Monday, October 9, 2017

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Hangul history



Today, Korea celebrates Hangul Day, the 571st anniversary of the invention of the Korean alphabet, which is considered as the most scientific and logical writing system in the world. It was invented by King Sejong the Great who officially invented the new writing system in 1446.

An official ceremony was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon gave a speech during today's ceremony as he highlighted the intentions of King Sejong the Great and honored numerous people who have helped spread the Korean language worldwide and brought up the increasing popularity of Korean, with more and more people studying it as their second language.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that North Korea's nuclear weapons program should have been taken care of 25 years ago, blaming his past administrations for mishandling the issue. President Trump pointed at former president Bill Clinton for paying billion of dollars to the regime but failing to bring results.

Trump emphasized that the US has a very strong military, and said that now more than ever is the time to have a great military. The president has spoken about using military force against North Korea when necessary.

In the meantime, the USS Theodore Roosevelt has been deployed to the West Pacific region amid growing threats from North Korea. Carrier Strike Group Nine left its home port of San Diego on Friday.

The group comprised of around 75,000 sailors and marines will focus on maritime security and security cooperation efforts in areas including the Korean peninsula.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (October 9, 2017)



- Senate President Koko Pimentel said that the ruling PDP-Laban party will not accept new members by the end of November in preparation for the 2019 midterm elections.

- President Rodrigo Duterte fired two high-ranking Philippine National Police officials allegedly involved in the drug trade.

- As President Duterte's satisfaction and trust ratings drop in a recent survey, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said that President Rodrigo Duterte is not in a "popularity contest." He also states that having Duterte as impeachment prosecutor is pure nonsense.

- Hundreds of thousands of people joined a rally in Barcelona to express their opposition to Catalan independence from Spain. Carles Puigdemont, the regional president, is expected to address the Catalan Parliament on Tuesday, when separatists could declare independence. The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, said that he was “not ruling out anything” to maintain the country’s integrity.

- The US and Turkey suspended non-immigrant visa services at their respective consulates days after the arrest of a consulate employee in Istanbul over alleged ties to Fethullah Gulen, the exiled Islamist cleric who Turkey says orchestrated a failed coup last year.

- Harvey Weinstein was fired by the directors of his film company days after a recent investigation revealed accusations of sexual harassment that stretched back decades.

- US President Donald Trump laced into Republican Senator Bob Corker over his decision not to run for the 2018 midterm elections. In an interview, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee warned that Trump's "recklessness" could put his nation on the verge of war.

- In case you missed it, the next Fast and Furious film got delayed to 2020 launch.

- A selection of Mercedes-Benz cars will be making an appearance in the upcoming Justice League movie, including the AMG Vision Gran Turismo.



TTFN!!!

2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Bank of America 500

The Monster Energy NASCAR series returns at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500 as the Playoffs are now on the Round of 12 where drivers are striving to survive the oval warfare for the coveted title or risk losing it all in the cloud of dust and debris.


In Lap 44, Ryan Newman's car spins and caused light damage as he tries to regain control of his car until his car caught fire, forcing him out of the race. Kevin Harvick won Stage 1 of the race. In Lap 137, Kyle Busch's car sustained damage while Harvick scored another stage win of the race. In lap 265, the #38 and the #10 got involved in a crash and then in lap 331, Kurt Busch spun out of control.

Martin Truex Jr. wins the Bank of America 500 race in Charlotte, earning himself a top spot of the Round of 8.

Here's the post-race Playoffs results as the drivers are advancing to the Round of 8.

1) Martin Truex Jr. - 3106
2) Kyle Larson - 3072
3) Kevin Harvick - 3069
4) Chase Elliott - 3059
5) Denny Hamlin - 3056
6) Kyle Busch - 3055
7) Jimmie Johnson - 3051
8) Jamie McMurray - 3044

The playoffs continue at Talladega Superspeedway for the Alabama 500 on the 15th.

Super GT 2017 - Thailand

Of course, with Japan became a battleground for Formula 1, the Autobacs Super GT Championship continued their 2017 season at the Land of Smiles, Thailand. Specifically, Chang International Circuit. Different nation, same Super GT action, especially if this is the penultimate round of this season.


