Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 update (November 2, 2012)

Ladies and gentlemen, here are the last two characters duking it out for the crown as 2012 Anime Saimoe Tournament winner. Both of them are from Saki Achiga-hen and yes, they're ready for the final round.

Toki Onjouji

Kuro Matsumi

So, who would it be? One Vision or Dragon Magic? Err...I should be saying Toki Onjouji or Kuro Matsumi instead but never mind? Question is, who's going to be hailed as the 2012 Saimoe Tournament winner? On November 3, 2012, we'll find out who's deserving that crowning glory. Until then, good luck to the two of them...

Honda N-ONE

Can I talk about the Honda N360 now? Good. You see, over the years, Honda's first ever kei car, the N360 is quite a charm when it was launched in the 1960's. Now however, Honda Motor Co., Ltd made themselves that what we called it "the Honda N360 of the 21st Century"

This isn't it. It's still the N360...

Actually, the one we've pictured above isn't it. This is the Honda N360 from the 1960's. Produced from 1967 to 1972, the N360 is the brand's first kei car; small in size but big on fun. The N in the N360 name stands for norimono, which is Japanese for vehicle. The design of the N360 though looks similar to the classic and original Mini, perhaps this is more of a Japanese take on the Mini Cooper in the 60's.

2013 Honda N ONE

2013 Honda N ONE

This is the new version. Honda says that they took some inspiration from the old one. This is known as the N-ONE, the next chapter of the Honda N series kei cars since the Palette-rival N BOX and the more convenient N BOX+. The N stands for "New Next Nippon Norimono" and that's because Honda's trying to change the kei car paradigm. Come to think of it, when you put the classic N360 to the modern N-ONE together, they look exactly the same, except for one thing.

The old car, the N360, is smaller, which means, within my height, I can't fit inside because the N360 has 1346mm of height. Happily, the new N-ONE is taller than the N360, meaning I can fit myself in and take it for a joyride. Bye!

I've actually saw one of these in last year's Tokyo Motor Show but that was just a concept. This is the 1,150,000 Yen finished product that Japanese customers would actually buy. Under the hood lies the 660cc inline 3-cylinder water-cooled horizontal position (S07A), which produces 58PS of power, mated to a CVT and an idling stop system that promises a JC08-rated fuel consumption of 27.0km/L. That's a Daihatsu Move territory if you know what I mean. Get it? It's TNP27! It has the same fuel economy of the Daihatsu Move! Don't get too conscious though, because they did have a different variant of the N-ONE called the N-ONE PREMIUM, a more stylish version of the N-ONE and also, both the standard and the Premium variants does offer a turbocharged version of the S07A engine.

2013 Honda N ONE interior

2013 Honda N ONE interior

Just like the old N360, this is like a college student who realized a dream of becoming a representative of the  famed basketball team of his college. It feels a bit more civilized inside and out. And it's easy to park too as well because it's small. Considering it as a poor man's modern Mini, the N-ONE still looks like the modern Mini and when you parked them together, it does look a bit similar. Sure, because of its 1,150,000 Yen pricing for the entry-level model, that's about pricey-wicey than the entry-level Mira Cocoa and the Suzuki Lapin but they're like fashion statements from Shibuya. Eccentric, strange, odd, and cool.

If I'm driving one of these with optional features, especially the one with the i-MID on it, I would never ever get out of it right until the part that I ran out of petrol. Still, I love this modern version and I would never ever get out of it. A modern take of the N360 with the TNP27 fuel economy. Simply clever for this norimono.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Forza Horizon announces November Bondurant Car Pack

How's the party in Forza Horizon? Achieved the status of being a champion or you're just getting started? Hold it right there because your journey is just the beginning because Forza Horizon announces the November Bondurant Car Pack, where six new cars are made to make some party in Horizon. Meet six new cars welcoming to the party:

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante
2012 Shelby 1000
2010 BMW M3 GTS
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
1994 Nissan 240SX SE
2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Scoop: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/news/November_Bondurant_Car_Pack

Available this November 6 for 400MSP or as part of the Season Pass. Those who have the Season Pass will get a bonus car at the third Tuesday of November.

