THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Top aide to North Korean leader lands in Singapore as summit preparations continue

A top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Singapore on Monday, according to reports, the latest indication that the once-cancelled summit with US President Donald Trump is pushing through.

The White House said a “pre-advance” team was traveling to Singapore to meet with North Koreans.

The reports indicate that planning for the historic summit, initially scheduled for June 12, is moving ahead after Trump called it off last week. A day later, Trump said he had reconsidered, and officials from both countries were meeting to work out details.

In a flurry of diplomacy over the weekend, Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a surprise meeting on Saturday at the border village of Panmunjom, during which they agreed the North Korea-U.S. summit must be held.

Moon said Monday there could be more impromptu talks between the two Koreas in the lead-up to the summit.

And on Sunday, the U.S. State Department said American and North Korean officials had met at Panmunjom.

North Korea defends its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against perceived aggression by the United States, which keeps 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

It has long said it is open to eventually giving up its nuclear arsenal if the United States withdraws its troops from South Korea and ends its “nuclear umbrella” alliance with Seoul.

Source: Reuters

Let's Do The News! (May 29, 2018)

- Yesterday, the Senate passes resolution honoring the bravery, sacrifice and heroism of the men and women in uniform who defended and maintained peace and order in Marawi City during the bloody Marawi siege late last year. The resolution said it was only fitting to remember the brave soldiers for their heroic task that prevented the takeover by the terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.

- The Bureau of Internal Revenue has joined the list of government agencies using social media in its tax information platform. In signing Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 40-2018, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said institutionalizing the bureau’s social media pages supplement the existing website in disseminating tax information.

- President Rodrigo Duterte seeks update on the Vice President poll recount.

- The United States and China clashed at the World Trade Organization over US President Donald Trump's claims that China steals American ideas, the subject of two lawsuits and a White House plan to slap huge punitive tariffs on Chinese goods.

- South Korean Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon said on Tuesday the government will designate five key shipbuilding centers on the country’s south coast as “industry crisis” zones eligible for economic support.

- Lawmakers in the European Union approved a far-reaching proposal calling for greater scrutiny of foreign investments, part of a bid to respond to a flurry of Chinese acquisitions in the European Union. Parliament’s international trade committee voted overwhelmingly to extend the list of “critical sectors” that would trigger European Union scrutiny, and to oblige the European Commission and EU countries to act.

- Yemeni troops are advancing on the rebel-held Hodeida.

- The Malaysian government scrapped plans to build a high-speed rail link with Singapore, according to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Mahathir, the 92-year-old who triumphed in a general election this month, has made it a priority to cut the national debt and pledged to review big projects agreed by his predecessor that he says are expensive and have no financial benefit.

- The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets at Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers for the historic fourth time in the NBA Finals.

- Over 50 million Mazdas were manufactured in Japan.

- Nissan joins the one-off bandwagon with their open-air Leaf concept.

Nissan Leaf Open Air Concept

- The Yo-Kai Watch Elder from Yo-Kai Watch Shadowside is now a toy made by Bandai. Arriving at toy stores this July for 5,400 Yen (around 3,000 Php) plus tax and delivery, the Yo-Kai Watch Elder toy comes with the Jibanyan ark to insert.

DX Yo-Kai Watch Elder

TTFN!!!

2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Coca-Cola 600

After the Indy boys made Indianapolis roared like lions, the NASCAR boys returned to Charlotte Motor Speedway for what was known to be the longest race in NASCAR history, the Coca-Cola 600. Before the race starts, NASCAR pays tribute to all the men and women in service, making this Memorial Day weekend very special for everyone. After their tribute to all the homeland heroes, the longest night begins.

In the middle of this longest race night, Austin Dillon noticed some tire problems on his car on Lap 37, slowing his car down. In Lap 83, Kevin Harvick collided with the wall and turned his car into a firework display, therefore he's out. In Lap 114, William Byron hit the wall hard and then, in lap 120, disaster. Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano skidded their cars out on the track but thankfully, no crash involved. In Lap 272, Larson spun out, again, and six laps later, Ryan Blaney's car caught fire.

After one chaotic night at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch is named the winner of the Coca-Cola 600 race of the series. What a Memorial Day weekend it was when we have races like this.

