Crappy Web Game Rant

This year's GDC focused quite a bit on Zynga, social games, and all the accouterments. I didn't attend GDC nor do I play many of these games, but I've read several blogs, opinion pieces, and presentations about Zynga, free to play games, and the "future of our industry."

Rocking the Skin Head Look: Life After a Bad Hair Cut

In light of the times I think it's best I enter the disclaimer that I am by no means a skin head. I don't aspire to be one, nor do I act like one. I just look like one from the adam's apple to the top of my misshapen head.

I have cut my own hair for about 6 months now. A buzzed head really doesn't deserve the full price of admission at my local Super Cuts ($17!), and I have grown tired of them calling me "Grang."

"Haircut for Grang!" they shout. "Grang you ready!" Oh ladies!

Mosquito Bites and the Loaner

I have yet to join the smart phone revolution. Revolution may be too strong a word as it seems to be commonly accepted as the intelligent evolution by most. Alas, I'm a bit too cheap to stomach the monthly data fees and I've yet to be in public with the uncontrollable urge to Google something.

My phone company desperately wants me to get a smart phone, which is why they constantly have "deals" that "let" me "buy" a smart phone whenever I want. I wasn't aware the choice to purchase is what makes something a steal but by god it is!

The Tipping Point* Part Two

In case you're just joining us, I recommend you begin with Part One of this piece.

"How" is one of the most important questions a journalist or inquisitive human can ask. When you calmly sit beside the recent car wreck victim in the hospital you always ask them about the accident itself.

"How did it happen?" you ask. "What did it feel like? Did it hurt?" You're patient, understanding, full of compassion. "How do you feel?" By now you might be stroking their arm, careful to avoid the iv tube.

It's with this last question that you truly open the gateway to the next step, a portion of the journey that is more debilitating than the injury itself. How do people live with their disability? It's something that changes a person forever. Sure, it may heal eventually but it will never be forgotten.

The Tipping Point* Part One

It has been a few weeks since the events described in this post, which has allowed the pain to recede slightly into the realm of history and fiction. Almost, but not quite. To quote an idiot self-quoting former co-worker, "Reality is whatever fantasy I choose to believe." 

Boys learn at a very early age that a wound to our special place is more than just the immediate, agonizing shock, but a long lasting pulse of constant pain. I think we can all agree that a kick in the balls is not quite as bad as a cut on the tip. But let's peel this tale back a little bit and set the scene.