Audi A4 (B9) allroad

Now, let's talk sport utility wagons. Sure, they maybe classified as crossovers just as what compact hatchback-based ones did, but in reality, they're really station wagons with some added claddings on the outside as well as added ground clearance to make it look tough and rugged but in general, they're just part of their daily routine. Even luxury car companies got mixed into them to sell sport utility wagons to those who believe that a normal station wagon just isn't enough to satisfy their everyday lifestyles.

2017 Audi A4 allroad

One such example of how luxury car companies selling such kind of wagons designated as crossovers is this; the brand new Audi A4 allroad. First and foremost, this is basically an Audi A4 B9 Avant, only this time with some added cladding to look tough and rugged as well as the added ground clearance to make it sound adventurous when taken on the great outdoors. With prices start at 41,700 Euros, that's about over ten grand more than its Avant equivalent but that doesn't stop them from having one of these in their garage right now. Although costly to own than the Avant, it's priced for those who couldn't afford the A6 allroad.

2017 Audi A4 allroad interior

For a tougher side of the A4 Avant, the new A4 allroad with its clever stuff lurking underneath its rugged looks really makes it very capable to handle almost any kind of road conditions as long as the mud isn't problematic enough to get the others stuck on the road and the frozen roads isn't slippery enough to turn them into figure skaters. On normal roads, it behaves like a saloon; comfortable but a little less exciting to soothe your brows all the way home, but when taken to a leisurely ride on the great outdoors, it's all business as usual even when it has unfinished business to deal with.

2017 Audi A4 allroad

There are numerous versions available on the new Audi A4 allroad but the most powerful version is obviously the one with the 3.0L TDi engine with the 8-speed gearbox, a first for the A4 allroad. It produces 272PS of power and 600Nm of torque. It can go from 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. Sounds quick for a crossover but it can be somewhat idiotic and irrelevant for a car that has a sweet spot lying in deceit for the kids in the back. Speaking of the sweet spot, rest assured that it wasn't meant to be a family car because if you have three kids and readying the child seats, you might ruin someone's "sweet spot" for the heck of it. Although this five seater wasn't meant to be used for family trips, the A4 allroad is a fitting for the outdoorsman going into the woods and with that spacing on the back, it fits most of the leisurely stuff an outdoorsman would go for such as hiking, biking, fishing, camping, or even hunting wild animals. Whichever floats their kayak, the A4 allroad is a luxury crossover wagon fit for almost anything through the ends of the earth.

Tempting? Well, if you got some extra cash and if you believe that the A4 Avant wasn't enough, best to buy one right now before anyone else would because crossovers are all the rage right now.

Photo: Audi AG

The Cute Wall (Volume Sixteen)

Now, the moment of truth is time because it's now time to do...THE CUTE WALL!



(applause)

Whoa, can't believe that despite all odds, we manage to come back alive just for this! Thank goodness for that. Speaking of which...

Some idiots told me that the stars of Yuri!!! On Ice were cute?

Who?

Yuri!!! On Ice

Yuri!!! On Ice. It's about a Japanese figure skater named Yuri Katsuki, whose life changed forever when a veteran Russian skater Victor Nikiforov became his coach and...um...well, long story short but everyone in the world got hooked on this breakout sports anime show with (ahem) some "boys love" stuff aboard.

Boys Love?!

Uh-huh. Boys Love because that certain love affair between them motivated the Japanese Yuri to overcome all odds to become one of the world's best skaters. At least this is anime stuff but anyone can be like Yuri Katsuki unless if they have a love affair like Victor that can motivate them to success. Sigh, that's what I get from watch the first half of the show myself.

(audience laughing)

So, what are you going to do with it? Evaluate it?

Before the girls mulling about calling this show "cute"...

Someone got you ahead first...

Wha...?

(audience laughing)

SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE!!! One for Yuri Katsuki, one for Victor Nikiforov. Hope you idiots love yaoi stuff...

(audience laughing, then applause)

What else?!

Remember the time when we put The 7D's Dopey, Happy and Bashful on the Cute Wall? We haven't put the remaining here so, what's your take on the remaining dwarves?

Let's see....hmmmm...

 

Oh, I know! Grumpy's SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE and that's okay because this is who he is, Doc and Sleepy's NOT CUTE, and Sneezy's...ummm...CUTE!

(audience laughing)

Oh, I see. That's how you judge how cute are they by how they act. I like you style. Touché. Speaking of which...is it cold outside?

Yeah, it's freezing in here. Did somebody opened the door?!

(murmuring)

What about the AC?!

(murmuring)

I don't think it's the aircon or the door or the windows...

What is it?

Lily Shirogane

It's her! Lily Shirogane from Aikatsu Stars!

So that's how the cold front is flowing on this set! So, she looks new to us and by her attitude, she looks as cold as the polar vortex.

(audience laughing)

Cold as a polar vortex that hit New York?!

Of course she is and by looking at her, she doesn't look as cute as the other Aikatsu Stars characters. In fact, she looks somewhat familiar to me...

Oh come on...

(audience laughing)

Hey, haven't I see you before?!

(audience laughing)

36 MINUTES LATER...

So, how's Lily?

She looks emotionless and cold when I asked her and since she's the Aikatsu Stars character who doesn't feel anything, let's put her to NOT CUTE and they'll be none the wiser.

(audience laughing)

Well, there's a new trio in Pripara right now. It's called NON SUGAR and the members are Non Manaka, Chiri Tsukikawa, and Pepper Taiyou.

Chiri Tsukikawa

Non Manaka

Pepper Taiyou

Speaking of Pepper...

(ahhhh!!!)

Oh no! I think Pepper bit someone. Someone get her off! Hurry!!!

36 MINUTES LATER....

That Pepper, because she came from the Sapanna and raised by lions, she always like to eat those "managers" for lunch, even their own. Hmmm, if anyone wants to get their butts become Pepper's lunch, raise your hands.

(audience laughing, some raise hands)

Wait, looks like someone wants to be Pepper's lunch, huh?

(audience laughing)

You want to be Pepper's lunch? Anyone? Guess what, your butts are safe because I'll put Pepper on the NOT CUTE spot so no one's going to be eaten alive.

(audience laughing)

Chiri? Oh bother. She was just an innocent little girl until her life at Pripara changed her into a serious idol drawing her fountain fan, thinking she's in charge and seriousness is not a cute factor for me so it's a SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE for Chiri. Sorry, ma'am. You have to do better.

What about Non? Isn't she the one behind TRIANGLE?

Yes. Non already did her stint as TRIANGLE's Junon, Pinon, and Kanon, just to draw attention to her sister Laala. Being TRIANGLE is just part of her plan and with Non Manaka finally out in the open, she's ready to be just like her sister by being...Non. With Non Sugar formed, this is one big step to Non to surpass against her sister and we are expecting sibling rivalry here. Ooohhh...

(Ooohhh)

What's your take?

Let's put her to CUTE where it safe.

(audience laughing, then applause)

Oh, boy. Hey, now that Pokemon Sun and Moon is out, have you enjoyed the anime?

Yeah, sure. You?

Superb. In fact, the latest chapter in Pokemon sees Ash and Pikachu goes to school while venturing through the hidden secrets of Alola Region while making new friends and enemies. As I read from the portfolio, Ash is joined by new characters such as (ahem)...

Pokemon cosplayers, pay attention because this is what you're going to be if you're ready for next year's conventions.

Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Kiawe, and Sophocles.

Understand?!

(murmuring)

Well, hope they'll be dressing as those appeared in the show because if I see anyone dressed as those from the games just like what happened since Black and White and XY, I'm gonna...

Whoa there... Anyway, the Pokemon on the new show, what's your thoughts?

You know the Grass-type starter Rowlet? Yep, when the starters are first introduced alongside the Fire-type Litten and the Water-type Popplio, most like Rowlet because it has close resemblance to (ahem) Love Live's Kotori Minami.

(audience laughing)

The Koto-birb, huh? No wonder they took a liking to that one.

I know, but Rowlet's popularity didn't last long when their first evolved forms; Dartrix, Torracat, and Brionne, are announced and as far as I know, most like Brionne because...(ahem)

(♪アイドル活動！)

Aikatsu reference, huh? Because "idol" Pokemon. Ha ha ha ha ha, get it?!

"Idol" Pokemon indeed. And with the final evolved forms; Decidueye, Incineroar, and Primarina, are out, it's everybody's guess right now which one is best. If we focused on Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio for now, I know what to do with those.

Okay, so what?

They're all placed to the CUTE spot. All three of them!

Alola Starters in Pokemon Sun and Moon

(applause)

Yes, these three are the stars of the show, what about the other stars of the new show, huh?

Togedemaru

Togedemaru is the roly-poly Pokemon who joins alongside Sophocles. Because this is Alola, every region deserves a cute electric-type Pokemon and this Togedemaru takes the cake. I mean look at this Togedemaru...

Like a big ball of fluff...and spikes.

(audience laughing)

I know. I watched how Togedemaru can do but no matter what, Togedemaru's in the CUTE spot. Welcome to the club.

Rockruff

Rockruff. Oh bother. This cute little doggy resides with Alola's Prof. Kukui and by the looks of it, it reminded me of Clarence's best friend...from the show Clarence.

(audience laughing)

Like Clarence's best friend, huh?!

Yep, and that's a CUTE for Rockruff.

Bounsweet

What about Bounsweet? The Pokemon tagging alongside Mallow?

Don't ask because I already know where to put Bounsweet. In the CUTE spot. No hard feelings?

Yeah, no hard feelings.

(audience laughing)

Anyway, enough for that now. Speaking of which, I heard you had a new obsession to that new cartoon show related to you.

Did you mean "The Loud House"?!

The Loud House

Yeah. The Loud House! It's about a boy named Lincoln living in a household of 10 sisters. TEN SISTERS! That's a recipe for mayhem!

I know, right? When these girls rumble each other, it's like the Play Rough attack from Pokemon.

(audience laughing)

Girls like to play rough, right?! (Laughing)

(audience laughing)

Get it?!

Yeah! So, those ten sisters messing with Lincoln's life. These are...