Driving Music (What is the name of the song on car commercial?) Vol. 44

Now, for those of you who keep asking what is the song used in the Opel Mokka commercial, kindly do please STOP it right now because no matter how many times you searched for it or the lyrics you heard from the commercial, the responses remain none. Please? Stop it. I'm begging you. You can't find it. It's an original song used in the commercial. No matter how many times you look at "baby i stand out, it's who i am", there is none. That's it. Please stop doing such unnecessary actions.

Also, I just noticing something...What kind of an idiot tries to search for something that plainly doesn't exists?  "lexus 2013 ls commercial music"? Come on. That commercial wasn't aired in Japan just yet.

To shut you guys up, here are some of the five driving musics (car commercial songs) curated by me..

5) 1901 by Phoenix - from the 2009 Cadillac SRX TV commercial

4) Throwdown by Miley Cyrus - from the 2010 Kia Sportage R Korean TV commercial

3) Roman by Housse de Racket - from the 2012 Peugeot HYbrid4 French ad

2) La Vita E Bella by Motoharu Sano - from the 2012 Toyota Mark X commercial

1) Waiting for You by Chara - from the 2012 Volkswagen Japan up! commercial

...and there we go. Another set of five driving musics curated to shut your mouths up and refrain from asking what's the song from a certain car commercial. If that happens again, you'll know what I'll do. If you have comments about this segment, feel free to post comments below or e-mail me at leopaul_delr@hotmail.com

Need For Speed Most Wanted (2012)

Need For Speed Most Wanted
(XBOX 360)

Need For Speed Most Wanted
(PS Vita)

Need For Speed Most Wanted
(Playstation3)

The original Need For Speed Most Wanted, launched in 2005, is one of the most thrilling Need For Speed titles ever made thanks to the thrilling high-speed escape against the law enforcement that are trying to stop you. We had fun flushing down the Blacklist 15 and then taking out some of the world's finest cars for a joyride of becoming the Most Wanted.

Now, in 2012, forget about anything about the old Most Wanted because, there's a new Need For Speed Most Wanted game arrived and this new game is developed by Criterion Games, the people behind the memorable Burnout series and 2010's NFS Hot Pursuit game.

This game though, there's no Mia, there's no Razor. and there's not even the Blacklist 15. The cars are the stars of this game and when you begin the game, all the cars in Most Wanted will be yours for the taking. That's right, this is a free roaming game having all of the cars available when you start working your way becoming the most wanted in Fairhaven City. Ranging from fast supercars such as the Aston Martin V12 Vantage and Pagani Huayra, convertibles such as the Audi R8 GT Spyder and Lamborghini Gallardo Performante, muscle cars such as the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette ZR1, heavyweight champions such as the Ford SVT Raptor and Range Rover Evoque, to blistering lightweights such as the BAC Mono and the Ariel Atom V8. They're all yours! All you have to do if find a "jack spot" and once you found it, it's yours. There are events made for the vehicle of your choice and when you finished a race, you'll get speed points that you need for the necessary modifications such as the ability for fast cars to go offroad, lightweights to have increased strengths, and so much more.

What's also convenient is this Easydrive feature, which you can modify cars while on the move. It sure is convenient but that saves you because by the time you're approaching a road block, best to have the impact protection ready or even, when you hit a spike strip, quickly equip the run flat tires before you got busted.

Sure, all the cars in Most Wanted are yours for the taking but is the car of your choice fit enough to take on the MOST WANTED? There are 10 MOST WANTED cars to take on such as the Shelby Cobra, Lamborghini Aventador, Lexus LFA, or even the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept. If you're good enough, you can take on the MOST WANTED and if you win, you have the chance to shut that car for good, and when you shut that car down, like when you totaled it with a massive crash, then it's yours to keep.

The new NFSMW game though it maybe as better than the 2005 NFSMW game I played from the past and the multiplayer feature is top notch. No menus, no lobbies, all you have to do is find a meetup point and then you're off to get some Speed Points needed.

Which reminds me, if you are so thirsty for all the cars, there's the Time Savers Pack coming. This DLC will grant you access to all of the cars in multiplayer and on single player gameplay, all the Jack Spots throughout Fairhaven City are marked on your map so you can find the car you've always wanted to have. All is left now is the 10 Most Wanted Cars to take them down one by one.

The new NFSMW is going to be more thrilling than its predecessor and it's going to be sending your pulse beating even further when you're trying to evade the law. It's going to be one of the best NFS titles ever made. Let's Make some Trouble!

