Let's Do The News! (January 10, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- As the manhunt for the suspects behind the Charlie Hebdo terror attack continues, French authorities are hunting for any accomplices of the two gunmen behind the death of 17 people. One key person is Hayat Boumeddiene, the ally of Amedy Coulibaly, who was killed when police raided a kosher supermarket in the capital city Paris on Friday.

- US prosecutors recommend charging against former CIA director David Petraeus for exposing top-secret info to a former mistress, biographer Paula Broadwell. He was reportedly began an affair with her 4 years ago.

- PIXIA Corp announced an exclusive reselling agreement with Japan Space Imaging, the leading satellite imaging organization in the Far East, to provide Japanese organizations with innovative geospatial solutions. Ace Combat fans are familiarized that Japan Space Imaging were responsible for satellite imagery in-game.

- DigitalGlobe, another geospatial solutions company known by Ace Combat fans many, says that their products played an important role in the worldwide effort against the Ebola outbreak.

- Bill Boeing Jr., the son of Boeing's founder, died at the age of 92 last Thursday. Although he didn't work at his father's establishment, he played a crucial role of maintaining the original Boeing plant in Seattle called the Red Barn in collaboration with The Museum of Flight.

- The US Army has signed a $78M deal with one of the biggest defense contractors, Lockheed Martin, to upgrade their Army Tactical Missile System.

- In Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, the San Miguel Beermen scored a win against the Alaska Aces at the score of 100-86.

TTFN

Stars of Tokyo Auto Salon 2015 with NAPAC

Suzuki Alto Turbo RS Concept

The 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon with NAPAC runs until the 11th of January, 2015 at the Makuhari Messe and there's been a whole array of modified cars displayed for this year's show while most of them are modified concepts by Japan's top carmakers. Let's get to know the stars of the show...

- Subaru STi XV Sport Concept - A specially modified version of the Subaru XV which comes with the special Sunrise Yellow color first applied on their special edition POP STAR model.

- Suzuki Alto Turbo RS Concept - This concept model of the recently-launched 8th-generation Alto previews its turbocharged model coming this year.

- Subaru STi Levorg S Concept - A concept model of the recently-launched Levorg station wagon comes with the 6-speed manual gearbox.

- Subaru STi Outback Super GT First Response Operation - A concept model of the latest Legacy Outback crossover which looks like it response on any emergency situation during a Super GT race.

- Honda MUGEN Jade - The upcoming Honda Jade hybrid MPV gets previewed for the first time as well as its Mugen bodykit-equipped model.

- Honda N-ONE Relax Concept - A specially modified version of the Honda N ONE kei car featuring a much simpler yet tastier design.

- Honda Cyber Concept N-BOX Slash Code : 89 - A specially modified version of the N-BOX Slash kei car featuring a more futuristic look.

- Honda Samantha Thavasa meets Honda Vezel  - A special Honda Vezel show car made to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Samantha Thavasa, a fashion store.

- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Concept - A special model previews the final edition of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X which is set for discontinuation soon. Tuning is provided by HKS to deliver this car up to 473HP of power output.

- Toyota Modellista Prius α Cyber Cross Concept - A specially modified version of the Prius α MPV with a more crossover-ish look.

- Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen Concept - The Blitzen named was used on the 3rd-generation and 4th-generation Legacy B4 saloon. The concept model as seen on this year's show is based on the recently-launched, sixth-generation Legacy B4 saloon and it dons a unique red color and exterior enhancements rooting back from past Blitzen models.

- Mazda CX-3 Racing Concept - A specially modified version of the upcoming CX-3 crossover.

- Subaru WRX S4 Customized by PROVA - A specially modified version of the WRX S4 with bodykit courtesy of PROVA.

- Subaru WRX STi NBR Challenge 2015 - A race-spec version of the WRX STi which is set to race at this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours.

- Subaru BRZ GT300 2015 - A GT300-class race-spec version of the BRZ which is set to race at the 2015 Super GT season

- Mazda Demio Racing Concept 2015 - A specially modified version of the fourth-generation Mazda Demio with unique vinyls.

- Mazda Atenza Package Style Concept 2015 - A specially modified version of the recently-facelifted Atenza

- Mazda CX-5 Package Style Concept 2015 - A specially modified version of the recently-facelifted CX-5.

- Mazda Axela Sport Racing Concept 2015 - A specially modified version of the Mazda Axela Sport featuring unique vinyls.

- Mazda Axela ASEAN Concept 2015 A specially modified version of the Mazda Axela sedan featuring ASEAN specs and a unique vinyl.

...and more.

For a full look: http://motorshow.carview.yahoo.co.jp/tokyo-autosalon/2015/

#BubbleGang - January 9, 2015

On the January 9, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Hangover gags

- Istambay, Istambay sa Looban, May Bagong Isyung Pag-uusapan, May Bumbay Napadpad Sa Tambayan, At Doon Nauso Ang...UTANGAN?!

- IKAW AT ANG INA takes on...posts about traffic!

- Tsugi or Churva?

