Let's Do The News! (November 23, 2024)

               

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

- The PBBM administration delivered P352 million worth of aid to Cagayan Valley, which was damaged extensively by successive typhoons.

- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Department of Labor and Employment to take a proactive approach to canceling the employment permits of foreign POGO workers in the Philippines.

- The Presidential Security Command has raised its security protocol following Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte's threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

- Storm Bert hits the United Kingdom, bringing amber warnings for snow and ice as well as strong winds and heavy rain.

- Alba Hurup Larsen represents Tommy Hilfiger for the 2025 F1 Academy season. Larsen won the 2023 FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars program and has already made her single-seater debut, scoring points in the Indian F4 Championship this year.

- The Friends of Laguna Seca and A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC today jointly announced that the Management Agreement between the parties will terminate at the end of 2024.

- Manthey Racing offers a new aero package for the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 RS that delivers over one ton of downforce.

- Aikatsu Academy! web series adds new member Taimu Rindou. Her debut appearance will be on the November 30th, 2024 episode.

- A woman who accused Irish martial arts fighter Conor McGregor of raping her in 2018 won a claim for damages in a civil case

- Sean "Diddy" Combs' bail decision will be carried out next week.

TTFN.

My GT7 Log: 992 vs 992

The 911 Turbo S and the 911 GT3 RS, in their 992 glory, are yours to drive in Gran Turismo 7. With both variants present, it's time to find out who the King of 911 is.

Starting with the 911 GT3 RS (992), the one that popped up from last year's Gran Turismo movie where Jann Mardenborough drove one at the Nurburgring to recover himself from his on-track accident that nearly cost his life.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track toy that transforms into an extreme track toy at the push of a button. It has a styling identical to the normal 992 911 GT3. Still, it features front aero bars and air outlets at the front and rear fenders, an adjustable active diffuser, and a swan neck-mounted rear wing with an F1-style Drag Reduction System that allows it to be positioned flat at the touch of a button. The naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that powers it has a 15PS power hike compared to the normal 911 GT3, resulting in a 525PS power output and 465Nm of torque output. Mated exclusively to a 7-speed PDK, it has a 0-100kph time of 3.2 seconds, .2 seconds less than the normal GT3, and flat out in 296km/h, 22km/h slower than the normal GT3. Thanks to its extensive carbon fiber usage, courtesy of the Weissach Package, the 911 GT3 RS weighs 1,450 kg.

Now, let's talk about the 911 Turbo S, the flagship variant of the 992-spec Porsche 911.

The all-new 911 Turbo S is a supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

Now that I know about the two best 992 911 variants, the Turbo and the GT3 RS, it's time to pit these two on a one-lap attack around the Red Bull Ring.

That being said, the 911 Turbo S, with its power output and 4WD system, can deliver a power-packed punch through the straights. But in corners, the 911 GT3 RS, in Weissach package configuration, shines through. The question is, which 992 is the pure alpha? Let's roll the tape.

And now the results...

Porsche 911 Turbo S (992) '20 - 1m41.254s

Porsche 911 GT3 RS '22 - 1m42.381s

The 911 Turbo S won by a hair over the 911 GT3 RS, which is a track-oriented car.

For eight generations, the 911 is Porsche's signature rear-engined rear-wheel-drive coupe that offers unique styling and spartan driving manners. Whether it's the power-packed 911 Turbo S or the track-oriented 911 GT3 RS, the capabilities as a sports car are what made the Porsche 911 a European superpower in its own right.

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Duke GP

 

Remember this one? This is the 991-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R from Forza Horizon 5's Apex All-Stars DLC Pack. A 991.2-spec 911-based race car made to comply with GT3-class regulations.

Fast forward to the 992 era of the Porsche 911 and here's the GT3 R of today. Yes, this is the current version of the 911 GT3 R racer and I obtained it from the Horizon Track Day's Dry Season Playlist. So, what's it all about the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R?

The new-generation Porsche 911 GT3 R, based on the 992 model, is an evolved version of Porsche's proven GT3 racing competitor that adheres to international GT3 racing regulations. It features a 4.2-liter engine, producing approximately 565 horsepower, and is paired with a six-speed sequential dog-type transmission. The car has a weight of around 1,250 kg, depending on the Balance of Performance.