Let's Do The News - The day before Halloween special! (October 30, 2012)

Now, we will do the news and right before we begin, let's pray for our Kababayans living in the East Coast of the USA as it's getting be karate chopped by Sandy. Hurricane Sandy that is. Our thoughts belong to those who are affected by Hurricane Sandy. Please be careful out there! We're praying for your safest endeavors!

(cheers and applause)

Anyway, the odd-looking Nissan Cube by the way...it's now on its 2013 model year and what to expect on the 2013MY Cube is simple...

2013 Nissan Cube

The HR15DE engine that powers the Cube is now made even more economical thanks to the addition of idling stop system that shuts the engine off when stopped at the Cube and then start again when you set off. Thanks to that and the improved XTRONIC CVT, the fuel consumption is now 19km/L based on Japan's JC08 cycle. Two new colors are added for the 2013 model year such as Light Ginger and Lagoon Blue. Also, they've added a Vintage Camel interior color as well.

2013 Nissan Cube Autech Rider

2013 Nissan Cube Autech Axis

Also available, it's sportier Autech cousins, the Rider and the Axis.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1227193/

Happy Halloween!!!

Now as you may now, tomorrow, October 31, 2012 is Halloween. It's that time of the day kids are going out for some trick and treating. Everyone around the world are going to dress themselves as...

Mummies...Witches....Ghosts...Frankensteins...Devils...Black Cats....

Hammo!!!!

(Audience laughing)

What? I was thinking that everyone around the world's going to dress themselves as something scary for the Halloween.

Yeah! Indeed! Not just scary but cool.

Really? What are you going to be this time? Don't tell me, you wanna be Sherlock Holmes eh? What Sherlock Holmes is it? The one with the Iron Man dude on it? The one with Benedict Cumberbatch on it? Or is it the American version from the new show called Elementary?

Neither....

Then which Sherlock do you want to be?

Sherlock Shellingford...

(audience laughing)

But Jezza, Shellingford's a girl.

I'm sorry what?

Sherlock...Shellingford's....a girl. Look at her outfit...

Nendoroid Sherlock Shellingford

...Her outfit is pink, her hair is pink, pink is for girls. Don't you understand you fat middle-aged man who spends the most of his life yelling POWERRRRR!!!!!!

(audience laughing)

Never mind about that Hamster...better yet you should be the Walker from The Walking Dead TV show. Not sure why they're going to have a video game based on the hit TV series next year despite there's a five-part video game based on the Walking Dead...

Ahem...

What, Capt. Slow?

Isn't it the Telltale Studios game of The Walking Dead, currently on Episode 4 with the finale coming soon?

Oh sorry. Gosh! What's the difference?!!!!

(audience laughing)

Never mind about that being a walker at the Halloween! I just wanna be...

Majin Boo....

(audience laughing, then cheers and applause)

What?

Majin Boo! The bad guy from the Dragon Ball Z anime. He's pink and I think you're fit for that one, Jezza...

(Audience laughing)

Hamster, I don't wanna be Majin Boo! That's so old-school!

What old-school? DBZ may be an old-school anime but still gets going and going and going with its updated DBZ Kai anime and then they recently have the DBZ Kinect game for XBOX 360.

Hammo! Enough DB stuff. I don't wanna be Majin Boo! It's hideous for me to be like that!

Well fine. I wish this fat middle-aged man like you should be dissolved into several Adiposes...

Adipose

(audience laughing)

Why? Why do you want me to be dissolved into several Adiposes?!

Because Adiposes are cute! I wanna hug them all!

Guys, would you please stop bickering for a moment. There are so many people out there wanting to dress as their favorites for Halloween and I think I might suggest the ladies something else.

Slow, about kissograms, you see that there are so many girls who are Whovians out there really want to enjoy being Amelia Pond in her kissogram outfit...

Kissogram

...I mean how to dress like Amelia Pond in her kissogram outfit? I mean it's a British policewoman's outfit. It's a property to Metropolitan Police but picture this. You are a female Whovian, then your parents worked or used to worked at the Metropolitan Police in UK. You noticed that there is a policewoman's uniform that looks the same as Amy's. What should you do?

(audience laughing)

Permission of course.

It's not that easy. It's like "Hey mom, can I borrow your police uniform for my Halloween Party? I wanna be like Amy Pond from Doctor Who as a kissogram".

