Month: November 2024

Journal, Politics

Bedtime Blog: Balancing Hope and Concern on Assisted Dying in the UK

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Bedtime Blog: Balancing Hope and Concern on Assisted Dying in the UK

I’m writing this blog post at 10 p.m., so it’s going to be a quick one before bed. Originally, I planned to write something a couple of days ago, but the subject of the assisted dying bill brought back memories I did not want to revisit. Today’s subject is the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

It’s a private member’s bill, something which almost never gets passed, making its way through the House of Commons. The last time a bill like this was debated was in 2015, yet now it has passed its second reading.

You can read the bill here: Full Bill PDF

At 38 pages long, it seems to be rather strict in outlining when this new legal power can be used.

I broadly support the bill, but I still have some concerns. My first concern is that the safeguards may be too strict, potentially making the process too lengthy. I’m unsure whether the safeguards will have the desired impact or might cause unintended negative effects instead.

I also have a deep mistrust and fear about state abuse. It wasn’t long ago that the NHS issued ‘do not resuscitate’ orders for some patients during the COVID pandemic without transparency. Alongside historic abuse in care homes, vulnerable people in society have been treated poorly for a long time.

That said, I am reminded of my own painful experiences watching family members die slowly and painfully, with no hope of recovery. Ending it all would have been a much better option than hopelessly fighting against the odds.

Arguments against the bill often include concerns about poor social care, poor outcomes, and inadequate end-of-life care. I don’t view these as valid arguments because the people making them have had the opportunity to address these problems but have chosen not to.

I hope this bill brings these issues to the forefront, but the current government already has a long list of problems to tackle. Radical reform of deep structural issues is likely to take a back seat to more immediate concerns. I’m cautiously optimistic that we might finally address this, but after 14 years or more of neglect, the state is in a massive hole—far weaker, doing more with less, lacking expertise, and barely functioning in some areas.

My next big concern is that this bill will place additional burdens on already stretched resources. I also have deep-seated concerns that some people, particularly the disabled and vulnerable, may be coerced into taking this route. There’s a risk that a future government might exploit this law for headline-grabbing purposes, with potentially devastating consequences. Given the past abuse of power and lack of moral standing, these fears are not unfounded.

I suppose the broader issue here is a deep mistrust of the state, something I hadn’t considered as fully until today. On one hand, I support this bill; on the other, I worry about its implications.

However painful my memories are, this decision should not be taken lightly. Crossing the Rubicon on such a significant issue demands caution. This could be one of the biggest societal changes in the UK for generations. Perhaps it will finally lead us to discuss ageing and death more openly. Maybe, in time, we’ll be ready to talk about other taboo subjects, like sex and relationships.

Who knows? What I do know is that this was a historic day. For the first time I can remember, the House of Commons was silent when the bill passed. It restored a bit of my faith in politics. Perhaps this new Parliament is better than the last.

Movies, Music

James Bond: 60th Anniversary and Top 10 Theme Songs

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My Top 10 James Bond Theme Songs

“James Bond Theme” – Monty Norman and John Barry (1962)
The James Bond Theme is based on an earlier melody Monty Norman composed for a play, originally inspired by Bad Sign, Good Sign. Despite legal battles over its authorship, Norman’s creation became one of cinema’s most recognisable pieces, while John Barry’s orchestration gave it the unmistakable brassy punch that we now associate with Bond. This theme laid the foundation for the franchise’s musical legacy.

“Goldfinger” – Shirley Bassey (1964)
Shirley Bassey’s soaring vocals made Goldfinger an instant classic. Despite technical challenges during its recording and producer Harry Saltzman’s dislike of the track, it was released unchanged. The result is one of the most iconic Bond themes, embodying the franchise’s glamour and intrigue. For many, it remains the defining Bond song.

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” – John Barry (1969)
This instrumental theme introduced a synthesiser to Bond’s world, marrying futuristic sounds with Barry’s signature orchestral grandeur. Often overlooked, it is a dynamic piece that stands out in the series for its boldness and innovation. Its brassy, pulsating energy mirrors the film’s tension and style, earning its place as a standout.

