Confessions of a Casual Gamer: Video Games and Gamers ...

Gaming theory is something I don?t see mentioned much ? not even in reviews of games where, let?s face it, there?s often a valid reason to delve a little deeper than merely talk about game play.

So what is gaming theory? Wikipedia says;

?Game studies or ?gaming theory? is an academic discipline that deals with the critical study of games. More specifically, it focuses on game design, players, and their role in society and culture.?

I?ve never been allowed to cite Wikipedia in anything I?ve written, but due to the sheer infancy of game studies, it?s one of the few places that actually define it within reasonable clicking distance should you search for it on Google. Now we?ve got that out the way, why is it important? And why I have a become so obscenely obsessed with it that I find myself considering doing a masters degree in it?

It?s been just over a year since I graduated from University; since I?m officially well-educated, I?ve decided that real life is boring and that I want to go back to school. For a brief while, I thought I wanted to do creative advertising, but this hasn?t stuck. I love writing essays, more now than I really did during my degree. Since starting this column, I realised I love analysing gamers. Not the games themselves ? I haven?t really done that ? but more about the audience of games and the psychology behind it.

So I thought for the purposes of this column, I?d do a mini version of a game analysis to demonstrating gaming theory. So here it goes.

Class ? today we will be looking at the distancing between player and character using Hitman: Absolution as an example.

The first topic to discuss while looking at Hitman: Absolution is the absence of a name for the main character. Referred to only as ?Agent 47?, the namelessness helps to distance him from conventional social norms. This is useful, as the premise of the game is to carry out contract killings which ? for the vast, vast majority of us (hopefully) ? are far from what are considered to be conventional social norms.?Despite this schism with normal society, the Hitman?series has enjoyed huge critical and commercial success and is now in its fifth instalment.

Another way that the audience is distanced from the character on screen is through the utilisation of a third-person perspective; you are constantly reminded that you are not the character you are controlling on screen. Although you are the one instigating the violent content presented on-screen, the fact that you don?t see these acts through the eyes of the character ? as you would if the game used a ?first person perspective ? you are able to disconnect the killings from yourself, as you are watching someone else commit them.

Agent 47?s background also encourages the audience to disconnect from him on an emotional level. In an interview, Rasmus H?jengaard, Director of Hitman: Blood Money?talks about Agent 47?s history;

?We decided to make him a clone early on. I guess there was just something cool about him not having any roots, so by being a clone, he can be shaped into any form by the people who made him; they decide everything about his future fate, so making an assassin a clone would seem like the ultimate way to make the ultimate assassin. It evolved with the character before the first Hitman was even done.?

Being a clone and not having a name helps to dehumanise Agent 47 for the audience and make his actions more acceptable, leaving little in the way of lingering guilt in the player?s mind. With the back story given, it?s not only agent 47 being controlled, it is also the player. With the suggestion given that agent 47 is not just controlled by the player, but also the fictional creators of agent 47. They are the ones who have specifically designed him to do what they want. Looking at it this way, means the player is also being made to do what these creators want agent 47 to do, so they can progress though the game to completion and achieve the feeling closure.

So that?s my take on gaming theory, and although it has been challenging to find much written on it that is not a preview or a review, it?s been a hell of a lot of fun to write critically about someone I?m interested in.

Oh ? and I?ve found a masters course for games theory now. Digital Games Theory and Design?at Brunel University, if anyone?s curious.

Is anyone else out their interested on game studies? Do you think that it is a valuable discipline or just a worthless pursuit?

Next time on Confessions of a Casual Gamer ? equality: you?re doing it wrong. If you would like some homework for next time, I?ll be discussing this.

Tags: Games Theory, Hitman

Source: http://www.bigredbarrel.com/2012/12/confessions-of-a-casual-gamer-video-games-and-gamers-detachment/

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China HSBC November final manufacturing PMI hits 13-month high of 50.5

DEAR ABBY: When I was in grammar school 50 years ago, I was molested by two boys. I recently learned that they are now both dead.I wrote to the sister of one of them and told her what her brother had done to me and how I felt about it. I'm glad that he is dead, and I told her so.She responded, calling my letter sad and bitter for bringing up the matter after so much time has transpired. In the '60s the norm was not to tell anyone for fear of being spanked or beaten or called a liar and living in kid hell. I am a female, and the standard was so different in those days. Please print my letter. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/china-hsbc-november-final-manufacturing-pmi-hits-13-015626089--business.html

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Researchers Sequence Sweet Juicy Genome

A consortium has published the complete genome of a top fresh fruit--the domesticated watermelon. Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports

More 60-Second Science

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In the last decade scientists have managed to sequence the genomes of everything from bacteria and fruit flies to individual human beings. But often overlooked are the genomic sequences of our food. We know the genomes of apples, bananas, potatoes, wheat, rice and now watermelon.

