Let's Do The News! (September 10, 2024)

                

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte says only two people hold sway over the government budget: House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Rep. Elizaldy Co, chairperson of the powerful House appropriations committee. In a letter to the Speaker, Duterte says she has already submitted the OVP's budget plan and defers "entirely" to the House Appropriations Committee on the OVP's proposed 2025 budget.

- Residents within the 4km permanent danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon have been evacuated by the local government of Canlaon City. Classes are suspended in schools in the permanent danger zone of the Kanlaon volcano due to volcano-tectonic earthquakes.

- A Facebook post went viral where Yoda, an aspin, was not allowed into a 'pet-friendly restaurant' in Tagaytay because of his size and alleged breed. The restaurant Balay Dako released a statement about the viral Facebook post saying that they do not allow the dog Yoda to enter their restaurant due to its size and alleged breed. 

- Princess of Wales Kate says in her video message that she has completed chemotherapy treatment and has a renewed "appreciation of life".

- Jailed movie producer Harvey Weinstein rushed to the hospital from prison for an emergency heart surgery.

- Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16, built for Apple Intelligence. The new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 were also unveiled. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and AirPods Max come in fresh new colors. The AirPods Pro 2 will be available this fall and will include hearing health features.

- Hoonigan filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to eliminate its $1.2 billion debt. Operations will continue as usual during the restructuring and all unsecured creditors will be paid. The company expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in two months.

- Dodge showcased its Hornet R/T FX1-X concept powered by a 1085bhp electric powertrain with a 0-60mph time of just 1.4 seconds and generates 2G of force.

Dodge Hornet R/T FX1-X Concept

- Na Ha Eun has left SM Entertainment and signed with a new agency.

- Jang Gyuri signs with Namoo Actors.

- A new civil lawsuit filed in Houston accuses Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and battery in October 2020, when he was a member of the Houston Texans.

- WWE Raw reverts back to two hours this October. The change is part of its short-term extension with USA Network before the show is set to make its big move to Netflix on January 6th, 2025.

- Veteran actor James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93. Jones is legendary for the voice of Darth Vader from Star Wars and Mufasa from Disney's The Lion King, among others.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: Scene Stealer!

When the Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ were launched in 2021, they were expected to be the stars of the show. However, the Japanese arrival of the Chevrolet Corvette C8 stole their thunder and went on to win Japan's Performance Car of the Year award. Why?

That's an interesting but silly question. Why did the C8 Corvette win the award that was supposed to be for the second-generation ToyoBaru twin coupes? Before that, let's have a quick re-introduction of these cars.

The Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ were unveiled in 2021. They are built on an improved version of the signature platform, with upgraded suspension and chassis for better cornering and traction. The flat-4 engine has been increased from 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in more horsepower and torque.

The eighth-generation Corvette is no longer the Corvette the world knows. For the first time in its history, it's been morphed into a mid-engined supercar, a move that displeased most Corvette purists. Being the first production mid-engined car from General Motors, the C8 Corvette is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine with 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque. Mated to a Corvette-first 8-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and flat-out in 312kph. It features a brand-new Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which reads the road every millisecond and adapts in about 10 to 15 milliseconds, as well as double wishbone suspension with height adjustable capability.

The Chevrolet C8 Corvette defeated the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 to become the 2021-2022 Japan Performance Car of the Year, the first for an American-made car to win the title.

With Horizon Mexico's smallest circuit track set in the town of Guanajuato becoming my laboratory, the second-generation ToyoBaru coupe twins joined forces to battle against the C8 Corvette. The question is, will they beat the mid-engined American monster machine? Let's roll the tape.

And here are the results...

BRZ ZD8 - 1m00.077s

GR86 - 59.526s

C8 Corvette - 55.005s

The C8 Corvette massively defeated the second-generation ToyoBaru twin coupes with such margins. It's no wonder the Japanese motoring press turned their faces away from them in favor of the Corvette.

Despite being defeated by the Chevrolet C8 Corvette in the title of 2021 Japan's Performance Car of the Year Award, both the GR86 and the BRZ are still one of the best sports cars of the early 2020s because of their affordability, accessible dynamics, and limitless tuning possibilities to turn these reasonably fast cars around. Speaking of which, it's time to reward the ToyoBaru twins for the hard work they've done today. In the spirit of Let's ¡Go!, how about a little Making Drama to spice things up? But first...

The GR86, for the first time in Horizon Mexico, is donning the role of Himitsu no AiPri's main character, Himari Aozora. Suits her personality. As for the BRZ...

My BRZ is donning the role of Himitsu no AiPri's other main character, Mitsuki Hosihkawa. When you look at them, they remind you of the two heroines from "Himitsu no AiPri" who are known for their idol activities across the metaverse. Today is "AiPriVerse Day!"

With the ToyoBaru twins versed in, the GR86 will battle against the competition in a neon-packed EventLab creation called "Neon City Race". At the same time, the BRZ takes on what's known to be an EventLab re-enactment of Malaysia's Genting Highlands, where the mountain roads evoke the drivers' Initial D fantasies. As MC AIMU would say, "AiPriVerse Day!"

Who performed better? Himari or Mitsuki?

