Battlefield 6 Open Beta Part 3
The second Battlefield 6 Open Beta test started earlier today. A 7.6GB download added additional maps, new game modes and also resolved some technical issues. I was able to select my second monitor to display the game this time round and also made some basic performance related tweaks. The colour grading is still an issue for me and I struggle at times to correctly identify players and objects at distance due to the muted palette. Minor gripes aside, the game still performs well and all the game modes have something to offer. King of the Hill and some of the other close quarters maps are a little too intense for my skill level but I still had fun with projectiles and explosives. I still prefer the Conquest mode with its bigger maps and greater variety of gameplay options.
The second Battlefield 6 Open Beta test started earlier today. A 7.6GB download added additional maps, new game modes and also resolved some technical issues. I was able to select my second monitor to display the game this time round and also made some basic performance related tweaks. The colour grading is still an issue for me and I struggle at times to correctly identify players and objects at distance due to the muted palette. Minor gripes aside, the game still performs well and all the game modes have something to offer. King of the Hill and some of the other close quarters maps are a little too intense for my skill level but I still had fun with projectiles and explosives. I still prefer the Conquest mode with its bigger maps and greater variety of gameplay options.
For me, the key to enjoying any of the Battlefield games is to find yourself something useful to do. Something that is within your skillset so you don’t get frustrated. I am not especially good at a straight forward infantry role. My aim is too poor. So I tend to favour the Engineer class. I can ride in vehicles and then fix them when they’re damaged. I can also use RPG and Surface-to-air Missiles to destroy enemy armour and aircraft. All of which are beneficial to the team. I became quite competent today using the Sidewinder Missile. My technique was to position myself towards the rear of the map and wait for aircraft doing strafing runs. I would aim and achieve weapons lock, then stop aiming. The enemy aircraft would then use its countermeasures which have a cooldown. I would then immediately aim again and fire, once I had a weapons lock. It proved quite a successful procedure.
This current beta is available till 17th August. It should be noted that this is still not a complete build of the game. Team Deathmatch and Escalation Modes are not currently included. The tactical ladders and sledgehammer are also conspicuously absent for the time being. Yet there is sufficient to play and try, to be able to get a handle on Battlefield 6. Overall I think the developers have retained enough of the old school elements and added just the right amount of new mechanics. The game certainly has a “wow” factor. The question is will it retain it. There still isn’t a server browser but there is a gameplay filter in the latest build that allows you to select the modes you prefer. So far, I have not had to wait too long to access content I enjoy playing the most. I have also not encountered any server queues.
Finally, there is one aspect of Battlefield 6 that is perennial. Each game you play is only as good as the people participating in it. So far, during both beta tests, I have had some excellent games where your squad sticks together, works towards objectives as well as spot, heal, resupply and repair. These games were rewarding and enjoyable. Then there have been others where everyone does their own thing. Thus you have dozens of snipers dug in, vehicles being driven away the moment they spawn, without waiting for a full crew and irrespective of whether the player can use them effectively. I did find things to do in these games but they were demonstrably weaker. It’s the one aspect of this genre that developers can’t fully fix. It’s why many players would happily play against bots instead. That’s a post for another day. In the meantime, Battlefield 6 is proving to be one to watch.
LOTRO: 64-Bit Server Migration Part 3
I’ve been busy this weekend, so it wasn’t until late afternoon today that I found time to sit down and attempt to migrate my characters from the old 32-bit server Laurelin, to the new 64-bit server Meriadoc. The “Great Server Migration” has not gone smoothly and the week has been a litany of changing deadlines and unfulfilled expectations. However, developer’s Standing Stone Games, have been “firefighting” issues on a daily basis and communicating regularly with the player base of the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online. Sadly, a lot of players have not responded well to the ongoing technical difficulties and there is subsequently a lot of ill feeling on the official forums. I have chosen to adopt a more pragmatic outlook and to let events run their course.
I’ve been busy this weekend, so it wasn’t until late afternoon today that I found time to sit down and attempt to migrate my characters from the old 32-bit server Laurelin, to the new 64-bit server Meriadoc. The “Great Server Migration” has not gone smoothly and the week has been a litany of changing deadlines and unfulfilled expectations. However, developer’s Standing Stone Games, have been “firefighting” issues on a daily basis and communicating regularly with the player base of the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online. Sadly, a lot of players have not responded well to the ongoing technical difficulties and there is subsequently a lot of ill feeling on the official forums. I have chosen to adopt a more pragmatic outlook and to let events run their course.
At 16:50 GMT today I started the LOTRO client launcher and saw that the transfer service button was available. I chose to migrate all three of my characters from Laurelin to Meriadoc and followed the process as stated in SSG’s migration notes. At first all appeared to be working as intended. However, I received an error message at the very end of the process indicating that it had failed. I then took a break and returned to my PC at 17:20 GMT and repeated the process. It took a few minutes and it was clear that this procedure was running somewhat slow but it was quicker than my previous unsuccessful attempt. This time round there were no errors and I received a confirmation message on screen. I have no idea how long it takes to migrate data from one server to another. I am writing this post at 23:00 GMT and my characters have neither left its old home nor arrived at its new destination.
I have one alt left, that I haven’t yet moved. They are based on the US server Landoval and I intend to move them to Peregrin. I shall attempt this tomorrow morning after I’ve checked to see if my initial transfer has been completed. Furthermore, I shall record the process and share it on YouTube. It may be of use to those who are concerned about this entire migration or unfamiliar with the transfer process. In the meantime, my advice to LOTRO players is to wait a little longer before attempting to migrate your characters to a new server. Let SSG process the backlog of data that is still outstanding. I chose to move servers now, mainly so I could write about the process. I suspect it will be a lot smoother in a week's time. Until then, stay put on your current server and do some in-game housekeeping to make your move easier when you decide to leave. I’ll post an update when my alts arrive on Meriadoc.
