Journal

Stream of Thoughts on US Election 2024

| admin

Stream of Thoughts on US Election 2024

Writing this at 7 a.m., still on an empty stomach, so this will be a bit of a ramble. We’re seeing incumbents around the world facing losses. It’s all down to them being in power through the COVID mess and the inflation that followed. Some have barely clung to their majorities, and others have been completely booted out. That’s a point that tends to get lost in a lot of the analysis, which is always about the campaigns rather than the real underlying issues.

Take the U.S. – people are angry over high prices for basic stuff like eggs and still haven’t adjusted. No wonder it looks bad for Harris or any candidate who seems tied to the current state of things. Another big factor here is the loss of status among men without degrees. There was a time when men were the main earners, but those days are gone, and the role’s shifted. A lot of men are dealing with this identity crisis and swinging to the right, leaning on a more traditional outlook. In American politics, inflation anger is centre stage, but you can’t ignore the undercurrent of this cultural shift.

Then there’s Trump. The irony is he’s likely to drive inflation too, but he still comes across as the “change” guy, which appeals to people feeling low after a couple of rough years. This race isn’t over yet; it’s neck-and-neck. People are acting like we’ve already seen the end result, but nothing’s been called just yet. We’re in this weird time of change, so let’s be kind to each other. Things are tense, and there’s going to be a lot of fear for a while, but we should be sticking close, comforting each other. It’s going to be okay – America’s been through worse.

Whatever happens tonight, it’s going to be historic. So, fasten your seat belts – yes, that’s a song reference for the drum and bass fans. I really hope America doesn’t relapse, but it’s worth understanding that voters’ grievances, even if they’re blaming Biden or Harris unfairly, are legitimate. Let’s avoid hyperbole and over-the-top rhetoric. Yes, tensions are high along with fear, but we should treat each other with kindness. Actions speak louder than words, and America could use some comfort right now.

WarFrame

How to buff Koumei

| admin

How to buff Koumei

I’ve shared my first impressions of Koumei previously—feel free to check it out. After further testing, I have a few minor tweaks and suggestions for improvements.

The first major quality-of-life change would be to reduce her casting times, either specifically for Kumihimo or as a general reduction across all abilities. Currently, Kumihimo is an attack that forms a long, narrow line, applying status effects in a small area. That line looks like a series of X shapes. However, the status effects are random and not controlled by the user, making it feel like a roll of the dice for a chance to apply each effect. Reducing the casting times here is essential. Alternatively, the shape of the attack could be adjusted for easier application and greater consistency, or the gaps between the lines could be narrowed.

For Omikuji, an obvious improvement would be to reduce the number of kills required for challenges at the start. Additionally, allowing players to choose decrees would make this ability more user-friendly. Another option could be to offer a bonus for collecting decrees. Overall, the requirements to complete these challenges need reviewing. A re-roll system with a cooldown would be helpful, and the cooldown period for completing a challenge should be shortened.

With Omanmori, the internal cooldown on charms should either be removed or reduced to 0.2 seconds. Players should be able to recast it before it expires.

As for Bunraku, I think it would be fine with a reduction in casting speed.

I’m not asking for a damage increase, as Koumei is a frame geared towards early players, and I’m unsure how these changes would impact her overall damage output.

WarFrame

Dante, Jade, and Koumei: First Impressions

| admin

Dante, Jade, and Koumei: First Impressions

Koumei

Koumei’s theme centers around randomness, a mechanic core to Warframe’s looter-shooter design. Given that randomness is fundamental to the game, integrating it directly into a frame’s abilities could lead to some interesting gameplay. But how does it play out? Koumei’s abilities are impacted by five dice rolls, each making her abilities more effective based on a high enough roll. Only benefits—no penalties here. Here’s a breakdown of what she does:

Kumihimo creates lines with random elemental status effects. High rolls apply all effects, while lower rolls apply fewer. Each line has a unique status effect and is spaced two meters apart.
Omikuji grants a random decree, challenging you to complete a task. Unlike Duviri’s system, you don’t have a choice here, and there’s a long cooldown after each cast.
Omamori can heal or block incoming damage based on dice rolls and may even grant invulnerability.
Bunraku deals a cone attack based on line of sight, with the number of applied status effects determined by dice rolls.