Lori, the oldest of the siblings and the boss. Leni, the second-oldest, the ditsiest, and the sweetest sister. Luna, the rocker. Luan, the family clown who loves to make jokes. Lynn, the athlete. Lucy, the poetic emo sister who likes to be in the dark. Lola, the glamorous twin of Lana, who is the grease monkey. Lisa, the little girl genius. And finally, Lily, the baby poopmaker.

(glug, glug, glug)

What are you doing?

I have a little secret. Look at Luna Loud. She reminded me of Aikatsu's Kaede Ichinose with a brown hair color. As for Luan, she reminded me of THE IDOLM@STER's Mami Futami and I know a good joke for her. Hey, are you my Mami?!

(rim shot)

Ha ha ha ha ha! Get it?!

(audience laughing)

Lynn Loud?! She looks like Mac from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.

(audience laughing)

As for Lisa, heh. Meddling kids. She reminded me of Wilma from the Scooby-Doo shows. Ha ha...

(audience laughing)

Anyway, enough for that now. Can you decide where the Loud kids positioned at? Hurry up before they'll use "Play Rough" on each other, even us!

Okay. (glug, glug, glug) Lori's SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE. Leni's CUTE, Luna's CUTE, Luan's NAKAKAGIGIL (or should I say, NAKAKA-GIGGLE), Lynn's NOT CUTE, Lincoln's CUTE, Lucy's SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE but she's not bothering it anyway, Lola's SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE, Lana's NOT CUTE, Lisa's CUTE but she knows that this segment we're doing is idiotic and irrelevant anyway, and Lily's CUTE.

Whoa! Lola's SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE?!!! Don't you know what happens when we called Lola SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE?!

(I'm telling dad!)

Uh-oh... Speaking of which...

(Poo-Poo!)

What's that smell?

Lily's diapers!

(audience screaming in panic)

TOXIC GAS! Everybody out!!! Run!!!

(screaming continues)

(Poo-Poo!)

TIME FOR THE RECAP!

SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE:

Raichu

Whisper

Minion

Nico Yazawa

Takane Shijou

Azusa Miura

Makoto Kikuchi

Anzu Futaba

Croagunk

Touma Amagase

Shota Mitarai

Hokuto Ijuin

Teru Tendo

Kaoru Sakuraba

Tsubasa Kashikawa

Kyouji Takajou

Minori Watanabe

Kyosuke Aoi

Yusuke Aoi

Shiki Iseya

Haruna Wakazato

Hayato Akiyama

Jun Fuyumi

Natsuki Sakaki

Rui Maita

Chio Hazama

Jiro Yamashita

Treecko

Jill Valentine

Rebecca Chambers

Claire Redfield

Ada Wong

Ashley Graham

Sheva Alomar

Helena Harper

Sherry Birkin

Moira Burton

Natalia Korda

Osomatsu

Karamatsu

Choromatsu

Ichimatsu

Jyuushimatsu

Todomatsu

Miyabi Fujiwara

Risa Shirakaba

Rin Kurosawa

Mia Fey

Rayfa Padma Khura'in

Buttercup

Yoshiko Tsushima

Sion Todo

Aroma Kurosu

Gaaruru

Hibiki Shikyoin

Ako Saotome

*Yuri Katsuki

*Victor Nikiforov

*Grumpy

*Chiri Tsukikawa

*Lori Loud

*Lucy Loud

*Lola Loud

NOT CUTE:

Dopey

Kwazii

Minion

Amethyst

Rin Hoshizora

Hibiki Ganaha

Minami Nitta

Ranko Kanzaki

Miku Maekawa

Kion

Fuli

Beshte

Bunga

Ono

Pierre

Scraggy

Bulbasaur

Squirtle

Cyndaquil

Turtwig

Sumire Hikami

Juri Kurebayashi

Nono Daichi

Hime Shiratori

Tsubasa Kisaragi

Yuzu Nikaido

Yozora Kasumi

Maya Fey

Pearl Fey

Ema Skye

Trucy Wright

Kay Faraday

Athena Cykes

Blossom

Mirai Kasuga

Shizuka Mogami

Tsubasa Ibuki

Shiho Kitazawa

Umi Kousaka

Julia

Megumi Tokoro

Yuriko Nanao

Serika Hakozaki

Anna Mochizuki

Kana Yabuki

Nao Yokoyama

Riko Sakurauchi

Dia Kurosawa

Mikan Shiratama

Junon

Kanon

Pinon

Mahiru Kasumi

*Doc

*Sleepy

*Lily Shirogane

*Pepper Taiyou

*Lynn Loud

*Lana Loud

CUTE:

Pichu

Plusle

Minun

Pachirisu

Emolga

Dedenne

Mokona

Mog

Catbug

Bashful

Froakie

Fennekin

Harukasan

Stuffy

Tunip the Vegimal

Minccino

Piplup

Sylveon

Queen Delightful

Axew

Jibanyan

Minion

Serena's Pancham

Umi Sonoda

Eli Ayase

Hanayo Koizumi

Maki Nishikino

Nozomi Tojo

Miki Hoshii

Yukiho Hagiwara

Iori Minase

Ritsuko Akizuki

Anastasia

Kanako Mimura

Chieri Ogata

Miria Akagi

Rika Jougasaki

Kirari Moroboshi

Riina Tada

Rin Shibuya

Mio Honda

Komasan

Komajiro

Grizz

Panda

Ice Bear

Clefairy

Jigglypuff

Chansey

Eevee

Tepig

Snivy

Chikorita

Charmander

Totodile

Torchic

Mudkip

Chimchar

Hinaki Shinjo

Madoka Amahana

Kokone Kurisu

Nina Dojima

Yume Njino

Rola Sakuraba

Laala Manaka

Bubbles

You Watanabe

Kanan Matsuura

Ruby Kurosawa

Hanamaru Kunikida

Mari Ohara

Sophy Hojo

Dorothy West

Reona West

Falulu

Fuwari Midorikaze

Koharu Nanakura

*Sneezy

*Non Manaka

*Rowlet

*Litten

*Popplio

*Togedemaru

*Rockruff

*Bounsweet

*Lincoln Loud

*Leni Loud

*Luna Loud

*Lisa Loud

*Lily Loud

NAKAKAGIGIL!!!:

Pikachu

BMO

Bijou

Poof

George

Happy

Chespin

Doc McStuffins

Mabel Pines

Sofia

Cottonee

Minion

Oshawott

Star Butterfly

Honoka Kousaka

Kotori Minami

Haruka Amami

Yayoi Takatsuki

Chihaya Kisaragi

Ami Futami

Mami Futami

Uzuki Shimamura

Noibat

Togepi

Squishy

Ichigo Hoshimiya

Aoi Kiriya

Ran Shibuki

Akari Ozora

Braixen

Chika Takami

Mirei Minami

*Luan Loud

Let's Do The News! (November 21, 2016)

- In last weekend's APEC Summit, President Rodrigo Duterte's comments on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, the strongman he admired for, considers themselves as fast friends as they are willing to boost ties between the two countries.

- Vice-President Leni Robredo feared that she received a text message regarding the recount of votes, just to have Bongbong Marcos steal her position by next year, amid the sudden burial of Ferdinand E. Marcos.

- Meanwhile, following last week's burial that shocked the nation, a group of petitioners comprised of Martial Law victims and former detainees filed a contempt of court petition against the heirs of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos and officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense.

- Chinese leader Xi Jinping open to Duterte's plan to turn the Scarborough Shoal into a marine sanctuary, according to reports.

- The World Anti-Doping Agency's Foundation Board has approved a set of recommendations to combat doping. Delegates from governments and the Olympic world took part in a meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, discussing institutional reforms requested by the International Olympic Committee in the wake of the alleged doping scandal in Russia,

- German Chancellor Angela Merkel will run for her fourth term in next year's elections despite criticisms.

- Eight children were killed in Syria when shelling hit their school in the western part of Aleppo. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over 200 people were killed in Aleppo and areas around the city over the past 6 days, including 36 children.

- The top eight movies that will be competing in next month's Metro Manila Film Festival are; Ang Babae se Septic Tank 2 #ForeverIsNotEnough, Sunday Beauty Queen, Vince & Kath & James, Kabisera, Oro (Gold), Saving Sally, Die Beautiful, and Seklusyon.

TTFN!!!

Jubilee of Mercy: Closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica

November 20, 2016 - The Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King and Lord of the Universe, the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy has finally came to an end with the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, signalling the end of the extraordinary celebration honoring God's Mercy for humanity.

When the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy began last year, the Catholic Church honors the true meaning of mercy to their devotees and pilgrims through numerous events held throughout the course of the year such as the Jubilee for those Engaged in Pilgrimage Work, Missionaries of Mercy, Jubilee of the Roman Curia, 24 Hours for the Lord, the Prayer Vigil to Dry the Tears, the World Youth Day, the Marian Jubilee and so on, all for the name of God's Mercy for all.

Pope Francis honors the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and as The Pope closed the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, he urged his devotees that even though the jubilee has came to an end, The Pope believes that we will remain open to reconciliation as "God has no memory of sin." At the end of the mass, he gave away his signed letters to the Catholic missionaries from a multitude of countries.

And here the curtain falls to this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. However, that those not mean the true vision of God's everlasting mercy will end as well as long as there are stories of this extraordinary jubilee will be remembered for future generations to come.

Further reading:

• http://www.romereports.com/2016/11/18/pope-francis-to-end-jubilee-year-by-closing-the-holy-doors-at-st-peter-s
• http://www.wnem.com/story/33754208/pope-shuts-holy-door-but-urges-stay-open-to-reconciliation
• https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2016/11/20/closing-year-mercy-francis-says-god-no-memory-sin/

Even as the jubilee ends, let's remember once and for all that we shall always "Be Merciful Like The Father."

Jubilee of Mercy logo

Stars of 2016 LA Auto Show

Mazda RT24-P Race Car

The annual Los Angeles Auto Show is happening now until the 27th of November at the Los Angeles Convention Center and there has been a slew of new and exciting models on display, including world premieres and concepts as well. So, which of the cars are making the headlines at this year's show?

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet

2017 Audi Q5

2018 Cadillac CT6 PHEV

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

2017 Chevrolet Spark Activ

2018 Ford EcoSport

2017 Jeep Compass

2017 Lamborghini Huracan RWD Spyder

2017 Land Rover Discovery

2017 Mazda CX-5

2018 Mercedes-AMG E63

2017 Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet

2018 MINI Countryman

2017 Porsche 911 RSR

2017 Rezvani Beast Alpha

2016 Hyundai Ioniq Autonomous Concept

2016 Jaguar i-PACE Concept

2017 Mazda RT24-P Race Car

2016 Subaru VIZIV-7 Concept

...and more.

Further reading:

• http://www.autoblog.com/2016/11/17/2016-la-auto-show-recap/
• http://www.carscoops.com/2016/11/2016-la-auto-show-your-to-z-guide-to.html

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Ever since finishing the Harry Potter books from The Sorcerer's Stone to The Deathly Hallows, author J.K. Rowling wanted to expand the world of Harry Potter even further  and that meant introducing Pottermores a spin-off based on a textbook every Hogwarts student read. Called Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them, this spin-off prequel film takes fans to discover where the Quintaped lives, what the Puffskein eats and why it is best not to leave milk out for a Knarl.

Fantastic Beasts
and Where To Find Them

Before explaining what the movie's all about, let's talk about this spin-off because following the success of the Harry Potter books, some spin-off books were published by J.K. Rowling for charity benefits. Quidditch Through the Ages and this one was published for the benefit of Comic Relief, the other one, called The Tales of Beedle the Bard for the benefit of Lumos. It's a long story but let's talk about the film, shall we? Okay, it's about Newt Scamander, a magizoologist taking a time off in New York until his magic case was misplaced and some of his "fantastic beasts" escaped, causing chaos through the streets of New York City. This is where the adventure begins seven decades before Harry Potter read this book.

For some ordinary folks or Muggles alike, Fantastic Beasts looks a bit basic for a fantasy film but it's good from start to finish. Although this film can be summed up to be sub-par for the ordinary viewers, it can be somewhat enjoyable to watch for those who are big fans of the Harry Potter franchise because Fantastic Beasts is set seven decades before the Harry Potter saga began so fans can truly understand where the Quintaped lives, what the Puffskein eats and why it is best not to leave milk out for a Knarl.

It's enjoyable if they see them being attacked by a Manticore but rest assured that even though this film is basic and good, Fantastic Beasts is a worthwhile contender of becoming one of the best films of the 2016 autumn season and who to blame them? It's the fans to blame for its wishful thinking to give Pottermores a little more time to stay in the world of Harry Potter.

My rating: 3.9 out of 5

Bubble Gang - November 18, 2016 #BGJungleBelles

On the November 18th, 2016 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Christmas decor gags

- A shocking interview from a doctor about a new kind of virus

- The Jungle Belles are bracing for the land's wrath!

- In another EnKangTodo, the Hangres are facing with a man destined to ruin themselves!

- Istambay, Istambay Sa Looban, Lapit Na Kahit Taga-Labasan, Kwento Natin Ngayon ay Pakinggan, Maglalabasa ng...KALOKOHAN!!!

- More PPAP spoofs from Taran Taro!

- Mas Pinabonggang Sumbong Sumbong Kay Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong takes on those who are posting pics on taping day as an extra, people dressing casual outfits at home while doing selfies, and people posting stuff about money they earned from their networking business.

- A new meaning to barber talk

- Lie In Clinic

- Basa-basa-pik!

The Grand Tour - Episode 1

The Grand Tour Episode 1

Amazon's Original Series, The Grand Tour, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, is here and those Prime subscribers finally got what they really deserved; a motoring show featuring three familiar faces in a sequence of driving fast cars, rhetorics, and the usual toilet humor in store for them. I know that motorists really missed those three ever since they left the BBC and Top Gear following last year's incident but with their new show now available for streaming for Amazon customers, this is a clear reminder why everyone should subscribe to Amazon Prime to watch this new show.

In the pilot episode's intro, viewers witness Jeremy Clarkson leaving his mediocre life in the UK, with references to him being fired by the BBC and Top Gear following last year's incident, and then going to California, driving with a modified Ford Mustang on the highway. Alongside Clarkson are Hammond and May, also driving Mustangs, and as they pass through the desert full of cars, they've reached the set to welcome the audience. That's where The Grand Tour begins as within the next twelve episodes, they will travel across the globe with a different location every week. California's their first stop but next week's location is worth guessing so watch for it.

Anyway, in the pilot episode, the trio are driving the Hybrid Hypercar Trio; the McLaren P1, the Porsche 918 Spyder, and the Ferrari LaFerrari (which is deemed unusable in current conditions) around Algarve in Portugal to see which one is the best. With the help of racing driver Jerome d'Ambrosio, it's clear that in the end, the 918 is the best of the three and with Clarkson's wager, he lost his house because if the P1 is slower than the rest, he will let them blow his home off.

Meanwhile, Clarkson introduced the viewers to the undisclosed test track jokingly called the "Ebola-drome" because the track layout looks similar to the Ebola virus and with odd corner names like the "Isn't Straight", "Your Name Here", and "Grandma's House" as well as deadly traps such as an electric fence, animals, and a hidden unexploded bomb. In the track's first outing, Clarkson tries out the brand new BMW M2 and later hands it over to "The American" Mike Skinner, infamous for calling non-American cars "communists".

Cars aside, the gang is buying the show some time with some segments called Conversation Street, where they keep sharing secrets about what's going on around here, and Celebrity Braincrash where guest celebs get themselves "killed" on set. Jeremy Renner, Armie Hammer, and Carol Vorderman got themselves "killed" on the set or so the viewers thought. Whatever that is, let's hope they did this in a fictitious or parodic manner.

So, for a new show, it still harbors the same formula motorists expected from these three during their Top Gear years and with all the fast cars and toilet humor mashed up to this show, The Grand Tour is the main reason why there are huge loyalists of Clarkson, Hammond, and May elsewhere who will follow them wherever they go. Although this is by no means a vivid contrast compared to today's Top Gear, The Grand Tour really is a step forward for the fans, young and old alike, and let's give Amazon a huge thanks for this exciting new show to get ourselves ready for the weekends.

Let's Do The News! (November 18, 2016)

- President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived at Peru to attend the annual APEC Summit this weekend, his first engagement as chief executive outside Asia. Duterte is expected to meet other world leaders as well as Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping but details are still being threshed out.

- According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, they were instructed to keep the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos a secret. The AFP was given very short notice yesterday which was followed by a "flurry of activity and coordination.

- Ilocos North Governor Imee Marcos said her father's last wish was fulfilled when his remains were buried at the LNMB in Taguig City.

- US President-Elect Donald Trump met up with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his first foreign visit since winning the elections. Abe convinced that he can build a relations based on trust with Trump.

- Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan will not travel to Stockholm on the 10th of December to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. Members of the Swedish Academy issued a statement on Wednesday to say Dylan notified them of his decision in a letter due to his pre-existing commitments but he feels extremely honored by the Nobel Prized and wished he could receive it personally.

- Shareholders officially approved the Tesla-SolarCity merger, According to Tesla's website, the car company says "Excluding the votes of Elon [Musk] and other affiliated shareholders, more than 85 percent of shares voted were cast in favor of the acquisition. With SolarCity's shareholders also having approved the acquisition, the transaction will be completed in the coming days."

- The Chevrolet Bolt EV won the 2017 Green Car of the Year.

- Over 10 million copies of the recently released Pokemon Sun and Moon games were shipped.

- Kotobukiya's Cupoche line of poseable figures just added THE IDOLM@STER's Takane Shijou to the range, this time in her Platinum Stars attire. To be delivered this April, she's available to pre-order for 4,800 Yen.

Cupoche THE IDOLM@STER
Platinum Stars Takane Shijou

- The first teaser of their upcoming JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Diamond is Unbreakable film is up, featuring the cast in the press conference as well as the film's Summer 2017 release.

TTFN!!!

The "sudden" burial of Ferdinand E. Marcos

Ferdinand E. Marcos

November 18, 2016 - The remains of the late Filipino dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos, were buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in a "surprise" ceremony despite petitions rooting against the decision to bury the late dictator to the said cemetery following his crimes in human rights.

The sudden burial comes following the Supreme Court decision dismissing petitions asking for it to be blocked for being illegal and for being an insult to the victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos administration.

Once a soldier who served for the Philippine Army during the Second World War with controversial reports about his awards and accolades during his service, Marcos made more schools, roads, bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructure than any other former president, long before his infamous martial law of 1972. In the aftermath of Martial Law, the Philippine's GNP was four times greater than 1972 and made one of the most indebted countries in Asia by 1986. Following the 1986 People Power Revolution, Marcos was ousted from power by Corazon Aquino.

Today's Philippine President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte vowed during the election campaign that he would have Marcos buried at the military cemetery and that decision to bury Marcos did not violate international laws or go beyond his authority by ordering the burial.

Following the "sudden" burial of Ferdinand E. Marcos, most Filipinos have condemned the surprise burial at the LNMB, in fact they are so disgusted from what happened today, although there are a few people who believed that the Marcos burial is the only way to unify the deeply divided country or so they thought. Whatever that is, witnessing a dictator's sudden burial maybe the first to happen here but this isn't the first to happened on a global scale.

If you look at social studies, you can see that even the world's most infamous strongmen in history, no matter how many crimes they committed during their rule, can still get buried because, while this is an excuse made up by some, no matter how powerful they are, no matter how gruesome their rule are, they are still human.

The trauma the people who lived during the Marcos era they felt, after witnessing the sudden burial, is very troublesome and while they are adamantly resisting the sudden Marcos burial, rest assured that how the Filipinos react over the Marcos burial is anyone's guess but I'm sure that even the youngest of Filipinos, whose relatives have survived the brutal 21-year-rule of Marcos, are refusing the results and are adamantly resisting. Whatever that is, it's just one of the many ways why history in the Philippines is becoming louder than it gets and so is the world affairs its getting. Of course, it's a loud, loud, loud, loud history after all.

URL: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/18/1645046/live-updates-burial-marcos-heroes-cemetery

Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon

The Pocket Monsters (PokéMon) franchise is now on its 20th anniversary since the launch of the first Red and Green games in Japan since 1996 and fans from around the world done many ways to honor the hit franchise's 20th anniversary as a whole. From the games, the TV show, the movies, spin-offs, and merchandising rights, fans have endless ways to honor PokéMon's 20th anniversary and here it is, the ultimate birthday present to the franchise we all know and love has arrived and the all-new PokéMon Sun and Moon games for the 3DS are here to usher us to the next generation of the hit franchise.

Pocket Monsters Sun

Pocket Monsters Moon

So, here we are, twenty years of PokéMon and it goes now as in this brand new installment, players are ready to step on the tropical Alola Region as they are ready to take on new trials, capture new PokéMon, battle the best trainers in the region, avert an imminent threat, and discover the secrets of the Alola Region. Because this is an all-new game with all new PokéMon in store for them, you are introduced with three brand new starters to begin your Alolan quest. First, there's the Grass-and-Flying-type Rowlet, then there's the Fire-type Litten, and finally, there's the Water-type Popplio.

As you progress further, you will encounter more and more new Pokemon around this new region such as Grubbin, Pikipek, Togedemaru, Yungoos, Stufful, Type: Null, and others. Also, keep an eye out of Alolan versions of familiar PokéMon such as Exeggutor, Meowth, Dugtrio, Sandshrew, Vulpix, and others. They may look similar to the ones you remember back when you are kids but they're different in terms of type and their new brand of firepower in store for them. Oh, and if you see an Alolan Grimer and Alolan Muk, please hide the kids. They might be having nightmares about them.

Firepower aside, Pokemon Sun and Moon welcomes players to a whole new way of unleashing devastating attacks to the opposition. Called Z-Moves, a Pokemon must have the same variety of Z-Crystal he/she equipped on the Z-Ring in order to unleash it. There are different kinds of Z-Crystals to collect (depending on the version). Some are applicable to the PokéMon's type (like for example: Bloom Doom for Grass-types, Inferno Overdrive for Fire-types, Hydro Vortex for Water-types, and Gigavolt Havoc for Electric-types) and some are signature Z-moves for a specific PokéMon (like for example: Decidueye's Sinister Arrow Raid, Incineroar's Malicious Moonsault, Primarima's Oceanic Operetta, and Pikachu's Catastropika). 

Did you know that Z-Power can add special effects on status moves? That's right because with a Z-Power and a status move mixed in with them, you'll be gaining an upper advantage on battles. One inate example will be the worthless Splash attack. At first, nothing happened, but if you mixed in with a specific Z-Crystal, the result will be a triple boost to the Attack stat. Looks like who gets the last laugh now, huh? There are so many status moves that can be mixed from a Z-Power. Try it out! Who knows what's in store with those status moves you're familiar with.

The storyline of Sun and Moon is what critics called it "sacrilege" because instead of the usual gym battles and league battles, the new games are focused on trials where players have to complete specific tasks in order to proceed and then battle against the island's Kahunas. Since the Alola Region is comprised with four islands, there are four Kahunas to take on if you're good enough. Defeat the Kahuna and you can proceed to the next island. Be warned though that these new kind of challenges are not going to be easy so stay sharp because there might be surprises in store for you. Later on, you will be encountering more challenges such as collecting Zygarde cells and cores in order to unleash the legendary Order PokéMon Zygarde with three different forms.

Somewhere in the Alola Region, there are powerful entities that pose a huge threat to both mankind and PokéMon. They are known as "Ultra Beasts" and their relentless firepower are second to none. Worse, your capturing methods against these beasts are useless. What holds the mystery of these Ultra Beasts lies on a mysterious organization called the "Aether Foundation" and this organization could be the key to uncover the Ultra Beasts and how to face off with these along with its brutal firepower.

If you need to take a break from the game, you can always check out the new Festival Plaza feature, which is unlockable after you progress through the game. The Festival Plaza feature allows players to trade, battle, do favors, go co-op, shop, and more. There are so many ways to enjoy in the Festival Plaza.

If you have captured PokéMon stored in the PC, don't worry because these PokéMon will not go to waste because of the brand new Poké Pelago feature. With this new feature, PokéMon stored in the PC can go exploring, play, and enjoy other activities. You can even get PokéMon as well. The more PokéMon on the PC you send to the Poké Pelago, the more facilities can be expanded and you will be able to do extra stuff such as finding rare items, raising PokéMon on the go, and more. Isn't science convenient?

Stuff you are familiar back from the Kalos quest of XY are back on Sun and Moon such as personalizing your trainer with various outfits and accessories. Personalization will make your trainer look unique as you show it to the others. The PokéMonAmie from XY has now been upgraded and it's now called PokéMon Refresh. In here, you can tidy up your PokéMon after a battle, heal status conditions, feed Poké Beans, and more, just to boost your PokéMon's friendliness. Simple as that.

There are different ways to search for PokéMon throughout the Alola Region. First, there's the Poké Finder feature on your Rotom PokéDex. Using Rotom PokéDex's camera, you can take photos of PokéMon you find. The better your shots, the better chances this feature will be upgraded such as the zoom in feature. Later, you will be able to use the brand new QR Scanner feature, which allows players to scan specific QR codes to meet new PokéMon.

In the past, trainers rely on using Hidden Machines to their PokéMon to do specific tasks, but here in Sun and Moon, there's a brand new Poké Ride feature which allows users to summon certain PokéMon to get through hard to reach areas by land, air, or sea. Convenient, isn't it? Beats HMs of the past by a long shot so feel free to summon them when you need it.

PokéMon Trainer battles usually comprised of Single, Double, or Triple battles, among many other ways to battle, but here in Sun and Moon, there's a new battle feature called Battle Royal and by far this new battle format will be the most unpredictable format ever because you never know who will strike first and telling the difference between a friend and a foe. But still, it's everyone's game so take some time to learn and master this difficult battle format by yourself or with your mates.

Also new in Sun and Moon is the brand new Hyper Training. In the past, PokéMon grew stronger by increasing their levels and their base stats but their stats are affected by the individual strengths. With Hyper Training, any PokéMon that reached the max level will be able to train their specific strengths beyond limits. All you need is a Bottle Cap and bring it to a specific someone who can train your PokéMon beyond limits with Hyper Training. Be warned though that results might not be typical to your averaged maxed-out PokéMon.

Since this new installment is comprised with two different versions, you can expect differences between the two games, Of course, the legendary Solgaleo is exclusive to Sun while the legendary Lunala is for Moon, apart from the 12-hour differences, there are PokéMon exclusive to each version, especially the Ultra Beasts you will encounter later on. One bizarre difference is how Rockruff evolves into Lycanroc and that's because in Pokemon Sun, Rockruff evolves to Lycanroc in its Midday Forme, while in Pokemon Moon, Rockruff evolves to Lycanroc, this time in Midnight Forme. So, because there are differences between the two versions, one major way to complete the Alola (and later National) Pokédex is by trading, either here or online via the GTS.

In honor of the launch of the two games, there are three special PokéMon in store for the fans. First, there's the pre-order bonus Munchlax which comes with a Snorilum Z crystal. Once evolved to Snorlax, you can unleash Snorlax's signature Z-move, Pulverizing Pancake. Second, there's the mythical PokéMon Magearna, the star from last summer's PokéMon The Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel. If you're in Japan and if you got a special Magearna card for use in the PokéMon Ga-ole arcade game, use the QR Scanner (when unlocked post-game) on the card's QR code to get the mythical PokéMon. For international users, wait for further instructions on how to get Magearna via QR code. And lastly, there's Ash-Greninja from the recently concluded PokéMon The Series XYZ TV show. First played on the special demo, it can now be transferred to the main game. Ash's Greninja comes with a signature Battle Bond ability. When Greninja knocks out the enemy PokéMon, it transforms into Ash-Greninja and its Water Shuriken attack's becoming more powerful. Just be sure to have the cleared Special Demo data in your 3DS in order to do so.

Next year, the PokéMon Bank app will be upgraded and the PokéMon you worked so hard to train on XY and ORAS can now be transferred to Sun and Moon. Which means, its time to complete the National PokéDex once again! Who's up for the challenge? Well, don't rush though because while this is a new game, take your time to fill up the PokéDex while training them to be battle-ready.

So, I think that's all to say about the new installment and I didn't realized it was that long to tell you about Sun and Moon. Because this is the biggest birthday gift for the PokéMon franchise's 20th anniversary, this is more than enough to celebrate two decades of catching them all. From trading, battling, and sharing their favorite PokéMon moments, these moments have been the hallmark of the PokéMon franchise and with PokéMon Sun and Moon, a new chapter is about to be written to the history books as twenty years of PokéMon payed off to deliver a brand new experience for fans, veterans and newcomers alike.

Say Aloha to your next PokéMon adventure to the Alola Region. Everyone's waiting for you.

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER Take me☆Take you

There's a brand new CINDERELLA MASTER CD inspired from the popular THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls sub-franchise and following the success from previous CINDERELLA MASTER CDs, the latest installment, titled "Take me☆Take you", is a clear reminder why we all love the Cinderella Girls even more.

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER
Take me☆Take you

The cover girls of the latest CINDERELLA MASTER album are Kaede Takagaki (CV: Saori Hayami), Miyu Mifune (CV: Sayaka Harata), Nono Morikubo (CV: Karin Takahashi), Uzuki Shimamura (CV: Ayaka Ohashi), Nana Abe (CV: Marie Miyake), Miku Maekawa (CV: Natsumi Takamori), Yoshino Yorita (CV: Yuuki Takada), Mio Honda (CV: Sayuri Hara), and Shin Sato (CV: Yumiri Hanamori). In this installment, two brand new tracks are featured such as the titular song as well as キミのそばでずっと. There's also a drama part starring the cover girls of this CD in their new adventure unheard in the world of Cinderella Girls, buying you some time to enjoy their latest idol adventures behind the stage.

Experience the latest installment of the CINDERELLA MASTER range at the comfort at your living room because once you get in, you can't stop enjoying it as much as the other installments inspired from the hit sub-franchise of THE IDOLM@STER.

TRACK LISTINGS:

01 Take me☆Take you

02 キミのそばでずっと

03 ドラマ「シャイニーナンバーズ 特別編」

04 Take me☆Take you オリジナル・カラオケ

05 キミのそばでずっと オリジナル・カラオケ