(audience laughing)

And then, they'll reject your request because it's theirs. Isn't that complicating? These uniforms are property of Metropolitan Police and not used for dressing as kissograms. I mean what is a kissogram anyway? I kept hearing that word over and over again!!!! What the (bleep)?!

(audience laughing)

What's next? Find a white Alpinestars Racing Suit and a Simpson Diamondback Helmet and then dress yourself as The Stig for Halloween?! Ahem...Stig in a Halloween Party? Stig goes out for some candies?! This is (bleep)!!! (bleep)!!!! (bleep)!!!!

(audience laughing)

Whoa! Clarksie! Better calm down! Perhaps....there's another way...

What?

Why don't we dress like ourselves, the Top Gear boys! Listen up...we went some digging at the BBC America's Anglophenia blog and we found something that you can dress yourselves as Clarkson, Hammond and May! I know it's weird but try it!

First up...how to dress as Jeremy Clarkson:

1: Hair – Like any fashion icon, Jeremy knows the key to a strong look starts with a unique hairstyle, something that would look foolish on anyone else. Forget curly hair, that’s what Roger Daltrey and Robert Plant have. Jeremy has a dense crown of fluff that encircles his pate like a woollen halo. Bear that in mind, and you’re set.

2: Shirt – Some people save their loud shirts for the holidays. Not our Jeremy. What he tends to favor is a long sleeved, slightly-crumpled affair, either white, light blue, washed-out pink, or made of a pattern which would best be saved for the wallpaper in an oppressive, but very expensive hotel.

3: Tie – Don’t be soft. Clarksons don’t wear ties.

4: Trousers – Jeans. Always always jeans. Stonewashed but not necessarily your classic Levi 501s. The trick is to get a pair of jeans that have been worn by someone else, someone whose body shape is not the same as yours. Skin-tight, high-fashion, or low-slung with writing on, these jeans are not your friends. Again, top quality denimwear will not be required. The true Clarkson can rock a $5 pair of jeans like David Beckham on a night out.

5: Jacket – Apart from your classic black sports jacket, there are two options: leather or tweed (with the brown elbow covers), with perhaps leather’s cousin suede coming over at the weekends. Sports jacket or blouson, don’t be afraid of bold tan colors. The Clarkson favors those hues which occur most often in shoe polish: tan, black, oxblood, navy. Speaking of which…

6: Shoes – Anything from a classic brogue to one of your modern pasty-style shoes. Don’t rule out sneakers, but nothing too modern or trendy. Nothing that will cushion the sensitivity between the right foot and the gas pedal either.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/11/how-to-dress-like-jeremy-clarkson/

Then, Richard Hammond:

1: Hair – getting the Hammond hair is trickier than you might think. It’s a style which betrays a certain amount of styling – more so than either of his co-hosts, at any rate – but which is also unattended, to a very specific level. Think if it as being like the school prefect who has just discovered the thrills of breaking the rules here and there. The short-back-and-sides has long since grown out into an unruly shag, but it still has shape. If you’re untroubled by hair, get yourself a Beatle wig and give it some volume in the right places using, y’know, hair products (or sump oil, if you’re at all worried about looking vain).

2: Teeth – whitened (allegedly). Use a cut-up plastic cup if your own teeth don’t quite make the grade.

3: Shirt – again, the look you’re aiming for is of someone who spends a little bit more on his clothes than the other two. So the shirts are of a noticably more modern design and cut. But not too modern. The true Hammond will rock a shirt that makes him look like a dandy, unless he is in the company of an actual dandy. Oh and nothing too bright. Even the white shirts are off-white. Oh and never, ever tuck them in.

4: Jacket – sports jackets in dark colors are a particular favorite. Or something leathery and mid-length. Black leather or tan suede, preferably. Avoid the blouson or anything that puffs out unduly. Hammond’s clothes all have that retro ’70s cut to them. Speaking of which…

5: Trousers – jeans. Stone-washed and boot-cut. And expensive-looking. The classic Hammond looks like an off-duty rock star at his child’s nativity.

6: Shoes – the only deviation from the ’70s cut. Flat-soled, flat-toed shoes in grey or black, with some intricate stitching somewhere. Nothing too heeled or pointy, or cheap.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/12/how-to-dress-like-richard-hammond/

Last, James May:

1: Hair – there are factions of May-ites that prefer the long tresses to the crop. There are others who see the grown-out mop as being decadent and vulgar in comparison to the shorter, more elegant look. Suffice to say that if you wish people to believe that you are James May, you’ll need a volume of hair, equivalent to that of a girl scout on a humid day. A little backcombing will help you achieve this, or failing that, sleep with the wig on.

