State of Denial

Wow. I think the picture says it all.



I actually got to listen to the second half of President Bush's State of the Union address. Quite interesting, I listened as much for the information (more on this...) and for the fact that this was his last one.



I really think Bill Day nailed it with this one. As much as I want to support our president (regardless of who it may be at the given moment), I think it's important that we understand their responsibility and the nature and reality of our current state.

Tiger's Roar

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a Tiger Woods fan.

I like him for more reasons than one. Let's see, he and I are both half-Thai (our moms!). He and I are both December babies. We both like golf. The similarities end there pretty much. Oh, he and I have dark hair. That's it.

Tiger just won his 62nd PGA tournament, tying him with Arnold Palmer on the all time list. Twenty more and he can surpass Sam Snead's 82 wins.

Is he that good? Damn right. Could he be better? Yes. And for that, it proves how good he is.

Of course, in the game, you drive it to the fairway, hit your approach onto the green and one- or two-putt for birdie or par. Tiger? Well, for not hitting into the fairway as often as he should, he still laps the competition. If you've never hit a golf ball from the rough, try it. Now, get your ball to stick the green. Under PGA conditions. With the entire hold stacked four deep with spectators. For a million dollar check. That's when reality hits. I'm still waiting for Tiger to repeat his Tiger Slam, holding all four trophys at one time.

Perhaps someone will mention, "Well, if Tiger is so good, then how come he doesn't talk more with the press?" I think that stars of any venue, whether it be sports, acting, singing, or any other notoriety, should be courteous to their fan base and supportive of the press that feeds that base. I also can only imagine how difficult it could be with the current state of the paparazzi and how any and everything is blown up to effect drama. While I would love to read more about Tiger, or even just watch an interview with him, I understand his take on the media's sometimes motives about creating drama.

Oh well. Keep up the good work Tiger.

Simplest of Things

Today, my 7-year-old and I had a bit of a father-son day. How nice it was.

It's not often I go into the city, so doing so can be a treat. On this particular occasion, it was a student holiday so my son and I had the day to make whatever we wanted to. Earlier in the week, I made an eye appointment and from there, the fates would draw us.

Dylan was especially attentive and inquisitive in the optometrist's office. Before Dr. Nguyen came into the room, he and I literally examined the various tools used to examine the eyes and ascertain the needed prescription. He would ask about a tools function, and I would do my best to describe it.

Our next stop was to feed our hedonistic and machismo-driven male selves, Best Buy. I love going there, and to have my son ask to go there is a guilty pleasure "Sure son. We can do that."
We didn't spend too much money, but picking up both copies of Star Wars: Clone Wars was especially sweet. Report cards came out this week; having an A average has it's rewards.

Following that digital high, we went to feed our stomachs. The Longhorn Cafe, a local joint, has a really nice atmosphere and great food. Not too pricey, but fair for the quality of eats. Check it out.

Stuffed with good eats and unable to take a nap, we ventured onwards. To sum it up, we did stop at another electronics store, bought some glow in the dark paint, and picked up a snack and drinks.

Why is this worth writing about? Most of the time, we do things as a family. Often, expecially this time of the year, I'm quite occupied (mentally and physically) with coaching duties and work. That's not fair for my family, especially my growing boys. A day like today really renews our bonds, but more so puts into perspective what my priorities are and what they should be.

How often do we become precoccupied with "important" things? How much does it cost to take a quick trip to the ice cream shop, the park, or even a leisurely drive around the neighborhood? I'm sure anyone can spout off some quote of X dollars, but what do you get in return? The simplest things in life can't be priced.

You child's laughter at one of your cheesiest jokes, a tight squeeze of the hands and you walk across the street or parking lot, a sincere "Thank you, Daddy", a nuzzle in the tummy of your infant child to evoke a gaggle of giggles. Days like today happen often, but I'm guilty of not taking advantage of them. Go hug your special ones; tell the ones that matter "Thanks" and that you love them. Make that call that you've been putting off for two weeks. Now is the best time. It always is.

How to Play "Let's Go Band" in the Middle of the Street - Chapter 1: The Introduction

Do you remember when...?

It's so easy for most people to finish that statement and drift away into Reminisce Cove. You think about all those little [insert plural noun] that would always [insert colorful verb], and how [insert "crazy" person] would just [insert another colorful verb]. I don't think that it matters much if you grew up in a city or small town, there are always instances that form those memories. I'd bet that any person could write a million pages just on their youth and how it helped shaped who they became.