Revisiting Star Wars: The Old Republic Part 3
A recent email prompted me to return to the MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic. Developers Broadsword are “encouraging” former players to log back into the game to prevent the potential “release” of character names from “inactive” accounts. This has happened in the past, so I decided it would be a good time to return to the game. I last played in early 2022 when I created Trooper, Sith Warrior and Imperial Agent alts. The great thing about SWTOR is that all classes have unique stories so alts are never dull. This time I intend to complete the Jedi Consular, Jedi Knight and Sith Inquisitor classes. So I reinstalled the game, subscribed to enjoy full access to all content and also purchased a few Cartel Coins in case anything in the game store took my fancy. Hence the latest instalment of this recurring post, after a sizable break.
A recent email prompted me to return to the MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic. Developers Broadsword are “encouraging” former players to log back into the game to prevent the potential “release” of character names from “inactive” accounts. This has happened in the past, so I decided it would be a good time to return to the game. I last played in early 2022 when I created Trooper, Sith Warrior and Imperial Agent alts. The great thing about SWTOR is that all classes have unique stories so alts are never dull. This time I intend to complete the Jedi Consular, Jedi Knight and Sith Inquisitor classes. So I reinstalled the game, subscribed to enjoy full access to all content and also purchased a few Cartel Coins in case anything in the game store took my fancy. Hence the latest instalment of this recurring post, after a sizable break.
When I last played SWTOR, I “acquired” a substantial quantity of in-game currency which I shared among alts for miscellaneous spending. I placed the remainder in Legacy Storage, which is an account-wide vault. The Legacy system itself offers some useful account wide unlocks which are very beneficial for alts. Both the money and early access to a companion, has made levelling a new Jedi Consular character relatively hassle free. I am currently playing through the class story at a leisurely pace and have also decided on a whim, to try and unlock the HK-51 Assassin Droid companion. The game certainly doesn’t lack content for a new or returning player. As well as each class having a unique story, so does each planet. There have also been various expansions released over the years. Plus there’s all the group instances that you can quickly jump into and endless amounts of cosmetics to mess about with.
As I said in the previous instalments of this post, SWTOR exudes Star Wars ambience through its design and style. The game is 14 years old but the stylised, cartoonesque graphics still hold up well and were definitely the right choice. I feel that Bioware/Broadsword have done a much better job of creating original content than Disney. The stories and their approach to the source material is far more creative and adult than a lot of the TV shows and films. There is a genuine appreciation of the source material and an intelligent extrapolation and exploration of its core themes. SWTOR has an exceptional score, especially the material for the original base game. Many MMOs have strong musical accompaniment but SWTOR seems to go that extra mile and has numerous robust cues that all seem to be in exactly the right Star Wars idiom. It all makes for a very immersive experience.
Naturally, there are some aspects of SWTOR that do betray its age. These are often design choices that were commonplace among the previous generation of MMOs. The ever increasing time penalty between being defeated and revived is one example. It is archaic by modern standards and singularly annoying. Impeding a player from playing your own game is staggeringly crass. Combat is somewhat slow, especially when your level is lowered for the zone that you’re in. Your DPS is weak but you’re sufficiently robust to not be in any tangible danger. Hence it feels like you’re whittling away at a big stick with a very small penknife. The game also does a very poor job of explaining itself. I’m sure that I’m not getting as much as I can out of the Galactic Season and I seem to have accrued a lot of the game’s currencies, yet am at a loss as to whether I can spend them on something useful.
I don’t have any particular thoughts on the state of SWTOR’s endgame at present because I have no experience of it. I know new content has been delayed and that longterm players have concerns about the immediate future. However, for new or returning players SWTOR has a lot to offer, as long as you are cognisant of its terms. As for myself, I have goals to achieve and some minor problems to resolve. I need to recruit a few more players to my existing guild, mainly so they can then invite my new alts. I would also like to complete all story content on my oldest character, a Smuggler, that I’ve taken the furthest into the game. I also think it’s time I explored more group content. I suspect that’s where the good gear is all stashed. With the Christmas holiday season imminent, now is the perfect time to re-engage with this MMO.
Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
Set directly after the events of the previous film, Friday the 13th Part III is again about a group of friends staying near Crystal Lake who encounter Jason Voorhees as he embarks upon another killing spree. Shot in 3D the film has a less sleazy tone than its predecessors although the formula remains the same. The set pieces and death scenes are more elaborate and less clinical, taking advantage of the 3D picture format. The film marks the first appearance of Jason's signature hockey mask, which subsequently became a trademark of both the character and the franchise. Originally conceived to be an end to the series of films, Friday the 13th Part III performed extremely well at the box office, earning $36.7 million on a budget of $2.2 million. As a result, the franchise was given a stay of execution and a further sequel was commissioned.
Set directly after the events of the previous film, Friday the 13th Part III is again about a group of friends staying near Crystal Lake who encounter Jason Voorhees as he embarks upon another killing spree. Shot in 3D the film has a less sleazy tone than its predecessors although the formula remains the same. The set pieces and death scenes are more elaborate and less clinical, taking advantage of the 3D picture format. The film marks the first appearance of Jason's signature hockey mask, which subsequently became a trademark of both the character and the franchise. Originally conceived to be an end to the series of films, Friday the 13th Part III performed extremely well at the box office, earning $36.7 million on a budget of $2.2 million. As a result, the franchise was given a stay of execution and a further sequel was commissioned.