2: Shirt – assuming you’re not attempting to copy the May chunky turtleneck sweater (not something we would advise for first-timers), you’ll need something eye catching, patterned, and a little too big. If Jeremy Clarkson’s shirts look like wallpaper in a forbiddingly expensive hotel, James May’s look like the curtains in the bathroom.

3: Tie – uh! No way! Ties are for THE MAN, MAN.

4: Jacket – smart but practical but casual. Nothing frock-coatish or try-hard, nothing which represents the very nowness of fashion. A sports jacket in black or tweed or corduroy, or a leather windcheater, these are the staples. However, if you can get a sheepskin-lined RAF leather jacket, and accompanying white scarf, you are ahead of the game.

5: Trousers – Jeans, stonewashed (or, if you will insist on going the turtleneck route, black), comfortable, a trifle baggy and under no circumstances, like not even if he had to meet the Queen in a Levi’s shop, are they to be box fresh. A true May wears his denim like a second (quite baggy) skin.

6: Shoes – sensible, conservative shoes in dark colors and possibly suede. The kind of shoes a man would buy if he wishes to send the message that there is more to him than trendy shoes, thank you very much.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/12/how-to-dress-like-james-may/

Your suggestions are rubbish. The best suggestion is...how to dress as the Eleventh Doctor! BBC America's Anglophenia explained how:

1: Hair – a kind of public school side-parting which has grown out a bit. A floppy mop which can stand a bit of ruffling. If you’ve got it, flaunt it, if not, you’ll need a wig.

2: Shirt – as you’ll see from the picture above, the Eleventh Doctor wears nice shirts. Something that fits quite snugly on your beanpole frame, made of a thick cotton. A light colour but not sparkling bright and white. Something a bit subtle (like this cream shirt here), browny, bluey or reddy.

3: Tie – well we know what the Eleventh Doctor feels about ties, don’t we?

4: Jacket – something tweedy, fitted and of similar length to those sports jackets everyone wore on TV in the ’70s. Brown leather elbow patches optional.

5: Pants – black and tight, ending a good inch above the ankle when the knee bends. Held up with skinny suspenders. Emphasises the storkish legs, y’see.

6: Shoes – either tan loafers or black 18-hole laceup  boots (see pic). The Eleventh Doctor’s shoes reflect his need for something practical and a little stuffy, as if he’s a child in a man’s world and doesn’t want to be found out.

Scoop: http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/07/how-to-dress-like-the-eleventh-doctor/

Yeah. Being The Eleventh Doctor is cool unless if you're wearing either a fez or a stetson in your head but who's going to dress as the Eleventh Doctor?!

I think it would be me....

(audience laughing)

You know you'll be getting a bit more ridiculous on that. Anyway, enough on that suggestions because we're out of time and on that bombshell, that's the news. Tomorrow, on Halloween Day, dress whoever you wanna be, whatever be. Praise the Lord!

Oh, any speaking of which, for those who are in the UK, has anyone watched the Top Gear James Bond special? It was aired recently. What do you think?

CLOSED!

Ford Focus Electric vs. Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus Electric

This is a Ford Focus Electric. Sure, it looks like the current generation Focus but it sports a Ford family face at the front of it. Because it's an electric car, it's being powered by a combination of the 100kW electric motor and a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It promises about a combined fuel economy equivalent at 105 MPGe (2.2 L/100 km), with an equivalent 110 MPGe (2.1 L/100 km) in city driving and 99 MPGe (2.4 L/100 km) on highways. It's 3 miles longer than the Nissan Leaf.

Anyway, what I thought I'll do is compare the Focus Electric to a rival, a competitive product of some sort. Producer-san liked that idea so what I thought I would do is by bringing...this.

2013 Ford Focus ST

It's the Focus ST. A powerhouse of hotness and some troublemaking fun in every corner thanks to its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that generates 252HP of power. I think it's better looking than the Focus Electric and of course, it's better than almost everything. This is insanely more like a Ford Focus that spent several days drinking too much bottles of Regain energy drink. No wait...Monster? Rockstar? Never mind. This car feels like it's been fueled by the sweet smell of energy drinks. It's autistic! An autistic Ford Focus! 0-100kph takes about 6.7 seconds, flatout in 245kph, and ADHD for the rest of your life because, you'll be autistic before, during, and after driving it!