For me, I'm thinking about the first time I met him. I'd seen him in Mrs. Hastedt's class many times. He only sat a few desks away, with his light orange colored plastic clamshell box. Totally different from what the rest of us had: hard cardboard boxes that tore after two weeks. We really didn't talk much that year, or even the next few years after. It wasn't until Mrs. Stevens' class that our friendship would begin.

Mrs. Stevens' is perhaps the most pivotal teacher in my life. I'm sure most everyone has one of those. If you don't, I'm truly sorry. She was able to convey to me so many lessons in life and academia that it would truly cloud your mind with curiosity and drive. Perhaps I also liked her class as I shared it with a number of others, who like me, had similar study habits: smart students who truly disliked and were too good for homework. It seemed as if Sugie, ReShawn, Kris, and I would always not have our homework. And would you know it? Mrs. Stevens always found time to call our parents and let them know of our transgressions.

It was one day early in the school year that Kris and I just were talking about nothing in particular. As our time ran out, we wanted to continue it after school. As I didn't have to be home at any particular time, I decided to walk with Kris to his house. A nice walk, we talked about pretty much everything important to us at that time: bands and music, Band class, girls, candy, and water guns. We made an obligatory pit stop at Winn's and continued onward. What struck me most was arriving at his house: he had a really cool looking Frankenstein monster bust on the porch. Super cool! As we approached, his mother was waiting. She had a bit of a scowl on her face, and after talking briefly with Kris, looked to me and said, "David, I'm sorry, but you're going to have to go home. Kris is still grounded, and he should have told you. Maybe you can come over again some other time." Dejected, I began the long walk back to my house.

Next time: Love for Guns

The Cost of Winning

A what point does winning take priority? When does the application of rules need to be considered? I ask all of this after reading this simple yet introspective incident about a Muslim DC runner who was recently disqualified.

Now obviously there's two points to consider. The runner's and her family/friends; and, those whoe are competinging or are completely removed from the situation (this does raise some hair splits, but I'll get into that in a bit).

Juashaunna Kelly is a Senior long distance runner, with the best 1-mile and 2-mile times in the city, runs with a balaclava-type outfit (think cat-suit with a hood) that she made into half and half school colors. She wears this entirely under her school provided running outfit. The big deal? Kelly was DQ'ed at the Montgomery Invitational. Still don't get it? This race was essentially her ticket into the Collegiate Inviational in New York, a haven for college running recruitment (only the top runner make it here, so...). Why her DQ? The outfit didn't conform to the rules established by National Federation of State High School Associations. Kelly states that she has "been wearing this for three years, and I've never had a [problem]. ..I ran [here] last year without a problem". While meet officials state that they must have overlooked it last year, Kelly's mother Sarah Kelly points out, "How can you miss it? [She's the one in] orange and blue...and the fastest time."

An athlete is competing against you and your team. This athelte is quite talented. Fortunately for you and your team, you know she is in violation of the dress code standards for the race. You turn her in. Quite a scenario, right? Perhaps a bit over dramatic, but I don't understand how this became an issue this year, and not previously. I'd wager that a coach brought this up, and wouldn't budge on the issue. A DQ is a serious step. It is mentioned that the officials did explain/give Kelly her options before the DQ, but this itself comes across quite unclear in all the various reports and interviews. A DQ was the penalty prescribed by the rules, but was it too strict?

I think in the end, it was. Sure, a DQ was the ultimate penalty, but what serious competitor wants to win because the competition couldn't compete? Oh, you could say that that option was there. Was it, considering her religious beliefs? Did the bodysuit give a competitive advantage? No. I think because of this (again, it provided her a means to compete without a competitive edge while following her religious beliefs) certain considerations could have been afforded. There was no money at stake; she's proven herself a capable runner with top times this competitive season. In the end. what was the result? Sure another runner won (which wasn't reported on the national wire), but the tournament and its directors got bad press, and various outlets get to cry outrage at this travesty. That's what it is: shortchange the kid who is really good, a bit different, and "Oh hey, they are breaking this small rule; let's get 'em!". I'm sure there are those that may disagree. "Follow the rules; no exceptions. Period."

