The Peanuts Movie

The Peanuts Movie

Charles Schulz's beloved masterpiece, the Peanuts, has landed on the big screen with their first-ever CGI-animated film that is fit for the whole family, even the kids who aren't familiar with the Peanuts or heard of it. The Peanuts Movie brings most of your favorite characters in one place from Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Snoopy, Woodstock, and many many of the Peanuts kids because in this film, well...it's partly random if moviegoers are honest.

Made by the people who brought you the Ice Age films, The Peanuts Movie is a CGI-animated take on the classic cartoon icons where everyone's favorite blockhead, Charlie Brown, tries to become the best but sometimes, his lack of motivation is what makes Charlie Brown...well, Charlie Brown. When the arrival of the new girl sparks Charlie Brown, how can he redeem himself for being a blockhead and become the achiever he hoped for?

In true Peanuts fashion, this film is all about fun and games at the start because every time you see most of the Peanuts characters donning their signature personalities, even Snoopy, they can be easily recognized by people who are familiar with them back when they were young and that's old-school for some. For those who aren't familiar with the Peanuts, this film may found out to be unknown to them but they can get used to it as long as there's someone familiar with the Peanuts teaching who these characters are. Even though this is a modern take on the classic cartoon icons, it feels unknown and a bit Charlie Brown-ish, but behind most of the niggles, there are some values learned through the film and it's all about encouragement, motivation, and the will to pursue your dreams.

That's what The Peanuts Movie is made for...reaching for your dreams and never giving up on the challenges you set foot on. Even if you're familiar or not with the Peanuts characters and the heritage that Charles Schulz did for them, you should try watching it for a change, even your kids would enjoy it for a change.

My rating: 3.4 out of 5.

Forza Motorsport 6: Night Prowls

One of the cars featured on Forza Motorsport 6's eBay Motors Car Pack is what I believed to be a 21st century take on those classic open-top hotrods. It's called the Prowler, and despite its flaws, it remains a future classic that is very rare to see on today's roads.



Heavily inspired from the hotrods of the pre-war era, the Prowler is a unique roadster featuring a signature chassis, which is different from existing production components, featuring an aluminum space frame.

Powering it is a 3.5L V6 engine which develops 214HP but in 1999, it was replaced with a more powerful version which develops 257PS of power while being mated with a 4-speed automatic.

There is a trivia that since its launch, a Prowler was sealed in a mausoleum as a time capsule somewhere in Oklahoma and experts are looking forward what would a Prowler look like when it was sealed when the time capsule is opened in the not too distant future, when it will be returned to Chrysler.

Although intended to be Plymouth's flagship sports car, the Plymouth brand was discontinued from 2001 and it was sold as a Chrysler Prowler thereafter until the Prowler's production discontinued a year after, with a final limited edition model of 300 cars painted in special Candy Deep Red body color. A total of 11,479 units have been produced from 1997 to 2002.



Although the 4-speed automatic gearbox sounds like it's one of the key faults why the Prowler failed to keep up against most sportscars, it's still a quick car to drive. It's so quick, you might never noticed that there's someone got his clothes stuck at one of its doors and pops up unexpectedly. Quite a surprise, eh?

Imagine if that's you driving in one of these, some guy thinks that your Prowler looks cool and then you explain all about your ride, including the fact that its V6 engine is fuel-injected, and you get off after saying bye to that fellow.

Anyway, enough chitchat for that, because even though its performance is somewhat lacking, the Prowler is one of the good definition of a grand tourer like in the case of the BMW Z8 I drove in-game.

You may find that its abilities hadn't been used properly at first but you'll be able to unlock its hidden potential beneath its bespoke chassis as I shall now demonstrate by driving round Daytona's road course...at night because it's like referring to the AC/DC song Night Prowler. Shazbot, Nanu Nanu...



Can't believe this is the first time making an impression with this future classic in the nighttime but I'm very glad that this Prowler really is a great car to enjoy it the more you use it to find its hidden potential beneath its hotrod looks.

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

- It's been two years have passed since Superstorm Yolanda wreck havoc in the Visayan cities of the Philippines. According to the Catholic Church's Caritas Internationalis, 1.8 million people affected by the calamity have been served by providing them with disaster-resilient shelters, water and sanitation facilities, and livelihood among many others. 

- According to sources, the Philippines had invested over ten billion pesos for the year long hosting of the APEC Summit happening this Friday until the 19th of November where the world's top leaders coming together to discuss economic issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

- Australian media reports that hackers have attempted to steal information about a future submarine project in the country from one of the German bidders. There have been numerous attempts to hack top-secret files on the project from ThyssenKrupp Marines Systems as well as the company's submarine shipyard in Kiel has been targeted by hackers between 30 and 40 times per night.

- Sierra Leone celebrated the end of the Ebola outbreak in the country, a day after the World Health Organization declared this nation virus-free. Last year, the deadly disease began spreading in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea in West Africa. In Sierra Leone, over 3,900 people died.

- The World Bank warned that global warming could result in over 100 million additional people living in poverty by the next two decades if sufficient countermeasures are not taken. The bank says an estimated 700 million people are already living on less than 1.9 dollars a day.

- The world's top aircraft manufactures are showcasing their latest models at the Dubai Airshow in the Middle East. The largest ever biennial show opened on Sunday with over 1,100 industry players from about 60 countries are exhibiting commercial and military aircraft as well as many others.

- According to German reports, Volkswagen began manipulating CO2 emissions data two years ago. Several workers indicated in an internal investigation that falsification continued until the spring of this year by increasing tire pressure and mixed diesel into engine oil to make the cars consume less fuel. Then, they reported the dubious data to transport regulators.

- The first-ever Range Rover Evoque Convertible was unveiled with a foldable fabric roof that can be closed or open at the touch of a button. It will be making an appearance at this year's LA Auto Show.

- Fiat is teasing a brand new convertible set to debut at this year's LA Auto Show.

- Veteran film director Willy Milan passed away at the age of 68 due to heart failure. He was known for directing acting films from the 80's to the early 2000s. Most of his works include Bambang (1982), W (1983), Bago Kumalat ang Kamandag (1983), Mianong Magat (1984), Alyas Junior Buang (1985), Moises Padilla Story (1985), Kamandag ng Kris (1986).

TTFN!!!

The PBB 737 big winners are named

Last Saturday, the big winner of this edition of Pinoy Big Brother, called PBB 737, was named in front of the live audience in the Albay Astrodome at Legazpi City, Albay. In 737, two categories, normal and teen versions, join together as one and they undergo series of challenges inside the Big Brother house for several days. In the regular category, Miho Nishida is named as the big winner while in the teen category, Jimboy Martin was named.

The fourth big placers are Bailey Thomas May and Dawn Chang, third big placers are Franco Rodriguez and Roger Lutero, and 2nd big placers are Ylona Garcia and Tommy Esguerra.

Both winners gained one million pesos, a house and lot, and Asian package tour for two.

FIA Formula E 2015-2016 - Putrajaya

There's madness happened during this season's Putrajaya ePrix, which includes sudden failures, few bumps, and some close-quarters combat between the best Formula e drivers gunning for the top spot. It's becoming one heck of a unpredictable race even though they're in a middle of starting point of the 2015-2016 Formula E season.

At the end of this 33-lap madness in Putrajaya, Lucas Di Grassi from ABT Schaeffler is the winner of the race with DS Virgin Racing's Sam Bird placed 2nd and Andretti's Robin Frijns placed 3rd.

Highlights:

The next race is set at Punta del Este, Uruguay, on the 19th of December.

Forza Motorsport 6: NIssan GT-R LM NISMO

On the recent monthly update for Forza Motorsport 6, which corrects most of the issues gamers faced during gameplay, we've been introduced by this month's free DLC car to drive in-game and I think I might spark some questions about this month's free car; it's the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO.



Nissan signalled the return in the world of LMP1 prototype racing at Le Mans after a 16-year hiatus with their brand-new GT-R LM NISMO. Unveiled minutes after the airing of Nissan's Big Game ad during the Super Bowl match between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, Nissan's new GT-R LM NISMO is revealed to be the world's first first front-engine/front-wheel drive LMP1 prototype, a drivetrain unheard of for this category.

According to LMP1 Team Principal/Technical Director, Ben Bowlby, the front-wheel drive layout benefits traction and packaging while its long bonnet accommodating its twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine, carrying 768HP of power and 889lb-ft of torque, providing better downforce and more efficient in the straights.

At the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, all three GT-R LM NISMO racing machines faced numerous setbacks. The #21 car retired late into the night after losing a rear tire, while the #23 stopped running with just an hour to go. Most of them operated with no or less hybrid assist, causing them lack of acceleration and more stress on the front brakes.



Yes, this is highly questionable why the world's first FF Le Mans Prototype ever managed to secure a spot in the ever-growing FM6 car list but not as questionable as how it drives because at the first two gears, the wheelspin's giving me little traction at all, making it more difficult to get off the line quick when you're not careful, but if it's in the right speed at the right moment, it doesn't feel half bad to drive this front-wheel drive LMP.

When driving on the wet surface, well, I shall now demonstrate it by driving this one in Silverstone during a rainy weather because it's raining outside right away. I wanna see how this car survive a wet lap...



Well, it feels so technical to drive in this powertrain and even if you're a skilled driver, you need some improved concentration to find out where's the best place to accelerate or brake in the wet surface, even in this track I'm facing with. It maybe grippy but it's difficult to get around while stuck on its wheelspinning phase.

So, with its FF layout unheard for most LMPs, the GT-R LM NISMO has unique characteristics that may find it difficult to control but at the hands of a skilled driver, it can adapt through various situations.

Doctor Who S09E08

Picking up where last week's Zygon Invasion left off, The Zygon Inversion episode sees The Doctor facing a critical choice while confronting against a renegade Zygon who held Clara Oswald hostage and most of mankind are in a knife edge. Having fooled by two Osgood Boxes, The Doctor forces to use persuation to stop the war between humans and Zygons and he did. 

Looks like Bonnie, or Zygella, decided to drop the act and live in peace much as all the Zygons on Earth after all.

Now, the real mystery is that now with the war between humans and Zygons was averted by The Doctor, we're still wondering if that Osgood we're meeting with is human or Zygon and now, with another Osgood appeared, we're back to where we started but best to leave it anyway.

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:

Kalyeserye meets Gaya-Gaya Pa More

Photo: Official Eat Bulaga Facebook page

So this is what AlDub came up with their perfect impersonation in honor of the grand finals of this week's Bulaga Pa More challenge titled Gaya-Gaya Pa More, where celebs have to impersonate as one of the biggest stars in history.

In Gaya-Gaya Pa More, we've seen celebs doing their best impersonations on-stage. There's Regine Angeles as Ariana Grande, IC Mendoza as Lady Gaga, Ynez Veneracion as Jennifer Lopez, Mico Aytona as Michael Jackson, and Barbara Miguel as Beyonce. In the end, Mico Aytona is the winner of Gaya-Gaya Pa More.

Anyway, onto the Kalyeserye part and the celebrity tandem Alden Richards and Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza impersonated is none other than the legendary love team from a distant past; Guy and Pip. If anyone don't know who is Guy and Pip, it refers to two Philippine screen legends; Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. They did very well on such impersonation right until the moment when Alden's going to give Yaya Dub the ring, only to found out the ring is missing!

Where is the ring? What's going on with AlDub? Keep watching Eat Bulaga every Mondays to Saturdays for more Kalyeserye antics!

#BGEpisode1K

On the November 6, 2015 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Hulihin mo siya gags

- Wanna bet on this medical checkup?

- Expectation vs. Reality

- Sef Cadayona takes on TSUGI O CHORVA!

- A woman with a botox face has some issues to talk to...

- Advice pa more with Tata Lino!

- Someone thinks he's the tough guy everyone's feared...

- A dad tells his kid on how to survive an injection from the hospital.

- The unveiling of a time machine from the inventor who has issues with his life.

Let's Do The News! (November 6, 2015)

- US President Barack Obama claims that a bomb was on board a Russian airliner which crashed in Egypt last weekend during an interview with a radio station. He said that the US is taking the possibility very seriously. 

- Meanwhile, UK PM David Cameron and Russian president Vladimir Putin deny the US claims regarding a bomb that brought down the Russian airliner in Egypt. Putin said that the cause of the accident should be determined based on sources. Some say that the crash would ruin Russia's reputation if they begin retaliatory strikes against the Islamic State militants for their air campaign in Syria.

- Senator Grace Poe welcomed the offer of Senator Bongbong Marcos to undergo DNA test with her to help her find her biological parents. Could it be that Grace Poe's bloodline belong to the infamous Marcos? They will have to find out whether it's true or just a myth.

- The rise of incidents involving airline passengers found to be carrying live ammunition in the midst of the "tanim-bala" extortion scam had confused most agents of the National Bureau of Investigation. There could be numerous reasons other than extortion behind the scheme that victimize most senior travelers and OFWs in most terminals of the NAIA, according to the chief of the NBI anti-organized crime division.

- The Malacanang officials defend the Aquino administration over the latest allegation from Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo over their plan to hide away the street dwellers during the upcoming APEC Summit. According to the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, cleaning off street dwellers is part of the DSWD and they're not just doing it every time when international leaders are visiting the Philippines.

- The NASA probe, New Horizons, is on course for a new destination more than one billion kilometers beyond Pluto. New Horizons is still sending data on Pluto's atmosphere and images of the surface.

- ICYMI: Forza Motorsport 6 collaborates with Bethesda's upcoming post-nuclear role-playing shooter game, Fallout 4, with special machines in store for the players. There was a specially-themed 1956 Ford F-100 featuring the iconic Fallout mascot, Vault Boy, offered as a gift for all FM6 players in honor of next week's release of the game. Also, those who played Fallout 4 on the XBOX One may receive a retro-futuristic car straight from the world of Fallout games, a Chryslus Rocket 69, soon.

- Don't forget about tomorrow! AlDub will be making a special appearance on the grand finals of Eat Bulaga's Bulaga Pa More: Gaya Gaya Pa More! Although we're still wondering what will Alden and Yaya Dub will impersonate as...

TTFN!!!

New Lexus RX (L20/L25)

2016 Lexus RX

Lexus' luxury crossover, the RX, is now on its fourth-generation (in world market terms anyway) and for its regeneration, the new RX wants to upset the opposition with its radical new design inside out as well as its new tech features suitable for a luxury SUV fit for those who want to mix business with pleasure. Performance-wise, it's not what you called wise, but anyway, let's dig first on what the new RX looks like.

2016 Lexus RX interior

In the eyes of an observer, the new RX's design looks more of a departure from the predecessors' designs which dates back to the first-generation Toyota Harrier, the SUV that was sold to the world market as the Lexus RX until now. Take note that today's Toyota Harrier shares nothing in common with this new Lexus RX, in case any one of you spill the beans. Anyway, in Toyota's eyes, the new design promises to be a more radical approach to today's crossovers, but in my opinion, that design is far too many. One thing that will scare most of us is the incredibly horrid LED sequential turn lamps which behaves like today's Ford Mustang do. Those sequential turn lamps are too scary and if you see one approaching, better not to look at it because it will be like seeing a man with his full moon.

Get inside and everything's well-organized like a well-organized desk, well sorta. On the driver's side, you feel busy because you have all the buttons at your disposal and while on the wheel, feels like you have little time to fiddle with the audio and sat-nav unless if you're at a set of lights, similar to a game of yacht with your pals. On the back, that's where the delightful part comes in because there's an available rear seat entertainment system where no one can argue which movie they want to watch while stuck at traffic. The boot space wasn't so bad even though the new RX has a sloping roofline that resembles a coupe-like silhouette.

2016 Lexus RX

Now, onto the performance side and for the new RX, there has been a shift in the lineup because the previous model's RX270 and the RX350 are removed for this generation and in return, the only petrol engine available for the new model is the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine sourced from its little brother, the NX. The 8AR-FTS engine develops a power output of 238PS, 350Nm of torque output, and when mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, fuel economy is expected at 11.8km/L. Doesn't sound much but it has enough gusto to squeeze in.

Of course, the hybrid variant, the RX450h, is carried over from the previous model. Of course, it still has the same 2GR-FXE petrol engine but the new model featured new electric motors featuring a 123kW 6JM motor on the front, and for 4WD variants, a 50kW 2FM motor on the back. Combined, the maximum system power output is 313PS, 13PS more than the previous model and fuel consumption has been improved to 18.8km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. That sounds like a lot but like all good Japanese-made hybrids, it's stuck with the CVT gearbox so don't get too excited here. This is still like a polar bear asking what he wants with the other relatives, probably a grizzly bear and a panda bear of some sorts.

In F-Sport variants, the ride and handling has been improved slightly thanks to the addition of NAVI AI-AVS (Adaptive Variable Steering) as well as improved suspension setup for better dynamics. Yes, it maybe a sport utility vehicle but it handles like a luxury saloon. May not be as good as any European luxury crossovers but the new RX tries to keep its character running in a way a barista gets jolted with electricity.

2016 Lexus RX

For the new RX, it has learned two things straight from its bigger brother, the LX, and the recently facelifted Toyota Crown; first is the Lexus Safety System +, which features a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Function, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control. Second is the ITS Connect and it uses Japan's ITS frequency to receive and share data between external infrastructure and other cars via vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (Right-turn Collision Caution, Red Light Caution, Signal Change Advisory) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication (Communicating Radar Cruise Control, Emergency Vehicle Notification).

The new RX starts from 4,950,000 to 7,425,000 Yen, which is utterly expensive for a Japanese crossover of that magnitude but when compared to its rivals like the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3, that is where the smart value for money kicked in. So what's to like about it? Its value, tech, interior, and the improved dynamics fit for a luxury car. What I don't like is its hybrid variant not too enthusiastic for the driver, turbocharging too mellow, the loss of the 3.5L V6 variant, and overall...get those stupid LED sequential turn lamps off my face.

Available colors: White Nova Glass Flake, Sonic Quartz, Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Black, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Amber Crystal Shine, Sleek Ecru Metallic, and Deep Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (November 5, 2015)

- Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou stresses importance of meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping as their talks in Saturday will further promote cross-strait ties. Their meeting between the two leaders in Singapore will be the first since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.

- Right now, Xi Jinping arrives in Vietnam despite anger over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

- According to the British foreign secretary, the Airbus 321 bound for St. Petersburg, Russia, crashed in Egypt last weekend, killing all 224 people on board, may have been brought down by an explosive device on board the aircraft.

- Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau has sworn in as Canadian prime minister following his center-left party victory in last month's general election, sparking the end of Conservative rule under former PM Stephen Harper. The swearing-in ceremony took place in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, following his unveiling of his cabinet of 30 other ministers.

- Maldives president Abdula Yameen declares a state of emergency two days before the rally by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, giving sweeping powers to police and troops to arrest anti-government activists.

- Following reports of Senator Grace Poe's DNA tests returned negative, Senator Bongbong Marcos said that he's willing to undergo DNA testing if he would be asked to help the presidential candidate prove that her parents are Filipino.

- Max's Group, Inc., the parent company of the popular casual dining chain Max's Restaurant, plans to open at least 200 international outlets by the next five years. Right now, Max's Restaurant is already operating in some parts of the US, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.

- The Nissan Juke has been around since its market launch last 2010 and to commemorate five years of their crossover, they've showed off a special clip featuring a full-scale replica made of origami.

- See how the ultimate Viper, the all-new Dodge Viper ACR, racked up most lap times in American racetracks.



- In case you missed the recent Eat Bulaga kalyeserye, veteran actress Gloria Romero guest stars as Tia Bebeng as she made an untimely arrival to meet the Kalye's Angels and AlDub as they're celebrating their 16th weeksary. Don't forget that AlDub's joining the Bulaga Pa More: Gaya Gaya Pa More grand finals on Saturday.

TTFN!!!