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Here it is at last, the first 150-minute trailer. "Armageddon" is cut together like its own highlights. Take almost any 30 seconds at random, and you'd have a TV ad. The movie is an assault on the eyes, the ears, the brain, common sense and the human desire to be entertained. No matter what they're charging to get in, it's worth more to get out.

The plot covers many of the same bases as the recent " Deep Impact ," which, compared with "Armageddon," belongs on the American Film Institute list. The movie tells a similar story at fast-forward speed, with Bruce Willis as an oil driller who is recruited to lead two teams on an emergency shuttle mission to an asteroid "the size of Texas," which is about to crash into Earth and obliterate all life--"even viruses!" Their job: Drill an 800-foot hole and stuff a bomb into it, to blow up the asteroid before it kills us.

OK, say you do succeed in blowing up an asteroid the size of Texas. What if a piece the size of Dallas is left? Wouldn't that be big enough to destroy life on Earth? What about a piece the size of Austin? Let's face it: Even an object the size of that big Wal-Mart outside Abilene would pretty much clean us out, if you count the parking lot.

Texas is a big state, but as a celestial object, it wouldn't be able to generate much gravity. Yet when the astronauts get to the asteroid, they walk around on it as if the gravity is the same as on Earth. There's no sensation of weightlessness--until it's needed, that is, and then a lunar buggy flies across a jagged canyon, Evel Knievel-style.

The movie begins with a Charlton Heston narration telling us about the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. Then we get the masterful title card, "65 Million Years Later." The next scenes show an amateur astronomer spotting the object. We see top-level meetings at the Pentagon and in the White House. We meet Billy Bob Thornton , head of Mission Control in Houston, which apparently functions like a sports bar with a big screen for the fans, but no booze. Then we see ordinary people whose lives will be Changed Forever by the events to come. This stuff is all off the shelf--there's hardly an original idea in the movie.

"Armageddon" reportedly used the services of nine writers. Why did it need any? The dialogue is either shouted one-liners or romantic drivel. "It's gonna blow!" is used so many times, I wonder if every single writer used it once, and then sat back from his word processor with a contented smile on his face, another day's work done.

Disaster movies always have little vignettes of everyday life. The dumbest in "Armageddon" involves two Japanese tourists in a New York taxi. After meteors turn an entire street into a flaming wasteland, the woman complains, "I want to go shopping!" I hope in Japan that line is redubbed as "Nothing can save us but Gamera!" Meanwhile, we wade through a romantic subplot involving Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck . Liv plays Bruce Willis' daughter. Ben is Willis' best driller (now, now). Bruce finds Liv in Ben's bunk on an oil platform and chases Ben all over the rig, trying to shoot him. (You would think the crew would be preoccupied by the semi-destruction of Manhattan, but it's never mentioned after it happens.) Helicopters arrive to take Willis to the mainland so he can head up the mission to save mankind, etc., and he insists on using only crews from his own rig--especially Affleck, who is "like a son." That means Liv and Ben have a heart-rending parting scene. What is it about cinematographers and Liv Tyler? She is a beautiful young woman, but she's always being photographed while flat on her back, with her brassiere riding up around her chin and lots of wrinkles in her neck from trying to see what some guy is doing. (In this case, Affleck is tickling her navel with animal crackers.) Tyler is obviously a beneficiary of Take Your Daughter to Work Day. She's not only on the oil rig, but she attends training sessions with her dad and her boyfriend, hangs out in Mission Control and walks onto landing strips right next to guys wearing foil suits.

Characters in this movie actually say: "I wanted to say ... that I'm sorry," "We're not leaving them behind!," "Guys--the clock is ticking!" and "This has turned into a surrealistic nightmare!" Steve Buscemi , a crew member who is diagnosed with "space dementia," looks at the asteroid's surface and adds "This place is like Dr. Seuss' worst nightmare." Quick--which Seuss book is he thinking of? There are several Red Digital Readout scenes, in which bombs tick down to zero. Do bomb designers do that for the convenience of interested onlookers who happen to be standing next to a bomb? There's even a retread of the classic scene where they're trying to disconnect the timer, and they have to decide whether to cut the red wire or the blue wire. The movie has forgotten that *this is not a terrorist bomb,* but a standard-issue U.S. military bomb, being defused by a military guy who is on board specifically because he knows about this bomb. A guy like that, the first thing he should know is, red or blue? "Armageddon" is loud, ugly and fragmented. Action sequences are cut together at bewildering speed out of hundreds of short edits, so that we can't see for sure what's happening, or how, or why. Important special-effects shots (such as the asteroid) have a murkiness of detail, and the movie cuts away before we get a good look. The few "dramatic" scenes consist of the sonorous recitation of ancient cliches. Only near the end, when every second counts, does the movie slow down: Life on Earth is about to end, but the hero delays saving the planet in order to recite cornball farewell platitudes.

Staggering into the silence of the theater lobby after the ordeal was over, I found a big poster that was fresh off the presses with the quotes of junket blurbsters. "It will obliterate your senses!" reports David Gillin, who obviously writes autobiographically. "It will suck the air right out of your lungs!" vows Diane Kaminsky.

If it does, consider it a mercy killing.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

Armageddon (1998)

Rated PG-13 For Sci-Fi Disaster Action, Sensuality and Brief Moments Of Vulgar Language

150 minutes

Liv Tyler as Grace Stamper

Ben Affleck as A.J. Frost

Billy Bob Thornton as Dan Truman

Bruce Willis as Harry S. Stamper

Directed by

• Michael Bay
• J.J. Abrams
• Jonathan Hensleigh

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Weather | South Florida still at risk for flooding Friday…

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Weather | father’s day in orlando: events, deals and ways to celebrate dad, subscriber only, weather | south florida still at risk for flooding friday after days of continuous storms.

Wednesday brought torrential rains and severe flooding to the region, followed by another round of storms through Thursday. Up to 12 inches more of rain was expected overnight in the Fort Lauderdale area, likely to quickly cause even more flooding in places that were soaked Wednesday.

A frontal boundary stationed near parts of central and southwest Florida gradually made its way south all Thursday. While there was a lull in storms Thursday evening, another round of heavy rain and flooding is still possible through Friday, with possibly 2 to 4 more inches of rain, the National Weather Service Miami said.

Though flash flood warnings that were in effect for Broward County and northern Miami-Dade County expired at 8 p.m. Thursday, a flood watch will stay in place until Friday night.

Officials emphasized that any further flooding could occur in very short notice because the ground is already saturated and urged people to avoid venturing out.

“The break in the rain this morning and afternoon allowed for more room in the groundwater table, increasing the capacity for additional rainfall,” Fort Lauderdale District 1 Commissioner John C. Herbst said in an email Thursday night. “Still, residents should stay vigilant as rain continues through the evening. Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

Before the Thursday’s round of storms rolled in, Hallandale Beach and Hollywood both recorded over 19 inches of rain since Tuesday with Davie recording nearly 18 inches. Highest amounts were recorded in Collier County — over 25 inches in 48 hours, according to the National Weather Service Miami.

