Let's Do The News! (December 11, 2017)

- President Rodrigo Duterte said that the ongoing threats of terrorists inspired by the Islamic State militants as well as local terrorist groups and New People's Army is why his declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao needs to be extended by another year. The president noted that the surviving members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group and their allies have been recruiting members in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sulu and Basilan.

- Former Health Secretary Janette Garin insisted that the decision on the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia based on "data available at the time." The former Health chief noted that the purchase of Dengvaxia was not hastily implemented. She added that the decision to procure Dengvaxia was not a personal decision, but an “institutional decision.” Right now, the Senate and Congress has reopened the investigation on the Department of Health’s P3.5-billion dengue fever immunization program of the previous administration following reports of irregularities.

- As the Duterte administration ramps up the offense against firecrackers, a group of Filipino inventors came up with the safer way to celebrate the new year. The inventor and manufacturer of the electric firecracker said his company is preparing at least 500 units of his product this week.

- The leaders of France and Israel engaged in the war on words over US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned recent violence against Israelis. But he also expressed "disapproval" of Trump's decision, calling it "dangerous for peace." Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu who has called Trump's decision "historic," said Israel has maintained its capital in the city for 70 years and the Jewish connection to Jerusalem goes back 3,000 years.

- A powerful flare-up on the western edge of Southern California's largest and most destructive wildfire sent residents fleeing Sunday, as wind-fanned flames churned through old-growth brush in canyons and along hillsides toward coastal towns.

- Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Northern League, a right-wing party that opposes easier citizenship for foreigners, is seeking more support in Italy's upcoming election. He told the rally yesterday in Rome it would be "splendid" if he wins the national election to be held in early 2018.

ICYMI: The Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan are named hosting nations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup this 2023.

- Volvo's second-generation XC60 crossover is named Japan Car of the Year.

- McLaren unveiled the 720S-based tribute to the legendary Ayrton Senna, known as the McLaren Senna. The V8 Twin Turbo engine has been uprooted to 800PS of power and the car weighs 1,198, making it the most lightest road-going McLaren ever made. Only 500 units have been made, each costing 750,000 Pounds plus tax and you can't have one because it's already sold out.

2019 McLaren Senna

The official trailer of James Cameron's adaptation of the manga series, Alita: Battle Angel, has arrived.

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TTFN!!!

Forza Motorsport 7: Italian Lessons

A few moments ago, I get to try out the new Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, which is part of the Samsung QLED TV Car Pack of Forza Motorsport 7, and I was amazed that it has a lot to live up being the modern-day successor to the original Fiat 124 Spider from the distant past. Now, let's get to the interesting part about what if the 124 and the Roadster clash each other. Let's get this show on the road.





What better way to settle this showdown than taking it to the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Hence the name, this is how America's top motoring magazines test the latest cars here. It was also the perfect venue for the Best Driver's Car every year and now, it will be my playground for the main event I've lined up for the two open-top roadsters.





Every gearhead is familiar with the Laguna Seca raceway ever since they were nine years old so they are familiar with the breakneck twists and turns as well as the dreaded Corkscrew corner that trips even the best drivers due to the tricky elevation. It's best to be careful when you're out there but because all of you are familiar with Laguna Seca, this should be a walk in the park for you.





Of course, the MX-5/Roadster ND and the 124 Spider are built in the same factory but what differs between then are the dynamics because Fiat engineered the 124 by themselves, meaning most of the components are different than the MX-5 and in the 124 Spider Abarth, the 1.4L MultiAir engine produces slightly more power than the MX-5's SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine, the engine that is not available in Japan but only offered on the RF variant. Yes, it maybe slightly more powerful but the MX-5 is shockingly lighter than the 124 Spider, meaning these two byproduct of the Axis Powers are on equal footing and equal is kinda boring for me so to spice things up, I've added a little wild card to this showdown.





Surprise! It's an Alfa Romeo 4C and it has the pricing equivalent of these two mentioned above, which is rather expensive for a man with exquisite taste but the 1750cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 240HP of power while mated with a 6-speed Alfa TCT Dual Dry Clutch Transmission, resulting to a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds and top speed of 258kph. Yes, I know this is faster than these two but the 4C's not important here because this is the battle of the relatives, although I can use it as a benchmark.



With the 4C set a 1:51.122 lap time, the goal is for these two is to get as close to the time set by it, but sadly, none of them can match the 4C's because it's too darn quick for its own. Still, I can get on with the main event where two Hiroshima-born relatives will settle the score once and for all at the Laguna Seca. This will be a match between power and lightness and because the 124 and the MX-5 are on equal footing, this could be very one-sided.

Time to get this show on the roll...


And now, the moment of truth...

124 - 1:58.495
MX-5 ND - 1:58.799

I called it. It really is a close call for these two because with the 124's grunt and the MX-5 lightness, the result is as close as the Senate majority and I am very shocked that even in the most powerful 124 Abarth, the driving experience is as same as the less powerful but light top-spec variant of the MX-5 and I will never forget this kind of experience.



