Average Video Game (AVG) Addiction

by Ambassador James Davis

Hello, my name is James. I am addicted to video games. I was a level 57 Dark Paladin Knight, I can beat Super Mario Brothers in under 5 minutes, I’ve become Super Sonic hundreds of times in my life, I can survive the horrors of Raccoon City without being bitten by a zombie, AND I have ‘owned’ many unsuspecting terrorists and mercenaries in my online career.

If you understood all (or most) of that statement, then you may need to be inducted to Gamers Anonymous.

It is a fact that some games, no matter how pointless they may be to real life situations, are so addicting that they could greatly affect one’s life. Could something originally developed to be a fun waste of time become something much more sinister?

Well, let us try to examine the average video game (AVG).

AVG’s usually put the player into another place, whether it be another city or another world. Also, players have the convenient ability to do things physically unimaginable in real life, a way to break away from reality to a world of fantasy.

A perfect example would be in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, where the protagonist can ride a government-made jet pack, equipped with a semi-automatic weapon (naturally), while pursuing a dirty pimp who has ties with an opposing gang that may take over your territory at any given minute.

There have been many tests on how video games have a psychological effect on the system, so to speak.

The most highly addictive games are the ones that simulate another life (whether it be human or not). The Sims, an abbreviation for simulation, is a series of video games where the goal is to literally create a house, city, or anything for that matter.

From building the houses to arranging the relationships of the characters inside them and, in practice, running and living their lives.

How realistic can a video game become? That depends mostly on the physics of the game and its graphic capabilities.

There are advancements achieved in the emulation of games every day, making every step closer to looking more realistic.

A new gaming engine named Euphoria actually simulates the structure of a human skeleton to create a realistic reaction to whatever may stimulate the human, such as a broken bone due to a car crash.

Like I said, video games are a way to break away from reality into a fantasy world, however, if a fantasy world becomes too realistic, is it still considered fantasy?

According to certain political big shots, the answer is no. They argue that video games, if too realistic, can leak out into real life.

A well-known example being the aforementioned game GTA: San Andreas, claiming that it’s highly violent content can encourage people (mainly children) to act out in similar ways.

Another big factor to video game addiction, in regards to realism, are the actions of the game. The most addictive of all genres of games are massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGS), where a large number or players (from the hundreds to the thousands on average) interact with one another in a virtual world.

You may walk around freely, fight with one another on occasion, and achieve game goals with one another. You can usually develop your own characters in terms of looks and attributes, for them to be seen by the world, the essence of this genre’s addiction.

Redlight Center, a free MMORPG that “creates a virtual environment that facilitates and encourages human interaction in a more natural manner” is causing a stir in addiction and psychological effects.

It simulates meeting actual people, going to virtual social events, and having virtual sexual intercourse.

John Stossel, reporter of ABC News, reported the effects the Redlight Center had on it’s players. Stossel later exposes the fact that most players create characters that has no resemblance to them at all.

For example, a 200-pound short woman would recreate herself to look like a much skinnier bombshell to seem more attractive.

Because there are no pictures of the players, they have the freedom to be whomever they desire. Why would someone emulate another person’s image as themselves, even if it’s on a virtual dating scene that probably wouldn’t progress anywhere pass the keyboard? Well the answer is simple: rejection hurts.

Maybe it’s not an addiction to the games itself, but more an addiction to wanting an escape from life (or incorporate the game with your life through imitation), and the game helps in doing so.

This isn’t healthy, and should be discussed with a professional (and I’m not referring to a professional gamer).

I grew up thinking of video games as a way of procrastination, avoiding something much more important. There is a difference to being addicted to playing and just playing a lot. Just playing a lot can be from a multiple of things with no psychological basis, such as having nothing else better to do.

Personally, I am hoping that when I play excessively, that it is due to some form of subliminal messaging in the gaming ads.

Wishful thinker, I am.

Friendship

 Friendship

Friendly comments from Joe Leone

I was sitting down trying to define friendship using all kinds of situations, stories, and proverbs, and got nowhere. I mean what is this delicate thing we call “friendship”. You know its true it’s indefinable because it only becomes recognizable when it happens to you (whatever that is?) Here’s the irony of it, friendship is different to each and every one of us. Sometimes the negative definition “he’s no friend” is best. For example a person I worked with whom I thought very highly of (not avoiding the use of “friend”) actually turned on me to make a gain… when I found out, I was stunned! I never thought that it could happen. But where are we in the definition of a friend? Really give it a thought, it’s tough! Think of what you thought was a “best friend” (there’s that expression again) someone whom you confided in, telling your secrets only to find out either the whole world now knows or you’re being blackmailed! What a twist… wait till you’re in trouble and you run to your “best friend” (excuse me) for help, forget it! The rule book for excuses is then exceeded. So I started talking to people about friendship, in particular my wife, who is very popular and has many friends. She said to me.. how could you write an article about friends, “you have no friends”. She’s right because I point to no one as a friend “everyone is my friend” I follow my old uncle Tony’s advice “Trust everyone, but cut the cards every time.”

So to all my friends, and their friends,

I close your friend,

Joe Leone

Painful Comments form Joe Leone

 Painful Comments form Joe Leone

A while ago our wonderful pastor at St. James Church made a sermon about pain. I was very impressed it hit home! Many thought came to mind… you really have to understand pain so that you can reach out and touch those who suffer with it.l I remembered a poetic explanation of pain:

“Nothing begins and nothing ends,

that is not paid with moan;

for we are born in others pain,

and perish in our own.”

I’m sure all of us have witnessed pain, and can remember the pleasure of it’s relief like being reborn.