Interesting counterpoint? Well, check back later for a follow up.

Teeth

Perhaps one the most interesting premises, I read about a movie.

Teeth is about a young lady who, well, has teeth, in her, er...um...nether regions. As she get's older, this difference becomes a tool for those that "deserve their comeuppance". A novel idea, I remember, being the typical perverted and dumb teenage male, joking about something like this and how it would make relations or even the attempt at them.

So, while this movie is classified as a horror movie, it's more than that. Yes, a bit campy, but sometimes movies that empower women (albeit it with vagina dentata) is always an interesting view for me. In this case, the entire premise lures me to want to buy it when it comes out on DVD. I would imagine this being a cult hit, kind of like Shaun of the Dead. I liked it for all it's darker humor and well, scariness that was fun.

If you get a chance, check it out. Enjoy it for what it is: a fun film, provoking a bit of humorous thought about the possibilities of what-if, and a bit of campy gore for those of you seeking that. It's all about having a bit of fun and conversations afterwards. Imagine getting a coffee afterwards and talking about it. The one scene that might just provoke the most conversation is her visit to the Ob-Gyn. Women of the world, I respect you and all that you contribute to this world. I can only hope that my wife never comes down with this.

Teeth's home page can be found here. It opens in LA and New York today.

Opposed & Juxtaposed: Video Gaming or Reading

This is a tough one. Coming from an English teacher who loves ebonics in an informal atmosphere, I do find myself somewhat conflicted.

I can't remember not liking reading. Ever since I could waste time away without supervision, I remember climbing upon that porcelean throne to take care of my daily business with a copy of Frog and Toad. That was some good reading at that time. Since then, I've read so many good books, I could probably go back through them the rest of my life. Books have been integral in the life I've lived thus.

I remember also another time. We stopped in a mall in Houston, my dad ran inside an electronics store and came out with a big box. That box would garner my attention for the hour-long ride home. Seeing all those vivid colors, the excitement in the eyes of the players, the big and bold letters spelling out "Odyssey". It was tantalizing. Since then, games have been part of my life, whether playing simple word based strategy games (think Zork) up to the the current Wii's Super Mario Galaxy. As I've grown and developed, so have the games available to play.

So the question that Kris and I have posed for this week: Which is more wasteful, video gaming or reading?

With my history, I automatically want to say video gaming. Why? Shouldn't that be obvious? It should shouldn't it. Okay, so right now, think of five reasons why video gaming is wasteful. Did you come up with five? Were they seriously good? Because everyone automatically assumes that because it's video games, it's a waste of time. C'mon people; don't be so trite.

There are a lot of things that can be wastes of time: NASCAR (wow, that's a big one there), gardening (don't those plants die anyways?), making your bed EVERY day (won't it get messed up anyway?), cruising or driving around (have you bought gas lately?), and even eating out (doesn't your kitchen work? can't you bring your lunch? do I need to go on?). The point: Anything without an absolute reason is wasteful. Ah, but what is that absolute reason? Well, it's kind of like having to wear khakis to work. I have to, so buying them isn't a waste. Arguably, buying jeans would be under this logic. But, hobbies of any kind are, under this logic, a waste of time. There is no return. And, unless your doctor says that you have to do it or you will die, then there isn't a reason that isn't wasteful for it.

Now that I've offended you and you are still reading, consider this: What is important to you? Go ahead, I'll wait for those of you in the back to consider it. Ready? Okay.

You value system, priorties, and beliefs drive you to make the choices and decision every day. Coffee, water, tea or soda? As you decide, you consider cost, benefit (caffeine, health, calories, etc.) and even convenience (is it going to spill, etc.). Those that celebrate Ramadan fast during daylight hours. No choice for those Muslim observers. You may remember those kitschy little bracelets and bumper stickers that proclaimed "W.W.J.D."? Well, what would He do? Does that help you equate your decisions? The point here is your values are just that: Valued. They give that sense of worth to any and all that you hold in higher esteem. Society has so-called norms that people should follow (and there's many that I agree with and others that I disagree with) and vice-versa. Do you or don't you?

Video games are plain fun. Hedonistic even. An outlet for almost any type of adventure out there. Want to race? Pillage and plunder? Steal cars and motorcycles? Explore the galaxy for your princess? Play with a digital animal? Relive battles of yore? This can all be done in the video gaming realm. Wasteful, absolutely. And absolutely not.

