I began reading ... the-power-of-the-powerless by Václav Havel
The essential aims of life are present naturally in every person.
In everyone there is some longing for humanitys rightful dignity,
for moral integrity, for free expression of being and a sense of transcendence over the world of existence. Yet, at the same time, each
person is capable, to a greater or lesser degree, of coming to terms
with living within the lie. Each person somehow succumbs to a
profane trivialization of his inherent humanity, and to utilitarianism. In everyone there is some willingness to merge with the anonymous crowd and to flow comfortably along with it down the river of
pseudolife. This is much more than a simple conflict between two
identities. It is something far worse: it is a challenge to the very
notion of identity itself.
I started reading this book. You can find a pdf version here
It discusses the, “posttotalitarian system", a concept of a more systematic style of totalitarian systematic rule.
I have gotten a quarter of the way through and I'm finding some highly enlightening passages (such as the quote above).
... and I played some XCOM 2
I picked up XCOM 2 during one of EPIC Games freebies. They have had some amazing free games available for a short time.
The Earth is under alien control. You function as an underground Special Operations trying to undermine them.
It is a turn based tactics game.
I play with the "Ironside" mode. This mode means that your game situation is permanent. One wrong move, and KABLAMMY, you're toast!
And so I have had to begin 6 times. I do really well for 3-4 missions. Then all it takes is one bad move. My experienced team dies. Heartbreak.
The way the game uses the voice overs, the painful cries, the panick, the dread, the ominious doom, makes you distraught, in a way, that a good game does.
You build your base, scan operating areas around the planet, upgrade units, research new technology & undertake missions.
Soon, I will retry a new game. This time I will be more cautious ... until, I'm not.
... and made some mask line
I'm trialing using old masks to make a string line for beans & peas to climb upon. I'm thinking two lines horizontal & then a series of vertical lines above each plant.
It's going to be a bit windy and rainy of the coming days. That way I can see how it holds up during enclement weather.
... looking at the new Pfizzer document relase
I'm intrigued that a group of professionals fought to have the documents released. The FDA, and Pfizzer, wanted them locked from the public for 50+ years. Fortunately, a court said that it was in the public interest.
You can find a link to the docs here
The new batch of docs are nothing overly enlightening. Although, my nerd side loves seeing all of the different kinds of documents.
I've found the most compelling document, here. Especially, pages 30-39. Also, there are some amazing insights, and for the timeframe it was written, information that the public should have known to be able to give Informed Consent.
Splinterlands
I've been dabbling alot more with the new format of Splinterlands.
It seems to be making a bit more sense to me, and how I should play, based on my personality and lifestyle.
There seems to be a definate need to invest time battling. However, you also need to balance you DEC capture rate %.
This weekend I gave myself a better tempo. Especially, when you start losing several battles in a row.
My son,12 years old, now has a Splinterlands account too. I can slowly drip feed him more information about crypto and Hive. He is an avid gamer and laughs at my Splinterlands frustrations with delight. He already has played with my account a few times & gives me his "pro tips" on what I should play.
Mostly wraps up my weekend...
I visited my parents, my uncle was there visiting, so we had a good 'ol chat. Then there's general taxi-ing around, domestic duties, chit chats and normal daily chaos and mirthdom.