A consortium of scientists from the United States, China and Europe has published the complete genome of the domesticated watermelon?one of the top five consumed fresh fruits?in the journal Nature Genetics. [Shaogui Guo et al, The draft genome of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and resequencing of 20 diverse accessions]

The group compared the genomes of 20 different watermelons across three different subspecies and found it takes roughly the same number of genes to make the sweet summer fruits as it does to make us.

They researchers also found that, in the process of being selected for color, size and taste, domestic watermelon lost many of the genes that helped their wild ancestors resist disease. They hope that breeders can now use the genetic info to recover some of those natural disease defenses?as well as bringing a more nutritious, and tastier fruit to your table. Without the seeds, of course.

?Gretchen Cuda Kroen

[The above text is a transcript of this podcast]

Scientific American is a member of the Nature Publishing Group.
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Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=1c2a32d808ed624b161be320eb66e997

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Lambton College grad helping to change lives one at a time

Sarnia ? By jd on December 1, 2012 at 7:54 pm

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Martha Trepanier is working to reverse the growing youth obesity issue in Ontario, one student at a time.

She is one of two ?On the Move Provincial Champion Trainers? in Southwestern Ontario through the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women Sport.

Trepanier is a champion for youth. The Lambton College graduate is a healthy living advocate who works tirelessly to ensure she engages every young female she meets to live a healthier lifestyle.

A physical and health teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board, Trepanier has launched several successful initiatives promoting active living to teenage girls.

?This is a legitimate concern. We have had a real problem with youth inactivity,? she says.

As a provincial On The Move Trainer, Trepanier designs and provides workshops for communities that are aimed at engaging females between the ages of 9-18 to adopt a more active and healthy lifestyle.

She teaches community partners the best strategies and practices to address the growing obesity and inactivity epidemic impacting school-age girls. Statistics indicate that just 4% of Ontario?s teenage girls meet recommended daily activity standards.

She works with youth to create programs that not only keep them active, but ones that they?ll enjoy, including dance and yoga.

?If they enjoy the activity, they?re more likely to be engaged and continue it on their own,? she says.

She also coaches girls? volleyball, basketball, and track and field and runs her school?s Smart Risk Program that encourages teenagers to make positive, informed choices and avoid needless risks.

Trepanier also hosts sports leadership camps, developed a female athlete of the month award, and is a Regional Leader for the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association.

She credits Lambton College with giving her the confidence and self-esteem to pursue her dreams to become a teacher and ultimately work to engage young girls to become more active.

Trepanier was recognized on the Dean?s List and graduated from Lambton?s Sports Facilities and Recreation Administration program in 2001. She then continued her studies at University of Windsor, earning a Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree. She followed that up by earning a Bachelor of Education degree from Windsor, a Certificate of Qualification from the Ontario College of Teachers and Special Education training from Lakehead University.

Had she not attended Lambton College, Martha says she would not have developed the confidence to upgrade her education. She admits she struggled in high school and was told that attending university was a pipe dream.

?Lambton changed all that. It made me focus and the faculty was great. It taught me how to work and study hard and gave me the skill set I needed in order to be successful in university and in my career,? she says.

Lambton College instilled in her the values of hard work, determination and commitment. She works to pass those same life skills on to her students.

Martha Trepanier was nominated by Lambton College for the 2012 Premier?s Award in the Community Services category.?

For more information regarding the Premier?s Awards, visit?www.co-awards.org.

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For more information about the Sports and Recreation Management program at Lambton College, please visit?www.lambtoncollege.ca/SR

Tags: graduate, lambton, Lambton College, martha trepanier, Sarnia, sports and recreation management

Tags: graduate, lambton, Lambton College, martha trepanier, Sarnia, sports and recreation management

Source: http://www.lambtonshield.com/lambton-college-grad-helping-to-change-lives-one-at-a-time/

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My New Possible Website On Positive Thinking And Living

I've just written out a new website page about thinking and living positively, being rational, and optimistic. Just my thoughts and feelings on the topic matter.

Please let me know what you think?

Thanks. :)

Hello, my name is Robert.

I'd like to share my thoughts in living a more positive way of life.

Much of how we live determines by our thoughts, attitudes, ambitions, emotions, and so forth.

I'm more of an optimist. I believe that a positive attitude and positive thoughts are essential for living as it helps us to keep in focus and think more clearly. When we face problems, we can face them more successfully most of the time and being positive helps us to accept things better and easier. Plus, it helps us to be more content our accomplishments and always strive to improve.

We must look at ourselves. How do we think, feel and live?

Do we feel that everything goes wrong with us sometimes? Do we get angry whenever someone or something inconveniences us or does something meaning to do it for one intention, but we feel that it's for the wrong intentions to offend us? Do we fly off the handle? Do we easily get upset over minor things?

Well, I've met different people in life that have negative attitudes which draws them to less patience, more anger, depression, despair, and even, sadly, possible suicide.

I feel that nothing is all that bad in life. It depends in how one looks at it!