Video games came about initially not as a time waster, but as a challenge for the programmers to develop an interactive program. Games were just interesting. As the demand and interest grew, the challenge continue to grow. Not only for programmers (and the blooming computer industry, but that's another whole entry there), but for gamers: the challenge of conquering the game. Could you flip the game? As games develop in complexity, so did the rewards for gaming. Consider this: when was the last time you played a simple platform game? Did you have any difficulty solving the various tasks? Did you complete the game at all? Now, consider the more complex games that involve serious timing, coordination, problem solving, and atypical thinking. Games offer that: higher level thinking skills. In fact, in a study funded by Microsoft, found numerous benefits.

After two and a half years, Global Kids is delighted to release the results of the independent evaluation by the Center for Children and Technology of both Playing 4 Keeps, our after school gaming program, and Ayiti, the game produced with Gamelab during the first year of the program. For the evaluation CCT observed the program and interviewed the students. To evaluate the game they looked at the results of nearly 16,000 game plays.

Download the full report here:

In short, when we made Ayiti we wanted to learn if players would learn if the factors affecting access to education within an impoverished condition are both interdependent and exist within a dynamic system. CCT’s research found that “the central idea embedded in the game play, that no single factor accounts for success, appears to have been successfully communicated to the majority of players.”

Bingo!

In addition, they describe how youth report that through their participation in the after school program their experiences involved:

* Engaging in activities that require useful life skills related to communication and collaboration; Learning about social issues; Realizing what goes into designing and creating a good game; and Gaining general computers skills.

A gaming program that improves the lives of its participants and creates a game that has a measurable affect on the critical thinking of its players AND is an award-winning, engaging experience - nice!

Source: The Evil Number 27's Occaisional Bivouac, Link

So, is video gaming better than reading? Haven't you been reading? No it's not. Both are beneficial in their own intrinsic way. Reading promotes literacy (which is absolutely irreplaceable). Reading expands knowledge. Reading encourages the development of creativity and imagination (Say it ala Spongebob, "Imagination!"). Reading is a valuable tool in any war, global or figurative. We cannot continue as a successful species with literacy.

Video gaming is a modern day evolutionary device. Consider that the first printed book is about 600 years old, and hand-written books in codex form (taking sheafs of paper then folding in half, fastening at the fold) date to the fourth century AD. Books have a history that video games cannot compete equally with. Video games offer a variety of benefits that parallel books in certain, and surpass in a few others. The appeal of video games in modern times barely supercedes that of books, but the cost of them can be prohibitively expensive.

So the answer to the question is simply this: Neither are a waste. I've seen kids waste away into solidarity and recluse by constant and absolute reading. I've seen the same from active gamers who only have friends via Massive Multiplayer Online (MMOs) games. I've seen productive kids come from both. Typically, moderation is demonstrated to get the best results. I like both and will continue both.

Collaborative Efforts: Opposed & Juxtaposed

In an effort to perhaps expand our writing horizons and encourage the exchange of free thoughts and opinions, my longtime friend and fellow blogger K.A. Denby and I have joined cahoots to bring you a new section to each of our blogs: Opposed & Juxtaposed.

It's an opportunity for us to take a look at what's going on in the world (be it globally or even just our little sliver of it) and comment and argue about all that's good, well, silly, wasteful, and just plain there. Sometimes, we agree, but sometimes we don't. Sometimes, there's only the partial agreement and others there's more. Hopefully, you enjoy it. If not, then your tastes will improve the more you come back.

This week's and our first topic: Which is more wasteful: Video Gaming or Pleasure Reading? The grounds on this topic are that while video gaming is easily considered "a gigantic time drain". The counter point is that couldn't reading "fiction for simple pleaseure be the same?". Kris will be taking the high road on this, opining his take on the value of reading for pleasure; while I will take the modern time vacuum that is gaming.

Wii Rocked My House

Christmas was pretty good this year.

• The boy and I received a Wii this year. Yes, it was more for him, but he and I get joy out of it together. So here's the review/synopsis/ whatever you want to call it. If you don't want to read anymore, then scroll down.

