A Look Back at X-Men 2099 #21 (1995)

A Look Back at X-Men 2099 #21 (1995)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts, X-Men fans and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the Marvel Comics shared universe through one of the many tales of the X-Men 2099 monthly series.  

If you have been reading a great majority of the Marvel 2099 comic book series of the 1990s, then you should be aware about a notable turning point that saw Doom 2099 taking over as the President of the United States. The comic book Spider-Man 2099 #34 reflected the impact of that turning point and it had this pretty clever way of having Doom 2099 and Spider-Man 2099 (but in civilian form as Miguel O’Hara) getting reunited for the first time since the Fall of the Hammer crossover storyline. The same thing also happened in the X-Men 2099 series and the encounter between Doom 2099 and a few X-Men members was remembered.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men 2099 #21, published by Marvel Comics in 1995 with a story written by John Francis Moore and drawn by Ron Lim.

Cover of X-Men 2099 AD comic book featuring the character Halloween Jack, depicted with green skin, long white hair, and wearing a skull necklace.
The cover.

Early story

The story begins with government propaganda released to the public. It announces the direction that America will go to under the rule of Doom 2099 as US President. It turns out, Doom has been President for days and already a series of changes is happening nationwide. Halloween Jack (who was a fake Loki during the events of the Fall of the Hammer) asks a rhetorical question about Doom. Halloween Jack and Meanstreak meet with Celestia Amberlyn who is the biggest star of the Synge casino and also a close personal friend of Indigo Eshun, the minister of Signal.

Their meeting intensified quickly due to their conflicting agendas. Amberlyn is with the Doom administration while Halloween Jack is defiant towards the new US President. He shows her his new technology called the virtual unreality projector. He tells her that he will overturn the natural laws of physics throughout Las Vegas and replace them with the wildly unpredictable reality of another dimension…  

Quality

A comic book scene featuring a character named Doom, wearing an armored suit and a dramatic cape, standing confidently with arms crossed. The background shows a futuristic setting with a hovering spacecraft and two startled characters observing. Dialogue bubbles express surprise and commentary on Doom's demeanor and armor.
Meanstreak, Krystalin and Halloween Jack witness the arrival of Doom 2099 in Las Vegas.

With Doom’s influence as US President felt a lot in this comic book, I can say that the storytelling and events here really got wild. Halloween Jack’s machine really caused a very unique kind of chaos on Las Vegas and his insanity here reminds me a lot about the Joker of DC Comics. After working a lot on making Halloween Jack’s insane agenda happen, Meanstreak finally realizes his errors and decides to take action before total disaster happens. That said, Meanstreak’s old self is back complete with recalling his rightful place with the X-Men.

As stated earlier, Doom has impact on the story and it is truly an expressive portrayal of what he could achieve with the power of the US Presidency. Doom clearly has plans for America and he has his own vision about establishing order and this comic book clearly dramatizes it. On face value, it looks like Doom’s short appearance in this comic book is just for show but I can assure you that he has an action-packed response to Halloween Jack’s insane operation on Las Vegas.  

Conclusion

A comic book panel featuring a character with brown hair and a blue costume discussing the consequences of altering reality, surrounded by other characters who appear concerned. The scene includes dynamic action effects and colorful visual elements like coins and light bursts.
Finally, Meanstreak realizes the wrong things he committed and has decided to take action before total disaster happens.

X-Men 2099 #21 (1995) is indeed a wild tale that concluded with purpose. Not only does it reunite Meanstreak with a teammate, it also sets that direction towards the inevitable reuniting of the futuristic X-Men. The wild turn of events here is balanced with the good amount of details and character development implemented by the Moore-Lim duo. Doom’s presence here really shook things up and the impact on the city of Las Vegas has to be seen.

