#google-search — Public Fediverse posts

A Look Back at Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107 (1985)

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

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Spider-Man fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1985 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man monthly series.

As I was not a regular reader of Spectacular Spider-Man comics, I missed out on the Sin-Eater storyline. I first learned about the Sin-Eater while reading a key flashback in Amazing Spider-Man #300. That particular detail boggled me for some time, and it was only recently I decided to start reading the comic books about the Sin-Eater.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107, published in 1985 by Marvel Comics with a story written by the late Peter David (Spider-Man 2099) and by the late Rich Buckler.

Early story

The story begins with Jean DeWolff recalling several important details from her past as well as her family background. Her father was a police inspector who never forgave her mother for giving birth to her. She was only six months old when her parents split up. Sometime later, her mother married a patrolman named Carl Weatherby and Jean herself admired her stepfather.

As she grew into adulthood, Jean was very influenced by her patrolman stepfather and she went on to go into police academy and graduated. Jean went on to become a fast-rising policewoman.

In the present day, New York police officers barged into a private residence searching for captain DeWolff and the place had bad odor. A dead woman was found inside a bedroom….

Quality

The first thing I will say about this comic book is that the writing done by Peter David is very grounded with reality and this resulted in a dark and gritty approach to storytelling. The heart of the story is the sudden murder of policewoman Jean DeWolff and its impact on the city of New York is strong and evident.

The story here is ultimately a detective story with a good amount of mystery, suspense and intrigue laced all over it. Along the way, Spider-Man here is barely the protagonist as the impact of Jean DeWolff’s murder has been dramatized through multiple characters in the city from J. Jonah Jameson to Matt Murdock (Daredevil).

This comic book also examines how the justice system in Marvel’s fictional portrayal of New York City works and it actually showed Peter Parker attending witnessing a court room arraignment to see how the bad guys he dealt with (as Spider-Man) were handled by the system. Again, this shows how grounded in reality the story is and the details should be seen. There is also a strong sense of local community dramatized.

The art by Rich Buckler is excellent and he really brought to life Peter David’s script with a heavy emphasis on realism. It seems to me that the illustrator took inspiration from TV shows and movies to achieve a unique visual style fitting for this particular tale.

Conclusion

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107 (1985) is indeed a very powerful tale that has to be seen if you want a gritty 1980s Spider-Man story. The David-Buckler creative duo delivered a very grounded story about murder in New York City that impacted its people which serves as a reminder that violent crime can cause waves of disturbance and disruption. That said, this first chapter of Sin-Eater storyline is pretty believable. As the creative team emphasized the murder’s impact on a wide scale, it is not surprising that Spider-Man’s share of the spotlight was sacrificed somewhat to achieve it. As of now, I am looking forward to the next chapter of the Sin-Eater storyline.

Overall, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107 (1985) is recommended.

+++++

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

A Look Back at Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107 (1985)

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

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Spider-Man fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1985 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man monthly series.

As I was not a regular reader of Spectacular Spider-Man comics, I missed out on the Sin-Eater storyline. I first learned about the Sin-Eater while reading a key flashback in Amazing Spider-Man #300. That particular detail boggled me for some time, and it was only recently I decided to start reading the comic books about the Sin-Eater.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107, published in 1985 by Marvel Comics with a story written by the late Peter David (Spider-Man 2099) and by the late Rich Buckler.

Early story

The story begins with Jean DeWolff recalling several important details from her past as well as her family background. Her father was a police inspector who never forgave her mother for giving birth to her. She was only six months old when her parents split up. Sometime later, her mother married a patrolman named Carl Weatherby and Jean herself admired her stepfather.

As she grew into adulthood, Jean was very influenced by her patrolman stepfather and she went on to go into police academy and graduated. Jean went on to become a fast-rising policewoman.

In the present day, New York police officers barged into a private residence searching for captain DeWolff and the place had bad odor. A dead woman was found inside a bedroom….

Quality

The first thing I will say about this comic book is that the writing done by Peter David is very grounded with reality and this resulted in a dark and gritty approach to storytelling. The heart of the story is the sudden murder of policewoman Jean DeWolff and its impact on the city of New York is strong and evident.

The story here is ultimately a detective story with a good amount of mystery, suspense and intrigue laced all over it. Along the way, Spider-Man here is barely the protagonist as the impact of Jean DeWolff’s murder has been dramatized through multiple characters in the city from J. Jonah Jameson to Matt Murdock (Daredevil).

This comic book also examines how the justice system in Marvel’s fictional portrayal of New York City works and it actually showed Peter Parker attending witnessing a court room arraignment to see how the bad guys he dealt with (as Spider-Man) were handled by the system. Again, this shows how grounded in reality the story is and the details should be seen. There is also a strong sense of local community dramatized.

The art by Rich Buckler is excellent and he really brought to life Peter David’s script with a heavy emphasis on realism. It seems to me that the illustrator took inspiration from TV shows and movies to achieve a unique visual style fitting for this particular tale.

Conclusion

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107 (1985) is indeed a very powerful tale that has to be seen if you want a gritty 1980s Spider-Man story. The David-Buckler creative duo delivered a very grounded story about murder in New York City that impacted its people which serves as a reminder that violent crime can cause waves of disturbance and disruption. That said, this first chapter of Sin-Eater storyline is pretty believable. As the creative team emphasized the murder’s impact on a wide scale, it is not surprising that Spider-Man’s share of the spotlight was sacrificed somewhat to achieve it. As of now, I am looking forward to the next chapter of the Sin-Eater storyline.

Overall, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #107 (1985) is recommended.

+++++

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

Illegal Gun Seller Arrested In Parañaque City

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers successfully pulled off an entrapment operation that resulted in the apprehension of an illegal gun seller, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A 26-year-old man was arrested in an entrapment operation by the Parañaque City Police Station against the illegal sale of firearms on Saturday, July 11.

Parañaque CPS chief Col. Nicolas Pinon identified the arrested suspect only as “Joeveiynio,” 26, a resident of Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City. He was apprehended at about 11:50 p.m. along Meliton Street in Barangay San Antonio.

During the operation, the suspect allegedly presented an undocumented caliber .38 revolver for sale to a poseur-buyer, prompting the backup team to move in and arrest him. However, his alleged accomplice, identified only as “Jason,” escaped and is now the subject of a follow-up operation.

Members of the Parañaque City Police Intelligence Section launched the entrapment operation after receiving information from a confidential informant that the suspects were allegedly involved in the illegal sale of firearms. Police seized the recovered firearm as evidence.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city itself has many loose firearms? Do you think there could be more illegal sellers of guns in the city?

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

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

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

Philippines Distances Itself From US Campaign Against ICC

Recently the United States launched a campaign against the disruptive International Criminal Court (ICC) and it made clear that nations partnered with America are called upon to reject the ICC. In response to this, the Philippines chose to distance itself from America’s campaign stating that the policy of the US is not within the scope of its government, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

For insight, the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute during the time of then President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippines made it clear that it has a functioning judiciary and that the there is no need for the ICC to meddle. Strangely, Filipino authorities enforced the ICC arrest warrant which resulted in the arrest of former President Duterte and his transfer to The Hague for trial.  

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

THE Philippines on Tuesday distanced itself from a campaign by the administration of US President Donald J. Trump urging countries to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying Washington’s latest position on the Hague-based tribunal is a matter of American policy and that Manila would continue to follow its own laws.

“The policy of the US is not within the scope of our government,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters in a Viber group chat in Filipino.

Ms. Castro was asked to comment on a statement by US Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio, who said on Monday that “nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s false authority while relying on US assistance are likely to come under scrutiny.”

“This is a policy of the United States, and we respect their position,” Ms. Castro separately told GMA News. “At this point, we have no comment, as we are simply acting in accordance with our own laws.”