“Live and Let Die” – Paul McCartney and Wings (1973)
Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney created the first rock-inspired Bond theme. Its fusion of orchestral drama, reggae interludes, and explosive rock gave the franchise a fresh edge. Paul insisted on performing the song himself, fending off suggestions that another artist should sing it. The result is a thrilling, genre-blending masterpiece that redefined Bond’s soundscape.

“For Your Eyes Only” – Sheena Easton (1981)
Sheena Easton made history as the first performer to appear in the opening credits of a Bond film. The romantic ballad reflects the emotional undercurrents of the film, while Bill Conti’s score perfectly complements her tender performance. Interestingly, Blondie had also penned a theme for the film, but producers chose Easton’s version, which aligned more closely with Bond’s aesthetic.

“The Living Daylights” – a-ha (1987)
a-ha’s The Living Daylights merges the synth-pop energy of the ’80s with Bond’s signature orchestral elements. Despite reported creative tensions between the band and John Barry, the track’s electric vibrancy remains a highlight. It encapsulates Timothy Dalton’s gritty take on Bond while nodding to the franchise’s evolving identity.

“GoldenEye” – Tina Turner (1995)
Written by Bono and The Edge of U2, GoldenEye balances modernity with Bond’s classic flair. Tina Turner’s sultry, powerful vocals pay homage to the grandeur of earlier themes while ushering in a new era for the series. Its cryptic lyrics and dramatic arrangement complement Pierce Brosnan’s debut perfectly.

“The World Is Not Enough” – Garbage (1999)
Garbage delivered a unique take with this alternative rock-inspired theme. Shirley Manson’s haunting vocals and the song’s orchestral flourishes evoke the Bond mystique while exploring a darker tone. The lyrics, written from the villain’s perspective, provide a compelling twist that enriches the film’s narrative.

“Skyfall” – Adele (2012)
Adele’s Skyfall channels the essence of classic Bond themes while infusing a modern sensibility. Her insistence on reading the script to align the lyrics with Bond’s journey paid off, creating a track that is as poignant as it is grand. This song marked a triumphant return to form for Bond, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song—the first Bond theme to do so.

“No Time to Die” – Billie Eilish (2021)
At just 17, Billie Eilish became the youngest artist to record a Bond theme. Written with her brother Finneas, the track captures the sombre tone of Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007. Its understated melody and haunting lyrics reflect Bond’s emotional struggles, serving as a fitting farewell to Craig’s era.

Honourable Mentions and Misses

Some Bond themes, like We Have All the Time in the World by Louis Armstrong, hold a special place for their emotional resonance, while others, such as Madonna’s Die Another Day, feel experimental to a fault. While Die Another Day embraced electronic influences, its heavy use of autotune and techno I don’t enjoy.

For me, instrumental pieces like On Her Majesty’s Secret Service stand out for their innovative blending of tradition and modernity. Tracks like GoldenEye successfully merge past and present, capturing both the nostalgia of Bond and the excitement of reinvention.

My Favourite Theme Song

Choosing a favourite Bond song is no easy task, but for me, Skyfall takes the crown. Adele masterfully captures the essence of Bond, making the song personal and deeply tied to the character’s journey. Winning an Academy Award cemented its legacy, and it set a trend for the franchise, leading to two more Oscar-winning themes. For its emotional depth, cinematic scale, and unforgettable delivery, Skyfall remains unparalleled.

Marvel Snap

Fixing trust: A Message to Second Dinner

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Fixing trust: A Message to Second Dinner

Marvel Snap faces several critical issues that need urgent attention. Two major problems stand out:

  1. Card Acquisition
  2. Series Drops

In February 2024, I shared my concerns about series drops on my blog and Reddit. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the broader challenges the game was facing. Since then, my understanding of these issues—and how they might be fixed—has deepened.

Here’s my message to Second Dinner: you’ve lost my trust. I no longer believe you’re acting in the players’ best interests to resolve these problems. What I want is simple: regular communication about these issues and a discussion of potential solutions. A bi-weekly or monthly update would demonstrate that you’re listening and working towards fixes.

I’m not asking for a detailed timetable—software development timelines can and do slip. But if you continue down this path, you risk killing your game. Many games have followed similar trajectories, and the results are rarely good. You’ve already had months to address these concerns, and the patience of many players, including myself, is running thin.

Addressing the Core Problems

1. Card Acquisition

The current card acquisition system is slow, frustrating, and heavily skewed against players—especially newer ones. With five new cards released each month (one season pass card and four spotlight cards), resources like spotlight caches and the token shop are stretched thin by design. This creates several issues:

  • Spotlight System Lockouts: Some cards, like Baron Zemo (released in April 2024), remain inaccessible for months. Zemo has not appeared in a single spotlight cache and costs a staggering 6,000 tokens—resources that take weeks or months to collect. Even then, players must wait for his occasional appearance in the token shop.Marvel Snap decks are small and highly optimized, so many cards don’t have equivalent substitutes. Without access to key cards like Zemo, players are locked out of entire archetypes. If they finally acquire the card months later, the meta may have shifted, making their effort feel wasted.
  • Resource Scarcity: The game’s limited token acquisition and spotlight cache availability worsen the issue. Players are forced to make tough choices that often feel unrewarding, especially when meta-defining cards are out of reach.
  • New Player Turnoff: Snap does a great job onboarding players in Series 1 and 2, but Series 3 (with 109 cards and growing) throws them into a chaotic grind. Without clear paths to unlock archetype-defining cards, new players quickly become frustrated and disengaged.
Suggested Fixes for Card Acquisition
  1. Curated Unlocks in Series 3: Once a player enters Series 3, every level could provide a curated card, giving them control and direction over their collection.
  2. Catch-Up Bundles: Introduce affordable bundles for specific archetypes to help new and returning players catch up.
  3. Resource Improvements: Increase token rewards and spotlight cache availability to make the system more player-friendly.

2. Series Drops

The series drop system is another source of frustration. While Snap does a great job onboarding new players with curated card pools in Series 1 and 2, Series 3, Series 4 (27 cards), and Series 5 (73 cards) create an unmanageable bottleneck. Players face daunting odds when trying to acquire specific cards, leaving many unable to build competitive decks.

Key Problems with Series Drops
  1. Inconsistent and Bloated Drops: Series 3 has 109 cards (soon to be 112), making it nearly impossible to acquire specific cards in a timely fashion.
  2. Unclear Schedule: Players have no visibility into when cards will drop or why certain cards are chosen.
  3. Poor Value: Recent series drops often include underwhelming cards, offering little to address the core accessibility issues.
Proposed Fixes for Series Drops
  1. Predictable Schedule: Establish a regular, transparent schedule for series drops.
  2. Cap Series Sizes: Limit Series 4 and 5 to a maximum of 20 cards each, with older cards moving down more consistently.
  3. Lower Token Costs: Reduce the cost of Series 4 cards to 1,000 tokens and Series 5 cards to 2,000 tokens to improve accessibility.
  4. Remove Duplicate Spotlight Cache Cards: Ensure players don’t waste resources on cards they already own.

Moving Forward

Second Dinner, the time to act is now. Your players need regular communication to rebuild trust and stay engaged. Developer blogs, forums, or live updates would provide much-needed transparency and show players you’re serious about addressing their concerns.

Take inspiration from Warframe’s developers, who host weekly and monthly update streams to discuss progress and engage with their community. While your monthly season updates are appreciated, they feel more like marketing tools than meaningful communication.

We’re not asking for miracles, but we do expect accountability and meaningful progress. The longer these issues go unaddressed, the harder it will be to retain your player base. Listen to the community, address these problems, and show us that you’re committed to making Marvel Snap the best game it can be.

Final Thoughts

I know these aren’t perfect, catch-all solutions, but they’re a starting point for dialogue. What do you think, fellow players? Are these issues affecting your experience? Let’s discuss.

Economics, Journal, Politics

Neutrality matters: Bank of England

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Neutrality matters: Bank of England

Ah yes, a blog about the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, and his comments on UK/EU relations. Procrastination at its finest—I’m dodging my other drafts because this feels more worth talking about. Andrew Bailey recently gave a speech at Mansion House about growth, and you can find the transcript here. The UK government has made growth a cornerstone of its platform. Without growth, we can’t have better public services.

