The best video game in history?
Plus: The development of free personalities in a democratic community
A Swing back Into Gaming with Spider-Man 2: 🎮
After a two-year break, I've returned to gaming with Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on PlayStation. This experience rivals the joy I felt playing Space Invader for the first time at the silver blades ice rink in Birmingham circa 1978.
The game's narrative depth is remarkable, following Peter Parker and Miles Morales through personal struggles in a lively New York City. The gameplay has evolved significantly, with fluid web-swinging and a revamped combat system, including a tactical parry mechanic.
🕷Visually, the game is a treat with stunning detail and immersive audio. The expanded New York City, while impressive, doesn't always translate to more engaging gameplay. Some side missions, though improved, still feel like missed opportunities.
A delightful surprise is the brief inclusion of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" during a reunion scene at Midtown High School, adding a humorous and nostalgic touch.
🌟 Spider-Man 2 is a further evolution of gaming. It masterfully combines narrative depth, gameplay innovation, and technical prowess. This game is a must-play for veterans and newcomers alike, offering a glimpse into the future of video games as a storytelling medium. As someone who's seen the industry evolve over four decades, this game doesn't just mark my return to gaming; it represents the culmination of years of progress in the genre.
Spider-Man 2 isn't just a game; it's an adventure that reignites my passion for this art form. It's a thrilling, enjoyable, and deeply satisfying experience. It reminds me why I fell in love with video games in the first place. 🎉🕸
Happy gaming. 🎮🕸🏙
Labour's Century of Government: Reflecting on a Historic Milestone
January 2024 marks the centenary of the first Labour government in the United Kingdom, a pivotal moment in British political history.
The MacDonald Government: Pioneering Change
The first Labour government in the United Kingdom, formed under the leadership of Ramsay MacDonald in January 1924, was a significant milestone. Labour's ascendance to power marked the first time a party with roots in the working-class movement and trade unionism had gained sufficient parliamentary strength to form a government.
This was a watershed moment, reflecting a shift in the political landscape from a predominantly two-party system dominated Conservatives and Liberals. The government was a minority administration, reliant on the support of Liberal MPs, and its tenure was marked by moderate policies, partly due to its precarious position in the House of Commons.
MacDonald's government, though short-lived, lasting only until October of the same year, embarked on several notable initiatives. It faced significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and the lingering effects of the post-World War I economic downturn. Despite these challenges, the MacDonald government laid the groundwork for future Labour administrations, particularly in its emphasis on social justice and its advocacy for working-class people, setting a precedent for the party's future policy directions.
Labour's Formative Years: Building a Vision for Education
In the two decades before Labour formed the government, Labour MPs advocated for crucial educational reforms. Their efforts aimed to free elementary education, improve academic standards, and ensure school infrastructure met the necessary criteria. This period also began discussions on adult education and continuous learning opportunities. Yet progress was piecemeal, and Labour had a bigger vision.
Challenging Philanthropic Conservatism
Margaret McMillan, a significant figure in education and the early Labour movement critiqued the limited scope of philanthropic conservatism with these words:
"Was there any real precedent for Baby Welfare Centres till, appalled by the wastage of infant life, certain women of the leisured class entered the arena, and brought down the infant death-rate at the run? They had an easy task, owing to the lack of precedent! So that, whereas in some places the death-rate was 200 per thousand and more, they quickly brought it down to 70. Congratulations and delight from all England and the Press showering praise. There is nothing so swift as beautiful as action! The Press and Nation forget the black past in the first chill pallor of the East."
Her remarks highlight the progress made in reducing infant mortality but also underscore the limitations of these efforts in addressing systemic inequalities. Remember that David Cameron rebadged philanthropic conservativism as 'the big society'. As theories of conservatism go, it's not bad compared to Stella Braverman's worldview, but it's still limited.