No matter how many Italian lessons this Japan-born roadster has learn, it still behaves like a lightweight Japanese car and in the case of the most powerful 124 variant, the Abarth, it still behaves like the top-spec MX-5 variant and because of such close result, it's hard to decide which one is the victor, although I had to admit that it was a hollow victory for the 124 Spider Abarth, but a pinch on the result really makes a big difference between the two byproducts of the Axis Powers. Looks like I'm quaking my sitting muscle right about now but I'm glad I put these two for a close match. Speaking of which, I had a little surprise for the 124...







Italian lessons really payed off!

BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

BMW called the 6-Series dead, to be replaced by the revival of the 8-Series moniker, but by some fate, they brought back the 6-Series, only this time in the form of a five-door liftback with the odd name BMW should have known better. This is the new BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo and this is the start of confusing BMW customers into oblivion because...well, let's find out.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

In the start, BMW wanted odd numbered cars to be labeled Gran Coupe for their saloon derivatives while even numbered cars spawning five-door liftbacks to be labeled Gran Turismo. Now though, things have changed and the odd-numbered Bimmer donned the Gran Turismo moniker for no reason, showing signs that the world has gone out of control just like current affairs in the nutshell. The past 6-Series, based on the F10 BMW 5-Series, has a coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe saloon, but now that BMW stopped making the old 6-Series lineup, BMW had ran out of options amid the preparation of the return of the 8-Series and because they want to preserve the 6-Series name for no reason, they want to fill the void in the form of what is known to be a liftback version of the G30 5-Series.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo interior

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo interior

Although not as ugly as the bulgy 5-Series Gran Turismo, it wasn't as pretty as the old 6-Series Gran Coupe, which in other words, it's above average to look at and despite being above average, it wasn't as redundant as today's Audi A5 Sportback by the looks of it and we can all live with that.

Step inside and you will be greeted by the usual BMW interior that looks the same as any other Bimmer you know but because this is based on the G30 5-Series, you have familiar features to toy around such as the Gesture Control feature. On the passenger side, despite being a liftback, it is surprisingly posh and when you opt for the one with the rear entertainment system, a lot more hospitable, like a 7-Series.

As for boot space, it's surprisingly more spacious than the old 5-Series GT by about 110 litres, meaning there's more golf bags and suitcases to fill in for some leisure stuff at the country club and that's a good mark for BMW there.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

The 6-Series GT offers three different engines at launch ranging from the 2.0L turbo to the 3.0L diesel, all mated with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. The most powerful version is the 640i with the 3.0L turbo petrol engine producing 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque. In xDrive spec, it does 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of an electronically limited 250kph. However, if you need more push on the go, there's the 640d with 680Nm of torque from its 3.0L diesel engine and with xDrive standard, you get a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds. Those demanding for efficiency should go for the 630d variant with 4.9 to 5.3L/100km of fuel efficiency based on some standards I don't know about.

What about dynamics? Well, it's pretty decent for a sports saloon and because it has some double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension reminiscent of some twenty-year old Honda Accord from a past, it feels somewhat agile and comfortable every time it handles like what a proper saloon should be. To get the most out of it, the 6-Series GT can be opted with the Adaptive suspension and Executive Drive, giving the ideal balance of comfort and sportiness on the road ahead, which is pretty much surprising for a 5-Series based liftback that stole the name from the coupe version of the 5-Series. Did I said it out loud, huh? And because it features a lightweight bodywork, the weight distribution is rather good indeed.

The dynamics aren't half bad but because it's tech-focused, the driving assists are going to upset your experience if you're a speedo boy because with stuff like Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Parking Assistant, Remote Control Parking, among many others, these tech can intoxicate your experience with the 6-Series GT, well save for the Remote Control Parking because this is very James Bond-ish.

The 6-Series GT starts at 62,300 Euros plus on-road costs and that's more expensive than the G30 5-Series it was based upon. So, what can I say? Although I can be upset about the confusing name, the design, and the pricing, I am impressed about the tech, the interior, and the dynamics that is very promising for a Bimmer and while this car has a love-or-hate attitude, its egoism is what sums this car up the most.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW X3 G01

The previous BMW X3, some say, is like being a village idiot in a family of geniuses because while it has some BMW dynamics on this crossover, it doesn't live up to the expectations of being an ideal Bimmer for all kinds. So, now that the BMW X3 entered its third generation, has the crossover ever learned from its past mistakes and made it even better?

2018 BMW X3

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, your new BMW X3, and while this is basically labeled as the third generation X3, some say it looks and feels almost the same as the previous model. Frankly, it is, sort of, because when you scope closer on the X3's new design, you'll find that the front looks frankly similar to the rest of the BMW SUVs while the back of it looks awkwardly similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a crossover where its little brother, the X1, can take care of. Although awkward to look at, there's a good side that the X3 wasn't as daft as its chief foe, the Audi Q5.