First drafts of the screenplay for Friday the 13th Part III, focused upon the previous “final girl” Ginny Field (Amy Steel), who was trying to re-adjust to normal life after her traumatic experience at Crystal lake. However, Amy Steel declined the part and so writers Martin Kitrosser and Carol Watson opted to follow the established formula. Hence the story is about eight friends staying for a weekend at a holiday cabin near Crystal Lake. The property belongs to Chris Higgins (Dana Kimmel). Chris reveals to her boyfriend Rick (Paul Katka) that she was attacked by a deformed man two years earlier and has come home to face her fears. The other guests are Debbie (Tracie Savage), her boyfriend Andy (Jeffrey Rogers), prankster Shelly (Larry Zerner), his blind date Vera (Catherine Parks) and stoners Chuck (David Katims) and Chili (Rachel Howard).
As Friday the 13th Part III was filmed in 3D it had a higher budget than the two previous films. Director Steve Miner manages the pace well, providing two deaths early on to wet the audience’s appetite, then spending the next twenty five minutes on introducing the characters and building tension. The “teenagers” are not as grating as usual and there is minor comic relief from both Shelly and Chuck. The death scenes make good use of the 3D photography, with all manner of objects being hurled at the camera. The two kills that get the biggest audience reaction are Jason crushing a head with his bare hands, resulting in an eye popping out. Another character is bisected with a machete from his crotch to his navel, while walking on his hands. Harry Manfedini once again provides an appropriate score, with an especially funky theme during the opening credits.
Friday the 13th Part III is one of two instalments in the franchise that manages to rise above its exploitation roots. The other is the sixth, Jason Lives. The third instalment gained a veneer of quasi-respectability by being in 3D. It made the movie an “event” at the time of its release, as the revival of this format had not yet outstayed its welcome. From a continuity perspective the third film is all over the place. The events depicted are 24 hours after those of Part 2, technically making the film Saturday the 14th. Jason seems to have gained height and shaken off having a machete cleave his left shoulder. But none of it really matters. The film once again delivers what viewers want and this time in glorious 3D. It can even be argued that there is a degree of charm to it all or at least some sense of novelty. The film certainly suits the medium of 3D and it can be argued that it is the best in the series.
Selling My Parents House: Part 3
Last month, my sister and I finally sold our parents house. Our late mother’s will has now been fully administered, all funds have been distributed and I finally signed off the “executor’s approval” document and returned it to the solicitors. A line has finally been drawn under a process that has taken about 15 months. Dealing with an estate (in the legal sense of the word) and selling a family home is not something that you do everyday. It’s usually something that comes up maybe once or twice in your life. Few people (myself included) are fully prepared for such an undertaking when it occurs. Hence I have some observations to share about my experience of dealing with the esoteric world of estate agents and solicitors.
Last month, my sister and I finally sold our parents house. Our late mother’s will has now been fully administered, all funds have been distributed and I finally signed off the “executor’s approval” document and returned it to the solicitors. A line has finally been drawn under a process that has taken about 15 months. Dealing with an estate (in the legal sense of the word) and selling a family home is not something that you do everyday. It’s usually something that comes up maybe once or twice in your life. Few people (myself included) are fully prepared for such an undertaking when it occurs. Hence I have some observations to share about my experience of dealing with the esoteric world of estate agents and solicitors.
It really pays to do some research and find an estate agent that is right for you. Selling a house is a unique process because it is very personal. Therefore you want to be dealing with people you can trust, who listen to you and who aren’t just going through the motions. So read reviews and ask other people for recommendations.
Some estate agents are very obliging. Others do very little for their fee (which is substantial). Do not add to the stress of selling a house by having to constantly chase your estate agents to do things. It is their job to arrange viewings, answer the questions that potential buyers raise and to liaise with your solicitors. If they’re asking you to do any of these things then tell them politely to do it themselves.
You also have to harden your heart. The house you are selling should not be viewed as your home but an asset being professionally marketed. You may not like the manner in which your home is described in the marketing material but it is wise to defer to those who do this for a living. A feature that you may think is quaint and quirky may be an absolute eyesore to others. Those viewing your home may not like your choice of decor and might be vocal about it. Simply put, don’t take things personally. Remain detached from the process and elsewhere when there are viewings.
With regards to solicitors and conveyancing, despite a superficial veneer of modernity, this process is still quite archaic in the UK. The language used is frequently very old fashioned and therefore hard to penetrate. Many of the procedures seem to take purely arbitrary amounts of time. Solicitors also tend to play their card close to their chest and communication between them can be vague at times.
Never make the mistake of using an online company for your conveyancing needs as you’ll often find that their postal address is miles away from where you live. Considering the amount of paperwork this process generates, it’s best to find one that is local.
Also, ensure that you are aware of all the fees involved in this process in advance. Selling a house is expensive. The greater the value of the property, the more it costs. The last thing you need is a final invoice with lots of additional costs, eating into your profits.
Don’t be afraid to ask, if you’re not sure about something or do not understand the legalities. This industry is rife with jargon. However, the answers to many of the obscure questions that arise are often very simple. Therefore, seek clarity from those you are paying.
Finally, be patient. Selling a house can be a lengthy and time consuming process. Use this time to your advantage. Don’t just accept the first offer that’s made. A slightly lower offer from a cash buyer may be a far safer bet than a higher offer from someone who hasn’t sold their own property yet, or has a mortgage offer that’s due to expire. It is also worth remembering that until you’ve signed anything, you can always change your mind. I’m not advocating being difficult for the sake of being, but if you feel that a buyer may be problematic or that something just isn’t working, then vote with your feet.
Overall, my own experience of selling my parents home hasn’t been too problematic or traumatic. I am glad that it is now done and that the house has a new family living in it. I think that my parents would be pleased that my sister and I have dealt with the matter and are now moving on. If I ever have to deal with such a process again, I think I am better prepared now. However, I am hoping that nothing of the kind arises in the immediate future.
