As a free agent, I could easily join the social media trains and post my every meal or location to the world. I still care intensively about digital privacy and the looming aspect of things you say or do in the present impacting future accusation.
For now, I need to raise my head about the privacy line as I explore new job and business opportunities, but I don’t need to broadcast everything, so my mix of VPNs, TOR and Cloud hopping remains the same.
In the meantime, I’m experimenting with the WireGuard Protocol which seems to offer easier security audits. One of the primary design goals of the protocol is silence.
Exploring Post pandemic new VPN protocol WireGuard
Arriving at an empty Heathrow Airport was incredibly eerie and travelling on an empty Underground train reminded me of how Sundays used to be decades ago.
No tourist, no business folk, no commuters just the old worker…it was 11am.
In the meantime, I was so out of touch that I didn’t realise the Leader of the Labour Party had changed to some dude named Keir Hardie…who?
Timorously, I poke my head out into life in the UK like a timid rabbit…is it safe? No time for doubt, in fact now is the time to push ahead and be an early adopter of the new World. Of course, I’m missing the 2nd Raid and Season in Tom Clancy’s The Divison 2 with no temptation as my PS4 is in another country now..ho-hum.
Another gaming milestone for me or rather a key decision save point. With Last of Us II and the Division 2 Raid dropping this month I’m pondering on being a gaming spectator until PS5 arrives.
Option 1 – Jump into the Last of US II
Just remembering how brilliant and involved the first scene of Part I was fills me with so much anticipation. The drama, the soundtrack and the gameplay were first class. We have waited for months for the Division 2 second Raid and from what we know of the first Raid this one will no doubt be seriously tough and require teamwork, a mix of Builds (Damage, Skill, Healer and Tanks) and top-notch group communication, coordination and leadership skills.
And of course, there is always the Division Survival PvP Tournaments.
Option 2 – Play suspended until PS5
Being out of hardcore gaming for 5+ months is achievable, in fact, it’s been 12 days since I deleted Division 2 and my absence has been noted. The device is not with me and I can leave it in storage for months.
Play on: Benefits
Play suspended: Benefits
Rich social ecosystems, clans and communities
Enriched real-life relationships with non-gamers
First wave to complete the 2nd Wave and Last of US II story.
Proof that I’m not addicted
Cost / benefit analysis
Play on: Disbenefits
Play suspended: Disbenefits
Time investment: 10-20 hrs a week
Loss of entertainment
Degraded real-life relationships with non-gamers
Loss of escapism
Loss of Dopamine
Loss of real-time friendships
Cost / benefit analysis
Either way, the second-hand experiences of being that kid in the arcade that was always there but never play would be available through Twitch.tv, those who can’t game Watch.
With PS5 on the horizon, this could also be the perfect time for Play suspension as I’ll no doubt want to jump onto the hype train with the added benefit of purchase justification. After all “I haven’t played a game in 5 months”.
Any fan of AMC’s original series The Walking Dead will be taking note of the parallels to our current lockdown state. Restricted travel is bad enough but travel docs are now more critical than ever. From tomorrow, additional clearance is needed for anyone returning to the UK whether you are a National or Visitor. You are greeted by a horrendous warning if you try to renew your UK Passport from outside the country.
Normal service standards are currently suspended. We cannot confirm when a passport will be received, or when documents provided in support of an application will be returned.
Sunday 7th June 2020 UK Government – Passport renewals
Like the The Walking Dead we do not know the root cause of the outbreak and do not have a cure or vaccine….just don’t get bitten.
Re-inventing your character is a daunting yet a pleasure to re-boot. Let’s see who wins. For the first time in ages, I’ll need to rapidly assess people.
The Know-it-alls
The Passives
The Dictators
The “YES” people
The “NO” people
…and the Gripers
Truth is we all show these traits and they revolve and mutant depending on the season, circumstances and the environment. I’ve officially had to all clear…COVID-19 Negative. Now it’s time to pick up and prepare for the next season.
Preparing for another season
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