Well! It has been ten months since my last post, and I feel I should start using it again. After all, the world is changing at an unprecedented rate! When I last posted in June, the stock markets were just starting to seize, Labour actually had a chance at the next election, and Barack Obama was still running against John McCain! Those were the days eh? These days, there's nothing but doom, gloom, and that slim ray of hope that Obama can still project; although it's influence wains with every passing day, like a window next to the express-lane of a motorway, slowly being covered by the grease of every day mundane life.
Anyway! On that layer of dirt that is the mundane level, I've started playing Warhammer 40,000 again. I know, terrrible, huh? The very thought of giving those capitalist barstards any custom seems to make my mind slip, but the comunity is so warm, and all my friends have started playing. So heck! Why not! I'll post some photo's of my achievements at some-point, for who knows? Maybe they'll be worth looking at.
Anyway, the wit-reflex is not so sharp tonight I'm afraid, for it is late, and my mind is pressed elsewhere. So, before I embarrass myself with bad writing, I'll stop.
Saturday 18 April 2009
Tuesday 24 June 2008
Mr Tsvangirai withdraws, and life goes on
On the 22rd of June, Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the Zimbabwe election process, stating that "We can't ask the people to cast their vote…when that vote will cost their lives". He is currently seeking sanctuary in a Dutch embassy for his own protection. The election was a run-off between current president Robert Mugabe of the party Zanu PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (or the MDC) led by Morgan Tsvangirai, after the original election was, although a victory for the MDC, was not substantial enough to grant them the majority needed for an outright victory. It has been widely spoken that Zanu PF are responsible for the murders of 80 party members, and the beatings and rapes of scores of other activists.
This is sick. Period. A reminder of how calculating men can be when their power is threatened. Words can't express what I feel about this, but being the English motormouth I am, I can attempt to try. I've been a critic of the who election process from the beginning. I knew Mugabe would never be ousted, even if the election went against him. He has said himself "That God who appointed me will remove me- not the MDC". However, when the first round came in, and the MDC won, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, the vote had been rigged, denying the MDC of the 2% more votes required to win, but it seemed promising. Maybe they could be fair after all! I mean, I doubt even Mugabe would lash out with the whole world staring at him.
Was I wrong or what. Mugabe had played along more or less with the first round, but in the run off, he just gave up with subtly, and right in front of the world community, started his reign of terror. It was now he probibly realized that the international community could do nothing to him. Europe couldn't react because we're an ex-colonial continent. We've all owned empires, and are all partially responsible for what's going on. Here's where I put my hands up; Yes, England is certainly more guilty than the rest, but we still all have our hands tied. America also can do little, partly for the same reasons, but also because "Foreign policy" over the pond means "Bomb or ignore" (although Barak Obama gives me reason to hope!). South Africa has some serious power, but I doubt enough to force Mugabe out without blood being spilled. And the far east in on the verge of not wanting to be involved, or if they are, they don't want to be too critical.
And so the rapes and beatings go on. Soon after Mr Tsvangirai's withdrawal, more than 60 people were arrested who where taking shelter in the MDC headquarters. You can see why some MDC supporters criticize him, but he's done the right thing; The lesser of two evils. We can threaten our sanctions all we want, wave the stick of globalisation that an early industrial revolution gave us like it's a candy stick, but when the economy is as wrecked as Zimbabwe's, one begs the point. I think there are two ways this can be resolved favourably. Either everyone, and I mean everyone, ignores the election results, and rejects Mugabe, forcing him to abdicate as his role in the country becomes null and void, or...
Well, we already have Iraq and Afghanistan under our belt as liberations, perhaps the government will decide on a third nation...
This is sick. Period. A reminder of how calculating men can be when their power is threatened. Words can't express what I feel about this, but being the English motormouth I am, I can attempt to try. I've been a critic of the who election process from the beginning. I knew Mugabe would never be ousted, even if the election went against him. He has said himself "That God who appointed me will remove me- not the MDC". However, when the first round came in, and the MDC won, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, the vote had been rigged, denying the MDC of the 2% more votes required to win, but it seemed promising. Maybe they could be fair after all! I mean, I doubt even Mugabe would lash out with the whole world staring at him.