The Marcos administration has repeatedly said the Philippines has no plans to rejoin the ICC, while maintaining that its position on the tribunal is based on Philippine policy rather than that of any foreign government.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, in 2019 under former President Rodrigo R. Duterte after the tribunal opened a preliminary examination into his anti-illegal drug campaign.

Although Manila is no longer a state party, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Former presidential legal counsel Salvador S. Panelo welcomed the Trump administration’s campaign against the ICC, saying the tribunal should stop what he described as interference in the affairs of sovereign states.

“The Trump administration’s launching of a government-wide campaign against the International Criminal Court, vowing to pressure countries to withdraw from the tribunal and accusing it of threatening US sovereignty, as well as other countries’ sovereignties like the Philippines, Russia and Israel is long in coming,” he said in a statement.

“The illegal and unforgivable incarceration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, intruding into our country’s sovereignty with the cooperation of the Marcos administration, is a classic example of ICC’s unlawful intrusion to countries that are not members,” he added.

Mr. Duterte, 81, was arrested in March 2025 after Philippine authorities enforced an ICC arrest warrant and transferred him to The Hague, where he remains in the tribunal’s custody while facing allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.

He has denied wrongdoing, while his supporters continue to challenge the court’s jurisdiction following the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines is in a very awkward position between the United States and the ICC? Do you think the Philippines will lose American assistance in the near future as a result of its decision to distance itself from the US campaign against the ICC? Do you support campaigns opposing the ICC?

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

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

EU Order Google to Make AI and Search Changes Under the DMA

The European Commission announced today that Google will need to make major changes to its AI and Search…
#Europe #EU #EuropeanCommission #Antitrust #GoogleSearch
https://www.europesays.com/europe/95951/

EU orders Google to open Android, search data to OpenAI and AI rivals

Investing.com — Alphabet’s Google will be required to open key Android features and share certain search-related data with…
#Europe #EU #ArtificialIntelligence #EuropeanCommission #EuropeanUnion #Google #GoogleSearch #marketdominance #searchengines
https://www.europesays.com/europe/95921/

https://winbuzzer.com/2026/07/16/google-plans-pinterest-style-discovery-feed-for-images-xcxwbn/

Google plans a Pinterest-style, personalized Google Images discovery gallery with saved collections for web and AI generated images.

#AI #GoogleImages #Google #GoogleSearch #SearchEngines #Pinterest #GoogleSearchAIMode #NanoBanana #AIImages

https://winbuzzer.com/2026/07/16/google-plans-pinterest-style-discovery-feed-for-images-xcxwbn/

Google plans a Pinterest-style, personalized Google Images discovery gallery with saved collections for web and AI generated images.

#AI #GoogleImages #Google #GoogleSearch #SearchEngines #Pinterest #GoogleSearchAIMode #NanoBanana #AIImages

https://winbuzzer.com/2026/07/16/google-plans-pinterest-style-discovery-feed-for-images-xcxwbn/

Google plans a Pinterest-style, personalized Google Images discovery gallery with saved collections for web and AI generated images.

#AI #GoogleImages #Google #GoogleSearch #SearchEngines #Pinterest #GoogleSearchAIMode #NanoBanana #AIImages

https://winbuzzer.com/2026/07/16/google-plans-pinterest-style-discovery-feed-for-images-xcxwbn/

Google plans a Pinterest-style, personalized Google Images discovery gallery with saved collections for web and AI generated images.

#AI #GoogleImages #Google #GoogleSearch #SearchEngines #Pinterest #GoogleSearchAIMode #NanoBanana #AIImages

https://winbuzzer.com/2026/07/16/google-plans-pinterest-style-discovery-feed-for-images-xcxwbn/

Google plans a Pinterest-style, personalized Google Images discovery gallery with saved collections for web and AI generated images.

#AI #GoogleImages #Google #GoogleSearch #SearchEngines #Pinterest #GoogleSearchAIMode #NanoBanana #AIImages

GOOGLE'S NEW AI SEARCH: WHAT IT MEANS FOR WEBSITES & CREATORS 🔍🤖

#Google #GoogleSearch #AISearch #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentCreator #ArtificialIntelligence #SearchEngine #Website #TechNews #GenerativeAI #SearchConsole #TechTips #CyberSecurity #ArtestoMellivoura

GOOGLE'S NEW AI SEARCH: WHAT IT MEANS FOR WEBSITES & CREATORS 🔍🤖

#Google #GoogleSearch #AISearch #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentCreator #ArtificialIntelligence #SearchEngine #Website #TechNews #GenerativeAI #SearchConsole #TechTips #CyberSecurity #ArtestoMellivoura

GOOGLE'S NEW AI SEARCH: WHAT IT MEANS FOR WEBSITES & CREATORS 🔍🤖

#Google #GoogleSearch #AISearch #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentCreator #ArtificialIntelligence #SearchEngine #Website #TechNews #GenerativeAI #SearchConsole #TechTips #CyberSecurity #ArtestoMellivoura

GOOGLE'S NEW AI SEARCH: WHAT IT MEANS FOR WEBSITES & CREATORS 🔍🤖

#Google #GoogleSearch #AISearch #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentCreator #ArtificialIntelligence #SearchEngine #Website #TechNews #GenerativeAI #SearchConsole #TechTips #CyberSecurity #ArtestoMellivoura

GOOGLE'S NEW AI SEARCH: WHAT IT MEANS FOR WEBSITES & CREATORS 🔍🤖

#Google #GoogleSearch #AISearch #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentCreator #ArtificialIntelligence #SearchEngine #Website #TechNews #GenerativeAI #SearchConsole #TechTips #CyberSecurity #ArtestoMellivoura

Take note if you do NOT want Google using your data to train AI models!

Google recently updated its search privacy settings and automatically opted all its customers into its expanded AI training.

Images, voice searches, and videos uploaded into Google Search Services can be used to train LLMs.

The GOOD news is, you can disable this feature to retain your privacy. https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-training-ai-on-more-of-your-data-now-unless-you-opt-out/ #Google #GoogleSearch #Search #Internet #AI #LLMs #SocialMedia #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Media #SearchServices #Personaldata #Chatbot #SearchHistory #SearchServicePersonalization

Take note if you do NOT want Google using your data to train AI models!

Google recently updated its search privacy settings and automatically opted all its customers into its expanded AI training.

Images, voice searches, and videos uploaded into Google Search Services can be used to train LLMs.

The GOOD news is, you can disable this feature to retain your privacy. https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-training-ai-on-more-of-your-data-now-unless-you-opt-out/ #Google #GoogleSearch #Search #Internet #AI #LLMs #SocialMedia #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Media #SearchServices #Personaldata #Chatbot #SearchHistory #SearchServicePersonalization

Take note if you do NOT want Google using your data to train AI models!

Google recently updated its search privacy settings and automatically opted all its customers into its expanded AI training.

Images, voice searches, and videos uploaded into Google Search Services can be used to train LLMs.

The GOOD news is, you can disable this feature to retain your privacy. https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-training-ai-on-more-of-your-data-now-unless-you-opt-out/ #Google #GoogleSearch #Search #Internet #AI #LLMs #SocialMedia #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Media #SearchServices #Personaldata #Chatbot #SearchHistory #SearchServicePersonalization

Take note if you do NOT want Google using your data to train AI models!

Google recently updated its search privacy settings and automatically opted all its customers into its expanded AI training.

Images, voice searches, and videos uploaded into Google Search Services can be used to train LLMs.

The GOOD news is, you can disable this feature to retain your privacy. https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-training-ai-on-more-of-your-data-now-unless-you-opt-out/ #Google #GoogleSearch #Search #Internet #AI #LLMs #SocialMedia #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Media #SearchServices #Personaldata #Chatbot #SearchHistory #SearchServicePersonalization

Take note if you do NOT want Google using your data to train AI models!

