Let's Do The News! (September 12, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- Typhoon Luis has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and expect heavy rains in Metro Manila by Saturday afternoon due to the hanging habagat. It was last observed 1,050km east of Virac, Catanduanes, and it has maximum winds of 45kph and is forecast to move west northwest 30kph.

Typhoon Luis

- Teen superstars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla will guest on an episode of ABS-CBN's hit TV series, Be Careful With My Heart, this Monday.

- Despite the ongoing port congestion, the Department of Trade and Industry told that the prices of canned and processed goods will not be affected especially those noche buena items to be served on the oncoming Christmas.

- According to retired General David Petraeus, US President Obama's plan to liberate against the ISIS extremists in Iraq and Syria is a good starting point and this operation should go like clockwork. This will soon put an end to the war for good.

- Part of the ceasefire agreement sealed earlier this month, the government and pro-Russian separatists have exchanged captured prisoners during the Ukraine Crisis.

- French president Francois Hollande will be visiting Iraq as his country is ready to launch imminent airstrikes against ISIS extremists.

- Imagine a scenario when JDM cars are moe girls....Well, there was this. The Japanese automotive news site Autoc-one.jp featured a cleverly unusual mobile game that will hit Japanese iTunes Store and Google Play this Autumn 2014. It's called Syanago Collection and this mobile game lets you enjoy with girls modeled after fully-licensed cars such as the Honda Fit Hybrid, Toyota Passo, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Mazda Axela Sport, Nissan Leaf, and so much more.

- Can't believe it's been 12 years from now since Xenosaga first launched on the Playstation2 since Winter 2002. Should Bandai Namco be doing a remaster on the trilogy? Sadly, the blokes from BNGI have a message to the faithfuls of this classic JRPG. They said that if such release would be profitable but unable to find the right market size that will pay for the development fee needed to create an HD version. Bummer.

- The top animators from Disney and Dreamworks Pictures are working on an independent hand-drawn steampunk cartoon film called Hullabaloo. This will be a crowdsourced project in the making and this is an effort to bring 2D animation back on the table and encourage girls to explore science and adventure.

TTFN!!!

Remembering 9-11 (13 years ago)

September 11, 2001.

I was in school at that day, but I'll never forget the images I saw on the news that day.

Terrorists hijacked four jet airliners filled with passengers. They crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, while a third plane hit a wing of the Pentagon, the American military HQ, in Washington D.C., and a fourth airplane crash landed somewhere near Pittsburgh. According to reports, over 3,000 people died. It was a tragic day that engulfed the world.

Even in today's times, the pain and the radical changes since 9/11 are still in our minds today and we are still very unsure what possible consequences will be facing on us if the world keeps on changing.

Let's Do The News! (September 11, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- In preparation for the battle against the ISIS, US President Barack Obama has been given a green light on airstrikes on Syria.

- In case you REALLY missed it, numerous internet companies have been slowing down for a day as a protest to save the internet's net neutrality against the FCC's decision to charge sites for speeds.

-The Mitsuoka Himiko, the Mazda Roadster/MX-5 Miata in Morgan Roadster's clothing, has a special edition model called the Himiko Crazy Timer, featuring a special exterior look. Only 20 units will be available, each costing 5,994,000 Japanese Yen (around $59,950).

Mitsuoka Himiko Crazy Timer

- Roland Kruger, the senior vice president from BMW, is named as the new CEO of Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand, replacing the outgoing Johan de Nysschen who is now the head of GM's Cadillac brand.

- Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is named as the chairman of Italian sportscar maker, Ferrari, as Luca di Montezemolo steps down. The end is only just the beginning...

- The Mini Oxford Plant has built their 3,000,000th car in history and it's a 5-door Mini Cooper S with a special UK flag paint job.

3 Millionth Mini

- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV wants the "overpriced" Makati building contractor, Hillmarc's Construction Corp., the one that bagged the controversial Makati City Hall 2 parking building project, to be placed under a "provincial blacklist".

- With the imminent power crisis in the Philippines next year, President Benigno Aquino III announced that he will be seeking additional powers to ease the problem.

- Niel Perez, a police officer, is named as the winner of Misters of the Philippines 2014 and he'll be representing his country at South Korea for this year's Mr. International, a pageant for the best males worldwide.

- The San Miguel Oktoberfest starts tomorrow at the Greenfield District Central Park, Mandaluyong City! Beer and music will rain down on the spectators for fun and expect great performances from some of the Philippines' biggest bands!

TTFN!!!

Daihatsu Altis (AVV50N) Minor Change

2015 Daihatsu Altis

Following the launch of the new 2015 Toyota Camry minor change, it looks like its equivalent from Daihatsu, the Altis, is not far behind as it follows suit as well.

Just like what you expect from the Camry minor change, the 2015 Altis features a slim front grille, LED-infused headlamps, and a large trapezoidal lower intake on the bumper with integrated fog lamps. On the back, you can also expect a rear bumper and a chrome strip that bridges the rear lamps.

2015 Daihatsu Altis interior

2015 Daihatsu Altis interior

Like the Camry, the 2015 Daihatsu Altis' improved interior features a new backlit instrumental panel with 4.2-inch TFT display between the dials, a revised steering wheel with three spokes, and a new centre console. It even comes with a SD navigation system as well.

It still comes with the 2.5L 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery while mated with a CVT gearbox. Running on petrol engine alone, it produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, and 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output, but running on the 2JM electric motor, it produces 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. When both the engine and motor are in place, combined power output is 205PS. Simple as pie as it works. Fuel economy? 23.4km/L on JC08 Mode scale.

The suspension's been improved for added comfort and high-speed stability. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has been reduced thanks to the added insulation material within the front doors and underneath the carpet.

