Leopaul's Blog

Monday, October 13, 2014

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Imagine the day when most of your family faced the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad fate like you had everyday. It's going to be one heck of a rollercoaster ride to mayhem as on this film, it's definitely as what your family will be...ending up on the same mess that you had. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a hilarious Disney movie that stars comedian Steve Carell, actress Jennifer Garner, as well as Ed Oxenbould, Dylan Minnette, Kerris Dorsey and many others.

11-year-old Alexander, played by Ed Oxenbould, experienced the biggest calamity of his entire life and it begins when his hair got stuck with a piece of chewing gum followed by another disaster after another. Miserable, Alexander wonders what if his family will face the same fate as his and the result; a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!

Sometimes, the worst day in your lives could turn out to be the best and for this movie, it's not quite Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad at all because being a family movie, it's all about having fun watching with the entire family but because this is all about one family facing the worst, this is like going out for a rollercoaster ride and you'll end up with some massive spills and a slight smile on a face. Speaking of slight smiles, there are some slight problems with this movie and it's all in the worrisome storyline because it's kinda confusing what comes next after another as well as the casting.

Even though it wasn't turned out to be a good movie for the eyes of moviegoers, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is a fun-for-the-family movie that will surely love and in one day, they will be on the same situation as Alexander's. At least, that's what I want to believe.

My rating: 3.4 out of 5

Let's Do The News! (October 13, 2014)

The big scoop today...

- Typhoon Vongfong (otherwise known by us as Ompong) is sweeping through Japan after twice making landfall. So far, one person remained unaccounted for and 56 others badly injured. It landed near Makurazaki in Kagoshima Prefecture at around 8:30 AM JST and downgraded to a severe tropical storm.

- The search for the missing victims from the Mt. Ontake eruption has been called off due to Typhoon Vongfong (or Ompong).

- The US officials are taking measures to stop the Ebola outbreak from spreading through the entire nation ever since a healthcare worker in Texas became the first American to be infected by such disease.

- International communities are vowing over $5.4 billion in humanitarian aid for the victims in the Gaza Strip conflict.

- Back at the Mayon Volcano, some fresh lava is cascading down the recently erupted volcano located in Albay. Volcanologists warned the public to brace for another eruption.

- Authorities from North Cotabato have in custody a vital witness who holds the key to solve the mastermind behind the grenade attack on the United Church of Christ i the Philippines in the village of Pikit, North Cotabato, last week.

- Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman released a statement regarding the Argentinian trip that got the hosts attacked by Falklands War vets over the plate number mishap. Read here.

Top Gear in Argentina

- In case you missed it, Tesla Motors announced the high-tech and more powerful version of the Model S called the Model S P85D which features Dual Motor for added performance and the added Autopilot feature that lets the car to run unmanned.

- Former Disney celeb Bridgit Mendler plans to make a difference this Christmas season by joining Save the Children's "Make the World Better With A Sweater" campaign.

- Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale collaborated with fashion firm Abercrombie & Fitch for National Bullying Prevention Month. She appeared in the 20-minute clip to spread the message about anti-bullying and "being an ally".

TTFN!!!

F1 2014: Russia GP

F1 2014 Russia GP

Russia's Sochi Autodrom is new for the 2014 season and even though this is a brand new location in the world of Formula 1, the spectators fall silent upon watching the suspense unfolds from the hearts of F1 racing drivers as the battle rages on. Williams' Valtteri Bottas set the fastest lap time of 1:40.896 but he placed 3rd while Mercedes' Hamilton placed 1st place ahead of teammate Rosberg.

A 1-2 finish is more than enough to clench the constructor's world champion title for the Mercedes F1 Team but it's not over yet for the team members as Lewis Hamilton's 17 points ahead of Nico Rosberg while Red Bull's Ricciardo is still in 3rd place overall for 199 points.

The next race will be at USA on the 2nd of November, 2014.