There’s loads to say about this speech, but journalists have been a bit naughty by not publishing the full section that’s causing headlines. Here it is, quoted in full:

Now, as I have said many times, as a public official I take no position on Brexit per se. That’s important. But I do have to point out consequences. The changing trading relationship with the EU has weighed on the level of potential supply. The impact on trade seems to be more in goods than services, that is not particularly surprising to my mind. But it underlines why we must be alert to and welcome opportunities to rebuild relations while respecting the decision of the British people.

But, we should not focus just on the effects of Brexit. The picture is now clouded by the impact of geopolitical shocks and the broader fragmentation of the world economy. I will own up to being an old-fashioned free trader at heart. It’s a British characteristic, I like to think. My point is this: amidst the important need to be alert to threats to economic security, let’s please remember the importance of openness. Openness is an important determinant of productivity. There is nothing new about saying this, just to be clear.

The first point is simple: Bailey should stick to speaking about policy matters and decisions delegated to him. That means avoiding topics reserved for the government. When officials break that norm, it increases the likelihood of political appointments—people chosen not for expertise but for their loyalty to the government’s messaging. For an independent central bank, this is a massive challenge to its independence.

This norm exists for a reason. If future governors are picked for loyalty over skill, the quality of decisions will decline, and the central bank’s independence could crumble entirely. It’s not just central bank governors—look at the USA right now. You’ve got people with no experience or expertise holding office because of loyalty. It’s a total mess. And if you want a closer-to-home example, think of UK magistrates. They often have no legal experience but still help run the legal system. That already causes massive miscarriages of justice. Now imagine amateurs running the state itself.

Such comments also risk fuelling resentment, which already exists in some political quarters. Remember Liz Truss? She called out Bailey for simply doing his job during the fallout of her mini-budget.

Bailey is, of course, right in what he’s saying, but urging the Chancellor to act isn’t his job. His role is to set monetary and financial policy as effectively as possible within the framework of government decisions. That’s already difficult enough. Just look at how the central bank had to step in to stabilise the financial system after Liz Truss’s mini-budget. That fiasco caused bond market turmoil, massive losses, and a serious hit to pension values.

The temptation to comment must be enormous, given the job and the platform it provides. Journalists are relentless in trying to get a juicy quote to spark drama. But, just like the King or Queen stays silent on politics, or a deputy coach avoids publicly criticising the head coach, central bank officials need to adhere to the principle of collective responsibility. For Americans, think of it like the Hatch Act. These norms exist for a reason: they prevent the government’s reputation and decision-making from being publicly undermined. Would you invest in a company where employees openly disagreed with the CEO? People can have different opinions, but sometimes, your role demands silence.

Bailey raises valid points, but he could’ve expressed them more diplomatically. Given how quickly journalists pounced on his remarks, it’s clear he should’ve said less—or nothing at all. Let’s be honest, most people don’t have the reading comprehension to fully understand his nuanced message. The Chancellor might do well to send Bailey a strongly worded letter reminding him where the line is.

As much as Bailey’s comments reflect valid concerns, the bigger issue here isn’t Brexit or even growth—it’s how we protect the independence of our institutions. Norms exist to safeguard against political interference, and when they’re ignored, trust erodes. We’re already seeing attacks on institutions and the resulting collapse of trust. The last few years have given us enough warning signs to know better. It’s worth reflecting: would you feel the same if it were someone with different views at the helm? Institutions thrive on neutrality, and we lose that at our peril.

Marvel

Witching Hour: A Review of Agatha All Along

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Witching Hour: A Review of Agatha All Along

Marvel’s move into streaming has had mixed results, so expectations going into Agatha: All Along were low. Secret Invasion is widely considered one of Marvel’s worst shows, and Echo didn’t fare much better, though it had some interesting ideas. Loki was a stroke of creative genius, transforming a villain into a complex protagonist, while What If retold familiar stories with new twists. She-Hulk offered tongue-in-cheek fun without taking itself too seriously. Ms. Marvel was a lighthearted, humorous addition, and Moon Knight was a refreshing take on mental health and inner struggle. Hawkeye balanced its serious and fun moments well, while The Falcon and the Winter Soldier brought a buddy-cop vibe but faltered with a lackluster plot. WandaVision kicked off Marvel’s Disney+ era with a spark of creativity that, outside of Loki, Moon Knight, and What If, has mostly been unmatched.

WandaVision was a burst of creativity, and Agatha: All Along is a spin-off that builds on this success. Both remind me of what Marvel can achieve when it’s focused on telling good stories. Agatha: All Along taps into what made WandaVision feel so fresh but goes in a more traditional direction while keeping its unique spin. Where WandaVision explored a new sitcom style in each episode, Agatha takes a similar approach but doesn’t center on it as much, achieving a pace that feels just right. The show picks up after WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so there’ll be light spoilers for both.

Marvel has lost its shine recently, struggling to recreate the highs of Avengers: Endgame, and many recent projects missed the mark. But I’m happy to say Agatha: All Along nails it. If you haven’t watched WandaVision, go check it out—it’s solid TV. WandaVision tells a self-contained story arc, so you don’t need to follow the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe to enjoy it.

Kathryn Hahn stars as Agatha Harkness, and she’s absolutely perfect in the role. Agatha is a centuries-old witch who’s spent ages studying magic and is deeply curious about the source of Wanda’s powers. She finds out that Wanda is the Scarlet Witch, a wielder of chaos magic. The Mind Stone only boosted Wanda’s natural powers, which Agatha explores further in Wanda’s world of magic. So, Agatha: All Along feels like a natural continuation of Wanda’s story following Multiverse of Madness.

The show opens after these events, though I’ll keep it light on spoilers. The great thing is, you don’t really need to know all of this to enjoy Agatha. It’s a stand-alone story that doesn’t require much backstory. Everything’s laid out in the first episode, so even if you’re not caught up, it doesn’t matter.

What unfolds is a story about witches, magic, and a quest.

Agatha wants her powers back after Wanda took them. A mysterious teen releases Agatha from the hex that trapped her in Westview at the end of WandaVision. He wants to journey down the Witches’ Road, a series of trials that will grant any witch her deepest desire. The teen’s true identity is hidden by a magical spell, adding intrigue to the story. Agatha begins gathering a coven of witches, each with unique skills, and after singing Down the Witches’ Road, the path opens. But Agatha’s enemies are hot on her trail, eager to eliminate the weakened witch. The show cleverly weaves in foreshadowing and hidden details that are easy to miss at first glance. For example, episode titles are lyrics from the Witches’ Road ballad, a touch that might go unnoticed but adds rewarding layers for observant viewers.

The series is filled with references to witchcraft, and “Death’s Hand in Mine” stands out as the single best episode Marvel has released on Disney Plus. It all works thanks to the breadcrumbs, top-tier writing, and spot-on direction. Patti LuPone’s performance as Lilia is a masterclass and some of her best work to date—she delivers an unforgettable portrayal that truly elevates the series. The ending wraps things up beautifully, giving a satisfying close to a truly compelling bit of storytelling.

The finale reveals the teen’s identity and dives into Agatha’s tragic, complex character arc. She’s evolved from villain to a morally grey, deeply nuanced character, and by the end, you can’t help but root for her. Her backstory here feels rich and compelling, and her shifting motivations add layers to her struggle. Her evolving relationship with the teen character adds to the drama and emotional depth of her journey.

It turns out the teen is far more than he seems, adding a teacher-student dynamic that drives the plot forward. He’s essential to Agatha’s journey, not just a plot device, but a character in his own right who adds purpose and momentum to the story. Earlier ideas unfold into a larger, more complex story that ties everything together in a satisfying way. While the open-ended finale leaves room for a second season, it also strengthens Agatha’s character arc by keeping her journey ambiguous. The ending adds weight without compromising the fun, setting the stage for future possibilities in Vision Quest or other spin-offs.

Overall, Agatha: All Along is worth watching, both for newcomers and WandaVision fans alike. The main drawback is the likely wait between this show and its next installment. With Vision Quest slated for 2026, it’s unclear how it will connect to Agatha: All Along. A possible sequel focusing on the Teen character would make sense, but there’s no confirmation of it in production yet—only rumors of early development. Marvel’s patchwork approach to TV and movies often leads to a lack of cohesion, with writers working in silos rather than a unified plan. However, I can’t fault this when the storytelling stands on its own. Agatha hints at Marvel’s ambition to move past the multiverse arc, laying the groundwork for a new chapter, and in doing so, delivers a refreshing, memorable story.

