Let's Do The News! (September 28, 2017)

- Lawyers of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno ask to cross-examine "resource persons" in impeachment raps at coming hearings. The camp stressed: “Those persons would be full-fledged witnesses, who would be examined by a proponent, and cross-examined by an opponent.”

- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano says that the Philippines is open for independent investigation over the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs.

- Vice President Leni Robredo denies her affiliation with the new cause-oriented group Tindig Pilipinas despite attending a mass organized by a group. Robredo, along with former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and other Liberal Party members attended a mass for victims of martial law and of extrajudicial killings on the 45th anniversary of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos' Proclamation 1081 declaring martial law across the Philippines in 1972.

- The State of Palestine is now part of the Interpol, a move opposed by Israel, in a vote at the international police organisation’s general assembly in Beijing,  Israel had contended that Palestine is not a state and that it is ineligible for Interpol membership. Under interim Israeli-Palestinian peace deals, a Palestinian Authority was granted limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

- Myanmar's government will manage the rehabilitation of villagers torched during the violence in Rakhine state that has sent nearly half a million Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh, according to the minister.

- The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS lapped the Nurburgring in 6:47.3, making it the fastest production car to lap the Nurburgring.



- Lewis Hamilton commented on the Malaysian GP's departure on next year's season, saying that F1 will lose "one of the toughest" races in history. The announcement that Malaysia will no longer host Formula 1 races from next year onwards was confirmed by prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who cited poor returns for the country relative for the financial outlay incurred in the hosting of the events.

- Makoto Shinkai's your name. film will have a live-action Hollywood adaptation with Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot producing it and Eric Heisserer responsible for the script, according to reports.

- Before Touken Ranbu Hanamaru returns for the second series this January, there will be a compilation film coming this December, just for a catch-up with the softer side of Touken Ranbu.

- Playboy Magazine founder Hugh Hefner passed away at the age of 91.

TTFN!!!

Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid

Two years ago, Honda launched the fifth-generation StepWGN range and while those who own the new model fell in love with its looks and its signature "Wakuwaku door", the 1.5L VTEC turbo engine that powers it never kicked in like every VTEC-powered Honda ever known because while speedo boys love having their VTEC engines kicked in, it's irrelevant in a Honda like this. The solution? If you're not a fan of the turbocharged StepWGN, why not consider the first-ever hybrid variant on the current StepWGN?

2018 Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid

Honda StepWGN Spada Hybrid interior

Here it is but Honda points out that the first-ever StepWGN hybrid variant will only be available on the more stylish Spada variant I have no particular reason why they didn't put it on a normal, plain-looking StepWGN because its plainness looks subtle enough for have a hybrid variant but instead, they've jacked into the Spada variant and that drivetrain just spoils the Spada's good looks, especially that now, the StepWGN Spada now boasts a new front nose reminiscent of the previous StepWGN Spada of 2009. With that new look, it's now easier to distinguish between a normal StepWGN and a Spada. Best of all, the signature "Wakuwaku Door" remains, meaning that this unique two-way tailgate that works like a tailgate or opens like a door.

Incidentally, the StepWGN Spada Hybrid is available only in a seven-seater configuration but thanks to the second-row seating configuration, even people from the third-row can get out from it easily but that's just the beginning because, with its class-leading interior dimensions, the StepWGN truly is a well-accommodated minivan for the typical Japanese families.

The StepWGN Spada Hybrid is powered by the same Sport Hybrid i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) as the Accord and the Odyssey. It's the same LFA-H4 2.0L petrol engine-electric motor combination and a li-ion battery that produces a combined power output of up to 215PS of power output when set to Hybrid Drive Mode as well as fuel consumption of up to 20kmpl based on a very relevant WLTC Mode standards. CVT is the only gearbox equipped on this variant.

To compensate for the added weight due to the hybrid powerplant, the Spada Hybrid comes with a specifically-tuned suspension which makes it very comfortable to drive on a day-to-day basis but don't expect to make you feel enjoyable because the life of being a family man driving a family minivan is not as enjoyable as it seems, even on weekends.

Like most StepWGNs, the Spada Hybrid comes with the available Honda Sensing suite of safety features but now improved to have eight safety features such as Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, False Start Suppression Function, Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering, Out-of-Road Departure Suppression Function, Adaptive Cruise Control with congestion tracking function, advance car departure notice function, and label recognition. Combine this with the Vehicle Stability Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Start Assist, side view support mirror, Multi-view camera system, Honda Smart Parking Assist, and loads of safety features, and the StepWGN Spada Hybrid is always prepared for whatever's happening on the road ahead and behind.

