I feel like when I’m reading or watching something, for me to like a hero, they have to

1) have ambition about anything

2) not be annoying

3) not excuse their shitty behaviour with their shitty childhood

4) not be so self-righteous they don’t see their own flaws

For these reasons I hate with a burning passion Jace Herondale, Clary Fairchild, Eli Ever, Tiberius “Cal” Calore VIII, Dean Winchester, and Legend/Dante Santos

Jace is constantly doing something shitty in every book and people don’t care and they just put up with it for some reason. In CoG he belittles Clary because he wants to push her away but keeps coming back to her. He also keeps coming onto Clary when he thought she was his sister and said that cursed sentence in CoG that I need to bleach from my brain. I know if he said that shit to me I would’ve punched him in his stupid face cuz who does he think he is? He mocks the werewolves after they lost a child in their pack, he’s just awful to Alec at times, he doesn’t seem to understand there are consequences to his actions and just does shit because he wants to. He had the emotional maturity of a dried up pinecone.

Clary also does so much shit and people don’t call her out because she’s the protagonist and she just lets Jace do whatever to her because he’s hot. Girl please get a grip. She slut shames Izzy because apparently women aren’t allowed to have a sex life or wear revealing clothing 😒 girl you kissed someone you thought was YOUR BROTHER!! She dated Simon to get over Jace and then kissed Jace in the Seelie Court, and repeatedly thought about Jace in a romantic sense WHILE she thought they were SIBLINGS! I can’t.

Eli is so self-righteous, annoying and hypocritical. He uses God and religion as an excuse to kill innocent people which is just disgusting. Like I get that he thinks being an EO changed a person because Victor became different but he is an EO himself and he just takes it on himself to murder innocent people for simply existing.

Cal has no desire to do anything, at least up to the beginning of King’s Cage he doesn’t (where I currently am). He knows how poorly the Reds are being treated and he doesn’t want to change anything because (and I’m paraphrasing) there would be outrage among the Silvers and a war would break out. Bitch you are already at war! He’s the reason why so many innocent young Reds have lost their lives fighting in a war they have no say in. He sees the Scarlet Guard killing Silvers and he doesn’t try to stop them. He sulks and whines but doesn’t take any real action, which he could if he actually wanted to. He stalks around the camp like Mare’s dog and thinks he’s better than everyone.

Dean Winchester is an abusive asshole. He locked Sam in the cellar when he was addicted to demon blood when he knew the withdrawal could kill him. He shit on Sam for being manipulated. He’s made horrible perverted jokes about women, might I remind y’all of the high school episode (he was at least 26 at the time). He guilted Sam for leaving him in Hell and Purgatory when he did THE EXACT SAME THING when Same went to the cage. He threatened Kaia, a teenager at gun point for his own selfish purposes. He abused Jack til the very end, yelling that he wasn’t family when Jack had sacrificed his soul and life for the Winchesters, and made Jack hate himself for being born. He was shitty to Cas in so many seasons and didn’t care that Cas just went through seeing his son die and wasn’t able to save him. He violated Sam’s body by tricking him into letting Gadreel in which led to the death of Kevin and had the audacity to think he was wronged.

Dante is shit. Julian, his brother, lived with him for centuries, followed him wherever he went and loved him unconditionally. All Julian asked was for Dante to love him back, which he never did. When Julian finally found someone who loved him, Dante made fun of him. And then in the next book he gives up his immortality for Tella, a girl he has known for literal months at most. He didn’t love his brother, who has been with him since the beginning, enough to give up his immortality but he loved this random girl he has known for a couple months at most to give it all up?? Tella should’ve left him in the dust just like she did Jacks and went off on adventures by herself and met someone that wasn’t a twat.

2023 poetry rec list

technically a day late but who cares! i don't. it's gonna be a long one this year too despite not having read or written as much poetry as of late; i'm putting my overall fifteen favorite + poetry book recs up here and the rest below a cut to spare your dashboards :)

2022

2021

books:

calling a wolf a wolf (kaveh akbar)

cinema of the present (lisa robertson)

dictee (theresa hak kyung cha)

pilgrim bell (kaveh akbar)

prelude to bruise (saeed jones)

the crown ain't worth much (hanif abdurraqib)

top 15:

abecedarian requiring further examination of anglikan seraphym subjugation of a wild indian reservation (natalie diaz)

about eight minutes of light (robert king)

at luca signorelli's resurrection of the body (jorie graham)

ginen the micronesian kingfisher [i sihek] (craig santos perez)

gods, gods, powers, lord, universe-- (chen chen)

kupu rere kē (alice te punga somerville)

look (solmaz sharif)

ode to the 9,000 year old woman (@/goodbyevitamin)

one art (elizabeth bishop)

petitioning the patron saint of childbirth (danielle boodoo-fortuné)

so mexicans are taking jobs from americans (jimmy santiago baca)

the death loop (jon lovett)

the difficult miracle of black poetry in america: something like a sonnet for phillis wheatley (june jordan)

the madwoman as rasta medusa (shara mccallum)

vocabulary (safia elhillo)

& the gun echoed for centuries; interlude with drug of course; & the light devours us all (yasmin belkhyr)

a brother named gethsemane (natalie diaz)

a map to the next world (joy harjo)

between autumn equinox and winter solstice, today (emily jungmin yoon)

cherish this ecstasy (david james duncan)

coffins (derick thomson)

conflict resolution for holy beings (joy harjo)

failing and flying (jack gilbert)

ginen tidelands [latte stone park] [hagåtña, guåhan] (craig santos perez)

how to be a dog (andrew kane)

i love you to the moon & (chen chen)

i'm sorry birds (@/quezify)

insomnia and the seven steps to grace (joy harjo)

i was sleeping where the black oaks move (louise erdrich)

i watch her eat the apple (natalie diaz)

moth wings and other things (@/grendel-menz)

my father (ollie schminkey)

my soldier, my stranger (scherezade siobhan)

new year's day (joan tierney)

october (louise glück)

praise song for oceania (craig santos perez)

praise the rain (joy harjo)

real estate (richard siken)

sharing a cigarette with joan of arc (dante emile)

song of the anti-sisyphus (chen chen)

table (edip cansever, transl. richard tillinghast)

tear it down (jack gilbert)

temporary job (minnie bruce pratt)

the blue dress (saeed jones)

the lesson of the moth (don marquis)

the universe, as in one last song for the lonely hearts (michelle hulan)

throwing children (ross gay)

untitled (joan tierney)

voices (naomi shihab nye)

when i die i want your hands on my eyes (pablo neruda)

why i am not coming in to work today (jess zimmerman)

wolf moon (nina maclaughlin)

yes, it was the mountain echo (william wordsworth)

Pitch for the third installment in the Until Dawn/The Quarry trilogy:

1) The title: META

(reason: double entendre since the game is a meta-take on horror gaming and a reference to the Metaverse)

2) The plot

In 1984, a mysterious serial killer known as The Gravedigger murders a sibling pair who were on their way to visit family.

In the present day, a group of people vacationing in the same spot as the Gravedigger murders realize they’re being stalked. But as the night goes on, the vacationers realize there’s something else to fear aside from the killer. Something…supernatural-

Wait…why does this feel familiar? Isn’t this the same plot as Until Dawn? Also, this doesn’t feel too different from The Quarry. Something feels wrong with this set-up…

As the game goes on, the main characters start to feel that there’s something off about their world. They feel like they’re just following a script and that they have no control over their actions. That’s when we get the big reveal; they’re trapped inside a virtual world that was developed by Supermassive Games. In reality, the main characters are gamers who were brought in by Supermassive to test a new virtual reality game. However, a rogue programmer hacked the game, resulting in the gamers losing their memories, being stripped of their free will, and becoming trapped inside.

You, the player(s), are an actual character in the story. You’re a Supermassive employee trying to save the gamers by playing the rogue programmer’s script and making choices for the helpless gamers. It’s up to you to stop the rogue programmer, who is making the virtual world more and more nightmarish as the story goes on.

So, while chapters 1-6 play out like a typical Supermassive game, chapters 7-10 become more of a surreal nightmare due to the rogue programmer fighting back against the player.

3) Inspirations (to get a feel for how I imagined the game would turn out):

The Backrooms, The Cell, Doki Doki Literature Club, Harvester, Don’t Worry Darling, WandaVision, Too Many Cooks, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, Danganronpa V3, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch

Sword Art Online and The Matrix, for non-horror inspirations

Squid Game, sorta kinda. It’s mainly the concept of this evil overseer watching over these people who are being forced to take part in the overseer’s game.

4) The main playable cast:

* Sean Parker (INTOLERANT, ARROGANT, CONFIDENT): A men’s rights activist/Andrew Tate-type gamer. He is played by Gregg Sulkin.

* Kim Myung-seok (BRAVE, RATIONAL, STOIC): An esports player from South Korea. He is played by Wi Ha-joon.

* Sameer Patel (INSECURE, RELAXED, DEFENSIVE): A gaming journalist from the United Kingdom. He is played by Dev Patel.

* Luis Santos (FOOLHARDY, CHARMING, BRASH): A gamer from Los Angeles and Melissa’s love interest. He is played by Anthony Ramos.

* Melissa Ramirez (AMBITIOUS, ADVENTUROUS, SELFISH): A gamer from Texas and Luis’ love interest. She is played by Leslie Grace.

* Donna Smith (COMMANDING, KIND, ADAPTABLE): A gamer who becomes the de facto leader of the group. She is played by Zazie Beetz.

* June Greene (REBELLIOUS, DETERMINED, WITTY): An e-girl streamer who is the first to realize something is off about the world. She is played by Erin Kellyman.

* Katrina Mason (NAIVE, ANTI-SOCIAL, FEARFUL): A NEET-type gamer who reluctantly joins the group. She is played by Kaitlyn Dever.

(Romance paths: Luis x Melissa, June x Katrina, Donna can choose between Myung-seok and Sameer. Sean is the only one without a romance path, for obvious reasons.)

5) Other characters:

* The Player, a gender-neutral Supermassive employee who, from the real world, is guiding the characters to safety (or getting them killed).

* Dante Connors: The rogue programmer responsible for trapping the gamers. He is the main villain of the game. Dante is played by David Tennant.

* The CEO of Supermassive, who fulfills the same role as the Curator, the Therapist, and Eliza Vorez. To make this as meta as possible, he is played by the actual CEO of the company.

Who? Me?

Denae, She/Her, 18.

Some topics on here that may be triggering: war (both historical and modern), religion, ableism, racism, anti-LGBT violence and other things of that sort. I will try my best to tag these, but don't hesitate to remind me if I miss any, or if you want me to tag other topics.

Some Of My Interests:

History: WWI, Cold War, fashion across eras, food history, ancient mythologies

Religion: mainly Christianity, its theology and history

Reading/writing: I will post a reading list one of these days, and my own writing can be seen on @sepiaeve

Art: all of it. Especially the classics. My own art is tagged 'my art', though for more recent works, check out my Instagram 'sepiaeve'

Ants: yes, the bugs.

Cryptids: no evidence needed. I'm all for it.

Music: most classical, System of a Down, Nirvana, Rammstein, Elliot Smith, Korn, Santo & Johnny, Buddy Holly, Radiohead

Historical People: Franz Kafka, Mozart, Dante Alighieri, Vincent van Gogh

Some...fandoms: FNAF, SCP Foundation, Our Flag Means Death, What We Do In The Shadows, BBC Ghosts, Horrible Histories, 2001: A Space Odyssey, increasingly more cult classic films

Wow this intro post got long. Anyways. Thanks for checking out my personal library of insanity.

In honor of Shang-Chi, these posts are meant to celebrate East and Southeast Asian men. This is not meant to be a token splash of color.

If you can overlook racism towards people of color this post is not for you, period. If Stop Asian Hate, Black Lives Matter, Free Palestine, Kids In Cages, etc are just hashtags or you only objectify/ fetishize men of color then move the fuck on.

Also, this post was made by a black man, if you are anti-black DO NOT REBLOG.

Jimmy O. Yang, Max Huang, Alexander Hodge

Chan, Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee, Yoson An

Yoshua "Yoshi" Sudarso, Wilson Lai, Remington Hoffman

Chris Pang, Cesar Cipriano, Alvin Huang

Jon Prasida, Tony Chung, Dante Basco

Lewis Tan, Alex Mallari Jr, Han Hyun-min

Callum Hood, Randall Park, Dallas James Liu

Alex Shibutani, Kokoy De Santos, Kennen Navarro

Alex Dominguez, Justin Barnett, Adam Pu

Edison Fan, Justin H. Min, Michael Bow

Special shoutout to @asianmenarewinning and @randall-park for inspiration.

La vida sexual de los Papas

Son más de 300 páginas con cientos de historias poco santas sobre la vida sexual de los Papas de la Iglesia Católica. El libro del periodista peruano Eric Frattini, recorre, a través de los siglos, la secreta intimidad de los papas y anti-papas, pero con no la intención de provocar un «escándalo». Sino para «promover la reflexión sobre la necesaria reforma de la Iglesia a lo largo de los siglos.»

El escritor admite, en efecto, que algunos de los informes pueden haber sido inventados en diferentes épocas, por los enemigos políticos de los papas. Leyendas o verdades consumadas, en el libro «Los Papas y el sexo» hay de todo. Desde Papas violadores y zoofilicos hasta Papas homosexuales y fetichistas, por su puesto, Santos Padres incestuosos, pedófilos o sádicos, pasando por Papas hijos de Papas y Papas hijos de sacerdotes.

Algunos fueron asesinados por los maridos de sus amantes en pleno acto sexual. Otros fueron depuestos de sus cargos, procesados ​​por sus travesuras sexuales y prohibidos en historia de la Iglesia. Otros murieron de sífilis, como el Papa Julio II, elegido en 1503, que pasó a la historia por haber inventado el primer burdel homosexual del que se tenga memoria.