Economics, Journal

Economics of Choice

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Economics of Choice

Every small action, like a grain of sand, might seem insignificant on its own. But when many people act together, these small choices can reshape entire industries and even impact our environment. Consider how individual choices in food, fashion, and household products have led to widespread shifts over time.

Small Changes Lead to Big Trends

Take coffee, for example: when everyone starts buying a particular blend, it quickly becomes the most popular choice, and similar options soon flood the market. Or look at fashion—when an actor wears a certain outfit in a movie, it often sparks a trend, and suddenly, similar styles are everywhere. While one person’s actions may feel insignificant, when trends catch on, they can shift entire markets. For example, the rise of veganism has led to a surge in plant-based options. With more vegetarians, restaurants have moved from offering a single option to providing diverse, plant-based menu items.

Eco-Friendly Products

Deodorant is another example. Once, store shelves were dominated by aerosol-based deodorants. As people sought eco-friendly options, roll-ons became popular, and today, refillable and vegan options are mainstream. The cleaning aisle has seen similar changes, with refillable and reduced-plastic packaging now commonplace. A few years ago, I had to buy a full plastic bottle for floor cleaner; now, I can buy a smaller, eco-friendly refill packet.

Personally, I’ve transitioned to refillable products—from cleaning supplies to deodorant—and now use eco-friendly soaps for skincare and showering. With simple changes like just adding water, I can get the same cleaning results with less packaging. Switching to soap for my hygiene routine has left my skin feeling more hydrated, without the dryness that comes with other products. Now, I even have choices in eco-friendly deodorants with a variety of scents. While change can be slow, it’s steady. There are many ways to encourage new behaviours, whether through incentives, accessibility, or raising awareness. Economics essentially studies people making choices based on their environment, and many of these choices are made simply because they’re easier or more affordable.

Economic Trade-Offs and Industry Impact

However, these shifts often come with trade-offs. For example, as we use less oil for plastics, demand in the oil industry decreases, which can lead to job conflicts for those working in the field. Moving away from plastic packaging towards cardboard is another trend, but it requires more water and energy for production, which has its own environmental impact. As traditional retail faces challenges from the rise of online shopping, campaigns worldwide are proposing levies on online shopping to help protect jobs in physical retail. In response, some stores have blended elements of online shopping into their offerings—for instance, “click and collect” services allow people to research items online and view them in-store. These stores increasingly function like warehouses supported by vast logistics networks. The Covid pandemic accelerated this trend, and home delivery is now the standard for many shoppers. Even my razors now arrive directly at my door, and I can send them off for recycling.

Small Choices, Big Impact

Next time you’re making a choice—whether it’s about food, fashion, or an everyday product—remember that even small decisions add up. Every choice we make can contribute to a larger movement toward meaningful change. When I’m in the store, I find myself considering more than just price and quality these days—sometimes leading me to have a bit of a “staring contest” with a product as I weigh my choices.

Journal, Politics

The middle – US presidential election

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The middle – US presidential election

The U.S. presidential election will take time to analyze as we wait for data to explain the outcome. I’ve posted some early, sleep-deprived thoughts here. Trump’s gains were widespread, so any explanations should start there. The incumbent’s party lost, following a familiar pattern—recent incumbents have often lost for similar reasons. Voters were fed up with high inflation, and the incumbent didn’t address their concerns. Here’s a chart showing global voting patterns, and another highlighting trends from the 2024 U.S. election.

Red Dawn

Trump didn’t just improve his margins in swing states; he made gains in Democratic strongholds too. Harris’s campaign managed to swim against very strong currents, losing by only a small margin in seven swing states. The swing fell within the polling error, which isn’t bad, but this defeat feels more significant than 2016. It’s a harsh loss that will demand a complete rethink and strategic response moving forward. The forces that put Trump in the White House could easily turn against him, but I wouldn’t bet on it. There’s a much deeper trend here—one that’s been building for years and has now solidified. Non-graduate voters shifting from Democrats to Republicans has been ongoing, but now, non-white working-class voters are following the path of their white counterparts. One positive: Black voters have largely remained loyal to the Democrats. A good starting point for analysis could be the working-class boroughs in New York City. This chart from Nate Silver illustrates the long-standing issue Democrats face.