Google recently updated its search privacy settings and automatically opted all its customers into its expanded AI training.

Images, voice searches, and videos uploaded into Google Search Services can be used to train LLMs.

The GOOD news is, you can disable this feature to retain your privacy. https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-training-ai-on-more-of-your-data-now-unless-you-opt-out/ #Google #GoogleSearch #Search #Internet #AI #LLMs #SocialMedia #Privacy #DataPrivacy #Media #SearchServices #Personaldata #Chatbot #SearchHistory #SearchServicePersonalization

Troublesome Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City Food Hub

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a Chinese national who caused trouble and damaged several items inside a food hub was arrested by local police officers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A Chinese national was arrested after allegedly causing a disturbance at a food hub in Parañaque City while searching for a person he intended to confront, causing panic among customers on Saturday, July 11.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as “Guo,” 34, a resident of Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. He was arrested at around 9:41 p.m. inside a Pares Hub along Quirino Avenue in Barangay Tambo.

Authorities said Guo entered the establishment shouting and behaving aggressively while looking for a person he wanted to confront, alarming customers and employees.

They added that the suspect’s unruly behavior damaged several items inside the food hub, prompting the management to temporarily stop operations and close the establishment early. Police officers patrolling the area noticed the commotion and arrested the suspect to restore order.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be several more Chinese nationals living in local communities? When was the last time you witnessed an incident involving Chinese nationals?

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

+++++

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

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

Philippines’ Net FDI Inflows Fall Down Sharply In April 2026

This past April, the net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines reached only $250 million which counts as a 10-year low and a 59% fall compared with March 2026, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines plunged to a near 10-year low of $250 million in April, as heightened global uncertainty dented investor sentiment, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on central bank data released on Friday, FDI net inflows declined by 58.8% to $250 million in April from $607 million in the same month last year.

April saw the lowest monthly level seen since the $244 million in June 2016, and the steepest year on year drop since the 76.1% in December 2022.

Month on month, FDI net inflows slumped by 59.1% from the $611 million in March.

“The sharp decline in FDI net inflows to $250 million in April likely reflects a combination of weaker intercompany borrowings, slower reinvestment activity, and continued investor caution amid an uncertain global environment,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said via Viber.

The latest FDI level was dragged by the 91.7% drop in net investments in debt instruments to $44 million in April from $522 million a year ago.

Reinvestment of earnings likewise slipped by 1.9% to $80 million from $81 million in April 2025.

Meanwhile, investments in equity and investment fund shares more than doubled (143.5%) to P207 million in April from $85 million the prior year.

Foreign net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings also ballooned (3,041%) annually to $127 million from $4 million previously.

Equity placements jumped by 21.4% to $136 million from $112 million a year earlier, while withdrawals plunged by 91.7% to $9 million from $108 million.

For Mr. Asuncion, the softer FDI inflows in April likely came as firms and investors deferred investments amid highly uncertain global conditions compounded by weak domestic growth.

“At the same time, heightened global uncertainty stemming from trade tensions, lingering geopolitical risks, and episodes of financial market volatility may have prompted multinational firms to defer expansion plans and adopt a more conservative stance toward capital deployment,” he said.

“Domestically, relatively subdued economic growth in the early part of the year may have also tempered investment decisions,” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that foreign investors have weak trust in the Philippines no matter what the current administration is doing? Do you think weak economic growth in the Philippines will continue until the end of 2028?

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

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

Trump Administration Trashes Biden-Era LGBTQ Foster Care Rule

Remember a few years ago when the administration of failed US President Joe Biden came up with a foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to accept them through gender identity? That outrageous rule was never implemented but the Trump administration formally eliminated it which is good for the United States, according to a news report by Newsmax.

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

The Trump administration on Tuesday formally eliminated a Biden-era foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to affirm their stated gender identity or sexual orientation.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) removed the April 2024 regulation from the Code of Federal Regulations, saying the move will provide clarity and help recruit more foster families nationwide.

The rule never took effect after it was struck down by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, but the administration said removing it entirely closes the door on the policy.

Assistant HHS Secretary Alex Adams told The Daily Wire the decision reflects the administration’s belief that more families should feel welcome to foster children.

“The message that we think it sends is that all families are welcome,” Adams said. “We have too few foster families nationally. We must roll out the red carpet, and we must ensure that there’s homes waiting on kids, not kids waiting on homes.”

The Biden administration’s rule directed federally funded child welfare agencies to ensure that children who “self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or self-identify as something other than their sex in foster care” were placed with families that would affirm those identities.

The Trump administration said rescinding the regulation supports first lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” initiative and a related executive order calling for a government-wide effort to strengthen the nation’s foster care system.

Adams said the administration has also launched its “Home for Every Child” campaign to increase the number of foster homes available for children entering the system.

“Nationally, we have a shortage,” Adams said. “We only have 57 homes for every 100 kids coming in, so we can and must do better to ensure that there’s enough homes for kids because when there’s not enough homes, kids end up in short-term rentals, hotels, government office spaces, etc.”

Adams said families with strong religious beliefs and moral convictions make up a large share of those willing to foster children, making it critical that the federal government not discourage them from participating.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that US President Donald Trump and his administration scrapped the Biden-era rule and made sure it would not be revived soon? Do you think the woke, the SJWs and LGBTQ mob will react violently to this development?

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

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

Trump Administration Trashes Biden-Era LGBTQ Foster Care Rule

Remember a few years ago when the administration of failed US President Joe Biden came up with a foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to accept them through gender identity? That outrageous rule was never implemented but the Trump administration formally eliminated it which is good for the United States, according to a news report by Newsmax.

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

The Trump administration on Tuesday formally eliminated a Biden-era foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to affirm their stated gender identity or sexual orientation.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) removed the April 2024 regulation from the Code of Federal Regulations, saying the move will provide clarity and help recruit more foster families nationwide.

The rule never took effect after it was struck down by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, but the administration said removing it entirely closes the door on the policy.

Assistant HHS Secretary Alex Adams told The Daily Wire the decision reflects the administration’s belief that more families should feel welcome to foster children.

“The message that we think it sends is that all families are welcome,” Adams said. “We have too few foster families nationally. We must roll out the red carpet, and we must ensure that there’s homes waiting on kids, not kids waiting on homes.”

The Biden administration’s rule directed federally funded child welfare agencies to ensure that children who “self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or self-identify as something other than their sex in foster care” were placed with families that would affirm those identities.

The Trump administration said rescinding the regulation supports first lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” initiative and a related executive order calling for a government-wide effort to strengthen the nation’s foster care system.

Adams said the administration has also launched its “Home for Every Child” campaign to increase the number of foster homes available for children entering the system.

“Nationally, we have a shortage,” Adams said. “We only have 57 homes for every 100 kids coming in, so we can and must do better to ensure that there’s enough homes for kids because when there’s not enough homes, kids end up in short-term rentals, hotels, government office spaces, etc.”

Adams said families with strong religious beliefs and moral convictions make up a large share of those willing to foster children, making it critical that the federal government not discourage them from participating.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that US President Donald Trump and his administration scrapped the Biden-era rule and made sure it would not be revived soon? Do you think the woke, the SJWs and LGBTQ mob will react violently to this development?

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

+++++

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

Philippines’ Net FDI Inflows Fall Down Sharply In April 2026

This past April, the net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines reached only $250 million which counts as a 10-year low and a 59% fall compared with March 2026, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines plunged to a near 10-year low of $250 million in April, as heightened global uncertainty dented investor sentiment, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on central bank data released on Friday, FDI net inflows declined by 58.8% to $250 million in April from $607 million in the same month last year.

