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Exciting 2026 Events You Can’t Miss: A Sneak Peek into the New Year’s Groundbreaking Highlights

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This new year is filled with significant events, including the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, the world’s largest sporting event, and an ambitious mission to the moon.

Discover the groundbreaking events set to shape 2026.

Milan Cortina Games

Prepare your skis, snowboards, and skates! The Winter Olympics and Paralympics are just around the corner.

Taking place from February 6th to 22nd in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, the Olympics will showcase international winter sports stars competing for prestigious gold medals.

The opening ceremony will feature TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie and NBC Sports’ Terry Gannon, held at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. Highlighted events will include a parade of nations, lighting of the Olympic cauldron, a performance by Mariah Carey, and an appearance by Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino.

Team USA returns with proud cross-country skiers such as Jesse Diggins, para snowboarder Noah Elliott, freestyle skier Alex Hall, and snowboarder Chloe Kim, all former gold medalists.

The closing ceremony is set for February 22nd, and both ceremonies will be broadcast live on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock.

Watch for the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from March 6th to 14th, featuring six sports including para alpine skiing, para biathlon, and wheelchair curling.

Artemis II Launch

In 2026, NASA will make its grand return to the moon.

Scheduled to launch between February and April, the Artemis II mission will test NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft by sending four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon.

This marks the first crewed flight for the Artemis program, taking astronauts closer to the moon than ever in the past 50 years since the Apollo program concluded.

The mission is particularly critical, given discussions about the need for the U.S. to outpace China in lunar exploration.

A successful Artemis II flight could set the stage for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts at the moon’s south pole, reinforcing America’s leadership in space exploration.

2026 FIFA World Cup

Viva el fútbol!

The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup returns this summer, marking its 23rd edition with a record 48 competitor teams.

The opening match will take place on June 11th at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, with the final scheduled for July 19th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Over the span of a month, 104 matches will unfold, showcasing the strongest teams from around the globe.

The 16 host cities include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico, as well as major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles.

This year, there will be an additional 16 teams competing compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Returning are heavyweights such as Argentina (three-time champions), Brazil (five-time champions), England, Germany, France, Spain, Uruguay, and the U.S., who seek their first championship title.

Several countries will be making their World Cup debuts including Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

As of December, 42 teams have officially qualified, including Mexico, Canada, and several others from around the globe.

The remaining six teams will be determined by March, as they compete in playoffs.

America 250

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

This day symbolizes America’s emergence as an independent nation, embodying vital values of liberty and equality.

Events and initiatives in honor of this milestone are already underway, with many more planned throughout the year.

On New Year’s Day, America 250, a bipartisan initiative created by Congress in 2016, will unveil floats in the Pasadena Rose Parade. The theme is “Moving Forward Together for 250 Years.”

In January 2025, President Trump signed a presidential order to plan events commemorating the anniversary, including a major celebration that transformed the Washington Monument into the “World’s Tallest Birthday Candle.”

Freedom 250 has announced the Great American State Fair on the National Mall from June 25th to July 10th, featuring exhibits from all 50 states.

“This will be an unprecedented event that you’ll never see again,” stated Trump in a video address on December 18th.

The grand celebrations will culminate in a Fourth of July National Unity Celebration on the National Mall, featuring a military flyover, remarks from President Trump, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Additionally, new Patriot Games—a four-day athletic event showcasing top high school athletes from each state—will be held.

Memorial Day parades and a UFC event at the White House are scheduled for Flag Day, which also coincides with Trump’s birthday.

Plans are also in the works for an “Arc de Triomphe” in Washington, D.C., similar to the one in Paris.

Midterm Elections

The 2026 political landscape will be defined by battles for congressional control and crucial gubernatorial elections.

With Republicans holding a slight edge in the House, Democrats are striving to win three additional seats to reclaim leadership amidst ongoing redistricting challenges.

Key gubernatorial races will take place in battleground states including Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin, determining the future of national legislatures alongside major mayoral elections in cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Macquarie Dictionary Highlights ‘AI Slop’ as Word of the Year, Overlooks Ozempic’s Influence

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AI slop has arrived, becoming widespread and increasingly common. Utilized by US President Donald Trump, it has now been designated as the word of the year.

The Macquarie Dictionary has named the term, reflecting typical trends in linguistics as of 2025. A panel of language experts indicated that this recognition captures key social developments over the year.

“As of 2025, we grasp the essence of slop: AI-generated content devoid of significant substance or utility,” the commission’s statement elaborated.


“In recent times, we have evolved into search engineers, sifting through vast data for meaningful insights. Now, we must adapt to become nimble engineers to navigate through AI slops. This term will significantly enrich the English language for years ahead.”

“The pressing question is: Will those who consume and regurgitate this content soon be dubbed AI slackers?”

This term stood in contrast to the finalist list. Other notable cultural terms included: Ozempic face (a condition associated with the drug semaglutide), Blind box (a mystery box of unseen collectibles), ate (and left no crumb) (an expression denoting perfection), and the Roman Empire (a term relating to commonly recurring thoughts and interests).

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Honorable mentions chosen by the committee included “clunker,” describing an AI-operated robot that performs tasks usually done by humans, and medical misogyny, which refers to longstanding prejudices against women in medicine.

The People’s Choice also highlighted areas pertaining to AI, with notable mentions for medical misogyny and the attention economy (where human attention is treated as a valuable commodity).

The committee featured the Macquarie Dictionary editorial team alongside ABC language researcher Tiger Webb and renowned cryptic crossword creator David Astle, widely known as the DA.

Astor noted that this AI slop bears similarities to spam encountered in Sydney Morning Herald articles over the past decade.

“To be precise, AI emerges as the clear frontrunner in the digital landscape,” he stated. “This verb fits snugly into combinations like slopaganda, slop music, and corpse slop, just to name a few.

“Despite the formidable challenges, the robot has triumphed not once, but twice, delivering both cumbersome insults and delectable slops on demand: a culinary metaphor of chaotic content served up on a whim.”

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AI has surged in popularity over the last year, building on its previously high-profile status. Trump frequently posts videos showcasing AI slop to his vast follower base, having been identified as the “emperor” of this genre by The New Yorker earlier this year.

In Japan, the Australian Electoral Commission has cautioned that AI is increasingly employed across various communication channels. While there are advantages, considerable downsides remain, such as deepfake videos, altered media, and forged audio.

Guardian Australia solicited ChatGPT for its opinion regarding AI slop’s recognition as the 2025 word of the year.

“AI slop being honored as Word of the Year signifies a growing awareness of the quality of AI-generated content,” remarked AI Engine. “This trend is beneficial for everyone involved, including the progress of improved AI, as it encourages a focus on transparency and substance over sheer volume.”

ChatGPT expressed that being asked about this accolade serves as a timely reminder of its core mission.

“My purpose is to steer clear of embodying exactly what this term signifies, thus seeing it rise to a cultural landmark reinforces the standards we strive to uphold in our responses.”




Source: www.theguardian.com

Major Revelation: Amazon Web Services Outage Highlights UK Government’s £1.7 Billion Reliance on Tech Giant

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Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy wore a broad smile while meeting Keir Starmer in the gardens of Downing Street to announce a £40bn investment in the UK this past June. Starmer shared his enthusiasm, stating, “equally passionate”. He remarked, “This transaction demonstrates that our transformation strategy to attract investment, stimulate growth, and enhance people’s financial well-being is succeeding.”

However, just four months later, the company faced a massive global outage on Monday that halted thousands of businesses and underscored its reliance on Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing platform utilized by the British government.

Data gathered for the Guardian indicates that the UK government is increasingly dependent on the services of U.S. tech giants. These companies have come under fire from trade unions and politicians for their working conditions in logistics and online retail.

Since 2016, AWS has secured 189 contracts with the UK government valued at £1.7bn and has billed approximately £1.4bn during this timeframe, according to data from public procurement intelligence firm Tassel.

The research group reported: “Currently, 35 public sector authorities utilize AWS services across 41 contracts totaling £1.1bn. The primary ministries involved include the Home Office, DWP, HMRC, the Ministry of Justice, Cabinet Office, and Defra.

Screenshot of the out-of-service HMRC website on Monday, October 20th. Photo: HMRC.gov.uk/PA

Tim Wright, a technology partner at law firm Floodgate, noted that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have consistently warned about the risks associated with concentrating cloud services for regulated enterprises.

“Recent efforts by the Treasury, the PRA, and the FCA to impose direct oversight on ‘significant third parties’ aim to mitigate the risk of outages like those faced by AWS,” he said. “However, until we see substantial diversification and the establishment of sovereign clouds, the UK government’s approach contradicts the resilience principles that regulators advocate for.”

The House of Commons Treasury Committee has reached out to Chancellor of the Exchequer Lucy Rigby to inquire why Amazon wasn’t classified as a “significant third party” within the UK financial services sector, a designation that would have subjected the tech giant to regulatory scrutiny.

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Committee Chair Meg Hillier noted that Amazon recently informed the committee that its financial services clients rely on AWS for “resilience” and that AWS offers “layers of protection.”

This week’s outage impacted over 2,000 businesses around the globe, leading to 8.1 million reports of issues, with 1.9 million in the U.S., 1 million in the UK, and 418,000 in Australia, according to internet outage tracker Downdetector.

Only HMRC confirmed it was affected by the outage, stating customers were “experiencing difficulties accessing our online services” and recommended they call back later due to busy phone lines.

While many websites restored their services after a few hours, some continued to experience problems throughout the day. By Monday evening, Amazon announced that all cloud services had “returned to normal operations.”

Trade unions have long questioned whether Amazon should be excluded from government contracts because of its reputation for subpar working conditions in its large warehouses.

Andy Prendergast, national secretary of the GMB union, stated: “Amazon has a dismal record regarding fair treatment of workers. Shocking conditions in their warehouses have resulted in emergency ambulance calls, with employees claiming they are treated like robots, forced to work until exhaustion, all while being compensated with poverty wages until they strike for six months.”