Bonifacio IX dejó 34 hijos, a los que llamaba, cariñosamente, los «adorables sobrinos». Martín V gustaba de encargar historias eróticas que gustaba leer en la intimidad de su habitación.

Paulo II era homosexual y Sixto IV, que cometió incesto con sus sobrinos, bisexual. Inocencio VIII reconoció a todos los niños que tuvo y los llevó a la Santa Sede. Uno de ellos se convirtió en un violador. Juan XI (931-936) cometido incesto con su propia madre, violaba a los fieles y organizaba orgias con chicos.

Sergio III tuvo la desgracia de apasionarse con una madre y su hija, y no con medias tintas: se entregó a la práctica del ménage à trois. Benedicto V solo estuvo en el gobierno de la iglesia 29 días, luego de haber dicho que tenía una niña de 14 años durante una confesión. Después de ser encontrado culpable, huyó y se llevó gran parte del tesoro papal.

Juan XIII era servido por un batallón de vírgenes, deshonró a la concubina de su padre y a una sobrina y comía en platos de oro mientras veía las danzas de bailarinas orientales. Las danzas se terminaron cuando fue asesinado por el marido de una amante en el acto sexual. Silvestre II hizo un pacto con el diablo. Era ateo y además practicaba magia. Acabó envenenado.

Dámaso I, que la Iglesia canonizó, promovía hombres en el ciclo eclesiástico, siendo la moneda de cambio el dormir con sus esposas. Ya el Papa Anastasio, que tenía esclavas, tuvo un hijo con una noble romana, que se convertiría en el Papa Inocencio I (famoso por su séquito de chicas jóvenes). Padre e hijo acabaron canonizados.

Leo I era invitado a las orgías del emperador, pero siempre se defendió diciendo que sólo estaba mirando. Sin embargo, embarazó a una niña de 14 años, a quien mandó a encerrar en un convento por el resto de su vida. Benedicto VIII murió de sífilis y Benedicto IX era zoofilico. Urbano II creó una ley en la que los sacerdotes tenían permitido tener amantes, siempre y cuando pagaran un impuesto.

Alejandro III tuvo relaciones sexuales con los creyentes a cambio de indultos y dejó 62 niños. Fue expulsado, pero la Iglesia tuvo que concederle una pensión de por vida, con el fin de apoyar a los niños.

Gregorio I gustaba de castigar a las mujeres pecadoras, pelándolas y dándoles latigazos. Bonifacio VI rezaba misas privadas solamente para mujeres, y Juan XI violó, durante cuatro días, a una madre y dos hijas. Al mismo tiempo.

1. Juan Pablo II: Acusado de tener una hija secreta.

En 1995, el norteamericano Leon Hayblum escribió un polemico libro en el que afirmaba ser el padre de la nieta de Juan Pablo II. Durante la ocupación nazi de Polonia, Wojtyla se habría casado en secreto con una judía. Relación de la que nació una niña, que su propio padre entregó, con seis semanas, a un convento local. En su pontificado se especuló mucho acerca de las novias que tuvo antes del sacerdocio. El Papa admitió algunas, pero garantizó que nunca tuvieron relaciones sexuales. En el Vaticano, se hacía acompañar por una filósofa norteamericana, Anna Teresa Tymieniecka, con quien escribió su obra más filosófica. Acabaron enojados, supuestamente por celos.

2. Pablo VI: ¿Homosexual?

Una vez que llegó al Vaticano, Pablo VI era muy conservador con respecto a los asuntos relacionados con la sexualidad. En 1976, indignado por las declaraciones homofóbicas de Pablo VI, un diplomático e historiador francés, Roger Peyrefitte, le dijo al mundo que, después de todo, el Papa era homosexual y que mantenía una relación con un actor conocido. El escándalo fue tremendo: Pablo VI negó todo y el Vaticano llegó a pedir oraciones a los fieles del mundo entero por los insultos hechos contra el Papa. Pablo VI murió en 1978, a los 81 años, después del 15 de pontificado, sufrió un edema pulmonar causado en gran medida, por fumar dos paquetes de cigarrillos al día.

3. Inocencio X: Amante de su cuñada.

Elegido en el cónclave de 1644, Inocencio X mantuvo una relación con Olimpia Maidalchini, la viuda de su hermano mayor, un hecho que le valió el desprecio de las cortes de Europa. Inocencio X no era, de hecho, un gran defensor del celibato. Olimpia ejercia una gran influencia en el Vaticano y llegó a gestionar decretos papales. En un momento dado, el Papa se enamoró de otra mujer, Cornelia, lo que enfureció a Olimpia. Aun así, fue su cuñada quien estuvo con él hasta la muerte y quien aseguró el funcionamiento del Vaticano cuando Inocencio estaba muriendo. Cuando murió, en 1655, Olimpia se llevó todo lo que pudo de la Santa Sede hasta su palacio en Roma, temerosa de que el nuevo Papa no le permitiera llevar nada.

4. León X: Murió de sífilis.

Después de que Julio II murió de sífilis en 1513 llega el Papa León X, a quien le encantaba organizar bailes, donde los invitados eran solamente cardenales y dónde jóvenes de ambos sexos aparecían con el rostro cubierto y el cuerpo desnudo. El Papa gustaba de los chicos jóvenes, a veces vestía de mujer y adoraba el alcohol. «Cuando fue elegido tenía dificultad para sentarse en el trono, debido a las úlceras anales de las que sufría, después de largos años de sodomía», escribe Frattini. Estos y otros excesos llevaron a Lutero a publicar sus 95 tesis, lo que le valió la excomunión 1521. León X murió de sífilis a los 46 años.

5. Alejandro VI: El insaciable.

Disfrutaba las orgías y forzó a un joven de 15 años a tener relaciones sexuales con él siete veces en el espacio de una hora, hasta que el niño murió de agotamiento. Tuvo varios hijos, que nombró cardenales. Una vez que llegó al papado en 1431, cambió a su amante por una más joven, Julia. Ella tenía 15 años, él 58. Fue Alejandro VI, quien creó el famoso «Concurso de putas». En el concurso, el Papa ofrecía un premio en monedas de oro para el participante que consiguiera tener el mayor número de relaciones sexuales con prostitutas en una noche. Después de su muerte, el Vaticano ordenó que el nombre de Alejandro VI fuera desterrado de la historia de la Iglesia y sus aposentos en el Vaticano fueran sellados hasta mediados del siglo XIX.

6. Juan XXIII: Violó a sus hermanas y 300 monjas.

No aparece en la lista oficial de los papas y acabó preso en 1415. El antipapa conseguía dinero al recomendar vírgenes de familias adineradas a conventos importantes. Pero las violaba antes de que se fueran. Él tenía un séquito de 200 mujeres, muchas de ellas monjas. Creó un impuesto especial para las prostitutas de Bolonia. Tuvo relaciones sexuales con dos de sus hermanas. Se defendió, diciendo que no las penetraba y que por lo tanto no cometió ningún pecado. Fue juzgado bajo la acusación de 70 delitos de piratería, asesinato, violación, sodomía e incesto. Entre otros hechos, el tribunal consideró como un hecho que el Papa tuvo sexo con 300 monjas y que violó a tres de sus hermanas. Fue depuesto de su cargo y arrestado. Regresó al Vaticano, años más tarde, como un cardenal.

7. Benedicto IX: Sodomizaba animales.

Llegó a Papa en 1032 a los 11 años. Bisexual, sodomizaba animales y fue acusado de brujería, satanismo y violaciones. Invocaba espíritus malignos y Sacrificaba vírgenes. Poseía un harén y tuvo relaciones sexuales con su hermana de 15 años. Gustaba, de hecho, de verla en la cama con otros hombres. «Le gustaba ver cuando practicaba sexo con hasta nueve amigos, mientras bendecia la unión», escribe Eric Frattini. Invitó a los nobles, soldados y vagabundos a orgías. Dante Alighieri consideró que el pontificado de Benedicto IX fue el momento en que el papado alcanzó su nivel más bajo de degradación. Benedicto IX cansado de tanta misa, renunció para casarse con una prima – que abandonaría más tarde.

8. Clemente VI: Compró un burdel.

En 1342, con Clemente VI llega a la Iglesia Juana de Nápoles, su amante favorita. El Papa compró un «burdel respetable», sólo para los miembros de la curia. Un negocio, según los documentos de la época, hecho por “el bien de nuestro Señor Jesucristo”. Se convirtió en proxeneta de las prostitutas de Avignon (a las que cobraba un impuesto especial) y tuvo la idea de dar, dos veces a la semana, audiencias exclusivamente a las mujeres. Recibía a sus amantes en una habitación a pocos metros del espacio en el cual los verdugos de la Inquisición hacian su trabajo. En su funeral, en Avignon, se distribuyó un panfleto en el que el mismo diablo agradeció al Papa Clemente VI, ya que, con su mal ejemplo, «poblaba el infierno de almas.»

9. Sixto III: Violó a una monja y fue canonizado.

Obsesionado con las mujeres más jóvenes, fue acusado de violar a una monja en una visita a un convento cerca de Roma. Mientras oraba en la capilla, el Papa elegido en 432, pidió ayuda a dos novicias. Violó a una, pero la segunda se escapó y lo denunció. En la corte, Sixto III se defendió, recordando la historia bíblica de la mujer sorprendida en adulterio. Acto seguido, los más altos miembros eclesiásticos se reunieron para condenar al Papa  violador, no se atrevieron a «tirar la primera piedra» y el asunto fue cerrado. De hecho, Sixto III fue canonizado después de morir.

10. Juan XII: Asesinado por el marido de su amante.

En los conventos oraba hasta morir. Juan XII era bisexual y forzaba a jóvenes a tener relaciones sexuales delante de todo el mundo. Disfrutaba viendo a perros y burros atacar a las jóvenes prostitutas. Organizó un burdel y cometió incesto con su media hermana de 14 años. Raptaba peregrinas en los caminos a lugares santos y ordenó a un obispo en un establo. Cuando el cardenal le recriminó, lo mandó a castrar. Un grupo de prelados italianos, alemanes y franceses lo juzgaron por sodomía con su madre y por tener un pacto con el diablo para ser su representante en la tierra. Fue declarado culpable de incesto y adulterio y depuesto de su cargo en 964. Fue asesinado – Apuñalado y golpeado – en pleno coito por el marido de una de sus muchas amantes.

Infiorata di Noto 2021, il fascino del barocco.

DI Infiorata di Noto 2021,l’arte siciliano non si ferma mai attraverso alla bellezza inconfondibile del barocco, il fascino della città che ti fa innamorare.

‘’E quindi uscimmo a rivedere le stelle’’

La Sicilia non rinuncia alla bellezza, ma lo fa nel rispetto della sicurezza. Così, l’Infiorata di Noto 2021 è diventata un prezioso simbolo di rinascita. Il sindaco della cittadina in provincia di Siracusa, Corrado Bonfanti, l’ha definita “L’Infiorata della ripartenza”, in una 42esima edizione dedicata a Dante Alighieri. I Maestri infioratori netini hanno trasformato via Nicolaci, elegante strada del centro storico, in un prezioso e profumato tappeto infiorato. Naturalmente, a causa delle restrizioni anti-Covid non è stata visitatile, ma non per questo non si è trattato di un bellissimo spettacolo. Sono stati 8 i bozzetti realizzati, nel rispetto delle normative attualmente in vigore e con il presidio delle forze dell’ordine e dei volontari di Protezione Civile e della Croce Rossa, tutti ispirati Dante Alighieri.

 Elena Rodica Rotaru (fashion blogger) insieme ad Andrea Fenu (filmmaker ) Intervista al sindaco di Noto dott. Corrado Bonfanti.

                                           Cattedrale di Noto

Sfilata costumi d’epoca fine ‘’700, associazione  corteo barocco di Noto, presidente dott.Corrado Di Lorenzo.

L’origine inglese di questa nobilissima famiglia non impedì a Silvestre di Lorenzo Visconte di Antona del Ducato di Nottuberland di trasferirla in Sicilia, sotto il regno di Re Ruggiero.Tutto ciò si evince da un decreto di concessione del titolo di “Marchese del Castelluccio”, accordato da Re Ferdinando IV nel 1803.I personaggi di questa titolata famiglia furono vari e varie furono le nobilissime gesta che li resero e li rendono, ancor oggi, degni di menzione:un Pietro, Segretario della Regina Costanza;un Nicola, Segretario di Re Manfredi;un Roberto, esimio Giureconsulto, sotto i Re Giacomo e Pietro II d’Aragona;un Giovanni al quale, per il suo valore, gli fu elargito un feudo dal Re Pietro II;un Corrado, Comandante la fortezza di Noto, nonché Gentiluomo di Camera di Re Alfonso;un altro Giovanni, Canonico della Cattedrale di Noto e Cavaliere Cappellano dell’Ordine dei Cavalieri del Santo Sepolcro di Gerusalemme, lodato inoltre per le sue virtù insigni ed illustri; un Lorenzo, primo Marchese del Castelluccio;un Corrado Di Lorenzo e Borgia, Marchese del Castelluccio, Barone di S.Lorenzo, Sammarco, Renda, Granieri, Ciurca, Canali – Cavaliere del Santo Sepolcro di Gerusalemme e Gentiluomo di Camera di Re Ferdinando II.Prendendo come figura di riferimento coloro ai quali ci sentiamo direttamente e fondamentalmente legati, a datare dal dopo-terremoto in poi (1693), esattamente il Nobile Niccolò Di Lorenzo e la sua sposa, la nobildonna Agata Battaglia, ci sentiamo di affermare che i discendenti di questa illustre famiglia, ben presenti ai giorni nostri, costituiscono nota di vanto e di orgoglio, di cui può degnamente fregiarsi la nostra Noto.