Help!

It’s not that voters are in love with Trump or his policies—they just want him to fix inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. Many are deeply frustrated with the political system and the economy. Ironically, while Republicans have helped break the system, Democrats are taking the blame. Most people don’t follow politics closely; they care more about gas prices, eggs, and other essentials. It’s only when things get chaotic that they tune in. So, when Trump talked about gas prices, many voters turned out for him and tuned out the rest. Trump is still unpopular, and that’s a huge problem: if he oversteps his mandate—which he’s likely to—it’ll store up trouble down the line. His win isn’t a vindication; it’s about people wanting him to make them feel better off. Failing to deliver will cause issues, from policies that could trigger an inflationary spiral to deportations affecting people who never expected it to happen to them.

Twist and Shout

Smart Republicans should take note and avoid indulging their worst impulses. Like the Democrats, they’re likely to face internal conflicts—free-trade business interests versus protectionism, or the desire for social security programs versus cutting government spending. Billionaire libertarians and the highly educated elite want different things. Republican leaders without degrees have a stronger grasp of what the non-graduate majority feels and have tapped into that sentiment. Democrats could learn from their opponents, especially about how people consume news today. The far right now has a new breeding ground based on old ideas. Engaging in unfamiliar or even unfriendly spaces and fostering new media networks could be essential. The elephant in the room is disinformation and misinformation—Republicans have ruthlessly exploited this, along with the far right leaking ideas into the right mainstream.

Under the Waves

There’s also a chance for a reset here, with the next battle coming in just two years at the midterms. Time hasn’t stopped, and history hasn’t ended—it’s about getting back up after being knocked down. Rethinking is required to handle a political force like Trump. A fresh perspective is essential, but it’s going to be painful—a real catch-22. Polarisation among educated voters makes shifting rightward on some issues challenging. “Sacred cows” that are non-negotiable leave many voters thinking, “You don’t speak for me.” As a British progressive, I can say this is incredibly painful and a global challenge for centre-left parties. Failing to deliver what voters want could quickly turn the tide, but that won’t solve the larger problem. After three straight defeats over 14 years, the UK Labour Party came back from its worst defeat to its largest majority by ditching several unpopular stances and making changes. Nothing is set in stone.

We also won’t know turnout details for a while or whether voters switched allegiances or simply stayed home, feeling torn between Trump and Harris.

Owner of a Lonely Heart

Expanding on the Labour Party example, Democrats can make a comeback too, but it will require hard work and a deep understanding of the challenge ahead. To put it another way—didn’t Republicans make a massive comeback after Obama? My heart breaks with you; the grief will take time to process. Rebuilding won’t be easy, and it will require some genuinely painful compromises. Talk to Republicans about how much they had to change with Trump. Political apathy will only give Trump and his allies more power—they’re counting on it, and with the level of grief you’re likely feeling now, losing trust in the process makes sense. I know what that feels like. As I said earlier, it’s going to require a shift in perspective and some serious rethinking.

Sense of Direction

Ignoring legitimate grievances is how we got here. Trying to shame people won’t help your cause. Labeling people as racists or fascists won’t stop them from voting for far-right nationalist parties. So maybe it’s time to focus on listening to them. Speaking of which, moderates fared far better than others. Calling people “garbage” only causes them to shut down before you can even speak. I speak from experience on that. I don’t have all the answers, and frankly, it’s going to take time before anyone does. The worst thing you can do is double down on a failed approach.

Don’t Look Back in Anger

Defiance and resilience are needed. Let’s avoid hyperbole and over-the-top rhetoric. Yes, tensions are high, and so is fear, but we should treat each other with kindness. Actions speak louder than words, and America could use some kindness right now.

Lost in the Echo

The hard truth is that the Democratic Party has failed to speak to voters in a straightforward way. This was a party failure, not a single person’s fault—not Biden’s or Harris’s alone. The party focused on news channels most ordinary people don’t watch and disconnected itself from the pulse of American life. Closing note: everything will be okay, if you listen to the message voters have just sent.

I may have included some song references in this blog post. See if you can spot them.

Journal

Stream of Thoughts on US Election 2024

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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

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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

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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!