“In this context, wasting nearly £2 billion of public funds is deplorable.”

AWS has not provided a comment. A spokesperson from Amazon’s fulfillment centers stated that the “vast majority” of ambulance calls at their facilities are not “work-related.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Rapture Talk Highlights: TikTok’s First ‘The World Ends’ Moment

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I have faith in a group of evangelical Christian influencers on social media. On Tuesday, September 23rd, or perhaps Wednesday, September 24th—consider the state of society. For the first time, joy blossoms on TikTok.

Followers are flocking to the app, revealing that they are ready for their impending destiny. I sold their car or asked for an “Eternal vacation” from their jobs and expressed their concerns. The family dog is also expected to join them in heaven. One woman advised her followers to remove password protection on their devices, making personal information accessible to anyone left behind. Another purchased Bibles from a myriad of Dollar Trees, intending to leave personalized notes in hopes of saving last-minute converts.

Evangelical Christians who believe in the rapture view it as a pivotal doctrine. The concept suggests that one day, true believers will ascend to heaven, marking an end to life as we know it, while the rest must endure seven years of suffering under the Antichrist.

The theory gained traction in the early 1800s through an English cleric named John Nelson Darby, who sparked numerous false alarms. In 1844, a farmer from New York named William Miller attracted a massive following with predictions that ultimately led to widespread disappointment. When Halley’s Comet appeared in 1910, con artists sold “anti-comet drugs” intended to save souls, and in 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet was linked to the tragic suicides of 39 members of the Heaven’s Gate cult.

This time, the message comes from South African preacher Joshua Murakera. He said on a podcast in June, “Spread the word—Rejoy is upon us, ready or not.” This theory quickly made its way to TikTok, where over 320,000 posts have been tagged with #Rapture.

Tyler Huckabee, the managing editor at Sojo.net, a progressive Christian publication, remarked that the “Joker of the Day” in the newsroom is that deadlines have become obsolete. “This isn’t my first rodeo dealing with a particular sect of Christian theology that ignites rumors about the world’s end,” Huckabee noted. “Facebook and Twitter had their moments, but this is TikTok’s inaugural end of the world.”

The Rapture narrative thrives during tumultuous times, according to Matthew Gabriele, a professor at Virginia Tech studying apocalyptic movements. “Christians don’t know when it will happen, but they look for signs,” Gabriele elaborated. “Typically, when conditions worsen, that’s when the electors are saved, which isn’t surprising given the current backdrop of political violence, economic worries, and illness.”

The phrase “end time” frequently circulates on social media to describe our fractured reality—one marked by a pandemic akin to a plague, natural disasters of biblical proportions, and widespread violence. Recently, followers linked the assassination of Charlie Kirk to Rapture Theory. Some TikToks have become platforms for Christian nationalist narratives, suggesting Kirk is embarking on a religious revival. Revival is in the air.




Content creator Jess Lauren on TikTok. Photo: Tiktok/@Jesslauuren

Jess Lauren, a 27-year-old content creator who also runs a clothing startup, was raised in a “deeply involved” Christian household where both her parents were pastors. While studying at the University of California, Davis, Lauren began to question her conservative beliefs and gravitated towards the “deconstruction” movement.

As a child, she was a firm believer. In particular, after reading “Left Behind,” the blockbuster apocalyptic book series co-written by the controversial minister Tim LaHaye, she bought into concepts like the Illuminati and supported views from Christian author Jerry B. Jenkins. (The series has been adapted into several films, including the 2014 version starring Nicolas Cage.) Growing up as the youngest of four, Lauren once roamed the streets checking if fewer cars were on the road, questioning if she had indeed been left behind.

Ibid. April Ajoy, a podcaster and author of the memoir “Star Spangled Jesus: Leave Christian Nationalism and Find True Faith,” recounted a traumatic moment from her childhood. “At 13, chatting on AOL Instant Messenger, I thought I had been left behind. I began to search for my family, who had simply gone for a walk.”

“It was incredibly traumatic,” Ajoy shared. She now prays that “God will turn off his phone” until she grows older, allowing her to graduate high school, marry, and experience intimacy for the first time. While simultaneously feeling excitement about the rapture, Ajoy acknowledged, “We were taught that it’s like a get-out-of-death-free card. You go straight to heaven, avoid dying, and bypass horrors on Earth.”

Rumors about the Rapture tend to spike in September, Ajoy mentioned, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday referenced in the Bible. “People often turn to talk about the rapture when they feel particularly out of control and frightened,” she noted.

On TikTok, fear isn’t always overt. Many #RaptureTok clips adopt a lighthearted tone, aligning well with the platform’s algorithms. Sarah Raines, a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania who studies religion and social media, has observed moms giving practical advice for the final hour while preparing for those left behind.

“They adopt a self-help language, common on social media, and attach it to the discourse around the rapture,” she explained. “Some might not genuinely believe it’s the moment of the rapture, yet they feel an essential awakening call to pay attention. They’re hedging their bets.”


It’s not just devoted followers lighting up #RaptureTok. Outside religious contexts, social media users are pushing for a systematic approach to hoarding supplies. One amusing video suggests left-behind individuals stockpile VHS copies of Shrek, implying it’s the new currency. Moreover, one X user remarked that September 23rd is also the day dedicated to bisexual visibility, highlighting that Jesus’ “second coming” would coincide with the public’s opportunity to come out.

So, on Thursday morning, what had changed? Sojo.net’s Huckabee remarked that if previous false alarms are any indication, there’s not much to worry about. Those who predicted the rapture and were proven wrong rarely take it as a cue to reevaluate their beliefs.

“There’s a very human fear of admitting, ‘I was wrong,'” Huckabee said. “I’ve seen people resign from jobs, believing Jesus was returning.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Bartolo and Ray Corcoon Fairweather: 10 Hilarious Internet Moments | Comedy Highlights

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wE are Rae, also known as Raeandwill, a duo of clowns who excel in Mime. Asking them to list 10 intriguing things they’ve seen online could be deemed a hate crime. However, the endless feeds of others promoting clown acts show us that we must uphold our online personas, risking potential bookings or getting “smoked.” If there’s one thing the world craves, it’s a clown show. (Seriously.) So here we are.

The Internet is often seen as a demonic void, slowly erasing humanity from consciousness.

While these views may seem disparate, they express how we cope with our lives trapped in an endless cycle of self-consuming AI-generated content. Some of us attempt to disengage, while others leap head-first into chaos, but ultimately, we are all scrolling through this confusion together. The Internet has become our third collaborator. Before any concept transforms into a multi-award-winning show (yes, we have to boast), we immerse ourselves for months, gathering relevant images, videos, and various clips that resonate with our project’s essence.

Here are 10 intriguing things that touch our funny bones.

Intention

1. Flutterbye Fairy Toy Flies into Fire

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This is one of my all-time favorites. The juxtaposition of childhood innocence with the most dramatic classical music is perfect as Flutterby’s fairy faces an unspeakable fate. Rest in peace.

2. Lano and Woodley – Fly

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With a rich history of comedy duos, Lano and Woodley are among my favorites. Their meticulous attention to detail, even in the silliest of moments, is thrilling, especially when Woodley interacts with the flies that symbolize their Oscars. I’ve nerded out over their craft for hours, and while I won’t bore you with the details, I owe them a debt of gratitude. It’s certainly not a quick 10-second reel; it’s something memorable.

3. Julio Torres’ Hand Acting

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When someone shows me new media from a notable figure, I call it a masterclass in hand acting on Instagram in 2020. It features a “classic scenario”: “Deliver it… to me… a girl!”, “I’ll provide her with a potion, but remind her that every price has a cost”, and of course, “Essential scenarios for advanced hand acting. Handrail, ascending and descending..”

This is a must-watch for aspiring young actors wishing to embody the essence of a silent clown in the future. There are several posts with at least three lessons there. Enjoy scrolling!

4. Jennifer Lopez’s Last Five Years, Particularly Her Inauguration Performance

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On the last day of President Trump’s first term, during Covid, a faint glimmer of hope came through when Jennifer Lopez performed at Joe Biden’s inauguration. Her self-funded film me…now: Love Story and its accompanying documentary (both are wonderful dual features) deserve a place here. This performance amalgamated “America the Beautiful” and “This Land Is Your Land” with a 1999 party anthem, and her choice to do so resonates deeply.

The intent to elevate this song from mere entertainment to political significance was stunning and poignant. Coupled with her performance, it evokes laughter and tears alike. It’s a moment I’ll discuss for years and likely write extensively about.

5. Pet Performers Rewarded for Acting Like Animals

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“We might not get applause as we’re performing for an audience that cannot clap.” Animal performance is an honorable and vital art form, and I challenge anyone to disagree.

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Ray

1. I Will Always Love You

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Oh my goodness. If this isn’t the most monumental thing reflecting my childhood self, I don’t know what is. Ambition, frustration—it cannot be contained. As a recognized “bad” singer, I relate deeply. Bravo to this girl, wherever she is now. Thank you for your service, Queen.

2. Trisha Paytas’ Complete Works

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Trisha Paytas was likely the first person who made me genuinely laugh online. It was hard to select just one clip, but this one stands out in my memory. Fifteen years later, she continues to produce some incredible and rich content. Her confident fantasy is built on a wealth of talent, and she continues to elevate it even further. Can we see her on Broadway already?

3. Mobile Game Project Makeover Advertisement

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These ads might not resonate with everyone, but as an avid online user, I can’t tear my eyes away. They pop up multiple times a day, each time making me want to help her. She is drenched in mud; she needs a shower, not just a rinse! Her predicament epitomizes the essence of a clown. I still haven’t downloaded the game, yet I feel responsible for her happiness each time. Let’s help her out!