Of course, because the Ford Focus ST is now a global high-performance car ideal for the world market, it's a bit half-cocked. And sure, the interior is a bit mental as other hot hatches from Europe, this car begs us belief.

In terms of handling, it isn't a bit as dynamic as a muscle car, as standard as a Nissan GTR, it's a bit...well, MILD. Mild and menacing. Mild's the exact opposite of Dynamic because it's so easy to handle thanks to its FF powertrain. It's a great car though, like a young woman wearing a some one-piece Asics racing swimwear. But how does it compare to the Focus Electric?

Well, in the number of reasons...not well. Sure, the Focus Electric has SYNC, airbag, five seats, and a bigger boot. The ST is pretty much the same as well. The Focus Electric costs $39,200 MSRP while the ST costs about $23,700 MSRP. The Electric maybe more expensive than the ST but it's more economical.

Choosing which Focuses is not all fun and games. Sure, the Focus Electric did well but I think on balance, I'd chose the big yellow autistic one instead...

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 update (October 30, 2012)

Right! It seems that the Anime Saimoe Tournament 2012 is drawing near to its climax and yes, it's time to meet the final four, those who are competing on the semi-finals and deciding the last two competitors for the final round on November 3, 2012.

Uh....this is strange because the final four are all came from the Saki Achiga-hen anime! For the first time we've expected this! The final four all came from one series!!!! Here are the four Saki Achiga-hen characters made it on the final four of this year's Saimoe tournament.

1) Toki Onjoji
2) Nodoka Haramura
3) Kuro Matsumi
4) Hisa Takei

Scoop: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-10-29/2ch-forum-anime-saimoe-tournament-2012-quarter-finals

This is it! It's the semi-finals. Who will make it on the finals?! We'll be back on the eve before the finals to find out and we'll talk about it...

2013 Kia K7 minor change to be revealed this November

2013 Kia K7

Here it is. This is really as it. What you're looking here is the facelifted Kia K7 (Cadenza) for the 2013 model year. What to expect is this newly refined Tiger Nose grille that resembles more like the K9 flagship.

As you may know, the Kia K7 was launched in November 2009, serving as the first of the K-series sedans from this, the midsize K5 sedan, RWD flagship K9, and the compact midsize K3. Well, this is the complete set. The entire Kia K-series sedans are here and the first of its kind will get a refreshed look having spending its three-year tenure.

Specs remain unknown for now but as we all know, it will be on sale in the Korean market this November 2012 and soon worldwide. Oh, it's available exclusively in selected LEFT-HAND DRIVE markets. That's it. Selected LEFT-HAND DRIVE market only. KIA WON'T SELL THESE IN RIGHT HAND DRIVE MARKETS, You get me? You get me? You do get me? Good.

Scoop: http://www.kia.co.kr/about-kia/prcenter/news-view.aspx?idx=1756&Page=1&s1=&sv=

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert are "top honors" of Artista Academy

Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert

In cased you missed it, aspiring hopefuls Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert are the first ever winners of TV5's reality talent search show, Artista Academy. Vin and Sophie did everything they can do to please not just the judges Lorna Tolentino, Gelli De Belen, “Artista Academy” Principal Wilma Galvante and TV5 Talent Center head Direk Mac Alejandre, but the AA faculty members composed of filmmaker Joel Lamangan, composer Louie Ocampo and choreographer Georcelle Dapat-Sy as well.

Vin, who was the brother of actor Aljur Abrenica, wished to follow his brother's footsteps by auditioning himself at Artista Academy and winning the "Best Actor" achievement at AA is just one step ahead. Sophie (who auditioned under her real name of Bianca Reyes), on the other hand, is the cousin of a former actress Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski. The former Star Magic talent, who deals with half of her life seeing her dad being in a coma, worked her way to the top of AA and earned the "Best Actress" achievement.

With such achievement, they'll be starring in the new TV5 drama, Forever Barkada, with the other Artista Academy scholars such as Chanel Morales, Shaira Mae, Mark Neumann, Akihiro Blanco, Malak So Shdifat, Stephanie Rowe, Brent Manzano, Nicole Estrada, Jon Orlando, Marvelous Alejo and Benjo Leoncio.