The StepWGN Spada Hybrid starts at 3,300,480 Yen and before you ask, yes, it's more expensive than today's Nissan Serena, in S-Hybrid guise, but let's be thankful that because with the hybrid powerplant, the StepWGN Spada Hybrid offers more fuel economy than the Nissan Serena as well as the Toyota minivan triplets Noah, Voxy, and Esquire. Safer as well so you never know when you have a big day.

Available colors: Forest Green Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Premium Sparkle Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Super Platinum Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Premium Deep Rosso Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda's NC1 NSX receives the Liberty Walk treatment

Liberty Walk Honda NSX

The new Honda/Acura NSX is a great-looking hybrid supercar when it made a comeback after its decade-long hiatus but for Japan-based Liberty Walk, they're gone overkill with the American-made Japanese supercar with their new body kit made specifically for this thing.

Unlike most Liberty Walk-tuned machines, this NSX doesn't have bolt-on fenders but in typical Liberty Walk fashion, it has been lowered to the ground thanks to its air suspension as well as giving a new carbon front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a massive GT wing that can easily confuse this for a racing NSX. It even comes with a new Forgiato alloys to give it a stanced look speedo boys are raving about.

Of course, they didn't touch the 3.5L V6 turbo engine with three electric motors on it, but for the words of speedo boys, who cares. They just want a lowered-down, racecar-look, NSX that can woo the crowd at their nearest car meets.

URL: https://paultan.org/2017/09/26/honda-nsx-receives-new-liberty-walk-modifications/

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: US imposes sanctions on North Korean banks

The US Treasury Department is intensifying measures to further pressure North Korea. The new sanctions target eight North Korean banks including Agricultural Development Bank and Cheil Credit Bank, as well as 26 North Korean nationals who are representatives of the country's banks operating in countries such as China, Russia, and Libya.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions are aimed at fully isolating the regime to achieve Washington's broader goal of a peaceful and denuclearized Korean Peninsula. He added that the measures are in line with UNSC resolutions.

Washington now plans to implement a stricter secondary boycott that prohibits any financial institution doing business with the North from accessing the US international financial network, in order to cut off money funneled into Pyongyang's development of ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (September 27, 2017)

- Opposition lawmakers argue that the 3.7-trillion peso national budget will fund the Duterte administration's "witch hunt and killing spree." Voting 223-9, the lower house on Monday passed on third and final reading the proposed P3.767-trillion budget, but this will still need to be reconciled with the Senate's version of the budget bill.

- There is no official declaration of non-working days in Manila for the 31st ASEAN summit and related meetings in November.

- President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that the deadly Marawi siege erupted after security forces served a warrant of arrest on a drug lord operating here.

- Over 1,200 Philippine and US civilian and military officials took part in the five-day Tempest Wind exercises that focused on counterterrorism and security operations. The first counterterrorism drill between Filipino and American troops strengthen the offensives and response against terrorism as the ISIS has joined forces with the Maute local terror group.

- US Republicans once again failed to derail the Affordable Care Act. The party was unable to win enough support from its own senators for a bill to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act and decided not to put it to a vote, several Republicans said. The bill’s sponsors vowed to try again, but face steeper odds after Sunday, when special rules expire that allow them to pass healthcare legislation without Democratic support.

- Saudi Arabia finally lifted the ban to let women drive. According to Saudi leaders, the decision was to make right the ultra-conservative country’s international reputation, damaged largely by oppressive theocracy such as the draconian ban on women driving.

- Appliance company dyson will launch their first electric car within the year 2020.

- Check out Ken Block and his Hoonicorn tackle Pikes Peak in CLIMBKHANA.



- For Day One at the launch of Forza Motorsport 7 game for XBOX One and Windows 10 PC, there's The Fate of The Furious pack featuring ten cars from the film including Dom's Ice Charger, Letty's Rally Fighter, Tej's GT S, Deckard's F-Type Coupe R, Little Nobody's BRZ, and more.



- Following director TATSUKI's announcement that he is no longer working on the Kemono Friends sequel anime, another news erupted and this time the anime studio responsible for the show, Yaoyorozu pulled out due to communication issues.

- The Underworld film franchise will spawn a TV series, according to reports.

TTFN!!!