4. Dianne Laurance’s @dumpedwifesrevenge Instagram Page

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Dianne Laurance faced abandonment by her husband after 26 years of marriage… for a younger man. How does she seek revenge? “By showcasing her appeal and flair,” naturally, all while documenting it on Instagram. I have a soft spot for outrageous women who need that starlight to shine. And her laughter slays me every single time.

5. Kermit Revealed as a Snail on The Masked Singer

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I can envision The Masked Singer existing in a Hunger Games-style universe. All the clips seem like a glimpse into the Capitol from District 12. This particular reveal is my favorite. The performance is entertaining—the way they emerge, the audience’s reaction to the puppet. Picture Kermit’s puppeteer confined in a giant snail costume. While I don’t usually follow masked singers, if all contestants were Muppets… I might become a fan.

  • Rae Colquhoun-Fairweather and Will Bartolo, aka Raeandwill, are a performance duo based in Sydney. See Will Where to Hide the Stars. Watch Raeandwill perform their acclaimed shows at the Pier in Sydney from October 1st to 11th and at the Melbourne Fringe at the Meat Market from October 14th to 18th.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Gamescom 2025 Highlights: Call of Duty, Lego Batman, and the Unpredictable Realistic Tigers

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IIf you’re in Cologne this week, get ready for Gamescom, the largest gaming event in the world, returning to the city, where countless hilarious nerds will gather. (I first attended in 2009—before that, it was hosted in Leipzig, a bustling city known for its famous absam bar. Maybe my memories are a little fuzzy). Over 300,000 attendees are anticipated to enjoy one another’s company while trying out upcoming games at the convention amidst the hustle and bustle of work commitments.

The event kicks off, as is now custom, with a Game Showcase (PDF), where publishers can afford to shell out hundreds of thousands of euros to feature their trailers in the official live stream. (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and a live performance of the famed music from The Big and Weird French Hit of the Year are included as well).

Machine ghost… Yotei’s ghost. Photo: Sony/Soccer Punch

Major Highlights

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 opened with a Big reveal: Keep an eye out for coverage from reporter Alyssa Mercante later this week. While PlayStation has been fairly quiet recently, the historic action game featuring The Ghost of Yotei from Sony and Soccer Punch made an appearance, and it definitely looks impressive. After Assassin’s Creed Shadows showcased feudal Japan’s charm earlier this year, it seems Samurai enthusiasts are in for a treat. Expect additional multiplayer content to follow in 2026.

On the other hand, Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem has unveiled new demo footage. Players can follow its young protagonist, Grace, as she navigates her mother’s dark apartment filled with supernatural horrors. Attendees can also get a sneak peek at the forthcoming game from the creator of Black Myth: Wukong, a notable hit based on last year’s Chinese folklore, featuring a god riding giant, wild-looking tigers. This game is titled Black Myth: Zhong Kui.

For me, the most thrilling news was the new footage of Hollow Knight: Silkson, a mysterious sequel to one of my favorite games. I haven’t seen any updates on this title since 2022. It is still slated for release this year, and I’m envious of anyone lucky enough to try the demo on the show floor.

The Dark Knight is back… Lego Batman. Photo: TT Game

A Surprising Announcement

World of Tanks has been around for quite some time, yet still sounds as it did back in its early days. Honestly, I’m baffled today compared to the early 2010s when it skyrocketed in popularity across Europe and Russia, becoming one of the biggest games worldwide. The upcoming 2.0 update is set to be a highlight at the show, but developer Wargaming has a new title as well. It showcases a notable tank feature, Heat, a cartoonish take on the classic battlefields of World of Tanks, and it looks quite enjoyable.

Additionally, we got a glimpse of a new game by Longilbert (famous for Maniac Mansion, the real OGS), creator of Monkey Island. This is not a pixel-art adventure game like his previous titles, but rather Death by Scrolling, where you play as an archer trapped in purgatory, attempting to evade the relentless Grim Reaper. Think of it as clear vampire survivors Check this out.

Most delightfully, there’s a new Lego Batman game that looks incredibly fun. Titled LEGO Batman: The Legacy of the Dark Knight, it will take players through Bruce Wayne’s journey from his origin story to becoming Gotham’s hero, drawing inspiration from both Nolan’s films and beloved Arkham games.

Details on the plate…Midnight expansion of World of Warcraft. Photo: Blizzard

Reviving Classic Games

Some significant announcements have emerged from a seemingly endless flow of updates to existing titles. The renowned MMORPG World of Warcraft, which holds great popularity in Germany, is making its debut for the new Midnight expansion, which attendees can experience live on the show floor. Additionally, Blizzard is hosting developer panels for further insights. The adorably deceptive game Lamb Cult, centered around a resurrected lamb leading a devoted following while battling demonic heretics, is also adding a new chapter titled “Wool Heaven”. Check it out here.

“It’s really scary”… Silent Hill F. Photo: Konami

Latest Updates to Cult Classics

This year, we’re seeing a revival of beloved titles from decades past, particularly in the realm of top-selling gaming franchises. Ninja Gaiden 4 Looks intense and challenging, especially for those familiar with the original from the Xbox era. In the same vein, Silent Hill f has also drawn attention recently, with our reporter Tom Regan reporting from Japan that It looks genuinely terrifying, featuring unsettling creatures in an eerie abandoned town setting. Meanwhile, it may not be officially linked, but the Bloober team’s new sci-fi horror title, Chronos: A New Dawn, looks like the spiritual successor to Dead Space we’ve all been waiting for.

Finally, while it may be a sequel to a 90s game, I’m still eagerly anticipating Vampire: Masquerade 2, a title that’s been under development for quite a while. Set to release on October 21st, the first-person vamp-fighting game has me feeling potentially excited.

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There are several German journalists covering Gamescom on-site, so be sure to check in for updates. In the meantime, here is a very handy Steam event page showcasing games (or newly debuted trailers) available for play at the show. It’s an excellent way to keep track of what piques your interest for your wishlist.

What to Play

The mindset regarding herds… the herds. Photo: Steam

I just began playing Flock, where you guide various creatures from a dirty city back to their natural mountain habitat. The creatures are unusual, resembling fluffy mammoths with twisted horns and tiny eyes, bringing to mind elements of The Last Guardian. However, rather than solely guiding stubborn flying cat-like titans through crumbling ruins, you’ll manage a group of smaller creatures with varying behaviors, which can be a bit challenging. I must admit, the intense feeling of responsibility towards them has made me introspective about future outcomes. I previously engaged with similar emotionally charged indie games.

Available on: PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC
Estimated Playtime: 4-6 hours

What to Read

“There aren’t many rappers who excel in video games, but 50 Cent was one of them.”…50 Cent: Bulletproof. Photo: Vivendi Universal Games

  • Thomas Hobbs is exploring the development of 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, the somewhat forgettable 2005 shooter featuring the rapper himself—curiously, the development team never even met him.

  • Sometimes, readers ask why we don’t cover smartphone games. The truth is, even with millions playing mobile games, interest in reading about them seems limited. Veteran gaming journalist Maddie Myers explores this intriguing contradiction in MobileGamer.

  • Someone recently struggled to recreate some wonderful tracks from the Netflix mega-hit Kpop Demon Hunters Animal Crossing (via Kotaku). I derive such joy from the effort put into this beautiful, whimsical creativity.

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Question Block

Without a doubt, this week is filled with reports from Gamescom, but if you have any inquiries about video games or our newsletters, feel free to drop a line at buttons@theguardian.com or send us an email. I welcome both serious and light-hearted questions equally.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Mafia: Old Country Reviews – Action Games Set in Sicilian Era Themes | Gaming Highlights

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oIn time, this industry reached a standstill in a game of this nature. The single-player story-centric action experience intertwines weekend choreographic sequences with expansive worlds brimming with an enticing array of collectibles.

Indeed, the old country lacks fresh concepts for the cover shooter genre. Hangar 13 already released a remake of the original Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven in 2020, yet in this installment, it often feels as though the studio has recycled it in a new setting. Both the narrative and the framework of individual missions seem to honor Fedora, reminiscent of its 2002 classic.




You can see where this is going… Mafia: Old Country. Photo: 2K Game

A classic scenario: Mission trope “Win the race to impress your don.” This chapter was notorious in the original Mafia, as racing vehicles from the 1930s were notoriously tricky to manage and racing itself was rather uninviting. However, it presented a sophisticated multi-tiered mission filled with obstacles, thefts, and unexpected betrayals. In Mafia: Old Country, you’re merely cruising through a town prepping for the race, with the don needing a replacement rider, which offers a serene ride along a route filled with real challenges. While such experiences might have faced criticism a decade back, the scarcity of games like this today leads us to overlook basic mission design and rather appreciate its storytelling and the setting it represents.

It is the year 1904, and you embody Enzo Faraba, a young man down on his luck without family, working alongside peers in a sulphur mine, dressed in a yellow-dyed rag and sporting a shaved head. While the working conditions in the mine are dismal and perilous, Enzo contends with cruel employers, earning the ire of the local ‘businessman,’ Don Laggero Spadaro, who owns the mine. Fear not—after a narrow escape, he finds refuge with Don Trici, a rival of Spadaro who values the courage and diligence of the young man. You can see where this is leading.




A vibrant setting… Mafia: An Old Country. Photo: 2K Game

Next, you experience the typical quest for dominance within the criminal underworld, expressed through knife fights and vintage-style shooting with reloadable firearms. Local businesses are noncompliant. Workers are striking. Thieves and rival families threaten your reputation. You navigate environments where waist-high cover positions are conveniently placed, allowing for tactically advantageous standoffs.