In Wednesday’s hard-hit cities , including Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Dania Beach, crews worked to pump water, and even some residents helped to de-clog drains along flooded streets before the rain began again. Many drains remained clogged Thursday following Wednesday’s storms, officials say. Meanwhile, tow trucks have continued to work since Wednesday to remove dozens of cars from the roads.

Hollywood requested five more pumps from the state to try to help with the flooding in low-lying areas in addition to the ones already deployed. Five pumps were stationed in the area of Johnson Street and the Interstate 95 overpass alone, one of the most affected parts in the city.

Buildings were also affected. Hallandale Beach shut down its City Hall because of flooding as of 2:30 p.m., Mayor Joy Cooper wrote on Facebook .

“This will allow for residents currently at City Hall to conclude their business and hopefully make it home safely,” she said.

In Miramar, several homes were flooded with up to 8 inches of water, city officials said. Spokesperson Joann Hussey said there was evidence that water entered homes in Hollywood as well.

Some residents also reported flooding in their homes in Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale, though largely not to the same extent as April 2023.

City officials said it’s too early to know how many homes have been damaged so far.

In Wilton Manors, resident Boyd Corbin reported seeing sewage bubbling out of manhole covers in the street.

Broward County Transit’s 415-bus system continues to operate. But it has created detours on routes experiencing severe flooding. The affected areas include the Aventura Mall neighborhood and routes serving Hallandale Beach.  The Davie and Hallandale Beach Community Shuttle services were suspended Thursday. The Paratransit (TOPS) service is operating normally, although its shuttles may experience delays and wait times will be longer when clients telephone the call center.

South Florida’s passenger rail services had returned to close to normal earlier in the day, but air travelers continued to suffer protracted delays and large numbers of flight cancellations as heavy rains again hindered the region’s transportation system.

Brightline, the high-speed rail service, started the day with a modified schedule after floodwaters made a mile-long stretch of tracks between Aventura and Miami impassable late Wednesday along the Florida East Coast Railway corridor.

Tri-Rail, the three-county commuter service that runs west of I-95 through Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, reopened its connection to MiamiCentral station in downtown Miami.

But it was another day of inconveniences and frustration at South Florida’s three international airports as passengers again faced hours-long waits triggered by bad weather.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport advised passengers to check with their airlines for flight status updates before leaving for their air terminals.

“Our terminal & airport exit roadways are clear, but a section of E, Perimeter Rd. into #FLL is closed due to flooding; use alternate routes,” the airport declared on its X account.

As of Thursday evening, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood had over 200 delays and over 140 cancellations, Miami International had over 300 delays and over 300 cancellations, while Palm Beach International had nominal numbers of delays and canceled flights, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware.

Port Everglades said it has remained open for business during the bad weather even though some of its roads flooded. Cars and trucks on Wednesday were able to travel through the port, said spokeswoman Joy Oglesby.

“We are operating as normal today,” she said.

Sun Sentinel staff writer Susannah Bryan contributed to this report.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates.  Click here  to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

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Weather | ‘Life-threatening’ flash flooding and heavy rain batter South Florida again

Everyone Says I’m Running Away

My dad always asks what I’m running away from with my travels. A commenter told me to stop running away from my problems and to start living life. “Grow up,” he said.

And, years ago, there was a blog called “Mom says I’m running away.”

I’m not sure why, but there is this perception out there that anyone who travels long term and isn’t interested in settling down or getting a conventional job must be running away from something . They are just trying to “escape life.”

They are running away from responsibility, being a grown-up, heartache, problems, etc, etc.

Long-term travelers are all just Peter Pans refusing to be “adults.”

While society thinks traveling is something everyone should do at one point, it’s only gap years after college or short vacations that are acceptable. Get it out of your system and come back into the Matrix.

Those of us who lead nomadic lifestyles, or who linger just a bit too long somewhere before reaching that final homestretch, are all too often accused of running away.

Yes, go travel — but just not for too long the world says. Responsible people don’t just travel forever.

We nomads must have awful, miserable lives, or are weird, or have had something traumatic happen to us that we are trying to escape. People assume that we are simply running away from our problems, running away from “the real world.”

To all those people, I say – you are right.

I am running away.

I’m running away from your idea of the “real” world.

I’m avoiding your life.

Instead, I’m running towards everything — towards the world , exotic places, new people, different cultures, and my own idea of freedom .

While there may be exceptions (as there are with everything), most people who become nomads do so because they want to experience the world, not escape problems. We are running away from office life, commutes, and weekend errands, and the corporate 9 to 5. We’re running away from the strict path society has laid out as “normal.” The one that makes us mindless ants marching to and fro.

We (I) want to experience every culture, see every mountain, eat weird food, attend crazy festivals , meet new people , and enjoy different holidays around the world.

Life is short and we only get to live it once. I want to look back and say I did exciting things and lived life on my own terms, not say I spent my life reading blogs like this during my lunch break while wishing I was doing the same thing.

No one dies going “If only I had spent more time in the office!”

As an American, my perspective might be different. In my country , the accepted path is long and narrow: you go to college, get a job, get married, buy a house, have your 2.5 children, raise them, and then retire. Only then, after you’ve put in your time, can you enjoy the fruits of your labor. Society boxes you in and restricts your movements to their expectations.

And any deviation is considered abnormal and weird.

People may want to travel, tell you they envy what you do, and say they wish they could do the same thing. But they never do . Few people muster the courage to take the leap , no matter how much their heart pulls them. They are simply fascinated by a lifestyle so outside the norm.

While social media, the rise of digital nomading , and websites like this have made quitting your job to travel the world or teach English in Thailand a little more acceptable, the general attitude is still “follow the path if you want to be normal.”

Well, I don’t want to be normal.

I feel like the reason why people tell us we are running away is that they can’t fathom the fact that we broke the mold and are living outside the norm. To want to break all of society’s conventions, there simply must be something wrong with us.

Years ago, a book called “ The Secret ” came out. According to “ The Secret ,” if you just wish for and want something badly enough, you’ll get it. But the real secret to life is that you get what you want when you do what you want.

Life is what you make it out to be. Life is yours to create. We are all chained down by the burdens we place upon ourselves, whether they are bills, errands, or, like me, self-imposed blogging deadlines . If you really want something, you have to go after it .

People who travel the world aren’t running away from life. Just the opposite. Those that break the mold, explore the world , and live on their own terms are running toward true living, in my opinion. We have a degree of freedom a lot of people will never experience. We get to be the captains of our ships.

But it is a freedom we chose to have.

We looked around and said, “ I want something different .”

And then we went for it.

It was that freedom and attitude I saw in travelers years ago in Thailand that inspired me to do lead the life I am now. I saw them break the mold and I thought to myself, “Why not me?”

I’m not running away.

I, like so many others before, am just running towards my own idea of a normal life.