In this penultimate round of the 2017 Autobacs Super GT Championship, which lasted for 66 laps, the pole position advantage prompted the #37 KeePer TOM'S LC500, driven by Ryo Hirakawa and Nick Cassidy, won the GT500-class race while the #51 JMS RMU LMcorsa RC F GT3, driven by Yuichi Nakayama and Sho Tsuboi, won the GT300 class.

Highlights:



Don't miss the final round of the 2017 Autobacs Super GT Championship happening on Twin Ring Motegi on the 12th of November. Who will win the title? Watch for it!

F1 2017: Japanese GP

It's the mid-autumn of the year and despite the cool climate going on around Japan, the Suzuka Circuit served as a table-turner for the F1 2017 season and nothing's more sweeter than someone's luck to block out a certain obstacle from chasing the dream of snagging this year's title.


That's right, ladies and gentlemen, Sebastian Vettel's mechanical failures on the track prompted Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, thanks to his pole position, a sheer and flawless victory in Suzuka, followed by the rest of Red Bull Racing who tasted a podium finish with a 2nd-3rd combo with Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. Other finishers in this year's Japanese GP are Valtteri Bottas, Kimi Raikkonen, the Force India duo, and Kevin Magnussen.

Thanks to what happened to Vettel during the Japanese GP, the gap between the two racers in the championship standings is now up to 59 points, 306 for Hamilton vs. 247 for Vettel but since 3rd placer Bottas is now 13 points behind Vettel, it won't be long before another Vettel-related mishap in the next race will dethrone the German ace down to his knees while Hamilton's gaining his upper hand.

Next race is on the United States this 22nd of October.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

The Cute Wall (Volume Ninteen)

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



(applause)

Before we begin, I want to ask you what happen to our good friend out here. Look at him...

Whoa...You don't see that everyday.

What happened to him?

Well...

SEVERAL DAYS AGO...

Sir. I want you to know that Love Live Sunshine returns this weekend and we can expect a much crazier Mari Ohara on the show. Tie her up somewhere and remember, don't believe anything she says, always keep her in front of you, and most importantly, don't let her kiss you. Okay?

Okay.

PRESENT DAY

Looks like he broke the no kissing rule. Mari lured him and then kissed and then later, he's gone. Poisoned or could be worse.

You think Mari Ohara's wearing some kind of...lipgloss? Hmmm?

You mean Paralyzing Lip Gloss?

Yep.

Sneaky little b******d.  All of you, hunt Mari Ohara down! I want her alive for questioning. And don't fall her to her kissing tactics!

Yes. She's wearing a Paralyzing Lip Gloss. Kiss her and you'll be as good as dead two hours later.

(audience laughing)

Don't worry. If all else fails, I know someone who can hunt Mari Ohara down. We got a Pokemon who can do that job rather well.

You don't possibly mean...

Chandelure!


Chandelure

Don't worry. Chandelure learned a little finale it pulled off during our Pokken matches with our mates. I'm sure that Ghost-and-Fire type Pokemon will struck Mari Ohara from her back and BAM! BAM! BAM!

Ooohhh! Hey! Everyone! Take Chandelure with you!

(footsteps)

Well, that settles it. Good luck with Chandelure. Although I might put this on NOT CUTE just in case. This Pokemon has been a real thorn to my Pokken career.

(audience laughing)

Shall we begin?

Of course and let's begin with...this fella.


Nebby
Who's that? I think I'm familiar with this little fella.

Yes but our friend, the Rotom Dex, didn't know what kind of creature Ash found somewhere before he showed it off to the rest of the class. That meant they gave it a name, Nebby.

Nebby? As in the "get in the bag, Nebby!" Nebby?

(audience laughing)

You really did do your homework, huh? Now, Ash's got two little critters in his backpack. Rowlet and Nebby. No wonder the Aether Foundation asked Ash to accept their offer to take care of Nebby until they figure it out what its power is.

But at what cost?

We'll never know until Ash learns Nebby's secret. Still, look at our Nebby friend. It goes PEW! PEW! PEW!