Next race is at Pocono Raceway for the Pocono 400 on the 3rd of June.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: US officials have crossed the border into North Korea

The State Department said US officials have crossed the border into North Korea to continue preparations for a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Department's spokesperson said in a statement the two sides are holding talks in Panmunjom, which sits on the inter-Korean border.

She said "a US delegation is in ongoing talks with North Korean officials at Panmunjom, We continue to prepare for a meeting between the president and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un."

The Washington Post reported the news earlier, saying the US team is led by Ambassador Sung Kim, a former US ambassador to Seoul and former negotiator on North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The North Korean side is led by Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.

Trump and Kim agreed to meet in Singapore June 12 to talk about the denuclearization of the regime but Trump scrapped the summit and North Korea issued a statement that it was still ready to talk with the US at any time. President Trump said the meeting could still take place June 12 as planned.

Source: Arirang News

Let's Do The News! (May 28, 2018)

- Senator Francis Pangilinan called for called for Solicitor General Jose Calida’s resignation over his allegations his family-owned security firm was able to bag several government contracts. The opposition senator said the controversy hounding Calida is in the same vein with what former tourism Wanda Tulfo-Teo did when she approved a P60-million worth of advertisement deals in favor of her brothers’ television production company.

- Two people are injured at a fire that hit the Land Management Bureau office of the DENR in Binondo, Manila, early Monday morning. The fire started at around 12:19 a.m. at the 7th floor of the LMB building in Plaza Cervantes, Binondo, Manila and was raised to 3rd alarm by 12:35 a.m., fire officials from the Manila Fire District said.

- Congress has directed the creation of a technical working group that would iron out the provisions of a bill seeking to require brand owners of beverages to implement management plans to refund values of beverage containers as part of protecting the environment. Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrelitta Suansing, panel chairperson, named PACMAN Rep. Enrico Pineda to head the TWG on House Bill 4922, principally filed by Siquijor Rep. Ramon Rocamora.

- The GR2E Golden Rice completed its third positive food safety evaluation from the US-based Food and Drug Administration, according to the IRRI. The regulatory approval could eventually pave the way for the commercialization of what could be the first nutritionally enhanced genetically modified rice in the world.

- Republican US Senator John Flake criticized the recent "Spygate" scandal over US President Donald Trump as a "diversion tactic" the president’s unsubstantiated allegation last week of an FBI “spy” being planted in his election campaign. Flake's comments put him again at the forefront of very few Republican lawmakers willing to openly challenge Trump over his attacks on law enforcement officials who are investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign.

- After winning Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers are advancing to the NBA Finals.

- Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation's partnership goes on with their possible joint venture projects involving engine development, vehicle production, and distribution.

- Microsoft Studios launched their free-to-play racing game called Miami Street, which features in-game purchases.

- The mother of comedienne, Ruffa Mae Quinto, passed away at the age of 61.

- FPJ's Ang Probinsyano actor Michael De Mesa is now free from Hepatitis C.

TTFN!!!

2018 Verizon IndyCar Series - INDY 500

America has roared to the sound of the biggest oval racing events of the summer. From NASCAR, there was the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is their longest, and from IndyCar, it's this. The 102nd outing of the legendary INDY 500, held at the oval section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Focusing on this race, this year's INDY 500 has been a smorgasbord of disasters and overtakes before only one will emerge victorious in America's fastest oval racing event.

Yes, that race really is a smorgasbord of disasters with the first one on Lap 48 when last year's Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato crashed through James Davidson, ending their race in a pinch. Then, ten laps later, Ed Jones crashed at Turn 2. Another ten laps later, Danica Patrick's career in racing has ended in a crash, which is an unfitting way to end her racing days. In Lap 106, while pitting, Zach Veach's car caught fire but it was extinguished by itself while taking off. Despite his impressive performance, Sebastian Bourdais got crashed at Lap 138. In Lap 146, Helio Castroneves crashed at turn 4, followed by Sage Karam at Lap 154. With 11 laps left, Tony Kanaan, despite his impressive fight for the podium, ended in a crash.