The 2015 Altis is only available with the HYBRID 'G Package" variant and it's priced at 3,413,782 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, True Blue Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Toyota Camry AVV50 Minor Change

2015 Toyota Camry

Last 2011, the Toyota Camry luxury midsize saloon has been transformed into a hybrid-only saloon and the first hybrid saloon to introduce the 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery. Three years later, the hybrid saloon from Japan has now been given a minor change so what's new?

The 2015 minor change Camry features a slim front grille, LED-infused headlamps, and a large trapezoidal lower intake on the bumper with integrated fog lamps. On the back, you can also expect a rear bumper and a chrome strip that bridges the rear lamps.

2015 Toyota Camry interior

2015 Toyota Camry interior

On the interior, it features a new backlit instrumental panel with a 4.2-inch TFT display between the dials, a revised steering wheel with three spokes, and a new center console. Aside from the cosmetic changes on the interior, there have been some hardware changes on the interior such as the implementation of Toyota's T-Connect SD navigation system.

If you're new here, what is T-Connect? T-Connect is Toyota's new telematics service along with sat-navs compatible with this and a smartphone app.  In addition to the voice controls, T-Connect allows third-party apps to be downloaded to the navigation system. There's an online help service that integrates and improves the functions the G-BOOK currently provided. In short; T-Connect from Toyota features interactive voice response, service for downloading apps to the sat-nav, improved online help, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

2015 Toyota Camry

You still have the 2AR-FXE (2.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i) engine loaded with Toyota Hybrid System II, which produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, and 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output while mated with a CVT gearbox, When switched on EV mode, the 2JM electric motor is operated and it generates 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. When both the engine and motor are in place, the combined power output is 205PS, that's more than its rival, the Honda Accord Hybrid, would do. The fuel economy is 23.4 km/L on the JC08 Mode scale but for those who opted for the 16-inch wheel option, fuel economy is improved to 25.4km/L. Hmmm...How come there's a trick for this?

In terms of mobility, the suspension's been improved for added comfort and high-speed stability. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has been reduced thanks to the added insulation material within the front doors and underneath the carpet.

Safety-wise, the Camry is available with the optional Pre-Crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Assist, and automatic high beam which automatically switches on the headlamps when the area is too dark or if it's nighttime.

The 2015 Camry hybrid sedan starts at 3,207,600 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, True Blue Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

The day the internet slowed down...

Battle for the Net

In the past years, the US government trying to make the internet no longer the safe haven for everyone. First, they've attacked our internet rights with their SOPA, PIPA, CISPA, or whatever they've thrown on us. Then, the Republicans denied cutting costs from the NSA in light of the Edward Snowden scandal.

Now, the FCC wants to slow the internet down and bore us to death. You see, the FCC is on the brink of allowing internet service provides (like the ones you are using right now) to build fast lanes for sites that can pay for them. What does that mean, you'll be facing a deadly equivalent of a heavy traffic gridlock in Metro Manila last week. Try to imagine the FCC as the heavy trucks that caused a heavy traffic on our city streets. I know it sounds metaphorically but come on...

Anyway, major cable companies have plans to charge websites arbitrary fees and slow most of our favorite sites that won't pay up.

We believe in the idea that the internet should be free to all, with no arbitrary fees or slow lanes for sites that can't pay. Most people, companies, and organizations have taken a stand called "Title II reclassification", their last bastion to prevent the FCC and the major cable companies from killing the internet we once knew.

If you want to take action: Click Here.

The internet needs you, now go! Tell the FCC that net neutrality should not be abolished and keep the internet free for everyone.

Let's Do The News! (September 10, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Earlier, Apple revealed two new products to their lineup. First up it's the brand new iPhone 6, which is loaded with iOS8 and major improvements, and their first-ever Apple Watch.

The iPhone 6 is offered with two versions; the smaller standard iPhone 6 and the larger iPhone 6 Plus. Whichever the iPhone 6 customers choose, they will be benefitted with enhanced retina display, improved iSight camera with new sensor with Focus Pixels and new video features, faster LTE download speeds, Touch ID technology, and the most advanced iOS8 operating system.

The Apple Watch, on sale early next year, is more than just tells time like most watches do. It's a smart watch that does everything such as receiving messages, make phone calls a la secret agent style, sketch, and so much more. It's personalizable as well and it features a wide array of apps built specifically for the Apple Watch.

Apple iPhone 6

Apple Watch range

- The Mercedes-AMG GT has finally revealed and this 911-beater, set for 2015 debut, will succeed where the SLS AMG left off. It is the first to feature a brand new 4.0L V8 turbo engine which develops 456HP of power and 443lb-ft of torque for the base model while the AMG GT S model has been uprooted to 503HP of power and 479lb-ft of torque, while mated with the 7-speed DCT.

2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

- The BMW 2-Series has spawned a convertible model.

2015 BMW M235i Convertible

- The conflict on the Gaza Strip maybe over but there's still more violence erupted on the streets of Jerusalem.

- US President Barack Obama will outline an expanded military and political effort to fight against the ISIS and urges Congress to quickly give him authority to arm Syrian opposition forces.

- A lawmaker from Mindanao urges his colleagues to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law immediately.

- Yes. You can play the Mercedes-AMG GT as a free DLC on the upcoming Playstation4 racing game, DriveClub.

DriveClub meets Mercedes-AMG GT

- Check out what happens when the DuckTales intro theme features real ducks!

- Yes. When you were kids, you guys love Chip and Dale but do you know everything about chipmunks? The demented minds from FOX ADHD featured this video in their Scientifically Accurate segment. Watch here. (STOP: The following link features content not suitable for all audiences. Strong Parental Guidance is advised)

TTFN!!!