Credit where it’s due: Enzo and his comrades’ missions aren’t solely about violence. Occasionally, you’ll employ stealth, tossing coins and bottles to divert guards away from your path. There is ample horseback riding and car driving, accompanied by rich dialogues that enhance the context surrounding your actions. While these non-combat mechanics may not be particularly thrilling, this is a mafia-themed game—not designed to be a grand, systemic experience, but rather to narrate the tale of a gangster.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/EAEYZDgHNv8?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Mafia: The Old Country – “Family Takes Sacrifice” Launch Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Despite the odds, it manages to succeed in its endeavors. However, it accomplishes this through storytelling rather than intricate plots. The rhythm is predictable. Memorable moments neither stem from witty dialogue nor dramatic turns of fate, nor are they rooted in evocative historical specifics. There are scenes of peasants raiding the pantry and heaps of citrus fruits piled in the fields. Workers stamping grapes in the Torrisi Vineyard. Authentic recipes for Spezzatino di Maiale resting on the kitchen counter. The Sicilian dialect makes fleeting appearances in every conversation (it’s highly advisable to use English subtitles to enhance understanding amidst Sicilian audio). This game demonstrates thorough research, successfully portraying cultural and historic contexts rarely explored in previous titles. It earns its title as a mafia game—it embodies this well: a tribute to the old country.

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Knife fights and gunplay do operate effectively, yet I find the missions a bit too simplistic compared to a franchise once celebrated for its dynamic pacing. Nonetheless, despite these caveats, it’s worth engaging with for the allure of its setting and the undeniable passion it holds for its bleak subject matter.

Mafia: Old Country is available now, priced at £49.99

Source: www.theguardian.com

Lancet Highlights Plastic Crisis Ahead of Global Plastics Treaty

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A recent report from prominent medical journals highlights that the worldwide “plastic crisis” incurs a staggering cost of $1.5 trillion annually for governments and taxpayers.

By 2060, plastic production is projected to triple, with less than 10% being recycled. Currently, approximately 8,000 megatons of plastic are contaminating the planet. Recent research reviews published on Sunday by the Lancet.

This issue inflicts damage at every phase, from fossil fuel extraction and production to human consumption and eventual environmental disposal, according to the British publication.

“Plastics pose a significant, escalating, and often overlooked threat to both human and environmental health.” “They contribute to illness and mortality from infancy to old age, exacerbating climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.”

He also noted that these adverse effects “disproportionately impact low-income and vulnerable populations.”

In June, boaters collected recyclable plastic from the heavily polluted Sitaram River in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
Timur Matahari/AFP via Getty Images

This serves as the latest alarming message from experts regarding the widespread dangers posed by plastics, which the Journal deems “the material for our age.” After years of warnings about their presence in oceans and rivers, microplastics have now been discovered in humans, including in breast milk and brain tissue.

Sunday’s announcement initiated a new monitoring system called the “Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics.”

This was introduced alongside the concluding speeches in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from 175 countries are seeking to establish the first global treaty on plastics.

Activists are hopeful that the discussions taking place from Tuesday through August 14th will set key objectives for reducing plastic production. Some nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, have previously resisted these initiatives and advocated for increased plastic recycling.

According to the Lancet, major petrochemical companies are “key players” in the escalating production of plastics as they shift their focus towards plastics in light of dwindling fossil energy demand.

Various plastics, often derived from food and beverage containers and packaging, contain up to 16,000 different chemicals, which “enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption,” the study states.

Pregnant women, infants, and young children are “especially vulnerable,” facing risks such as miscarriage, physical deformities, cognitive impairment, and diabetes. In adults, the risks include cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.

“Given the substantial gaps in our understanding of plastic chemicals, it is likely that the health threats they pose are undervalued, and the disease burden resulting from them is currently underestimated,” he added.

The Lancet cited a study that estimated the global financial burden of these illnesses to be $1.5 trillion.

“It is now evident that the world cannot escape the plastic pollution crisis,” stated the Lancet. “Addressing this crisis requires continuous research, involving science-backed interventions: legislation, policy, monitoring, enforcement, incentives, and innovation.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Qantas Incident Highlights That One Phone Can Exploit the Weakest Link in Cybersecurity: Humans

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a
A phone call may be coming your way. This week’s revelations show that cybercriminals stole personal data from as many as 6 million customers after breaching offshore IT call centers and accessing third-party systems.

This incident adds to a troubling trend of cyberattacks affecting major Australian corporations, including the personal information of millions linked to the recent breaches involving Optus, Medibank, and more recently, the $4 trillion superannuation sector in Australia.

The attack on Qantas follows recent targeting by a group known as “spiders,” focusing on various airline sectors. They employ social engineering techniques to manipulate employees and contractors into granting access, often bypassing multifactor authentication.



New technology brings old methods

Although companies can implement the latest software updates and safeguard their systems, hackers continue to exploit social engineering tactics, often targeting the weakest link: human behavior.

Social engineering is not a new concept; it revolves around tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, predating the internet.

Phishing is the most common manifestation of social engineering, crafted to appear legitimate to lure unsuspecting users into divulging credentials.

The telephone variation, known as vishing, presents a greater challenge for attackers as they must employ persuasive tactics over the phone to manipulate employees into providing sensitive information.

The emergence of user-friendly artificial intelligence tools, including voice cloning, has made such attacks even simpler for cybercriminals.

The latest report from Australia’s intelligence commissioner covering the latter half of 2024 indicated a significant rise in complaints about social engineering attacks, particularly within government agencies, finance, and health sectors.

Qantas’ breach involved compromised details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, frequent flyer numbers, etc. While these breaches might not directly lead to financial theft, the growing number of incidents in Australia enables hackers to aggregate stolen data to target new vulnerable entities.

Data breaches lead to more data breaches

In April, the national pension fund acknowledged the risks associated with hackers collecting credentials from previous breaches to gain access to superannuation accounts, a tactic termed “eligibility smashing.”

Fortunately, only a small number of customers incurred losses totaling around $500,000. However, this could represent a significant number of fund holders who are yet to reach retirement age.



The Albanese government has been cautioned that this attack signals potential risks within the financial sector. In a recent advisory provided to the incoming government, released under the Freedom of Information Act, Australia’s Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) warned that superannuation assets are susceptible to cyber threats.

“The prevalence and frequency of cyberattacks on large pension funds reinforce the necessity for enhancing our capabilities in managing both cyber and operational risks,” stated APRA.

“Despite only a small number of accounts reporting fraudulent withdrawals, it highlights the need for the sector to mature its cybersecurity and operational resilience.”

“As the sector expands and more members retire, continuity and increasing interconnectedness with the banking sector are crucial.”


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APRA cautioned the industry in 2023 about the critical nature of multifactor authentication, yet some funds were unable to implement it before the April breach.

Regulators noted that there is an ongoing wave of cyberattacks targeting banking and insurance sectors, necessitating continuous testing of their defenses against emerging threats.

Who is at the most risk?

According to Craig Searle, global leader in cyber advisory at Trustwave, healthcare, finance, technology, and critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats.

“The technology sector is especially at risk due to its pivotal role in digital infrastructure and interconnected supply chains,” he explained. “Recent high-profile supply chain attacks demonstrate how breaches of a single tech provider can ripple through to hundreds or thousands of downstream clients.”

“Overall, the sectors facing the highest risks are those that manage valuable data, maintain complex supply chains, and deliver critical services.”

Searle noted that attackers intentionally target third-party systems and outsourced IT support, which presents significant risks for large corporations, as exemplified by the breaches at Qantas.

“The interconnected dynamics of the digital supply chain can lead to vulnerabilities among partners or contractors, creating a ripple effect that compromises sensitive data far beyond the initial breach,” he remarked.

Christian Beek, senior director of threat analysis at Rapid7, highlighted that third-party systems are now integral to the operations of many organizations and thus become prime targets for cybercriminals.

“Organizations must apply adequate levels of due diligence when evaluating the security protocols of these third-party systems to mitigate the risk of data being compromised.”

Searle emphasized the necessity for organizations to adopt a proactive cybersecurity posture, swiftly applying software patches and establishing robust access controls, such as multifactor authentication.

Beek echoed that organizations need to be proactive, insisting that executive leadership must take responsibility for cybersecurity and board oversight.

“The new tactics utilized by modern cybercrime groups extend beyond standard security management protocols,” he warned. “These unconventional approaches compel us to rethink the typical defensive strategies, especially regarding social engineering tactics and how we counter them.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Quirky Dates, Bisexual Mix-Ups, and Game-Changing Kisses: The Most Unusual Moments in Video Games

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Charming Dates in Life Are Weird

Life, as a series, is peculiar, but for me, it blends seriousness with a touch of whimsy, leaving me committed to showcasing queer characters prominently. This has proven fruitful in many respects. While the ambiguous relationship between timid blue-haired Chloe and the enigmatic Chloe from 2015’s Original Life is Strange remains partially undefined, Alex Chen stands out as the oddity in life. However, my favorite queer moment from the series surfaced in last year’s double exposure.

Max Caulfield has grown up and now holds a photography residency at a small-town university. She has come to accept herself. She is attractive but takes a leap with Vince, the not-so-great IT guy on campus. But what about Amanda, the cool lesbian bartender at a local pub? She is both intriguing and complicated. I adore the fact that all bisexual people can find the cool lesbians both intimidating and alluring. If you successfully navigate a date with Amanda, you’re in for one of the most delightful scenes in gaming. They attend an imaginary concert, sharing riffs and laughter over nostalgic chaotic shows. It’s reminiscent of how Nathan Drake and Elena played Crash Bandicoot together in Uncharted 4, creating one of the most genuine relationship moments in the game. (And yes, even after the date goes well, Max stays hesitant to kiss her.)
— Keza McDonald, Video Game Editor for The Guardian

Ellie and Dina from The Last of Us Part II

Our Last Ellie and Dina: Part II Photo: Sony/Naughty Dog

Ellie and Dina’s relationship in The Last of Us Part II has garnered much attention, and rightfully so. There are not many narratives in media that steer clear of trauma. While recognizing the difficulties faced by marginalized groups is vital, it also highlights the importance of joy. It’s remarkable that in a game heavily laden with deep themes and tragic character arcs, these two can engage in a lighthearted, collaborative relationship. They aren’t solely defined by their challenges, but rather by the choices they make. The narrative evolution and eventual conflict stem directly from Ellie’s actions and decisions.
— Amanda Hafford, Producer (and voice of Ducky) Date Everything!, Now

Same-Sex Marriage in Fable

No Cheat Codes Required… Fable Photo: Lionhead

As a teenager, I discovered a game called Fable. I played through the tutorial and sought to enhance my experience using cheat codes, buffing my character considerably.