Koumei’s kit sounds promising in concept, offering randomness that’s generally predictable enough to be practical. But in practice, Kumihimo typically only applies a single status effect, and the scattered damage can be unreliable. You might get unlucky with where each line lands or what effects they apply, often leading to only one status effect taking hold—if an enemy even walks over it. The casting speed here is slow, too; the lines spread only after you cast, forcing you to recast repeatedly in hopes of better results. Not ideal for a caster frame, as her damage output feels too low for the risk you’re taking with these rolls.

Omikuji brings back the downside of Duviri’s decree mechanic, offering random challenges without player input. While random decrees might sound cool, the lack of choice means you can end up with something almost worthless, and the cooldown for earning another can feel punishing. In shorter missions, this ability feels rather wasted as you’re unlikely to earn many decrees per round.

Omamori has some defensive utility but still feels too random. With internal timer limits and dice rolls impacting the number of charms, it’s unreliable for survival.

Bunraku is Koumei’s only reliable damage source, but even it suffers from inconsistent damage types. However, it’s easier to apply than Kumihimo, which is a plus. Overall, while her kit provides variety, Koumei’s randomness and lower base power end up making her feel frustrating to play. Though she has potential for high status output when luck’s on your side, she seems destined for the bottom tier without major quality-of-life updates. It’s disappointing for a frame that had an entire update named after her. New players can find her on Earth, but she requires some advanced mods to make full use of her status effects. On the bright side, her theme song is great! Go give the soundtrack a listen.

Build suggestions alone can’t help reduce frustations with low damage output, slow casting speed. Natural talent helps with casting speed, but damage is to random. Problems are to great for modding to address. Just can’t recommended playing her at the moment not even for star chart.

Summary:

Pros: High potential for status output
Cons: Low damage, inconsistent effects, random decrees add little, not beginner-friendly

Jade

Jade’s theme is angelic jade light, which offers a mix of support and offense. I really liked her original concept art, which brought me back to the game after a long break. The idea of an angel frame is fresh in Warframe, where we’re often cast as demons by NPCs—her look and lore give her a unique place among frames. Her passive ability provides two aura mod slots, which is quite handy. Overall, her concept is strong, though her gameplay can feel a bit clunky at times. Here’s what she brings to the table:

Light Judgment heals and deals heat damage.
Symphony of Mercy boosts strength, damage, and shields per second, allowing players to pick the enhancement they need.
Ophamn Eyes lowers enemy defense, slows them, and deals heat damage. It can revive allies, though it’s not the most effective tool for that.
Glory on High grants flight and activates a heat-powered exalted pistol, which can detonate judgments. Unfortunately, movement in this form is limited, often causing you to hit the ceiling in narrow areas.

On paper, Jade’s abilities seem well-rounded, and she feels balanced as a frame that can support teammates while dealing decent heat damage. Her Symphony of Mercy adds versatility to her role, letting you adjust to team needs on the fly. However, the restricted movement in Glory on High impacts her survivability since she relies on mobility to dodge damage. Limited testing in Steel Path shows that Glory on High has okay scaling, though there are still concerns about it. A few tweaks to her aerial mechanics could make her playstyle smoother. Overall, though, Jade is promising and has a good balance between support and offense.

Build Suggestions: Focus on heat mods to enhance her heat damage output. Range with strength with fire rate is something to consider. Glory on High output can be increased with fire rate.

Playstyle blends defensive and offensive, not just a purely focused support role. You can do that but pure focus on that is wasting the oppounity.

Summary:

Pros: % healing, heat damage, strong buffs, defense reduction, two aura slots
Cons: Restricted movement in Glory on High, survivability linked to her exalted form

Dante

Dante’s theme centers around being a seeker of knowledge and keeper of Orokin history—a librarian isn’t exactly the most thrilling concept in a looter-shooter, but it surprisingly works here. His passive scans enemies into the codex, which might not be groundbreaking but suits his lore. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations, but he’s turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Dante combines power and flexibility in a way that feels genuinely effective. Here’s a breakdown of his abilities:

Noctua is an exalted tome weapon dealing either slash or radiation damage.
Light Verse grants overguard and increases health.
Dark Verse deals slash damage in an X-shape in front of you.
Final Verse allows you to combine verses to create unique spells:
Triumph (two Light Verses) creates a boosted Light Verse.
Tragedy (two Dark Verses) applies slash, heat, and toxin damage over time in an area.
Wordwarden (Light followed by Dark) summons a Noctua copy that attacks at 50% of your damage.
Pageflight (Dark followed by Light) increases enemy damage taken and applies a small amount of slash damage.

Dante is a true caster frame that manages to support and deal damage effectively. His primary damage source, Noctua, is versatile, making him flexible without being overpowered. My biggest concern here is scaling; Noctua might struggle in higher-end content. Simple yet effective, his kit requires a bit of planning with Final Verse, allowing you to focus on either support or pure damage depending on your needs. This versatility is refreshing, but relying heavily on Noctua for most of his damage can be a bit limiting. Overall, Dante is a strong addition that’s fun to play and offers a satisfying balance between offense and support.

Build Suggestions: Given Noctua damage heat focused build seems to be the way to go. Strength seems to be the way to go but have not played enough to settle on final direction.

Everything beneifts from each other so just chain stuff together and enjoy the spell book fun.

Summary:

Pros: Overguard and increased health, versatile damage types, flexible verse combinations, can act as a weapon platform and status primer
Cons: Noctua’s scaling may struggle at high levels

Closing Thoughts on Dante, Jade, and Koumei

All in all, Dante and Jade stand out with their balanced support and damage capabilities, giving players a solid set of tools without overshadowing other frames. Both bring a unique feel to the game, and their abilities are fun to use. For builds, focus on Noctua for Dante, with a generalist approach to benefit the rest of his kit, and emphasize Glory on High for Jade to get the most out of her abilities. Koumei, however, needs significant quality-of-life updates to become viable. Quick comparison: Jade is more ability-focused, and Dante is a bit more weapons-focused. I plan on using both Dante and Jade during Steel Path and other high-level content. Two out of three solid frames isn’t bad at all!

Journal

On Fairness, Accountability, and the Problem with Bias

| admin

On Fairness, Accountability, and the Problem with Bias

The disclaimer on the blog post inspired me to read The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken. I haven’t yet finished reading it, but it’s already had me reflecting on accountability, fairness, and the impact of bias in how we judge others.

For me, individuals should be accountable for their actions, and that should remain the overriding consideration. When bias enters the equation, it raises the bar unfairly for some and creates massive space for miscarriages of justice. It’s frightening to think that someone could be deemed guilty just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Worse still, unchecked bias can corrode trust and damage reputations. When there’s already a preconception against someone, how can the system claim to be fair?

Let me give an example. Imagine a politician releases misleading information. Are the people around them, who choose not to push back, equally responsible? Or is the platform that publishes the information at fault simply for association? What about those responding to the information—should they be morally responsible for fact-checking it? And if someone commits a crime, is everyone connected to them morally accountable, even if they had nothing to do with it?

Would we want to be judged by the actions of others, especially those we have no control over? It’s easy to see the appeal of this “guilt by association” approach, but consider yourself in their shoes. The problem, as I see it, is that many people rarely interact with certain groups and therefore assume that “bad actions” result from people simply being “bad.” This view often ignores the social failures that lead up to those moments. It’s like blaming a dam for bursting but ignoring the long-term changes in the river’s path or the increased rainfall leading up to the event.

When we paint everyone with the same brush, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past. As a society, we’re not yet ready to answer complex questions about prejudice when social injustice remains so high. People aren’t born “bad”; we’re all just one poor decision away from doing something we may regret.

From personal experience, I know there have been times I didn’t call out certain behaviours, and I’m still working on that. I’ve often felt uncomfortable or unsure of myself, and I shouldn’t be judged for this hesitation—only for my own actions. We all make mistakes, and we should be held to account for those, not for the actions of others.

So, as we judge others, let’s also reflect on the standards of fairness we apply. Are we looking at each person as they truly are, or are we holding them accountable for things beyond their control? The difference might seem subtle, but it’s fundamental to justice and to how we see each other.

Politics

Polling and the Weather Forecast: A Lesson in Uncertainty

| admin

Polling and the Weather Forecast: A Lesson in Uncertainty

Polling is like the weather forecast: it offers a range of outcomes. It may seem unlikely to rain where you are, but it’s still possible, just as somewhere nearby could stay completely dry. Polling models work the same way, providing a range of possibilities, with the most likely outcome somewhere in the middle. However, journalists often don’t report or explain this range, and some polling companies don’t fully address it either.

When the herd (the electorate) moves, it usually moves together—yet occasionally, it splinters, adding layers of uncertainty. This unpredictability is what allows people to sometimes defy the odds and come out on top. The margin of error means the actual result could land on either side of the median outcome or even on the outer edges of what’s possible. Think of it as science fiction: in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, when travelling across space, you might theoretically turn into an apple. Highly unlikely, but technically possible!

What Do the Current US Election Models Tell Us?

So, how does this translate to the current U.S. election landscape?

