Thursday, June 16, 2022

UKRAINE CONFLICT: 6/16/2022

                      

The latest in the ongoing Ukraine conflict:

COVID-19 SITUATION: 6/16/2022

                                                                                

The latest in the ongoing COVID-19 situation:

  • Let LGUs decide on outdoor mask rule – Concepcion
  • DILG taps legal team to ensure LGUs toe national gov’t line on face masks'
  • DOJ chief suggests compromise on face mask dispute
  • India records 12,213 new daily cases of COVID-19
  • US starts shipping vaccines for children to Nepal, Mongolia
  • VNL: 8 Thailand players test positive for COVID-19, replacements arrive in Manila

Let's Do The News! (June 16, 2022)

                      

Your daily round-up of today's news:

- The chief of the Philippine National Police draws flak over his stance on rallies.

- The PHAPI recommends Ted Herbosa as the next chief of the PH Department of Health.

- US President Joe Biden targets conversion therapy and transgender bans in his Pride Month order.

- Slovenia will remove the wire fence on the border with Croatia.

- The US issues new warnings on "forever chemicals" in drinking waters.

- Peugeot will reveal the 408 this June 22nd.

- Polestar teases their upcoming 4 coupe utility vehicle.

- The movie adaptation of the Gran Turismo franchise will hit theaters this mid-2023, according to reports.

- Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final saw the Colorado Avalanche draw first blood after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning at the score of 4-3.

- The WWE is reportedly investigating the $3M hush deal by Vince McMahon.

- Actor Kevin Spacey is due in UK court to face sex assault charges.

- Miel Pangilinan came out as queer and received support from her family.

TTFN.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

UKRAINE CONFLICT: 6/15/2022

                     

The latest in the ongoing Ukraine conflict:

COVID-19 SITUATION: 6/15/2022

                                                                               

The latest in the ongoing COVID-19 situation:

  • IATF's rule on face mask prevails over local ordinance — Guevarra
  • Covid-19 vaccination of children aged 5 and below to complete PH's immunization coverage – VEP
  • Año, Garcia word war erupts on face mask policy in Cebu
  • Canada lifts Covid vaccine mandate for domestic, outbound travel
  • DOH recommends: Wear face mask until end of 2022
  • China's middle class looks to flee as COVID-19 policies bite
  • Employers' group does not see possibility of raising Alert Level 2 in NCR
  • Mick Jagger quarantines with COVID-19, second Rolling Stones show scrapped
  • Hugh Jackman tests positive for COVID, pulls out of "Music Man" shows

Let's Do The News! (June 15, 2022)

                     

Your daily round-up of today's news:

- The Philippines and the United States are cooperating to ensure inclusivity in schools.

- Philippine Vice President-elect Sara Duterte bares highlights of her June 19 oath-taking in Davao City.

- Outgoing senator Richard Gordon urged the victims of the Mt. Bulusan eruption to recall lessons from the 1991 Pinatubo eruption.

- Senator Bong Go hailed the creation of the National Academy of Sports.

- Hong Kong's Jumbo Floating Restaurant was towed away after half a century.

- The World Health Organization will assess if monkeypox is an international health emergency.

- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made his unannounced Qatar visit.

- Switzerland closes its airspace after a computer glitch.

- Skoda unveiled the Fabia RS Rally2 which will compete in the Rally2 class in both WRC and European Rally Championship.

- Mini teases its electric crossover which previews the brand's new design language. It will be revealed at the end of July.

- BTS will take hiatus as a group as members will pursue solo projects.

- Amber Heard comments about online "hate and vitriol" targeted against her during the Johnny Depp trial.

TTFN.

Mercedes-Benz EQE

Think of the first-ever EQE as a mini-me EQS that has been shrunk down to E-Class sizing but promises to be as good as its big brother. Time to uncover this theory about Mercedes's newest luxury electric sedan.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE

The first-ever Mercedes EQE, priced at 70,627 Euros plus additional costs, is basically a miniaturized version of the EQS because when you observe its design, it really is an EQS that was shrunk to E-Class sizing. That's how German luxury carmakers roll these days and this new model is no exception, no doubt about it. Despite being smaller than the EQS, the EQE is surprisingly stylish and functional at the same time, although it looks as round as an egg when you squirt your eyes hard.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE interior

When you talk about the interior, the EQE's dashboard can be configured in two ways; a tall touchscreen that works like a Tesla or the super-sized touchscreen that occupies the entire dashboard which is known as the MBUX Hyperscreen. Either way, they're both challenging to understand for speedo boys behind the wheel because of touchscreens. Troublesome the touchscreens are, not to mention the fact that no existing USB connectors are compatible because it works with USB-C ones instead of normal USBs, the spacing is where the EQE made an impression because it's surprisingly roomier than today's E-Class, even though the rear seats don't have fancy bits and bobs that ultra-luxury cars possess. The boot space is good for 430L, mind you.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE

At launch, the EQE 350+ is rear-wheel-drive as standard, and it's powered by an EM0027 electric motor that produces 292PS of power and 565Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds and has a limited top speed of 210kph, which is quick enough, no doubt about it. As for range, the EQE 350+ is good for 639km on one full charge and when plugged into a public charging station, it will take about 32 minutes to reach 80% capacity.

Despite being rear-wheel-drive and its ultra-sophisticated suspension setup available, the bulk of its electric powertrain gave the EQE a mild driving feel. Although not too exciting to drive, it feels somewhat civilized and cozy to drive on a day-by-day basis. You can truly whistle while your boss is napping in the back seat.

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 43
2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 43

Those who want more should consider the pumped-up Mercedes-AMG EQE 43. While using the same 91kWh battery pack as the normal EQE, the additional electric motor gave it 4WD capability, meaning the powertrain has been boosted to 476PS of power and 858Nm of torque, this means it can go from 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds while the top speed is still 210kph. The range for this thing is good for 532km in one full charge. Despite its AMG dynamics and its 4WD layout, it still has a mild driving feel.

Keeping up with the new normal, the EQE features a high level of passive and active safety including a new microsleep warning from the ATTENTION ASSIST which detects driver drowsiness. Of course, there are plenty of high-tech safety features speedo boys may end up running scared but who cares about it.

So, the EQE may be more of a mini-me EQS but it works like it, almost. Like it or not, this new electric sedan from Mercedes deserves a lot of attention, and the world's itching to drive one someday.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG