Putting bad health and bad grades to bed.

Studies show that today children are getting less sleep than they used to over the past century and evidence shows that this lack of sleep is causing problems in brain development, learning disabilities, and ADHD.

In this day and age we have so many distractions that inhibit our everyday activities such as spending time with the one’s children, school work, driving skills, and work as well. “It’s not about being crabby or ‘zoned out’ the next day…” says Tom Ashbrook (Ashbrook, 2007), and goes on to discuss other issues lack of sleep may cause.

Just think about it, when you get home what is the last thing you do before you go to bed? For most it is starting at the computer screen, watching an episode of your favorite TV show, or playing one more round on that X-Box game. These things did not exist thirty years ago and henceforth we had no problems, but now with all the existing technological recreations we easily overlook the importance of a good night’s sleep.

I for one can vouch for this. In fact, this topic was discussed on NPR and I called in. Furthermore, my call was taken and I was interviewed by Tom Ashbrook himself. In my short segment, I discussed the issue that the reasoning behind me staying up late plays a part in the fact that I’m simply not tired. I have these computer games that negate my tiredness and I find myself waking up after sometimes only as little as four hours of sleep. “Addicted to staying up late”, seems to be my issue as it is with many others (Martin, 2007). The solution to this is play the games, watch the TV, or use FaceBook earlier in the day then when it’s a little before bedtime do something relaxing that may inhibit you to get some rest. So, shutoff the TV, shutdown the computer, and turn off the X-Box and grab a book instead when you’re getting ready for bed.

You can find me 12 minutes into the interview with Tom Ashbrook:

mms://realserver.bu.edu:554/w/b/wbur/onpoint/2007/10/op_1015b.wma

WTB 36 hour days

I am in desperate need of 36 hour days. I only have time to do things that need to be done and barely any time for things I want to do. I got a huge test this weekend and I've been looking over the books to cram every ounce of knowledge in but I can't help to think about the Kara run that's going on right now. Girlfriend is mad at me because I don't spend enough time, the Dukes are mad because I don't spend time with them, my guild is mad because I don't log on enough, I'm poor, my vehicles are all busted up, and my back hurts like hell. What I would give to "Tivo" my life about 3 years from now. But yea,

[2. Trade] [Maedis]: WTS +12 stam to boots, my mats 10g
[2. Trade] [Westwood]: WTB 36 Hour Days; PST
[4. LookingForGroup] [Morise]: LFG Mech
[1. General] [Warwick]: when is the patch comin out??

Raiding Reborn

Welp, last night I re-entered the raiding scene. Myself and 9 others entered Karazhan, my first time doing so. But, of course Blizzard had to completely screw player's ability to get inside due to "technical difficulties". Nonetheless, we got started late and downed 3 bosses. Since my play time has been drastically cut, this seems like its going to become a weekly thing instead of a daily routine. But, it felt great to be drinking my Dews, eating my Chip-A-Hoy, and talking to my friends over vent. Ahhhhhh, so is the life of a PC gamer.

What is Balance?

No, I'm not talking about the talent tree for druids. I'm talking about balance in general. Sure, its great to be able to log an 8 hour day here and there, but some people take this liberty way too often. In fact, one of the tips when loading World of Wacraft reads "Remember to take everything into moderation (even World of Warcraft)". This is so true or you may end up in despair years down the road.

After reading my blogs you may come to the conclusion that I spend all my time in front of my screen. This is not the case at all. I have a wonderful girlfriend, an all-right job, a great family, a Jeep that needs all the attention and money I can muster, and a dog (a Pug) that gets treated better than most children.

The main focal point of today's post is to succumb to the understanding that not everything comes down to shiny pixelated armor. In fact, those that do game try to do something that you may thank me for later. Shut down your computer, turn off your cell phone, and unplug your television for, one. Whole. Day. See if you can do it. Spend a day with your significant loved one, go ride a bike, or go fishing. But most off all, put your virtual life on hold for one entire day. In a few weeks I got an awesome weekend planned with my girlfriend that will involve no cell phones, absolutley no computer, and minimal TV. I am looking so forward to it.

Ending on that note, I shall return to reading the Hellgate London forums. Have a great day.

What's coming?

Whelp, as long as there are computers and people to use them there will be new games being released. Let's take a look at what coming out:

• Borderlands - Supposedly its a mix between the typical FPS and Diablo. If its anything like Diablo I'm sure it will last.
• Hellgate London (http://www.hellgatelondon.com/) - A few guys from work got their Beta key. I did not. Lots and lots of hype with this one. Been browsing around the site and it seems like a really mass slaying game. Game design looks kick ass. I definitely suggest to keep an eye on this one
• Warhammer Online - Hype, hype, hype, hype, and more HYPE. People say that this game will "kill World of Warcraft" but I doubt that. I'm sure it will improve in some aspects. But Blizzard has done a damn fine job on WoW as it is. I'm sure Warhammer will just offer the same thing Blizzard has only with a different flavor. We'll have to see.

The future of gaming is just getting more and more intense it seems. But, gaming right now will certainly be on a lull right now due to Halo 3 being released last midnight. We'll have to see how it all plays out.

Where to Begin?

So, where to begin? I sit here staring at a blinking vertical line where the future has yet to be written.

Let's start off by talking gaming. And, since this is my blog, we're going to talk specifically PC gaming. All you console bastards stick to your controllers; this is for the people who enjoy having 101 keys as opposed to the typical 12 or so keys.From single player First Person Shooters (FPS) games to multiplayer Mass Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs) it is at our finger tips of choosing what to play. Maybe it’s both. For us, is what we want to play, to others its "WHY THE HELL DO YOU SPEND SO MUCH TIME STARING AT THAT FOOLISH COMPUTER SCREEN!". Well, here’s you answer:

• It’s fun
  
• It can be cheap
  
• Instead of holding my attention for about 2 minutes like a book, I can, and have, play the same game for 4 or more years
  
• Its interactive
  
• I get share ideas with the virtual world
  
• I can use my imagination
  
• When I get pissed at it, I can go off and score a few headshots
  
• Teaches me about how game economics work
  

So there’s your answer. Quit the bickering and let me play. Yes, I'm going to sit here for the next 7 hours and play World of Warcraft. Why? Because that’s what I do.