Backstage/ dietro le quinte alla sartoria associazione corteo barocco di Noto.

Presidente dotto. Corrado Di Lorenzo, Nuccia Boscarino, Floriana, Salvatore, Andrea Fenu...

Andrea Fenu e Floriana, costumi d’epoca fine ‘’700, associazione corteo del barocco di Noto .

Nuccia Borcarino, responsabile sartoria corteo del barocco di Noto.

Intervista a Sebastiano Caristia ceramista di Noto.

Gli oggetti e gli elementi d’arendo che trovate in negozio,  sono realizzati, presso i nostri laboratori,  interamente a mano e secondo le  antiche e tradizionali tecniche di lavorazione. S. Caristia.

 Bar ‘’A SUD’’ NOTO, barista Corrado Filingeri, chef Valerio Tiralongo ,Corrado Giunta , titolare del bar Valerio Giurdanella . 

 Bar/ gelateria ‘’Caffe Milano’’ di Noto, pasticcere Corrado.

 Una gita turistica  in piaggio ape calessino  a Noto con il maestro Corrado.

 Pandataria film -Elena Rodica Rotaru e Andrea Quero ringrazia tanto  per organizzazione della produzione documentari a Noto e vicino  avv. Franzo Boscarino, titolare della birra Vendicari e tenuta

 ‘’ Il Biglietto di Vendicari.

Tenuta’’ Il Biglietto’’ di Vendicari.

Pandataria Film  Elena Rodica Rotaru (fashion blogger) ringrazia tantissimo per l’ospitalità  Tenuta Giasira di Boroli Giovanni e Isabella  Focali, novaresi che da tempo ha deciso di vivere a Rosolini. Grazie di cuore a Giorgio figlio della dottoressa Isabella.  

Azienda agricola ‘’La Giasira’’.

Tenuta Giasira a Brosolini SR, Sicilia.

Intervista e un bel selfie con il nuovo candidato per il comune di Noto (Siracusa) Sicilia.

 dott. Corrado Figura.

Andrea Fenu (cameraman) 

Elena Rodica Rotaru ( fashion  blogger )

 Intervista  al nuovo candidato per il  comune di Noto (Siracusa). Dott. Corrado Figura. In bocca al lupo!

@likarotarufashion​ @elenarodicarotaru-blog​ instagram @elenarodicarotarufficial_79

“Cachucho não é coisa que me traga a mim Mais novidade do que lagostim Nariz que reconhece o cheiro do pilim Distingue bem o Mortimore do Meirim A produtividade, ora aí está, quer dizer Há tanto nesta terra que ainda está por fazer Entrar por aí a dentro, analisar, e então Do meu 'attaché-case' sai a solução! FMI Não há graça que não faça o FMI FMI O bombástico de plástico para si FMI Não há força que retorça o FMI Discreto e ordenado mas nem por isso fraco Eis a imagem 'on the rocks' do cancro do tabaco Enfio uma gravata em cada fato-macaco E meto o pessoal todo no mesmo saco A produtividade, ora aí está, quer dizer Não ando aqui a brincar, não há tempo a perder Batendo o pé na casa, espanador na mão É só desinfectar em superprodução! FMI Não há truque que não lucre ao FMI FMI O heróico paranóico harakiri FMI Panegírico pró lírico daqui Palavras, palavras, palavras e não só Palavras para si, palavras para dó A contas com o nada que swingar o sol-e-dó Depois a criadagem lava o pé e limpa o pó A produtividade, ora nem mais, celulazinhas cinzentas Sempre atentas E levas pela tromba se não te pões a pau Um encontrão imediato do 3º grau! FMI Não há lenha que detenha o FMI FMI Não há ronha que envergonhe o FMI FMI ... Entretem-te filho, entretem-te, não desfolhes em vão este malmequer que bem-te-quer, mal-te-quer, vem-te-quer, ovomalte-quer-messe gigantesca, vem-te bem, bem te vim, vim na cozinha, vim na casa-de-banho, vim-me no Politeama, vim-me no Águia D’ouro, vim-me em toda a parte, vem-te filho, vem-te comer ao olho, vem-te comer à mão, olha os pombinhos pneumáticos como te arrulham por esses cartazes fora, olha a música no coração da Indira Gandhi, olha o Moshe Dayan que te traz debaixo d'olho, o respeitinho é muito lindo e nós somos um povo de respeito, né filho? nós somos um povo de respeitinho muito lindo, saímos à rua de cravo na mão sem dar conta de que saímos à rua de cravo na mão a horas certas, né filho? Consolida filho, consolida, enfia-te a horas certas no casarão da Gabriela que o malmequer vai-te tratando do serviço nacional de saúde. Consolida filho, consolida, que o trabalhinho é muito lindo, o teu trabalhinho é muito lindo, é o mais lindo de todos, com'ò Astro, não é filho? O cabrão do astro entra-te pela porta das traseiras, tu tens um gozo do caraças, vais dormir entretido, não é? Pois claro, ganhar forças, ganhar forças para consolidar, para ver se a gente consegue num grande esforço nacional estabilizar esta desestabilização filha-da-puta, não é filho? Pois claro! E estás aí a olhar para mim, estás aí a ver-me dar 33 voltinhas por minuto, pagaste o teu bilhete, pagaste o teu imposto de transacção e estás a pensar lá com os teus zodíacos: "Este tipo está-me a gozar, este gajo quem é que julga que é?" né filho? Pois não é verdade que tu és um herói desde que nasceste? A ti não é qualquer totobola que te enfia o barrete, meu grande safadote! Meu Fernão Mendes Pinto de merda, né filho? Onde está o teu Extremo Oriente, filho? Aniki-bé-bé, aniki-bó-bó, tu és Sepúlveda, tu és Adamastor, pois claro, tu sozinho consegues enrabar as Nações Unidas com passaporte de coelho, não é filho? Mal eles sabem, pois é, tu sabes o que é gozar a vida! Entretem-te filho, entretem-te! Deixa-te de políticas que a tua política é o trabalho, trabalhinho, porreirinho da Silva, e salve-se quem puder que a vida é curta e os santos não ajudam quem anda para aqui a encher pneus com este paleio de sanzala em ritmo de pop-chula, não é filho? A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three FMI dida didadi dadi dadi da didi FMI ... Camòniú sanòvabiche! Camóne beibi a ver se me comes! Camóne Luís Vaz, amanda-lhe co'os decassílabos que eles já vão saber o que é meterem-se com uma nação de poetas! E zás! enfio-te o Manuel Alegre no Mário Soares, zás! enfio-te o Ary dos Santos no Álvaro de Cunhal, zás! enfio-te a Natalia Correia no Sá Carneiro, zás! enfio-te o Zé Fanha no Acácio Barreiros, zás! enfio-te o Pedro Homem de Melo no Parque Mayer e acabamos todos numa sardinhada ao integralismo Lusitano, a estender o braço, meio Rolão Preto, meio Steve McQueen, ok boss, tudo ok, estamos numa porreira meu, um tripe fenomenal, proibido voltar atrás, viva a liberdade, né filho? Pois, irreversível, pois claro, irreversívelzinho, pluralismo a dar com um pau, nada será como dantes, agora todos se chateiam de outra maneira, né filho? Olha que porra, deixa lá correr o marfil, homem, andas numa alta, pá, é assim mesmo, cada um a curtir a sua, podia ser tão porreiro, não é? Preocupações, crises políticas pá? A culpa é dos partidos pá! Esta merda dos partidos é que divide a malta pá, pois pá, é só paleio pá, o pessoal não quer é trabalhar pá! Razão tem o Jaime Neves pá! (Olha deixaste cair as chaves do carro!) Pois pá! (Que é essa orelha de preto que tens no porta-chaves?) É pá, deixa-te disso, não desestabilizes pá! Eh, faz favor, mais uma bica e um pastel de nata. Uma porra pá, um autêntico desastre o 25 de Abril, esta confusão pá, a malta estava sossegadinha, a bica a 15 tostões, a gasosa a sete e coroa... Tá bem, essa merda da pide pá, Tarrafais e o carago, mas no fim de contas quem é que não colaborava, ah? Quantos bufos é que não havia nesta merda deste país, ah? Quem é que não se calava, quem é que arriscava coiro e cabelo, assim mesmo, o que se chama arriscar, ah? Meia dúzia de líricos, pá, meia dúzia de líricos que acabavam todos a fugir para o estrangeiro, pá, isto é tudo a mesma carneirada! Oh sr. guarda venha cá - á, venha ver o que isto é - é, o barulho que vai aqui - i, o neto a bater na avó - ó, deu-lhe um pontapé no cu, né filho? Tu vais conversando, conversando, que ao menos agora pode-se falar... ...ou já não se pode? Ou já começaste a fazer a tua revisãozinha constitucional tamanho familiar, ah? Estás desiludido com as promessas de Abril, né? As conquistas de Abril! Eram só paleio a partir do momento que tas começaram a tirar e tu ficaste quietinho, né filho? E tu fizeste como o avestruz, enfiaste a cabeça na areia, "não é nada comigo, não é nada comigo", né? E os da frente que se lixem... E é por isso que a tua solução é não ver, é não ouvir, é não querer ver, é não querer entender nada, precisas de paz de consciência, não andas aqui a brincar, né filho? Precisas de ter razão, precisas de atirar as culpas para cima de alguém e atiras as culpas para os da frente, para os do 25 de Abril, para os do 28 de Setembro, para os do 11 de Março, para os do 25 de Novembro, para os do... ... que dia é hoje, hã? FMI Dida didadi dadi dadi da didi FMI ... Não há português nenhum que não se sinta culpado de qualquer coisa, não é filho? "Todos temos culpas no cartório", foi isso que te ensinaram, não é verdade? Esta merda não anda porque a malta, pá, a malta não quer que esta merda ande. Tenho dito. A culpa é de todos, a culpa não é de ninguém, não é isto verdade? Quer-se dizer, há culpa de todos em geral e não há culpa de ninguém em particular! Somos todos muita bons no fundo, né? Somos todos uma nação de pecadores e de vendidos, né? Somos todos, ou anti-comunistas ou anti-fascistas, estas coisas até já nem querem dizer nada, ismos para aqui, ismos para acolá, as palavras é só bolinhas de sabão, parole parole parole e o Zé é que se lixa, cá o pintas é sempre mexilhão... Eu quero lá saber deste paleio vou mas é ao futebol, pronto, viva o Porto, viva o Benfica, Lourosa! Lourosa! Marrazes! Marrazes! Fora o arbitro! gatuno! Qual gatuno, qual caralho! Razão tinha o Tonico Bastos para se entreter, né filho? Entretem-te, filho, com as tuas viúvas e as tuas órfãs que o teu delegado sindical vai tratando da saúde aos administradores, entretem-te, que o ministro do trabalho trata da saúde aos delegados sindicais, entretem-te, filho, que a oposição parlamentar trata da saúde ao ministro do trabalho, entretem-te, que o Eanes trata da saúde à oposição parlamentar, entretem-te, que o FMI trata da saúde ao Eanes, entretém-te, filho, e vai para a cama descansado que há milhares de gajos inteligentes a pensar em tudo neste mesmo instante, enquanto tu adormeces a não pensar em nada, milhares e milhares de tipos inteligentes e poderosos com computadores, redes de policia secreta, telefones, carros de assalto, exércitos inteiros, congressos universitários, eu sei lá! Podes estar descansado que o Teng Hsiao-Ping está a tratar da tua vida com o Jimmy Carter, o Brejnev está a tratar de ti com o João Paulo II, tudo corre bem, a ver quem se vai abotoar com os 25 tostões de riqueza que tu vais produzir amanhã nas tuas oito horas. A ver quem vai ser capaz de convencer de que a culpa é tua e só tua se o teu salário perde valor todos os dias, ou de te convencer de que a culpa é só tua se o teu poder de compra é como o rio de S. Pedro de Muel que se some nas areias em plena praia, ali a 10 metros do mar em maré cheia e nunca consegue desaguar de maneira que se possa dizer: porra, finalmente o rio desaguou! Vão-te convencer de que a culpa é tua e tu sem culpa nenhuma, estás tu a ver? Que tens tu a ver com isso, não é filho? Cada um que se vá safando como puder, é mesmo assim, não é? Tu fazes como os outros, fazes o que tens a fazer: - votas à esquerda moderada nas sindicais, - votas no centro moderado nas deputais, - e votas na direita moderada nas presidenciais! Que mais querem eles? que lhes ofereças a Europa no natal?! Era o que faltava! É assim mesmo, julgam que te levam de mercedes? toma, para safado, safado e meio, né filho? nem para a frente nem para trás! e eles que tratem do resto, os gatunos, que são pagos para isso, né? Claro! Que se lixem as alternativas, para trabalho já me chega. Entretem-te meu anjinho, entretem-te, que eles são inteligentes, eles ajudam, eles emprestam, eles decidem por ti, decidem tudo por ti: - se hás-de construir barcos para a Polónia ou cabeças de alfinete para a Suécia, - se hás-de plantar tomate para o Canada ou eucaliptos para o Japão, descansa que eles tratam disso, - se hás-de comer bacalhau só nos anos bissextos ou se hás-de beber vinho sintético de Alguidares-de-Baixo! Descansa, não penses em mais nada, que até neste país de pelintras se acha normal haver mãos desempregadas e se acha inevitável haver terras por cultivar! Descontrai baby, come on descontrai, afinfa-lhe o Bruce Lee, afinfa-lhe a macrobiótica, o biorritmo, o horoscópio, dois ou três ovniologistas, um gigante da ilha de Páscoa e uma Grace do Mónaco de vez em quando para dar as boas festas às criancinhas! Piramiza filho, piramiza, antes que os chatos fujam todos para o Egipto, que assim é que tu te fazes um homenzinho e até já pagas multa se não fores ao recenseamento. Pois pá, isto é um país de analfabetos, pá! Dá-lhe no Travolta, dá-lhe no discossáunde, dá-lhe no pop-chula, pop-chula pop-chula, yeah yeah, jo-ta-pi-men-ta-for-e-ver! Quanto menos souberes a quantas andas melhor para ti! Não te chega para o bife? - antes no talho do que na farmácia! Não te chega para a farmácia? - antes na farmácia do que no tribunal! Não te chega para o tribunal? - antes a multa do que a morte! Não te chega para o cangalheiro? - antes para a cova do que para não sei quem que há-de vir, cabrões de vindouros! Hã? Sempre a merda do futuro! E eu que me quilhe! Pois, pá! Sempre a merda do futuro, a merda do futuro, e eu hã? Que é que eu ando aqui a fazer? Digam lá! e eu? José Mário Branco, 37 anos, isto é que é uma porra! anda aqui um gajo cheio de boas intenções, a pregar aos peixinhos, a arriscar o pêlo, e depois? É só porrada e mal-viver, é? "O menino é mal criado", "o menino é pequeno-burguês", "o menino pertence a uma classe sem futuro histórico"... Eu sou parvo ou quê? Quero ser feliz, porra, quero ser feliz agora, que se foda o futuro, que se foda o progresso, mais vale só do que mal acompanhado! Vá: mandem-me lavar as mãos antes de ir para a mesa, filhos da puta de progressistas do caralho da revolução que vos foda a todos! Deixem-me em paz, porra, deixem-me em paz e sossego, não me emprenhem mais pelos ouvidos, caralho, não há paciência, não há paciência, deixem-me em paz caralho, saiam daqui, deixem-me sozinho só um minuto, vão vender jornais e governos e greves e sindicatos e policias e generais para o raio que vos parta! Deixem-me sozinho, filhos da puta, deixem só um bocadinho, deixem-me só para sempre, tratem da vossa vida que eu trato da minha, pronto, já chega, sossego porra, silêncio porra, deixem-me só, deixem-me só, deixem-me só, deixem-me morrer descansado. Eu quero lá saber do Artur Agostinho e do Humberto Delgado, eu quero lá saber do Benfica e do bispo do Porto, eu quero se lixe o 13 de Maio e o 5 de Outubro e o Melo Antunes e a rainha de Inglaterra e o Santiago Carrilho e a Vera Lagoa, deixem-me só porra! rua! larguem-me! desòpila o fígado, arreda! t’arrenego Satanás! filhos da puta! Eu quero morrer sozinho ouviram? Eu quero morrer, eu quero que se foda o FMI, eu quero lá saber do FMI, eu quero que o FMI se foda, eu quero lá saber que o FMI me foda a mim, eu vou mas é votar no Pinheiro de Azevedo se ele tornar a ir para o hospital, pronto, bardamerda o FMI, o FMI é só um pretexto vosso seus cabrões, o FMI não existe, o FMI nunca aterrou na Portela coisa nenhuma, o FMI é uma finta vossa para virem para aqui com esse paleio, rua! desandem daqui para fora! a culpa é vossa! a culpa é vossa! a culpa é vossa! a culpa é vossa! a culpa é vossa! a culpa é vossa! oh mãe, oh mãe, oh mãe, oh mãe, oh mãe, oh mãe, oh mãe... (...) Mãe, eu quero ficar sozinho... Mãe, não quero pensar mais... Mãe, eu quero morrer mãe. Eu quero desnascer, ir-me embora, sem sequer ter de me ir embora. Mãe, por favor! Tudo menos a casa em vez de mim, útero maldito que não sou senão este tempo que decorre entre fugir de me encontrar e me encontrar fugindo... de quê mãe? Diz, são coisas que se me perguntem? Não pode haver razão para tanto sofrimento. E se inventássemos o mar de volta? E se inventássemos partir, para regressar? Partir, e aí, nessa viajem, ressuscitar da morte às arrecuas que me deste. Partida para ganhar, partida de acordar, abrir os olhos, numa ânsia colectiva de tudo fecundar, terra, mar, mãe... Lembrar como o mar nos ensinava a sonhar alto, lembrar - nota a nota - o canto das sereias, lembrar o "depois do adeus", e o frágil e ingénuo cravo da Rua do Arsenal, lembrar cada lágrima, cada abraço, cada morte, cada traição, partir aqui, com a ciência toda do passado, partir, aqui, para ficar... Assim mesmo, como entrevi um dia, a chorar de alegria, de esperança precoce e intranquila, o azul dos operários da Lisnave a desfilar, gritando ódio apenas ao vazio, exército de amor e capacetes. Assim mesmo, na Praça de Londres, o soldado lhes falou: - Olá camaradas, somos trabalhadores, e eles não conseguiram fazer-nos esquecer; aqui está a minha arma para vos servir. Assim mesmo, por trás das colinas onde o verde está à espera, se levantam antiquíssimos rumores, as festas e os suores, os bombos de Lavacolhos, assim mesmo senti um dia, a chorar de alegria, de esperança precoce e intranquila, o bater inexorável dos corações produtores, os tambores. - De quem é o carvalhal? - É nosso! Assim te quero cantar, mar antigo a que regresso. Neste cais está arrimado o barco-sonho em que voltei. Neste cais eu encontrei a margem do outro lado, Grandola Vila Morena. Diz lá: valeu a pena a travessia? Valeu pois. Pela vaga de fundo se sumiu o futuro histórico da minha classe. No fundo deste mar, encontrareis tesouros recuperados, de mim que estou a chegar do lado de lá para ir convosco. Tesouros infindáveis que vos trago de longe e que são vossos, o meu canto e a palavra. O meu sonho é a luz que vem do fim do mundo, dos vossos antepassados que ainda não nasceram. A minha arte é estar aqui convosco e ser-vos alimento e companhia na viagem para estar aqui de vez. Sou português, pequeno-burguês de origem, filho de professores primários, artista de variedades, compositor popular, aprendiz de feiticeiro. Faltam-me dentes. Sou o Zé Mário Branco, 37 anos, do Porto, muito mais vivo que morto. Contai com isto de mim para cantar e para o resto.”