And I never plan to look back.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Opinion | A second strike for untouchable California…

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Opinion | A second strike for untouchable California pensions?

Even though no Legislature ever approved the idea of permanent, inviolate, untouchable pensions for government workers, the “ California rule ” which arose out of various court cases provides just such protections. The rule holds that pension benefits and how they accrue cannot be changed by government agencies unless workers get a similar increase in other compensation — even for years of service not yet worked. This interpretation and generous benefits have hammered local governments , which are starting to spend 20 percent or more of their revenue on pensions, leading to reductions in law enforcement, community programs and library hours.

This isn’t how government is supposed to work. In 2011, law professor Amy Monahan published a 56-page analysis that looked at nearly 90 years of court cases through which the California rule came to pass and found no evidence of any legislative intent to create such a hard and fast rule. Courts which interpret laws in ways that create new obligations are required to demonstrate such intent.

This matters, according to two panels of state appellate court judges in Northern California. On Dec. 30, three judges unanimously rejected a fire union’s challenge to a 2012 state pension reform law that reversed a 2003 state law that allowed employees to buy up to five years of credit for years employed in the calculation of their pensions. Justice Martin Jenkins, the lead author, said there was no evidence that the 2003 legislation had the intention of creating a permanent pension benefit.

Jenkins cited the other unanimous appellate court ruling from last August in which lead author Justice James Richman found no evidence of any legislative intent to give public employees “an immutable entitlement to the most optimal formula of calculating the pension.” The case involved a legal challenge by some Marin County public employes to provisions of the 2012 reform law barring late-career pension spiking. The opinion held that pension terms could be changed for years not worked.

The California Supreme Court has already agreed to hear an appeal of the Marin County case and may well consolidate it with the fire union case. This prospect is welcome because the people of California need clarity on what is legal and what is not.

Instead of relying on dubious precedents, Californians would be best served if the state high court relies on its 1977 ruling in the Miller v. California case , which held “pension rights are not immutable,” that local governments “may make reasonable modifications and changes” and that “the employee does not have a right to any fixed or definite benefits but only to a substantial or reasonable pension.”

If something cannot go on forever, it will stop. Inflexible pension obligations that incapacitate local governments should not go on forever.

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90 Sweet Friendship Quotes You Need to Share With Your Best Friend

True friendship is hard to find, so make sure you honor them with these sweet and funny messages.

Some of these lines are funny, and others are sentimental, but they all ring true to the bond of friendship. Share them with your besties, your gal pals, your “ride or dies” and your day ones. You all can laugh over the accuracy of some of them, and even shed a few happy tears when you think about how much you all have seen each other through.

Plenty of these would also work as captions for your next girls trip photo dump, serve as well wishes to fill a birthday card or a “just because” text to let your closest friends know you’re thinking of them.

Tennessee Williams

“Time doesn't take away from friendship, nor does separation.”

Sylvia Plath

“There is nothing like puking with somebody to make you into old friends.”

Sarah Dessen

“Life is an awful, ugly place to not have a best friend.”

S.E. Hinton

“If you have two friends in your lifetime, you're lucky. If you have one good friend, you're more than lucky.”

Richard Bach

“Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When friendships are real, they are not glass threads or frost work, but the solidest things we can know.”

P.G. Wodehouse

“There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature.”

“If you have good friends, no matter how much life is sucking , they can make you laugh.”

“No friendship is an accident. ”

Muhammad Ali

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.”

Morgan Matson

“Real friends are the ones you can count on no matter what. The ones who go into the forest to find you and bring you home.And real friends never have to tell you that they’re your friends.”

Mindy Kaling

“One friend with whom you have a lot in common is better than three with whom you struggle to find things to talk about.”

“By chance we met, by choice we become friends”

Michelle Obama, Becoming

“Friendships between women, as any woman will tell you, are built of a thousand small kindnesses... swapped back and forth and over again.”

Margaret Lee Runbeck

“Silence makes the real conversations between friends. Not the saying, but the never needing to say that counts.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief”

“Two things you will never have to chase: True friends & true love.”

“A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.”

Khalil Gibran

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

Jennifer Wilson

“A messy house is a must - it separates your true friends from other friends. Real friends are there to visit you not your house!”

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7 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog, and Give Them a Forever Home

T hese days, shelters are often overwhelmed with abandoned pets. In 2023, France was in the headlines for an abundance of this very issue — but unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence in many parts of the world. And while there are plenty of kindhearted humans willing to go the adopt, don’t shop route , most people want a puppy to bring home. It makes sense. It’s hard to resist these cute bundles of fluffy energy.

Although not as obvious, older mutts have just as much to offer. Yet, sadly, they are often passed over in favor of their younger counterparts. It's time to change the narrative, and follow the example of this New Yorker . These are just a handful of the many benefits of adopting a senior dog . Fair warning: you may just find yourself at the shelter before the day is out.

1. Senior dogs have already been housebroken.

If you've ever been a pet parent to a puppy , you’ll know the “joys” of waking up to a smelly mess on the floor or coming home to chewed-up furniture. When you adopt a dog who's older, you can skip the potty training phase and enjoy a clean and well-behaved furry friend from day one.

2. They usually have a calmer temperament.

Older dogs have usually outgrown their puppy stage and tend to be calmer and more relaxed. However, this does depend on the breed. Jack Russells, for example, tend to be full of energy regardless of age. Adult dogs generally have established personality traits, making it easier to find a perfect match for your lifestyle. The website How I Met My Dog has a great guide for potential adopters that’s worth checking out.

3. Older pups often require less training and socializing.

Older pups often have prior training and can be well-behaved, saving you from the time-consuming process of training a younger dog . You’ll often find they’ve already learned basic commands and manners, making the transition into your home much smoother. Also, when you adopt an older dog, they're often already socialized and comfortable around people and other animals.

4. Pooches with a few miles on their pads generally have lower energy levels.

Senior pooches generally have lower energy levels, making them a great choice for retirees or people with a more relaxed lifestyle. If you're not up for long, challenging walks or intense play sessions, an older dog may be worth considering. They still enjoy gentle exercise and outdoor activities, but they likely won't require the same level of physical activity as a younger dog.

5. They need unconditional love (and give it back in buckets).

A dog that's older can make an incredible addition to your family, offering loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love in return for a safe and loving home. These OGs (older guys and gals) thrive on one-on-one attention. If you have the time and space in your life, it can be incredibly rewarding to be on the giving (and receiving) end of a relationship like this.

6. Adopting a senior dog gives them a second chance at life.

Many older dogs find themselves in shelters due to unforeseen circumstances like their human passing away or no longer being able to care for them. By offering a shelter dog a forever home , you allow them to experience love, happiness, and companionship in their twilight years.

7. Older dogs can be just as much fun as puppies.

Older dogs might have a few more years under their belts, but they can still have the capacity for love, laughter, and adventure. Whether it's going for leisurely walks , snuggling up on the couch, or exploring new places together, older dogs can bring a lot of fun to your life.