The current model from FiveThirtyEight has Harris at 268 electoral votes and Trump at 270. Just a few days ago, it was the other way around. It’s a remarkably close race, one we haven’t seen for decades. In practice, this means the herd is taking different paths, with some states following separate trajectories from others. Why? This could be due to local issues or unique demographics at play, which are often difficult to model accurately.

Certain demographic and local factors influence swing states differently, adding complexity to polling models. For example, Arizona’s growing Latino voter base leans conservative in some areas, potentially benefiting Trump. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s situation is unique, with its declining manufacturing jobs and large Arab population possibly making it more competitive. In other states, recent events or changing demographics play a big role; a hurricane’s impact on voters or a high Black population could sway support towards Harris, especially given her profile as a Black female candidate. Each of these factors highlights why swing states can defy broader polling expectations and swing differently depending on local issues.

The Swing State Landscape and Possible Outcomes

Based on current numbers, swing states could align—or they might diverge entirely. Swing voters typically follow similar trends, but today’s models suggest they’re all over the place. The final result could be a landslide, a narrow victory, or a razor-thin margin. The most unlikely outcome is a tie, which would be decided by Congress. The only time this happened was in 1800, between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.

In practical terms, we could see anything between 320 and 270 electoral votes for either side, making predictions a toss-up due to how close it is. And despite the possible range of outcomes, most commentary doesn’t explore these diverse possibilities in-depth, though they should.

Swing states, which often switch between the two main parties, are pivotal in deciding elections. These states can shift as demographics evolve—much like music tastes changing over time. Currently, there are seven key swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nevada. Pennsylvania holds the biggest prize in terms of electoral college votes, which is why it’s often rated the most crucial.

At the moment, Harris has more paths to the White House than Trump. In fact, nine out of twenty-one possible routes for Harris don’t require Pennsylvania, whereas only five out of twenty-one for Trump don’t need Pennsylvania. Care to guess the tipping point state?

Current polls suggest a 51-56% chance of Trump winning and a 49-45% chance for Harris. This modelling assumes only seven states are in play. I’d say Harris has the advantage based on the seven swing states, yet betting on either side winning is difficult due to the close margins. The only thing we know for certain is that results may not be known for days if trends follow recent averages. The final outcome will either take one candidate to the White House or the jailhouse—but we’re likely heading to the courtroom first.

In a race this close, every voice truly counts. So, whatever the forecast, cast your vote—because, in the end, even a small shift in the herd can tip the balance.

Politics

America and British politics what the differences?

| admin

America and British politics what the differences?

American politics feels rather alien to me, with extreme levels of partisanship. Cooperation is dying, replaced by a desire to vote only along party lines. Why is that? I’ll come back to that later. The total control of two parties over the political system makes it nearly impossible for anyone else to break in. Political appointments cover every level of the executive, including the courts. The Supreme Court now has a Christian conservative supermajority, and courts overall lean conservative, shaping the justice system in profound ways. Not only that, but the parties also control the writing of election rules and, by design, make it difficult for anyone outside the two main parties to get on the ballot. This level of control lets them game the system in their favour, using gerrymandering to manipulate district boundaries. It’s all about packing voters who don’t support you into one district while splitting others to maximise your own chances. Urban and city areas, which should have more representation due to larger populations, are ignored. As a result, more attention is given to the small minority who could deselect you rather than the loyal base who will vote for you anyway.

Given the size of America, the amount of money spent on election cycles is staggering. Both Harris and Trump combined are projected to spend somewhere around $15.9 billion. Then there’s the religious influence, which holds considerable power in what’s supposed to be a secular country. Christian conservatives on the Supreme Court are pushing their ideological views, particularly on issues like abortion. Christian nationalism has gone mainstream on the right side of American politics. Some are pushing to change that, linking the church to the state and dismantling the secular order. Briefly, these are some of the things that make the system feel strange and distant to me.

Compared to British politics, while the two main parties hold sway, it’s not total control. The number of voters with strong partisan views is declining rapidly. Cooperation still exists, even in a winner-takes-all system, and people don’t always vote along party lines. Other parties have a real shot—currently, the UK has four major political parties. The last election saw a range of parties perform well across the country. There are far fewer barriers stopping new parties or individuals from standing. In the last hundred years, we’ve gone from two major parties to three, then four, and arguably five if you count certain regional parties. You could even say we have five and a half major players now. These include the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform, and the Greens, plus regional parties like the SNP and Plaid Cymru. The last two are nationalist parties with significant regional influence. After the 2024 election, independent candidates have risen due to the cynicism embedded in politics. While smaller parties still struggle with funding, local campaigns have been successful.