2018 BMW X3 interior

2018 BMW X3 interior

On the inside, there's hardly any improvement at all because it dons the similar BMW interior as seen on the 7-Series and as for the tech, you still get some cool gadgets including the gesture control feature that controls with your gesture. Most people tried it on different Bimmers so the experience will be vaguely similar to this new X3 and apart from that, you can expect Voice Recognition which is hard to master for squeaky-voiced drivers, and Heads Up Display that looks like it's almost never existed. On the plus side, it's surprisingly comfortable and has decent space for goods. Although not bad to be practical, there's a clear hint that the new X3 will remind you of the luxury crossover your Auntie drove every day.

2018 BMW X3

What about dynamics? Has BMW improved the X3 to make it more interesting? Well, with an intelligent lightweight design, the new X3 features a brilliant weight distribution which makes it more interesting than Audi's Q5, adding delight to the drivers who are willing to make their new X3 their everyday car for business and for leisure.

To make sure the new X3 is fully prepared for everything, it's got xDrive that makes it capable to handle any road conditions, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow alike. That sounds nice but sadly, that daft Audi Q5 can mince it in terms of cornering stability and that is a bad mark for BMW there. Apart from xDrive, the new X3 features BMW Personal CoPilot ranging from the improved Active Cruise Control and the Driving Assistant Plus safety package, including Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Assistant, and Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection, and while it sounds nice enough to put some stuff Google's fussing around with self-driving cars, that stuff will drive them mad because these tech features just spoil their driving experience but still, it takes some tough love to get used to those safety features unless they've summoned the new X3 as their courtesy car from their car-sharing service, which is, of course, the enemy of every speedo boys of this generation.

There are so many engines to choose from in the new X3, such as the 2.0L petrol turbo, 2.0L diesel, and 3.0L six-cylinder diesel, but the range-topper of the new X3 is the new M40i variant with the 3.0-liter M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology 6-cylinder inline engine that produces 360PS of power and propels it to a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating crossover in its class. Most of the engines are mated with the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, which is pretty much decent to us.

The new X3 starts at 44,000 Euros plus on-road costs and that makes it more awfully costly than the Audi Q5 but we'd better stick to this one because although not pretty to look at, the new X3 is starting to feel more promising to drive than the Q5, although its characteristics still make it a village idiot in a family of geniuses. Would you like this or not. That's your decision now, ladies and gentlemen.

Photo: BMW AG

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

- Despite plans to label the CPP-NPA-NDF as terrorists, President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday said that government negotiators may still revive the peace process between the two sides given that it is the right time.

- Three individuals reportedly kidnapped by the Maute group were discovered lifeless on Thursday, December 7 in Lanao Del Sur. According to the police, the three males were found with numerous bullet wounds at the border of Piagapo and Balindong towns in Lanao Del Sur

- Sen. Gringo Honasan, chairman of the Committee on National Defense, expressed that if there is a need, based on the recommendation and assessment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, the Senate will support extending the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

- Because of McLaren-Honda's F1 failure in the 2017 season, Honda has called for a change of the engine guard before it switches to supplying engines to Toro Rosso next year, with Yasuke Hasegawa relieved from his post as Head of Formula 1 Project which oversees two roles: to supervise powertrain development at Honda’s research and development facility in Japan, and to direct track-side operations at races and test sessions globally.

- PokeMon GO goes "advanced" as the first wave of Hoenn Pokemon appearing in the AR mobile game in addition to the new Dynamic Weather feature.

- After over three years of aerial dogfights from across the globe, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced that the free-to-play Ace Combat Infinity game for the PlayStation3 will cease on the end of March 2018.


TTFN!!!

Bubble Gang - December 8, 2017 #BGChristmasCarol

On the December 8, 2017 episode of Bubble Gang...

- Christmas carol gags

- The annoying sales agent selling things that doesn't work

- A celebrity's getting sensitive with her image...

- A crime scene investigation takes on a different turn

- The suicide photobomber

- The street rat joke

- Artist plans to start his own fan club

- Saying it with words and gestures

- Basa-basa pik!

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: U.S. officials send mixed signals ahead of Winter Olympics

The White House says the United States is looking forward to taking part of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang and that it has no plans of pulling out of the competition.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has tweeted that the U.S. is looking forward to take part of the Games. However, there was some confusion on the matter, the the American ambassador to the UN saying U.S. participation was an open question that needed to be discussed.

Nikki Haley said in an interview that there were questions surrounding whether or not U.S. athletes would travel to South Korea amid threats from North Korea.

Meanwhile, North Korea is apparently looking forward for talks with Washington as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the reclusive state wants to sit down with the U.S. to seek guarantees on its security.

He was quoted by several sources as passing on that message to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Vienna on Thursday, local time.

The two met on the side lines of a ministerial conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Lavrov said Russia is ready to support North Korea's dialogue with the United States adding that it is willing to help facilitate such negotiations.

Source: Arirang News