April saw the lowest monthly level seen since the $244 million in June 2016, and the steepest year on year drop since the 76.1% in December 2022.

Month on month, FDI net inflows slumped by 59.1% from the $611 million in March.

“The sharp decline in FDI net inflows to $250 million in April likely reflects a combination of weaker intercompany borrowings, slower reinvestment activity, and continued investor caution amid an uncertain global environment,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said via Viber.

The latest FDI level was dragged by the 91.7% drop in net investments in debt instruments to $44 million in April from $522 million a year ago.

Reinvestment of earnings likewise slipped by 1.9% to $80 million from $81 million in April 2025.

Meanwhile, investments in equity and investment fund shares more than doubled (143.5%) to P207 million in April from $85 million the prior year.

Foreign net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings also ballooned (3,041%) annually to $127 million from $4 million previously.

Equity placements jumped by 21.4% to $136 million from $112 million a year earlier, while withdrawals plunged by 91.7% to $9 million from $108 million.

For Mr. Asuncion, the softer FDI inflows in April likely came as firms and investors deferred investments amid highly uncertain global conditions compounded by weak domestic growth.

“At the same time, heightened global uncertainty stemming from trade tensions, lingering geopolitical risks, and episodes of financial market volatility may have prompted multinational firms to defer expansion plans and adopt a more conservative stance toward capital deployment,” he said.

“Domestically, relatively subdued economic growth in the early part of the year may have also tempered investment decisions,” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that foreign investors have weak trust in the Philippines no matter what the current administration is doing? Do you think weak economic growth in the Philippines will continue until the end of 2028?

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

+++++

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

Trump Administration Trashes Biden-Era LGBTQ Foster Care Rule

Remember a few years ago when the administration of failed US President Joe Biden came up with a foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to accept them through gender identity? That outrageous rule was never implemented but the Trump administration formally eliminated it which is good for the United States, according to a news report by Newsmax.

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

The Trump administration on Tuesday formally eliminated a Biden-era foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to affirm their stated gender identity or sexual orientation.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) removed the April 2024 regulation from the Code of Federal Regulations, saying the move will provide clarity and help recruit more foster families nationwide.

The rule never took effect after it was struck down by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, but the administration said removing it entirely closes the door on the policy.

Assistant HHS Secretary Alex Adams told The Daily Wire the decision reflects the administration’s belief that more families should feel welcome to foster children.

“The message that we think it sends is that all families are welcome,” Adams said. “We have too few foster families nationally. We must roll out the red carpet, and we must ensure that there’s homes waiting on kids, not kids waiting on homes.”

The Biden administration’s rule directed federally funded child welfare agencies to ensure that children who “self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or self-identify as something other than their sex in foster care” were placed with families that would affirm those identities.

The Trump administration said rescinding the regulation supports first lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” initiative and a related executive order calling for a government-wide effort to strengthen the nation’s foster care system.

Adams said the administration has also launched its “Home for Every Child” campaign to increase the number of foster homes available for children entering the system.

“Nationally, we have a shortage,” Adams said. “We only have 57 homes for every 100 kids coming in, so we can and must do better to ensure that there’s enough homes for kids because when there’s not enough homes, kids end up in short-term rentals, hotels, government office spaces, etc.”

Adams said families with strong religious beliefs and moral convictions make up a large share of those willing to foster children, making it critical that the federal government not discourage them from participating.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that US President Donald Trump and his administration scrapped the Biden-era rule and made sure it would not be revived soon? Do you think the woke, the SJWs and LGBTQ mob will react violently to this development?

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

+++++

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

Philippines’ Net FDI Inflows Fall Down Sharply In April 2026

This past April, the net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines reached only $250 million which counts as a 10-year low and a 59% fall compared with March 2026, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines plunged to a near 10-year low of $250 million in April, as heightened global uncertainty dented investor sentiment, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on central bank data released on Friday, FDI net inflows declined by 58.8% to $250 million in April from $607 million in the same month last year.

April saw the lowest monthly level seen since the $244 million in June 2016, and the steepest year on year drop since the 76.1% in December 2022.

Month on month, FDI net inflows slumped by 59.1% from the $611 million in March.

“The sharp decline in FDI net inflows to $250 million in April likely reflects a combination of weaker intercompany borrowings, slower reinvestment activity, and continued investor caution amid an uncertain global environment,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said via Viber.

The latest FDI level was dragged by the 91.7% drop in net investments in debt instruments to $44 million in April from $522 million a year ago.

Reinvestment of earnings likewise slipped by 1.9% to $80 million from $81 million in April 2025.

Meanwhile, investments in equity and investment fund shares more than doubled (143.5%) to P207 million in April from $85 million the prior year.

Foreign net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings also ballooned (3,041%) annually to $127 million from $4 million previously.

Equity placements jumped by 21.4% to $136 million from $112 million a year earlier, while withdrawals plunged by 91.7% to $9 million from $108 million.

For Mr. Asuncion, the softer FDI inflows in April likely came as firms and investors deferred investments amid highly uncertain global conditions compounded by weak domestic growth.

“At the same time, heightened global uncertainty stemming from trade tensions, lingering geopolitical risks, and episodes of financial market volatility may have prompted multinational firms to defer expansion plans and adopt a more conservative stance toward capital deployment,” he said.

“Domestically, relatively subdued economic growth in the early part of the year may have also tempered investment decisions,” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that foreign investors have weak trust in the Philippines no matter what the current administration is doing? Do you think weak economic growth in the Philippines will continue until the end of 2028?

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

+++++

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

Google Images is Getting a Makeover for Its 25th Birthday https://petapixel.com/2026/07/15/google-images-is-getting-a-makeover-for-its-25th-birthday/ #googleimages #googlesearch #collections #Technology #pinterest #aiimages #google #genai #News

Google Images is Getting a Makeover for Its 25th Birthday https://petapixel.com/2026/07/15/google-images-is-getting-a-makeover-for-its-25th-birthday/ #googleimages #googlesearch #collections #Technology #pinterest #aiimages #google #genai #News

Google Images is Getting a Makeover for Its 25th Birthday https://petapixel.com/2026/07/15/google-images-is-getting-a-makeover-for-its-25th-birthday/ #googleimages #googlesearch #collections #Technology #pinterest #aiimages #google #genai #News

Google Images is Getting a Makeover for Its 25th Birthday https://petapixel.com/2026/07/15/google-images-is-getting-a-makeover-for-its-25th-birthday/ #googleimages #googlesearch #collections #Technology #pinterest #aiimages #google #genai #News

Google Images is Getting a Makeover for Its 25th Birthday https://petapixel.com/2026/07/15/google-images-is-getting-a-makeover-for-its-25th-birthday/ #googleimages #googlesearch #collections #Technology #pinterest #aiimages #google #genai #News

The Google Images 25th anniversary update brings real-time personalized results and Nano Banana image generation built into AI Overviews.

#GoogleImages #NanoBanana #AIOverviews #GoogleSearch #SEO

https://securityonline.info/google-images-25th-anniversary-ai/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

The Google Images 25th anniversary update brings real-time personalized results and Nano Banana image generation built into AI Overviews.