Thoughts on Work Part 3
As my caring commitments are now over, I find myself in the “interesting” position of being 54 years old and potentially returning to the job market. I use the phrase “potentially” because I am fortunate enough to have a financial safety net in place, so it is not as if I have to find gainful employment immediately. So there is no pressing requirement for me to claim Universal Credit and find work via the UK social security system, which is most fortunate. The DWP has a policy of actively pressuring benefit claimants into accepting any kind of work, irrespective of skills, after a few weeks as part of a policy of trying to keep the employment number low. I have no intention of going down that route and so will look for work in my own way and on my own terms.
A spoof résumé, or is it?
As my caring commitments are now over, I find myself in the “interesting” position of being 54 years old and potentially returning to the job market. I use the phrase “potentially” because I am fortunate enough to have a financial safety net in place, so it is not as if I have to find gainful employment immediately. So there is no pressing requirement for me to claim Universal Credit and find work via the UK social security system, which is most fortunate. The DWP has a policy of actively pressuring benefit claimants into accepting any kind of work, irrespective of skills, after a few weeks as part of a policy of trying to keep the employment number low. I have no intention of going down that route and so will look for work in my own way and on my own terms.
Over the years, my attitude towards the entire concept of work has evolved. At my age I am certainly not concerned about a career, nor am I especially concerned about how others perceive my relationship with work. Work is a quid pro quo although lots of employers seem to have forgotten this. I provide skills to undertake a pre-agreed set of tasks and get financial remuneration in return. Anything outside of that is bullshit. Simply put, I am not defined by work or anything like that. It is a means to an end. Nor do I find myself at a loose end without it. I can happily fill my days with activities and occupy myself. However, I cannot officially retire just yet for financial reasons. Hence I need a source of revenue. But it doesn’t need to be a fortune and therefore there are a lot more options available as to how I can earn it.
Spookily enough they had no vacancies for “head of secret police” or “ninjas”
So with all that in mind, I’ve created three new CVs (curriculum vitae/résumé). One with respect to my IT project experience, tailored to contract work. Another has been weighted towards general administrative experience (my time as a civil servant) and the last focuses upon my writing and podcast skills. I have registered with several job websites and have already started looking at what is out there. This has been most illuminating but not necessarily in a good way. I noticed that some job vacancies do not give any information about the salary. Apparently this is common practice in the US and some European countries. Needless to say I will have no truck with it. I am not going to apply for a position, attend an interview and invest valuable time and effort, only to find out that the pay is inadequate. The tail does not wag the dog.
At present I have a three tier plan with regard to employment. Plan A is focused around writing and podcasting. Can I monetise Contains Moderate Peril or can I write for someone else and get paid for it? Possibly. I’m also thinking about some new writing projects and websites that may lend themselves more to monetisation. I may also try to return to technical writing as I did this back in 2015. Plan B is a return to IT contracting. Oddly enough I received a phone call from a recruitment executive recently who still had my details. They reckoned I still had the necessary skills needed to find work, despite being out of the “game” for 6 years. And if the shit hits the fan, then there’s Plan C. This is the last resort where I take any job that covers my expenses. It is not a prospect I relish, working minimum wage for some 27 year old sociopath.
The office twat
I appreciate that my perspective on employment is not something that everyone has the luxury of sharing. Many people do not have savings to give them a degree of independence while they look for work. Your skills and abilities also determine how much say you have in looking for work as well as the kind of work you undertake. Certain jobs simply do not get the respect and recognition they deserve. We briefly paid lip service to this during the pandemic but it soon evaporated once the status quo resumed. At present the job market is weighted in favour of the employer rather than the employee and this does not make for good pay or terms and conditions. The increasing cost of living also means that many jobs no longer provide the financial security that they once may have done. Overall, it’s not the best time to be looking for work. However, regardless of the results, I’m sure the search itself will make a good blog post.
Old Bexley and Sidcup By-election Part 3
The Conservative Party successfully held onto their “safe seat” of Old Bexley and Sidcup in yesterday’s closely watched by-election. However their overall majority was reduced by more than half amid a very low voter turnout. Conservative councillor Louie French becomes the country’s newest MP after winning 11,189 votes, more than 50 per cent of those cast, in the seat previously held by the former cabinet minister James Brokenshire. Mr Brokenshire died in October from lung cancer aged 53. The closest challenger was Labour’s Daniel Francis, who secured 6,711 as the Tory majority fell from nearly 19,000 to 4,478, the equivalent of a vote share swing of 10 per cent to Labour. Turnout in the constituency was just 34%, down from the almost 70% who voted in the 2019 general election.
The Conservative Party successfully held onto their “safe seat” of Old Bexley and Sidcup in yesterday’s closely watched by-election. However their overall majority was reduced by more than half amid a very low voter turnout. Conservative councillor Louie French becomes the country’s newest MP after winning 11,189 votes, more than 50 per cent of those cast, in the seat previously held by the former cabinet minister James Brokenshire. Mr Brokenshire died in October from lung cancer aged 53. The closest challenger was Labour’s Daniel Francis, who secured 6,711 as the Tory majority fell from nearly 19,000 to 4,478, the equivalent of a vote share swing of 10 per cent to Labour. Turnout in the constituency was just 34%, down from the almost 70% who voted in the 2019 general election.
The results subsequently saw positive statements made by both the Conservatives and Labour. Mr French stated that such a victory for a sitting government was “almost unheard of”. Ellie Reeves MP, Labour's political lead for the 2021 Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election, remarked “There’s been a 10% swing over to Labour this evening”. Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, came third with 6.6% of the vote, with the party's leader and candidate Richard Tice describing it as a "massive result". Speaking after the results were announced, Mr Tice claimed “The reduction in the Conservatives’ majority in Old Bexley and Sidcup is a rejection of Boris Johnson personally because the Prime Minister is now viewed as a liability, not an asset in Tory heartlands”. The Green Party and Liberal Democrats both lost their deposits as they polled under 5% of the votes.
Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election 2021 results:
Louie French (Con) 11,189 (51.48%, -13.06%)
Daniel Francis (Lab) 6,711 (30.88%, +7.40%)
Richard Tice (Reform) 1,432 (6.59%)
Jonathan Rooks (Green) 830 (3.82%, +0.62%)
Simone Reynolds (Lib Dem) 647 (2.98%, -5.31%)
Elaine Cheeseman (Eng Dem) 271 (1.25%)
John Poynton (UKIP) 184 (0.85%)
Richard Hewison (Rejoin) 151 (0.69%)
David Kurten (Heritage) 116 (0.53%)
Carol Valinejad (CPA) 108 (0.50%)
Mad Mike Young (Loony) 94 (0.43%)
Although the retention of the constituency is a relief for the Conservative Party, the reduction in majority and the dismal voter turnout cannot be ignored. It is extremely disheartening to see two thirds of the electorate deciding not to bother to vote. COVID-19 and poor weather are convenient excuses but both those factors did not deter voters two years ago in the General Election of 12th December 2019. Brexit was a pressing political issue at the time but the demographics of a constituency such as Old Bexley and Sidcup means that they usually make an effort to vote. Hence such voter apathy is food for thought. Doorstep canvassing by all parties discovered a growing sense of disillusionment with the lack of political direction of the government and the inadequacy of the Prime Minister himself. Yet that despondency did not translate into votes for alternative parties.
As a floating voter who has no strong political attachment to either of the two main parties, I have reached a point where none of the choices available on the ballot paper seem appropriate or desirable. I did vote in this election but it had zero impact, due to the “winner takes all” approach that is entrenched in the UK’s political system. Unless you live in a marginal seat, voting against a majority incumbent is effectively redundant. Therefore, with a vote that feels meaningless and a paucity of parties to choose from, I fully understand why people turn their backs on politics. Especially the under 30 year olds. All the canvassing that I saw taking place seemed to be undertaken by the over 40s and pitched at a similar age demographic and above. All too often, UK politics just seems to be a form of lobbying for specific socioeconomic groups. Sadly, I do not see the situation improving anytime soon.
As for Louie French, it will be interesting to follow his voting record in parliament in the months to come to see where he fits within the spectrum of modern Conservatism. At present, as a new MP he is naturally focused upon the needs of his constituents. In his victory speech Mr French stated he will “work tirelessly to repay the trust you put in me”. But I am more intrigued to learn what his position is on several major forthcoming pieces of legislation, such as the UK Online Safety Bill and the new Policing Bill with its potential restrictions regarding the right to protest. I think his voting intentions along with the way he conducts his MPs finances will provide a measure of the man. I also suspect that despite the current drop in the overall majority for this MP, this may well increase in two year’s time when the next General Election is held.
COVID-19 Pandemic 2020 Part 3
I wasn’t expecting to write the next instalment of this “pandemic diary” so soon. However, yesterday morning (Sunday 5th April) I developed a headache and shortly afterwards a temperature and muscle pains. By midday I started coughing persistently and noticed what I will describe as a sense of tightness in my chest (it feels like I’m wearing a shirt that is too small for me). These symptoms persisted and I went to bed at an uncustomary early hour. I slept in the spare bedroom, which is also my office and have isolated myself as well as I can (we live in a bungalow) from Mrs P. As of this morning the symptoms have persisted and it now feels very similar to a bout of flu. I am sluggish and groggy but certainly not at the point where I need medical treatment. Napping is proving useful and I’m hoping I can mainly sleep through this, as I am now stuck in the office for the next 7 days. I am allowed access to the bathroom, although separate towels and rigorous cleaning of all handles and surfaces is now the rule of thumb.
May be he was right
I wasn’t expecting to write the next instalment of this “pandemic diary” so soon. However, yesterday morning (Sunday 5th April) I developed a headache and shortly afterwards a temperature and muscle pains. By midday I started coughing persistently and noticed what I will describe as a sense of tightness in my chest (it feels like I’m wearing a shirt that is too small for me). These symptoms persisted and I went to bed at an uncustomary early hour. I slept in the spare bedroom, which is also my office and have isolated myself as well as I can (we live in a bungalow) from Mrs P. As of this morning the symptoms have persisted and it now feels very similar to a bout of flu. I am sluggish and groggy but certainly not at the point where I need medical treatment. Napping is proving useful and I’m hoping I can mainly sleep through this, as I am now stuck in the office for the next 7 days. I am allowed access to the bathroom, although separate towels and rigorous cleaning of all handles and surfaces is now the rule of thumb.
This situation was inevitable. Staying indoors only reduces the risk of infection. But unless we all make like Howard Hughes, then sooner or later someone you know or yourself will catch COVID-19. Because I think it is important for the NHS and the various scientific institutions to have as much data as possible about infection rates, I completed the survey on the NHS website. There was also information for those who may need additional help with self isolation. Because not only am I now forced to stay indoors so is Mrs P. So neither of us can go to the shops for the next week and I can no longer go round to care for my parents. Luckily my sister is working from home but the situation now increases her work load. I also spoke to a local carers charity who have offered to assist with the collection of medication from the pharmacist and the provision of essential supplies such as bread and milk. We are fortunate enough at present to have a well stocked larder.
A sound message that bears repeating
Although I am not exactly happy about getting ill, at least myself and Mrs P are in a very fortunate position with regard to where we live and our personal situation. Neither of us work in the traditional sense (Mrs P has retired and I am a carer), so our finances are not in jeopardy. We have a garden so we don’t feel that we’re in a prison cell. Our neighbours are kind, decent people and everyone in the street is being more communicative than usual. Plus being quarantined in my office has its advantages. I have access to my PC so I can still write, speak to friends online, play games and watch Netflix and Amazon Prime. At least while I’m well enough to. If I feel too ill to do these things I can draw the curtains and sleep. Beyond this it is now just a waiting game. Hopefully my symptoms will remain mild and pass within a week or so. My main concerns lie with Mrs P as she has health issues. But there’s no point in panicking. This is a time for cool heads and patience.