The newest party on the block runs in as many constituencies as possible to maximise funding and target winnable seats. Speaking of funding, the UK has strict limits—you can only spend around £34 million ($44 million). Political appointments are often cross-party, and the courts maintain their independence. Privately educated individuals do make up the majority in certain professions like the courts or media. Certain areas remain separate from the executive altogether. When it comes to writing the rules for elections, parties actually talk to each other and reach an agreement. And on that note, electoral boundaries are out of politicians’ hands, managed by independent bodies. Boundaries are based on population size and are equalised across the board.

We Brits have a sense of fair play, though I’ll admit there have been recent attempts to undermine that, with tactics like voter ID. Voters will remember rule-breaking and breaching that spirit of fair play. As for religious influence, the only real presence left is in the House of Lords, and even that’s weakening. Some on the right have tried to push a Christian viewpoint, but that largely goes against public opinion. The UK is largely secular these days, with the number of people identifying with religion in steady decline. Bishops in the Lords act as a moral voice, but in practice, they don’t have enough votes to swing decisions.

We may share the same language (sort of), but the differences in how we approach politics even show in how we run elections. In the US, elections seem like an unending cycle. Campaigning starts years in advance, dominating political life. Debates, attack ads, constant rallies, and endless streams of fundraising—it’s like a political marathon that never ends. In contrast, here in the UK, elections are much more condensed and far less consuming. Campaigns last about six weeks from the moment Parliament is dissolved to election day. None of this dragging it out for two years or more. It’s a sprint, not a marathon, and frankly, I think most of us prefer it that way.

And then there’s how we count votes. In the US, it’s like a patchwork quilt—some states use electronic voting, others rely on paper ballots, and each state seems to have its own rules on how and when to count them. Here, it’s much simpler. Everyone follows the same rules: paper ballots, counted on the night, with results typically announced by the next morning. None of this drawn-out waiting, recounts, or legal battles that drag on for weeks. We’ve streamlined it to the point that the system, while not flawless, works efficiently. Results are declared on the night, with no provisional votes hanging over our heads for days.

There’s even a sense of theatre when it comes to declaring results. Unlike in the US, where numbers trickle in and results are announced gradually, here, all the candidates stand together on stage as the result is read out. It makes for some pretty unforgettable moments in British political history—triumph and defeat all wrapped up in a single scene. You’d be hard-pressed to find an American election night with quite that much drama in one room.

I know one American friend will be reading this and spilling their coffee! But honestly, the differences are staggering. Small, minor differences add up pretty quickly to a completely different climate. That leaves us with two final differences: first, the timing of elections in the UK is in the hands of the prime minister, compared to the US presidential election being locked in place and unable to be changed. The final point is how centralised the UK system is—local government is far weaker compared to America. They lack the ability to raise revenue and so many other powers. In America, even cities can borrow money and raise taxes. After decades of weak local government, this is slowly starting to change in the UK.

So why did I write this blog? Well, I wanted to expand on a conversation I had with a friend and reflect on the nuanced differences between both systems. Often, these differences are missing in American and British media analysis. It comes from a point of view that ignores the contrasts, trying to make the systems mirror images of one another. That’s what I would consider lazy journalism and uninformed. Like in America, it’s still a rich man’s game in politics, but we’re just less flashy with the cash.

Politics

US presidential election 2024

| admin

US Presidential Election 2024

The US presidential election is only 17 days away. Polls show the race is neck and neck, but it could go either way within the margin of error. It’s shaping up to be one of the closest elections in history, with just seven swing states — the lowest number in recent memory — determining the outcome.

Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

AZ, GA, and NC lean towards Republicans, while MN, NV, PA, and WI lean towards Democrats.

America is deeply polarised between the two major parties, which hold an unbreakable majority. The result has been a dysfunctional executive, with Congress deadlocked and unable to fulfil its role. Other parts of the executive branch have become increasingly important.

Why is the race so close?

The aftereffects of the COVID pandemic have made Biden unpopular. The economic impact has resulted in higher inflation due to pent-up demand, and the Federal Reserve’s response has been to raise interest rates in an effort to curb inflation. Money given to people during the pandemic helped boost demand, further driving inflation. The economy was booming, with employment near record highs, when these factors began to take effect.