Was I wrong or what. Mugabe had played along more or less with the first round, but in the run off, he just gave up with subtly, and right in front of the world community, started his reign of terror. It was now he probibly realized that the international community could do nothing to him. Europe couldn't react because we're an ex-colonial continent. We've all owned empires, and are all partially responsible for what's going on. Here's where I put my hands up; Yes, England is certainly more guilty than the rest, but we still all have our hands tied. America also can do little, partly for the same reasons, but also because "Foreign policy" over the pond means "Bomb or ignore" (although Barak Obama gives me reason to hope!). South Africa has some serious power, but I doubt enough to force Mugabe out without blood being spilled. And the far east in on the verge of not wanting to be involved, or if they are, they don't want to be too critical.
And so the rapes and beatings go on. Soon after Mr Tsvangirai's withdrawal, more than 60 people were arrested who where taking shelter in the MDC headquarters. You can see why some MDC supporters criticize him, but he's done the right thing; The lesser of two evils. We can threaten our sanctions all we want, wave the stick of globalisation that an early industrial revolution gave us like it's a candy stick, but when the economy is as wrecked as Zimbabwe's, one begs the point. I think there are two ways this can be resolved favourably. Either everyone, and I mean everyone, ignores the election results, and rejects Mugabe, forcing him to abdicate as his role in the country becomes null and void, or...
Well, we already have Iraq and Afghanistan under our belt as liberations, perhaps the government will decide on a third nation...
Wednesday 18 June 2008
The 42 day terrorist detention bill: The rant
The house of commons has just passed a bill which would increase the amount of time terrorist detainees can be held for from 29 days to 42. The bill, that only passed by 9 votes, has been called "intrusive" by many, and David Davis, the now former shadow home-secretary, has left the house of commons over this "Slow strangulation of fundamental British freedoms".
Now, naturally, I'm sure Gordon Brown is pleased that the bill got through commons; He's put basically all of his credibility on the line for this law, and to see is cock-up now would have been a blow to his authority. Even parts of his own party voted against him to try and see off this law. Someone resigned over this law! This law is not necessary, and certainly not ethical. As the home secretary says, it is, in it's credit, only reserved for the worst cases. But in my humble opinion, if you don't have any evidence after 29 days to apprehend a terrorist suspect properly, then it's probibly a red herring anyway. Gordon Brown is just asking to loose the next election, and all I hope is that his conviction will be strong enough to lead us till that point, for if he leaves the party now, all hell will break loose as Labour tears itself to bits to find a new leader, and the conservatives, dented as they are from David Davis' resignation, will throw a house-party.
And so now we wait, as the toughest anti-terrorism law in the western world hits the house of lords. Now the house that flies in the face of democracy must now use it's ascribed power to save the very democracy it's exempt from, and also Englands proud tradition of liberty. And if that fails...
God save the Queen, and may she make the right choice when the time comes to write on the vellum.
Now, naturally, I'm sure Gordon Brown is pleased that the bill got through commons; He's put basically all of his credibility on the line for this law, and to see is cock-up now would have been a blow to his authority. Even parts of his own party voted against him to try and see off this law. Someone resigned over this law! This law is not necessary, and certainly not ethical. As the home secretary says, it is, in it's credit, only reserved for the worst cases. But in my humble opinion, if you don't have any evidence after 29 days to apprehend a terrorist suspect properly, then it's probibly a red herring anyway. Gordon Brown is just asking to loose the next election, and all I hope is that his conviction will be strong enough to lead us till that point, for if he leaves the party now, all hell will break loose as Labour tears itself to bits to find a new leader, and the conservatives, dented as they are from David Davis' resignation, will throw a house-party.
And so now we wait, as the toughest anti-terrorism law in the western world hits the house of lords. Now the house that flies in the face of democracy must now use it's ascribed power to save the very democracy it's exempt from, and also Englands proud tradition of liberty. And if that fails...
God save the Queen, and may she make the right choice when the time comes to write on the vellum.
Monday 12 May 2008
Slight delay there, but we're back to where we were
Like a bad flu at the end of a holiday, the GCSE exams arrive. Two years of my education, tested on in a period of about 4 weeks. Sucks really, one mistake here, and I'm finished, done, and I'll have to go live in a gutter and live on benefits. But in all honesty, I know I wont cock up that much, being the smart arse I am. I'll get my 6 A*-C's needed to get into Sixth form, and probibly pass with flourish. But it's the thought, the idea that I could fail which is getting me wound up.