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Part 3
Well Saturday night’s show was an utter revelation. Many of the celebrity dancers who have been previously at the lower end of the leaderboard and therefore at risk of being in the dance off, decided to significantly up their game. Not only did this make for great entertainment, it also succinctly reiterated one of the fundamental aspects of what makes Strictly Come Dancing so popular; the “journey”. Yes, it is an incredibly cliched phrase but its something that seems to resonate with viewers. If the UK does have any national characteristics, then one of them is an appreciation of dogged determination. We tend to warm towards plucky underdogs who improve through hard work and dedication. And that is what we were treated to on last night’s show.
Well Saturday night’s show was an utter revelation. Many of the celebrity dancers who have been previously at the lower end of the leaderboard and therefore at risk of being in the dance off, decided to significantly up their game. Not only did this make for great entertainment, it also succinctly reiterated one of the fundamental aspects of what makes Strictly Come Dancing so popular; the “journey”. Yes, it is an incredibly cliched phrase but its something that seems to resonate with viewers. If the UK does have any national characteristics, then one of them is an appreciation of dogged determination. We tend to warm towards plucky underdogs who improve through hard work and dedication. And that is what we were treated to on last night’s show.
Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer’s Elton John themed Jive to Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting) showed a marked improvement both technically and performance wise. Chris is a very likeable guy and he seems to be committed to getting better each week. My concerns over Mike Bushell being given yet another “comedy” dance proved ill founded. He and Katya Jones danced a very formal Quickstep to Come on Eileen and it highlighted the level of training he’s undertaken this week. The dance wasn’t just a crowd pleaser with the audience but also found favour with the judges, with Oti Mabuse awarding the couple 9 marks out of 10. But the biggest surprise of the evening was surely David James. His Quickstep with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova was not only well executed but he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself. It’s like he finally found his dancing mojo and just decided to enjoy what he was doing. This major turnaround was duly noted by the judges and reflected in his total score of 28. For me this is what Strictly is all about.
However, on tonight’s results show, we were given a timely reminder that Strictly is not just about dancing and that each celebrity’s survival is dependent upon the capricious nature of the British public. I fully expected to see Will Bayley and Alex Scott in the dance off as they were at the bottom of the leader board. But the public seemed to think otherwise and so instead we saw Dev Griffin and Emma Weymouth having to dance to remain on the show. The judges have been hard on Dev in recent week’s but this is down to the fact that he has great potential and they want him to improve. Emma has been making steady progress and like many others, seemed to “connect” with her dance this week. Hence judges felt that she was making more of a concerted effort. So Emma was saved and Dev was very surprisingly voted off the show. It was a shock to find both of these celebrities in the dance off but once you’re there, the judges have to make a decision based upon what they immediately see and not consider past performances.
I have a suspicion that the current season of Strictly Come Dancing is going to be full of surprises and upsets. Although I enjoy the format, I must admit that the last few years have been somewhat predictable. Usually, within one or two episodes you can effectively draft a list of contestants and determine who’ll be in the top three and the running order in which the rest will leave the show. I think that plan has been effectively thrown under the bus as of tonight and suspect that the remainder of the shows will be all the better for it. Is Kelvin a shoo-in to be this year’s winner or will Karim, Emma Barton or even Saffron climb the leaderboard and steal the prize? All will be revealed over the next ten weeks. Let’s hope that it’s anything other than a comfy ride. Let’s have more upsets and underdogs rising to the challenge, please!
Caring for the Elderly: Part 3
I have written in the past about caring for the elderly. I have approached the subject from a personal perspective, as a carer with two disabled octogenarian parents, as well as considering the broader needs of a society with an ageing population. As it has been two years since I formally became a carer to both my parents, I thought I’d share my experiences on the many challenges that my family has faced over the last twenty-four months. I find doing so beneficial and maybe my anecdotes may be of value to others in a similar situation. As I’ve said in my original post, caring for a loved one is something we all potentially face at some point in our lives, and with an ageing population it becomes statistically more likely each year.
A stylised depiction of old age and caring, far removed from the reality.
I have written in the past about caring for the elderly. I have approached the subject from a personal perspective, as a carer with two disabled octogenarian parents, as well as considering the broader needs of a society with an ageing population. As it has been two years since I formally became a carer to both my parents, I thought I’d share my experiences on the many challenges that my family has faced over the last twenty-four months. I find doing so beneficial and maybe my anecdotes may be of value to others in a similar situation. As I’ve said in my original post, caring for a loved one is something we all potentially face at some point in our lives, and with an ageing population it becomes statistically more likely each year.
At the end of March 2017, my Father was discharged back to the care of his local Doctor. He had received six months of both physical and speech therapy via various health visitors and outpatients’ clinics after leaving hospital in October 2016. Despite the severity of his second stroke, the regular visits certainly improved his speech initially. However, once these stopped I noticed that he did not continue with any of the physical or vocal exercises he had been taught, despite encouragement from myself and my Sister. As a result, my hopes of maintaining the status quo have proven rash. My Father’s physical health and cognitive abilities are slowly declining. He cannot retain information and can no longer use his computer effectively. He lacks the manual dexterity to use a mouse and keyboard and his poor eyesight further compounds matters. Thus, his leisure activities are diminishing. He mainly watches familiar TV programs and listens to audio books,
Both my parents have limited mobility and can only walk very short distances. Visits to the Doctors and such like (of which there are many each month) require the use of a wheelchair, which then requires the booking of a Black Cab. Thankfully, as both are registered disabled and in receipt of the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, they qualify for The London Taxi Card scheme which provides them both with an allowance of 60 subsidised journeys each year. Sadly, trips out are usually functional, rather than leisure orientated. My Mother had an undiagnosed stroke roundabout Easter 2017 that has damaged her eyesight and impaired her hearing. However, she can still conduct her own business at the hairdressers which she visits each week. My Father suffers from chronic motion sickness so long taxi journeys are problematic. Even being in the wheelchair is now problematic. During Summer and Autumn, I tried to encourage him to walk short distances but his habitual falling over has effectively ended such plans.