- FMI de José Mário Branco 

The Best Xbox One Games (April 2020)

The Xbox One might not have the same selection of exclusives as the PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, but the handful it does have is worth checking out. Some of the best Xbox One games are first-party titles, but you’ll find loads of other quality games from the likes of Electronic Arts, Bethesda, and Ubisoft that comprise a huge library of games worth playing. In addition, many of them look the best on Xbox with the power of the Xbox One X.

Thanks to a strong lineup of shooters and racing games, fans of those genres needn’t look any further than Microsoft’s Xbox. It also boasts many great platformers you aren’t going to find on other consoles. Whether you’re looking for a lengthy single-player game with a great story or an online world to get lost in with friends, there is something for you.

From Control to Rocket League, these are our picks for the best Xbox One games.

Here’s a quick-jump menu if you’re looking for a specific genre:

Action

Darksiders Genesis

The other three Horseman of the Apocalypse use melee weapons in the Darksiders universe, but Strife prefers his handguns. In the prequel game Darksiders Genesis, developer Airship Syndicate turned the series into an isometric dungeon-crawler, and Strife’s attacks are reminiscent of twin-stick shooters. He’s joined by the melee-focused War, and the two can swap at any time when playing solo.

Darksiders Genesis ditched the open-ended design of the main series for mission-based stages, but they’re stuffed with secret collectibles and new abilities that make it imperative to replay missions. Numerous difficulty levels and unlockable areas ensure it won’t wear out its welcome.

Control

Remedy Entertainment fans got a taste of the studio’s potential with the Xbox One game Quantum Break, but Control is a much more refined take on the third-person shooter genre. Set in the morphing headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Control, Control is a “paranatural” mystery that starts weird and only gets weirder.

As protagonist Jesse Faden, you’re given the role of director upon your entry and must work to purge the Hiss enemies from the Bureau. You do this with the help of your unique superpowered abilities, which include telekinesis and mind control. Alongside these, you have the Service Weapon, a unique handgun that shifts forms and functions like a shotgun or even a machine gun. It makes Control’s combat satisfying and encourages experimentation.

Read our full Control review

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

From Software had the option to release another Dark Souls game. Instead, the legendary studio created an entirely new franchise with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This action game takes plenty of inspiration from Dark Souls and Bloodborne, but the addition of a Posture system for deflecting attacks — along with a resurrection mechanic — help make it feel like a distinct game in its own right.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is ludicrously difficult, which could turn off From Software newcomers. Those who have the time and patience to battle through its boss fights, however, will find one of the most rewarding and addicting action games of the generation. The pain is good, and we want more.

Read our full Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice review

Devil May Cry 5

After taking a darker direction with DmC from Ninja Theory (more on that developer in a bit) back in 2013, the original series returns with Devil May Cry 5. Set after the events of the four other games, Devil May Cry 5 puts you in control of three different characters, each with unique weapons and abilities to master. Nero’s brutality contrasts Dante’s flashiness, and both are about as different from V’s demon-spawning style as possible.

Devil May Cry 5 feels like the perfect blend of old and new, with a gorgeous engine making it one of the prettiest games on the Xbox One. It hasn’t lost the series’ challenge, however, and a second run on Son of Sparda difficulty mixes up the enemy variety to put your skills to the test.

Ashen

From Software’s excellent action-role-playing game Bloodborne isn’t available on the Xbox One. Instead, owners get their own Souls-like game in the form of Ashen. Like the best games in the genre, Ashen forces players to think tactically as they approach situations, dodging and carefully choosing their attacks to avoid being overwhelmed. Stamina must be preserved, and the game’s dreary and gray color scheme only gets you in the mood to kill.

Where Ashen differs from its competition, however, is in its watercolor-like art style. Characters in the games don’t have faces, almost like you’re trying to remember who you saw in a dream, giving the game a surreal feeling. It also supports a passive multiplayer component, where you can choose to cooperate with other players or force them to continue alone.

Gears 5

The Coalition outdid itself with Gears 5, a third-person shooter that improves on its predecessor in nearly every way. Combat feels just as perfect as ever, with intense shootouts against both Swarm and robotic DeeBees. More open-ended areas feature side missions that add additional context to the game’s world.

Gears 5 is one of the best games in the entire series, with psychological horror elements sprinkled throughout its story and a tremendous selection of cooperative modes. The new Escape game mode is great for aggressive players, and the competitive multiplayer doesn’t change what was already nearly perfect.

Read our full Gears 5 review

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Although the story remains the main draw for the Metal Gear franchise, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain trades lengthy cutscenes and monologues for open-world gameplay that provides countless ways to approach any mission. Tranquilizers, sniper rifles, shotguns, a remote-controlled robot arm; all this and more is available, giving the game an endless sense of replay value.

After completing a mission using a stealthy, nonlethal approach, one may feel the urge to replay the same mission, marching into an enemy outpost with a machine gun and a rocket launcher to burn the whole thing down. Few games encourage experimentation like MGSV.

Despite some questionable narrative choices, MGSV is a powerful ending to one of gaming’s most important franchises, setting a new bar for open-world gameplay.

Grand Theft Auto V

The most commercially successful video game — or media product — of all time, Grand Theft Auto V deserves its popularity. The open-world criminal action game builds on what Rockstar Games has done well for decades, with a staggering number of side activities to complete and locations to visit.

Its three-protagonist main story is both emotional and hilarious, with the psychopathic Trevor often stealing the show with his violent and over-the-top outbursts. It only gets better when you enter Grand Theft Auto Online, which allows you to gain influence in Los Santos and show the world why you deserve respect.

Despite being nearly five years old, the game continues to get new content updates. We anticipate it will live on for at least another five years.

Read our full Grand Theft Auto V review

Nier: Automata

Nier: Automata/Square Enix

A stunningly well-realized version of auteur director Yoko Taro’s vision, Nier: Automata is a depressing and existential action game that avoids many of the narrative traps associated with android stories. There are no questions regarding what it means to be human, but rather what it means to be yourself. Protagonists 2B and 9S struggle to accept reality, making for some of the most emotional moments we’ve ever experienced in a game.

With Platinum Games handling the combat, it’s also a flashy and tight action game complete with twin-stick shooter segments to break up the monotony.

Read our full Nier: Automata review

Sunset Overdrive

Sometimes games don’t have to be anything other than fun, and Insomniac Games demonstrates that perfectly with the Xbox One exclusive Sunset Overdrive. Mixing the goofy third-person shooting of the studio’s Ratchet & Clank series with the navigation of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or Jet Grind Radio, Sunset Overdrive constantly has you on the move to build up your combo and take out more enemies.

Its silly anti-corporate story is certainly derivative, but it packs in plenty of hilarious characters and self-aware moments. Once you complete the main story, it’s an absolute blast to just soar around the city and find every secret.

Read our full Sunset Overdrive review

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2/Rockstar

It’s rare that a AAA open-world game can surprise us, but Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 manages to do it regularly. The western is a prequel to the 2010 game Red Dead Redemption, but it is far more than a simple retread of that title’s themes.

As a member of the Van der Linde gang, protagonist Arthur Morgan must wrestle with his past and his uncertain future as the government hunts down the remaining outlaws in a rapidly changing Wild West locale.

Every story mission is absolute gold, never falling into a pattern of repetition. The emergent activities you’ll discover in the open world are engaging enough to keep you busy for hours. Want to cause chaos or just hunt game? You totally can, or you could try your luck at a few hands of poker. It’s also available on Xbox Game Pass, sweetening the deal for the subscription service.