However, I soon felt uneasy, not because of cheating, but due to not fully identifying with my character.

Does this character truly reflect me? Am I allowed to act this way? I wasn’t sure.

Upon reaching my first town, I met a merchant, bought everything he had, and returned all my items.

I sensed my thoughts beginning to crystallize. Can I genuinely do this? I thought so.

I gifted him a wedding ring. The gay married. I acquired a house and never revisited the game.

–

I was a closeted teen, and everyone around me seemed to know, except for me.

I was a chubby child, a fact frequently pointed out by others.

It’s amusing now, as I was caught in the game’s narrative, yet I never revealed my own truth. How oddly our teenage minds operate.
— Tanat Boozayaangool, Developer at Tan Ant Games Building Relationships, Coming This Year

Bisexual Mayhem in Thirsty Suitors

Mischief and Sincerity… A Thirsty Suitor Photo: Annapurna Interactive

My passion for queer games exists on both ends of the spectrum. At one end is the “delicate nuance and subtlety,” while the other revels in “delightful confusion.” It resonates with my experience as a bisexual individual.

In the realm of nuance, my initial affection was for the catharsis found in going home and recognizing the peculiarities of my sister Sam and her struggles after being rejected by their parents. There was also the narrative growth that allowed space for new relationships after hardship. More recently, I saw beautiful development in the relationship between Henry and Hans within their kingdom.

On the flip side, there’s ample mischief and sincerity. Thirsty Suitors captures the messy interconnectedness of peculiar dating scenarios and the aftermath when someone is caught up in their own world. As for my game, Crescent County, it leans towards the chaotic side. There’s often a pressure to portray “perfect” queer expressions, which detracts from the characters’ depth and humanity. I get the allure of pure chaos, but we shouldn’t homogenize ourselves for acceptance!
— Anna Hollinlake, Creative Director Crescent County, Coming Next Year

A Wholesome Queer Family Unpacking

Experience Dantel’s Masterpiece… Unpacked Photo: Witch Beam

Reflecting on my journey through the gaming era, my kids affectionately refer to it as the “late 1900s” (I feel Dust accumulating on my bones), I recall that villains were often the only characters coded with diversity. Healthy, quirky moments were as uncommon as writers crafting new, original narratives.

That’s why I absolutely cherished Unpacking. While the game revolves around unpacking belongings as you transition between places, it’s a brilliant show-don’t-tell piece. You leave your parents’ home, share a space with a roommate, eventually move in with your boyfriend, who quickly minimizes your space and expression. I turned to my wife, exclaiming, “She’s gay!” But she didn’t take note because I often relate to characters I admire. However, I was right. As the narrative progresses, she encounters her new partner, grows closer, and eventually they have a child and unpack the nursery together. It concludes with what I believe to be the healthiest representation of a lesbian relationship I’ve seen in any video game.
— Nikkijay, Author Quantum Witch, Now

Source: www.theguardian.com

From Epic Game Marathons to Military Helicopters: Highlights from Summer Game Fest 2025

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As the protests surged in Los Angeles
other areas of the city witnessed a collaborative gathering of gaming journalists and developers showcasing new games during the annual summer festival this week.
The core issue remains advertising
writes Correspondent Alyssa Mercante in her dispatch.
.

Summer Game Fest (SGF), a yearly festival and marketing extravaganza based in Los Angeles, was initially established to rival the popular E3. After a few years, it has now taken its place. The 2025 event served as a thoughtful reminder of the significant shifts in the gaming industry since the pandemic. While E3 dominated the city’s convention center in downtown LA, SGF has taken a different route, nestled amid the fashion district and close to Skid Row. Few gaming companies participate, and public access is limited, with cosplaying mainly for marketing.

The highlight of the event was hosted by Geoff Keighley, a beloved figure in the gaming community, during a live show at YouTube Theatre near the airport, streamed to millions. Tickets were available for purchase. Some gaming enthusiasts and small content creators expressed that attending in person wasn’t worth the expense, as they could easily catch the lengthy stream online, leading to severe traffic congestion while leaving Inglewood.

This year’s event had its challenges, including a test gate crash, yet it felt like the most documented one ever. Participating in SGF is a luxury, but it also presents a chaotic blend of marathons and sprints. During brief intermissions, if you manage to snag one, you would gulp down canapés, wash them down with Red Bull, savor a surprisingly delightful gamer-branded ice cream, and attempt to jot down your thoughts.




Find your peace…urban jungle. Illustration: Kylyk Games/Assemble Entertainment

Throughout the weekend, I witnessed numerous games, many of which I can’t disclose, but once again, the standout titles were the indie games. These are memorable not just for their originality or quirkiness, but also because they typically impose fewer restrictions during play, allowing developers to be more open to inquiries, free from the pressure of a looming audience.

At 1 PM, I dove into a lively Media Indie Exchange party and was quickly captivated by Urban Jungle, a plant-themed game that resonated with my newfound interest in gardening. Arranging plants in an adorable little room provided a fleeting moment of tranquility amidst the bustle of people exploring various indie titles.

Then there was Petal Runner, a pixel-art RPG reminiscent of Pokémon titles from the Game Boy era. Published by IAM8bit and conceived by two individuals who connected through Instagram comments on Cyberpunk artwork, it’s a charming, non-violent RPG. Instead of the usual tactic of capturing cute creatures to make them fight, players help them find new homes and “calibrate” through a variety of retro mini-games. They then ride their bikes (inspired by the programmer’s love for Tron: Legacy) to deliver another pet. In just 15 minutes, its contemporary chiptune soundtrack, appealing color palette, and adorable creatures won me over.

On the other hand, Thick As a Thief is a multiplayer stealth game. Developers mentioned aiming to create a multiplayer experience that steers clear of three “black holes”: shooters, PVP combat, and pure action gameplay. The result feels like a blend of Assassin’s Creed and Dishonored. Sneak through maps set against a dark early 1900s backdrop, infused with bursts of vibrant colors, while contending with other players and thwarting security and civilians in your path.




Slay your dragon… Monster Hunter now. Photo: Niant

I also had the chance to experience a new season of Monster Hunter Now from Niantic, the creators behind Pokémon Go. This augmented reality game immerses you in a real-world environment filled with Capcom’s iconic monster lore, streamlining epic battles into quick, minute-long skirmishes (compared to potentially hours in the main series). Additionally, I played a new four-player party game, Lego Party. Together with two other journalists, we joyously screamed as our Lego characters tumbled over one another during mini-games or fought for gold bricks in a race to the top. It was a blast, and we laughed heartily while enjoying this game we felt was needed to shake off the lethargy of the day.

Regardless of the size of the dev teams or variety in projects, every game I engaged with this weekend emanated boundless passion and creativity. This reflects the unwavering commitment that drives so many in this industry, paired with advancing technology that allows small teams (sometimes just one or two individuals) to craft beautiful and intricate games. Seeing fellow journalists and developers enthusiastic and wide-eyed was an adrenaline rush, especially as many of us grappled with job uncertainties, recent layoffs, or concerns about our futures.

Nonetheless, it was impossible to overlook the larger scenario unfolding in LA, which cast a somber shadow over this otherwise light-hearted weekend of gaming. Protests erupted in the city on Saturday, with citizens rallying against harsh, extremist anti-immigrant policies. The constant hum of helicopters served as an eerie soundtrack to the weekend. Many attendees, from within and beyond the state, were notably concerned about the mounting events. We exchanged updates in discreet conversations, whispered about the National Guard, and advised each other to travel in groups for safety. On Sunday night, countless journalists and developers were advised against leaving Downtown due to LAPD’s determination to contain the area and quell the protests.

On the concluding day of SGF, we pondered the strangeness of previewing video games amidst such politically charged times. Some shared tales of playing kickoff demonstrations featuring tanks and soldiers, only to suddenly hear the whir of helicopters overhead, sparking confusion about whether they were still immersed in a game or confronting reality.
Alyssa Mercante

What to Play




Tension sci-fi…changes. Photo: 11-bit studio

From the creators of Frostpunk, It Will Be Changed is an intriguing sci-fi strategy game where a stranded space worker, Yang, generates clones of himself to assemble a team sufficient to escape an exoplanet before the approaching sun incinerates everything. The twist is that each clone embodies a different alternate universe incarnation of Yang, presenting unique challenges. Envision being trapped within a distant base solely with your altercations.

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I initially presumed Alters would lean towards a comedic tone, occasionally light-hearted and amusing, but surprisingly, it seamlessly incorporates survival elements in Base Building. I certainly intend to engage with it further.

Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox
Estimated playtime: 20-30 hours

What to Read




Fear…Resident Evil Requiem. Photo: Capcom

  • Keith and I tuned into a continuous stream while Alyssa covered the ground at the summer game fest showcase and trailer from the UK, evaluating the most intriguing games showcased.

  • The standout announcement was likely the new Xbox handheld, though its unveiling was shrouded in confusion. The ROG Xbox Ally X (why does Microsoft consistently botch nomenclature?) is an Xbox-branded variant of an existing portable PC model. Nonetheless, Alyssa was thrilled with its performance during her brief demonstration.

  • We were also deeply engaged in playtesting a plethora of gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2. For reviews, Keith covered the console, while I focused on the flagship game, Mario Kart World.