- Painting sketch!

- More words of wisdom from Tata Lino:

• Pag biglang umulan sa tigang na lupa, wag ka nang magtaka pag biglang bumaha.
• Pag wala na ng sakit at naghanap ka ng kapalit, kahit gaano siyang kakulit, wag kang umulit.
• Ang buhay ng ibang tao, hindi dapat kinekwento. Okay lang kung totoo, masamang magimbento.
• Ang tunay na isda, ang amoy malansa. Pag hindi malansa, gusto lang mag-isa.

- Lala Ytera still making some nuisance to the ladies.

-Mr. Matapobre says..."Walang mayamang maingay. Malakas lang ang boses namin."

- IyoTube in Biglang Liko by Ron Henley feat. Pow Chavez

- The toughest gang member faced his biggest welcome back gift yet.

Let's Do The News! (January 9, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- Continuing on the Charlie Hebdo hunt, French authorities have surrounded a building in a northern town of Dammartin-en-Goele, 35km from capital city Paris, where two men suspected of the attack on the satirical media are said to have a hostage. There are reports of injuries while the suspects are reported to have said they are prepared to die.

- On the AirAsia QZ8501, pings are heard in the Java Sea which could have the possibility of a black box flight recorders of the said crashed flight. Authorities said that the black box could have been parted from the rear part of the plane.

- Authorities are still investigating the possibility if the bombing near an NAACP office in Colorado last Tuesday is an act of terrorism. They are considering many possible motives and haven't determined if the NAACP was targeted. The bombing occurred at around 1100 hours last Tuesday outside a barbershop that shares the building with it. So far, no casualties have been reported.

- There was a man, who is a member of the Hijos de Nazareno, who died of a heart attack while participating in the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene. He died just as the "andas" of the Black Nazarene left the Quirino Grandstand.

- The USA and Cuba will commence talks on normalizing bilateral ties on the 21st of January at the nation's capital city Havana.

- The first-ever SEAT Leon Cupra ST was unveiled and it comes with the same 276HP turbocharged engine as the hatch equivalent while mated with either a 6-speed manual or a DSG.

2016 Seat Leon Cupra ST

- The first-ever Volvo S60 Cross Country was unveiled ahead of its 2015 NAIAS debut.

2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country

- Good Smile Company revealed another part of The iDOLM@STER figure collection and this time it's Takane Shijou wearing a yutaka. She's yours for just 9,074 Yen (plus tax) when she comes out this June.

FREEing Takane Shijou (Yutaka ver.)

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 8, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- French authorities made seven arrests as they continue to track down the two suspects, named Cherif and Said Kouachi, responsible for the Charlie Hebdo attack that killed 12 people. Citizens mourn the death of a dozen people of the satirical paper targeted by the suspects shouting Islamist slogans. Arrest warrants were issued for the Kouachi brothers while the third suspect behind the attack has surrendered. The French capitol Paris is now on heightened alert and reinforcements have been deployed to media offices, places of worship, transport, and other sensitive areas.

- Sri Lankans are voting in an unexpectedly close election between leader Mahinda Rajapaksa against former minister Maithripala Sirisena, one of his former allies. President Rajapaksa ruled the nation of Sri Lanka for a decade since 2005.

- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is now 32 years old.

- In preparation of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which take place tomorrow, the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit advised motorists to take alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic due to the procession taking place. McArthur Bridge, Jones Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Roxas Blvd., both lanes of Quezon Boulevard from Andalucia/Fugoso to España/P. Campa southbound, and Taft Avenue northbound are the roads to be closed on the day of the procession starting at 0300 hours Philippine Time.

- In Game 1 of the PBA Finals, the Alaska Aces took down the San Miguel Beermen at the score of 88-82 during overtime.

- Aston Martin teases a more hardcore version of the Vantage called the Vantage GT3.



- Land Rover prepares the legendary Defender's departure by revealing three final editions of Britain's legendary offroader. First is the Adventure model, which is priced at 43,495 Pounds, and this first final model comes with bigger tires, and some underbody cladding fit to take on any offroad adventure it see fit. The second final model is the Heritage model which resembles past Defenders with its Grasmere Green color, special grill, and steel wheels. Lastly is the posh Defender Autobiography which has added power output of 148HP as well as a luxurious interior and two-tone color job.

The final models are limited to 80 Autobiography Editions, 400 Heritages and 600 Adventures to be made as production of the Defender at Land Rover's Solihull plant ends this year.

Land Rover Defender Adventure

Land Rover Defender Autobiography

Land Rover Defender Heritage

- Honda unveiled the replacement to the discontinued Stream MPV called the Jade. Set for its February 2015 on-sale date, the new Jade is a 3-row hybrid MPV which comes with the same setup as the Fit Hybrid, the Vezel crossover, and the recently-launched Grace sedan. Yup. It's a 1.5L hybrid with the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. It will also feature HONDA SENSING safety system first seen on the upcoming Legend sedan as well.

2016 Honda Jade

- The Marvel universe keeps on expanding with the movie adaptation of Ant-Man as their first teaser trailer has been revealed ahead of the film's July 17 showing.

TTFN!!!

Let's Do The News! (January 7, 2015)

Welcome back. Here is your current sitrep:

- As the search of the crashed AirAsia QZ8501 continues, search and rescue ops discovered the tail of the crashed flight in the Java Sea. The tail of the crashed flight is where the black box flight recorders are located, giving them potential clues as to the cause of the crash.

- Over dozens of people were reportedly killed or injured after a deadly blast hits outside a police college in Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen. Some reports state that a car bomb had been detonated near a crowd of students but this claim remains unconfirmed.

- The US Congress has been convened after last year's midterm elections favored the Republicans took power within the House and the Senate. The House reelected John Boehner as its speaker. With the GOP took power, they would likely to step up against US President Barack Obama, who has two years left in his term.

- The top officials of China and South Korea are keeping a close eye on Japan PM Shinzo Abe over his planned statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

- Two people died, including the gunman, at a shootout occurred at a veterans' medical clinic in West Texas, according to officials. No one knows if the gunman was shot down by officers nor providing any details on the victim of the shooting occurred at the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

- For January, Forza Horizon 2 announced the G-Shock Car Pack available on the XBOX One console. For this DLC Pack of the month, gamers will be the first to drive the Nissan iDX NISMO Concept as well as classic machines such as the Subaru BRAT and the 1975 Ford Bronco. There are six new rides rolling out for this month's DLC pack, which is now available for $5 in the Xbox Live store (free for Season Pass holders).

Forza Horizon 2 G-SHOCK Car Pack

- Revealed at the recent 2015 Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas, the Mercedes-Benz F015 Concept is an unmanned luxury car loaded with self-driving technology and next-generation premium sedan comforts, making this concept car a "mobile home" that enable people to do exactly what they want or need to do.

Mercedes-Benz F015 Concept

- The Lexus GS minor change has been previewed by its new high-performance addition called the GS F. Set for its 2015 NAIAS debut, the high-performance version features the same 5.0L V8 from the RC F coupe, developing 467bhp of power while mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

2016 Lexus GS F

- The Donkervoort D8 GTO Bilster Berg Edition has been revealed and this hardcore version of Dutch's ultimate track toy features an improved version of the Audi 2.5 engine, developing 380HP of power. It's limited to 14 units, each priced at 194,000 Euros.

Donkervoort D8 GTO Bilster Berg Edition

- The Hunger Games stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Jeffrey Wright and Mahershala Ali appeared on the latest PSA for the Ebola Survivor Fund. Check it out...

TTFN!!!

Forza Horizon 2: Der Neuer RS6 Avant

With the brand-new Audi RS6 Avant arriving on Forza Horizon 2 via the NAPA Chassis Pack, I was very eager to try out one of Europe's super wagons for a spin. Besides, this turbocharged station wagon is what we're longing for to drive in the world of Forza. Although it wasn't made to be sold Stateside like all high-performance wagons do, the RS6 Avant made us super jealous when we drove one out on FH2.



So, what's it all about the new RS6? Well, at first, this is based on the current-generation Audi A6, or to be more specific, the A6 Avant model because the RS models of the Avants tend to combine sportscar-like performance with the convenience of a wagon. Since wagons are almost a thing of a past Stateside, we can't have 'em but go to Europe to have one thanks to some demands from the T10 staff, we are finally able to drive this high-performance wagon we've been denied for so long. Even me.



Mercifully, they've gone for the 2015 facelift of the RS6 Avant because they don't want to commit the same mistakes they've done when they feature a pre-facelift model and then what they didn't know that a facelifted model existed just before they can feature it in-game.

Under the hood, the RS6 comes with the 4.0L V8 TFSi engine which develops 560PS of power and 700Nm of torque and it's connected to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. 0-100kph takes about 3.9 seconds and it will go on up to 305kph. Now that is one helluva super wagon no one can resist its speedy temptation.

Although this car is made for the trip to the grocery, the RS6 Avant is an all-rounder thanks to its legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. This means that if you're going to take on any road condition, be it wet or dry, the RS6 Avant always keeps your cool as long as you're brave enough to take on too many risks around you.



This is much more of a better speed wagon than the Audi RS4 Avant, which is a pre-order bonus for those who bought FH2 on XBOX One, or better yet, it's better than any other super saloons in its class, although being a 4WD super tourer, too much grip is what I'm experiencing and it feels a bit...mild. It may be a mild car to drive but even the rookies are more than welcome to master the new RS6. It doesn't really matter what kind of skill level you're on, be it a pro or a rookie. This wagon fits on any skill level the driver's on and this car is balanced with the things that are right and the things that are wrong.



I decided to take on a road trip to Montellino with the new RS6. Since this car comes with 4WD, this tourer can be an excellent road trip vehicle as long as you can't wait to go. You can take on whatever you like as long as you made it to the target destination and proceed to your next challenge.



As the saying goes, the journey continues...

See you next time.