eyes or else you'll be knocked out by her cuteness! As for Bijou however, just look at her when she looked at Isabella's. So far, I don't see any abnormalities but 10 minutes later...her eyes are sparkling...but would Bijou get knocked out by Isabella's cuteness? Uh...I think that's a no. Bijou's tantalizing eyes seems to counteract Isabella's cuteness and with that...it's an 8 out of 10.

Bijou from Hamtaro garnered a grand total of 24 out of 30 points, beating the likes of The Fairly Oddparents' Poof and claim the top spot!

1) Bijou - 24/30

2) Poof - 23/30

3) BMO - 22/30

4) Mokona - 22/30

5) Catbug - 20/30

6) Mog - 19/30

7) Adipose - 16/30
8) Pinkie Pie - 15/30

How cute do I rank it? VERY VERY CUTE! HOW CUTE IS YOUR CHARACTER?