Artista Academy is renewed for next year as "Artista Academy Tweens".

Scoop: http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/vin-abrenica-sophie-albert-win-top-honors-on-artista-academy/

Let's Do The News! (October 29, 2012)

And now, the news and this is a serious one because the East Coast of the USA is bracing themselves with a powerful storm that they called it Hurricane Sandy. Here's how Sandy goes at the East Coast according to NHK Newsline's weather reporter Sayaka Mori...

Hurricane Sandy

So, what Sayaka Mori said, this Hurricane Sandy is a Category 1 hurricane, so this is going to be as serious as the other American hurricanes and Philippine typhoons combined, I think. It moves Northeast by 24kph, wind speed of 120kph, wind gusts of 167kph, and pressure of 952hPa. As says here, it's going to hammer down the East Coast painfully and deadly. Everyone at the East Coast are issuing some state of calamity, evacuations, and uh...you know what to deal with during a high-level threat storm. There is just one thing that I'm getting worried about, well not only me, but also anyone at the East Coast that if once merged with a winter storm, it could become a "Frankenstorm" in the run-up of Halloween. Scary and yes, Halloween's on Wednesday so watch out though. As it states, this storm's going to be the worst. Let's pray to God that all of our kababayans out there will be safe from harm. God help us....

Scoop: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20117005#TWEET314586

That one thing I'm thinking about that Hurricane Sandy is um....it's like the East Coast getting nasty karate chops from a squirrel in a suit...

You mean Sandy?

Yes. Sandy...from Spongebob Squarepants...Hi-YAH!!!!

(audience laughing)

Tell you what though? Can you bring me a model of New York City please? Now, tell you what, imagine that this is New York City, which is part of the East Coast. And then, I'm Sandy. Hurricane Sandy at least, and this is what I do when I hit New York City, like this. HI-YAH!!!! HI-YAH!!!!! HI-YAH!!!!!

(audience laughing)

It's like having the whole East Coast being karate-d down by some squirrel! SANDY!!!!!

(audience laughing)

So, Jezza, it was like that squirrel from that cartoon show karate chopping the whole coast.

Like that! Hurricane Sandy is karate chopping the whole East Coast. What to expect? YEE-HAW!!!! HOWDY Y'ALL!!!!

(audience laughing)

Ahem...Blokes? This is no time for jokes. This is a serious case so best to behave yourselves like normal men and let's pray to the Lord God Almighty that nobody will be claimed casualty by Hurricane Sandy. Okay?

Awwwright?

(audience laughing)

Right, time for some more serious news.

No wait! This is even serious! Look what I bought?

What?

It's a Talking Plush Dalek clip!

Talking Plush Clip Dalek Drone

Oh....

(audience laughing, then cheers and applause)

So, your obsession to DW is gone even further and elevated? You got the TARDIS, you got the sonic, then you got one of The Doctor's most hatred foes? Tell you what? Have you guys spotted some DW references in other shows?

(audience murmuring)

First up, I'm sure most of them remember this back in the 90's. It's Rugrats.

A Dalek reference in an episode of Rugrats

See here? On the left, there's a Dalek! Get it? How about this?

Amelia Pond reference in Futurama?

Futurama, made by the guy behind The Simpsons. There's another DW reference on it and when you read "AMELIA POND", it's Amy....

(audience laughing)

Well done Whovians...You're pretty eagle-eyed...How about this?

Hammo! Cut it out with your DW references! Can we please move on?

Sorry...I was going to share this to anyone:

http://drwhogeek10.tumblr.com/post/34469719479/random-doctor-who-references-you-may-have-missed

There was a TARDIS at the back of the newspaper John Watson reads in Sherlock, a Dalek in Season 2 opener of Better Off Ted, a magazine with the Cybermen in the front cover on it in an episode of Supernatural, someone who looks like the Fourth Doctor in an episode of The Simpsons, and there was that dialog from Borderlands 2 that goes like this:

Hammerlock in Liar's Berg can fix me up! Allons-y!

Get it?

(audience murmuring)

I see. Anyone got that point and that's it. Can we please tell some more serious stuff?

Sure, why not?