These crashes and a fire mixed with it shows that their newest IndyCar machines built for this oval track were proven to be extremely tricky to master but in the midst of this chaotic race, the race to become 1st place is everybody's game in the Indy 500 race and after 500 miles of disaster at IMS, the Australian-born driver representing Team Penske, Will Power, is named the winner of the 102nd Indy 500 race, with Ed Carpenter placed 2nd, Scott Dixon placed 3rd, Alex Rossi 4th, and Ryan Hunter-Reay 5th.

Highlights:
https://www.indycar.com/Videos/2018/05/05-27-Indy500-Race-Remix

With the Indy 500 well and truly over, the verizon IndyCar Series returns to Detriot for a double-part Chevrolet Dual in Detroit race with the first part on June 2nd and the second part on the 3rd of June.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177

The most accessible and least expensive Mercedes-Benz ever made, the A-Class, is now on its fourth-generation, and this latest regeneration caters the new generation of drivers with its new take on its design, interior, performance, and tech, all in one brand new package designed and developed for city folks in mind. So, let's get to know more about the brand new A-Class in a different angle.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Starting from the design, the new A-Class can be either refreshing or revolting, whatever it maybe because while this is basically an improvement over the previous model, the new front face can be sometimes a bit disappointing because of the shape of the headlamps reminded us of the facelifted Ford Mustang a while back. On the back, it looks auspiciously similar to the old Kia K3 Euro hatchback so by the bottomline, the new design is somewhat too decent, compared to the old one it replaces.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior

Disappointing the new exterior it maybe, the interior is a complete contrast of it and surprisingly, the dashboard has a clear reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG Project One concept, just to give what is like to be in such futuristic interior that will be the backdrop for future Mercedes cars and that's just the beginning because starting with the new A-Class, the MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) is introduced, giving added productivity to your driving pleasure such as internet connectivity, navigation, communication, even taking charge of its safety tech as well. Sounds innovative but flattering if you're in a mood for fiddling with the fancy toys before setting off. You'd really wish you want to toy around with its MBUX for a long shot but once driven, you don't got the time to do that.

Anyway, while the dashboard is something to toy around, creature comforts are not bad in this car, especially when it has decent space at the back for everyone around you as well as the boot space big enough to fit your groceries. Also, the ambient lighting's more colorful than ever because it now features 64 colors and while ambient lighting is pretty cool, it can be too showy for luxury car standards.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Moving to performance, the new A-Class starts with a choice of a two turbocharged petrol engines (1.4L and 2.0L) and a 1.5L diesel engine. All of these engines are new but since Germany is not happy about diesel-powered cars because of you-know-what, focus directs to the petrol and since the 2.0L is the top dog of the range, let's talk this one first because in this engine, it produces 224PS of power, 350Nm of torque, and mated to a 7G-DCT that resulted to a 0-100kph time of 6.2 seconds and an electronically limited to 250kph. That's hot hatch territory in a not-so-hot car and feels like it's all right.

In terms of dynamics, the new A-Class promises to be a more improved ride compared to the previous ride and it was, sort of. The front axle boasts MacPherson struts and forged wishbones while the rear axle can be either come with a torsion beam axle for cheaper variants or a four-link rear suspension for more expensive models. More underneath, the handlebars and cast wheels are made of aluminum, an electric rack and pinion steering, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, aluminum spring links, and so on, resulting for a more agile, yet comfortable ride that works rather well when you simmer it down a little so don't rush it off.

Decent its driving feel it can be, the new A-Class promises to be the safest A-Class ever made and that is bad news for speedo boys everywhere because it inherits the high safety standard driving assistance systems from the S-Class, capable of doing semi-autonomous driving in different situations and if that wasn't enough, the available Driving Assistance package adds more such as Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blond Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and much more. With a plethora of safety tech in store, speedo boys won't be happy with the tech provided by this new model but a Regular Joe can enjoy a peace of mind driving this car with confidence.

Should you buy one? The new A-Class starts at 30,232 Euros (1,900,000Php plus tax) and while more pricey than the previous model, it's still the least expensive Mercedes-Benz to start with. So, with the pricing, the decent performance, and the high-tech interior are the upsides of the new car, the exterior design and too much tech can be a real downer for the new model. As a city car made for urban lifestyles, the new A-Class is the kind of compact that keeps on smiling even in the world dominated by softroaders or fake-uvs and with everything in store for this little hatchback, it's definitely up for a new kind of challenge.

Photo: Daimler AG