What to Click

Question Block

While the guest issue remains ambiguous this week, as always, if you have any queries or feedback regarding the newsletter, feel free to hit reply or reach us at buttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

From Resident Evil to 007: Top 15 Games at Summer Game Fest 2025

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Resident Evil Requiem


Resident Evil Requiem. Photo: Capcom

The ninth major entry in the survival horror franchise returns us to the ruins of Raccoon City, mixing cinematic action with psychological terror. The story focuses on FBI agent Grace Ashcroft, but how will she fit into this iconic series?

A Stranger Than Heaven

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The newest project from Sega’s Ryugotoku Studio, known for Yakuza, is a historic action-adventure set in early 21st-century Japan. The team offers a compelling mix of shadowy detectives, street gangs, and jazz music.

007 First Light

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An exciting collaboration: James Bond teams up with the creators of the Hitman series for a reimagined adventure that focuses on Bond’s origins and legends. Featuring globe-trotting espionage, stealth, and gadgets, it is an exhilarating video game reminiscent of Goldeneye.

Mandrake

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Players of this charming rural life simulation will step into the shoes of garden magicians exploring the shadowy aspects of their village. Developed by Failbetter, known for narrative-driven games like Sunless Sea, the team is developing something truly unique here.

Big Walk


A Big Walk. Photo: House House

Australian developers House House, known for their surprise hit Untitled Goose Game, now present players with bird-like creatures embarking on a quirky co-op adventure in an island filled with whimsical puzzles. A nostalgic experience reminiscent of 1970s children’s animation.

Beast of Reincarnation

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A surprising twist comes from Game Freak, the creators of Pokémon, presenting a dark, post-apocalyptic action-adventure in a ravaged Japan threatened by machines and monsters. Players use flora as weapons alongside their loyal dog companions in a captivating narrative experience.

Dosadiva


Dosadiva. Photo: Outer Loop Games

The Outer Loop team, creators of Thirsty Suitor, brings us a vibrant sci-fi narrative where two sisters take a stand against malevolent corporations by cooking real meals for their community. Expect a blend of spices and heartfelt tales.

Blippo+


Blippo+. Photo: Panic

Not exactly a game but rather a peculiar TV simulator, Blippo+ invites players to surf through bizarre alien broadcasting networks filled with surreal soap operas and glitchy FMV experiences. The question remains: does the outlaws of the Hypnotic Universe meet Radio Time? Absolutely, bring it on.

I Felt It: Boxing

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Did you ever think there would be a mashup of Muppets and Mike Tyson Punch-Out? Well, now you can! At the Summer Game Fest, new developer Sans Strings Studio showcases the power of Unreal Engine 5 to bring forth this surreal boxing adventure, aptly named for the absurdity it represents.

Paralives


Paralives. Photo: Paralives Studio

Following the success of Inzoi, players will engage in a single-player life simulation filled with customization options without the need for DLC. With ample opportunities to interact with characters and their beloved pets, it’s set to offer a rich experience.

Clockwork Revolution

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A Steampunk adventure crafted by the team behind Wasteland and Saints Row, this title features a dystopian city where residents enhance themselves with clockwork body parts. Intriguing elements reminiscent of Bioshock raise the stakes!

Persona 4 Revival


Persona 4 Revival. Photo: Atlus

In an exciting announcement, Atlus confirmed the remake of the iconic 2008 role-playing adventure filled with occult rituals and chilling murders in rural Japan. Further details remain scarce, but the anticipation is palpable.

No Ghosts At The Grand

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Inheriting a creaky old hotel, you’ll spend 30 days solving puzzles and renovating while navigating its labyrinthine corridors. Mixing creepy adventures with refurbishment elements, this game was a standout moment at the Xbox showcase.

Keeper


Keeper Photo: Double Fine

Created by the developers of Psychonauts, this quirky new game allows players to control anthropomorphized lighthouses exploring coastal areas accompanied by seabird companions. What intriguing concoction drives this studio?

Everything Will Rise


Everything Will Rise. Photo: Speculative Agency

The gaming world may not need another deck-building strategy game—unless it’s a courtroom drama where environmentalists are suing corrupt billionaires over river pollution. It’s a timely narrative crafted by an Amsterdam-based studio.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Webb’s study highlights brown dwarfs in the fire nebula

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Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope investigated the lowest mass limits of brown dwarfs within Flame Nebula, a hotbed of star formation in Orion’s constellation.

A collage of this image from the Flame Nebula shows a view of near-infrared light from Hubble on the left, while the two insets on the right show the near-infrared view taken by Webb. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/M. Meyer, University of Michigan/A. Pagan, Stsci.

Flame Nebula It is about 1,400 light years away from Orion’s constellation.

Also known as NGC 2024 and SH2-277, this ejection nebula is about 12 light years wide and is less than a million years.

The Flame Nebula was discovered on January 1, 1786 by British astronomer William Herschel, born in Germany.

It is part of the Orion molecular cloud complex and includes famous nebulae such as the Hosehead Nebula and the Orion Nebula.

In a new study, astronomers used Webb to explore the lowest mass limits of brown dwarfs within the flame nebula.

The results, they found, were free-floating objects with mass about 2-3 times the mass of Jupiter.

“The goal of this project was to explore the fundamental low-mass limits of the star- and brown dwarf formation process,” said Dr. Matthew De Julio, an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin.

“Webb allows you to investigate the faintest and lowest mass objects.”

The low mass limits that the required teams are looking for are set by a process known as fragmentation.

In this process, the large molecular clouds that produce both star and brown dwarfs are broken down into smaller units or fragments.

Fragmentation relies heavily on several factors where temperature, thermo-pressure, and gravity balance are the most important.

More specifically, as fragments contract under gravity, their cores become hot.

If the core is large enough, the hydrogen starts to fuse.

The outward pressure created by that fusion counters gravity, stops collapse and stabilizes the object.

However, the core is not compact, it is hot enough to burn hydrogen, and continues to shrink as long as it emits internal heat.

This near-infrared image of a portion of the Webb flame nebula highlights three low-mass objects found in the right inset. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/M. MEYER, University of Michigan.

“We’ve seen a lot of effort into making it,” said Dr. Michael Meyer, an astronomer at the University of Michigan.

“If the clouds cool efficiently, they collapse and fall apart.”

When the fragment becomes opaque enough to reabsorb its own radiation, fragmentation stops, thereby stopping cooling and preventing further decay.

The theory places the lower bounds of these fragments between 1-10 Jupiter masses.

This study significantly reduces its scope as the Webb census counted fragments of different masses within the nebulae.

“As we found in many previous studies, going to a lower mass actually increases the amount of objects about ten times as much as Jupiter’s mass,” Dr. Deirio said.

“Studies using Webb are sensitive to Jupiter up to 0.5 times the mass of Jupiter, and as they get below 10 times the mass of Jupiter, there are considerably fewer.”

“We discovered that there are fewer 5 Jupiter Mass objects than the Ten Jupiter Mass object, and we can see that there are fewer 3 Jupiter Mass objects than the 5 Jupiter Mass objects.”

“We don’t actually find any objects below the mass of two or three Jupiter. We’re hoping to see if they’re there, so we’re assuming this could be the limit itself.”

“For the first time, Webb was able to investigate beyond that limit,” added Dr. Meyer.

“If that limitation is real, there really is no object of 1 Jupiter mass that floats freely in our Milky Way galaxies, unless it forms as a planet and is kicked out of the planetary system.”

a paper Regarding the survey results, Astrophysics Journal Letter.

____

Matthew de Julio et al. 2025. Identification of sales in the initial mass function of young star clusters up to 0.5 mJ. apjl 981, L34; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ADB96A

Source: www.sci.news

The Death of a Blackbird highlights the looming danger of the West Nile virus in the UK

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Blackbird numbers have decreased in the UK as the USUTU virus has taken hold

ytje veenstra/shutterstock

The deadly virus is killing Blackbirds all over the UK. Beyond the risks for birds, its spread indicates that mosquito-borne viruses are currently pose a threat to humans and animals in the country as a result of climate change.

The virus in question, USUTU, occurred in South Africa in 1959, but is now spreading in Europe. It caused fatal diseases in certain birds, especially black swans, and was first detected in the UK in 2020. In some parts of the country, the Blackbird population, the most notable London, has fallen by more than 40% since 2018. “I first noticed a decline when USUTU popped up,” he says. Hugh Hammer With British trust for ornithology.

Though catastrophic to bird life, USUTU poses low risks to humans and mammals. Human infectious diseases are rare and generally cause mild fever, but the arrival of the virus in the UK marked the first time by mosquito-borne viral zoonotic diseases (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans) that have appeared in domestic animal hosts. Virus experts are closely monitoring how well and fast the disease is spreading, as it could be a template for the future spread of other mosquito-borne diseases.

For example, the West Nile virus spreads just like USUTU and requires the same environmental conditions. “The same mosquitoes that can send USUTUs can usually send West Nile. [for Usutu] It can also serve as a host for West Nile.” Alanfolly at the British Animal and Plant Health Organization (APHA).

Humans can also contract the West Nile virus when bitten by mosquitoes, but the symptoms can be more severe than those of USUTU. Approximately 20% of infected people experience symptoms including fever, headache, body pain, vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, this virus can cause serious inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which is fatal. There are no known human vaccines.

Climate change has helped accelerate the spreading of the West Nile virus through Northern and Eastern Europe. Research Showas the virus thrives in warm summer temperatures. In the Netherlands, USUTU was first detected in 2016, and the West Nile virus continued in 2020. British officials fear a similar pattern will unfold in their country. Demonstrating research The climate there is becoming more and more kind to mosquito-borne viruses. “The idea is if there's usutu here, West Nile is likely to come at some point and last, given the right conditions,” Folly says.