Read our full Red Dead Redemption 2 review

Action-adventure

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order isn’t exactly the most original or innovative game we’ve played. It’s a blend of elements from big-name game franchises like Uncharted and Dark Souls, but with all the classic Star Wars tropes. Despite this, it excels because it so smartly pulls mechanics and structural pieces that fit the Star Wars formula well.

Split between exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, Fallen Order never feels like it’s wasting your time. When you finally get protagonist Cal Kestis outfitted with his best Force powers and a customizable lightsaber, he feels like an unstoppable warrior who can take on waves of Stormtroopers without issue.

With brilliant performances and a mesmerizing score, you have one of the best Star Wars games since BioWare’s Knights of the Old Republic series.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the finale to the trilogy that began with the Tomb Raider reboot in 2013. It builds on everything the previous games did and more, highlighting the Lara Croft we know and love who finally ditches fear for total confidence. It’s packed full of engaging combat, fun environmental puzzles, and moving cinematics.

Given this is the third installment, you should play the also excellent Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider before diving into the shadows.

Read our Shadow of the Tomb Raider review

Sea of Thieves

If you ever wanted to sail the treacherous seas roleplaying as a pirate with a group of your friends, Sea of Thieves is the Xbox One game for you. Embark on voyages, discover treasure, raid enemy ships, customize your rig, and be the best scallywag this side of the sea has ever seen!

Sea of Thieves feels like a lighthearted pirate simulator. You and your friends go on adventures but also work together to accomplish menial things like putting up the ship’s sails and navigating through dangerous waters. The best part? The entire game is cross-platform, so you can play with your friends on PC. Over time, it has grown into a respectable online service game with more content to pursue than ever before, despite its really rough launch. 

Survival Horror

Resident Evil 3 Remake

Resident Evil 2 Remake raised the bar for what a remake could be when it released in 2019. Just a year later and Capcom wowed fans of the series again with its follow-up in the form of Resident Evil 3 Remake. This iteration takes place right around the same time as Leon and Claire’s tale in the previous game, but with Jill Valentine returning as the main character.

The same survival horror elements are all here as players have to contend with limited resources and terrifying creatures that are stalking the gorgeously-rendered streets of Raccoon City. That isn’t even taking into account the relentless, gruesome Nemesis who stalks you with some serious firepower. With a bit more action thrown into the mix, you can’t go wrong playing this terrific remake.

Read our Resident Evil 3 Remake review 

Fighting

Mortal Kombat 11

Some game franchises suffer from fatigue after their first few entries, with later games paling in comparison to the originals. NetherRealm’s Mortal Kombat is not one of those series.

Mortal Kombat 11 is a fighting game designed by masters of the genre. It offers brutal and complex combat while also including tutorial and practice systems so newcomers can enjoy the game. The addition of the Fatal Blow system makes every second of a fight suspenseful, even if one player has a huge advantage. Not to mention,the infamous Fatalities are gorier than ever.

Mortal Kombat 11 is also, hands down, one of the prettiest games on the Xbox One. Animations — both for faces and attacks — are stunning, and there’s a sense of fluidity that we rarely see outside of NetherRealm’s work. With a ton of different modes to choose from and an over-the-top story to play through, Mortal Kombat 11 is well worth the price of admission.

Read our full Mortal Kombat 11 review

Dragon Ball FighterZ

There have been dozens of Dragon Ball Z games produced over the years, and nearly all of them are poor or just decent at best. Arc System Works managed to not only set a new standard for the series with Dragon Ball FighterZ, but it also managed to create one of the best fighting games of all time.

The tag-team fights look like they were pulled directly from the anime, with crisp animation and all the classic series attacks you can think of. But FighterZ is also one of the most accessible fighting games around. Even someone who has never played a fighting game can get the hang of it quickly, but its remarkable depth has made it the new favorite of the fighting game community.

Read our full Dragon Ball FighterZ review

First-person shooters

Borderlands 3

Few first-person shooter franchises are as big as Borderlands, and its numbers-based approach — as well as its heavy emphasis on looting new weapons — helped to make it a hit for shooter fans and role-playing fans alike. Never before had a game felt like Diablo with guns, and Borderlands 3 delivers on the all-out action, goofy humor, and bizarre characters we’ve come to expect from the series. Gearbox didn’t reinvent the formula after all these years, but the studio didn’t need to.

Borderlands 3 also greatly expands the scope of the series, taking it from just the planet Pandora to several other locations. The variety helps make the game feel fresh without losing what made the series so beloved in the first place.

Metro Exodus

The Metro series breaks from the trend of most post-apocalyptic shooters’ “fun during the end of the world” themes for a bleak and borderline nihilistic story that underscores the horror of nuclear war. Metro Exodus, the third game in the series, is 4A Games’ most ambitious project, moving much of the action out of the titular subway system and onto a diverse landscape filled with various mixes of sand, trees, and snow.

It remains Metro at its heart, however, with scavenging and resource management still crucial as protagonist Artyom braves the game’s hostile environments. The focus on gear customization also allows you to approach combat in whatever way you see fit, including pure stealth or guns blazing action. There isn’t a correct option for these encounters and the dangers you encounter while moving to the next objective can often result in your plan going down the drain before it begins.

Read our full Metro Exodus review

Halo 5: Guardians

343 Industries wasn’t content to deliver exactly what fans expected in Halo 5: Guardians. Longtime protagonist Master Chief largely takes a backseat to newcomer Spartan Locke on an adventure that hops across multiple planets and features a favorite supporting character in a very different role.

It’s a gorgeous game full of jaw-dropping moments, but multiplayer is where Halo 5 really shines. Between the classic arena competitive matches and the large-scale Warzone mode, there’s enough content in Halo 5 to keep you fragging your friends for months or even years on end.

Read our full Halo 5 review

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the perfect introduction for Xbox One owners new to Microsoft’s console family. Containing the first four numbered games in the series — as well as their prequel, Halo: Reach — it’s enough content to keep you busy for weeks and months on end. Halo 2: Anniversary is a highlight of this package, a remastered classic with new cinematics and sound effects, that even shows up Halo 5.

As you may have heard, Halo: The Master Chief Collection was a bit of a mess at launch, but the game’s server issues have stabilized. There are more than 100 maps to choose from, spanning from the original Halo to Halo 4. The majority are remastered versions of old favorites, but a select few were rebuilt from the ground up specifically for the collection. Of course, if you’re like us, you’ll be spending all your time blowing your friends up in Blood Gulch anyway.

Read our full Halo: The Master Chief Collection review

Destiny 2: Forsaken – Legendary Collection

Bungie seemingly rushed the original Destiny to release, offering a campaign mode that didn’t make much sense and a surprising lack of endgame content. Destiny 2 aimed to right these wrongs and its campaign is everything we expect from developer Bungie – loud, fast, funny, and a whole lot of fun.

Now more than a year after launch, Destiny 2 has evolved in surprising and great ways. While the first two smaller expansions didn’t add much in terms of depth, Forsaken, the most recent and largest DLC, gave the experience a welcome makeover. Rife with new endgame content, missions, and areas to explore, Forsaken changes the identity of Destiny 2 and will keep Guardians busy (and happy) for the long haul.

With Shadowkeep and more now out as well, there is more than enough reason to dive into Destiny 2 as the online first-person shooter continues to grow.

Read our full Destiny 2: Forsaken review

Doom Eternal

A sequel that is even better than the 2016 reboot, Doom Eternal is a confident and lightning-fast first-person shooter from the masters at id Software. It expands on its predecessors’ movement-centric combat with Glory Kills providing health when performed on staggered enemies, and there are more than twice as many types of demons ready to tear the Doom Slayer limb from limb. They’ll have a hard time doing so, as he’s packing a spring-loaded arm-blade, powerful chainsaw, and a huge arsenal of guns.

Where Doom Eternal far surpasses 2016’s Doom is its competitive multiplayer Battlemode, which shifts the generic deathmatch modes to asymmetrical battles between one Doom Slayer and two demons. Every battle is a tense affair from beginning to end, with the demons capable of spawning more allies to their side and ganging up on the Slayer as he attempts to evade and launch his own counter-attack.

Read our full Doom Eternal review

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare defined the Xbox 360. Its intense single-player campaign played out like a blockbuster film while it’s competitive multiplayer kept the disc in players’ consoles for years.

Infinity Ward returned to the sub-series with the reboot Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, a game that understands what fans loved about the original game without feeling trapped by its legacy. This time around, the story is told in a more grounded and realistic way, with disturbing content that is not included for mere twists or shock value.

Competitive multiplayer has also been refined, adding the massive Ground War mode alongside staples like Team Deathmatch and Domination. With the recent release of Warzone battle royale, there is even more to love about this game.

Read our full Call of Duty: Modern Warfare review

Overwatch

Overwatch has become nothing short of a phenomenon since it launched in 2016. The team-based hero shooter features a refreshing take on objective-based multiplayer action that emphasizes teamwork and strategy over brute force.

With a selection of more than 20 playable heroes, plus at least one additional character added for free through post-release updates, Overwatch encourages you to experiment with different styles of play. Though Soldier: 76 may appeal to longtime shooter fanatics and Reinhardt seems like the obvious choice for RPG lovers, you’ll quickly find that keeping teammates alive as Mercy or holding down a crowded area with Hanzo can be just as rewarding.

Read our full Overwatch review

Free-to-play

Fortnite

Fortnite needs no introduction. Epic Games’ third-person shooter — and its free battle royale mode — took the industry (and the world) by storm with its unique mix of last-man-standing action and building mechanics. It dominates children’s conversations at school, sparked countless imitators, and even managed to surpass PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which used a similar structure that served as the main inspiration for Fortnite battle royale.

With a consistent stream of content updates always giving players something new to do or see, the player-count remains high while some parents even buy tutoring sessions to improve their kids’ skills — and their own.

Read our full Fortnite Battle Royale review

Microsoft

Warframe

With deep customization options, a surprising amount of lore, and engaging moment-to-moment gameplay, Warframe doesn’t feel like a free-to-play game. The many quests and activities you’re required to complete can keep you playing without regard for any other game for weeks.

The parkour navigation and a mix of third-person shooting and melee combat will take some time to master, but having a solid team by your side will make the experience much less daunting. Its cooperative missions make it a great choice to play with a group of friends online. Warframe arrived on Xbox One in 2014 and has since received continuous updates.

Microsoft

Apex Legends

Apex Legends is a squad-based battle royale from Respawn, the studio behind the excellent Titanfall series. While it doesn’t have the Titans or the awesome wall-running, Apex Legends is a refreshing entry in the battle royale genre. The 60-player format splits players up into teams of three, with each contest choosing from a pool of eight legends with unique abilities.

Apex Legends has the best nonverbal communication system we’ve seen in a multiplayer game. The ping system lets you place markers on weapons, enemies, and other points of interest to help you keep your teammates informed. There’s no need to even speak through a mic. It’s that good.

The spacious sci-fi map is full of surprises and little details. The gunplay is as good as Titanfall and feels great in the battle royale format thanks to varied options and a bunch of cool attachments. And in a change from other battle royale games, you can bring teammates back to life after a bit of recon work.

The best part about Apex Legends? It’s free-to-play and none of the microtransactions give you a competitive advantage.

Sandbox/building games

Minecraft

One of the most popular games of all time, Mojang’s Minecraft was a hit on Xbox systems long before Microsoft bought the developer. Its nearly endless creation tools allow players to make unique and impressive structures, and its simple survival gameplay offers a challenge for those looking to venture into the unknown and slay the monsters they find.

The Xbox One version is one of the best, as the recent Bedrock update enabled cross-play with other platforms like iOS, PC, and Nintendo Switch. No matter where your friends are playing Minecraft, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to build and explore together. Minecraft is also an awesome choice for relaxing on your own.

Stardew Valley

It might have begun its life as a spiritual successor to the Harvest Moon series, but Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone’s Stardew Valley has arguably become more influential and revered than the series it tried to emulate. A farming adventure styled after classic 16-bit games on the Super Nintendo, Stardew Valley packs full of charm and character, and in addition to offering a variety of different crops to plant on your farm.

It also features dangerous dungeons to explore and several different characters to romance. The game’s polish and stunning variety is particularly impressive when you consider that Barone was a first-time game developer.

No Man’s Sky

Xbox One fans had to wait more than two years to get their hands on Hello Games’ No Man’s Sky, but the game they eventually received was far better than the one released back in 2016. The Next update overhauled many of the game’s systems and requirements, resulting in more engaging adventures that no longer felt like blind busywork. Improvements like base-building allow you to feel like you’re truly living in the game’s enormous universe, rather than merely looking at it from a distance.

The biggest addition, however, was multiplayer. It finally gave players the chance to explore uncharted territory together and attempt to survive the harsh conditions found on many mysterious planets.

Read our full No Man’s Sky review

Strategy

XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen DLC

Firaxis Games managed to revive a long-dead strategy series in 2012 with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and things only got better from there.

XCOM 2 is a harder, more diverse, and more engaging game than its predecessor. It requires players to master both turn-based strategy and resource management as they attempt to overthrow alien occupiers before they unleash a mysterious weapon.

Failing to move your units into correct positions or taking too long to complete objectives could result in them being overrun and killed. Once they’re dead, they’re dead for good. It’s enough to cause an anxiety attack, but with enough perseverance and a hefty dose of luck, you can repel the invaders and save the world.

Read our full XCOM 2 review

The Banner Saga (series)

If you’re in the mood for a stylish tactical role-playing game, The Banner Saga and its two sequels are a perfect choice. The games’ old-school cartoon aesthetic is gorgeous enough in their own right, but they’re backed by a deep cast of playable characters, several different classes, and important choices that can completely change the course of the story in, not just the first game, but all of them.

You can import the save data you create for the original game into The Banner Saga 2 and The Banner Saga 3, allowing you to create an ongoing narrative that is uniquely yours. Improvements and additions to the combat system in the sequels only makes the tactical battles more rewarding, as do the new playable characters.