I'd say "There has to be an alternative to this horrible examination system that encourages memorization instead of learning, and promotes a phobia of intellect as the copycat can perform just as well", but there isn't one I can think of. The education system puts pressure on teens, we work, we get grade, we move onto the far more interesting idea of A-levels. Only way I can think of the tests working practically. I mean, I hate it's inflexibility, but it just has to happen. A necessary evil.
Anyway, in other news, the heatwave in England has finally ended, and with it comes the cold. It's horrible, all chilly and grey, like badly made mashed potato that's been left to stand for a few hours. And it's not doing great things for my mood, which is already stressed (As above). Ah well, I shall persevere.
There, that's a rant on my life. I promise (If there is in fact anyone listening) that I will do something a bit more, how to say, topical, next post.
I'd say "There has to be an alternative to this horrible examination system that encourages memorization instead of learning, and promotes a phobia of intellect as the copycat can perform just as well", but there isn't one I can think of. The education system puts pressure on teens, we work, we get grade, we move onto the far more interesting idea of A-levels. Only way I can think of the tests working practically. I mean, I hate it's inflexibility, but it just has to happen. A necessary evil.
Anyway, in other news, the heatwave in England has finally ended, and with it comes the cold. It's horrible, all chilly and grey, like badly made mashed potato that's been left to stand for a few hours. And it's not doing great things for my mood, which is already stressed (As above). Ah well, I shall persevere.
There, that's a rant on my life. I promise (If there is in fact anyone listening) that I will do something a bit more, how to say, topical, next post.
Saturday 10 May 2008
A rather haphazard Age of Empires III review
Age of Empires. It wasn't the first real-time strategy, but it is up there with the best. Since the release of the original in 1997, I've been hooked on the series. In my opinion, Age of Empires II is still my bar to put every RTS I play against. Now, back when Age of Empires III was announced, I was filled with long-lost childhood memories of playing AOE I+II to the point where I'm sure my health suffered. Now, if my memory serves me well, by the time Age of Empires three was out, other RTS's had taken the stage, such as the graphical "Dawn of war", and I had started dabbling in RPG-esque "Warcraft III" and "Starcraft". But my mind was set that anything in the Age of Empires saga had to be good. I look back now, and realize what I was.
A fanboy.
Any who, I bought the game, and I found it a a good game. That's it. A good game, just about worth the money I paid for it. Entertaining, flashy, and stuffed with European pride. But...it lacked something. "I don't know, maybe my memory was kind on AOE II" I think quickly, buying an excuse for the game. I go to play AOE II, it remained to be a fun and enjoyable experience; and perhaps even better designed. So I then play the multilayer of AOE III. Most sins are quickly forgiven. In AOE III there is a home town system that means you can call in re-enforcements from your home country to help in America. In single player, this isn't massive. It's useful, but not game-changing. On multi-player though, it was a genius idea. I means your style of playing can be genuinely different to the guys next to you, even if you share the same nation. Also, it has a very good matchmaking system, that seemed almost familiar, perhaps from the Battlenet of Blizzard it almost stole everything from, but with half the creative spirit.
However, just because a game has a flashy lobby doesn't excuse it from general gaming fallacies. A piece of crap in a photo frame is still going to leave you retching in the morning. A catch, which permeates the whole game, can be found everywhere you look. AOE III wants you to rush. Defense is not an option, you attack, and attack early, or you die. It's to the point where you can no-longer build barracks in the first age! It's like the game is little terrier with sugar, held back by the owner until he gets a look from the governors' wife, after which the dog just yaps and barks away at anything close, before, like the owner, feeling the heat, and slowing down. Now this could effect my judgment. See, I'm not arrogant, but I was a bloody good fortress builder. If anyone knew how to hold a keep, it was me. Well, can't do that anymore, as in AOE III, they just reel in the cannons, and boom, your wall is gone.
There's probably a lot more I should beat the game for, but I should also be getting to the conclusion to. It just doesn't feel right to be slapping the franchise I've bought into since I was 5 years old. Then again, I do it with legend of Zelda all the time, so perhaps I fail to see what's wrong here. But my overall opinion of age of empires three is...
Meh...