• First, let's talk about aesthitics. Now, I know that many would argue about it being white, but they will get over it. It's quite elegent, in a sublte and simplified way. You can set it up vertically (as in the pic) or horizontally (as I usually do when on the go). Clean and simple, that's something that appeals to me. When you have a message, a blue light will glow indicating that (very nice, I have to get more messages in teh future); otherwise, no blue light. The controlls are again simple and clean. Everything pretty much fits intuitively in your hand. My son's hands are a bit smaller, but this isn't too bad really. Perhaps the only thing that I don't like (a small niggle...) is on the stand, there are two half-circles that reach out on the sides (you can't see them in the pic, but they are there). I think that this would limit some of the places you may want to put the Wii, but at the same time, if it were without them two things would happen: 1) the stand would be less stable (a bad thing); and, 2) you would probably put the Wii in areas that wouldn't allow it to breathe well enough to avoid overheating.

• Now, let's talk about graphics and gameplay. Actually, let's clear the air now about graphics. As many may well be aware of, the Wii lacks on the graphics side of the gaming console war. It will not display in HD, does not support 1080p. Done, that's it, do not pass go, do not collect $200. It's been established...And, yet people continue to bring this up. Obviously, it's not a priority for my son or me, so it doesn't bother us. If you are bothered by what many call "last-gen graphics), then purchase an XBox 360 or a Playstation 3. Both are great systems and support the higher definition graphics. But this isn't about those two. The Wii shines in regards to innovative gameplay. Yadda yadda yadda (Thank you, Elaine Benes!); I'm sure taht we've all heard this speil, but you haven't played Madden until you actually throw a football to the endzone via a frozen rope or literally thrown a stiff arm and broken two tackles for that pivotal first down. There are a great many games that require you to perform through specific movements to acomplish a task. For example, the included game Wii Sports is perhaps one of best to illustrate this. Bowling is perhaps my favorite on their (and this coming from a golf freak!) and your timing, force, and spin all must correlate in order to throw that deliberate strike. Simply put: the Wii actually enables you to experience that game in a manner that paralells virtual reality. When you move, so does your charcter; when you swing, so does your character. Is it perfect? Not yet. But in my twenty-five years of gaming (started with the Magavox Odyssey) this console really innovated and brought back the attention to game play. You can't help but pain your cheeks from all the smiling that occurs when you play. Don't even bring up group or party game play. It's truly a lollapalooza of the gaming consoles right now.

• Costs and value are next, because that's all I've got left to say about it (at least for now). Is it worth it? Well, I've listed below costs from amazon.com (prices current 01-14-07) for comparison purposes.

• Nintendo Wii + Second Controller + Second Nunchuck + Madden 08 = $360.00 (nearest USD)
• XBox 360 (20GB w/HDMI) + Controller + Madden 08 = $441.97 USD
• Sony Playstation 3 (40GB) + Six-Axis Controller + Madden 08 = $493.97 USD

• I guess it comes down to your particular lifestyle and priorities. When I came into my own (emancipated, not "mommy and daddy" buying me stuff), I had a PSOne and loved it...until it was stolen from my house. Bastards...oh, okay. Anyway, cost has ALWAYS been an issue. I believe that anyone who says otherwise isn't living in the real world (teenagers, this could very well be you) or have too much money to blow (again, this may very well be overprivileged teens). Cost is real world and for me, if it costs too much, it ain't worth it. Period. Now, sometimes cost is up there and you have to save. Value is perceived in the beholder. I'm a married father of two. I'm a public servant. With a mortgage. And a golf habit (I'm jonesing now...). I don't have the luxury, nay the privilege of dropping five bills on video games (plus another bill on taxes alone). If you're lifestyle permits you this oppportunity, then by all means. But do you get your money's worth? I can't comment on that, as I believe the other systems have their merits. 360 has arguable one of the best libraries (especially if you like shooters; Forza Motorsport would take care of my fix in so many ways). PS3 is so righteous in so many ways: expanding library and Blu-Ray (This benefit alone is the one reason I contemplate purchasing one within the next eighteen months).

• But in the end, I didn't settle for the Wii; I chose it. I liked the library, the interface, the extra benefits (online slowly coming along, internet browsing, messaging, actual activity beyond button pushing). My wife, who is without a doubt, the most non-gamer out there, can play most of these games without reading or having the attuned skills of typical gamers. And, she can have fun doing it.

• Isn't that the whole purpose of this?