Platformers

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Following the underwhelming Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, Konami placed the series on the back burner. Former Konami producer Koji Igarashi had no interest in letting spooky action-platforming die, however, and created Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night so that the spirit of the classic “Metroidvania” could live on.

Designed to be a very similar experience to games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Bloodstained features horror-inspired enemies, crafting, backtracking, and a plethora of enemies and bosses to defeat. Before launch, its art style also underwent a radical overhaul that makes it look far sharper and more fluid, with the 2.5D perspective retaining depth and fidelity.

Inside

Inside is the spiritual successor to developer Playdead’s smash-hit platformer Limbo and perhaps the strangest game available on the Xbox One. Its puzzle-solving gameplay blends elements of science-fiction with creepy, trial-and-error death traps, and emergent gameplay mechanics seamlessly into its narrative.

While just as nihilistic as Limbo, Inside‘s story contains an element of strange, twisted beauty that only Playdead can deliver. The unnamed protagonist — a small child who wears the only bright item of clothing — reacts with fear, anxiety, and determination to the events transpiring in this depressing world.

Read our full Inside review

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the best Metroidvania games ever made, blending simple but effective combat with terrific platforming and exploration. Its sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps took five years to release, but it was well worth the wait. The game is even more gorgeous than its predecessor, with a more refined art style and an atmospheric orchestral soundtrack. It keeps the brilliant escape sequences of the first game, and though it does away with its unique checkpoint system, it still understands what made the original so successful.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a bigger game, too, but that size doesn’t change the emotional and touching story it tells. Microsoft may have a new mascot for Xbox and not even realize it yet, and it’s from a game developed by a strikingly small team at Moon Studios.

Cuphead

Some games are hard. And then there is Cuphead. The 2D sidescrolling game combines challenging platforming gauntlets with some of the most difficult bosses on the planet, each of which is capable of taking down the titular hero in just a few hits, and it requires some of the quickest reflexes of any game we’ve ever played.

You won’t mind dying to the same enemies over and over too much, however, as it’s also a gorgeous love letter to classic animated films of the ‘30s such as Steamboat Willie, and the hand-drawn animations and environments are nothing short of breathtaking. Combined with an era-appropriate soundtrack that’s heavy on the swing and the piano, and you have an absolute classic.hit

Puzzle and adventure games

Outer Wilds

Not to be confused with the unrelated The Outer Worlds from Obsidian Entertainment, Outer Wilds is a unique first-person adventure game that tasks you with uncovering the secret behind an endless time loop constantly threatening the galaxy. Depending on when you reach a location, it can change and offer a different experience, potentially helping you to unravel the mystery at the center of the time loop.

Outer Wilds is designed to be played repeatedly as you gradually uncover the answers you need — almost like a playable version of the film Edge of Tomorrow. It’s a race against time, but one you won’t truly lose if you’re making the most of your exploration. If you want to ignore that and just roast a marshmallow instead, that’s also an option.

The Witness

The Witness is a game that only Jonathan Blow could make. An atmospheric and existential game focused primarily on circuit-based puzzles, it features a familiar amnesiac protagonist element, but the world Blow has created is interesting enough to make it feel like much more than another tale about regaining your memory and uncovering some big secret.

Instead, you’ll be given philosophical tidbits that could help you in your understanding of your world as you make your way through more than 500 puzzles. If you’ve been subscribed to Xbox Live Gold for a while, you likely already have The Witness in your Ready to Install section, so you can try it out right now.

Read our full The Witness review

Role-playing games

Tom Clancy’s The Division 2

Tom Clancy’s The Division had some problems with its competitive Dark Zone and endgame content when it launched back in 2016, but it was still an enjoyable shared-world shooter with an addictive progression system. The Division 2 doesn’t radically alter the MMORPG-like formula, but the move from New York City to the nation’s capital gives you more variety in the environments you’ll fight through. Blasting through a Mars exhibit in a museum is unlike anything we’ve experienced in a game before, and it’s even more fun when you bring some friends along for the ride.

The Division 2 tweaked the time-to-kill for enemies and agents alike, leading to more intense and risky firefights than in the first game. Make a few wrong decisions and you’ll be gunned down, and the enemies you face are smart enough to take cover and avoid letting you get too many shots off before switching locations. The Division 2 is a game of small changes, but they lead to a very satisfying whole.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Following up on the events of the previous game, The Witcher 3 follows the continuing adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his lost lover, Yennefer, and Ciri, his adopted daughter. Although its central plot offers a long and entertaining quest, there’s far more to the game than finding Geralt’s loved ones. The world is massive, dense with characters great and small who have problems they need Geralt to solve. Whether it’s exorcising a spirit haunting a village or helping a blacksmith rebuild his business, there are hundreds of little adventures to go on, and some even intersect in surprising ways.

The world of The Witcher is dark. An early scene finds Geralt riding into a war-torn province, the camera pulling back to reveal a massive tree from which prisoners of war have been hanged. It’s a grim image, and it sets the tone for much of what is to follow. Often the game will present choices that can have wide-ranging, unforeseen consequences. Not everyone gets a happy ending. Despite all the gloom, there are moments of warmth: an orphan reunited with relatives, drinking games with Geralt’s war buddies, a night of passion with an old flame, and more. Wildly ambitious and epic in scope, The Witcher 3 is a watershed moment for role-playing games, setting a new gold standard for the genre.

Read our full The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt review

Monster Hunter: World

It’s not exactly the most traditional Monster Hunter game but that’s what makes it so damn good. If you enjoy a good open-world RPG where you can track rare monsters, engage in tough combat, and craft awesome armor out of their remains, then Monster Hunter: World is right up your alley.

Monster Hunter: World modernizes a classic RPG and makes it easy for anyone to jump in. It features beautiful zones that feel alive, monsters with improved AI, and cool DLC crossovers with Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, and Horizon Zero Dawn. There’s also a multiplayer mode where up to four players can don their best gear and take down dangerous beasts together.

Kingdom Hearts III

Kingdom Hearts III is the first game to release on a Microsoft console right at launch. That’s spectacular news for Xbox One owners, as it also happens to be the very best offering of this zany action RPG series starring Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy. While you may be more than a little lost if you’ve never played the previous games, Kingdom Hearts III does include some recap features to catch you up on the story. Additionally, many people will say that the Kingdom Hearts story is already hard to follow even if you’ve played every game.

With all that said, you should play Kingdom Hearts III for the Disney chapters that live inside the overarching story. In Kingdom Hearts III, you’re transported to the world of Frozen, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Tangled, and more. Each world is beautifully recreated and the action is equally magical. Along with hack and slash combat, Sora and friends have a ton of neat summons, including bombastic attacks courtesy of Disney theme park rides.

Kingdom Hearts III is an all-around enthralling experience that should be played by both fans of Disney and action game aficionados.

Read our full Kingdom Hearts III review

The Outer Worlds

If you ever yearned for Fallout in space, this is the closest relative you’ll likely ever see. That’s because the masterminds behind the popular series, Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky, are at the helm of this incredible first-person role-playing adventure.

The setting is an alternate timeline that sees corporations colonizing other worlds. Your character originates from a colony ship, The Hope, that becomes lost as it travels through space to the Halcyon star system. One-hundred years later, scientist Phineas Welles wakes you from cryosleep with a mission to infiltrate the Halcyon colonies and save fellow humans from The Board, a conglomerate of corporations.

You eventually gain a ship and travel to various settlements scattered throughout the system. As with any other modern RPG, players gain side missions alongside the main story quests. Your choices heavily dictate how the story unfolds, such as diverting power from a local colony or withholding secrets from The Board.

Overall, there’s a definite Fallout feel under all the alien landscapes and technology. What’s missing is a memorable radio station pumping oldies into our ears.

Racing

Forza Motorsport 7

The Gran Turismo series was once the king of the racing simulator, but that time is long gone. Forza Motorsport 7 is the latest in Turn 10 Studios’ stunningly gorgeous line of Xbox One racing games, with the most realistic cars and tracks ever rendered in a video game. It can be borderline car porn, but for those who fawn over the smallest details of automobiles, including the fabric of seats and the stitching on steering wheels, Forza Motorsport 7 is the game you need to play right now.

The changes in Forza Motorsport 7 are incremental compared to previous games, but they still add up to the best version of a racing game that had already claimed the top prize. The artificial intelligence is smarter in races, making each victory that much more satisfying. The cars are varied and fun to drive, and there are more than 700 available to choose from. And though the game lacks the variety and player-driven progression of the Horizon games, its attention to detail is simply second-to-none.

Read our full Forza Motorsport 7 review

Forza Horizon 4

Playground Games has proven itself as one of the best racing game developers on the planet, and the studio has outdone itself with Forza Horizon 4. Taking the action to Britain this time around, Forza Horizon 4 is packed full of racing challenges and open-world fun to partake in, and running on an Xbox One X at 4K or 60 frames per second, it’s a stunning display of power.

A new seasons system changes the environments, as well, freezing over lakes or turning easy roads into muddy deathtraps, and with real players always racing around you in the world, you’re just a few moments away from a race at any time.

Read our full Forza Horizon 4 review

Sports

NBA 2K20

NBA 2K20 continues to prove my 2K Games’ basketball series is the best of the best. With new physics, ball handling, defensive adjustments, smarter A.I., and another great story mode, there is enough content to keep basketball fans busy for months. This is also true for MyGM mode, which is more accessible this year and will let aspiring tacticians feel more welcome.

Not every change is universally positive, such as the greater focus on microtransactions, but NBA 2K20 remains far superior to its competitive and one of the best sports simulations available. Few games are this visually impressive, too, with lifelike players that look even better on an Xbox One X.

Read our full NBA 2K20 review

FIFA 20

FIFA 20 builds on what has made the soccer series so revered for years, with improvements to its Ultimate Team mode allowing for more single-player opportunities, improvements to shooting and defending, all-new physics for the ball itself, and smoother animations. The play on the pitch isn’t drastically different from last year’s game, but it has welcome improvements for longtime fans.

Where FIFA 20 shines, however, is in the new Volta Football mode, which moves the sport to a small court-like pitch and teams of just three to five people. It turns soccer into a hockey-like game with tons of scoring opportunities and much fewer penalties than the traditional game, making it perfect for newcomers and veterans alike.

Pro Evolution Soccer (series)

Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer series continues to improve over the years, rivaling Electronic Arts’ FIFA franchise with its emphasis on total ball and pass control, as well as improved animations and new strategies to help you manage your players exactly as you want to.

Using the Fox engine — the technology behind Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain — Konami can create a gorgeous soccer game, with detailed players and natural movement that make it feel like you’re watching a live soccer match rather than simply playing one on your Xbox One. It isn’t as popular as FIFA, but that underdog position has only motivated Konami.

Rocket League

Who could predict that one of the best “sports” games on the Xbox One would involve rocket-powered cars driving alongside glass domes as they knock an oversized soccer ball across the field?

Psyonix’ Rocket League is a goofy game, but don’t let its wacky premise fool you – Rocket League demands your full attention, as players with enough practice can pull off some truly masterful goals and block balls in a last-ditch effort to keep their lead in a tough match. The simple controls are easy enough to grasp, however, so you should be able to get the hang of things quickly and begin (trying) to score a few goals.

This article was last updated by Digital Trends contributor Cody Perez on 4/24/2020.

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'Ninja cop' Baloyo arraignment postponed

#PHnews: 'Ninja cop' Baloyo arraignment postponed

MANILA – The arraignment of Maj. Rodney Baloyo IV, one of the so-called "ninja cops", was postponed on Friday following the suspension of court proceedings due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“The hearing has been canceled. No notice yet from the court when the arraignment will be reset” said Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez, a member of the prosecution team handling the case of the "ninja cops" accused of recycling back to the market illegal drugs seized in drug raids.

Baloyo's 11 co-accused former and current officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were arraigned last March 6.

He was supposed to be arraigned before the San Fernando, Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 44 for violating of Republic Act (RA) 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly, Section 27, Article II for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs; Section 29, Article II, planting of evidence; and Section 92, Article XI, delay and bungling in the prosecution of drugs cases; and qualified bribery under the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

The group is accused of only declaring having seized 36.6 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, and PHP300,000 when they actually recovered 200 kilos of shabu, PHP10 million, and a Toyota Fortuner.

They also allegedly filed false charges against Chinese national Ding Wenkun instead of Lee.

Capt. Joven de Guzman Jr., Master Sergeants Jules Maniago, Donald Roque, Ronald Santos, Rommel Vital, Alcindor Tinio and Eligio Valeroso; Staff Sergeants Dante Dizon, Dindo Dizon, Gilbert de Vera, and Romeo Guerrero pleaded not guilty to charges of misappropriation of dangerous drugs; planting of evidence; delay and bungling in the prosecution of drug cases; qualified bribery and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 44.

Santos and Guerrero also pleaded not guilty to violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, specifically Section 32 that provides penalties for violation of a Dangerous Drugs Board regulation.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) had conducted the re-investigation of the complaint that was filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

The case involves the illegal drug operations in Mexico, Pampanga where a team led by Baloyo was supposed to have arrested suspected drug trader Johnson Lee.

The panel charged the police officers with the violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly, Section 27, Article II for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs; Section 29, Article II, planting of evidence; and Section 92, Article XI, delay and bungling in the prosecution of drugs cases.

The accused were also charged with qualified bribery under the Revised Penal Code.

Aside from these, Guerrero and Santos were charged with violating regulations issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board regarding the chain of custody of evidence; falsification by a public officer against Baloyo who made untruthful statements in his spot report and progress report regarding the operation; and false testimony and perjury in solemn affirmation against Santos and Guerrero who made untruthful statements in their affidavit of arrest against Chinese national Ding Wenkun.