These are just a few of the happy benefits of offering an older pooch a home. Each animal has their unique qualities and charms, so consider adopting a more mature dog and experience the joy that comes with giving them a forever home.

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Frederick Douglass

By: History.com Editors

Updated: March 8, 2024 | Original: October 27, 2009

Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement , which sought to end the practice of slavery, before and during the Civil War . After that conflict and the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862, he continued to push for equality and human rights until his death in 1895.

Douglass’ 1845 autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave , described his time as an enslaved worker in Maryland . It was one of three autobiographies he penned, along with dozens of noteworthy speeches, despite receiving minimal formal education.

An advocate for women’s rights, and specifically the right of women to vote , Douglass’ legacy as an author and leader lives on. His work served as an inspiration to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and beyond.

Who Was Frederick Douglass?

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in or around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. Douglass himself was never sure of his exact birth date.

His mother was an enslaved Black women and his father was white and of European descent. He was actually born Frederick Bailey (his mother’s name), and took the name Douglass only after he escaped. His full name at birth was “Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey.”

After he was separated from his mother as an infant, Douglass lived for a time with his maternal grandmother, Betty Bailey. However, at the age of six, he was moved away from her to live and work on the Wye House plantation in Maryland.

From there, Douglass was “given” to Lucretia Auld, whose husband, Thomas, sent him to work with his brother Hugh in Baltimore. Douglass credits Hugh’s wife Sophia with first teaching him the alphabet. With that foundation, Douglass then taught himself to read and write. By the time he was hired out to work under William Freeland, he was teaching other enslaved people to read using the Bible .

As word spread of his efforts to educate fellow enslaved people, Thomas Auld took him back and transferred him to Edward Covey, a farmer who was known for his brutal treatment of the enslaved people in his charge. Roughly 16 at this time, Douglass was regularly whipped by Covey.

Frederick Douglass Escapes from Slavery

After several failed attempts at escape, Douglass finally left Covey’s farm in 1838, first boarding a train to Havre de Grace, Maryland. From there he traveled through Delaware , another slave state, before arriving in New York and the safe house of abolitionist David Ruggles.

Once settled in New York, he sent for Anna Murray, a free Black woman from Baltimore he met while in captivity with the Aulds. She joined him, and the two were married in September 1838. They had five children together.

From Slavery to Abolitionist Leader

After their marriage, the young couple moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts , where they met Nathan and Mary Johnson, a married couple who were born “free persons of color.” It was the Johnsons who inspired the couple to take the surname Douglass, after the character in the Sir Walter Scott poem, “The Lady of the Lake.”

In New Bedford, Douglass began attending meetings of the abolitionist movement . During these meetings, he was exposed to the writings of abolitionist and journalist William Lloyd Garrison.

The two men eventually met when both were asked to speak at an abolitionist meeting, during which Douglass shared his story of slavery and escape. It was Garrison who encouraged Douglass to become a speaker and leader in the abolitionist movement.

By 1843, Douglass had become part of the American Anti-Slavery Society’s “Hundred Conventions” project, a six-month tour through the United States. Douglass was physically assaulted several times during the tour by those opposed to the abolitionist movement.

In one particularly brutal attack, in Pendleton, Indiana , Douglass’ hand was broken. The injuries never fully healed, and he never regained full use of his hand.

In 1858, radical abolitionist John Brown stayed with Frederick Douglass in Rochester, New York, as he planned his raid on the U.S. military arsenal at Harper’s Ferry , part of his attempt to establish a stronghold of formerly enslaved people in the mountains of Maryland and Virginia. Brown was caught and hanged for masterminding the attack, offering the following prophetic words as his final statement: “I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.”

'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass'

Two years later, Douglass published the first and most famous of his autobiographies, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave . (He also authored My Bondage and My Freedom and Life and Times of Frederick Douglass).

In it Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass , he wrote: “From my earliest recollection, I date the entertainment of a deep conviction that slavery would not always be able to hold me within its foul embrace; and in the darkest hours of my career in slavery, this living word of faith and spirit of hope departed not from me, but remained like ministering angels to cheer me through the gloom.”

He also noted, “Thus is slavery the enemy of both the slave and the slaveholder.”

Frederick Douglass in Ireland and Great Britain

Later that same year, Douglass would travel to Ireland and Great Britain. At the time, the former country was just entering the early stages of the Irish Potato Famine , or the Great Hunger.

While overseas, he was impressed by the relative freedom he had as a man of color, compared to what he had experienced in the United States. During his time in Ireland, he met the Irish nationalist Daniel O’Connell , who became an inspiration for his later work.

In England, Douglass also delivered what would later be viewed as one of his most famous speeches, the so-called “London Reception Speech.”

In the speech, he said, “What is to be thought of a nation boasting of its liberty, boasting of its humanity, boasting of its Christianity , boasting of its love of justice and purity, and yet having within its own borders three millions of persons denied by law the right of marriage?… I need not lift up the veil by giving you any experience of my own. Every one that can put two ideas together, must see the most fearful results from such a state of things…”

Frederick Douglass’ Abolitionist Paper

When he returned to the United States in 1847, Douglass began publishing his own abolitionist newsletter, the North Star . He also became involved in the movement for women’s rights .

He was the only African American to attend the Seneca Falls Convention , a gathering of women’s rights activists in New York, in 1848.

He spoke forcefully during the meeting and said, “In this denial of the right to participate in government, not merely the degradation of woman and the perpetuation of a great injustice happens, but the maiming and repudiation of one-half of the moral and intellectual power of the government of the world.”

He later included coverage of women’s rights issues in the pages of the North Star . The newsletter’s name was changed to Frederick Douglass’ Paper in 1851, and was published until 1860, just before the start of the Civil War .

Frederick Douglass Quotes

In 1852, he delivered another of his more famous speeches, one that later came to be called “What to a slave is the 4th of July?”

In one section of the speech, Douglass noted, “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy—a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.”

For the 24th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation , in 1886, Douglass delivered a rousing address in Washington, D.C., during which he said, “where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”

Frederick Douglass During the Civil War

During the brutal conflict that divided the still-young United States, Douglass continued to speak and worked tirelessly for the end of slavery and the right of newly freed Black Americans to vote.

Although he supported President Abraham Lincoln in the early years of the Civil War, Douglass fell into disagreement with the politician after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which effectively ended the practice of slavery. Douglass was disappointed that Lincoln didn’t use the proclamation to grant formerly enslaved people the right to vote, particularly after they had fought bravely alongside soldiers for the Union army.

It is said, though, that Douglass and Lincoln later reconciled and, following Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, and the passage of the 13th amendment , 14th amendment , and 15th amendment to the U.S. Constitution (which, respectively, outlawed slavery, granted formerly enslaved people citizenship and equal protection under the law, and protected all citizens from racial discrimination in voting), Douglass was asked to speak at the dedication of the Emancipation Memorial in Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Park in 1876.