(audience laughing)

Wow. That does sound cute. PEW! PEW! PEW!

So, care to guess where should we put little Nebby in the wall? Oh wait! I know! Get in the NAKAKAGIGIL section, Nebby!

(audience laughing)

Hmph. Bags. Who's next?

(ooohhh)

Wait, what's going on?

What's going on around here?


Shuka Hanazono

OH SHRIMP! It's Shuka Hanazono from Idol Time Pripara! The rich girl who's making Laala and Yui's life miserable!

Shu-shu-shu-Shuka Hanazono? Wait, I'm familiar with that girl.

You know her?

All I know is that Shuka Hanazono is the sister of a famous personality and what I heard is that Shuka has some connections with Hibiki, which makes her one of the most powerful and influential idols in Pripara. Don't underestimate her, okay?

Yeah. I wasn't. She's all business to her, even at school and at Pripara. For her, (ahem) Idol Time Is Money, even in Pripara.

(inaudible noises)

I was going to say that but the audience impact is too much. Oh wait, I think she's leaving.

(noise fades)

Well, now that she's left, I'd guess I'd better put her to SERIOUSLY NOT CUTE because for a girl who has interests in money, she's too much to slap her face with. After all, money talks, even idols.

(audience laughing)

Who's next?

(ooohhh)

Again?!

Who is it this time?

(angelic singing voice)

Huh?

Wait. I remember who that singing voice is...


Aria Futaba
Aria Futaba.

Aria Futaba?

Yes. The new My Little Heart bearer.

Wait. She's now bearing the My Little Heart name Yume and Hime used to possess?

That's right. Since the very beginning, Yume Nijino and Hime Shiratori possessed the My Little Heart name and perfected it performance after performance. Now, Yume's an official S4 member and possesses her Berry Parfait name (now Rainbow Berry Parfait) and Hime's graduated from the academy, leaving doubts over what happens next for the My Little Heart name until this time, there is now someone to pick the My Little Heart name and that someone is none other than...

Aria?

Exactly. Sorry, must have read the journal. Anyway, did you notice something about Aria Futaba's...what's the word?

Singing? Well, if she keeps singing, the whole place is covered in Misty Terrain.

Misty Terrain? Wait, isn't that a Pokemon thing?

Misty Terrain covers the field for a brief moment of time. With this, you will deal less damage from...ahem...dragons.

Dragons.

Yep. Dragons and with this Misty Terrain, you are immune to status conditions.

Okay, enough about the Misty Terrain stuff. I already got the point but that Aria's an intriguing idol indeed with such "angelic" voice and if I said "angelic"....uh oh.

Huh?

(distant echoes)

ARRGH! My head! It hurts! Put her to NOT CUTE! NOT CUTE?

Seriously?! What's going on?

(murmuring)

What?!

(murmuring)

Okay, fine. Put her in. Sorry about what's going on with my partner here but anyway, that's Miss Aria Futaba to you, the fairy idol with angelic voice from Aikatsu Stars. Don't worry, I know what will cheer you up. Remember Ducktales?

Ducktales? That's a very old show...

Uh-huh, but now it's back with a fresh new twist and with a star-studded cast and new adventures pushing them through uncharted heights, the new Ducktales is going to be the next Gravity Falls or is that what I think it is...


Ducktales

Oh! That new Ducktales. The newly revived Ducktales cartoon that eats fictional adventurers for breakfast, not even the likes of Jones, Croft, Drake, or whatever adventurer I know in my lifetime. So, these are the stars of the new Ducktales? Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby?

Yep.

Hold on. Huey, Dewey, and Louie are Donald Duck's nephews and in their classic taste, they're tad adorable. But in the modern Ducktales, these three felt a bit...mature? Grown up? Adolescent?

(audience laughing)

Why you ask?

They sounded like grown-ups and look at Miss Webbigail Vanderquack. In the original, she looks rather adorable for a sidekick, but now in the modern Ducktales, gosh, she's crazier than both Mabel Pines and Star Butterfly.