Overall, X-Men 2099 #21 (1995) is recommended.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

$1.5 Billion Obamacare Waste Targeted by Trump Administration

$1.5 Billion Obamacare Waste Targeted by Trump Administration

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Remember back in 2009 when then US President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats made a lot of promises that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) – AKA Obamacare – would be very helpful to many Americans in a variety of ways? Believe it or not, Obamacare itself has fraudulent transactions and it cost taxpayers a lot of money that went to waste. That said, the Trump administration eliminated a lot of subsidies for multiple dead or duplicate enrollees which resulted in saving taxpayers roughly $1.5 billion, according to a news report by Newsmax. This development is the latest in the administration’s ongoing efforts to fight fraud, waste and federal program abuses.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…

The Trump administration has eliminated Obamacare subsidies for 189,000 duplicate or deceased enrollees, a crackdown on improper government healthcare payments projected to save taxpayers approximately $1.5 billion over the next year, federal officials announced Wednesday.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said the action follows the discovery of people receiving taxpayer-subsidized Affordable Care Act coverage despite already having Medicare, Medicaid, or Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage, as well as individuals listed as deceased.

The latest findings are part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in federal health care programs after the Biden administration suspended routine eligibility checks for four years.

“When it comes to program integrity, the Biden Administration was sleeping on the job,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said in a CMS release.

“They paused looking for duplicate Medicaid and Obamacare coverage for four years, creating a backlog of hundreds of thousands of duplicate enrollments.“

According to CMS, the Biden administration halted periodic Medicaid and Obamacare enrollment checks between 2021 and 2024, allowing hundreds of thousands of potentially improper duplicate enrollments to accumulate.

Trump restored the verification process in 2025, when CMS ended duplicate Obamacare subsidies for approximately 551,000 people already covered by Medicaid.

The administration saved nearly $4.4 billion through those efforts last year, according to the Daily Wire.

“We’ve already saved nearly $6 billion, and we will continue to work hard to restore taxpayers’ confidence that the programs they fund are spending their hard-earned dollars wisely and efficiently,” Oz said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that protecting taxpayer resources helps preserve healthcare coverage for Americans who genuinely need assistance.

“Americans overwhelmingly support protecting access to healthcare for vulnerable Americans, but taxpayers shouldn’t pay twice for the same coverage,” Kennedy said.

CMS said individuals flagged for duplicate coverage receive notice and have 30 days to dispute the findings before their Obamacare subsidies are terminated.

Those affected may also appeal afterward or demonstrate that their Medicaid or CHIP coverage is ending to regain eligibility for subsidies. Similar safeguards apply when federal records incorrectly identify someone as deceased.

The Daily Wire reported that improper enrollments sometimes involve applicants misrepresenting their income or unscrupulous insurance brokers enrolling Americans without their knowledge.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you feeling glad that the US President Donald Trump and his administration are actively fighting fraud and taxpayers’ funds waste? What do you hope would be changed within Obamacare itself while Trump is still in office? Do you think there are illegal immigrants who could be receiving Obamacare benefits?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Wanted Chinese National Arrested in Parañaque City Over Human Trafficking Activities Connected with POGO Operations

Wanted Chinese National Arrested in Parañaque City Over Human Trafficking Activities Connected with POGO Operations

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, local law enforcers arrested a Chinese national who is wanted for human trafficking activities connected with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) operations, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

Chinese national Huang Mingmin, who is wanted for alleged human trafficking activities linked to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) operations in Central Luzon, was arrested by authorities on 9 October 2026.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said the operation was conducted with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–National Capital Region Regional Field Unit (CIDG-NCR-RFU) at the K1 Center Building in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The PAOCC said sustained surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts led authorities to the location where Huang was reportedly hiding.

Huang allegedly used multiple aliases, including “Yang Bin,” “Sy Wang” and “A Bao,” to conceal his identity and evade authorities.

According to the PAOCC, Huang had also established a presence in the local business sector, acquiring real properties and fishing vessels on Jomalig Island and maintaining business interests in several establishments in Quezon province, including Mother’s Wonderland and Sea Horizon Resort, where he was reportedly identified as an owner or stockholder.

Further investigation allegedly linked Huang to Chinese nationals who facilitated and supported illegal POGO operations in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga. Authorities said his alleged connections to individuals involved in the operations warranted further investigation into his role.

Court records also identify “Yang Bin,” one of Huang’s reported aliases, among the persons in control of premises covered by Search Warrant No. 41M-M-2024, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 81 in Malolos City, Bulacan, in connection with an alleged violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, or serious illegal detention.

The alias was also listed in Search Warrant No. 42-M-2024 in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

Meanwhile, the alias “A Bao” was listed among the accused with arrest warrants in cases arising from joint anti-POGO operations against Lucky South Pampanga 99 and Whirlwind in Porac, Pampanga.

The case involves qualified trafficking in persons under Criminal Case No. R-PSG-25-01737-CR, pending before the Regional Trial Court Branch 157 in Pasig City.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you convinced that Chinese nationals who committed crime and maintained activities with POGOs are currently present in the city? Are there many Chinese nationals living within your local community now? Do you think POGOs are causing scamming and human trafficking in Parañaque?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Government to Bring Vaccines to Public Schools

Las Piñas City Government to Bring Vaccines to Public Schools

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a school-based vaccination drive was launched and the City Government confirmed it will bring immunization vaccines straight to the public schools, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor April Aguilar attended the launch which was attended by a few hundred local students.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Nearly 300 pupils joined the launch of a school-based vaccination drive in Las Piñas City as the local government seeks to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Mayor April Aguilar said the Bakuna Eskwela 2026 program will bring immunization services directly to public schools, making it easier for eligible students to receive free vaccines without having to visit health facilities separately.

The vaccination drive was launched at Las Piñas Elementary School Central, with activities scheduled to continue in public schools across the city from October to December.

The program covers vaccines against measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria, as well as human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause certain types of cancer.

Aguilar said bringing vaccination services into schools provides a convenient way for children to access protection against preventable illnesses, while helping parents ensure their children receive the recommended immunizations.

The City Health Office, in coordination with the Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development and the Schools Division Office of Las Piñas, is implementing the program with the assistance of school administrators and health workers.

City health personnel and school officials are encouraging eligible students to participate in the vaccination drive.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful to the City Government for the direct distribution of vaccines to public schools? Did many young students in your local community attend the vaccination drive?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Earns Special Citation in 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards

Muntinlupa City Earns Special Citation in 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards

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Muntinlupa City added another prestigious honor to its record of achievements as it was cited by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in the 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa City has been recognized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in the 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards, its second consecutive distinction.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon accepted the recognition after Muntinlupa placed in the top five of the City Level 1A category.

“Proud to share another nakakaproud feat of our City Government, Muntinlupeños!,” Biazon said.

He noted that this year’s honor mirrors the city’s achievement last year.

“Isang malaking tagumpay ito na nagpapakita ng commitment natin sa transparent governance, streamlined services, at pagbuo ng isang thriving environment para sa investors at MSMEs (This is a major achievement that demonstrates our commitment to transparent governance, streamlined services, and creating a thriving environment for investors and MSMEs),” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted that your city was cited again in the Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards? Did you create any new businesses within Muntinlupa over the past twelve months? Do you consider Muntinlupa City ready for big-time foreign investment?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

License of Parañaque City Government Employee Suspended for 90 Days by LTO

License of Parañaque City Government Employee Suspended for 90 Days by LTO

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An employee of the City Government of Parañaque became the subject of allegations of aggressive driving and the harassment of a motorcycle rider. That said, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended the employee’s driver’s license for ninety days and issued him a show cause order, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on a driver linked to a local government unit in Parañaque City following allegations of aggressive driving and harassment of a female motorcycle rider.

The LTO issued a show cause order Tuesday, 13 October, directing the vehicle’s registered owner and designated driver to explain their involvement in the incident.

According to the complainant, the driver repeatedly sounded the vehicle’s horn and flashed its high-beam headlights while following her from Don Bosco to Annex 42 in Parañaque.

The driver also allegedly made several attempts to overtake the motorcycle by entering the opposite lane, prompting oncoming motorists to sound their horns.

“Based on the video, the vehicle’s logo and the ID lace worn by the driver can also be seen, indicating that the driver is a government employee,” the LTO said.

The agency ordered the registered owner and driver to appear before its Intelligence and Investigation Division at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on 21 October. Both were directed to submit sworn explanations and supporting documents addressing the allegations.

The LTO also ordered the driver to surrender their license immediately and placed the vehicle under alarm status.

The driver could be declared an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle, which may result in license suspension or revocation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more arrogant drivers currently employed by the City Government? Do you think the City Government has been neglectful on disciplining its employees? Have you personally ever encountered any abusive or arrogant employee of the City Government of Parañaque?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Philippines to Purchase up to 200,000 MT of American Rice Annually

Philippines to Purchase up to 200,000 MT of American Rice Annually

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In its ongoing efforts to ensure reliable supply of staple food as well as food security in general, the Philippines will be purchasing up to 200,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from the United States on an annual basis, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.  

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines is set to purchase up to 200,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from the United States (US) per year, as the world’s largest rice importer looks to expand its sources to reinforce domestic supply of the household staple.

The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with USA Rice Federation on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to restore US rice shipments to the Philippines.

Under the MOU, PRISM members are encouraged to consider the US as a viable source of their rice, with purchases conducted through open tenders and by working directly with members of USA Rice.

The agreement covers the purchase of 100,000 MT of American rice by next year, before doubling to 200,000 MT per year starting in 2028.

PRISM said it will now work with USA Rice, its members, and the government to facilitate this impending trade flow in a “timely manner.”

The US has historically been one of the major rice suppliers of the Philippines, supporting the country’s food security efforts from the 1960s to 1980s.

This partnership went up a notch from 1997 to 2007, as the US ramped up its shipments of rice to the country, largely through its partnership with state-run National Food Authority (NFA).

USA Rice president and chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Bachmann said the partnership with PRISM intends to bring this trade relationship back into the spotlight, especially following the enactment of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

RTL, which liberalized the country’s rice trade policy by removing quantitative restrictions (QR) on imports, is seen to make US rice more commercially viable than before.

“Rice has a historic role as a part of the US-Philippine relationship so I was happy to sign this agreement here that recognizes our history and moves our industries forward,” said Bachmann. He added that the MOU will provide American farmers and millers with an important market at a time when the US rice industry is in need of viable markets.

The agreement comes as the Philippines works on expanding its buffer stock of rice ahead of a projected decline in production due to the impact of a strong El Niño, which is expected to persist through next year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel earlier said that the government is working to maintain about 75 days of rice supply to ensure food sufficiency and counter the projected losses in rice output of around 700,000 MT.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Could you tell if the rice grain you have right now was imported from the United States? Do you constantly look for American rice grain whenever you visit the local markets to buy rice? How does American rice compare with those from Vietnam, Thailand and Japan?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 158

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 158

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Welcome back my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching.

Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Major League (1990) movie reaction videos – When it comes to American sports, I am not really a fan of baseball. That said, I was not too interested with Major League Baseball (MLB). Strangely enough, the 1989 comedy film Major League – which I saw on home video in 1990 – turned out to be entertaining to watch and it became a hot rental in our local community here in the Philippines. As such, American sports movies about baseball became more interesting to see just as cable TV became more common locally. Some film buffs still consider Major League the most entertaining of them all. To find out how much impact Major League has on YouTubers, watch the selected reaction videos below.

#2 The history of TwinBee – Decades ago, I played TwinBee on the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) with my friends. It was a fun-filled, vertical-scrolling 2D shooter that had this cute visual design and it was unexpectedly challenging to complete. What I never played, however, was the original arcade game of TwinBee which Konami released way back in 1985. To find out who were the creators behind TwinBee, how its development happened and how it became a game franchise, watch the video below.

#3 Nostalgic food alley in central Tokyo – If you have ever visited Tokyo before, were you able to eat at specific places that had a lot of history within? There is this nostalgic food alley in the central part of Tokyo. Having seen the Nippon TV video below, the featured food alley is indeed very interesting and the food offered to customers is captivating to see. I wish I had dined there the last time I visited Japan. Watch and learn from the video below.              

#4 The Road to the Temple Mount Revealed – In 2023, I visited Israel with my local church on a pilgrimage tour that lasted twelve days, and it was during the last five days when we stayed in Jerusalem. During our tour of Pool of Siloam (where a man-born-blind got healed and gained sight because he followed Lord Jesus’ instructions) we reached one end of the place which turned out to be the entrance leading to the ancient pilgrimage road leading to the Temple Mount. Back then, it was closed but we all saw what it looked like. In recent times, a lot of progress was made on the restoration of the ancient pilgrimage road (the very road where Jews hiked coming from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount) and CBN News has an in-depth feature of it in their video below. I encourage you all to watch it.     

#5 From Mahane Yehuda Market to Jaffa Gate – During the one and only day-off of our 2023 Israel pilgrimage tour, I marched all the way to the Temple Mount and other holy sites inside the Old City of Jerusalem to spend quality time with the Lord. After visiting the grave of Oskar Schindler, I marched all the way back to the modern part of Jerusalem with the Mahane Yehuda market as the final destination. That said, the video of Jerusalem Walker posted below is nostalgic to me as I had two visits to Mahane Yehuda. The only thing was that I have not yet experienced spending time at Mahane Yehuda on a Friday which is often full of people as the Jews prepared themselves for the night before Shabbat. The video below is a must-see.

#6 You, Me and the Movies reacts to The Fly (1958) – Like most moviegoers, I saw the 1986 version of The Fly without seeing the original 1958 version. Of course, the original The Fly was released long before I was even born and it was still very challenging to see it on home video, UFH TV, cable TV and DVD or Blu-ray. I eventually saw The Fly (1958) on local TV back in the 1990s but it did not engage me enough to complete it. That said, watching reaction videos of it was a more suitable way of seeing it and I can say that I enjoyed You, Me and the Movies’ reaction video of it is entertaining.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Malaysia Attracts Almost 29 Million Foreign Tourists in First 8 Months of 2026

Malaysia Attracts Almost 29 Million Foreign Tourists in First 8 Months of 2026

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Malaysia is unsurprisingly the top tourist destination of Southeast Asia as it successfully attracted almost 29 million foreign tourists during the first eight months of 2026, according to a news article by VnExpress. Having attracted over 42 million foreign tourists last year, Malaysia is aiming for 47 million this year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Malaysia’s tourism sector continues to show positive momentum, recording 28.8 million international visitors from January to August this year, up 1.8% year on year and retaining its crown as Southeast Asia’s most visited country.

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General (Promotion) Mohd Akbal Setia said the strong performance reflects Malaysia’s continued appeal as a tourism destination and underscores the importance of strengthening international tourism partnerships, The Sun Malaysia reported.

Mohd Akbal said tourism is an important economic driver, contributing more than 15% to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP), with its benefits extending across the tourism value chain to support businesses and livelihoods, from hotels and e-hailing services to local artisans and family-run restaurants, Malay Mail reported.

Thailand, traditionally the region’s favorite, ranked second after welcoming 20.93 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, down 3.08% from the same period last year, Bangkok Post reported.

Vietnam followed Thailand with nearly 16 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2026, increasing 14.4% from the same period in 2025 and equivalent to 63.6% of the full-year target, according to the General Statistics Office.

Malaysia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s tourism bright spots in recent years, supported by flexible visa policies and infrastructure improvements.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you have visited Malaysia over the past six months, what do you think makes it a very attractive destination for tourists from around the world? Do you think Malaysia has enough momentum to achieve its target of 47 million foreign tourists by the end of the year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Five Drug Suspects Arrested in Las Piñas City, Shabu Worth P714,000 Seized

Five Drug Suspects Arrested in Las Piñas City, Shabu Worth P714,000 Seized

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers successfully pulled off a buy-bust operation that resulted in five drug suspects arrested and the seizure of shabu worth P714,000, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune report. Some parts in boldface…

Five drug suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City on Saturday night, 3 October.

The operation was conducted at about 7:17 p.m. in Barangay Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City by operatives of the Southern Police District’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU-SPD), in coordination with Las Piñas City Police Station’s Sub-Station 1.

Nabbed during the operation were alias Maymay, 55, identified as a high-value pusher, and four other suspects who were identified as street-level pushers.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 105 grams of suspected shabu, with a standard drug price of P714,000, consisting of eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets, along with buy-bust money, one white envelope, and one Android mobile phone.

The arrested suspects were brought to the DDEU-SPD Office for documentation and preparation of the appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful to the local police for apprehending the suspects and seizing the large amount of shabu? Is drug addiction a serious problem in your local community right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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