Thursday, September 25, 2014

Let's Do The News! (September 25, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- According to the Department of Energy, the emergency power set by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will only last for just one year.

- The Metro Manila Development Authority showcased their new vehicles that will help speed up their rescue efforts in times of calamities.

- French president Francois Hollande is strongly against the beheading of tourist Herve Gourdel by a jihadist group in Algeria that were allegedly linked to ISIS.

- The United Nations has stepped up their efforts to prevent jihadist recruits in an ongoing effort to defeat the ISIS militants.

- Mercedes-Benz showcased the future of autonomous truck driving by showcasing their Future Truck 2025 at this year's IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover. This is just another clear sign that humanity has declined and robotics are taking over our future.

Mercedes-Benz FT2025 Concept

- Meet the brand new Mercedes-AMG C63 saloon and estate which is powered by the same 4.0L V8 turbo engine from the Mercedes-AMG GT sportscar in two flavors with the C63s model delivers 510bhp of power.

2015 Mercedes-AMG C63

- The third-generation Audi TT now comes with the Roadster version that is set for next month's Paris Motor Show debut.

2016 Audi TT Roadster

- Also coming on next month's Paris Motor Show, the Volkswagen Golf VII will have its first ever Alltrack model which is kinda like a jacked-up version of the Golf VII Variant estate.

2016 VW Golf Alltrack

- Meanwhile, Malaysia's biggest carmaker, Proton, has unveiled their first ever compact hatchback called the IRIZ. The new Proton Iriz is powered by either a 1.3L and 1.6L VVT petrol engine and prices start from around 42,438 to 62,888 Malaysian Ringgit or around $13,100 to $19,400, more expensive than the recently-launched Perodua Axia.

2015 Proton Iriz


- With Cadillac now under Johan de Nysschen's command and their HQ will be relocated in New York, General Motors' luxury brand will have a new naming scheme much like Kias in their K's, Renault Samsungs in their SM/QM, Citroens in their C's, Lincoln in their MK's, well you get the idea but Cadillac will go with their new naming scheme in their CT's (with the exception of the Escalade) starting with the upcoming flagship saloon soon to be called the CT6.

TTFN!!!

Fourth-generation Mazda Demio/2 (DJ)

When the Mazda Demio was in its third-generation, it became the first car in Mazda history to introduce the game-changing SKYACTIV Technology which combines efficiency and performance that most drivers want. So far, SKYACTIV Technology was applied in most models ranging from the CX-5 crossover, Axela compact sedan and hatch, and the Atenza executive saloon and wagon.

2015 Mazda Demio

Now, the first Mazda that introduced SKYACTIV Technology to the world has been regenerated with a new and improved style that demands to be a top-seller in this category. The folks from Mazda really had high hopes into selling this new, fourth-generation, Demio globally because of its fuel efficiency and performance SKYACTIV Technology delivers and I strongly believe on that...almost.

So, the brand new Demio (known in the world market as the Mazda 2), what's changed for the first Mazda to introduce such technology? Keeping in tune with the times, the new Demio employs the carmaker's KODO -Soul in Motion- design philosophy and it was heavily inspired from the Hazumi Concept from the Geneva Motor Show last Spring. With its new look, looks like the new Demio really stands out being a city car in its own right. Most of your neighbors from the suburbs or from the rural area you were living on think you are something special, even your college buddies as well.

2015 Mazda Demio interior
2015 Mazda Demio interior
On the inside, the new Demio was heavily influenced by the interior design of the latest Mazda Axela and it's now roomier than the last one thanks to its wheelbase that is now 80mm longer. Sounds good to us but if you're getting busy while getting caught in a traffic gridlock, don't fret because the new Demio comes with MAZDA CONNECT where, at the turn of the dial, allows you to stay connected with some apps, navigation, and entertainment. There has been some software changes to the MAZDA CONNECT to make it more user-friendly than ever and on the new Demio, you don't have to get bored while stuck on the traffic jam.

Thanks to its longer wheelbase and length, boot space is now decent than the last one but if you need more, you can fold the rear seats as well. Mazda really knows that the added space is just one of the trump cards the new Demio had and that really sets them apart from its rivals such as the Toyota Vitz, Nissan March, Honda Fit, and the Mitsubishi Mirage.

2015 Mazda Demio
Now, the main course for the Demio is its performance and two engines are available as of now: a P3-VPS 1.3L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder DOHC Miller Cycle engine and the newly-developed S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 1.3L petrol model with be mated with a 6-speed auto and a 5-speed manual while the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel model can be fitted with a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual.

Since Mazda believes that its diesel variant is going to be top pick, let's talk more on this engine. This Euro-6 compliant engine has a power output of 105PS and 250Nm of torque output (220Nm for the 6MT model). Fuel economy for the diesel? About 30km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

Since there are no JDM compacts with diesel engines, the new Demio is a class of its own with no competition but since this sounds unfair, let's compare this fuel economy with the Europeans. Let's remember, 30.0km/L of fuel economy came from its 1.5L SKYACTIV-D engine.

When compared against a Peugeot 208 with a 1.6L e-HDi engine equipped, that's about .3km/L short. Against the Citroen C3 with the same 1.6L diesel engine and the new Demio is 2.2km/L more. VW , Polo with the 1.4L TDI BlueMotion Technology? The Demio beats by a gap of 0.6km/L. So, there you go. That new 1.5L SKYACTIV-D engine on the new Demio poses an even greater threat to the Europeans...by about 2 out of 3, as a theory.

Okay, we had enough about that engine but what about the 1.3L SKYACTIV-G? Let's cut this short because there isn't much time to talk more. Anyway, the 1.3L SKYACTIV-G engine develops 92PS of power and 121Nm of torque. Fuel economy is a decent 24.6km/L on the JC08 Mode scale.

What about handling? The old Demio tries to fight against its catastrophic understeer but arguably, it tries to hold you back. It's not quite as dynamic as its Euro rivals. So, what Mazda did is improve it by giving it MacPherson Struts on the front and thanks to its extensive use of the SKYACTIV-BODY and SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, the new Demio has its handling slightly improved. It feels good to drive but not quite matched to its Euro rivals, maybe because they've added 40kg of weight I presumed. Despite all this, the new Demio still has the Mazda factor, being a fun car to drive that guaranteed a small smile on your face and with all of this improvements to the handling department, I'm glad to say that this is probably a good contender to the list of cars Gran Turismo 6 should put. Why there are no racing video games of today featuring Mazda cars with SKYACTIV Technology and Kodo design on it? Are they afraid?

Should you buy this? The new Demio starts at a reasonably-priced 1,350,000 Japanese Yen (around $14,000) for the 13C model while the XD model (the one with the 1.5L diesel on it) starts at 1,782,000 Japanese Yen (around $18,000). Although this is more expensive than the Toyota Vitz, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Fit, and the Nissan March, this is still one of the most advanced hatchbacks from Japan at this moment in time.

In Japan, sales of petrol models will start on the 26th of September while diesel models will be on Mazda, Mazda Efini, and Mazda Autozam dealerships on the 23rd of October, and 4WD models will arrive this December.

Available colors: Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Gray Mica, Jet Black Mica, Soul Red Premium Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Blue Reflex Mica, Dynamic Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Smokey Rose Mica.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Let's Do The News! (September 23, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- A majority congressman said that the House of Representatives will assure "tolerable" power rate hikes in the event of the emergency powers from President Benigno Aquino III due to the Philippines' imminent power crisis.

- Air strikes from the US has commenced in Syria in an effort to take down the ISIS militants.

- A French tourist named Herve Gourdel was been abducted by militants from Algeria that have close ties with ISIS.

- Imagine if the VW Transporter became a pickup...Volkswagen showcased their Transporter-based Tristar Concept at the 2014 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover.

Volkswagen Tristar Concept

- Now, imagine if the Citroen C1 supermini became a crossover... The C1 Urban Ride Concept will make an appearance at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Citroen C1 Urban Ride Concept

- The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept S was fully revealed ahead for its Paris Motor Show debut but...would this preview an upcoming minor change for the latest Outlander crossover?

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept S
- Yes! Cartoon Hangover's Bee & Puppycat web series is set for its November 6, 2014 premiere! Set your calendars or you don't want to get burned by TempBot.