Ugh...finally....You see, there was a car dealer somewhere in Belgium that sells luxury cars until some stupidity occurred when a large crane trying to position a big fuel tank to the new gas station built right next to the shop tipped over and crushed a pair of cars parked on the lot. Here's the pic...

Large Crane Falls and Crushes Rare
Jaguar XKR-S and BMW 6-Series Coupes

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/10/oopslarge-crane-falls-and-crushes-rare.html

(audience laughing)

That's gotta hurt! Casualties include...a previous generation BMW 6-Series E63 and a rare Jaguar XKR-S, which was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and available only in Europe for 200 units.

A bimmer and a Jag became casualties by a large crane fail? Wow! That's a failure! That's definitely a fail. Pity for these cars who got crushed...especially the...HEY! Jaguar XKR-S? Really?

Yes, but that's the old XKR-S. The 2008 one, not the one with the 550PS 5.0L V8 but with the 4.2L V8 on it.

Oh...I see....I thought it was this kind of XKR-S...

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

Yeah, right. So, this year's SEMA Show begins Tuesday, October 30, 2012, and ends Friday, November 2, 2012. It's jam-packed with some of the nastiest and the baddest modified rides to be displayed in Sin City. Las Vegas that is...Take note though, this show's not open to the general public. Sorry.

Yeah, and on that bombshell, that's the news. Those who are living in the East Coast, please be careful.

Ford C-MAX Hybrid and Energi

Now, let's talk about hybrid MPVs. Last year, Japan brought two different hybrid MPVs that made to be fuel-efficient and practical for the Japanese families such as the Toyota Prius α and the Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid. Both of these Japanese hybrid MPVs had the fuel efficiency of hybrids and good for those who are out camping somewhere near any forests in Japan. For an American car company like Ford, they finally responded to what we might refer to it as a killer to the Prius α and Fit Shuttle...

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid

What you're looking here is the blue oval's answer to the Prius α and Fit Shuttle. This is the all new 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid. By the looks of it, the new C-MAX Hybrid looks more like an oversized version of the current-generation Ford Focus and I think that this is quite perfect if you are a mother aged 30-ish. Yep, it's just another car made for the soccer moms. It's just another hybrid car made for the enthusiasts of armpit hair and brown rice. However, unlike the Prius α, the C-MAX Hybrid has other features that the Prius α, especially this cool motion sensor power liftgate thingy as seen on the latest Ford Escape. All you have to do is pretend that your kicking the rear bumper but no. Don't kick it. Lift your foot near the rear bumper and it will automatically open the rear door for you. Convenient if you are carrying tons of stuff you bought from Costco, Safeway, Walmart, or any other store that you and your family went out for some shopping lists.

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid interior

Like a five-seater version of the Prius α, the C-MAX Hybrid does accommodate up to five people, you, your husband, and your three kids at the back. However, there's just one thing though. Unlike the Prius α five-seater that comes with the old-school nickel battery, the five-seater C-MAX hybrid comes with the 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. With that kind of battery and with the 2-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-Cycle engine bolted with an electric motor, that C-MAX Hybrid provides a combined power output of 188 hp (140 kW).  Top speed in all-electric mode of 62 mph (100 km/h) and the car's top speed in hybrid mode is 115 mph (185 km/h, meaning that this is much better than the Prius α! And fuel efficient as well because while the Prius α has 44/40MPG city/highway, the C-MAX Hybrid can go all the way to 47/47MPG city/highway. Now what would you do with that extra mileage?

Oh wait! Extra mileage! When it comes to continue your journey, better off with this one...

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi

This is a C-MAX Energi, Ford's first PHV MPV made for extended journeys. You can either recharge the batteries at home or fuel it with petrol at the petrol station, like what you normally did on the Prius PHV. On the upside though, the C-MAX Energi PHV has more power than the Prius PHV because 188HP beats 124HP. On battery alone, the C-MAX Energi can go up to 21 miles and up to 85mph on fewer electricity. On combined MPGe, the C-MAX Energi can go all the way to 100MPGe, meaning that it can go 80 miles farther than the the Prius PHV.

What you can see here is an achievement for the blue oval. The C-MAX not only beats Prii by a long shot but I think I really want to have one of these for my long trip ahead.

PRICE LIST:

C-Max Hybrid SE: $25,200 MSRP

C-Max Hybrid SEL: $28,200 MSRP

C-Max Energi: $32,950 MSRP

Photo: Ford Motor Company