Not brilliant, but not bad either. If you want a time-sink, or if you like RTS' with lots of rushing in it, then this game is for you. But...In all honesty (And I don't say this often), I would have preferred a spruced up version of AOE II, a game which still holds its place as the Benchmark for all the RTS' I play to this day.
Anyway, next post, I'll be back to talking about me, and my life. I know this review isn't perfect, isn't meant to be, but I needed to put something worth reading up here... Also, although it's no excuse, I am very tired right now. I've spent the whole day out on the heat. I mean, after easter this year, the nerve of mother nature giving us a heatwave! Make up your mind woman!
A fanboy.
Any who, I bought the game, and I found it a a good game. That's it. A good game, just about worth the money I paid for it. Entertaining, flashy, and stuffed with European pride. But...it lacked something. "I don't know, maybe my memory was kind on AOE II" I think quickly, buying an excuse for the game. I go to play AOE II, it remained to be a fun and enjoyable experience; and perhaps even better designed. So I then play the multilayer of AOE III. Most sins are quickly forgiven. In AOE III there is a home town system that means you can call in re-enforcements from your home country to help in America. In single player, this isn't massive. It's useful, but not game-changing. On multi-player though, it was a genius idea. I means your style of playing can be genuinely different to the guys next to you, even if you share the same nation. Also, it has a very good matchmaking system, that seemed almost familiar, perhaps from the Battlenet of Blizzard it almost stole everything from, but with half the creative spirit.
However, just because a game has a flashy lobby doesn't excuse it from general gaming fallacies. A piece of crap in a photo frame is still going to leave you retching in the morning. A catch, which permeates the whole game, can be found everywhere you look. AOE III wants you to rush. Defense is not an option, you attack, and attack early, or you die. It's to the point where you can no-longer build barracks in the first age! It's like the game is little terrier with sugar, held back by the owner until he gets a look from the governors' wife, after which the dog just yaps and barks away at anything close, before, like the owner, feeling the heat, and slowing down. Now this could effect my judgment. See, I'm not arrogant, but I was a bloody good fortress builder. If anyone knew how to hold a keep, it was me. Well, can't do that anymore, as in AOE III, they just reel in the cannons, and boom, your wall is gone.
There's probably a lot more I should beat the game for, but I should also be getting to the conclusion to. It just doesn't feel right to be slapping the franchise I've bought into since I was 5 years old. Then again, I do it with legend of Zelda all the time, so perhaps I fail to see what's wrong here. But my overall opinion of age of empires three is...
Meh...
Not brilliant, but not bad either. If you want a time-sink, or if you like RTS' with lots of rushing in it, then this game is for you. But...In all honesty (And I don't say this often), I would have preferred a spruced up version of AOE II, a game which still holds its place as the Benchmark for all the RTS' I play to this day.
Anyway, next post, I'll be back to talking about me, and my life. I know this review isn't perfect, isn't meant to be, but I needed to put something worth reading up here... Also, although it's no excuse, I am very tired right now. I've spent the whole day out on the heat. I mean, after easter this year, the nerve of mother nature giving us a heatwave! Make up your mind woman!
Thursday 8 May 2008
"Horatio, I am dead". A slice of my mind
Now, I was going to do a game critique, because I wanted to see if my abilities as a critic were any good, but then I thought "what game?" So I wandered the strands of the Internet for inspiration, until I reached a forum post that tickled me sufficiently to deserve mentioning, and also chose my game for me. The post was "Shakespeare Vs Ghandi". Now, I'm no Harry Hills, but I'm pretty sure that in a straight fight Shakespeare would win, what with Ghandi being a pacifist, so I go closer, looking at the topic proper.
Turns out it's a competition on which one had the most impact on the world, which is a little more fair. Who do you go for? The man who made the world laugh and cry, or the man who liberated a country/subcontinent. To be honest, it depends on your perspective. Ghandi has definitely had more of an influence on the world, I mean, India is now coming up to be a rival to it's previous masters (AKA, us in England). But culturally, Shakespeare is a no-brainer. He practically made the English language what it is today, and inspired many more works of theater and film than people care to mention. He's also one of my heroes, and I aspire to forge words and ideas in the same way he did, and perhaps save the English language while I'm there. But text speech is a different rant. I will get onto it though, don't worry.