The GR86 and BRZ are the fruits of the wonderful collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. These two cars are fit to take on the bold challenges of the Reiwa era. These cars may not live forever in the age of electrification, but the 86 and the BRZ have created an impressive legacy that will be remembered forever for many generations.

Together they stand, united they fall.

Let's Do The News! (September 9, 2024)

               

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos attributes the arrest of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy to the efforts of the police. Last night, Quiboloy surrendered to the AFP and is currently in the custody of the PNP.

- Alice Guo says that she escaped the Philippines through the sea with a yacht. Guo says she does not know who owns the yacht.

- A low-pressure area spotted 1000km east-northeast parts of extreme Northern Luzon has a possibility of becoming a typhoon. According to PAGASA, should it become a typhoon, it will be named Ferdie.

- The DPWH warns that Baguio's Kennon Road is not passable to all vehicles due to erosion.

- Three people were killed in the shooting at the border crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli officials.

- Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez has fled to Spain and the country is granting Gonzalez political asylum.

- Malaysia unveiled its new number plates made for EVs. The EV number plates are Euro-styled embossed designs with the Malaysian flag at the left.

- Appliance maker Sharp showcased its LDK+ electric minivan concept developed in collaboration with Foxconn.

- BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War TV anime's third part airs this October 5th.

- The rights of the Dragon Ball intellectual property remained unresolved following the passing of Akira Toriyama, according to reports.

- MAMAMOO member Hwasa announced her September 19th comeback date.

- Jannik Sinner tops Taylor Fritz to win the US Open, his 2nd major.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Quaker State 400

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are underway, with the first round kicking off at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400. The Final 16 drivers will clash to advance to the Final 12.

Screengrab from NASCAR

As the green flag waved, the first playoff match of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series has officially begun. The first stage saw a fiery incident on Lap 57 when Kyle Larson got loose and hit the outside wall, collecting Chase Briscoe into the mess. 

As Ryan Blaney wins Stage 1 under caution, Stage 2 gets even messy with the caution-triggering debris on Lap 115 followed by Justin Haley getting penalized for blocking and forcing Tyler Reddick below the double white line. 

As Austin Cindric wins Stage 2, the final stage saw John Hunter Nemechek spinning on Lap 176, a multi-car incident on Lap 206 that got Chris Buescher, Ryan Blaney, and Martin Truex Jr. involved, a sign falls off the fence onto the track on Lap 251, and a collision mess between Noah Gragson and playoff contender Harrison Burton on Lap 260 that triggered the overtime.

After a chaotic first fight for the playoffs, Joey Logano earned his spot in the Final 12 as he won the Quaker State 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The fight for the Final 12 continues with the Go Bowling at The Glen this September 15th, 2024.

WRC 2024 - EKO Acropolis Rally Greece

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. The most herculean drivers fought their way through vicious road conditions in the hopes of dominating the so-called "Rally of the Gods".

Friday stages saw Ott Tanak taking advantage of Sebastien Ogier's misery to gain the upper hand until Thierry Neuville charged his way to the lead during Saturday stages and kept it that way. Still, it became a brave weekend for the Hyundai drivers.

Screengrab from WRC

Hyundai delivered a full podium sweep in Greece with Thierry Neuville the winner, Dani Sordo in 2nd place, and Ott Tanak in 3rd.

After Greece, Neuville is in the lead with 192 points while Ott Tanak is in 2nd with 158 points and Sebastien Ogier is in 3rd with 154 points.

The next event on the World Rally Championship schedule is the Rally Chile Bio Bío. It will be held in Concepción from September 26 to 29. Will the Hyundai drivers continue their winning ways?

FIA World RX 2024: World RX of Portugal

The 2024 FIA World RX's "Battle of Technologies" continues in Montalegre for the World RX of Portugal. This is the penultimate venue of the season. With Johan Kristofferson leading, it's going to be smooth sailing for him.

Screengrab from World RX

Kristofferson won the first race, outrunning Niclas Gronholm and nabbing the checkered flag. Kevin Hansen finished in third place. In the final race, Kevin Hansen trumped Kristofferson, while his brother Timmy completed the podium with a third-place finish. 

Will Johan Kristofferson become the champion? Find out in the final event of the 2024 FIA World RX's "Battle of Technologies" season, the first-ever World RX in China this October 19-20, 2024. Don't miss it!

DTM 2024: Sachsenring

Fall is here, and the DTM's 40th anniversary celebration is nearing its climax. The 2024 season continues in Sachsenring, where two rounds of racing action have delivered some unexpected surprises. The end is drawing near.

Screengrab from DTM

Jack Aitken claimed victory in his Emil Frey Racing 296 GT3, but Mirko Bortolotti's second-place finish bumped him to the top of the leaderboards. In the final race, Luca Stolz won ahead of Kelvin van der Linde, while Thierry Vermeulen, driving the Emil Frey Racing 296 GT3, claimed his first podium finish by finishing in third place.

The gap between current season leader Kelvin van der Linde and Mirko Bortolotti is now 13 points, 170 vs. 163. There are four races and two venues left this season. Will Kelvin van der Linde be able to hold on to his lead?

The next event will be in Red Bull Ring this September 26-29, 2024.