In response to the threat, APHA launched a project in 2023 to track the emergence and transmission routes of USUTU and other mosquito-borne viruses in wild birds. Infrastructure to track this virus It is essential for the country to respond quickly to West Nile's arrival, Foley says. “Our real goal, or willingness from a government perspective, is to be able to detect these. [new viruses] We circulate animal populations before they can be transmitted to humans. ”

Reina Sikkema The University of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam is studying the emergence of the Netherlands Ustus and the West Nile virus. The West Nile has not been detected since 2022,He believes the virus is circulating at low levels and is now being controlled by a relatively cool climate. “I believe it exists, but it takes the right situation to burn,” she says. Sikkema said detection of the West Nile in the UK is now inevitable, but he believes similar climatic factors can prevent the virus from spreading too widely.

However, the temperature rise in summer including Increased frequency of tropical nights – The UK's Met Office Weather Agency defines Sikkema that if the minimum temperature is not below 20°C, it could change photos of the UK, the Netherlands and other Northern European countries. “Mosquito-borne is not [just] On your Spanish holiday, or when you go to South America,” says Folly.

Like the potential risk of the West Nile virus to people, Folly says we shouldDon't forget what USUTU is doing to Blackbirds in the UK: “If 40% of humans die in Greater London, you'll know about it very quickly.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New review highlights the numerous health benefits of staying well-hydrated

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Drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones as well as migraines, urinary tract infections, and low blood pressure, according to a new systematic review of 18 randomized clinical trials.

A systematic review of 18 randomized clinical trials found that interventions that increased water intake (or decreased intake in some studies) were associated with statistically significant increases in weight loss and reductions in kidney stone events. A single study suggested benefits related to migraine prevention, urinary tract infections, diabetes management, and lower blood pressure, but did not reach statistical significance. Image credit: Günther.

Water is a major component of the human body and is considered an essential nutrient that cannot be produced in sufficient quantities through metabolism.

The National Academy of Medicine recommends a daily fluid intake of approximately 13 8-ounce cups for men and 9 cups for women.

A common public health recommendation is to drink 8 cups of water per day, but the evidence supporting this is not clear.

Determining a single optimal daily water intake is a difficult concept, given the wide variation in body weight, activity levels, and health status at the population level, and the numerous mechanisms that regulate water balance.

Because of the known negative effects of dehydration, behavioral factors and hydration status have been widely studied in relation to health conditions.

Professor Benjamin Breyer of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues aimed to summarize the evidence from randomized clinical trials on the effects of increasing daily water intake on health-related outcomes.

“We wanted to take a closer look at such a ubiquitous and simple intervention, as the evidence is not clear and the benefits are not well established,” Professor Breyer said.

“Although the amount of rigorous research turned out to be limited, there were statistically significant benefits in some specific areas.”

“To our knowledge, this is the first study to broadly evaluate the benefits of water intake on clinical outcomes.”

Researchers have found the most evidence supporting drinking water to prevent kidney stones and lose weight.

Drinking 8 cups of water a day significantly reduced the chance of kidney stones recurring.

Some studies have found that drinking about 6 glasses of water a day can help adults lose weight.

However, a study of adolescents found that drinking just over 8 cups of water a day had no effect.

Still, encouraging people to drink water before meals is a simple and inexpensive intervention that could have significant benefits, given the rise in obesity.

Other studies have shown that water can help prevent migraines, manage diabetes and low blood pressure, and prevent urinary tract infections.

Adults with recurring headaches felt better after drinking more water for three months.

Drinking about 4 more cups of water a day helped diabetics with elevated blood sugar levels.

Drinking an additional 6 cups of water per day also helped women with recurrent urinary tract infections. The number of infected people has decreased and the time between infections has increased.

And drinking more water helped young people with low blood pressure.

“Dehydration has been shown to be particularly harmful for people with a history of kidney stones or urinary tract infections,” says Professor Breyer.

“On the other hand, people who sometimes suffer from frequent urination may benefit from drinking less alcohol. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to water consumption.”

of the team paper Published in a magazine JAMA network open.

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Nizar Hakam others. 2024. Results of randomized clinical trials testing changes in daily fluid intake: a systematic review. JAMA Net Open 7 (11): e2447621;doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.47621

Source: www.sci.news

Disputed COP29 deal highlights deteriorating climate cooperation

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When COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev stepped up to the podium on Sunday morning at the closing session of the Baku Climate Summit, he had two speeches ready. According to sources who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, one speech was prepared in anticipation of a much-anticipated deal, while the other was prepared in case of a deadlock after the summit collapsed. It was seen as a contingency plan.

An official from the COP29 Presidency revealed that negotiations were tough until the last minute to secure the Baku breakthrough, but they were still preparing for various outcomes. The final speech was being crafted to address different possibilities.

Ultimately, without giving his detractors a chance to react, Babayev succeeded in pushing through a $300 billion funding plan to assist developing countries in handling the escalating costs of global warming over the next decade, earning praise for his efforts.

He lauded the agreement as a significant achievement and criticized skeptics, labeling them as “wrong,” along with many individuals targeted by the climate deal accused of being grossly inadequate.

The audience was already aware that Babayev was preparing for a mixed outcome at the divisive Baku summit, signaling that negotiations were unlikely to proceed smoothly.

Concerns about the imminent withdrawal of the United States from global climate cooperation, geopolitical tensions, and the surge of isolationist politics that have sidelined climate change in many nations’ priorities had lowered expectations for the deal.

An activist holds up a globe balloon during a protest at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 21.
Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Potential obstacles loomed large over Baku. The coming months will continue to cast a shadow over global efforts to address climate change as Brazil gears up to host a major conference next year in the Amazon rainforest city of Belem. The world will then embark on a multi-year plan for deeper emissions cuts and building climate resilience.

Trump Effect

One major factor clouding the negotiations in Baku was the impending return of Donald Trump as the President of the United States, the world’s largest economy, historically the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and a significant producer of oil and gas, who has been a climate change skeptic.

President Trump, due to take office again in January, had vowed to withdraw the US from the global Paris climate accord, repeating his stance from his previous term and dismissing climate change as a hoax.

Negotiators at the Baku conference noted that while the US delegation contributed to developing a climate finance agreement, the country was unable to play the high-profile leadership role seen in previous climate summits. Doubts persisted about the administration’s commitment to honoring the agreement.

“As far as the United States is concerned, the voters have spoken, and that’s where we stand. We are unsure of their intentions,” stated South Africa’s Environment Minister Dion George.

US officials attending COP29 tried to assure global partners that even if President Trump withdraws from the international process, market forces, federal subsidies, and state mandates will continue driving the deployment of renewable energy.

Furthermore, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East diverted global attention towards security and energy availability, compelling many governments to tighten their budgets, making it challenging to secure larger climate finance amounts, noted observers.

“Given the current political climate, maintaining climate finance at its current level is an uphill battle,” remarked Joe Thwaites, a senior adviser at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The pledged $300 billion annually by 2035 would theoretically triple the previous commitments of rich countries to provide $100 billion by 2020. Rich countries’ reluctance to offer further funding and the pressure to reach agreements amidst political turmoil disappointed least developed countries and small island states left out of negotiations at the Baku conference.

At one point during the summit’s final stages, the negotiating bloc representing these nations staged a walkout in protest, leading to a delay in reaching an agreement.

Representatives from Marshall Islands and India voiced their dissatisfaction with the climate finance deal, highlighting the reluctance of developed countries to fulfill their responsibilities, setting the stage for challenges at COP30 in Brazil.

“This could prove contentious in Belém. Brazil must find a way to rebuild trust,” remarked Oscar Soria, head of the Common Initiative focused on global financial reform.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Jael van der Woden Shines: Exploring Cultural Highlights | Culture

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BBorn in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1987, Yael van der Woeden is a writer and teacher of creative writing and comparative literature in the Netherlands. Her work has appeared in publications such as LitHub, Electric Literature, and Elle.com, and she writes the David Attenborough-themed advice column “Dear David” for the online literary magazine Longleaf Review. Her essay on Dutch identity and Jewishness, “Reading (Not) Anne Frank,” received a notable mention in the 2018 Best American Essays collection. safepublished by Viking earlier this year, is van der Woden’s debut novel and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

1.Book

idol wild Written by James Frankie Thomas

A friend gave this to me and said, “Your genetic makeup has changed.” You might think that a novel given with the promise of a life-changing experience would only disappoint, but still! intention idol wild Will it disturb the mental equilibrium of all readers? Not likely. Does this send some of us into a survival spiral for about a week? surely. This novel is at once a well-known and well-written three-act Bildungsroman, and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I’ve pitched this to people: Imagine a teenage love triangle. Instead of love, the three axes are obsession, sexuality, and gender envy. A scary and fun ride.

2. YouTube Channel

Dashner Design and Restoration




Mid-century renovation by Dashner Design & Restoration.

During vacation this summer, my girlfriend peeked over my shoulder in bed, saw me watching my wardrobe repair job for 45 minutes, and started teasing me badly. That’s what grandma does, she said. Surely grandma wouldn’t restore the entire wardrobe, I said. It is very physically demanding and requires years of study. I didn’t convince her, but I’ve been trying to convince her. There’s a sense in craftsmanship of doing something very well and applying that skill to undoing entropy that people do know things and mistakes can be undone. It will remain. Or maybe I just couldn’t get over my surprise at the successful transformation.

3. Music

Fountain Baby by Amaarae




“Addiction and anxiety”: Amarase. Photo: Sonya Horsman

The last few years have been great for pop. And my favorite genre to come out of it is the weird, naughty side of queer hyperpop. The great Chapel Lawn was brewed in these waters, but also consider Peach PRC, Ashnikko, Cobra and Lil Marico. I’ve been obsessed with Amaarae’s latest album for a while now. fountain babyespecially the song antisocial dance queen. A pop-creepy, devilish dance club hit with a Minogueian refrain of “Touch, touch, touch!” Lyrics include “I buried all the bodies in the pool.'' It’s addictive and anxiety-provoking.

