Go and Risk

I'm actually talking about two board games here. Go, and Risk. They are both excellent strategy games that I've recently taken up with my girlfriend. She has a brilliant mind, and I've had a hard time beating her!

Both have intense amounts of strategy, but Go is simple to learn, and predates Risk by centuries. Literally older than chess, this ancient asian game has been played by years, and has still never lost it's charm. Risk, is far newer, but brings a different twist on the theme of capturing territories.

In Go, you play pieces to capture your enemies stones, and to surround as much territory as possible. Whoever controls the most, wins. Risk is actually very similar, as you take turns placing your armies, and by attacking and defeating your oponents armies, you capture territory.

Both games take a lot of thinking and planning your moves ahead of time. They're fun, and easy to get into. You can even learn how to play Go right online. Or get the Risk computer game.

So does anyone out there want to play? I need to practice if I hope to beat Shannon next time!

Gamer Parents

For all of us gamers out there, joystiq has some reasons why we would make excellent parents.

When it comes to Birthday and Christmas presents, they'll know which games to get the kids.
Gamer parents know which games not to let their kids play. Ratings are there for a reason.
The kids will always have someone with whom to play multiplayer games.

It makes perfect sense to me! Just so long as the parent does in fact play with his children. Also, they need to stand up for their families, and prevent the creation of yet another game widow. While I do enjoy the occasional video game, I realise that there is a life outside of my computer/xbox/whatever.

My own father was temporarily addicted to games for a while, back when I got my first console. He stayed up for all hours of the night until Blockout and Road Rash drove him nutty. Thankfully, he quickly recovered, quit cold turkey, and years later, now occasionally challenges me to a Burnout Revenge crash.

So before you settle down for another night of leveling up your character, defeating the boss, saving the princess, or capturing the flag... go kiss your wife, say your prayers, and tuck your kids into bed.

Xbox For Your Grandparents

This is just awesome. A church somewhere is teaching grandparents how to play Xbox!

during a denominational retreat for retired ministers, a workshop session will be dedicated to teaching seniors how to play Xbox. Apparently, in a pre-event survey asking these retired ministers what kind of topics they would like to have addressed in the upcoming retreat, several of them mentioned that they wanted to learn how to play video games with their grandkids. Church Marketing Sucks

But when you think about it, it makes sense... in a weird sort of way. I would love to play a videogame with my grandfather, or even my parents. It's a great way for them to get to know their grandchildren better, and involve them in the childs own activities.

I wouldn't be surprised if my own grandfather ended up doing well at it. After all, he's already doing more with his computer and digital photography than my parents.

Anyone up for a seniors game of Halo 2?

Desensitized Nation

Ever sit down and watch an old episode of the Lone Ranger, or Happy Days? Seems like it was made for little children doesn't it? When they were originally on the air, they were the height of prime time programming.

Today, we're stuck with filth. Take a look at an episode of Tripping the Rift, Desperate Housewives, or some of the other top shows out there now. They're riddled with sex, drugs, and morals you're grandmother would be horrified by.

Video games are just as bad. We started with the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario, and now they're selling Grand Theft Auto in the malls. I don't remember Sonic or Mario ever screwing hookers, which is exactly what you can do in GTA.

To uphold the values of this nation, we must return to the original set of morals that were set in place by our christian forefathers who founded this country. We need a revival in family-oriented media. Support family-oriented media!

Outreach Magazine

Two copies of the latest issue of Outreach Magazine came in today!

A writer contracted by the California-based evangelism magazine called me for an interview a couple of months ago about a church event I organize and host.

The Xbox Night!

Every couple of months, we round up 4 digital projectors, 4 Xbox's, for some awesome 16-player Halo 2 games. Generally we get about 30-60 guys and gals to show up for some serious gaming fun. It's a great way for people to meet Christians who share their interests. Especially in this part of Canada, where being a christian is considered uncool.

Celebration! Church is definately the greatest thing around, so don't miss out on it.