Historians, in fact, suggest that Lincoln’s widow, Mary Todd Lincoln , bequeathed the late-president’s favorite walking stick to Douglass after that speech.

In the post-war Reconstruction era, Douglass served in many official positions in government, including as an ambassador to the Dominican Republic, thereby becoming the first Black man to hold high office. He also continued speaking and advocating for African American and women’s rights.

In the 1868 presidential election, he supported the candidacy of former Union general Ulysses S. Grant , who promised to take a hard line against white supremacist-led insurgencies in the post-war South. Grant notably also oversaw passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1871 , which was designed to suppress the growing Ku Klux Klan movement.

Frederick Douglass: Later Life and Death

In 1877, Douglass met with Thomas Auld , the man who once “owned” him, and the two reportedly reconciled.

Douglass’ wife Anna died in 1882, and he married white activist Helen Pitts in 1884.

In 1888, he became the first African American to receive a vote for President of the United States, during the Republican National Convention. Ultimately, though, Benjamin Harrison received the party nomination.

Douglass remained an active speaker, writer and activist until his death in 1895. He died after suffering a heart attack at home after arriving back from a meeting of the National Council of Women , a women’s rights group still in its infancy at the time, in Washington, D.C.

His life’s work still serves as an inspiration to those who seek equality and a more just society.

HISTORY Vault: Black History

Watch acclaimed Black History documentaries on HISTORY Vault.

Frederick Douglas, PBS.org . Frederick Douglas, National Parks Service, nps.gov . Frederick Douglas, 1818-1895, Documenting the South, University of North Carolina , docsouth.unc.edu . Frederick Douglass Quotes, brainyquote.com . “Reception Speech. At Finsbury Chapel, Moorfields, England, May 12, 1846.” USF.edu . “What to the slave is the 4th of July?” TeachingAmericanHistory.org . Graham, D.A. (2017). “Donald Trump’s Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.” The Atlantic .

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• Category: Xbox Games Showcase

Xbox Games Showcase 2024: Every Announcement and Reveal

• Jerret West, Chief Marketing Officer, Xbox

The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 showed players everywhere that they have a ton of games to look forward to. Fans of Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, Xbox Game Studios, or the countless partners building for Xbox were treated to a peek at what’s coming for their favorite franchises and new games alike.

Players can look forward to incredible returns to beloved series with Gears of War: E-Day and Doom: The Dark Ages , fresh looks at the likes of State of Decay 3 , Indiana Jones and the Great Circle , Perfect Dark ,and South of Midnight , a reveal for Starfield : Shattered Space , and much more. The show even extended to Azeroth, with the release date reveal of The War Within , the next expansion for World of Warcraft .

And from our partners, there was a world-first look at gameplay from Assassin’s Creed Shadows , an introduction to your future party members in the greatly anticipated Dragon Age: The Veilguard , an exciting look at the return of Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater , not to mention some incredible debuts with the likes of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , Atomfall , and Winter Burrow , among many others.

Plus, we brought you a first reveal of new Xbox hardware with the announcement of three new Xbox Series X|S console options joining our current lineup this holiday, featuring the same speed and performance with more design, storage, and price options to fit your needs.

And on top of all that, we also brought the gameplay reveal of a brand-new Call of Duty game with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – and we’re following it up with Call of Duty: B lack Ops 6 Direct , offering you an enormous deep-dive into the game. If you can’t tune in live, make sure to check back for a full rundown of what was announced in the second part of our enormous double feature.

This is far from everything we have to show you – all this week, the Official Xbox Podcast will air podcasts from Monday, June 10th, featuring discussions with developers and even deeper looks at some of the exciting games from the show. It all starts tomorrow with an extended gameplay look at Avowed , on Xbox’s YouTube channel and podcast services , followed by Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater on Tuesday . If reading’s more your speed, every episode will be detailed in an Xbox Wire post breaking down what was revealed.

But that’s all still to come. For the time being, here’s every single announcement and reveal from Xbox Games Showcase 2024:

Upcoming Titles from Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, and Xbox Game Studios

Age of mythology: retold – world’s edge presents its first-ever gameplay trailer .

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and cloud, or play it day one with Game Pass

World’s Edge – the award-winning studio behind the Age of Empires franchise – showcased a trailer of truly mythical proportions: with a first look at gameplay from the upcoming Age of Mythology: Retold .

Age of Mythology: Retold will combine the best elements of the beloved Age of Mythology (2002) with modern real-time strategy design, visuals and gameplay. The newly premiered trailer at Xbox Showcase 2024 revealed the first gameplay footage, showing off exciting action and divine powers, as well as some newly redesigned deity portraits. The World’s Edge team also confirmed the launch date for Age of Mythology: Retold – September 4, 2024 – and that this will be the first title in the Age of Empires franchise to ship on both PC and console at launch. 

Age of Mythology: Retold is available to pre-order now – find out more from the Official Xbox Podcast.

Avowed Offers a New Look at its Captivating Story 

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and cloud, or play it day one with Game Pass   

This year, brace yourself for an expedition into the uncharted wilds of the Living Lands in Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed . In a brand-new story trailer, we learned more about the incredible journey we’ll be taking later this year, and met Giatta, one of the game’s four companions. As an envoy of the Aedyran Empire, you’re tasked with stopping the Dreamscourge, a mysterious blight wreaking havoc on the tumultuous frontier. Your soul hangs in the balance as you navigate the chaos of the Living Lands and embrace its wonders. Prepare for an expedition into the perilous, captivating, and utterly bizarre unknown where you will forge your destiny and shape the fate of the frontier. 

Avowed will be released in 2024 – and you can learn more about the game’s story on Xbox Wire right now . We also got a gameplay deep-dive on the Official Xbox Podcast .

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct Reveals Campaign, Multiplayer and Zombies Details

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or play it day one with Game Pass

It’s official: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 , the latest addition to the popular Call of Duty franchise, is set to arrive on October 25. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller where nothing is as what it seems. In this mind-bending narrative set in the early 1990s, a shadowy force has infiltrated the U.S. government and players will be forced to go rogue for the first time.

In addition to a compelling new campaign, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 features new innovations like Omnimovement, giving players the ability to sprint, slide, and dive in any direction and move like a Black Ops action hero across all game modes. Including the return of Classic Prestige, Theater Mode, and of course Round-Based Zombies, there’s something for everyone.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC on October 25. Play it day one on select Xbox Game Pass plans (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass PC, Game Pass Console).

Doom: The Dark Ages Comes to Xbox in 2025

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, or play it day one with Game Pass

Revealed worldwide today, Doom: The Dark Ages heralds the return of the unstoppable Doom Slayer in this upcoming single-player, dark fantasy action FPS from the legendary id Software.

The prequel to Doom (2016), Doom: The Dark Ages puts players behind the visor of the mighty Slayer as they battle demonic hordes in grounded, hard-hitting combat inside an epic, cinematic tale of gods, kings and monsters. Supplementing his superhuman skills and over-the-top arsenal, the Slayer will also call upon his colossal Atlan mech to brawl with titanic beasts and retake the skies aboard his ferocious steed: a jet-fueled, cybernetic war dragon.