(audience laughing)

Here's a little secret. To prepare for her comeback, Webby took some grappling hook classes from Disney characters who used a grappling hook such as Kim Possible and Mabel Pines.

(audience laughing)

Even Milo Murphy's on that stint.

Exactly, so when Ducktales is back for 2017, Webby is now known as the new Mabel Pines. Simple as that.

(audience laughing)

Not forget her pom-pom hardcore thing. She learned it from Kim Possible. Ha ha ha...

So, for that, these boys should be put in NOT CUTE because they now talk like grown men...

(audience laughing)

...and Webby should be put in NAKAKAGIGIL because of her Mabel-ish attitude.

(beeping)

Speak of the devil. What's this? "Meet me at the rooftop tonight. I know what's going on with that Aria girl of yours."

Who's that?

Says here it's from our friends from The Wayne.

The Wayne. Oh! Did you mean the Team Timbers?!


Team Timbers
Yep. The Team Timbers from Welcome to the Wayne. Ansi Molina, Olly Timber, and Saraline Timber are three kids investigating the weird stuff going around The Wayne. It's their kind of thing.

Oh. Those guys. Hold on. I got another message. Says here (ahem) "I know your guys are doing that wall thing. Put me on NOT CUTE or you'll regret it. Saraline."

Ouch... Well, too much investigating spoiled their cuteness so let's put them in NOT CUTE secretly. He he he...

(audience laughing)

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
Manjimutt
Shogunyan
Mimikyu
Mareanie
Michiru Koda
Elza Forte
*Shuka Hanazono

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
Dismarelda
Nino Nijiiro
Rei Kizaki
*Chandelure
*Aria Futaba
*Huey
*Dewey
*Louie
*Ansi Molina
*Olly Timber
*Saraline Timber


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
USApyon
Happierre
Tomnyan
K. Koma
K. Jiro
Hidabat
Robonyan
Robonyan F
Gnomey
Steenee
Alolan Vulpix


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
Yui Yumekawa
Bewear
Kirara Hanazono
*Nebby
*Webby

Forza Motorsport 7: My first ride

Yes, baby, I'm back in Forza Motorsport for their seventh and ultimate installment to date and while some of you got their sweet first ride of the game, my first FM7 ride is not what you call exciting, a tad above average if you may. So, in the spirit of first impression, I will share you which car I began with; it's the Corsa E VXR.



Need a refresher? The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa E OPC/VXR was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and it is known to be the ultra-powerful small hot-hatch in the OPC/VXR lineup that is less expensive than its competitors with its £17,995 on-the-road pricing.

Under the hood, this hot Corsa is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 205PS of power output, 245Nm of torque, and mated exclusively with a second-generation six-speed transmission with a short, fluid gear change. It is capable of going 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph - quicker than the outgoing car it replaces.

For this model, they've enlisted damper-supplier, Koni, to develop the Frequency Selective Damping which  allows damping forces to adapt to the car's movements, balancing body control and ride quality depending on the speed.

Customers can opt in for the optional Performance Package which comes with a Drexler limited-slip differential, larger 330mm-diameter Brembo front brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels with super sticky Michelin Pilot Supersport tyres and enhanced FSD damper settings.



Once a tater tot that can humiliate a supercar in the parking lot, the Corsa VXR is a small wonder that can pull different tricks from its sleeves but when I put it on the track, it's hard to get around through the corners even though this VXR comes with a Performance Package that unleashes its full potential of the smallest VXR hatch ever made. It maybe slower on the straights, it may be harsher on the bends, but when it comes to enjoying your first race, the Corsa VXR always leave first-timers a first impression they will never forget since they chose on from the very beginning.



After having my first impression with the Corsa VXR, I'd decided to see how it fares on a real track where everything comes full circle with this pocket rocket. How about putting it on the Indy Circuit layout of Brands Hatch? That will make it the perfect breeding ground for this small VXR hatch. So, who wants to see it go round Brands Hatch?



Well, that handling left me with a nasty bruise in my arms, but this is a great start for me because now that I'm back in driving real cars in real tracks, Forza Motorsport 7 has a lot of opportunities waiting for me and this is just the beginning.