Biden has become unpopular due to the rise in inflation and interest rates, both of which are being blamed on him. Harris, as his vice president, is also being held accountable. She is positioning herself as the candidate for change, and with good reason. Trump, on the other hand, is benefiting from voters’ frustration and anger. However, he faces challenges regarding his age, his felony charges, and his continued claims that the 2020 election was stolen. His behaviour and mental capacity are causing him difficulties when compared to a much younger Harris.

In the background, demographic changes across various states are having an impact. People are moving to red states and turning them blue, and the opposite is happening elsewhere. Certain ethnic groups of voters have shifted their voting patterns. These small changes in polarised American politics are enough to create significant waves. It’s worth briefly noting that polarised politics means less crossover voting, which causes huge problems for control of the Senate and Congress, especially when combined with gerrymandering to favour one party. Who controls the executive at state levels has become hugely significant. The result is that American politics has become deeply dysfunctional, and major problems remain unsolved. As it stands right now, the race is too close to call.

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. So far, Europe and the rest of the world are not preparing, instead choosing to ignore the situation. A few of Trump’s comments should be raising alarm bells, particularly his unwillingness to commit to defending NATO countries — a serious concern. European security is at genuine risk, and that’s just the beginning of the problems. His comments about starting a trade war with Europe should be ringing alarm bells as well. Everything he’s been saying should be cause for concern. Not just concern but making him unfit to be president.

The world waits for the outcome of the November election, and the result will be historic: the first female Black president or a felon entering the White House.

Movies

Joker – Arthur Fleck story

| admin

Small disclaimer: I haven’t seen Joker or its newly released sequel. However, the sequel has garnered mixed reviews so far. From what I understand, the first film focuses on a character who adopts a Joker-like persona—a mentally ill individual who transforms and commits violent, shocking acts. This is odd because the film is called Joker but isn’t actually about the Joker. The character is inspired by the Joker, even borrowing some of his iconic look. It was a fresh take on the character, but only in name; unlike the comic book Joker, Arthur Fleck never aspired to be the “Prince of Crime.” Though I haven’t watched it, this is the impression I have of the first movie. Todd Phillips’ grounded vision of Gotham, much like Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, offers a more realistic take on the mythos. Just to be clear, it’s called Joker, but it’s not about the Joker, even though it borrows from the source material.

Maybe that’s why it should have had a different title—something more reflective of its intent, rather than evoking expectations of a traditional comic book film.

I never had any desire to see Joker or Joker: Folie à Deux. So, what changed my mind? The answer is the negative reaction to the sequel—it made me curious. Reports of people walking out during screenings caught my attention. How could a film that made $1 billion have a sequel that fails to match that? People have told me the movie is bad, which only piques my curiosity further. Based on what I know of the plot, it seems to be a darker, more sombre film than the original. The first movie was an action-packed drama-thriller, while this one is described as a musical courtroom thriller. Dealing with the consequences of the first film is something rarely seen in movies these days. I can see why this might divide audiences, especially those expecting a conventional, action-packed Joker. That choice is also part of the reason I want to see it—it seems like a very bold move from conservative Hollywood. The marketing seems to completely avoid highlighting that shift in tone.

Before I watch Joker: Folie à Deux, I need to watch Joker—the film that looks like him but isn’t really about him.

Joker Review

At its core, the film is rather unpleasant to watch—it’s about witnessing terrible things happen and watching a man spiral into decline. Arthur always seems just one breakdown away from doing something truly dangerous. We soon get a glimpse into his mental health issues, and it’s clear that the support he’s given isn’t nearly enough for what he needs. Everything he does feels like a performance—smiling and laughing to mask the pain. The violence in this movie feels personal, and you can’t help but feel bad for everyone involved. Joaquin Phoenix is outstanding in this role, not just following the script but embodying the character fully. His facial expressions change on the fly, giving off an air of menace followed by moments of guilt, which makes his performance deeply unsettling yet captivating. Anybody who has struggled with mental health issues can see part of themselves in Arthur. That’s what makes it so compelling. Compared to other DC comic movies, this is far lighter on action, focusing more on the drama. Each action has consequences, slowly leading to his further decline and drift into insanity. Everything that happens adds up. The film takes on a much darker tone, shifting from portraying a somewhat sympathetic character to a more menacing one. Yet you can still sense that Arthur exists underneath it all, which makes it even more chilling.