Don your Shotgun, Shield Saw and Flail and charge headfirst into battle in 2025 when Doom: The Dark Ages arrives on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Add Doom: The Dark Ages to your wishlist via the Microsoft Store.

Playground Games Asks ‘What Does It Mean to be a Hero?’ in the Next Installment of its Fable Trailer Series

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass

What does it mean to be a hero? In last year’s trailer, that question was answered by Dave, a gardener-turned-giant with a chip on his shoulder. This year, we get a much darker take from Humphry, played by the British comedy actor Matt King. Humphry was once Albion’s greatest Hero, but those glory days are long gone. In Fable , Humphry will be forced out of retirement when a mysterious figure from his past threatens the very existence of Albion.

Playground Games also confirmed its collaboration with Eidos Montreal, who will be supporting the ongoing development of Fable , which will be coming to players in 2025. For Wishlist and more, visit xbox.com/fable .

E-Day Marks a New Dawn for Gears of War

Gears of War: E-Day is the next mainline game in the Gears of War universe, set during the pivotal Emergence Day. Fourteen years before Gears of War, war heroes Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago return home to face a new nightmare: the Locust Horde. These subterranean monsters, grotesque and relentless, erupt from below, laying siege on humanity itself.

In the announce trailer for the series’ next major installment, The Coalition has teamed up with Blur Studio to forge a visually stunning trailer using in-game assets in Unreal Engine 5. It features a new instrumental version of ‘Mad World,’ originally performed by Gary Jules for the iconic 2006 commercial, now brilliantly reimagined by the game’s composer Adam Lastiwka. The trailer made its debut in 4K resolution and 30 FPS with 5.1 stereo sound. These specs, optimized for streaming, do not represent the final game’s performance.

Find out more in our conversation with the developers on Xbox Wire .

New Trailer for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, or play it day one on Game Pass

Become the famous archaeologist and face off against sinister forces as you fight to uncover the truth behind one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle . Brand new gameplay and a scene from a pivotal moment in the game were debuted during the Xbox Showcase. An intercepted message sends Indy and Gina to the Himalayas where their treacherous trek through the mountains leads them to a startling discovery. 

Play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle day one on Game Pass when it launches later this year on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Take to the Skies on November 19 with the All-New Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the next installment in the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise. It is the most ambitious consumer flight simulator ever undertaken. It features the largest, most diverse and detailed fleet of aircraft, the most complete representation of airports and air traffic, and the most visually stunning rendition of Earth ever created.

This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 goes beyond merely operating the aircraft; it will allow simmers to pursue their dream of an aviation career.

With features like aerial firefighting, search and rescue, commercial flights, remote cargo ops, VIP charter service, air racing, and more, simmers will not only be experiencing the joy of flight, but also dive into the pilot career they always dreamed of. The sky is calling! Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 takes off on PC and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, and will be available with Game Pass on console, PC, and cloud on day one.

Perfect Dark Unveils First Look at Gameplay in New Trailer

Today, we got a first look at gameplay from Perfect Dark , The Initiative’s highly anticipated reboot of the secret agent series featuring the iconic Joanna Dark.

In the near future, Earth is struck by a series of global disasters, bringing ecosystems around the world to the verge of collapse. In the all-new Perfect Dark game , you experience the journey of Joanna Dark, dataDyne’s elite agent, as she hunts down the world’s most wanted criminal, Daniel Carrington, to uncover the mysteries behind the technological breakthroughs that could threaten the lives of millions of people.

The new trailer showed us Joanna’s descent into the game’s Cairo setting, offered us a glimpse at the mysteries behind this near-future ecological sci-fi story, and introduced us to a game that blends fluid traversal, gadgets, close-quarters combat, gunplay, stealth, and more to create the ultimate secret agent experience.

Want to know more? Read our exclusive explainer article on Xbox Wire now .

South of Midnight Shows Off First Gameplay – and the Monstrous Two-Toed Tom

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, or play it on day one with Xbox Game Pass

South of Midnight – the beautiful third-person action-adventure game from We Happy Few creators Compulsion Games – showed off its first gameplay trailer during the show, ahead of its launch in 2025. We meet Hazel and her newly-revealed companion, Catfish, as they travel through a flooded area inspired by the Mississippi Delta – and quickly find themselves facing down one of the game’s monster Kings. Meet Two-Toed Tom, a gigantic albino alligator with a powerful hunger, and even his own theme song.

The trailer offers a look at combat and traversal, showing off Hazel’s magical weaving powers, and gives us a taste of the game’s darkly gorgeous Deep South setting. We were lucky enough to sit down with South of Midnight ’s developers and dive even deeper on the game – check out our exclusive interview on Xbox Wire .

Open World Zombie Survival Game State of Decay 3 Unveils New Trailer

Today at Xbox Games Showcase, Undead Labs revealed a new trailer for State of Decay 3 , giving us a closer look at the ambitious open world zombie survival game. This follow-up to fan-favorite State of Decay 2 represents a huge leap forward for the series and the studio.

In State of Decay 3 , the game’s world is now years into the apocalypse, with an evolving zombie threat taking over the landscape. You must fight back and reclaim lost ground, carving out a life for your community of survivalist homesteaders. Fans of the series might pick up on nods to some franchise staples in the new trailer: brutal combat; cooperatively battling back threats to the survivor group; permadeath; opening a car door on a zombie while speeding down the road. But the more you watch it, the more you can see hints at how State of Decay 3 will be the most ambitious game Undead Labs has ever envisioned. To learn more, check out Xbox Wire’s exclusive interview feature .

World Premieres and New Games from Our Partners

Assassin’s creed shadows’ first gameplay glimpse revealed.

Xbox Series X|S (see developer website for other platforms)

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on November 15 for Xbox Series X|S, giving players a chance to explore 16 th Century Japan as Naoe, an adept shinobi from the province of Iga; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai and Assassin’s Creed’s first fully playable historical figure. Today’s gameplay trailer gave fans their first glimpse at what’s new in Assassin’s Creed Shadows – we saw how the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe will differ (and complement one another) in equipment and abilities, as well as the game’s wider world, and Shadows ’ changing seasons. Stay tuned for a full gameplay walkthrough reveal tomorrow during Ubisoft Forward (starting at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK).

Survive, Explore and Uncover the Truth in Atomfall

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

Set in the rolling British countryside with idyllic pubs, quaint villages, and red phone boxes, it soon becomes clear that things are far from normal. Created by Rebellion, the makers of the much-loved Sniper Elite and Zombie Army franchises, Atomfall is inspired by a real-world nuclear disaster that occurred in northern England in 1957. The game follows a fictional storyline where you find yourself in the quarantine zone five years after the event.

Explore the countryside, villages, and settlements and meet odd people, wicked cults, rogue government agencies and others along the way. Explore this open world adventure and seek out the truth at your own pace. A single player, survival-action game, Atomfall blends post-war Britain with Cold War paranoia, folk horror, and elements of classic British sci-fi to create an immersive and thrilling gameplay experience.

Atomfall will launch in 2025, coming to Game Pass on day one. It will also be available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC. The studio will be revealing more about Atomfall soon. Find out more on Xbox Wire.

Prepare to Fight for Your Life in Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Xbox Series X|S, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming reactive turn-based RPG that will transport you to a beautiful, surrealist new world inspired by France’s La Belle Epoque – a period famous for its stunning and lavish contributions to the country’s world-renowned culture of art.

As a member of the Expeditioners, who are embarking on an impossible quest to end the Paintress’ cycle of death, you’ll journey through a vast and beautiful fantasy world where you’ll battle deadly adversaries, befriend fabled creatures, and discover traces of those who came before. You can wish list the game today on the Xbox Store and follow @Expedition33 on X (formally Twitter) to stay up to date. Find out more on Xbox Wire .

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Meet the Veilguard for the First Time in a New Trailer

BioWare and Electronic Arts revealed a new trailer for Dragon Age: The Veilguard , where we meet your team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape. Together, you will become The Veilguard.

Expanding upon the Dragon Age stories, worlds and characters from previous games, players will enter a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Together with your companions, you will challenge a pair of corrupt ancient gods, who have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world. Thedas needs someone they can count on, and that person is you. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. Find out more on Xbox Wire .

Souls-lite Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Arrives With a Bang on July 18

The long-awaited return from Ashen developer A44 is almost here – during the show, we announced that Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn will arrive on July 18. Set in the beleaguered world of Kian, you’ll guide Nor Vanek, a Flintlock weapons expert, on a quest to kill the rampaging gods that have invaded her world.

Blending classic Souls mechanics with a brutal, fast-paced combat system, Nor can use a combination of axe combat, flintlock weaponry, and magic, creating devastating combos – but you’ll need skill to survive. Pre-orders are open now, and a deluxe edition offers alternative outfits and weapon customization options. Find out more on Xbox Wire .

FragPunk Explodes Into the Show

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (see developer website for other platforms)

Looking for a new competitive FPS? FragPunk is a frantic, squad-based, 5v5 hero shooter where you set the rules of engagement for every new round by activating power-up cards. With its debut at Xbox Games Showcase 2024, FragPunk rocks the hero shooter genre with fast-paced combat and a plethora of synergies and counterplays between over 70 shard cards, 10 heroes, 14 weapons and 4 maps! Find out more on Xbox Wire .

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Our Original Star

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure isn’t just a return for the beloved narrative adventure series, but a return for its original star, Max Caulfield. Several years after we guided her through Arcadia Bay, Double Exposure sees Max return later in her life, now an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University.

Unfortunately, calamity is never far away – Max’s friend Safi is killed, and we’ll be plunged into a full-on murder-mystery, with a supernatural twist. Max’s original power to rewind time has morphed into the ability to entirely Shift timelines, and we’ll be exploring two parallel realities – one where Safi is safe and well, and the other in the wake of her death – in order to discover the identity of her killer. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure arrives on October 29, and those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition will be able to play the first two chapters from October 15. Find out more on Xbox Wire .

Mecha Break Revealed: Create Your Mech and Take It to War Together

Mecha Break is a multiplayer mech-based shooter that allows players to choose from a variety of mechs, customize their appearances, and battle colossal war machines on treacherous terrain.

Prepare for adrenaline-pumping battles, lightning-fast maneuvers, and explosive firepower. Mecha Break ’s Xbox Closed Beta will be coming to Xbox Series X in August 2024, and will be available to all players in 2025. Mecha Break features customizable mechs, player-created mech pilots, a wide array of mech and weapon types, and three distinct game modes — a 6v6 Battlefield mode, 3v3 Arena mode, and up to 60-player PvEvP mode — to put players in the pilot seat and create the ultimate mech showdown experience. Discover an array of attacker, brawler, defender, sniper, and support mechs, each with unique playstyles and toolsets. Players can personalize each mech with custom full-body paint jobs and upgrade attachments, enhancing their stats to suit their chosen playstyle.

For the upcoming August Closed Beta Test on Xbox Series X, the highlight game mode will be the 6v6 Battlefield mode. Work together with your team and engage in intense aerial and ground combat as you fight for the objective. Find out more on Xbox Wire .

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Shows Its New Take on a Classic

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater creates a deeply immersive world with enhanced visuals and sounds, using the full potential of Unreal Engine 5 while keeping legacy controls and voice lines from the original title intact. A new third-person camera and control layout offers players an intuitive introduction to the beginning of the Metal Gear Solid saga as they step into the boots of Snake in a high-stakes, espionage thriller. Check out our conversation with the producer on the Official Xbox Podcast .

Mixtape: Nothing But the Hits – Coming 2025

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, cloud, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

From Beethoven & Dinosaur, award-winning developers of The Artful Escape , comes Mixtape . On their last night of high school, three friends embark on one more adventure together. En route to their final party together, a perfectly-curated playlist draws them into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories together.

Immerse yourself in the teenage wasteland, playing through a variety of narrative vignettes exploring the pivotal moments that shaped them. The story is delivered through a mixtape of comedic, joyful gameplay, from skateboarding and flying to taking photos after hours at an abandoned theme park, and much more. It’s the greatest hits of teenage friendship, from the first kiss to the last dance. Similar to games like What Remains of Edith Finch , Mixtape ties its narrative to a unique, vignette-driven structure that emphasizes variety, surprise, and comedy in its gameplay.

Featuring music from DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and more. Mixtape effectively blends gameplay, narrative, and music. Join the crew on their last night together as they experience a mixtape of memories, set to the soundtrack of a generation.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Reveals the Time of Opportunities Trailer

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

The new trailer for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is here. Packed with brand-new reveals, this trailer showcases the array of experiences awaiting players, from locations to encounters with mutants and archanomalies. And hubs! Places to have some well-deserved rest and prepare your body and gear for the next intense mission.

In-game footage is mixed with narrative snippets, highlighting the prominence of the non-linear storyline in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl . The Time of Opportunities trailer is aptly named, reflecting the boundless potential that awaits within this unforgiving landscape. How will you see the Zone? And how will She remember you?

This time, you’ll hear much more of the Ukrainian voiceover. Being a Ukrainian company, GSC Game World knows that many fans are eager to experience the game in Ukrainian with subtitles of their choice. The trailer is aimed to provide a better understanding of what this experience will feel like. The Time of Opportunities trailer kicks off a series of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 showcases throughout this summer. Please stay tuned for additional announcements.

Winter Burrow Is a Cozy Survival Experience Inspired By a Love of Nature

Build your dream burrow and explore a charming, snow-coated open world in Winter Burrow, a cozy woodland survival game. As a tiny mouse, spend your days adventuring through brisk environments as you search for your lost aunty, and collect up resources to restore your childhood burrow.