The longer we live the more we can share pain. The body can only take so much abuse. I can remember my wife keeping her mother living thru her constant nursing and devotion until her mother begged her to let her go! I don’t have the answers to determine what is worse physical pain or the pain of the mind. I don’t think “suffering” is human. There are many avenues of relief. Some cursed with pain can be kissed into smiles again. The pleasure from pain comes when one can sleep. A person can only take so many prescriptions. The price of old age is pain! I pray that the young escape the sting of pain and enjoy the pleasure of luxury of health.

Good Health!

Joe Leone.

H2O Comments from Joe Leone

H2O Comments from Joe Leone

 

 

Not too many people know the value of water. We wouldn’t be a planet alive with life without water. A body can live weeks without food but only days without water. The scientific search is for another plane that has or had water; we might find aliens!

Water is the savior here on earth, mixed with any product it can clean teeth, clean your body, clean your home, clean your car, & clean your streets. No it’s not the product that does the cleaning, it’s the water; the product only helps. So that when you brush your teeth use lots of water it’s water that cleans and keeps teeth healthy.

Water provides the food of life “fish”. Water provides miracles the miracle of Lourdes, which has healed many people. Besides all that, water provides beauty and danger. The beauty of water falls and rises in the evening. The danger of drowning, floods, and hurricanes. What a contrast!

However I didn’t mention the enjoyment water gives us. Swimming, boating, water skiing, & when frozen or in the form of snow ice skating, sleigh riding, skiing etc. for the kids, a snowman and the arrival of Christmas and Santa, so let me sign off by toasting to all of you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

 

Hey Gloria, pass me my Bourbon & water I’m finished!

 

Regards,

Joe

Don’t Give Up

 Don’t Give Up

By: Irene Cohen

Don’t give up,

Even when you feel

You have no luck

And everything in your life sucks!!!

Everything in your life

Is getting to feel to much,

And you feel like your

Going to be crushed

And your feeling fed up

And your feeling you had enough

You gotta try somehow

Hang tough

Even though what’s going on

In your life is rough!!!

Windows to the Soul

Windows to the Soul

By: Irene Cohen

 

The Eyes are the windows to the soul

Or so I’ve been told

 

Well, my eyes may need a pair of shades

Cause if you look deep down

You might not like what you see

 

Too much gray,

That never seems to go away

Winter Storm Preparedness

 

Prepare a Winter Storm Plan

• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

Have Your Go Bag Ready To Go!

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings. . .
• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean
• A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
• A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
• A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!

When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued…
• Listen to local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.

When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued…
• Stay indoors during the storm.
• If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
• As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must…
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If You Do Get Stuck…
• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

What to Do After a Winter Storm
• Continue listening to local radio or television stations for updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance–infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
• Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
• Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
• Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.

Tornado Preparedness

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Have Your Go Bag Ready To Go!

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
o A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
o A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued…
• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued…
• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the Tornado Passes…
• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
• Do not use candles at any time.

Blackout Preparedness

 

Safety Information for Short-Term Power Outages or “Rolling Blackouts”

Top Safety Tips for a Blackout

• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
• If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
• Listen to local radio and television for updated information.

How Can I Prepare Before a Blackout Happens?

Have your Go Bag Ready To Go!

If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one. (Remember, water expands as it freezes, so it is important to leave room in the container for the expanded water). Place the containers in the refrigerator and freezer. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold if the power goes out, by displacing air that can warm up quickly with water or ice that keeps cold for several hours without additional refrigeration.

If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
If you have an electric garage door opener, find out where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it. Sometimes garage doors can be heavy, so get help to lift it. If you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home upon return from work, be sure to keep a key to your house with you, in case the garage door will not open.
If you have a telephone instrument or system at home or at work that requires electricity to work (such as a cordless phone or answering machine), plan for alternate communication, including having a standard telephone handset, cellular telephone, radio, or pager. Remember, too, that some voice mail systems and remote dial-up servers for computer networks may not operate when the power is out where these systems are located. So even if you have power, your access to remote technology may be interrupted if the power that serves those areas is disrupted. Check with remote service providers to see if they have backup power systems, and how long those systems will operate.

Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

Specific Information for People With Disabilities

If you use a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system, or other power-dependent equipment, call your power company before rolling blackouts happen. Many utility companies keep a list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of an emergency. Ask them what alternatives are available in your area. Contact the customer service department of your local utility company(ies) to learn if this service is available in your community.

If you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter, have an extra battery. A car battery also can be used with a wheelchair but will not last as long as a wheelchair’s deep-cycle battery. If available, store a lightweight manual wheelchair for backup.
If you are Blind or have a visual disability, store a talking or Braille clock or large-print timepiece with extra batteries.

If you are Deaf or have a hearing loss, consider getting a small portable battery-operated television set. Emergency broadcasts may give information in American Sign Language (ASL) or open captioning.

What Do I Do During A Blackout?

Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer, or furnace.
Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when your power returns.
Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage. See the Red Cross brochure called, “Help The Power Is Out” for more information.
Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information — only call to report a life-threatening emergency.

Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion.

Remember to provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pets.

Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not work during a power outage.

If it is hot outside, take steps to remain cool. Move to the lowest level of your home, as cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. If the heat is intense and the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall, or “cooling shelter” that may be opened in your community. Listen to local radio or television for more information.

If it is cold outside, put on layers of warm clothing. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (relative, friend, or public facility) that has heat to keep warm.

Fire Preparedness

 

Make Your Home Fire Safe

• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
• If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
• Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
• Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
• Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
• Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless.
• Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home..

Plan Your Escape Routes

• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
• Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Escape Safely

• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
• If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.