Unwittingly, Arthur becomes the Joker, making this a Joker origin story that’s not really about the Joker but uses his image. Yes, that includes the Batman origin story, linking him to the Joker indirectly by influencing the events that lead to the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents. To me, it’s obvious that Arthur never wanted to be the Joker. Society as a whole helped create and give him that name. I don’t quite buy the idea that this movie isn’t about the Joker when it borrows so much from the source material. It’s a refreshing, self-contained story that works, but it doesn’t leave much room for a follow-up. I’m not sure what to think about it—how do you continue Arthur’s story? Arthur in prison, perhaps? Do you fully make him the Joker, or do you continue his long drift towards becoming the Joker? Sorry—not the Joker, but someone who looks more and more like the Joker. Maybe they could take a different route, like exploring Harley Quinn treating Arthur, only to descend into insanity herself.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Before watching it, what intrigued me was the shift in genre to a musical thriller, reflecting Arthur’s ongoing struggle with trauma. If you watch Joker, you’ll notice that Arthur is a performance- and theatre-driven character who wants to be a comedian. So, it’s not a stretch to shift the focus towards a more musical element. While I’m unsure if “eccentric” is the right word to describe him, his tragic, shock humour remains central to his character.

My expectations going in were pretty low, but I think it’s a far stronger movie than the first. The musical set pieces replace any action scenes, breaking up the film and adding a much lighter tone to an otherwise dark movie. However, anyone describing this as a full-on musical is misrepresenting it—the musical sections are a small part of the film. For Arthur, it feels like he’s constantly on stage, with the singing and dancing serving as performances to shield himself. He’s not a singer, and that’s deliberate—his eccentricity shines through as he clings to this tragic, self-imposed role.

Some might argue that this film doesn’t progress his character much, but it’s clear he’s still resisting fully becoming the Joker. The institutional abuse he endures is implied rather than shown, but he suffers more from the consequences of his own actions. Yet, he never fully becomes the monster people expect. Instead, he offers a performance when things get tough. Some of the most powerful scenes are those where you see Arthur’s vulnerability; he’s just a scared man, and the film often feels like he’s being dragged along by forces beyond his control.

The pacing is much stronger in this movie. It feels like Arthur’s dream about being in prison, with the musical sections representing his fantasy escape. His character arc makes sense, and by the end, he finally seems to regain control, only for it to be taken away again. If you watch closely, the entire film hints at this—foreshadowing the ending multiple times, which is why I think it’s a dream. Lee’s character, waking up from the same dream, is a truly painful moment, and it explains the title perfectly. I’m not sure if Lee is meant to be a metaphor for the audience, but it certainly feels that way.

This isn’t a bad movie—in fact, I think it’s far better overall than the first. That might be an unpopular opinion, but it feels more cohesive and enjoyable. The challenge of expanding such a self-contained story is significant, but Folie à Deux manages to do it well.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed Joker: Folie à Deux far more than the first film. While it was never going to appeal to mainstream comic book fans, the original’s success still baffles me. This sequel feels more like a continuation of Arthur’s story—a fitting conclusion to his character arc—rather than a typical sequel. The film defies expectations in many ways, from its musical elements to its avoidance of traditional fan service. Even though I’m still puzzled by the decision to call this series Joker when it feels so different from the comic book character, the direction Todd Phillips takes makes sense within this unique vision of Gotham and Arthur Fleck. It may not satisfy everyone, but as a character study and a bold cinematic experiment, Folie à Deux stands out as a compelling and well-crafted follow-up.

Poem

Poem: Autumn leaves

| admin

Green trees are turning into golden brown

New look for a new season

Leaves are slowly falling to the ground

Gentle wind breaks the fall

Leaves are dancing in the wind to the sound of autumn

Birds singing their last song, leaving to warmer lands

Gentle breeze with the light sound of rain

Wet autumn turning to the sound of crunching leaves

School children marching back to the classroom

Winter is coming, but first, the autumn dance of leaves

Days growing darker and longer, colder and winds stronger

Atric winds stripping the trees of it leaves 

Before the colour fades, evergreens still green everything else returning in spring

Politics

Israel and Palestine Conflict Revisited: One Year After October 7th

| admin

Israel and Palestine Conflict Revisited: One Year After October 7th

The Israel and Palestine conflict rages on without a solution. The war against Hamas, in response to the October 7th attacks, has devastated Gaza, while violence in the West Bank remains underreported. The Palestinian people have suffered greatly, not just in Gaza but also in the West Bank. Gaza is under a blockade, with 60% of its buildings destroyed or damaged. Core infrastructure, including water supplies, has been severely affected, further restricting essential services. The risk of famine in Gaza remains high. The situation in the West Bank, while less severe, is still alarming. Jewish settlers have been attacking defenseless villagers, sabotaging farms, engaging in harassment and violence, and attempting to displace people from their homes. This violence includes the murder of civilians and the demolition of homes with state approval. Despite these issues, global attention has largely focused on Gaza, leaving the West Bank’s struggles unnoticed.