PROJECT CARS 2: Driving the newest McLaren in Fuji

For my first session with PROJECT CARS 2, which is now available on the Playstation4 and PC via STEAM, it's time to take a sample with the newest McLaren supercar ever built, which became one of the cover cars of the game, round one of Japan's technical racetrack that was notably used for Super GT races.



Made its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the McLaren 720S marks the next chapter of McLaren's Super Series range, which started it all with the MP4-12C, the first supercar since McLaren's separation from Mercedes-Benz after the discontinuation of the SLR.

Served as the replacement for the 650S, the 720S is powered by McLaren's brand new 4.0L V8 twin turbo engine which produces a titular 720ps of power output and 770Nm of torque. With the the double clutch gearbox, it does 0-60mph in less than three seconds and onwards to 341km/h (212mph).

Apart from the performance it delivers, the 720S features a newly improved Proactive Chassis Control, as well as its new suspension, power-assisted electro-hydraulic steering, and carbon fiber Monocage II structure enveloped by its lightweight aluminium and composite bodywork, which makes it lighter than the previous Super Series lineup.



I've selected Japan's Fuji Speedway to demonstrate the 720S full capabilities as a supercar born for both road and track and of course, being a Bandai Namco game, this track deserves a privilege to give it a go as well as the game's hero car. Since this is PROJECT CARS, this is a racing simulation game that probably separates the guys from the lads, and driving a road-going supercar is no easy task as you have to understand its capabilities before setting off. The same thing goes to the other cars featured in the game because not all cars are made equally because depending on the track they set foot, they behave differently and every skilled driver should know that before setting off.

Anyway, no time for chat because for my first session with this game, time to see how the 720S fares in Fuji Speedway.






Not the best that I hoped for but this is a clear demonstration how does McLaren's newest masterpiece stack up in Fuji Speedway and the very tight corner that served as the challenge for the 720S' handling dynamics.

To see more of the 720S and Fuji Speedway, play PROJECT CARS 2 now.

BMW 5-Series G30 Touring

2018 BMW 5-Series Touring

Like its sedan equivalent, the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring promises the next-generation of driving pleasure for the next generation of drivers from around the world because of its next-generation technology embodied to its well-sculpted design that meets the demands of today while promising more practicality for the busiest people doing their busiest lifestyles day in and day out.

While tracing the looks from its sedan equivalent, the Touring's silhouette isn't what you call boxy for a station wagon and by the looks of it, this wagon shows its sexier side of practicality. On the inside, it still has the same stuff from the saloon, including BMW's new gesture control system that controls the sat-nav with your gestures. If you have experienced it on the saloon variant, you can also experience it on the Touring and that sounds convenient as long as its not worth distracting to some.

Compared to the previous 5-Series Touring, it's now 10 litres more with the rear seats present, 570 litres of luggage space to be exact. When you fold the rear seats for some purposes like going on a biking trip or delivering essential packages to the clients, it can get up to 1,700 litres, 30 litres more than in its predecessor. Call its a lifestyle vehicle, call it a people carrier, call it a company car, call it what you may but for the new 5-Series Touring, it's all about getting the job done from the beginning to the end of the day.

The new 5-Series Touring offers the same choice of engines as the saloon equivalent from a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, a 6-cylinder 3.0L petrol, a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel, a 6-cylinder 3.0L diesel, and more to come in the near future, not to mention the M550d xDrive with the world's most powerful 6-cylinder diesel engine ever made, a 3.0L quad-turbo diesel engine producing 400PS of power and mated to an 8-speed gearbox. However, don't count on getting one because too much power is an overkill for a station wagon of this size, unless if you're one of the brave and the bold.

Like the saloon, the Touring comes with the brand new Adaptive Drive system, which combines Dynamic Damper Control with Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation, for a better ride unlike the previous one and get this, the anti-roll bars in this new model are now no longer actuated hydraulically but by means of electric swivel motors. Safety wise, it comes the latest driver assistance systems ranging from Active Cruise Control with incorporating speed restrictions, hazard preview based on car-to-car communication, side collision protection and automatic lane-change, evasion aid, steering and laine control assistant, and more. Nothing like having a well-civilized station wagon that is not-too-shabby to drive everyday, from work day to day off.