The DOJ panel previously found that the 12 accused “misappropriated drugs when they declared that only 36.60 kilograms of shabu were seized during their operations, while the subsequent police investigation indicated that about 200 kilos methamphetamine hydrochloride was actually recovered”.

It added that some of the respondents were also found to have failed to declare and account for a Toyota Fortuner vehicle which was also seized during the operation.

The panel also found that the policemen “illegally arrested one Ding Wenkun instead of Johnson Lee from whom they seized the drugs” and “implicated or imputed upon Wenkun the crime of illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs despite their knowledge that it was Lee who should be charged”. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "'Ninja cop' Baloyo arraignment postponed." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096528 (accessed March 14, 2020 at 06:29AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "'Ninja cop' Baloyo arraignment postponed." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096528 (archived).

All the Books I Finished Reading In 2017

Since my attention span barely reaches this comma, it seems more important for me to list the books I finished reading in 2017, more than my “favorite” books of 2017—they are not necessarily the same thing. For example, one of my favorite books this year was Mathias Enard’s “Zone” which in the end (my version of its end) I saw no reason to complete. I got mad at myself this year for the 25th year in a row for wasting my time reading Henry James because I think I’m supposed to read Henry James to be smart. (Writers also published articles again this year on why you should read Henry Green if you want to be cool.) I felt more like Annie Hall, with some asshole boyfriend thinking “I’m not smart enough,” more this year than in any other year. Maybe it's all the information at my fingertips but I seriously doubt information has anything to do with it. Last night I re-watched Annie Hall and then I read 22 pages of “Death in Venice” and thought to myself, this is the best book of 2017, but there’s no way I have the mental ability to finish "Death in Venice" for at least 15 years. I am getting dumber and dumber: no Shakespeare this year, barely any Homer, Virgil, Dante, Beckett or Joyce or Wallace, instead a lot of smooth contemporary poetry/personal essays cyber-obtained in moments of kinetic isolation, very little that will never die. An overwritten fear that too many opinions have already formed, too many corners have been turned, a constant regret that anything new I come across I should have come across sooner, five days before the prime of youth. I feel fat, I feel mentally malnourished. Books I thought constantly about re-reading this year but did not re-read: complete Salinger; You Shall Know Our Velocity; Private Citizens; The Pale King…..some 2017 books, like Eugene Lim’s “Dear Cyborgs” and Anonymous’ “The Incest Diary” I read twice, the latter being the most powerful not-Thomas-Bernhard book I read this year, a triumph of fatherfucking will. The list below, Books I Finished Reading in 2017, is mostly in chronological order from late December 2016 to the present day. I’d like to thank the Evanston and Chicago Public Libraries, Amazon.com, and independent bookstores throughout the United States and in the District of Columbia.

Andres Newman: How to Travel Without Seeing— Dispatches From the New Latin America

Amy S. Greenberg: A wicked war — Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. invasion of Mexico

Bret Easton Ellis: Less Than Zero (Re-read)

Amie Barrodale: You are having a good time, stories 

Jens Malte Fischer: Gustav Mahler (this is the longest biography I’ve ever finished reading)

Primo Levi: Survival In Auschwitz

Lina Wolff: Bret Easton Ellis and Other Dogs

Ingeborg Bachmann: Malina; Selected Prose and Drama; Letters to Felician

Don DeLillo: White Noise (re-read)

Milan Kundera: Testaments Betrayed, The Curtain; Encounter (re-read)

Michel Houellebecq: Submission (re-read)

Greg Jackson: Prodigals (re-read)

Steve Coll: Private empire : ExxonMobil and American power 

Haruki Murakami/Seiji Ozawa: Absolutely on Music: Conversations

James Wood: How Fiction Works; The Irresponsible Self; The Nearest Thing to Life; The Broken Estate; The Fun Stuff

Alberto Moravia: Conjugal Love (re-read)

W.G. Sebald: Vertigo; The Emigrants, The Rings of Saturn, Austerliz, Campo Santo; On the Natural History of Destruction (re-read)

George Steiner: Grammars of Creation, Language and Silence; Real Presences; My Unwritten Books; On Difficulty 

Thomas Bernhard: On the Mountain; Frost; Gargoyles; The Lime Works; Correction; The Loser; Wittgenstein’s Nephew; Woodcutters; Concrete; Yes

Richard Jensen: Illinois, A History

Grace Paley: Collected Stories (re-read)

Dan Egan: The Life and Death of the Great Lakes

Leo Bersani: Caravaggio's secrets (re-read)

Eugene Lim: Dear Cyborgs (twice)

David Nirenberg: Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition

Elizabeth Goodman: Meet me in the bathroom — rebirth and rock and roll in New York City, 2001-2011 

Matthew Klam: Who is Rich?

Imre Kertesz: Kaddish for an Unborn Child

Anonymous: The Incest Diary (twice)

David Graeber: Debt — The First 5,000 years

Scott McClanahan: The Sarah Book 

Saul Bellow: There is Simply Too Much to Think About, Collected Non-Fiction

David Mikics: Bellow's people : How Saul Bellow made life into art  

Claudia Roth Pierpont: Roth unbound : a writer and his books.

Pascal Bruckner: The Wisdom of Money 

Jenny Zhang: Sour Heart

Norman Finklestein: The Holocaust Industry — Reflections on the Exploitation of Jewish Suffering

Laurie Weeks: Zipper Mouth (twice)

The Ferguson report : Department of Justice investigation of the Ferguson Police Department

Stephanie Danler: Sweetbitter

Tao Lin: Taipei (re-read)

Artaud: Anthology

Sontag: Under the Sign of Saturn (Artaud) 

John Corbett: A Listener’s Guide to Free Improvisation

Benjamin DeMott: The Trouble with Friendship: Why Americans Can’t Think Straight About Race

Deleuze & Guattari: Anti-Oedipus

Patti Smith: Devotion

Amiri Baraka: Blues People: Negro Music in White America

20 a 23 de fevereiro

20 de fevereiro

Saí para o ato dos Juristas contra a nomeação de Moraes no Território Livre em frente a Faculdade de Direito da USP, no Largo S. Francisco. Eram 17h quando saí da estação Sé e fui encontrar T. Conversamos e nos despedimos.

Eram 18h quando saí para o ato no Largo.

Cheguei e vi que era ainda cedo e havia poucas pessoas lá, umas 10 , que pareciam estudantes, ao redor de uma mesa de plástico com camisetas Fora Temer!. Saí e tomei uma cerveja num boteco deserto de alguma rua do entorno. Vi na tela do lugar duas propagandas sobre a educação, uma do governo federal e outra de algum FUNASESC ou equivalente. Nas duas, figuravam jovens sorridentes, confiantes e lindos.

Lembrei que M relatou que os blocos este ano apresentam um nível de descontrole e resistência interessantes. Foliões impediram a ação repressora da polícia em cima de camelôs não cadastrados. Depois, E diminuiu este fato, mas R me contou que o bloco do Baixo Augusta preparou uma surpresa aos milhares de corpos dançantes que lá acorreram, descendo a Consolação: um enorme grafite ilegal que cobria uma empena cega foi desvelada com fogos de artifício na chegada da multidão. Li no Estadão que a prefeitura foi “surpreendida” com o grande número de foliões. Isso equivale a admitir que o poder não controla o povo na rua. Eu sempre duvido do poder transformador do carnaval, mas tem sim energias contagiantes eletrizando multidões nas ruas de São Paulo, a mais coxinhas das cidades.

Eram 18:30h quando retornei ao ato dos juristas. Vi um carroceiro que puxava seu veículo pela rua São Francisco na altura em ela se torna a rua Cristóvão Colombo, bem em frente ao Largo. Sua carroça carregava um aparelho sonoro que irradiava um Racionais bem alto, que se espalhava pela noite da Babilônia brasileira.

Já havia umas 150 pessoas, e misturei-me ao povo. Achei que no geral tinha muito estudante de 20-25, mas também pessoas dos dois gêneros entre 40 e 50. Ao final, achei que o número total de manifestantes chegou a 250.

A, filho de JdeA veio me cumprimentar e falamos do seu recente ingresso na faculdade. Busquei valorizar o fato da faculdade estar no centro da cidade e também o fato de que a FADUSP tem um recorte muito mais representativo do Brasil que o Butantã.

Dois de seus recentes amigos se juntaram à conversa, e fiquei bem impressionado com a lucidez de seus diagnósticos. Falamos dos méritos e deméritos da social-democracia. O moço defendia a greve geral como a única forma pauta relevante no contexto atual. Tentei levantar a discussão de que a produção do valor no capitalismo mudou de lugar e agora está na cidade como um todo, e não na só fábrica. Ele até acomodou que a “luta urbana” é importante, mas não pareceu entusiasmado com a formulação. Ela e eles tinham entre 20 e 25 anos.

Contei a eles como eu e JdeA tínhamos estado presentes na votação da emenda Dante de Oliveira que instituía as Diretas em 1984, na praça da Sé. E também como o então Secretário da Segurança de SP, Michel Temer, tinha mandado a polícia invadir o Território Livre da faculdade, o que não ocorria desde os anos da ditadura Vargas, para reprimir o ato na manhã seguinte, também pelas diretas. Fora chamado pelo centro acadêmico XI de Agosto, contra o acordo PMDB/PDS (ditadura/oposição consentida) que resultou em Tancredo Neves.

Contei dos grupos tentavam cooptar calouros como eu em 1984. A Opus Dei era muito ativa e acabei indo estudar num “grupo de estudos” deles, na Joaquim Antunes, em um prédio que ainda existe. Lembro que desconfiei da natureza desse estudo conjunto quando, na entrada do prédio, vi um enorme e muito sangrento crucifixo que guardava o hall de entrada.

Já o hoje juiz S, ultra-direitista, vinha nos azarar com o discurso “veja bem, nós também somos socialistas. Mas somos nacional-socialistas (nazistas)”. Lembro que ele dizia então que “estamos com a luta palestina contra Israel”. Este eu evitei, mas a Atlética, que era totalmente coxinha, tinha outro brilho particular. Eu, calouro de 19 anos, não deixava de notar que certos corpos atléticos desse meio exerciam fascinantes atrações. Depois, vim a enxergar o meu lugar de outra forma, mas, no primeiro ano, tudo era divino maravilhoso.

Notei que a bolinha de luz estava lá, com as mensagens “STF covarde”, “Fora Temer!”, “Alckmin, inimigo da educação” e “A mídia mente”.

O primeiro orador da noite calorenta tinha cabelos compridos e vestia um terno sóbrio. Falou do parlatório de pedra que dá as costas à rua. Apontou como “o golpe é um processo que ainda não se consumou inteiramente” e que a nomeação de Moraes é apenas uma etapa dessa escalada. “Fora golpistas!”, respondeu a multidão.

A próxima oradora foi Ines Ventura, que elogiou o abaixo-assinado promovido pelo XI de Agosto, que fora entregue com mais de 250 mil assinaturas, uma de 5 iniciativas populares contra a nomeação de Moraes. Ela garantiu que ele é objeto do repúdio do meio jurídico, ainda que muitos advogados tenham medo de expressar isso abertamente, pois sabem que podem vir a ser julgados por ele no STF.

Já Lucia Pastore falou que Moraes deveria ser obrigado a copiar na lousa os autores que plagiou. Sublinhou as discrepâncias e inexatidões de seu Currículo Lattes. Ademais, afirmou que se o Lattes foi afinal corrigido, as informações curriculares apresentadas ao Senado contém ainda as incorreções apontadas, o que constitui infração. Ela disse que o Lattes traz a contagem de 69 livros publicados, mas que na verdade são as diferentes edições dos mesmos títulos contabilizados como novas publicações. Para ela, isso é suficiente para seu impedimento já que não tem notório saber jurídico nem reputação ilibada.

O orador seguinte foi um professor da Casa. Só captei o primeiro nome, Sérgio. Lamentou muito a ausência dos outros mestres da faculdade. Falou do currículo de Moraes e dos Jornalistas Livres que detectaram o plágio do ministro. Apontou inverdades e inconsistências no currículo de Moraes, incluindo o seu pós-doutorado inexistente. Disse que enfrentamos um conluio conservador e que vamos no futuro próximo pagar a conta da armação que está ocorrendo agora em nível federal. Apontou também que, como ministro do STF, Moraes vai julgar uma ação contra si mesmo. Afirmou que era “triste que a OAB não esteja aqui”, que já avalizou-o em declaração. Disse que, em termos de saber jurídico, o ministro Moraes, de carreira meteórica, está mais para Paulo Coelho do que para Raduan Nassar.

Tiago, do Sindicato dos Advogados de São Paulo, trouxe a posição oficial da associação, que repudia a nomeação do ministro. Lamentou a ausência dos advogados no ato, mas que entende o seu medo. Disse que daqui a 20 anos o governo Temer será considerado o pior da história do Brasil. Este ato, por outro lado, “será lembrado”, e que o futuro saberá que teve gente que lutou.

A bola de luz agora trazia “Não penso, não existo, só assisto”, “Amor sem temer”, e vi também três bandeiras do Educafro, empunhadas por um grupo de mulheres negras. Vi um jovem com a camiseta preta do Levante Popular da Juventude e um button do Santos.

O Tardelli do site Justificando falou em seguida. Ele propôs uma série de perguntas críticas para que fossem feitas na sabatina de Moraes. Raimundo da Frente Brasil Popular apontou como Moraes foi responsável pela repressão ao movimento social, ao Fora Temer e ao MPL, tendo protegido os coxinhas e seu acampamento.

A moça do CA XI de Agosto leu um manifesto, onde a violência estatal da gestão de Mores era destacada, tendo ele presidido o colapso da segurança pública nacional e as matanças carcerárias. O CA 22 de Agosto, do Direito da PUC, falou em termos correlatos, sublinhando que a PM matou muitos sob seu comando. Em termos similares, o CA do Direito do Mackenzie fez sua declaração.