Thus, both of my parents are increasingly housebound with a decreasing list of activities that they can pursue. I find this particularly tragic, as old age and infirmity has robbed them both of their favourite pastimes. My Father was an academic and use to read prodigiously. He liked advanced Mathematics and use to do calculus for pleasure. He can now just about read the newspaper and seldom remembers any once he’s finished. The one thing he longs to do is go out into the world and interact with people. Yet he cannot do so unattended and his poor speech and emaciated physique further complicates matters. My Mother is similarly limited in her social activities due to her lack of mobility. Her passion has always been gardening which she now has to enjoy via the help of a professional gardener. Hence both of them have lifestyles with very specicifc boundaries. Where myself and my sister can provide logistical and administrative support, what my parents really crave is companionship during the day.
Managing a household and day to day life can be challenging enough when you’re relatively young and healthy. For both my parents has naturally becomes a more complex matter. The two key factors I have found to keep things ticking over, are a well-maintained routines and communication. All appointments and trips out are planned in advance and noted on multiple calendars. The most important of which hangs in my parents lounge with everything noted in bold, easy to read text. All medication is logged upon receipt, with renewals dates determined and noted in advance. There is a white board in my Father’s bedroom for the morning and night nurses to leave messages regarding medicine and such like. I open all mail and correspondence for my parents and most bills and regular invoices are now paid by monthly direct debit. Paper work is filed after it has been actioned and I only trouble my parents with essential financial matters. However, it is important for both of them to maintain a sense of involvement in their own affairs, so they are included in all discussions and decisions and naturally have final say in how things are done. However, to assist myself and my sister in conducting business upon their behalf, we have had are names added to various utility accounts and services, so there are no security issues when either of us phone these companies.
There is often a mindset common to the older generation which is driven by such sentiments as “don’t make a fuss”, or “not wanting to be a burden”. Both my parents were children during World War II and are fiercely independent. They come from an era where personal responsibility was paramount to the point where sometimes pride would cause them to refuse legitimate help. However, the reality of their lives has tempered this outlook and I have actively encouraged both my parents to take whatever assistance is available. They have paid their taxes and contributed towards society in various ways during their lives, so I have convinced them that the whole situation is simply a matter of “quid pro quo”. Hence, they have claimed Attendance Allowance and have both qualified for it at the higher rate. Extra money doesn’t make up for their loss of independence, but the funds pay for practical things that improve their life such as a stair lift, disabled friendly showers and a multitude of grab handle strategically placed around the home. My Father greatly enjoys the mobile library that calls once a month and provides him with audio books. It should be noted that this is run purely by volunteers and receives very little local authority funding. My Mother likes the relative freedom her taxi card provides and enjoys her weekly trips to the hairdresser.
Finally, both my parents are very mindful of the roles carers play and have been insistent that both my Sister and I do not give up too much of our personal time and maintain our respective hobbies and interests. In 2016 I was going to close this blog, but my Mother was adamant that I did not give up and continued writing. As a carer it is important to recognise your personal limitations and not to beat yourself up, trying to do absolutely everything. A fatigued, stressed or demoralised carer is of no use to anyone. Sometimes you have to say no or draw lines in the sand regarding what you will or will not do. At present, my family is currently looking into respite care for a week, so we can firstly refurbish my Father’s bedroom and make it more user friendly. Secondly, we have recognised that everyone needs a break and a good night’s sleep. We are currently awaiting to see if we meet the criteria for the local authorities to help us. If not, we will look at alternatives. Such is the nature of caring. Despite all the planning and organising, it remains a fluid situation that can change at any time. In some respects, recognising that helps invaluably. As does simply taking time out and sharing one’s thoughts.
Thoughts on Blogging Part 3
I read a post over at Tobold’s Blog recently that got me thinking about blogging, popularity, and the ebb and flow of our passions. The reason being is that Tobold, like many other long-term bloggers, has seen a decline in his audience over recent years. He certainly wasn’t carping about it, just simply observing the correlation between reducing your written output, the decline in popularity of his original subject matter and the number of visitors coming to his site. He also made a keen observation that blogging is not necessarily “where it’s at” with regard to cultivating an audience. If you are producing content specifically to grow and maintain a following, then You Tube and Twitch are better platforms for that. Especially if your content is part of the wider gaming scene. For better or for worse, I now associate gaming commentary with visual mediums rather than blogging. Yes, there is still long from criticism being produced but it’s aimed at a niche gaming audience. One that I would guess is older.
I read a post over at Tobold’s Blog recently that got me thinking about blogging, popularity, and the ebb and flow of our passions. The reason being is that Tobold, like many other long-term bloggers, has seen a decline in his audience over recent years. He certainly wasn’t carping about it, just simply observing the correlation between reducing your written output, the decline in popularity of his original subject matter and the number of visitors coming to his site. He also made a keen observation that blogging is not necessarily “where it’s at” with regard to cultivating an audience. If you are producing content specifically to grow and maintain a following, then You Tube and Twitch are better platforms for that. Especially if your content is part of the wider gaming scene. For better or for worse, I now associate gaming commentary with visual mediums rather than blogging. Yes, there is still long from criticism being produced but it’s aimed at a niche gaming audience. One that I would guess is older.