#GoogleImages #NanoBanana #AIOverviews #GoogleSearch #SEO

https://securityonline.info/google-images-25th-anniversary-ai/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Once Unimaginable, Publishers Are Preparing to Opt Out of Google Search

https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

#google #ai #entshittification #searchengines #discoverability #googlesearch #media

Once Unimaginable, Publishers Are Preparing to Opt Out of Google Search

https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

#google #ai #entshittification #searchengines #discoverability #googlesearch #media

Once Unimaginable, Publishers Are Preparing to Opt Out of Google Search

https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

#google #ai #entshittification #searchengines #discoverability #googlesearch #media

Once Unimaginable, Publishers Are Preparing to Opt Out of Google Search

https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

#google #ai #entshittification #searchengines #discoverability #googlesearch #media

Once Unimaginable, Publishers Are Preparing to Opt Out of Google Search

https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

#google #ai #entshittification #searchengines #discoverability #googlesearch #media

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 146

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

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

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Varied Scary Movie 3 Reaction Videos – After enjoying Scary Movie (2000), I eventually saw Scary Movie 2 in a California cinema and it was disappointing due to its rushed and uninspired presentation. More than two years later, I saw Scary Movie 3 in a packed cinema here in the Philippines. Directed by David Zucker – part of the famous Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker (ZAZ) – Scary Movie 3 does not quite match the fun and quality of the original film of 2000 but it was still a huge improvement over Scary Movie 2. Not only that, the 2003 film had Anna Faris back as Cindy Campbell while the legendary comedian Leslie Nielsen was a notable addition. To see how much of an impact Scary Movie 3 has with YouTubers, watch and selected video reactions below.

https://youtu.be/6oA14JOzpYI?si=t2vc_eXaRQYo-VjD

https://youtu.be/N1zuVJjqKpY?si=ZBTmYfNUfz61iZL4

https://youtu.be/AsbHUv6kYx8?si=T4gcdBn2Iq9Y6qTe

https://youtu.be/_6zNbl6fyU0?si=buEAmGCt92WCKfnl

#2 A Korean Comic Café – If you are visiting South Korea and if you want to spend time in a place that allows privacy, access to digital entertainment, comic books and a variety of food and drinks during the day, try visiting a comic café. Watch and learn from the video below.

https://youtu.be/_SjDkz13eJg?si=RH2_z-dYS7j-_ero

#3 Ranting For Vengeance Looks At Great Comics That Actually Suck – What do you think makes a comic book great? Could it be because of the creators’ work, the storytelling style, real-world events that inspired the creative process, or the reputation of the creators who made it? In his video from 2025, Ranting for Vengeance examines that comics that were perceived to be great but sucked. Watch his video and pay close attention to the details and his explanations.

https://youtu.be/5_yhbVLv9Xg?si=c6sEH1HE4eSKOEis

#4 Ashleigh Burton Reacts To Weird Science – If you have read comic books of Weird Science, could you see their connection with the 1985 science fiction teen comedy film Weird Science? Directed by the late John Hughes, Weird Science follows two nerdy social outcast high school students who have had enough of being humiliated by others and enduring disappointing lives. Together, the two plan to make the perfect dream woman come true using a computer while hacking a government computer system. As it is loosely based on the Weird Science series of EC Comics, the film was a notable product of its time and it remains a memorable part of 1980s Hollywood cinema. To see if it has any entertainment impact, watch Ashleigh Burton’s reaction video now.

https://youtu.be/8wKX18W3ynI?si=-Xj-h24vUPYYzvat

#5 Sega’s F355 Challenge Revisited – During a visit to Gameworx inside Festival Mall in 1999, I saw the arcade game F355 Challenge from Sega. After marveling at its graphics during the first several minutes, I bought arcade tokens to play it. To my surprise, F355 Challenge was a racing simulation as it was designed with in-depth driving realism in mind. Yu Suzuki (Virtua Fighter) was the man who produced and directed the game, and in my opinion F355 Challenge has to be played in its original arcade form while the Sega Dreamcast port is the alternative. To see what F355 Challenge has to offer gamers, watch the video below.

https://youtu.be/LEhqR2RA6kY?si=OirSKt1Oe4iCOonV

#6 Penalties On Littering At Shibuya – Shibuya is one of the most lively urban spots in Japan. Located in Tokyo, is a special ward where visitors can enjoy the immense commercial joints and it is now the premiere hub for youth culture. Sadly, as Japan is attracting tens of millions of foreign tourists each year, littering at Shibuya has gone up tremendously. Fortunately, the local authorities are taking action again littering and those who littered will be penalized when they are caught. Learn from the Nippon TV video below.

https://youtu.be/6d-JRA-o1OQ?si=xfd4hn4OLXKuMpBt

#7 GoodBadFlicks Reviews The Bees – Way back in the late-1980s, the 1978 horror movie The Bees was shown on local TV and it drew a large audience. I cannot forget the time when a classmate of mine got so scared watching it. The Bees is a Mexican production that had the late John Saxon in a major role. To see the quality and production details of The Bees, watch the video of GoodBadFlicks below.

https://youtu.be/2A-UZSsjGL8?si=jVtYyJ-WHi-GBd9u

#8 Steakhouse In Tokyo – If you are touring Tokyo right now, there is this particular place that serves customers with really delicious and satisfying steaks. This video shows very enticing meals and I would love to visit once I return to Japan someday. Enjoy the video!

https://youtu.be/81dhoQGn-ww?si=ZQWSRh9d-8NxkKVG

+++++

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

What To Watch On YouTube Right Now – Part 146

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

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

I recommend you check out the following videos I found.

#1 Varied Scary Movie 3 Reaction Videos – After enjoying Scary Movie (2000), I eventually saw Scary Movie 2 in a California cinema and it was disappointing due to its rushed and uninspired presentation. More than two years later, I saw Scary Movie 3 in a packed cinema here in the Philippines. Directed by David Zucker – part of the famous Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker (ZAZ) – Scary Movie 3 does not quite match the fun and quality of the original film of 2000 but it was still a huge improvement over Scary Movie 2. Not only that, the 2003 film had Anna Faris back as Cindy Campbell while the legendary comedian Leslie Nielsen was a notable addition. To see how much of an impact Scary Movie 3 has with YouTubers, watch and selected video reactions below.

https://youtu.be/6oA14JOzpYI?si=t2vc_eXaRQYo-VjD

https://youtu.be/N1zuVJjqKpY?si=ZBTmYfNUfz61iZL4

https://youtu.be/AsbHUv6kYx8?si=T4gcdBn2Iq9Y6qTe

https://youtu.be/_6zNbl6fyU0?si=buEAmGCt92WCKfnl

#2 A Korean Comic Café – If you are visiting South Korea and if you want to spend time in a place that allows privacy, access to digital entertainment, comic books and a variety of food and drinks during the day, try visiting a comic café. Watch and learn from the video below.

https://youtu.be/_SjDkz13eJg?si=RH2_z-dYS7j-_ero

#3 Ranting For Vengeance Looks At Great Comics That Actually Suck – What do you think makes a comic book great? Could it be because of the creators’ work, the storytelling style, real-world events that inspired the creative process, or the reputation of the creators who made it? In his video from 2025, Ranting for Vengeance examines that comics that were perceived to be great but sucked. Watch his video and pay close attention to the details and his explanations.

https://youtu.be/5_yhbVLv9Xg?si=c6sEH1HE4eSKOEis

#4 Ashleigh Burton Reacts To Weird Science – If you have read comic books of Weird Science, could you see their connection with the 1985 science fiction teen comedy film Weird Science? Directed by the late John Hughes, Weird Science follows two nerdy social outcast high school students who have had enough of being humiliated by others and enduring disappointing lives. Together, the two plan to make the perfect dream woman come true using a computer while hacking a government computer system. As it is loosely based on the Weird Science series of EC Comics, the film was a notable product of its time and it remains a memorable part of 1980s Hollywood cinema. To see if it has any entertainment impact, watch Ashleigh Burton’s reaction video now.

https://youtu.be/8wKX18W3ynI?si=-Xj-h24vUPYYzvat

#5 Sega’s F355 Challenge Revisited – During a visit to Gameworx inside Festival Mall in 1999, I saw the arcade game F355 Challenge from Sega. After marveling at its graphics during the first several minutes, I bought arcade tokens to play it. To my surprise, F355 Challenge was a racing simulation as it was designed with in-depth driving realism in mind. Yu Suzuki (Virtua Fighter) was the man who produced and directed the game, and in my opinion F355 Challenge has to be played in its original arcade form while the Sega Dreamcast port is the alternative. To see what F355 Challenge has to offer gamers, watch the video below.

https://youtu.be/LEhqR2RA6kY?si=OirSKt1Oe4iCOonV

#6 Penalties On Littering At Shibuya – Shibuya is one of the most lively urban spots in Japan. Located in Tokyo, is a special ward where visitors can enjoy the immense commercial joints and it is now the premiere hub for youth culture. Sadly, as Japan is attracting tens of millions of foreign tourists each year, littering at Shibuya has gone up tremendously. Fortunately, the local authorities are taking action again littering and those who littered will be penalized when they are caught. Learn from the Nippon TV video below.

https://youtu.be/6d-JRA-o1OQ?si=xfd4hn4OLXKuMpBt

#7 GoodBadFlicks Reviews The Bees – Way back in the late-1980s, the 1978 horror movie The Bees was shown on local TV and it drew a large audience. I cannot forget the time when a classmate of mine got so scared watching it. The Bees is a Mexican production that had the late John Saxon in a major role. To see the quality and production details of The Bees, watch the video of GoodBadFlicks below.

https://youtu.be/2A-UZSsjGL8?si=jVtYyJ-WHi-GBd9u

#8 Steakhouse In Tokyo – If you are touring Tokyo right now, there is this particular place that serves customers with really delicious and satisfying steaks. This video shows very enticing meals and I would love to visit once I return to Japan someday. Enjoy the video!

https://youtu.be/81dhoQGn-ww?si=ZQWSRh9d-8NxkKVG

+++++

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

US State Department Launches Campaign to Dismantle International Criminal Court’s Threat to American Sovereignty

Do you believe that the internationalist and justice-disrupting International Criminal Court (ICC) should meddle in your nation’s justice system? The Department of State officially launched a huge campaign to the dismantle the ICC to protect the sovereignty of the United States.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a sweeping campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to U.S. sovereignty. The campaign will feature a whole-of-government response to systematically disable the ICC’s ability to operate, target American servicemen or officials, or otherwise threaten American sovereignty.

The ICC poses an intolerable threat to U.S. sovereignty – it claims the authority to prosecute and even imprison American servicemen and officials operating on behalf of America’s national interest. Americans never signed up for this, and all American presidents since the ICC’s ratification have maintained that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Americans. The ICC previously opened an investigation into U.S. servicemen and intelligence officers and has since refused to close these cases.

The ICC now seeks to become the unaccountable global arbiter – positioning itself above and beyond the nation state as a supranational enforcement arm of a globalist bureaucracy empowered to persecute American servicemen and officials at will. No diplomatic option will be off-limits in the campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to Americans.

The campaign will feature a wide range of actions intended to ensure that the International Criminal Court is incapable of threatening U.S. sovereignty or targeting Americans.

Actions under consideration include:

• Diplomatic calls from the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary, ambassadors, and other members of senior leadership to foreign nations highlighting the abuses of the ICC and the risks posed to Americans and other nations urging them to withdraw from the ICC

• Nations that partner with American law enforcement and the U.S. military or that enjoy the benefits of the U.S. security umbrella are called upon to reject the ICC’s purported authority to prosecute American officials and servicemen

• Increased scrutiny of nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s false authority while relying on U.S. assistance

• Diplomatic calls urging other nations that, like America, that are not party to the Rome Statute to leverage their diplomatic networks to take similar actions alongside us

• Visa revocations and travel bans for ICC personnel

• Increased sanctions against the ICC and affiliated organizations

For added insight, watch the YouTube video below. Pay close attention to what US State Secretary Marco Rubio said.

https://youtu.be/hgtCQOIV-Ys?si=oe3xrBxu_0TT48Ic

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Trump administration will make huge impact against the ICC through diplomacy and legal systems? What should the US do to nations that were found to have been following the ICC while receiving American assistance? Do you consider the ICC a living international body of injustice and violator of the sovereignty of nations that bowed to its authority?

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

+++++

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

110,508 Muntinlupa Students Are Beneficiaries Of Local Scholarship Program

More than one hundred ten thousand students of Muntinlupa are officially beneficiaries of the local scholarship program which continued to expand, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A total of 110,508 students are now beneficiaries of the Muntinlupa City government’s scholarship program, Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced.

He said the city’s guiding principle is that “no child should be left behind,” noting that the program continues to expand alongside the annual Free Back to School Package.

“Bukod sa taun-taong Libreng Balik Eskwela Package para maging handa ang mga estudyante sa school, patuloy pang pinalalawak ang scholarship program para mas marami ang makinabang (So aside from the annual Free Back to School Package to get students ready for school, the scholarship program is continuously expanding so that more people can benefit),” Biazon said.

He added that the number of scholars is more than twice the maximum capacity of the Philippine Arena, regarded as the largest indoor arena in the world.

This year, the city government allotted P600 million for scholarships covering learners from Grade 1 to post graduate levels.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied with the current state of education in the city? Do you approve of the local scholarship program?

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

+++++

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

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

RT @glenngabe: It's a network of sites, and not just http://usatoday.com, but checking the visibility of that site over the past two years makes me think they have bigger problems with Google than just AI -> USA Today CEO Mike Reed says the company is prepared to opt out of Google Search in the next 6 to 12 months because it has no licensing agreement with Google https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

mehr auf Arint.info

#Google #google #GoogleSearch #USA #arint_info

https://x.com/glenngabe/status/2075564270767456569#m

RT @glenngabe: It's a network of sites, and not just http://usatoday.com, but checking the visibility of that site over the past two years makes me think they have bigger problems with Google than just AI -> USA Today CEO Mike Reed says the company is prepared to opt out of Google Search in the next 6 to 12 months because it has no licensing agreement with Google https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

mehr auf Arint.info

#Google #google #GoogleSearch #USA #arint_info

https://x.com/glenngabe/status/2075564270767456569#m

RT @glenngabe: It's a network of sites, and not just http://usatoday.com, but checking the visibility of that site over the past two years makes me think they have bigger problems with Google than just AI -> USA Today CEO Mike Reed says the company is prepared to opt out of Google Search in the next 6 to 12 months because it has no licensing agreement with Google https://www.adweek.com/media/publishers-opt-out-google-search/

mehr auf Arint.info

#Google #google #GoogleSearch #USA #arint_info

https://x.com/glenngabe/status/2075564270767456569#m

A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #363 (1992)

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

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Spider-Man fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics shared universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.

Issue #362 was a compelling read on its own. The creators had the difficult tasks of having Spider-Man and Venom in conflict once again, have the two stop fighting each other and then agree to join forces together to go up against Carnage who was simply too dangerous to be left free. Having read a lot of comic books showing Spider-Man and Venom in conflict with each other, to see them become partners was really alienating.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #363, published in 1992 by Marvel Comics with a story written by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley.

Early story

The story begins inside the office of Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson and Carnage has him cornered. The symbiote-wearing murderer does not give a damn about Jameson’s importance in the city and he throws him across the room to hurt him a lot. Suddenly, editor-in-chief Robbie Robertson enters the office with an assistant and Carnage notices them.

Elsewhere in New York, Spider-Man and Venom (both previously encountered Carnage after arriving in the city) swing their way through the city towards the Daily Bugle. While traveling, Spider-Man finds it very odd that he has partnered with his mortal enemy to go after the sociopathic murderer Carnage who does not even have the twisted conscience of Venom.