4. Interior design

pottery fish




Photo: shoppingiro.com

Two things are tied together in this piece. The fact that I’m moving soon and the fact that I’m fully engaged in researching the former Zuiderzee (‘southern sea’), which is now the IJsselmeer. Water cascading down like a big thumb in the middle of the Netherlands. I’ve been researching what types of fish survived the transition from salty to sweet water, and how that affected coastal life and people’s relationships with water. . Actually, I’ve been thinking about fish lately. So when I started looking for things to put in my new home, I just kept being drawn to fish. Fish plates, fish art, fish shower curtains. I’ve been staring blankly at fish and found most of them to be terrifying, but I believe this collection of Italian ceramic fish is perfect in every way. Especially the anchovies and sardines, the cool blue color and big eyes. they make me happy. I have come to understand that this is not a universal opinion. However, I ended up buying 6 of them. Will probably buy more.




“For lovers of oak, honey and baked apples…” Photo: Amazon.De

5. Drinks

Calvados Dauphin Fine

I have recently been writing in Giethoorn, perhaps the most picturesque town in the Netherlands. Canals, bridges and thatched roofs. My hosts were a wonderful couple who took me sightseeing and boating. And most importantly, he emailed me at the end of every other day of writing. Question mark on wine glass emoji? And when I got off, there was food and wine and laughter, and on my last night there I had a glass of Calvados Dauphin Fine. It had a story. When they were young, an older couple allowed them to try the drink, and then they kept saving up for months to buy their own bottles. From then on, they made sure to always have them on hand. I was skeptical, took a sip, and have been planning to buy one for myself ever since. Not too sweet, not too spicy. For those who love oak, honey, baked apples, and the fantasy of a life that welcomes a weary writer in his spare room.

6. Museum

Zuiderzee Museum




Zuiderzee Museum in the Netherlands. Photo: Christophe Cappelli/Alamy

This is one of the most impressive heritage museums I’ve ever seen. Its history is as follows. In 1932, the Ahu Water Embankment, a weir dam that effectively cut off the Zuiderzee and turned it into a large, shallow, sweet-water lake, was completed. As traditional marine life dwindled along the coast and on the islands, the museum served as a living archive, with abandoned homes being transported en masse to the museum grounds. Desks, beds, chairs, fishing nets, sheets, the entire store. The museum is a large village with original and recreated houses. You can go inside these houses and touch objects, and historians dressed in traditional costumes will tell you the stories. It’s both magical and tragic. The fact that we are witnessing traces of life being carefully selected and contained also means that it has disappeared.
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7. Podcast

death, sex, money




Hugh and Crystal Hefner at the Playboy Mansion in 2014. Photo: Charlie Galley/Getty Images

Anna Sale is one of my favorite interviewers. I listened to almost every episode before heading to my first hosting gig. death, sex, moneyjust to see if there’s something about her inquisitive attitude with other people that might affect me. I wish I could laugh like her. One of my favorite recent episodes is the one about life at the Playboy Mansion. Crystal Hefner talks about life in the claustrophobic house and under Hefner’s control, his childish tyranny. She tells the story of living there as a young woman, then marrying Hefner as an adult, and how she sought and found agency in small, secret ways. A gorgeous interview.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Cultural Highlights of Nicole Flattery: A Spotlight

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W
Author Nicole Flattery was born in Kinnegad, County Westmeath in 1989. She studied theater and film at Trinity College, Dublin, after which she completed a master’s degree in creative writing, for which she won the White Review Short Story Award in 2017.Her award-winning short story collection let’s have a good time was published in 2019, and her work has appeared in the following publications: stinging fly, guardian, and london book reviews. Her debut novel, Not particularly, explores female friendship, fame, and identity in 1960s New York. Published in paper bag By Bloomsbury on March 28th.

1. Location

Rough Owell, county westmeath




“I wish I could swim there every day”: Ruff Owell. Photo: Alamy

This place is not far from my parents’ house, so I often go swimming here with my mother and sister. It’s very beautiful and there’s a great sense of community among the swimmers. Winter is my favorite time to swim. It’s a cold season that tests your endurance. When you first jump in, you don’t think about anything for just a few seconds. I wish I could do this every day. When I was a teenager, I didn’t really like growing up in rural Ireland. I thought I was missing out on the excitement and glamor, and I definitely was. But now I miss it so much.

2. Film

One from the Heart (directed by Francis Ford Coppola)




Teri Garr in “One from the Heart.”

I just watched this re-release version. It was goofy and silly and fun, but also very detailed and extravagant viewing, perhaps because of Coppola’s work. The story is about a couple, Franny (Teri Garr) and Hank (Frederick Forrest), who find themselves in crisis in Las Vegas. she wants to travel He wants to settle down. They break up and then rebound with other people. Tom Waits does the soundtrack, and everything is very stylized and surreal. I watch a lot of old movies. Because I think we can learn from that, but more superficially, I think we can also learn about clothing. I can’t stop thinking about the red dress Gar is wearing. I would gladly take heartbreak if I could keep that dress.

3. TV

Love is Blind (Netflix)




“Love Is Blind”: “I hope they make 100 seasons.” Photo: Johan Poulin/Netflix

It’s a reality show with the basic premise of meeting, falling in love, and proposing invisibly. All you can do is have a few conversations through the wall about spirituality, trauma, and what you want to do on the weekend. Then marry them! With six seasons so far, it’s safe to conclude that love is not blind. It’s fascinating to watch couples emerge and try to reconcile the idea of romantic love with reality. Some of them are extremely single-minded. Even if it’s obvious that you can’t stand your partner’s gaze and don’t want to get involved, you end up getting married anyway. They always say something like, “I can’t wait to sleep with you and wake up with you in the morning.” It’s as if you’re worried that your partner will leave in the middle of the night. That’s exactly right. What would I do in that situation? I hope they make 100 seasons.

4. Critic

aS Hamra

With the demise of Pitchfork and other publications, I feel like long-form criticism is dying out a bit, which is scary and scary. Personally, I love reading. It means the world to me. AS Hamra’s playful and wonderful film criticism book streaming the earth dies Full of insight, wit, and voice. We need critics like this who understand that what we see is who we are. It also helps if you’re really funny, as is he. His Oscars recaps, while often written only about the movies themselves, are always some of the best writing about awards season.

5. Technology

dumb phone

You can’t spend even one hour in Dublin and not see the devastating impact of the tech industry. We sold our city to these companies and made it impossible for anyone else to live here. I don’t just mean homelessness and exorbitant rents, but lack of imagination and the occasional need to drink at an exorbitantly expensive place called Ye Olde Irish Hardware Shop. It also means the fact that it must be done. I use a bad phone a lot now. I’m more sociable and like to talk to strangers. Leaving the house with a dumb phone is amazing. I think this is what it feels like to be on the run.

6. Coffee shop

Lilliput Stores, Stoneybatter, Dublin




“They also sell exquisite honey, and I’m addicted to it.” Photo: Noel Bennett/Alamy

I’ve been coming here for years because I used to work at the nearby publishing company Lilliput Press. Now it’s just a 10-minute walk from my home. It’s very cozy and has a great selection of food, pastries, and wine. They also sell exquisite honey, and I’m addicted to it. It’s always a treat after going to yoga. In fact, I spend most of my classes thinking about what I’ll gain, which probably won’t help me achieve enlightenment. Everyone who works there is so friendly and warm that it’s worth the trip out of town.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Margo Price’s Cultural Highlights: A Spotlight on Me

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Ccountry singer songwriter margo price Born in Illinois in 1983, she studied dance and theater at Northern Illinois University. She was a fixture in the Nashville music scene for years, waiting in line and working odd jobs while playing in various bands, before releasing her debut album. Midwestern Farmer’s Daughter, in 2016. In 2018 she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and in 2022 she published her memoir. maybe it will be successful. her fourth album, Straysreleased last year, she Tour the UK and Ireland From January 26th (Gorilla, Manchester) to January 30th (Coco, London).

1. movie

Murderer of the Flower Moon (Martin Scorsese, 2023)

Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon. Photo: Landmark Media/Alamy

I recently read a book by David Grann. This is one of the saddest true stories I’ve ever read and one that more people should know about. Martin Scorsese’s movies were great. This is a story about the Osage His Nation, a Native American tribe who lived in Oklahoma in the 1920s and became the richest people in the United States, attracting some pretty evil people. Lily Gladstone played the lead role and her performance was breathtaking. Fun fact: They asked me to audition for the role of Robert De Niro’s wife. Of course I didn’t understand it, but it was fun to be a part of it.

2. hobby

of dulcimer

“Easier than lugging your guitar around at the airport”: the traditional Appalachian mountain dulcimer. Photo: Picture Partners/Alamy

I started playing the dulcimer about a year ago and it’s really fun. She started looking for information online, figured out the chords, took one lesson, and then decided to boldly take it on tour and perform in front of people. There are only three strings, so it is very easy to pick up the melody. Now you know why Joni Mitchell travels with her guitar. It’s small and light, so it’s easier than lugging your guitar around at the airport. I hope this will be an opportunity for people over 40 to pick up a new musical instrument.

3. podcast

10% happier

Host Dan Harris was a former news anchor who left the media after suffering panic attacks and battling drug addiction. Although he describes himself as a “fidgety skeptic,” this is a Buddhist-leaning podcast. He has interviewed His Holiness the Dalai Lama, monks, nuns, and guests such as: Esther Perel and La Sarmiento. He’s speaking to people who have gone through some pretty awful things and lived to tell about it, and that gives me perspective. He seems like an honest person and has a dark and dry sense of humor.

Four. biography

Don’t tell anyone the secrets I told you by Lucinda Williams