The new 5-Series Touring starts at 48,600 Euros and that sounds like slightly more expensive than its rival MB E-Class Estate but even though it's slightly more costly to own than the Benz, the new 5-Series Touring combines enjoyment and practicality which is unorthodox for a station wagon of this magnitude. It's so much enjoyable to drive than the previous model, you can spend all day driving with this Bimmer while nobody's yelling on you.

Photo: BMW

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: NK diplomat called Trump tweet "declaration of war"

A top diplomat from North Korea called the latest tweet from US President Donald Trump a "declaration of war" and North Korea has the right to shoot down strategic bombers even not visible on their radar. It was the latest escalation in a week of word wars between the US and the North Korea during the UN General Assembly's annual ministerial meeting.

Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho told reporters that the United Nations and the international community have said in recent days that they didn't want the "war of words" to turn into "real action." But he said that by tweeting that North Korea's leadership led by Kim Jong Un "won't be around much longer," Trump "declared the war on our country."

Under the UN Charter, North Korea has the right to take countermeasures, "including the right to shoot down the United States strategic bombers even when they're not yet inside the airspace border of our country."

Hours later, the White House pushed back on Ri's claim, saying: We have not declared war on North Korea." The Trump administration, referring to the tweet, stressed that the U.S. is not seeking to overthrow North Korea's government. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other Cabinet officials insisted that the U.S.-led campaign of diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea is focused on eliminating the pariah state's nuclear weapons program, not its totalitarian government.

But the more Trump meddles with the North, the harder it may become to maintain cooperation with China and Russia, which seek a diplomatic solution to the nuclear crisis and not a new U.S. ally suddenly popping up on their borders. It also risks snuffing out hopes of persuading Kim's government to enter negotiations when its survival isn't assured.

Source: Associated Press

Let's Do The News! (September 26, 2017)

- The Presidential Security Group is looking into a shooting incident inside Malacañang Park but has yet to issue a statement. Reports told that an unidentified officer was shot in the complex that houses the elite multi-agency unit tasked with securing the president and other VIPs.

- A low-pressure area will continue to cause rainfall over the Metro Manila and other parts of the country according to PAGASA.

- According to Human Rights Chair Chito Gasco, the Philippine government appears to be "in denial" over the human rights situation in the country as it rejected 55 recommendation of UN member-states in its Universal Periodic Review.

- Various government agencies, LGUs, and private establishments are expected to partake in tomorrow's national quake drill set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

- The father of the slain UST law student Horacio Castillo III said that the Aegis Juris fraternity treated his son like an animal.

- The UN human rights office said in a report yesterday that Russia is violating international law in Crimea, including by imposing Russian citizenship on its people and deliberately transferring hundreds of prisoners and detainees to prisons in Russia.

- Iraqi Kurds cast ballots in their autonomous region and in a wide sweep of captured territories on whether to seek independence from Baghdad, a historic vote that has also raised tensions and fears of instability. Over three million people are expected to vote across the three provinces that officially make up the autonomous region and in the disputed territories.

- Porsche unveiled the Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo S E-Hybrid, which is their range-topping variant powered by a combination of a turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine and an electric motor, generating 680HP of overall power output, 850Nm of torque, and 3L/100km of fuel economy.



- Toyota Motor Corporation remains the world's valuable automotive brand according to Interbrand's 2017 Best Global Brands list.

- THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls' Anastasia, in her Story of Revolving Stars costume, has arrived in her 1/8th scale figure glory. This beauty of a figure is now available to order starting at 13,704 Yen plus tax and delivery and arrives this August 2018.



- Little demon Yoshiko Tsushima joins the Lovelive! Sunshine!! figma range. Yours to preorder starting at 5,833 Yen plus tax and delivery and arrives this March.



- New Pokemon Sun and Moon toys from Takara Tomy on the radar! First off, there's a Rotom Dex DX toy coming this November and this replica of Rotom Dex has over 400 Pokemon from the Alola Region on data. You can engage search field and roam around the area in search for Pokemon. Using the Rotom Signal feature, it can be your personal companion in the upcoming Ultra Sun and Moon games. Pokemon joining the Moncolle EX figure range this November are Necrozma, Dusk Forme Lycanroc, and Ash's Pikachu unleashing 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt. In preparation for the upcoming Z-Power Ring toy's simultaneous launch with Ultra Sun and Moon, special set, starting at 4,990 Yen plus tax, not only includes the Z-Power Ring but also a special Pikachu Ga-ole disk, Z Power Collection Board, and six Z-crystals including Pikashunium Z, Lycanium Z, Waterium Z, Firium Z, and two new ones to be revealed later. In addition, check out the Z-Crystal sets for 999 Yen each. The Ash set includes Electrium Z, Normalium Z, Alorainium Z, Deciduum Z, and Incinerium Z. The Rotom Dex set includes Steelium Z, Psychium Z, Bugium Z, Pikachurium Z, and Marshadium Z. The Lana and Lillie set includes Fairium Z, Icium Z, Eevium Z, Mewium Z, and Primarium Z. Or for 1,190 Yen, you can check out the Collection Board Set which includes a Grassium Z crystal.