Winter Burrow merges comfy, cozy game elements with challenging yet approachable survival merchanics. Spend time in your burrow, crafting cute decorations to make your surroundings feel homely, knit cozy clothing to stay warm in the cold weather, and make sure you’re prepared for those big days of foraging in the forests. To stay up to date on all things Winter Burrow, wishlist the game on the Xbox Store and follow Winter Burrow on Twitter . Find out more on Xbox Wire .

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Revealed – A Journey Into the Darkness of the Late Ming Dynasty

Step into the dark and tumultuous land of Shu in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. This soulslike action-RPG launches day one on Xbox Series X|S and immerses players in the dark late Ming Dynasty, a period rife with warring factions and a mysterious illness turning humans into monstrous creatures. You are Wuchang, a pirate warrior struck by amnesia and afflicted by Ornithropy, a horrific disease but the source of immense power. As you explore the depths of Shu, you’ll enhance your arsenal, master new skills harvested from fallen foes, and evolve your fighting style by sacrificing Red Mercury.

Battle against grotesque abominations, drawing on ancient lore to challenge the creeping darkness that threatens the humanity that remains. As you piece together Wuchang’s lost memories, your choices will lead you to one of several endings—each determined by the choices made, secrets unearthed and the allies you choose to trust. Will you reveal the truths of Wuchang’s curse and bring peace to Shu, or will you succumb to the encroaching horrors? The fate of the land rests in your hands. Nothing is Forever. Find out more on Xbox Wire .

New Updates for Live Games

Diablo iv: vessel of hatred releases october 8 – pre-purchase now and get in-game rewards today.

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PC via Battle.net, Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

Prepare yourself for the next chapter of Diablo IV from Blizzard Entertainment: Vessel of Hatred, the game’s first expansion, emerges on October 8.

Unleash the power of the Spiritborn, a new class that harnesses the mystical spirits of the jungle for swift and devastating attacks. The hunt for Neyrelle begins anew as she strives to thwart Mephisto’s sinister plot. Dive into the jungle region of Nahantu, where new Dungeons, Strongholds, and enemies await, along with a new PvE co-op activity where you can team up to take down challenges for promising rewards. Plus, recruit new Mercenaries to aid you in your quest, grow in power as they progress, and help you in combat with their unique abilities.

Embrace the shadows on October 8! Vessel of Hatred is set to redefine your journey through Sanctuary. Pre-purchase now and unlock immediate in-game rewards. The darkness does not rest – neither should you. Find out more about how the cinematic was made on Xbox Wire .

The Elder Scrolls Online Invites You to Discover Tamriel in a New Trailer

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Epic Games Store, cloud, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

Celebrating a decade of adventures within Tamriel’s Second Era, The Elder Scrolls Online invites you to begin your epic story with a new trailer. Whether you’re an Elder Scrolls veteran or a newcomer to the series, you can explore an ever-growing world, party up with your fellow adventures, and discover why over 24 million players have now experienced the award-winning online RPG.

June also features the launch of ESO ’s latest Chapter, The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road, now available on PC/Mac and coming June 18 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Unravel the mystery of the return of the Forgotten Prince, unlock the Scribing System to create your own abilities, and delve into the region of West Weld, a part of Tamriel not seen since The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion . Visit elderscrollsonline.com for more on the Gold Road Chapter and the ongoing 10-Year Anniversary Celebration.

Fallout 76 Skyline Valley Release Date Announced With New Trailer

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or play it day one with Game Pass

In Skyline Valley’s major expansion of the world map, you’ll cross the Savage Divide and travel to the southern reaches of Appalachia. This picturesque new region, Skyline Valley, introduces fresh locations to explore among the woodlands once known as Shenandoah National Park.

Seek out Vault 63 and uncover its mysteries. Learn the truth about the Lost, the electric Ghouls that inhabit the Vault, and their enigmatic overseer, Hugo Stolz. You’ll chase storms in Skyline Valley’s new Public Event, Dangerous Pastimes, and fight new region bosses, a monumental trifecta of Robo-brains. Skyline Valley comes to Fallout 76 on June 12.

Sea of Thieves Season 13 Update: Being Bad Can Sometimes Feel Good

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, PlayStation 5, Game Pass

Rare showed off their dark side with a fiery new Sea of Thieves trailer, heralding the return of Captain Flameheart and inviting players to become the boss fight. An all-new world event will pit pirates against Flameheart’s mighty flagship in order to seize it, raining fire on their foes with a skeleton crew at their command and reaping the rewards of their dastardly deeds. This thrilling new encounter is part of Sea of Thieves : Season 13, which arrives on July 25 as a free update for all players on Xbox, PC and PS5.

Starfield Shattered Space Reveal Trailer, Plus Highlights from the June Update

Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Game Pass

Deep in the dark reaches of space, the followers of the Great Serpent live shrouded in mystery. Begin an epic new story and explore House Va’ruun territory in Shattered Space, Starfield ’s first major expansion. Watch the reveal trailer now and experience the story of House Va’ruun when Shattered Space launches later this year.

In addition to the first look at Shattered Space, highlights from Starfield ‘s latest major update were shared immediately following the Xbox Showcase. Official mod support with the launch of Creations, the first new quest DLC with the introduction of Trackers Alliance, new bounty hunting features, and improvements to melee weapons are the highlights of Starfield ’s June Update. The June Update is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

The Darkness Calls on August 26 with World of Warcraft: The War Within

PC via Battle.net

Blizzard Entertainment’s 10th World of Warcraft expansion and the opening chapter of the most ambitious story arc in the game’s near 20-year history, The War Within is set to launch on August 26.

This upcoming expansion – the first of three in The Worldsoul Saga – will draw you deep into the mythology of World of Warcraft, weaving narrative threads from the past two decades together in a way that will captivate players both old and new. For a limited time, Blizzard is offering the Welcome to Azeroth Bundle,  which includes everything players need to begin their adventure in Azeroth. The bundle includes the current expansion – the critically acclaimed Dragonflight – a level 60 character boost, and 60 days of game time, for $24.99 USD.

Don’t miss out on this legendary adventure! Join the community today, explore the wonders of Dragon Isles, and prepare yourself for The War Within – pre-purchases are available now through Battle.net.

Hardware Announcements

Three new xbox series x|s console options revealed.

Three new Xbox Series X|S console options are joining our current lineup, and we’re excited to give players more ways to join gaming with Xbox – it’s the best way to enjoy the diverse experiences crafted by game creators. This holiday, our 1TB Series S in Robot White, an all-digital Xbox Series X, and a 2TB Xbox Series X Special Edition in Galaxy Black will be available in select markets (console assortment will vary by market). Stay tuned for updates in the coming months where we’ll provide information about market availability and regional Estimated Retail Pricing (ERP) when we share pre-order details. To learn more about these new consoles, head on over to the Wire post here . 

With the incredible lineup of games shown at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 and Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 Direct , this is one of the best years ever to upgrade your console or jump into Xbox for the first time.