Shmideo Games

I have often complained about video games to Chad, and I do have my reasons, but I'm not completely anti-Xbox.

My biggest complaint with video games is that I suck at them. Seriously. I must have terrible hand eye coordination. (Chad can't be much better since I'm the Dr. Mario champion of the house- Ha ha!). I tend to win only at games like Tetrus. And I like to win so I don't play many other video games.

One of my lesser complaints is how much time people spend on something so brain-numbing. Gamers (and certain teenagers and husbands) will play video games for hours and hours. How can that be any more stimulating than watching TV for hours and hours? Does anyone think watching TV for hours and hours is okay? (unless, of course, there's a Lost marathon playing). 

It's obvious that most kids these days don't get enough physical activity. Computers and video games are just another reason for kids to be sedentary. When I was growing up we played outside nearly every day. Whatever happened to playing pick up games of kick ball in the street?  Or building "club houses" from old wood scraps?

Times have changed, and while there are things that really bother me about video games, it's not all bad. The Wii phenomenon has proven that video games CAN be more physically interactive, which is great. We don't own a Wii, but I've played at friends homes and had a blast boxing with Chad and throwing spit balls at teachers. I would love to get one someday.  I've also come to realize that playing video games can be a great family bonding time, just like a good old-fashioned board game. Of course maybe I'm just old-fashioned because I still prefer board games. Now there's something I can win at. Anyone up for a game of Scrabble? Chad?...

Video Games

I fear this may open up a can of worms.  For those of you expecting Rebecca and I to have an online argument each time we post here, sorry, we hope to not do that.  Our goal is to just offer our opinion on various topics and sound off each other.  Obviously, we have different opinions, and perspectives, and somehow we try to make them mesh into a family.  When the different opinions do rise, well, I usually get my way because I am the man.  (jab jab)

So I wanted to start a little discussion for input from all who read about video games.  I love video games and think there is nothing wrong with having them as a part of your life.  I still play video games quite regularly.  (I am on my fourth dynasty season with the Green Bay Packers on Madden 07, I need one more win out of the next 3 to secure my spot as a wildcard team for the playoffs).  I love shoot em up games.  I do not think that video games are to be blamed for kids being to violent or aggressive in real life.  I blame parents for not teaching their kids a little more about reality versus fantasy and video games.  

That said, I do get very annoyed with the kids that do nothing but play video games.  It frustrates me to no end when my scouts stay home from an activity to play Halo with their friends.  Video games are fun, great, and entertaining, but when I played video games it was because it was raining outside or my friends were grounded.  It was a third or fourth choice after other options didn't pan out.  It seems today's kids use it as option number one.  I blame the parents for this one too.  Teach the kids to be creative and active.  Get outside and see what color the neighbors house is.  A great opportunity to do this would be while you are toilet papering their house, unless I am your neighbor. 

My whole point of this is two fold:  one- to share my opinion that there is nothing wrong with a little hand eye coordination training on the Xbox, two- it is sad to me that parents leave the teaching of their kids to a computer or something other than themselves.  Anyone want to play some Techmo Bowl?

One last thought on books

Okay, so I have the book Endurance, that Chad referred too, and it has been sitting on my night stand for about 2-3 years now and I just cannot bring myself to read it. Chad recommended it to me and I know what it's about, and frankly it doesn't sound fun. Just so you know where I'm coming from, I'll give you a quick synopsis. It's a non-fiction story about a boatful of guys who decide to go explore the north pole (or some extremely cold place like that) and they get shipwrecked and have to live off of penguins and seals for months and months til they are rescued. It's an amazing story because they all survive (I think...correct me if I'm wrong Chad). But seriously, reading about months and months of being stranded in arctic temperatures sounds depressing. And cold.

And now a note to Chad:

You're not being ganged up on. Everyone just realizes that my opinion is the right one. Now go make the kids some lunch. I'm busy reading.

More On Books

Chad Says:
Ok, well, I also read for entertainment, not sure how that was even brought up as an issue. I also think it is entertaining to read things that educate. How is that not entertainment? I didn't say I like to read things that require me to figure out long story problems or anything that requires major thinking. Though, if additional research is required, all the better. I remember reading a book called Endurance, and there was a lot of ship jargon in the book that required some additional research to learn what the terms meant. That was fine with me. Anyway, like I said, I am not asking anyone to stop reading, but in Rebecca's case, even if she cut back half of it, she would still be reading a book every 3 days.


Anyway, it appears the comments so far are for Rebecca. However, I feel a little outnumbered here because it seems the blog world is predominantly female. You stay at home mom's are ganging up on me! I like the blogging world because I feel it helps me maintain my writing skills. I have always enjoyed writing, that's why I majored in it.


To sum up my thoughts on books: I love to read. I love good books. In my opinion, good books are mostly non fiction books. Historical. Factual. I love that Rebecca enjoys reading. I am not trying to choose any books for anyone, all I want to say is when you pick up a book, its okay to set it down before you read every page!

Book Reading

Chad:

I love to read books. I love the knowledge gleaned from reading. Lately, I have read a lot of non-fiction books. I feel my time is better spent reading about things that actually occurred at one point. I have not had any interest in Harry Potter, Mormon Vampire books (Twilight), or others in the same category. I am sure they are well written, but there is just something within me that keeps from opening these books. I prefer to be inspired, like when you read about the soldiers from World War I and II era. (If you want a definition of hero, read about Easy Company from the 101st Airborne from WWII.)

Anyway, my reason for bringing up this topic is to talk about reading habits. Why does reading take over all other aspects of life for some people? Rebecca included. I understand that once in a while a book is so intense that you can't put it down...but every book? Rebecca reads cover to cover with few breaks and interruptions. There is also "few" interactions with the rest of her surroundings, from starving husband and kids to phone calls. A book does not have to be consumed in a matter of days. The words are permanent, they are not going anywhere, spread it out a little. I know you are going for the 52 books in 52 weeks thing, and I think that is cool, but aren't you at 90 now?

Rebecca:

Yeah, that was a little accusatory.

But guess what? I'm actually gonna agree with you on this one. Guitly as charged! Sorry about the neglect, but when I have a choice between a hot vampire and doing the dishes...well, you know which one I'm going to choose.

As for the type of books I prefer to read, there is a reason I prefer them. I read for entertainment. If a book doesn't interest methen I have no desire to read it. I like to be enlightened, but I don't like to be depressed. I like books that make me think, but I also like books that don't make me think too much. I definitely don't want to be bored. It's pretty subjective, I know, but aren't everybody's reading preferences?