The 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R has achieved victories across various GT3-class racing championships, including IMSA, DTM, WEC, and others.

To see how much improvement the 992 version of the 911 GT3 R gained from its 991 predecessor, I went to the Stadium to do some work. Some of you say that I'm going to conduct this experiment around the oval and I say I'm not, because...

Because I'm using the Winter Wonderland Circuit to demonstrate the 911 GT3R's capabilities. Let's roll the tape...

And now the results...

991 GT3R - 59.810s

992 GT3R - 59.276s

This is what I call a "close shave". Even with the added power from its increased engine size, it's too close to call compared to its predecessor. 

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is an evolution of the 991 GT3 R. It has a bigger engine and more power, but it's only marginally faster around the track, I presume.

From the Thomas Preining affair to our favorite IMSA dinosaurs Rexy and Roxy, and the Manthey PureRxing crew that got their first WEC LMGT3 title, the 992 version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is proven to be a global winner in its own right.

The Duke of Stuttgart has been crowned. Go Beat The Duke if you can.

Let's Do The News! (November 22, 2024)

              

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

- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano scolded Health Secretary Ted Herbosa during the PH Department of Health's budget deliberation in plenary regarding the lack of action on the closed health centers and lying-in clinics in the ten EMBO barangays that were declared part of Taguig City.

- The four officials of the Office of the Vice President who continue to appear in the hearings of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability regarding the alleged irregular spending of confidential funds may face criminal charges and be jailed.

- US President-Elect Donald Trump named Florida's former top lawyer Pam Bondi as Attorney-General after Matt Gaetz withdraws.

- Russian leader Vladimir Putin says the country was hit by Ukraine with a new type of missile, days after Ukraine used Western-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia.

- Simone White dies after suspected methanol poisoning thought to have killed four others in Laos.

- The ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif.

- DS Automobiles teases its upcoming coupe SUV with 750km range.

- Jaguar teases its concept car set for its December unveiling, the first to don the new logo.

- Courtney Crone signs with Haas and ART Grand Prix for the 2025 F1 Academy season.

- An auction for Power Rangers props raked a total of 3.3 million US Dollars, topped off by the Cosmic Blaster prop from the franchise's last series, Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, for $87,500.

- The King of Prism franchise has been green-lit for its next project.

- The St. Petersburg City Council reversed course on whether to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark, initially voting narrowly for approval and hours later changing course.

- Singer Regine Velasquez receives an apology over the MYX Music Awards billing issue.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (November 21, 2024)

             

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

- The Department of Foreign Affairs and the PH Department of Justice released a statement clarifying the return of Mary Jane Veloso in the Philippines. The conditions for the transfer of Veloso are still being discussed with Indonesia.

- The PH Senate aims to end the POGO probe by November 26th.

- Parts of 11 national roads at Regions 2, 3, and CAR remained inaccessible due to the effects from the recent typhoons, according to the DPWH.

- The AFP confirms the presence of American soldiers in Palawan.

- John Prescott, the UK deputy prime minister for a decade in Tony Blair's Labour government, passed away at the age of 86.

- Ukraine has confirmed the use of UK-sourced Storm Shadow missiles against targets inside Russia for the first time.

- A survivor advocate says the scale of Mohamed Al Fayed's sexual abuse could be similar to Jimmy Savile's.

- The Ofwat says a 195K pound bouns for the boss of the troubled British utility company Thames Water should not be paid for by customers.

- NASCAR will race at a new COTA layout for the 2025 season.

- Mercedes-AMG confirms participation in the FIA WEC's LMGT3 class with Iron Lynx.

- Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ 9 EV crossover.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

- The Mitsuoka M55 hatchback has been unveiled. It's based on the Honda Civic RS with the 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine mated to a 6-speed MT. Only 100 units of the launch edition, called the Zero Edition, will be made, costing 8,085,000 Yen. Those who are randomly chosen via lottery will be eligible for purchase.

2025 Mitsuoka M55

- Sazae-san extends its Guinness World Record for the longest animated show in 55 years.