The humanitarian impact breaks my heart. Hearing stories of people unable to feed themselves, lacking shelter, or of how people were injured is devastating. Children playing in the streets have been hit by sniper fire. Entire families have been wiped out by airstrikes. The reports are horrifying, and I’ve started to grow numb to them. Journalists and aid workers have been murdered for reporting on the war. The conflict remains largely closed off, with very few granted free access.

Gaza

The aim to destroy Hamas has failed, as Israel has leveled Gaza, yet Hamas remains. Its leadership has hidden within a vast tunnel network, making them moving targets that can’t easily be found. It’s a game of cat and mouse, with guerrilla warfare being waged against Israeli troops trying to clear the tunnels. It has been clear for some time that hostages are no longer the primary concern, and the threshold for acceptable civilian damage has shifted. Hostages are now leverage, not to be given away without something significant in return. A two-state solution seems impossible when everyone is moving the goalposts, and trust is at an all-time low. After so much blood has been spilled, no one is willing to make a deal.

The only bit of good news is that a regional war has been avoided so far. Hamas leadership hoped that, after October 7th, Hezbollah and other allies would launch a full-scale war against Israel, yet only minor escalations have occurred. Everyone seems to be responding in some way but avoiding an all-out war. The situation feels like a powder keg, with everyone lighting matches and setting off fireworks at each other. While the state of Israel is unlikely to be destroyed, it has become increasingly isolated on the global stage.

Hezbollah and the North

Attention has now shifted north toward Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed group in Lebanon. Unable to fully defeat Hamas, Israel has degraded them enough that its next focus appears to be Hezbollah. Rocket strikes into northern Israel have caused people to flee border areas. Despite Lebanon’s status as a failed state, Hezbollah is considered the strongest and most well-armed threat. Israel has targeted Hezbollah leadership by sabotaging their communication network and following up with airstrikes. The aim is to escalate in order to de-escalate, forcing Hezbollah into a deal. The goal seems to be dismantling Iran’s “axis of resistance” one group at a time. It’s unclear whether Iran itself will be the next target, possibly with Trump’s return to influence. Israel’s actions have left it isolated, as international opinion continues to turn against it.

Arab states have refused to work on normalizing relations until the war is over. European allies have strongly condemned Israel, and in some cases, voted to recognize the state of Palestine. Only the Americans have remained firmly on Israel’s side, though even they are questioning and growing frustrated. Some, including the British, have blocked arms exports to Israel. All sides are increasingly concerned about post-war plans, with ideas floated such as displacing people into the Egyptian desert.

Iran

Iran’s long-term goal is to reduce or remove American influence from the region. Over the last couple of decades, Iran has targeted American allies, and it also wants to destroy the state of Israel, which has aggressively pushed back. For now, Iran has kept its distance from the conflict. Both are powerful actors, but neither has the ability to destroy the other outright. They are trading blows using proxy forces under the united banner of the “axis of resistance.” However, the groups within this axis have different goals and ideas.

If tensions with Iran escalate further, we could see Israel and Iran engaging in more direct attacks. The risk of a war between the two sides looms, with the possibility of a single miscalculation setting off a conflict. It’s hard to predict what that would look like. A war would put the U.S. in a tricky position, especially since Trump has unfinished business with Iran. Trump, entangled in legal battles, has revealed Pentagon plans to attack Iran, and Iranian hackers have targeted his campaign as an act of vengeance for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, which Trump ordered.

When you consider the geopolitical complexities, the situation becomes even more tangled. Powers in the Middle East—America, Russia, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar—all have different views and goals. Arab states are divided on how to act, especially those allied with the U.S., who fear Iran’s growing influence.

The interconnected conflicts of the Middle East have added yet another chapter to this war. A year after October 7th, we have seen one deadly gamble after another. The conflict in Gaza has turned into a stalemate, while in the West Bank, Israel has the upper hand with settlers driving people out. Peace is a distant dream, and the Palestinian people are being forgotten. Now, as attention shifts toward Hezbollah, the biggest threat to Israel may lie within, as extremist settlers appear to have gained control of the nation’s future. This paints a bleak picture for both Israel and the Middle East, leaving me feeling uncomfortable and deeply sad.