Even when blogging was the medium of choice within the gaming community, it was far from a homogenous platform. There was (and remains to this day) a wide spectrum of output. Those pursuing an in-depth analysis of gaming did so and developed their audiences accordingly. Those who pursued a more “populist” approach to their content did so and likewise found success or failure. Like today with streaming, bloggers were free back in its heyday to either treat their work as a hobby done for its own pleasure or intellectual reward, or as a means to seek the fickle finger of internet fame and grow a readership as well as a line of revenue. Let us not forget that a decade ago adblockers were a merely a vague nightmare for marketing departments and that clicks, and advertising links were the key to financial success. However, whatever path you pursued as a gaming blogger during this time, it was quite an interconnected community. Events such as the Newbie Blogger Initiative of 2012 further reinforced this.
As for the fifteen minutes of fame that Tobold alludes to in his post, I wouldn’t go so far as to suggest that Contains Moderate Peril achieved that. However, traffic increased to the point in 2014 where a conventional hosted WordPress package was not up to the job and I had to look for a more robust solution. Fortunately, I managed to secure sponsorship from Host1Plus which I consider to be an acknowledgment of the site’s internet “reach”. Certainly 2014-15 were good years and it was during that time that I started finding myself on various emailing lists from PR and marketing companies. Because the scope of the blog has never been exclusively about gaming, I also received invites for movies screening and other material. Certainly, having a podcast linked to the blogs activities helped find a wider audience. Posting regular content was another reason for the growth in readership.
A lot has happened in the world of blogging since I started in 2007. Alternative platforms have emerged that have a “different” barrier to entry. As ever, visual mediums are more accessible to wider audiences and thus You Tube and Twitch have become venues for the latest internet Gold Rush. As for Contains Moderate Peril, well a variety of factors have impacted upon the sites online presence. I had to relocate the blog due to technical reasons and then there were a series of issues that interrupted content creation. By mid-2016 the blog had lost 75% of its traffic. However, I returned to regular posting in 2017 and the site has seen a steady increase in visits each month since then. Gaming as a topic only constitutes about 45% of the material I write about at present and only certain subjects and games seem to gain traction. However, movie reviews and analysis seem to be attracting a lot of traffic and an audience who are happy to read lengthy articles.
I’m not a big fan of “what if” scenarios and “if I could do it all again” flights of fancy. I have in the past harboured ambitions to write professionally but the practical realities of life meant it made better economic sense to stick with the proverbial day job. I have now retired and have become a carer, but the odd thing is because of the very structured and routine nature of that task, I now have specific designated times to write which I didn’t in the past. Hence the regular content and the site growth. Ironically, I am now being offered and undertaking paid work. In a perfect world I would have liked to have done this years ago but c’est la vie. The wheel has also turned full circle for many of my writing peers are dusting off their blogs and sharing their thoughts once again online. Hence, I think game blogging will always have a place and will attract those that seek the potential depth and intimacy of written content. It may not present the same opportunities that some seek from Twitch and You Tube, but that’s also why it doesn’t share exactly the same failings.
Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Part 3
Well I said it last week that there was scope for a surprise elimination from Strictly Come Dancing and surely enough it has happened. Aston Merrygold, despite being tipped as a contender for the final, scored poorly with the judges last night and also failed to garner sufficient public support. He subsequently found himself in the dance off with Mollie King and despite correcting some of the technical issues that were present in his initial performance, he failed to sway the majority of the judges in his favour. Darcey and Bruno both voted to save him but Craig and Shirley (who as head judge has the casting vote) opted to save Mollie. Hence, bookies favourite Aston Merrygold has left the show, proving that no one can rest on the laurels. As you’d expect, there were vocal complaints from fans and supporters who felt that the judges had been unfair with their marks. However, I believe if anyone is to blame then it is Aston’s professional partner Janette Manrara.
Well I said it last week that there was scope for a surprise elimination from Strictly Come Dancing and surely enough it has happened. Aston Merrygold, despite being tipped as a contender for the final, scored poorly with the judges last night and also failed to garner sufficient public support. He subsequently found himself in the dance off with Mollie King and despite correcting some of the technical issues that were present in his initial performance, he failed to sway the majority of the judges in his favour. Darcey and Bruno both voted to save him but Craig and Shirley (who as head judge has the casting vote) opted to save Mollie. Hence, bookies favourite Aston Merrygold has left the show, proving that no one can rest on the laurels. As you’d expect, there were vocal complaints from fans and supporters who felt that the judges had been unfair with their marks. However, I believe if anyone is to blame then it is Aston’s professional partner Janette Manrara.
Last week, Aston and Janette were second from the top of the leader board with a robust score of 38 out of 40. Janette had cleverly choreographed a Paso Doble that blended traditional dance moves with more contemporary techniques. It was well received because it was a bold move that found the right balance between old and new. However, head judge Shirley Ballas did remark that she would have liked a little more traditional content, which is an important point to note. This week Janette took a similar gamble with a Viennese Waltz to Who’s Loving You by The Jackson 5. Again, she created a routine that placed a somewhat modern spin upon what is seen by some as a formal, traditional dance. If it was performed as a show dance, then I’m sure it would have fared better but as ever the judges scrutinised it on its technical merits. Both Craig and Shirley were not happy about its lack of Viennese Waltz content and thus marked accordingly. A view that the public may have also shared if you consider their votes.
So, Aston had little room to manoeuvre when he found himself in the dance off. He could obviously address some of the technical aspects of the routine but he couldn’t change the choreography. Mollie did give an improved performance second time round and the mistake that was made on Saturday’s show was not repeated. Furthermore, AJ wisely elected to keep her in-hold for as much of the routine as possible and minimised the potential for mistakes. Thus, there was no major reason when it came to decision time for judges Craig and Shirley to change their mind regarding Aston. I’m sure there will be those who disagree and even those who will trot out the usual arguments of subterfuge and prejudice. However, I believe the reality of the matter lies in the fact that approaching the Viennese Waltz in such a fashion was a fundamental mistake. Certainly, Aston’s departure at this stage alters the potential outcome of Strictly Come Dancing 2017. I’m thinking the smart money may should perhaps now be on Debbie McGee.