Now, my mind being what it is, I made a side-step and took a quote from "Hamlet". That's the posts title, if you didn't know already. This quote is used in Age of Empires III when your explorer (or his dog, I forget) dies. So, here we have it! My next post will be a review on Age of empires III, as this one is now probably a little too long to do a full review. Besides, being the professional I am, I want to play it again before I post, to make sure I get the right experience.
Oh, and by the way, I'm collaborating with a comrade to make a new blog called "Speeches for the Mute". Yes, we played with the same words, but that's because it's going to be similar to this one. But instead of hearing me babble on about mindless drivel and my life, it will be a place for political and cultural thought. We thought it was a good idea at the time. Time will tell.
Turns out it's a competition on which one had the most impact on the world, which is a little more fair. Who do you go for? The man who made the world laugh and cry, or the man who liberated a country/subcontinent. To be honest, it depends on your perspective. Ghandi has definitely had more of an influence on the world, I mean, India is now coming up to be a rival to it's previous masters (AKA, us in England). But culturally, Shakespeare is a no-brainer. He practically made the English language what it is today, and inspired many more works of theater and film than people care to mention. He's also one of my heroes, and I aspire to forge words and ideas in the same way he did, and perhaps save the English language while I'm there. But text speech is a different rant. I will get onto it though, don't worry.
Now, my mind being what it is, I made a side-step and took a quote from "Hamlet". That's the posts title, if you didn't know already. This quote is used in Age of Empires III when your explorer (or his dog, I forget) dies. So, here we have it! My next post will be a review on Age of empires III, as this one is now probably a little too long to do a full review. Besides, being the professional I am, I want to play it again before I post, to make sure I get the right experience.
Oh, and by the way, I'm collaborating with a comrade to make a new blog called "Speeches for the Mute". Yes, we played with the same words, but that's because it's going to be similar to this one. But instead of hearing me babble on about mindless drivel and my life, it will be a place for political and cultural thought. We thought it was a good idea at the time. Time will tell.
Well, I guess the second post is quite important too...
Well, If you're still reading by this point, you're either interested or just plain bored, and looking for a way to blow the night away. I personally hope the former, I really do. I'm not here to make people's lives boring. I'm not writing this to try and create an intelligent form of lullaby. This is designed for the sole purpose of entertaining others and myself. That, and I was bored when I made this, and you know you're bored when you're sitting at your computer crying out at the world to listen to your opinions. It's not like anyone wants to listen. Anyway, I just felt like this was necessary. Now, let's talk turkey.
"The Shiv" for those who don't know, is the second in command to Matias Shaw, who is in turn the leader of Stormwind Intelligence number seven (Or SI:7 to those who like their abbreviations). I chose this name because I wasn't thinking straight during account activation. I have nothing in common with a Goblin apart from the tendency to shout "Buy something or leave" at people. And that, because I'm generous, is a show of one of my hobbies. I play World of Warcraft. I can "hear" you now; "OMG HE PLAYS WOW! LOLOL GT A LIFE" (Someone obviously likes literary cruise control). And you know what? I can still call you a bastard at the end. Because this is the Internet! And no matter how valid your argument is (In this case, not very), I can still give you the middle finger. I wont, more often than not, because I want you to comment and be civilized, but I hold the power to ignore your failed attempts to make yourself feel better.
Anyway, please comment, even if a little stub. It's nice to know when someone comes by and reads this stuff. Tomorrow, I'll get to work on some real content.
"The Shiv" for those who don't know, is the second in command to Matias Shaw, who is in turn the leader of Stormwind Intelligence number seven (Or SI:7 to those who like their abbreviations). I chose this name because I wasn't thinking straight during account activation. I have nothing in common with a Goblin apart from the tendency to shout "Buy something or leave" at people. And that, because I'm generous, is a show of one of my hobbies. I play World of Warcraft. I can "hear" you now; "OMG HE PLAYS WOW! LOLOL GT A LIFE" (Someone obviously likes literary cruise control). And you know what? I can still call you a bastard at the end. Because this is the Internet! And no matter how valid your argument is (In this case, not very), I can still give you the middle finger. I wont, more often than not, because I want you to comment and be civilized, but I hold the power to ignore your failed attempts to make yourself feel better.
Anyway, please comment, even if a little stub. It's nice to know when someone comes by and reads this stuff. Tomorrow, I'll get to work on some real content.
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