A bola de luz: “Respeita a rua, a rua tem voz”, e “Cinza não!”. Também “Genocídio gera genocídio”, e “Estado, não se mete no meu útero!”.

A desembargadora Marta, da Unicamp, falou da anti-candidatura de Beatriz Vargas ao STF. Chamou uma frente de esquerdas. Falou Darcy Trigo, dos Advogados Populares de Curitiba, que destacou o papel do Judiciário non golpe. Falou Priscila do DCE-SP. Apontou Moraes como o abafa da Lava Jato.

Uma advogada feminista falou muito bem a seguir, e apontou que, quando Moraes era seu professor, ele já relativizava o uso da tortura na obtenção de informação. Sublinhou como ele estaria no STF até 2043 e que as decisões do STF são de súmula vinculante, isto é, irradiam por todo o sistema jurídico. Destacou o papel das mulheres na luta contra o golpe, saudando a “Primavera Feminista”, que legou ao movimento social a mais importante mobilização de rua contra Cunha em 2016.

Bolinha de luz: “Não pise na democracia”. O moço grande do PT que tinha visto no Sírio-Libanês reconheceu-me e cumprimentou-me.

O orador do Educafro, um moço negro, falou e puxou um “Golpistas, fascistas, não passarão!”. A seguir falou uma moça negra, da mesma organização.

Por vezes eu me confronto com o problema de como traduzir de forma concisa e urgente a situação do Brasil e a realidade do golpe para estrangeiros. Nesta noite, no calor do Largo São Francisco, intuí a agonia da oradora que nos falava, a Ester do Educafro. Percebi como tentava passar que o extermínio e fechamento que outros oradores colocavam no futuro era posto por ela como um presente que já está acontecendo. Eu branco, de classe média, consegui associar sua fala aos impasses do Black Lives Matter, dos EUA. Eles publicaram os vídeos de execuções sumárias incontornavelmente ilegais e cotidianas, e isso sob o mandato de um presidente negro. Mesmo assim, mesmo com a evidência concreta do registros, a mudança estrutural não começou.

Ester falou com muita urgência e força. “Já tive que ver familiar meu morrer, amigo meu morrer”. Falou do genocídio da gente preta agora em andamento, falou das vezes que foram à Secretaria da Segurança de Moraes para exigir a investigação de assassinatos de jovens por policiais. Vê retrocesso em todo o Brasil, e perguntou “o que é que eu digo para minha filha, se os direitos de 1988 não chegaram na periferia?” Distanciar-se das bases é isso aí. “O que as ONGs estão fazendo, o que a Justiça está fazendo?”. Afirmou que “Aqui não teve força para mobilizar os doutores, mas a comunidade está caminhando para a resistência, o sangue vai correr se a situação continuar.”. Disse que era barrada na porta do tribunal, mesmo portando crachá. Ela foi muito aplaudida.

Falaram depois ainda representantes da UNE e GV.

Desta vez perguntei o nome do fotógrafo que sempre vejo, seu nome é R.

Tomei uma no boteco de esquina da João Mendes, tomei o metrô na Sé e fui para casa.

21 de fevereiro

Saí na estação Consolação para uma rápida visita ao acampamento do MTST.

Notícias bem preocupantes de Recife: “Hoje à tarde uma manifestação do MTST na Companhia Estadual de Habitação foi interrompida por uma ação policial sem ordem judicial e terminou com a prisão do advogado do movimento e manifestantes de forma arbitrária.

Participantes idosos, mulheres e crianças foram agredidos/as pela polícia, "balas de borracha" e munição letal foram utilizadas, advogadas/os foram agredidos verbalmente e impedidos de acompanhar a ouvida de testemunhas. Houve pelo menos duas e pessoas atingidas por balas comuns e estão sendo atendidas em hospitais da área.”

Não tive estômago para ver a sabatina de Moraes no Senado. A blindagem do governo está completa. As demandas e denúncias do movimento e da sociedade vão ser canceladas nas instâncias superiores por muitas décadas.

22 de fevereiro

Hoje teve ato dos artistas na frente do Teatro Municipal. Choveu torrencialmente na hora. Lembrei daqueles que dizem às pessoas que nunca saem à rua quando chove: “mas você é feito de açúcar?”. Mesmo assim, não compareci e fui para casa.

23 de fevereiro

Ação repressiva da PM na Cracolândia, inclusive com o uso de munição letal. Parece que o uso de balas de metal está sendo tolerado pelos comandos em todo o Brasil. Vi também em um vídeo das mobilizações contra a venda da CEAD no Rio que a PM d elá também está sacando e disparando pistolas contra manifestantes.

Aliás, esse vídeo é bem interessante, mostra os embates do ponto de vista da linha de frente. Faz muito sucesso no campo autonomista. Mas é indisputável que, para além da adrenalina do confronto, os embates diretos não lograram nada: a venda foi aprovada a revolução não chegou mais perto.

'Ninja cops' plead not guilty to raps over 2013 drug raid

#PHnews: 'Ninja cops' plead not guilty to raps over 2013 drug raid

MANILA – Eleven of the 12 so-called 'ninja cops' pleaded not guilty to charges arising from irregularities during a 2013 drug raid in Pampanga.

Capt. Joven de Guzman Jr., Master Sergeants Jules Maniago, Donald Roque, Ronald Santos, Rommel Vital, Alcindor Tinio and Eligio Valeroso; Staff Sergeants Dante Dizon, Dindo Dizon, Gilbert de Vera, and Romeo Guerrero pleaded not guilty to charges of misappropriation of dangerous drugs; planting of evidence; delay and bungling in the prosecution of drug cases; qualified bribery and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 44.

Santos and Guerrero also pleaded not guilty to violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, specifically Section 32 that provides penalties for violation of a Dangerous Drugs Board regulation.

Meanwhile, Maj. Rodney Baloyo IV is scheduled for arraignment on March 13.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) had earlier conducted the re-investigation of the complaint that was filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

The case involves the illegal drug operations in Mexico, Pampanga where a team led by Baloyo was supposed to have arrested suspected drug trader Johnson Lee.

The panel charged the police officers with the violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly, Section 27, Article II for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs; Section 29, Article II, planting of evidence; and Section 92, Article XI, delay and bungling in the prosecution of drugs cases.

The accused were also charged with qualified bribery under the Revised Penal Code.

Aside from these, Guerrero and Santos were charged with violating regulations issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board regarding the chain of custody of evidence; falsification by a public officer against Baloyo who made untruthful statements in his spot report and progress report regarding the operation; and false testimony and perjury in solemn affirmation against Santos and Guerrero who made untruthful statements in their affidavit of arrest against Chinese national Ding Wenkun.

The DOJ panel previously found that the 12 accused “misappropriated drugs when they declared that only 36.60 kilograms of shabu were seized during their operations, while the subsequent police investigation indicated that about 200 kilos methamphetamine hydrochloride was actually recovered.”

“The group likewise declared that the cash they obtained from the operation to be only PHP300,000 while contrary evidence indicated that said amount reached PHP10 million,” the DOJ panel said.

It added that some of the respondents were also found to have failed to declare and account for a Toyota Fortuner vehicle which was also seized during the operation.

The panel also found that the policemen “illegally arrested one Ding Wenkun instead of Johnson Lee from whom they seized the drugs” and “implicated or imputed upon Wenkun the crime of illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs despite their knowledge that it was Lee who should be charged”. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "'Ninja cops' plead not guilty to raps over 2013 drug raid." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095815 (accessed March 07, 2020 at 03:11AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "'Ninja cops' plead not guilty to raps over 2013 drug raid." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095815 (archived).

DOJ forms panel to handle raps vs 'ninja cops'

#PHnews: DOJ forms panel to handle raps vs 'ninja cops'

MANILA -- Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday designated a panel of prosecutors to handle the criminal charges against police officers allegedly involved in the reselling of seized illegal drugs.

 In Department Order No. 969 dated February 17, Guevarra named Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Suarez and Assistant State Prosecutors Josie Christina Dugay, Gino Paolo Santiago, Ethel Suril, and Alyssa Zapata as members of the panel. The panel will handle the prosecution of the cases for drug violations and others before the San Fernando, Pampanga regional trial court (RTC) against the 12 police officers over alleged anomalies in a 2013 anti-drug raid in the province. The charges were filed after a panel of state prosecutors chaired by Suarez found probable cause to charge the so-called “ninja cops”. The Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted the re-investigation of the complaint that was filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). The case involves the illegal drug operations in Mexico, Pampanga where a team led by Maj. Rodney Baloyo IV was supposed to have arrested suspected foreign drug trader Johnson Lee. The panel charged the 12 police officers with the violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly, Section 27, Article II for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs; Section 29, Article II, planting of evidence; and Section 92, Article XI, delay and bungling in the prosecution of drugs cases. Aside from Baloyo, those charged are P/Insp. Joven Bagnot de Guzman Jr.; Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Jules Lacap Maniago; SPO1 Donald Castro Roque; SPO1 Ronald Bayas Santos; SPO1 Rommel Muñoz Vital; SPO1 Alcindor Mangiduyos Tinio; PO3 Dindo Singian Dizon; PO3 Gilbert Angeles de Vera; PO3 Romeo Encarnacio Guerrero Jr.; SPO1 Eligio Dayos Valeroso; and SPO1 Dante Mercado Dizon. The 12 accused were also charged with qualified bribery under the Revised Penal Code. Aside from these, Guerrero and Santos were charged with violating regulations issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board regarding the chain of custody of evidence; falsification by a public officer against Baloyo who made untruthful statements in his spot report and progress report regarding the operation; and false testimony and perjury in solemn affirmation against Santos and Guerrero who made untruthful statements in their affidavit of arrest against Chinese national Ding Wenkun. The DOJ panel previously found that the 12 accused “misappropriated drugs when they declared that only 36.60 kilograms of shabu were seized during their operations, while the subsequent police investigation indicated that about 200 kilos methamphetamine hydrochloride was actually recovered.” “The group likewise declared that the cash they obtained from the operation to be only PHP300,000 while contrary evidence indicated that said amount reached PHP10 million,” the DOJ panel said. It added that some of the respondents were likewise found to have failed to declare and account for a Toyota Fortuner vehicle which was also seized during the operation. The panel also found that the policemen “illegally arrested one Ding Wenkun instead of Johnson Lee from whom they seized the drugs” and “implicated or imputed upon Wenkun the crime of illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs despite their knowledge that it was Lee who should be charged”. (PNA)

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References:

* Philippine News Agency. "DOJ forms panel to handle raps vs 'ninja cops'." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094350 (accessed February 20, 2020 at 09:49PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "DOJ forms panel to handle raps vs 'ninja cops'." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094350 (archived).

Raps filed in court vs. 12 'ninja cops'

#PHnews: Raps filed in court vs. 12 'ninja cops'

MANILA -- State lawyers on Thursday filed before the San Fernando, Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC) criminal charges against the 12 police officers over anomalies in a 2013 anti-drug raid in the province.

The charges were filed after a panel of DOJ prosecutors chaired by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez found probable cause to charge the so-called “ninja cops”.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is waiting for the results of the raffle that will determine which RTC and municipal circuit trial court (MCTC) will handle the cases.

Aside from Suarez, the other panel members are Assistant State Prosecutors Josie Christina Dugay and Gino Paulo Santiago.

The panel conducted the re-investigation of the complaint that was filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

The case involves the illegal drug operations in Mexico, Pampanga where a team led by Maj. Rodney Baloyo IV was supposed to have arrested suspected foreign drug trader Johnson Lee.

The panel charged the 12 police officers for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly, Section 27, Article II for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs; Section 29, Article II, planting of evidence; and Section 92, Article XI, delay and bungling in the prosecution of drugs cases.

Aside from Baloyo, those charged are P/Insp. Joven Bagnot De Guzman, Jr.; Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Jules Lacap Maniago; SPO1 Donald Castro Roque; SPO1 Ronald Bayas Santos; SPO1 Rommel Muñoz Vital; SPO1 Alcindor Mangiduyos Tinio; PO3 Dindo Singian Dizon; PO3 Gilbert Angeles De Vera; PO3 Romeo Encarnacio Guerrero Jr.; SPO1 Eligio Dayos Valeroso; and SPO1 Dante Mercado Dizon.

The 12 accused were also charged with qualified bribery under the Revised Penal Code.

Aside from these, Guerrero and Santos were charged for violating regulations issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board regarding the chain of custody of evidence; falsification by a public officer against Baloyo who made untruthful statements in his spot report and progress report regarding the operation; and false testimony and perjury in solemn affirmation against Santos and Guerrero who made untruthful statements in their affidavit of arrest against Chinese national Ding Wenkun.

The DOJ panel previously found that the 12 accused “misappropriated drugs when they declared that only 36.60 kg of shabu was seized during their operations, while the subsequent police investigation indicated that about 200 kilos methamphetamine hydrochloride was actually recovered.”

“The group likewise declared that the cash they obtained from the operation to be only PHP300,000 while contrary evidence indicated that said amount reached PHP10 million,” the DOJ panel said.

It added that some of the respondents were likewise found to have failed to declare and account for a Toyota Fortuner vehicle which was also seized during the operation.

The panel also found that the policemen “illegally arrested one Ding Wenkun instead of Johnson Lee from whom they seized the drugs” and “implicated or imputed upon Wenkun the crime of illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs despite their knowledge that it was Lee who should be charged”. (PNA)

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References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Raps filed in court vs. 12 'ninja cops'." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093113 (accessed February 06, 2020 at 11:04PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Raps filed in court vs. 12 'ninja cops'." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093113 (archived).