As Spider-Man mentions the need to call the Avengers for assistance, Venom rejects it and reminds him of the freedom promised to him when the mission against Carnage is over. Privately, Spider-Man begins to regret the arrangement with his mortal enemy.

The two arrived at J. Jonah Jameson’s office only to discover they are too late. Robbie Robertson tells them that the monster – Carnage – took Jameson with him going somewhere south and it wanted a large group of people to witness something…

Quality

To be clear, this comic book marks the end of the 3-part storyline that started with issue #361 (Carnage’s deadly debut). Similar to the previous issue, David Michelinie carefully set up scenes to build-up not only the tension for the inevitable final conflict with Carnage, but also to emphasize the moral and legal complications of Spider-Man’s team-up with Venom (who has been convicted by the justice system). That said, there was this very notable moment in which law enforcers wanted to apprehend Venom but Spider-Man intervened by taking responsibility on his behalf and pointed to Carnage as the greater danger to society.

Carnage in this comic book is really unhinged, obsessed with death and has no morals whatsoever. He has Jameson as his hostage and does not care about the lives of those who got in his way. In his insane mind, having a great audience for his bloody plan was a priority here and he shamelessly tries to connect with members of audience who share his cold-blooded ways. The insanity and unrelenting violence of Carnage are heavily emphasized here which only added to the tension of the final conflict.

The final conflict here is very action-packed and intense. Visually, this is one of the finest works of Mark Bagley in 1992 and he really delivered the spectacle big-time here. Not only that, Bagley brought Michelinie’s script to life which made the personal encounters between Spider-Man, Venom and Carnage very lively to see.   

Conclusion

Amazing Spider-Man #363 (1992) is undoubtedly a powerful conclusion to the 3-part storyline that started in issue #361. Carnage’s personality and unrelenting violence has been clearly defined here and he easily eclipsed Venom when it comes to being evil and murderous as a super villain. Spider-Man here is desperate to stop Carnage and yet he maintained his sanity to focus on the mission while ensuring the protection of civilians and doing some restraint on his enemy-turned-partner Venom (who has violent impulses). The build-up is powerful and the same can be said about the pay-off. While the conclusion is expected, this comic book raises questions about Spider-Man’s honor and what he morally lost when he became so desperate he made very risky and very questionable decisions along the way.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #363 (1992) is highly recommended!

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

Vietnam Collects Over $9 Billion From Foreign Tourists In First Half Of 2026

Following its current success on attracting tourists from around the world during the first half of this year, Vietnam raked in $9 billion in the said period, according to a news report by VnExpress.

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

Vietnam collected more than US$9 billion from foreign visitors in the first six months, while Vietnamese spent $8 billion abroad in the same period.

The country recorded a tourism trade surplus of $950 million, compared with a surplus of $480 million in 2025 and a deficit of $380 million in 2024, according to the General Statistics Office.

Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and President To Lam, in a meeting with government bodies on Saturday, called for a more detailed analysis of the country’s services trade balance and urged the development of a strategy to rebalance Vietnam’s tourism sector in the coming years.

He said achieving a larger tourism surplus would require upgrading the industry so that international visitors spend more during their stays, while encouraging more Vietnamese travelers to choose domestic destinations.

The country welcomed nearly 12.3 million international visitors in the first six months, up 14.9% year-on-year.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh said the government would continue efforts to develop tourism into a genuine key economic sector.

She said the mutually supportive relationship between tourism and related industries should be strengthened, with the sector shifting from a growth model focused on scale and visitor numbers to one emphasizing quality, higher value-added services, creative products, and distinctive travel experiences.

Vietnam’s tourism industry will also target higher-spending visitors and longer-stay travelers, she added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? With tourism booming in their country, do you think Vietnam can collect at least $20 billion from foreign tourists by the end of this year?

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

+++++

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

Google forces publishers to wait two weeks for canonical fixes to register: The July 10 update clarifies Google may hold duplicate pages in a cluster for up to 14 days after content fixes, and details AMP and product feed changes too. https://ppc.land/google-forces-publishers-to-wait-two-weeks-for-canonical-fixes-to-register/ #GoogleUpdate #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #GoogleSearch

Google forces publishers to wait two weeks for canonical fixes to register: The July 10 update clarifies Google may hold duplicate pages in a cluster for up to 14 days after content fixes, and details AMP and product feed changes too. https://ppc.land/google-forces-publishers-to-wait-two-weeks-for-canonical-fixes-to-register/ #GoogleUpdate #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #GoogleSearch

Google forces publishers to wait two weeks for canonical fixes to register: The July 10 update clarifies Google may hold duplicate pages in a cluster for up to 14 days after content fixes, and details AMP and product feed changes too. https://ppc.land/google-forces-publishers-to-wait-two-weeks-for-canonical-fixes-to-register/ #GoogleUpdate #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #GoogleSearch

Google forces publishers to wait two weeks for canonical fixes to register: The July 10 update clarifies Google may hold duplicate pages in a cluster for up to 14 days after content fixes, and details AMP and product feed changes too. https://ppc.land/google-forces-publishers-to-wait-two-weeks-for-canonical-fixes-to-register/ #GoogleUpdate #SEO #DigitalMarketing #ContentMarketing #GoogleSearch

https://www.europesays.com/people/148353/ Here’s Why July 22 Could Be a Big Day for Warren Buffett’s Successor, Greg Abel #AlphabetStock #BerkshireHathaway #BerkshireHathawayStock #Google #GoogleSearch #GregAbel #WarrenBuffett

Philippines Supreme Court Upholds Law Granting VAT Refund To Foreign Tourists

Remember the law granting value-added tax refund (VAT refund) to foreign tourists signed a few years ago? That law was challenged and recently the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 12079 (the act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists), according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of a law that grants value-added tax (VAT) refunds on select local purchases by non-resident foreign tourists.

In a 30-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act 12079, or an act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code.

“Granting VAT refund to foreign tourists was not arbitrarily done. It is a policy decision based on legitimate state interests, i.e. the need to remain competitive as a global tourist destination,” the SC said.

“In fine, foreign tourists may be granted privileges and benefits that are not extended to Filipino citizens, so as long as these distinctions are based on reasonable and justifiable classifications, as in here,” it added.

According to the SC, the VAT refund applies to goods brought from duly accredited stores and taken out of the country within 60 days from purchase. The goods must be priced at least P3,000 per transaction.

Meanwhile, the SC said Section 5 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations limit the refund to retail and tangible goods, including clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other items intended for personal use.

The petitioner, however, argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection as it excludes Filipino citizens.

For its part, the SC said equal protection does not require identical treatment for all persons.

It said the act also distinguishes foreign tourists from Filipino citizens.

According to the SC, the VAT refund system follows the basic rule of VAT that goods are taxed where they are consumed. If the goods are consumed in the Philippines, they remain subject to Philippine VAT.

Meanwhile, the SC added that VAT refund for foreign tourists is a well-established international practice.

“The Philippines is among the last few countries in Asia to adopt such a system. Our Asian neighbors, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan have long implemented this VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision on the law about VAT refund for foreign tourists? Apart from the VAT refund for foreign tourists, what problems that plagued the Philippine tourism industry should the government solve this year?

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

+++++

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

America Goes After Financiers And Shadow Business Networks Of Terrorist State Iran

As the military conflict between the United States and the Islamic terrorist state of Iran intensifies, the State Department announced that action has been taken to cut off the financial lifelines of the evil regime.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The United States is taking decisive action to cut off the financial lifelines sustaining Iran’s ruling elite. Today’s action targets Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian national who has built a sprawling global network of real estate and commercial holdings — spanning Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Cyprus, the UAE, and beyond — on behalf of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other regime insiders.