- Actress Cherry Pie Picache cries for the brutal murder of her 75-year-old mother. Some say, the brutal death of her mother could serve as a wake-up call to bring back the death penalty.

- Here's the first look on the upcoming anime version of THE iDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS mobile game that is set for its early 2015 airing.



TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Yas Marina Circuit

Continuing on the Spark-Renault SRT_01E's global shakedown experiments on Forza Motorsport 5, it's time for this electric racing machine to take on the Yas Marina Circuit, located at the man-made Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Opened in late 2009, this racetrack was heavily influenced by the vividness of the city of Abu Dhabi itself and it has become one of the melting pots of the Abu Dhabi experience. It is the second F1 track in the Middle East with the first in Bahrain. The Yas Marina Circuit has 5.554km of length, 21 corners, and little known fact that the fastest lap in this track was set by Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel since the first Abu Dhabi GP took part in the F1 2009 season, with the time of 1:40.279.


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This is probably one of the trickiest tracks in the game and judging how far the SRT_01E can push through, looks like there has been some struggling while facing tight corners. On the straights, it's electric power doesn't give the oomph like you would expect on the normal F1 car. Despite its struggle, looks like the Spark-Renault SRT_01E has done a pretty good job taking its first steps in the Middle Eastern racetrack.

Next time, the SRT_01E will take on the Land Down Under. That's Australia to you and me but which part of Australia? One answer: Bathurst! If Bathurst is one of the natural home of the V8 Supercars, will the SRT_01E like it there?

Monday, September 22, 2014

How I spent my Summer 2014 vacation

So, Summer 2014 is officially well and truly over and kids from all over the world are getting on their beds and ready for their first day of school. It's back to our boring lives working, studying, and more busy stuff rather than spending our own free time doing everything. Still, this season brought us lots and lots of memories so what's it all about for me? How did I spent my summer 2014 vacation?

- We "Rode the Ducks" in Seattle's "Ride The Ducks" moving attraction that roams around the roads and the seas of Seattle.

Day 1: Enjoyed my ride at the duck in Seattle! #summer2014 #93daysofsummer #onaduck

- Got myself some Graduation pics from our mailbox.

Day 5: My graduation pics have arrived! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #graduation

- Reading some Lonely Planet books we borrowed from the library

Day 12: Borrowed some Lonely Planet books from the library…and my Vivillon toy has arrived! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #lonelyplanet #vivillon #pokemon

- Enjoying the Vintage Races at Pacific Raceways because I love cars

Day 15: Enjoying the Vintage Races #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #lovecars (at Pacific Raceways)

- Had to attend my cousin Marie's baby shower

Day 16: Went to Ate Marie’s baby shower! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #babyshower

- Enjoying my time alone at DragonFest at Seattle's Chinatown district...

Day 22: Enjoyed my day at Seattle Chinatown’s Dragonfest. #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #dragonfest #seattle

- I discovered myself playing the PS3-exclusive, free-to-play Ace Combat Infinity game and I found my newfound likeness for aviation...

Day 27: Gotta love that free-2-play Ace Combat Infinity game. Works best when played co-op online! Fox Two! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #gaming #namco #acecombat #ps3

- I dressed myself as Gravity Falls' Dipper Pines and took part at the Seattle Chinatown Seafair Parade.

Day 30: Attended the Seattle Chinatown Seafair parade! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #seattle #chinatown #seafair #parade

- Attended my cousin Marie's baby shower...again...

Day 36: Attended Ate Marie’s party! #93daysofsummer #summer2014

- Attended the annual Pista sa Nayon at the Seward Park Amphitheater because most Filipinos are having a good time there...

Day 37: Attended the Pista sa Nayon at Seward Park #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #pistasanayon #sewardpark

- Enjoyed the Seafair and watch the Blue Angels dancing through the skies...

Day 43: Enjoyed Seafair! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #seafair

- I bought some Pokemon plushes such as Sylveon, Espurr, Dedenne, and Goomy...and ended up sharing to my sister Cecille because she loves Pokemon.

Day 50: My sister Cecille’s here. Should I give her Dedenne as well as Espurr and Sylveon? Hmmm…Let me think… #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #pokemon #pokemonXY #ポケットモンスターXY

Day 61: Goomy GET! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #ポケットモンスター #Pokemon #PokemonXY #ポケットモンスターXY #ヌメラ #Goomy (at Westfield Southcenter)

- Watching the Ninja Turtles movie with my mom and dad...

Day 60: Went to the movies, watching TMNT. Love it! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #shareAMC #tmnt (at Westfield Southcenter)

- Bought myself a new bed and frame and ended up being too high...

Day 67: My new bed’s too tall but no matter… #newbed #93daysofsummer #summer2014

- Introducing my cousin Marie's newborn baby Kobe...

Day 74: We went to visit Ate Marie’s newborn baby. #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #newbaby (at Group Health Capitol  Hill)

- Enjoying the annual Aki Matsuri at Bellevue College

Day 78: Went to #BellevueCollege for this year’s #akimatsuri festival! #93daysofsummer #summer2014  (at Bellevue College)

- I bought myself a 2DS, a copy of Pokemon Y (because my little sis has Pokemon X), some more Pokemon toys, and my new Chespin plush because Chespin's very cute.

Day 82: Went shopping for a day and now I got a Mega Charizard X figure, Chespin plush, 2DS, and my very own Pokemon Y since my sister has X. #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #PokemonXY #Pokemon

- Eating at a steak house I never heard of called Sizzler...

Day 88: We’ve gone eating to a steal house I never heard before and we gone for the salad bar choice! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #sizzler (at Sizzler)

- And to top it all off, me and my family went to Puyallup for the Washington State Fair.

Day 89: Me and my family are having fun at the Washington State Fair at Puyallup! #93daysofsummer #summer2014 #WeAreWA (at Washington State Fair)

These are the things I have done in my whole summer vacation. What's yours?

Let's Do The News! (September 22, 2014)

Things we learned today...

- After winning the elections, newly-elected New Zealand PM John Key said that he wants this nation to vote next year on changing the national flag.

- The Australian government is proposing a ban on torturing suspected terrorists from Secret Service agents for interrogation purposes.

- The government officials from Yemen had signed a peace deal with the Shiite rebels following days of violence that killed over 140 people and sent thousands evacuating from their homes.

- The legendary Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato is this week's feature on the latest Jay Leno's Garage webisode. Check it out!

 

- Bandai Namco Games announced their 5th DLC Catalog for the PS3-exclusive THE iDOLM@STER ONE FOR ALL video game, which will go on sale at the Playstation Store on the 25th of September. First up, there's a brand new scenario where all 765 PRO idols are wearing the scenario-exclusive Relish Autumn outfit and they're performing the scenario-exclusive song titled Thank You!. In addition, Kana Yabuki and Nao Yokoyama from THE iDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE mobile game will be making a special guest appearances on this DLC catalog. Additional clothes you say? Yes, there are! Additional costumes for this catalog include Lady Grisaille, Pastel Bikini, My Dear Vampire, Starlight Agent, Scent Iris, Twilight Safari, Jungle Survivor, Sky Puzzler, Baby Blue Jaguar, Desert Traveler, and Horoscope Caster. Additional songs include 99 Nights, きゅんっ!ヴァンパイアガール, L・O・B・M, and my song.

765SHOP CATALOG Vol. 5 Thank You!
- Kotori Minami from Love Live! School Idol Project now has her very own Nendoroid! Sweet! She'll be available to you this January at the price of 3,241 Japanese Yen plus tax.

Nendoroid Kotori Minami

- Nissan's Infiniti brand confirms a production version of a brand new, two-door coupe by 2015. Could it be the Q50-based Q60 or better known as the Skyline Coupe in the making?

- Group Lotus PLC may lost over 325 jobs as part of a new plan for the British sportscar maker.

- Lamborghini teases a mysterious machine for its Paris Motor Show debut but what is it?