Report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/10/16494.html

Image: Formula 1 official

Forza Horizon 2: Fiesta ST at work

The Fiesta ST is one of the all-time greats from Ford and since it was introduced in North America last year, it garnered a new set of fans because of its nimble performance that a hot hatch should have and its EcoBoost engine that delivers a nippy power output that can get you through like a can of IRN BRU. If I have an evaluation, the Fiesta ST is definitely one of the latest hot hatches that won my heart not only because it's much more affordable than its big brother, the Focus ST, but it's because it's much more enjoyable to own than the other hot hatches no matter how powerful, how mobile, or how stylish they really are.

Like what Richard Hammond from Top Gear said, the Fiesta ST is simply brilliant and this car still remembers the key mantra of a hot hatch; it's not just what it does, it's how it makes you feel while it's doing it. That's sound good but because of the Fiesta's involvement in the world of rallying, not to mention Ken Block's usage for his Hoonigan mischief, it was labeled as a "Modern Rally" machine for all the wrong reasons but that's okay though because when I took it off the road, the Fiesta ST really is like a rally car in its own right...well, minus the rally part but never mind about that. You can be a Hoonigan a la Ken Block in this car if you have the right resources to make one out of it for a living. It may not be well capable enough to crush high-powered aggressors but this car always have the last laugh from its opposition. You never know how slippy this car can be if you have a nasty plot to take use of endless shortcuts provided in this beautiful Southern European scenery.

Speaking of which, it's time for a road trip to Sisteron and in order for the Fiesta to be fully prepared for the trip, extensive improvements have been done as well as some makeovers.

Yes. This is my Fiesta ST in FH2 after some extensive improvements on its performance as well as spending numerous man hours giving the Fiesta ST the makeover it truly deserve. Looks beautiful, eh? When players come seeing this in a car meet, they'll think I'm something special not to mention the extensive vinyl dressings on my Fiesta. I gave it some sponsorships, its racing numbers, and its very own UK plate number for individuality.

And yes, time to hit the road. See you in Sisteron!

Wow Mali! - October 12, 2014

On the October 12, 2014 episode of Wow Mali Lakas Ng Tama!

- MR. FU, KERI MO? - On this episode's Mr. Fu, Keri Mo? Mr. Fu challenges the public to survive having chunks of ice in their undies!

- SISITV - Viewers send in their funny home videos in this segment!

- MALINTADONG PINOY - Auditions to be part of the Wow Mali team continues on this segment!

- SAPAW SAYAW - Someone's stealing your moves and you just got served!

- EMOTE CONTROL: ANYTHING GHOST - Celeb Valeen Montenegro has some paranormal issues to deal with...Probably...

- PORTABLE WINDOW: ANO DAW?! - Insert Window Jokes here...

- JEEPY BIRTHDAY - In this jeepney, it's your birthday even if it isn't yours!

- GAME SHOW - You've been taken over by a voice-over and you're tasked to do silly things!

- SIGN KA NATAWA? - More funny signs spotted by the crew!

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Forza Horizon 2: Huracan Warning

With the 5.2L V10 engine developing 602HP of power, top speed of 202mph, 0-60mph in three seconds, all-wheel drive, and dual-clutch transmission, the Lamborghini Huracan is the replacement of the Gallardo and it's named after a Mayan god, Spanish word for hurricane, or one of the famed bulls...and it's arrived in style on Forza Horizon 2 as the hero car of the game! We have gotten the chance to try out Lamborghini's latest creation on the Southern European landscape and we never felt so alive while spending precious amounts of time with this newborn supercar.

I have fell in love with the Huracan since the first time I drive this car on Forza Horizon 2 and for this car, it looks like it treated Southern Europe as its personal playground or a baby dome for some reason because we love to toy around numerous roads for days. If I want to evaluate the Huracan, I took part on a special monthly rival event called the Huracan Warning where we have to set the fastest time possible in a sprint run using none other than the car itself.

By my evaluation, the Huracan is one heck of a bewildering machine to drive and the sound of the 5.2L V10 engine sounds the same as the days of the Gallardo. Sounds sinister but it is glorious because there are only a few surviving machines using that V10 engine at this moment in time but because that V10 sounds more ancient, the Huracan really got what it takes to be a legend if we follow our hearts to achieve our goals in Horizon 2. Handling-wise, the all-wheel drive system keeps the Huracan well-balanced on different roads no matter what weather will hit us at it and it feels a lot more stable as well. However, there are some understeer issues faced with this machine but no matter, this newborn V10 Lambo risen from the ashes of the Gallardo is one heck of a Ridge Racer in all the right moves...minus the Ridge Racer part that I said because the Huracan is a real-world car we love to drive in the virtual fantasy world of FH2.

The Huracan really melts our hearts made of iron filings like a pack of Magnolia Quickmelt and a simple Quickfire recipe as seen on TV and metaphorically, it's like putting a Quickmelt on a Quickfire and that one really appeals to the larger crowd like hotcakes. Delicious...

No matter how many times I drove with the Huracan, this Lambo never fails to impress me. Driving one of these feels like I haven't slept in days and I've never felt so alive and intense while behind the wheel. My senses are now as sharp as knives and the Huracan really is as sharp as a rapier wielded by a marksman who is skilled in countless battles.

With the Huracan in FH2, facing off with this machine is like opening a new chapter for all things to come in Forza Horizon 2 and with the car and driver's hearts as one, it's like a whole new love story petrolheads looking forward to as they continue their quest to the Horizon Finale.

Doctor Who S08E08

The episode is titled Mummy on the Orient Express and this episode sees The Doctor and Clara taking a ride on the space-age version of the Orient Express until a mummy kills someone within 66 seconds and it's up to The Doctor to solve this life-threatening puzzle and put a stop to it. That episode gave us the 66 seconds of thrills...literally.

We just noticed that jazz singer Foxes made a guest appearance on this episode. She even done her version of the 1979 hit song from Queen titled Don't Stop Me Now.

Man, let's hope her version of that song would make it on the soundtrack next year. Anyway, how does she impressed on her special appearance in this episode?

This episode is more of a murder-mystery case set in the space-age version of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and if by Agatha Christie, The Doctor met her in the episode The Unicorn and the Wasp six years ago.

Also in that episode, The Doctor said something while facing off with the mummy. He said "are you my mummy?" and I swear I heard this one before. It was that phrase the gas-masked zombie said in one episode of the first series when Doctor Who revived 9 years ago.

Still, it was great for The Doctor to tell the truth to Clara about his reckless actions and we're glad that Clara is back to wanting to travel with the Doctor no matter what.

Anyway, here's the BTS for this episode:

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?! - October 11, 2014

On the October 11, 2014 episode of Tropa Mo Ko Nice Di Ba?!

- Heaven gags

- Mr. FB goes social overload to his officemates!

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls are too dumb to answer a question!

- Tonight's Special Guest...Mommy D!

- Different situations when in the jeepney are explained

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls are STILL too dumb to answer a question!

- Battle of the Brainless Celebrity Edition with Mommy D, Sherap, and Nura!

- The GANDUMB AND GANDUMBER girls don't know what corn is this.

- Poke-Pokan Na! in Bulong Ni Mahal!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

#BGMadScientist

On the October 10, 2014 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Mad scientist gags

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, May babaeng galit sa tambayan, tapis lang ang kanyang kasuotan, sabi nya siya daw ay...NABOSOHAN!!!

- On this episode's PAG-IBIG HOTLINE, Mr. Luv-Yah is counseling with a couple facing with some major issues with themselves.

Mr. Luv Yah

Tina & Ronnel

- What to do when your stunt double isn't what it suppose to be?

- A director has some brainstorming during a coffee break...

Nag-iisang Ikaw

- Bubble Gang Flashback Friday

- More wise words from Tata Lino!

- Those youngsters in their computers these days...

- "Sorry but that's not my job"

Top Gear USA: Need For Speed

The boys of Top Gear USA are back and on that episode, they're taking on the fastest roads in Germany and if they're ready, they're prepared to take on the Nurburgring, the ultimate racetrack most challenging racers take on over the years. For Tanner, he's armed with the VW Golf VII R while for Rut, he's armed with the Porsche 911 991 Carrera 4S, and for Adam, he's fully armed with the brand new Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4. Mind you, Tanner has a 4WD car with the engine with the front while Rut has a four-wheel drive car with the engine at the back, and Adam's got a 4WD car with the engine in the middle. It's all-and-all in their German road trip to Nurburgring.

First up, it's the drag race and since Tanner's got a hatch by mistake, he's got a disadvantage against his co-hosts' sportscars and even a jumpstart won't help it because...Adam and the Huracan nailed them both. Period.

Next, the boys are taking on the Autobahn, a German highway where no speed limits are present and they can go as fast as they can until they will face traffic. Tanner and his Golf R done it in 150mph while Adam and the Lambo done it in a quicker 175mph, and Rut in a Porsche done it in 143mph.

Meanwhile, the boys are racing through a church from an old German town and whoever gets there the fastest wins. Even though these cars have their own trump cards on their side, getting through the tight streets is a challenge. After miles of navigating through the town, the Rut in the Porsche made it first.

Because Tanner hadn't won anything in this episode, he lured them to the parking lot for the handling test but with added twist: a slalom test while avoiding big cans of beer. This test demonstrates the VW Golf R's handling capabilities but for the other two...this is going to be one-sided. Still, the Porsche 911 C4S done it barely.

And now, the boys are on their way to the Nurburgring, their big petrolhead dream come true, but for Tanner's he's going to swap his Golf for something race-prepped for the Nurburgring race...in a form of a race-spec version of the Golf VI! He's not giving up without a fight!

He's going to set a benchmark time at the Ring and then...have Adam and Rut beat it with their sportscars! Even though the Huracan and the 911 C4S gave it everything they've got, it was one heck of an experience to have themselves in the Ring.

Friday, October 10, 2014

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

The big scoop today...

- The US Embassy in Manila put most of the Americans on high alert in the Philippines after police arrested three men linked to terrorist networks plotting to bomb most parts of the Philippine capital. Last October 5th, the police have arrested three members of the Rajah Solaiman Movement whose hideout were under surveillance for months.

- According to a US report, human rights records from the People's Republic of China continued to grow worse in key areas over the past year and limits on free speech and assembly are growing.

- Former leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, age 83, has been hospitalized but he's determined to fight for his life. Gorbachev is the last leader of the Soviet Union when he took power in 1985 and instituted the sweeping political and economic reforms known as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (rebuilding).

- Over 87 million Philippine Pesos of deposits from Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has been found as the investigation over his charge for plunder and his involvement at the PDAF scam continues.

- As the Hong Kong Protests still rages on, most of the student protest leaders have called on supporters to stage a major rally later on after the HK government cancelled planned talks.

- As the whole Philippines are on the watch on PNP National Director General Alan Purisma, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wished to the Philippine president Benigno Aquino III that he should "kick Purisima upstairs so that he will leave the PNP alone.”

- Aston Martin, the premier British sports car maker is coming to the Philippines and to be distributed by the newly established Aston Martin Manila. The newest PH distributor of Aston Martin has been forged by Bridgestone PH president Marc Tagle and Marc Soong. They'll be bringing most DB9, Vanquish, Rapide, and Vantage models on the Philippine market next year.

2015 Aston Martin Vanquish

- Naruto fans, don't fret because even though the manga ends as well as "The Last - Naruto The Movie", there's still more hope because next year, there's going to be a stage play that is part of an ongoing post-end projects.

TTFN!!!

2014-2015 Japan COTY finalists announced

Last year, the Volkswagen Golf VII was the first imported car to win the Japan Car of the Year, edging out the likes of locally-made bests especially the Honda Fit. It was one heck of a twist happened in the history of Japan COTY when an imported car, especially German, won this award that is solely for Japan-made cars. I have no idea why most Japanese people love the new Golf very much.

Now, for the 2014-2015 Japan COTY, the top ten finalists have been announced and the winner will be named at the 13th of October, the final day of the Tokyo Motor Fest 2014. So, who are the ten finalists vying for the top spot?

1) Toyota Noah and Voxy