The United States also sanctioned three Iran-based currency exchange houses — Mohammad Darbani and Partners, Lavasani and Partners, and Mohsen Khandan and Partners — along with their managing partners and associated front companies. By targeting these networks, the United States is directly disrupting the regime’s ability to access foreign currency and conduct international financial activity.

These actions reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to holding accountable all those who enable the regime’s corruption and regional aggression. The United States will continue to pursue sanctions against individuals, companies, and financial institutions — including foreign entities — that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce, and will not relent until the Iranian regime ends its destabilizing behavior and its exploitation of the Iranian people.

Today’s action is being taken pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets persons operating in Iran’s financial and petroleum sectors, E.O. 13876, which focuses on the Supreme Leader of Iran and his affiliates, and the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended by E.O. 13886. These designations build on a series of OFAC actions targeting Iranian shadow banking and currency exchange house networks

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US will be able to cut off Iran’s links to all financial sources around the world? Could it be possible that the sinister financiers behind LGBTQ and transgender mobs and human traffickers (involved with mass migration targeting Europe) could secretly be funding the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran?

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

+++++

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

America Goes After Financiers And Shadow Business Networks Of Terrorist State Iran

As the military conflict between the United States and the Islamic terrorist state of Iran intensifies, the State Department announced that action has been taken to cut off the financial lifelines of the evil regime.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The United States is taking decisive action to cut off the financial lifelines sustaining Iran’s ruling elite. Today’s action targets Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian national who has built a sprawling global network of real estate and commercial holdings — spanning Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Cyprus, the UAE, and beyond — on behalf of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other regime insiders.

The United States also sanctioned three Iran-based currency exchange houses — Mohammad Darbani and Partners, Lavasani and Partners, and Mohsen Khandan and Partners — along with their managing partners and associated front companies. By targeting these networks, the United States is directly disrupting the regime’s ability to access foreign currency and conduct international financial activity.

These actions reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to holding accountable all those who enable the regime’s corruption and regional aggression. The United States will continue to pursue sanctions against individuals, companies, and financial institutions — including foreign entities — that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce, and will not relent until the Iranian regime ends its destabilizing behavior and its exploitation of the Iranian people.

Today’s action is being taken pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets persons operating in Iran’s financial and petroleum sectors, E.O. 13876, which focuses on the Supreme Leader of Iran and his affiliates, and the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended by E.O. 13886. These designations build on a series of OFAC actions targeting Iranian shadow banking and currency exchange house networks

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US will be able to cut off Iran’s links to all financial sources around the world? Could it be possible that the sinister financiers behind LGBTQ and transgender mobs and human traffickers (involved with mass migration targeting Europe) could secretly be funding the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran?

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

+++++

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

Philippines Supreme Court Upholds Law Granting VAT Refund To Foreign Tourists

Remember the law granting value-added tax refund (VAT refund) to foreign tourists signed a few years ago? That law was challenged and recently the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 12079 (the act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists), according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of a law that grants value-added tax (VAT) refunds on select local purchases by non-resident foreign tourists.

In a 30-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act 12079, or an act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code.

“Granting VAT refund to foreign tourists was not arbitrarily done. It is a policy decision based on legitimate state interests, i.e. the need to remain competitive as a global tourist destination,” the SC said.

“In fine, foreign tourists may be granted privileges and benefits that are not extended to Filipino citizens, so as long as these distinctions are based on reasonable and justifiable classifications, as in here,” it added.

According to the SC, the VAT refund applies to goods brought from duly accredited stores and taken out of the country within 60 days from purchase. The goods must be priced at least P3,000 per transaction.

Meanwhile, the SC said Section 5 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations limit the refund to retail and tangible goods, including clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other items intended for personal use.

The petitioner, however, argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection as it excludes Filipino citizens.

For its part, the SC said equal protection does not require identical treatment for all persons.

It said the act also distinguishes foreign tourists from Filipino citizens.

According to the SC, the VAT refund system follows the basic rule of VAT that goods are taxed where they are consumed. If the goods are consumed in the Philippines, they remain subject to Philippine VAT.

Meanwhile, the SC added that VAT refund for foreign tourists is a well-established international practice.

“The Philippines is among the last few countries in Asia to adopt such a system. Our Asian neighbors, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan have long implemented this VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision on the law about VAT refund for foreign tourists? Apart from the VAT refund for foreign tourists, what problems that plagued the Philippine tourism industry should the government solve this year?

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

+++++

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

America Goes After Financiers And Shadow Business Networks Of Terrorist State Iran

As the military conflict between the United States and the Islamic terrorist state of Iran intensifies, the State Department announced that action has been taken to cut off the financial lifelines of the evil regime.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The United States is taking decisive action to cut off the financial lifelines sustaining Iran’s ruling elite. Today’s action targets Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian national who has built a sprawling global network of real estate and commercial holdings — spanning Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Cyprus, the UAE, and beyond — on behalf of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other regime insiders.

The United States also sanctioned three Iran-based currency exchange houses — Mohammad Darbani and Partners, Lavasani and Partners, and Mohsen Khandan and Partners — along with their managing partners and associated front companies. By targeting these networks, the United States is directly disrupting the regime’s ability to access foreign currency and conduct international financial activity.

These actions reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to holding accountable all those who enable the regime’s corruption and regional aggression. The United States will continue to pursue sanctions against individuals, companies, and financial institutions — including foreign entities — that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce, and will not relent until the Iranian regime ends its destabilizing behavior and its exploitation of the Iranian people.

Today’s action is being taken pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets persons operating in Iran’s financial and petroleum sectors, E.O. 13876, which focuses on the Supreme Leader of Iran and his affiliates, and the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended by E.O. 13886. These designations build on a series of OFAC actions targeting Iranian shadow banking and currency exchange house networks

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US will be able to cut off Iran’s links to all financial sources around the world? Could it be possible that the sinister financiers behind LGBTQ and transgender mobs and human traffickers (involved with mass migration targeting Europe) could secretly be funding the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran?

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

+++++

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

Philippines Supreme Court Upholds Law Granting VAT Refund To Foreign Tourists

Remember the law granting value-added tax refund (VAT refund) to foreign tourists signed a few years ago? That law was challenged and recently the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 12079 (the act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists), according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of a law that grants value-added tax (VAT) refunds on select local purchases by non-resident foreign tourists.

In a 30-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act 12079, or an act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code.

“Granting VAT refund to foreign tourists was not arbitrarily done. It is a policy decision based on legitimate state interests, i.e. the need to remain competitive as a global tourist destination,” the SC said.

“In fine, foreign tourists may be granted privileges and benefits that are not extended to Filipino citizens, so as long as these distinctions are based on reasonable and justifiable classifications, as in here,” it added.

According to the SC, the VAT refund applies to goods brought from duly accredited stores and taken out of the country within 60 days from purchase. The goods must be priced at least P3,000 per transaction.

Meanwhile, the SC said Section 5 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations limit the refund to retail and tangible goods, including clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other items intended for personal use.

The petitioner, however, argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection as it excludes Filipino citizens.

For its part, the SC said equal protection does not require identical treatment for all persons.

It said the act also distinguishes foreign tourists from Filipino citizens.

According to the SC, the VAT refund system follows the basic rule of VAT that goods are taxed where they are consumed. If the goods are consumed in the Philippines, they remain subject to Philippine VAT.

Meanwhile, the SC added that VAT refund for foreign tourists is a well-established international practice.

“The Philippines is among the last few countries in Asia to adopt such a system. Our Asian neighbors, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan have long implemented this VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision on the law about VAT refund for foreign tourists? Apart from the VAT refund for foreign tourists, what problems that plagued the Philippine tourism industry should the government solve this year?

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

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