Integrating Education with Social Policy
Labour legendary MP Arthur Greenwood articulated the party's educational ideals in the context of its broader social vision. He said,
"Labour's educational ideal is implicit in its general social ideal. It is concerned with the development of free personalities in a democratic community. But this end cannot be reached solely through educational institutions, however excellent they may be. Educational policy is inevitably linked with social and economic policy. Poverty, bad housing, drab and dreary surroundings, and disease conspire to undo the good wrought in schools."
Greenwood's statement highlights the interconnectedness of education, social conditions, and economic policies. Its ambition was more significant than the social welfare model offered by philanthropic conservatives. In this sense, there are parallels with today's national debate.
A challenge to philanthropic conservatism
The 'Big Society' was David Cameron's strategic rebranding to align conservative values with contemporary societal expectations. Cameron broadened the appeal of conservative ideology, making it more palatable in an era increasingly focused on social responsibility and community engagement. However, the practical implementation of the 'Big Society' was patchy. Though it didn't need to, it served as a veneer for budget cuts and reduced state welfare provisions.
The 'Big Society' thus represents a significant case study in the evolution of conservative thought, highlighting the ongoing negotiation between traditional conservative principles and the demands of modern governance. Arguably, it failed in the last century's first quarter like it did in the previous decade and a half.
Current Challenges: Confronting Child Poverty
As Labour approaches the centenary of its first government, the failure of Cameron's philanthropic conservatism means a labour government still faces the daunting challenge of child poverty. Recent statistics are alarming: In 2021-2022, 4.2 million children, or 29% of all children in England and Wales, were living in poverty. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for policies that address the root causes of poverty and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all children.
Revisiting Labour's Core Mission: A Path Forward
What am I driving at with this historical reflection? As I ponder, it becomes clear that Labour must return to its foundational ethos, much like the social and political pioneers of a century ago.
Adapting to a Changing World
Life's essence lies in our ability to grow, learn, and adapt. In an imminent future where automation and AI have transformed the job landscape, the remaining work will predominantly require emotional intelligence and creative problem-solving skills. For individuals to thrive in this new world of robots and automated systems, they need healthy bodies and minds open to continuous learning and cognitive engagement, especially in an era increasingly influenced by AI.
The Struggle of the Marginalised
Maintaining an open and adaptive mindset is challenging when basic needs are unmet. Focusing on personal growth and learning is difficult when one's primary concerns are securing the next meal or staying warm. This reality underscores the importance of addressing fundamental needs as a precursor to educational and intellectual development.
Labour's Role in Shaping the Future
Labour must articulate its vision as effectively as its forebears did a century ago. This involves bridging the gap between health and education policies and asserting access to information as a fundamental right, not a privilege. As we march towards a future shaped by technological advances, Labour's commitment should be to ensure that every individual, irrespective of their background, has the opportunity to participate meaningfully in this evolving landscape.
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Reading
As we observe Safer Gambling Week, Jacob Goldstein's "Money: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing" is a particularly apt read. This book takes us through the evolution of money.
A notable anecdote features John Law, a 17th-century Scottish-Frecnh econmist with a penchant for gambling. His grasp of Blaise Pascal's probability theory unexpectedly shaped the French economy.
Goldstein holds your attention with the story of probability theory's birth, crucial to modern finance. These tales, combined with his storytelling flair, illuminate the complexities of economics in a relatable manner.
"Money" is a unique blend of history, economics, and engaging anecdotes. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between risk, finance, and human decision-making, especially pertinent during Safer Gambling Week!
Watching
Netflix: Killer. Hitman messes a mission, his employers attack is girlfriend trying to kill him, which is a big mistake on their part. Hitman sorts it out, then retires. It’s too slow and you don’t need to watch it now that I’ve spoilt it for you anyway. Stick to Spider-Man 2!
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I'd love to know your favourite games of all-time! I have just managed to finally convince my girlfriend to try mine: the two Knights of the Old Republic games. Twenty years old this year, and somewhat dated in graphics and battle but the story still holds up brilliantly.