- Check out the trailer for the 2018 Tomb Raider film starring award-winning actress Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft. Like the rebooted game it was based on, this film sees Lara as she tries to survive her first adventure and uncover the island's deadly secret.



TTFN!!!

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

The high-octane thrilling and downright outrageous Kingsman returns for their latest mission, only this time this will be the most challenging mission yet as they're going to take on a powerful shadowy organization bent on world domination.

Kingsman:
The Golden Circle

In this sequel called Kingsman: The Golden Circle, we regroup with the heroes as their headquarters was destroyed by unknown assailants, known to themselves as The Golden Circle. With the world's at stake, the now defenseless Kingsman join forces with their American counterpart known as Statesman as they will risk everything to stop The Golden Circle before they can unleash armageddon.

This film stars Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Taron Egerton, Edward Holcroft, Sophie Cookson, and Vinnie Jones, among many others.

Like the original Kingsman film, this sequel is balls-out lunacy from start to finish for a spy flick where they turn everyday objects into deadly weapons, something that would put Bond and Bourne into shambles and while this film is downright absurd, it's a hilarious rollercoaster ride that will leave viewers in shock and they will leave the cinemas asking just how crazy this film is and when compared to the original Kingsman, this sequel will give the viewers some steel rain.

Just when we thought the world's gone mad these days, this mad sequel to the Kingsman film is even madder than it is now and be warned; this is not for the faint at heart.

My rating: 3.6 out of 5.

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - ISM Connect 300

It maybe Game Day for football fanatics in America but the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race is all about drivers looking for some serious oval racing action and in New Hampshire, which is the case of the ISM Connect 300 race, this is no exception to the madness NASCAR delivers.

In this second race of the Playoffs, 16 drivers fought for the chance to have two more opportunities to advance to the round of twelve.

In the 10th lap, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. started this playoff race getting into the wall again, causing this race to restart. In lap 75, Martin Truex Jr. claimed his 19th stage win and that helps him advance through the round of twelve. In Lap 149, all hell broke loose when Kevin Harvick's car went out of control and went out in smoke, causing a major crash in New Hampshire. Still, the #18 car managed to thread the needle and ends up the stage 2 winner. In Lap 217, the #88 suffered some left rear damage but Earnhardt Jr. keeps on going. In Lap 262, Kasey Kahne's car is facing some problems that need to be fixed at the pit stop, presumably the tires.

After 300 laps of mayhem in New Hampshire, Kyle Busch wins the race, making his third win of the year.

Next race is at Dover for the Apache Warrior 400 race on the 1st of October.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Trump issues new travel restrictions

US President Donald Trump imposed travel restrictions on North Korea and seven other nations which will face travel restrictions beginning the 18th of October.

It is a result of a review after Trump's original travel ban was challenged in the US court. It reads "North Korea does not cooperate with the United States government in any respect and fails to satisfy all information-sharing requirements."

The travel ban on North Korea follows an earlier ban on US nationals traveling to the reclusive state.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said President Trump doesn't want a nuclear war with North Korea and his administration will do everything to prevent that from happening. This comes as Trump has engaged in an escalating war on words against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the nation's nuclear and missile program, including their sixth nuclear test.

In spate of word war between two leaders, Pyongyang staged a mass rally in support of Kim Jong Un. Tens of thousands of North Korean citizens took to the streets of Pyongyang over the weekend, denouncing the United States.

A number of speeches were deliver by senior regime officials during the hour-long event, where they reiterated Kim Jong-un's message from the previous day. The protests doesn't stop here. North Korea sent an open letter to global parlaments, calling for their support to denounce US President Trump's aggressive words at last week's UN General Assembly.

It called on all countries that "love, independence, peace and justice" to fulfill their duty to maintain their values and warned that President Trump's threats could spark an all-out nuclear war.

Source: Arirang News