You have two very ill people, for instance. Both have the same ailments. One does his/her exercises, checks the daily mail, cooks, cleans, maybe plays with their pet, and so on. Now, the other person...he/she just moans and groans, complains, lays in bed all day...just feeling nothing but miserable! Tell me, which one of these two people do you think will heal quicker and recover more rapidly? I'd say the first. Why? Because of that person's mentallity, attitude, how they feel. They don't let their sickness bother him/her. So, it doesn't.

Another example, you have two different men amongst different crowds of people. One person is always angry and there's NOTHING you can say or do with him that will change him. He's grumpy and takes just about anything offensively. Well, the other man...he always says "hello" to whomever he meets and sees. He smiles, jokes, and laughs alot. He's always cheerful! PLUS, he brings joy, cheer, happiness, and laughter to those all around him!

How you think and how you live is ENTIRELY up to you. Make a note that how you feel, think, say, do, your whole attitude and way about you affects you, the people around you, your surroundings, and even your environment.

To me, there's a huge importance to living rationally as well as to have faith, hope, and love. There IS a GOD that exists Who is the Author of Life, Source of All Happiness And Joy, Source of Forgiveness, and Who is LOVE. We are all made in His image and meant to live in this way.

So, I believe in living each and every day, each and every moment to the best that we can. Let's begin and end each day with a smile, laughter, and happiness. Let's enjoy life! It makes a difference! :)

Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/self-improvement/my-new-possible-website-on-positive-thinking-and-living

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House Votes to Boost Foreign Workers (WSJ)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/267544183?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies

Wenatchee and ?Quincy Home Inspection

As a home inspector and structural pest inspector I field funny calls at times.

Many people know or read that I am a structural pest inspector and with that think that I am an authority on all pests. Well unfortunately that is not true? I am not an authority on all pests. I cannot give you very good guidance on your little brother or a nosey neighbor or a host of other pests.

Structural pest are a select group of insects and organisms that will destroy the integrity of wood structural components. The main pests I am concerned with are termites, carpenter ants, moisture ants and Anobiid beetles. The other major concern is wood decay rot fungi. There are other wood destroying insects but are not very common in my area.

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? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??

But what is true I can usually find answers for people and or give them direction on who to call.

Case in point, I get a call from an associate of mine and she was beside herself. She said ?I did not know who to call. I have flies all over my house and it is driving me crazy?.

After a little giggle we get down to helping her out with her house of flies.

Flies can be a nuisance for sure. But they are like many things an indication of something, usually that you have something dying and decaying in the home.

A little Fly-ology- The most common flies we will encounter are;

House fly- House flies are 3/16 to 1/4 inch long with robust bodies and two clear wings. The thorax is marked with four dark stripes. Larvae are called maggots and are creamy-white and cone-shaped, with the hind end blunt and bearing breathing holes (spiracles) tapering to the head which bears black hook-like mouthparts.

Female flies lay numbers of eggs in suitable larval food sources such as decomposing food in garbage, animal excrement or other decomposing organic materials. Development from egg to adult can be completed in about a week under optimal conditions. Adults normally live up to 25 days but may overwinter.

Little House Fly- They are generally most numerous during the cooler spring and fall months. Adults are approximately two-thirds the size of the house fly and are missing the house fly?s distinctive thoracic stripes. They rest hold their wings over the back more than the house fly does, creating a narrower V-shape to the wing outline.

Females like to lay their eggs in animal wastes (especially chicken manure), but various moist organic materials can serve as suitable nesting substances. Their developmental time from egg to adult is somewhat longer than for the house fly at all temperatures.

Garbage Fly- A group of fly species with similar life histories and behaviors. Adult flies in this group can be readily differentiated from other flies by their coloration, which is a shiny, metallic green or blue often mixed with some copper color.

These flies can develop from egg to adult in as little as 7 days. Eggs are usually laid in decaying meats, garbage, or dog feces. Similar to other nuisance flies, garbage fly larvae leave their developmental site to seek out drier and more protected areas for pupation.

Fruit Fly-There are many species of fruit flies, ranging in size from 1/32 to 3/32. They can be recognized by the rather bulbous shape of their lower bodies, which is frequently an orange or light brown color. They are relatively slow flyers, often hovering around fruit or juice. They have an excellent sense of smell and are strongly attracted by bananas.

Female fruit flies are capable of laying hundreds of eggs and develop from egg to adult in about a week. Eggs are most commonly laid on moist, fermenting food masses such as over-ripe fruit and vegetables.

The main elements of fly prevention are sanitation and exclusion, with sanitation always the first priority. ?The fewer flies that breed in an area, the fewer there will be indoors. So keeping garbage areas clean and take your garbage out frequently. ?Throw away any decaying fruits and organics. Also I was shown by an old glazier that ?Sprayaway? glass cleaner is an excellent flying insect knock down spray. Gotta love old glaziers. I saw this in action.

These insects have been known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease-causing germs, which makes them very bad house guests.

Ancora Imparo

NCW Home Inspections, LLC ?is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more? ?

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

www.ncwhomeinspections.com ????????? 509-670-9572

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Source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/3536729/lord-of-the-flies

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