- Disney's Twisted Wonderland anime will have a three-series run.

- Comedian Kim Byung Man was cleared of charges filed by his ex-wife.

- A former University of Virginia student pleaded guilty Wednesday to fatally shooting three football players and wounding two other students on the Charlottesville campus in 2022.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (November 20 2024)

            

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

- Three beaches in Negros Oriental are safe from red tide, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

- The sixth hearing of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability focuses on the questionable use of funds, especially confidential funds, by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte.

- The PH Supreme Court annulled the resolution of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that allowed the replacement of the nominees of the party-list group P3PWD.

- 12 out of 13 power plants affected by Typhoon Pepito are resuming operations, according to the PH Department of Energy.

- US President Joe Biden approves the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine for use on its own territory in a move seen as attempting to slow Russia's advance. Recently, the US has confirmed Ukraine used American-supplied missiles on Russian targets.

- Jaguar unveils its new logo as it ramps up its relaunch.

The new Jaguar logo

- NFS Unbound's Volume 9 was announced and online this November 26th, featuring the NFS-first playable motorbike, two additional vehicles, new Extraction multiplayer mode, and more.

- The lineup for the 2024 NHK Kohaku Song Contest is announced. For the second time this year, no Starto Entertainment talents are present.

- Bandai's pla-model kit prices will sharply rise this April 2025.

- Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has decided to leave HYBE.

- Netflix's original reality series Physical: 100 is gearing up for its third season.

- The NFL has "no issue" with its players incorporating the "Trump dance" into their on-field celebrations.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: Runner vs. Hunters

Back in the Hidden Horizons update, Forza Horizon 5 introduced its ongoing players to a rather unique game called Hide and Seek. How does this new mini-game work? Let's talk about it.

Forza Horizon 5's Hide and Seek is a 5v1 mini-game where five players will be the Seekers and one player will be the Hider. Think of it like the Runner from Running Man up against the Hunters from Run For Money. Get it? I love Running Man and Run For Money, and this mini-game is everything you want to make a run for it.

The Hider is tasked to stay hidden from the Seeker rivals until the End Zone is active. With the End Zone on, the Hider must race towards it and win. The Hider is provided with a Chase Breaker power-up that can jam Seeker foes and render you invisible. You can only use it when the Seekers are too close to your vicinity and it takes time to recharge before you can use it again.

The Seekers are tasked with hunting down the Hider and staying close. They win if the Seekers' Detection Meter is full before time runs out or the Hider reaches the End Zone. the Seekers are provided with the Ping power-up that detects a nearby Hider. If you believe the suspected traffic car is the Hider, activate the Ping and the Hider will be marked briefly. Like the Hider's Chase Breaker, it takes time to recharge before you can use it again.

The Hider is provided with the choice of four traffic cars:

• 2012 Jeep Wrangler
• 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
• 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2018 Mercedes X Class

The Seekers are provided with various vehicles such as:

• 2016 BMW M4 GTS
• 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG
• 2015 Audi RS6
• 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR
• 2021 Ford Bronco
• 2017 Nissan GT-R (R35)
• 2016 Ariel Nomad
• 2004 SUBARU Impreza WRX STi
• 1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16

The Hide and Seek Car List will be updated as expected in future updates. Anyway, there are 17 badges to collect as well as 10 in-game Accolades and 5 Achievements with a total of 130 Gamerscores. Long story short.

Further reading:

• https://forza.net/news/forza-horizon-5-hidden-horizons
• https://forza.net/news/forza-horizon-5-back-to-the-90s

Of course, if you are busy with the Hide and Seek Accolades, there's one worth noticing if you are busing filling the in-game Garage; Dedication to the Cause. Reach a 20-game non-stop streak in Hide and Seek, win or lose, and you'll be granted the keys to the Ford Bronco Raptor. First introduced as a Prize Car in October 2023's Dia De Muertos update, it's now an Accolade Car.

It's amazing that the majority of Seekers use the Bronco because of its off-road capability, which makes it worthy of hunting down Hiders.

Anyway, that's how you enjoy Horizon Hide and Seek in Forza Horizon 5. Are you a Runner or a Hunter? Play this thrilling Horizon minigame and find out.