- Comedian Nick Frost will be making a guest appearance on the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Part of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E taking on the world on Forza Motorsport 5, it's time for this zero-emission racing machine to take on one of the most challenging racetracks in the world, probably known as Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the racetrack used as the venue for the Formula 1's Belgian GP as well as the Spa 24 Hour endurance and other races. This racetrack has a very challenging Eau Rouge corner at the start and racers need to be very careful with their speed and mobility while trying to survive the corner's dreaded elevation. One small mistake will cost them more.


srt01esrt01e_2srt01e_3srt01e_4



Even though the Spark-Renault SRT_01E has faced some minor mishaps while trying to survive one of Spa's nastiest corners and elevations, I believed that one quick lap round the Spa with this zero-emission racer is a profound success. I know that this game had me sending this racer halfway round the world and its progress after taking on Europe's finest racetracks is looking pretty good. Looks like we need to move out from the Europe and next time, let's bring this one to the Middle East. Specifically, the Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. You know that racetrack used for the Abu Dhabi GP? Yeah, that's what we're tackling next.

F1 2014: Singapore GP



Nico Rosberg's unfortunate turn of events in the form of a faulty gearbox problems that sent him stranded at the start of the formation lap gave Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes the upper hand in the Singapore GP race at Marina Bay. With no Rosberg in sight, Hamilton's now focused on catching up against the likes of two Red Bull Racing's finest; Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. His victory sent Vettel in 2nd place and Ricciardo in 3rd place.

Other racers that faced the same fate as Rosberg in this race were McLaren's Jenson Button for his car's power box problems, two racers from Sauber, and Kamui Kobayashi from Caterham for his car's power unit failure.

On the driver's ranking aside, looks like Hamilton's now in the lead and he's three points ahead of his teammate Nico Rosberg. This is going to be very one sided.

The next race will be at Japan this 5th of October.

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/9/16385.html

Image: Top Gear

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Hub Network to be renamed as Discovery Family?

Hub Network

Bronies from all over the world got shocked when they heard the news about Discovery Communications renaming the family-oriented Hub Network, the one with My Little Pony and other great kid shows on it, into Discovery Family. This report occurred when Discovery Communications and one of the world's biggest toy companies, Hasbro, terminated their partnership. Under the terms, Discovery will take over The Hub's interest and rebranding it as a family-oriented network while Hasbro will retain their large stake and control six hours of daytime TV on the network from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The renaming is expected to happen this year and it will be placed in a business unit overseen by Henry Schleiff, the group president of Discovery Communication's rapidly-expanding channels.

Report: http://www.awn.com/news/discovery-rebrand-kids-network-hub

Park Sang-Myun in Banana Split



In case you've really missed last night's episode of Banana Split: Extra Scoop, one of South Korea's famed comedians made a special guest appearance in front of the Music Museum audience! Yes, that's Park Sang-Myun, an actor who appeared in the Green Rose Korean drama and movies like My Wife is a Gangster and Miracle on Cell No. 7.

Very nice to see a foreign celeb guesting on this show!

Forza Motorsport 5 - 2014 Renault Spark SRT_01E at Nurburgring GP Circuit

Part of taking round the world with the Spark-Renault SRT_01E racecar, the car used for the FIA Formula E championship, on Forza Motorsport 5, this zero-emission racing machine is prepped up for its next destination; the Nurburgring. Sadly, because my XBOX One's Game DVR only carries up to 5 minutes of footage, using the Nordschleife is not a good idea so instead, I've gone for the shorter one; the Grand Prix Circuit of the Nurburgring. The one that served as the basis for the Formula 1 German Grand Prix annually.

srt01esrt01e_2srt01e_3srt01e_4




Although a little rough on the end but the Spark-Renault SRT_01E is proven to be ready for this track should the Germans have accepted their invitation to future FIA Formula E seasons. Next time, let's go to Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps. Now here's a challenge this car pumped up for this...

Doctor Who S08E05

Doctor Who S08E05

Although the Bank of Karabraxos is impregnable, The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and Clara (Jenna Coleman), with the help of some skilled cons such as the augmented human Psi (Jonathan Bailey) and the shape-shifting mutant human Saibra (Pippa Bennett-Warner) managed to survive through the most dangerous bank in the universe. Encountering with the likes of Madame Karabraxos (Keeley Hawes), her clone in charge of the security Ms. Delphox, and the fearsome monster that detects guilt known as the Teller, this adventure is no walk in the park for them. That was one heck of a bank heist they've pulled but that episode is worth remembering.

Here's a BTS clip from this episode:



NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW: