United States of America – Author Carlo Carrasco

Remember Trump With Xbox and PlayStation?

December 19, 2025December 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Long before the birth of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and his incredible 2016 US Presidential Election victory, Donald Trump made his presence felt in video games.

I am talking about Trump’s participation in a short video that was presented during the Xbox conference of the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The video was a parody of Trump’s popular show The Apprentice in which he appeared in a business meeting with the executives of Team Xbox (the real-life Robbie Bach, J Allard and Peter Moore) and Team PlayStation (with actors playing the PlayStation executives).

Back in 2004, as I was anticipating online media coverage of that year’s E3, I visited one particular Xbox website which streamed the said Trump-Xbox-PlayStation video and even offered a downloadable version for Windows media. I downloaded the video, watched it and was delighted ultimately. For your viewing pleasure, posted is a direct-feed video of from the This Week In Gaming YouTube channel.

Next, I posted below for you all another video that is slightly longer, was recorded off-screen at the Xbox conference, and has the live audience reactions that you should listen to. Watch the video below.

Is the 2004 video (titled “The Novice”) entertaining? For me it still is fun to watch again and it is one of the more memorable moves Xbox executed at the E3 (which today no longer exists). It is intriguing and entertaining to see Trump at the center of the video about the console war between Microsoft and Sony at the time.

As an entertainment piece of history, The Novice video is a reminder about how exciting console gaming was back in 2004 (note: intense competition between console makers was the standard of the time) when compared to what happened in recent times. Xbox gaming this year has been disappointing considering the following developments that happened: 50% price hike on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service, Xbox Series consoles price hikes, thousands of game developers laid off, the sudden cancellation of unreleased Xbox games, and Team Xbox directed by Microsoft to go full multiplatform with their own games (examples: Gears of War: Reloaded and Forza Horizon 5 got released on PlayStation 5).

Over at the side of PlayStation, Sony itself was embarrassed with its over-budgeted and poorly made game Concord. Concord is easily one of the most expensive flops in the history of video games.

Indeed, a lot has changed since 2004. Trump is now on his 2^nd term as President of the United States solving the nation’s many problems while tackling several matters happening overseas. Sony and Microsoft are still active in the video games industry in different ways and they are still having their respective consoles manufactured outside of America. Console gaming nowadays is getting too expensive.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you find Donald Trump’s participation in the 2004 video with Xbox and PlayStation entertaining to watch? Were you a constant viewer of The Apprentice? Do you own a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console?

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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 @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Announces $1,776 Christmas Bonus For American Troops

December 19, 2025December 18, 2025carlocarrasco

I believe that every nation has to reward its armed forces in return for the extensive services they rendered for the citizens and the government throughout the year. Just today, I learned via a Newsmax news report that US President Donald Trump announced that every active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces will receive a Christmas bonus worth $1,776 – called the Warrior Dividend – and already the checks are on their way to them (1.45 million service members).

Before proceeding with the news and details, let me remind you all that Christmas is all about Lord Jesus, and never about the character called Santa Claus. Lord Jesus is our Savior and the Hope of ALL nations! Wherever you are, celebrate Christmas with your family remembering Lord Jesus and living on with His peace. All the praise, honor and thanks to the Lord!

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

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that every active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces will receive a $1,776 Christmas bonus, unveiling what he called the “Warrior Dividend” during a nationally televised prime-time address from the White House.

Trump said the one-time payment would go to roughly 1.45 million service members and is already being distributed, with checks scheduled to arrive before Christmas. The amount, Trump said, was deliberately chosen to honor America’s founding in 1776. That’s just ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, to be celebrate (throughout) the coming year.

“I am also proud to announce that 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special — we call Warrior Dividend — before Christmas, a Warrior Dividend in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776,” Trump said during the address, which was carried live by Newsmax from the White House Diplomatic Room.

“We are sending every soldier $1,776. The checks are already on the way,” Trump said. “Nobody deserves it more than our military. And I say congratulations to everybody.”

The Warrior Dividend emerged as a highlight of Trump’s year-end prime-time address, which the White House framed as a review of economic gains and fiscal changes achieved during his second term and promised gains in the (coming) years of the president’s second term. The speech focused heavily on revenue growth, job creation, and what Trump described as a reshaping of federal finances.

Trump tied the military bonus directly to increased government revenue generated through tariffs and recent legislation, arguing that stronger trade enforcement and changes in economic policy produced results that exceeded projections.

“We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs, and the bill helped us along,” Trump said.

The president cast the dividend as both a tangible reward and a symbolic gesture, presenting it as recognition of service members’ sacrifices while reinforcing claims of economic revival. Trump said the payment reflects an administration that prioritizes military families and uses economic strength to deliver direct benefits rather than expanding federal debt.

The prime-time address marked Trump’s final nationally televised speech of the year and served as a capstone to a broader messaging effort focused on economic performance. Trump used the speech to highlight tariff revenue, domestic manufacturing investment, and wage growth, arguing that those factors allowed the administration to deliver what he described as meaningful, immediate relief.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find the Warrior Dividend a nice bonus for the active members of the United States Armed Forces? Are you looking forward to the 250^th Independence Day of the America? What are your current feelings or opinions about the US Armed Forces 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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Trump Administration Weighs Hitting UNRWA With Terrorism Sanctions

December 12, 2025December 11, 2025carlocarrasco

I want to make things very clear here…the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWA) is a very twisted agency of the United Nations (UN) working in close partnership with Palestinian terrorists. It pretends to be providing relief and human development of Palestinian refugees when, in fact, it empowers Islamic terrorists. The wickedness of UNRWA is so clear and obvious, it is not surprising that officials of the Trump administration are already discussing hitting the agency with terrorism-related sanctions, according to a Newsmax news report.

Before examining the Newsmax report, you can learn first many details about UNRWA by watching the YouTube videos posted below. Pay close attention to the details.

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

Trump administration officials have held advanced discussions on hitting U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA with terrorism-related sanctions, said two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, prompting serious legal and humanitarian concerns inside the State Department.

The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to millions of Palestinians.

Top U.N. officials and the U.N. Security Council have described UNRWA as the backbone of the aid response in Gaza, where the two-year war between Israel and Palestinian terrorist group Hamas unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe.

The Trump administration, however, has accused the agency of links with Hamas, allegations UNRWA has vigorously disputed.

Washington was long UNRWA’s biggest donor, but halted funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff of taking part in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack that triggered the war in Gaza. Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and kidnapped another 251 people to Gaza.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio then accused the agency in October this year of becoming “a subsidiary of Hamas,” which the U.S. designated as a terrorist organization in 1997.

It was not immediately clear if current U.S. discussions were focused on sanctioning the entire agency – or just specific UNRWA officials or parts of its operation, and U.S. officials do not appear to have settled on the precise type of sanctions they would deploy against UNRWA.

The possibilities that State Department officials have discussed include declaring UNRWA a “foreign terrorist organization,” or FTO, the sources said, though it is not clear if that option – which would severely isolate UNRWA financially – is still a serious consideration.

Any blanket move against the entire organization could throw refugee relief efforts into disarray and cripple UNRWA, which is already facing a funding crisis.

Sanctioning UNRWA on terrorism-related grounds would be striking and unusual, as the United States is a member and the host country of the United Nations, which created the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in 1949.

William Deere, director of the UNRWA office in Washington, said the agency would be “disappointed” if U.S. officials were in fact discussing an FTO designation. He said such a move would be “both unprecedented and unwarranted.”

“Since January 2024, four independent entities have investigated UNRWA’s neutrality including the U.S. National Intelligence Council. While occurring at different times and from different perspectives, they have all come to the same conclusion: UNRWA is an indispensable, neutral, humanitarian actor,” Deere said.

In response to a request for comment, a State Department official called UNRWA a “corrupt organization with a proven track record of aiding and abetting terrorists.”

“Everything is on the table,” the official said. “No final decisions have yet been made.”

The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

The State Department and other departments have various sanctioning options at their disposal, which generally allow for asset freezes and travel bans targeted at specific individuals and entities.

An FTO designation would be among the most severe tools available to Washington and such designations are generally reserved for groups who kill civilians, like branches of Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think now is the time for the United States under President Donald Trump’s leadership to make significant moves to dismantle UNRWA on terrorism charges? Do you think the United Nations is lying and getting desperate in protecting UNRWA? Should UNRWA’s presence in the United States be close down? Do you think the evidence proving UNRWA’s links with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas is strong enough to justify sanctioning them?

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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Trump Administration Rescued Over 62,000 Migrant Children From Human Trafficking

December 10, 2025December 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Illegal immigration is not only problematic for American citizens, it also puts minors into dangerous situations. As America continues to actively solve the illegal immigration crisis, White House border czar confirmed that more than sixty-two thousand migrant children were rescued by the Trump administration from human trafficking, according to a news report by Newsmax.

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

White House border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration has rescued more than 62,000 migrant children from human trafficking.

“Over half a million children were smuggled into this country under Joe Biden. They lost track of 300,000,” Homan said Sunday on “Fox & Friends.”

Homan was referring to a Department of Homeland Security inspector general report that found nearly 291,000 unaccompanied minors had not yet been issued immigration court notices as of May 2024, and about 32,000 had missed hearings.

The watchdog report did not state that those children were definitively “missing,” but it warned that DHS lacked the tools to reliably track their whereabouts and respond to risks.

Homan described President Donald Trump’s second-term response as immediate and aggressive.

“President Trump committed on day one that we will do everything we can to find every one of these children,” Homan said.

Federal agencies launched joint operations to locate kids released to sponsors who never followed up, disappeared from contact, or were flagged for potential criminal exploitation.

DHS has also said it uncovered a backlog of tens of thousands of neglected child-safety leads and restarted investigations into suspect sponsors.

“We know many of them are in sex trafficking. Many are in forced labor. Many are being abused,” Homan added, saying investigators have found children working in dangerous jobs and being sold for sex.

He declined to share details about particular cases. “I can’t discuss some of the mistreatment we found out about.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think that more migrant children will be rescued from human trafficking as the Trump administration and its federal agents keep on solving the many problems related to illegal immigration? Do you think the administration of the failed US President Joe Biden neglected to anticipate the risks on migrant children as they allowed illegal immigration to worsen? Do you think the previous administration conspired with human traffickers and other organizations who added to the illegal immigration problem of the United States?

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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A Look Back at Spider-Man #4 (1990)

December 5, 2025November 30, 2025carlocarrasco

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 and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the early 1990s and explore a part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Spider-Man monthly series.

Having reviewed the first three issues of the Spider-Man monthly series written and drawn by Todd McFarlane (click here, here and here), I can say that the 5-part Torment storyline has a daring concept, adulterated imagery and clunky storytelling. Issues #2 and #3 saw Spider-Man in violent battles with the Lizard who is clearly not himself but under the control of the Haitian witch Calypso. It is inevitable Spider-Man, who has been in a long-lasting disadvantage so far, will somehow meet Calypso face to face.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man #4, published in 1990 by Marvel Comics with a story written and drawn by Todd McFarlane. This is the 4th chapter of the Torment storyline.

Early story

The story begins in a dirty alley deep within New York City. An exhausted and disoriented Spider-Man is shocked to see a grotesque looking Kraven with the vicious Lizard beside him. The moment made him remember what happened as a result of his previous with Kraven (note: refer to the Kraven’s Last Hunt storyline) which includes him getting buried temporarily with a grave designated to him.

Eventually Spider-Man sees through the illusion and realizes that Kraven is not in front of him but Calypso with the Lizard still under her full control. With an unspoken command from Calypso, the Lizard moves towards the weakened Spidey and carries him bodily…

Quality

*This portrayal of Mary Jane having a good time again in the city without her husband is clearly filler and it did not add anything to the plot.*

As anticipated, the webslinger finally met the Haitian witch who had been controlling the Lizard all along. With a mostly slow pace, the story has Spider-Man being helpless in the presence of two powerful enemies and McFarlane stylishly dramatizes moments from Calypso’s past showing her acceptance of evil ways (witchcraft), her personal connection with Kraven and her desire to have a new sacrifice done.

With Spider-Man restrained a lot for most of the story, it was not surprising to see Calypso have a good share of the spotlight to herself and the Lizard is clearly portrayed as her enforcer and assistant contrasting what was presented in the first 3 issues.

Unsurprisingly, the storytelling feels choppy although the slow pace allows readers to grasp Calypso’s intentions and her main purpose in the entire storyline. The lack of spectacle allowed McFarlane to implement long segments of suspense mixed with horror. With Spider-Man doing not so much, he’s technically a supporting character symbolizing the reader’s curiosity.

Conclusion

*There is nothing like waking up in the presence of two evil figures while being restrained.*

Compared with the previous, Spider-Man #4 (1990) does not have much to show and has even less entertainment value. Unless you are a die-hard fan of Calypso (so twisted and demonic under McFarlane’s handling), this particular story won’t mean much to Spider-Man faithful. The webslinger is still helpless but this is all part of the build-up for the fifth and final chapter.

In fairness, what was shown here might inspire fans to revisit Kraven’s Last Hunt and read past Spider-Man comic books showing Calypso’s connection with Kraven (note: Spider-Man and Calypso were present in Amazing Spider-Man #209). In my view, this comic book is not terrible but it does not have much entertainment value nor does it have anything engaging to show. I don’t feel so motivated to proceed with issue #5.

Overall, Spider-Man #4 (1990) should be avoided.

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Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City Over Scam Hub

December 5, 2025November 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found a new scam hub inside a condominium unit and arrested a Chinese nation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A Chinese national has been arrested in a reported scam hub in Parañaque City, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said.

In a statement, the NBI identified the foreigner as Li Zhenjie who was arrested last Nov. 21 during the service of a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD) by operatives of the bureau’s Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD). It also said that seized were “devices containing critical social engineering scripts.”

Li has been charged before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office for social engineering schemes in violations of Section 4(b)(1) of Republic Act (RA) No. 12010, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, in relation to RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, it added.

The NBI said its application for the issuance of a search warrant was based on confidential information on “a sophisticated scam operating from a condominium unit in Parañaque City.”

It said the information stated that “the perpetrators were using spoofed contact numbers, impersonating agents of the New Haven Police Department in Connecticut, USA, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington.”

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 a lot more secretive scam operations handled by Chinese nationals within the city? Do you think the suspect could be a spy working for Communist China? What do you think makes Parañaque such an attractive destination for scam operations?

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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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

US Mounts Offensive To Smash China’s Fruit Market Dominance In The Philippines

December 2, 2025December 1, 2025carlocarrasco

Were you able to spot and buy fruits imported from America at the local markets here in the Philippines over the past month? The United States will soon introduce new varieties of fruit to the Philippines in what is seen as a serious effort to break China’s dominance, 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 United States (US) aims to introduce new fruit varieties to the Philippines to boost its share of the import market, which has long been dominated by China.

In a market brief published last week by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), American exporters were urged to introduce innovative fruit varieties to the country to sustain the momentum in apple exports.

The USDA expects exports of fresh fruits to fall by at least seven percent to around $13 million this year from $14 million in 2024.

Despite this, the foreign agency said shipments of apples to the country will grow this year, driven by the popularity of the Ambrosia, Cosmic Crisp, and SugarBee varieties. These varieties were introduced to the Philippine market last year and have since gained traction among consumers.

“Consumers are eager to try new-to-market fruit varieties and share their experiences on social media,” the report read.

The USDA noted that only bananas and papayas are harvested year-round in the country, creating an opportunity for American exporters to fill market gaps year-round.

“The United States is widely recognized for consistently supplying premium-quality fruit, and US exporters are encouraged to leverage this reputation,” it said.

The USDA, citing Philippine government data, expects fresh fruit imports this year to grow by 25 percent to around $400 million, up from $321 million in 2024.

Last year, the US only accounted for a three percent share in the import market. Its main shipments were apples, cherries, grapes, oranges, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, and peaches.

In contrast, China seized 72 percent of the market last year, with its main exports being apples, grapes, mandarins, oranges, and other citrus hybrids.

Also outperforming the US were South Africa and Australia with market shares of nine percent and eight percent, respectively.

With the exception of South Africa, the USDA noted that the dominance of regional suppliers is a result of better prices, largely driven by lower shipping costs and zero-tariff advantages under free trade agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The Philippines does not have a preferential trade agreement with the United States or South Africa. As a result, MFN (most-favored-nation) tariff rates apply to fresh fruit imports from both countries,” the report read.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you buy any fruits in the local market that were imported from the United States of America? Does the name or image of US President Donald Trump influence your decisions on buying American fruits locally? Apart from prices, how would you compare American fruits with the ones from China in terms of taste, texture and satisfaction?

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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Retro Gaming Ads Blast – Part 37

December 1, 2025November 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!

In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads – including arcade flyers – from the 1970s to the 1990s.

For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers, posters and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.

With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…

1. Cabal Japanese arcade flyer/poster

*Can you feel the action and intensity here?*

When it was first released in video arcades in Japan in late 1988, Cabal was another game inspired by military action movies of Hollywood which explains the art work done for the arcade flyer and poster shown above. The Vietnam War was still fresh in people’s minds and the concept of having one or two players firing their weapons against enemy soldiers resonated with gamers who saw Hollywood’s military action flicks. That said, it is not surprising that Cabal became a huge hit in Japan before getting released in arcades around the world.

2. Willows Japanese arcade flyer

Remember the 1988 high fantasy adventure film Willow? That film was produced by George Lucas and was a bold new production of Lucasfilm shifting away from Star Wars. Believe it or not, an official arcade game adaptation of Willow was made by Capcom and they promoted it by having images of Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis on the front of the arcade flyer (opposite the illustrated versions of their characters). The game, which was a side-scrolling platform game with run-and-gun elements, went on to be an arcade hit in Japan and eventually pleased gamers worldwide.

3. Super Punch-Out!! North American print ad

Historically, Nintendo’s Punch-Out!! series started in the arcade in 1984 and the first game was the result of the company’s effort to make a new game using arcade cabinets with two screens. The 2^nd game – Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! – became a huge critical and commercial hit (over 2 million copies sold in 1988) on console and it made great business sense for Nintendo for release another Punch-Out!! for its console gamers to enjoy in the comfort of home. In 1994, Super Punch-Out!! was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America and to promote it, the company came up with a hilarious 2-page ad that showed fictional high school graduates with boxing-related injuries. The imagery creatively connected with the words “biggest Punch-Out ever” and “Graduating Class of ‘94”.

4. EA Sports 3-in-1 SNES games print ad

In 1994, Electronic Arts (EA) released their sports games NBA Live 95, NHL 95 and Madden NFL 95 for consoles at the time. Even though the Sega Genesis sold better than Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America at the time, EA went on to aggressively market their 3 sports video games on Nintendo’s console using a 3-in-1 games print ad. In retrospect, the SNES for the most part had better graphics and sounds than the Genesis which is reflected clearly on EA Sports games of the time. This print ad still looks fun and exciting.

5. Atari Jaguar CD print ad

*Were you able to play any game on the Atari Jaguar with the CD add-on included?*

Apart from the obvious advances of technology that impacted video games, the 1990s is also known for the rise of CD-ROM as a medium for gaming. In an effort to boost sales of the Atari Jaguar console (launched in America in 1993 for around $250) and capitalize on the trust of the fans and console owners, Atari launched a CD-ROM add-on device for about $150 in 1995. To promote it, the company went aggressive with the 2-page ad showing the add-on fully connected on top of the main console, showing off some games and posting a text description emphasizing hardware power and the advantages that come with the CD technology. Even in the captured image, the Atari Jaguar CD still resembled a toilet. This is an aggressive ad campaign that failed as less than 20,000 Atari Jaguar CD units were sold by the time it was discontinued in 1996.

6. 3DO print ad

*While it lacks intensity, this 3DO ad emphasized the games.*

Without showing any hardware, the 3DO Company came up with this 2-page print ad that had a slightly adulterated tone (look at the left page) and aggressively marketed the 3DO console games available at the time. Games like Demolition Man, Shock Wave, Road Rash and Super Street Fighter II Turbo were the standout titles which clearly showed the company made the effort to emphasize gaming more than multimedia features. This 1990s ad tackled the generations with a touch of humor.

7. Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters Sega Genesis print ad

When Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters was released in the arcades in 1994, it became a commercial success for Konami which went on to announce it would port the game to consoles of Nintendo and Sega at the time. While the port for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was never released, Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters made its way to the Sega Genesis and Sega CD. The print ad of the Sega Genesis version (Sega CD mentioned in small text) had an inspired design emphasizing the Old West, shooting and the conflict between cowboys and Indians. The screenshots gave people the clear idea that Old West was the setting (versus modern day in the previous game). This is still fun to look at.

8. Syphon Filter

*Syphon Filter went on to become a surprise hit game in 1999.*

In 1999, Sony’s 989 Studios released Syphon Filter exclusively on the PlayStation console. This single-page print ad showed a few screenshots on the bottom and several action snippets with a night vision touch ultimately emphasizing the stealth aspect within the gameplay. The marketing proved to be effective as the game sold a lot at retail and went on to establish a new game franchise exclusive to PlayStation consoles.

9. Parasite Eve II Japanese print ad

*Were you a big fan of Aya Brea and the Parasite Eve franchise in the late 1990s?*

Following the critical and commercial success of Parasite Eve in 1998, SquareSoft proceeded with Parasite Eve II and the production (note: initially for a spin-off game before becoming a sequel) did not even involve the main creators of the first game. Instead the company had a different team of developers – including those who previously worked on Resident Evil games for Capcom – in Osaka to make the sequel. This explains why Parasite Eve II had stronger survival horror gameplay resembling a Resident Evil game. As major changes were made during the production, it was decided that Aya Brea would become the main protagonist and already the character was already popular with gamers. That being said, the marketing of Parasite Eve II for the Japanese market heavily featured Aya Brea with subtle sexiness, beauty and action in mind. The marketing intensified leading to its eventual December 16, 1999 release in Japan.

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Trump To Officially Declare The Muslim Brotherhood A Terrorist Organization

November 25, 2025November 24, 2025carlocarrasco

In a new move against worldly evil and Islamic terrorism, United States President Donald Trump revealed his intention to officially declare the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization and already the final documents are being prepared behind the scenes, according to a news report by Newsmax.

For starters, watch below the related news video from Sky News Australia.

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

President Donald Trump told Just The News on Sunday that he will designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.

Trump said “final documents are being drawn” and that “it will be done in the strongest and most powerful terms.“

Trump has weighed such a move since his first administration. The Muslim Brotherhood — an Islamist movement founded in Egypt almost a century ago with chapters, political parties, and affiliated groups around the world — has long been accused by critics of fueling extremism and destabilizing the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for his plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror group, The Jerusalem Post reported.

“I commend President Trump for outlawing the Muslim Brotherhood,” he said. “This is an organization that endangers stability in the Middle East and beyond. That is why the State of Israel has outlawed parts of the organization and will continue to do so.“

Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott designated both the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as “foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations,” according to Just The News.

Republicans in the House and the Senate, as well as some Democrats, have urged the State Department to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support Trump’s move to officially declare the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization? Are you aware of the Muslim-majority nations that officially opposed the Muslim Brotherhood? Were there Islamists who intimidated you or invaded your local community over the past six months?

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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Trump Launches America Prays Initiative As Nation’s 250th Anniversary Approaches

November 20, 2025November 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Let it be clear to all that without God, none of us would exist. We live in a world with so many twisted values, unholy acts and wrongful beliefs that cause many people to be separated from the Lord and live on with evil. Since the triumphant return of Donald Trump as President of the United States, the nation has been recovering from the unholiness and twisted changes that dominated the term of the failed predecessor Joe Biden. Apart from suppressing illegal immigration and ending anti-Christian practices in government, the Trump administration is moving America closer to God by launching the America Prays initiative, according to a news report by Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).

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

As America nears the 250th anniversary of its founding, President Trump wants the nation to recognize its dependence on God. He’s launched “America Prays,” an initiative emphasizing the enduring role of faith in the country’s identity.

“America was founded on faith, as we know, and I’ve been saying it for a long time. And when faith gets weaker, our country seems to get weaker. When faith gets stronger, as it is right now, we’re having a very good period of time,” he said.

Throughout his second term, President Trump has made clear his belief that America needs God. In that spirit, he has established the White House Faith Office, Task Force on Anti-Christian Bias, and Religious Liberty Commission.

White House Cabinet meetings begin with prayer, and now the president is urging Americans to extend that practice nationwide.

“We’re dealing, as you know, with all of the, different and not just, evangelicals and Christians. We’ve we’re dealing with lots of different faiths, religions. And I’ve felt for a long time that, you know… if a country doesn’t have religion, doesn’t have faith, doesn’t have God, it’s going to be very hard to be a good country,” Trump said.

The White House is encouraging people to form prayer groups, pray daily over specific issues, and participate in online prayer communities.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Dr. Ben Carson, co-chair of the Religious Liberty Commission, support the President’s call.

“We all believe just that we’re called for a time such as this,” Secretary Rollins said. “We all believe that we’re fighting for the soul of America but also, fighting for what is good and right, and fighting for our God. And so this president’s next step of having prayer and services as a part of that, as we celebrate America at 250, I’m just so proud to be a part of this team every single day.”

The “America Prays” initiative involves a wide range of churches, ministries, and organizations, and it partners with digital platforms such as Pray.com.

“We are complex beings. We’re not just a physical aspect. There’s a mental aspect and a spiritual aspect. It makes us different from other creatures. And we need to recognize that in all of our policies,” Dr. Carson said. “And remember that America didn’t become great by accident. It was because of the policies, the Judeo-Christian values that we live by. And look what’s happened as we begin to throw those things away. Instead of ‘love your neighbor,’ it’s ‘cancel your neighbor.’ And those are not good things. So, it’s good to have a government that actually realizes that.”

President Trump describes America Prays as an invitation for all to unite in prayer for the nation’s strength, peace, and prosperity.

Now watch the related news video of CBN News below.

It is indeed a miracle that Trump returned as US President because America drifted away from God and moved towards evil during the four years of Biden who openly supported abortion, LGBTQ ideology, critical race theory and other beliefs of the Satanic Left. Wokeness infected US governance under Biden and his Democrat henchmen and witches.

With the America Prays initiative, the United States has the strong opportunity to return to the Lord and remember the Judeo-Christian values the nation was founded with. Atheists, secularists, political correctness zealots, the woke mob and other people who hate the Lord and Israel can shout all the want but America truly belongs to the Lord and without His guiding light, the nation and its families will deteriorate.

The light of Lord Jesus is shining right now and there is still time for the lost and unsaved people to stop living evil and submit themselves to Him wholeheartedly. Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations and through Him, people will truly become the children of God and become part of His Kingdom. America Prays is not a dictatorial move but an initiative that opens opportunities for people to move towards the Lord.

Let me ending this post by sharing the bible verses below. For your faith in the Lord and the opportunity to free yourselves from evil.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

Psalm 33:12 (NKJV)

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:27 (AMPC)

Again God said to him, Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God].

And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock;

The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.

Genesis 35:10-12 (AMPC)

You shall have the same law for the sojourner among you as for one of your own nationality, for I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 24:22 (AMPC)

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 (AMPC)

Jesus answered and said to him,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 (NKJV)

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

John 14:27 (AMPC)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you decided to spend time on the America Prays initiative launched by the Trump administration?

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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