Date Posted: 06/01/01 Q:� � � � ......"When will it all end?"...."What is the meaning of life? What was the purpose of breakfast?"
Subject: My computer is trying to kill me...
� --Master Ho, Reality Box
A: � � � � Never, 42 (read a book!), and to give cereal producers something to do.
~~Leandra
Date Posted: 07/05/01 Q: � � � � if you were in a wood and you could, would you...?
Subject: My computer is trying to kill me...
� --Glenstal, Reality Box
A: � � � � No, of course not. I'd never get the leaves out. Ugh.
~~Leandra
Date Posted: 07/04/2001
Subject: Now, I'm not gay or nothin'...
Q:� � � � I like to play pc games. Not just "video games", but pc games that make you think. I am disallusioned with my fellow women, so in my free time I want to put down the politics of friends and human relations and relax with a good strategy game. Now, I receive serious heat for this. I would even go so far as to call it persecution at times. Various people in my life have found out about my "hobby" (keep in mind that I have FIVE games to my name, and that I play no more than 3 hours a day, after I'm done with my other responsibilities), and they periodically ask me if I still play "video games". A close friend even asked me the other day if I was still addicted to bedazzle (a www.zone.com puzzle game). I have been playing puzzle games for only 18 months now, and I live at home with my folks, but I go to college and have a part time job, and I have my own computer. So I ask you, am I the cause of the evil in this world? Why can't people mind their own business? It's just a game!� � � � Now, I analyzed this gaming issue quite a bit, and it has come to my attention that gaming can be compared to ice cream. A little bit can delight and stimulate your senses, but too much can be detrimental to your physical and emotional and yes, spiritual health. (I'm a devout believer in the God of Abraham, and if anyone out there wants to persecute me about THAT, than I say lets dance.) I have some depression sometimes, and video games gives me something to look forward to and it gives me an outlet and a way to put down the weight of daily life and relax. So why is it that all my friends and family look down on games? If you could please give suggestion as to an alternative to gaming I would welcome it with open arms. I'm not gay or 'nothin, but I'm starting to have strong emotional reactions when someone slams me for doing a hobby that harms noone, keeps me off the streets, and stimulates creativity!!!
� --Suppressed in Sacremento
A: � � � � Wait....how does this make you gay, again? Supressed, my boy, I think you've been listening to the media too much again....and believe me, that's never good news. Or wait...I mean, it's never accurate news..or..well, you know what I'm trying to say. Trust me, tune in to a different station and they'll be hailing video games as a great way to improve reflexes, powers of analysis, and logic-solving. It's just that no one wants to hear that but gamers. The people buttering the media's bread want to hear that anything different from their own childhood is wrong and detrimental.
� � � � In fact, you're right about balance. The trouble is that most gamers tend to go extreme, simply because it's something they're good at and an easy way to escape reality. If you've ever met a surfer or an artist, they do the same thing--immerse themselves in their hobby and not come up for air until absolutely necessary.
� � � � Simply put...I think your "friends" sound like snobs if they can't accept the fact that you like to do something they don't. Family members also need to realize that while they're playing Canasta or weaving baskets, you need time to yourself and this is what you've chosen. I think the greatest objection people make is that after all the effort and time put into games, you don't have a product or any physical result to show for it. You could try taking up another hobby if you like, one that costs more money and more time, or go to the other extreme and sit around doing nothing. Remind them that at least your mental skills are being honed, if nothing else. Remind yourself that you seem to have taken up with a crowd that thinks any ice cream at all is bad for you.
� � � � As far as how to act when you're being ribbed, you have to just laugh it off, unless you're going to confront them. Something for you to think about is this: are you so angry because you're feeling guilty for spending time with games? You sound a little defensive, and while I'm not saying this is the case, perhaps it stings because you know inside that you spend more time than you should staring at the computer screen. I know I do...though I'd never admit it to anyone. Anyway, it's something to think about for yourself.
� � � � You mentioned in the beginning of your letter that you're disillusioned with women. Well, you're certainly not alone. Just don't write 'em off yet. Take a step back, distance yourself from involvement until you're better prepared to handle them, and observe, observe, observe! I can't stress that enough. Don't become cynical, try instead to watch the dynamics of other relationships, see where things break down, and what goes wrong. And also, choose the person you're going to pin your hopes to very carefully. It is exactly those events that will shape the way you view potential mates, and if you can at all help it, try to make things a little easier on yourself.
~~Leandra
Date Posted: 07/02/01
Subject: Can't sleep, must rant...
Q: � � � � I have no job. How lame is that? All my friends are gone and all I want to do is go to FL with my boyfriend for a weekend in July with his family. Now what? How to cope? How to cope?
� --Jobless and depressed, SoCal
A: � � � � Ooh, I hear ya. I've been stuck in a town where the unemployment rate seems to be all of me. The only thing you can do is hit up some temp agencies in town, or swallow your pride and flip burgers with the rest of us. Of course that probably won't help your friend situation, and if my experiences in the fast food industry are at all similar to what it's like for others, then you'll most likely be even more depressed. However, you'll be depressed....with money. (Some, anyway...not a lot...burger flipping doesn't pay so well.)� � � � You could possibly go to your friends...but do realize that summer is supposed to be a vacation, and this whole "earn enough to set myself up for the rest of the year" stuff is a lot of nonsense. Attempt to enjoy yourself, in some small way. Go to FL with your boyfriend! Have fun! You sound young, that's what it's supposed to be used for, fun!
~~Leandra