We have become an online gaming nation, rather than an online thinking nation

It is my opinion that we have become an online gaming nation rather than an online thinking nation. I logged onto my Facebook account last night after what was a blissful retreat FROM Facebook and was bombarded by a dizzing array of "I beat this in Bejeweled Blitz" or "I need Farkle chips", (BTW, what is a Farkle and why does it have a chip?)

All of my friends, new and old, are into several games. Yes, I play Vampire Wars, but I log in once a day, kick some ass and don't ask my friends for help. Takes 20 minutes edge off of my day. Enough to satisfy my "blood lust" ;) . I had 20 request for Mafia Wars cell phones and other evidently mafia related things, more for Vamp Wars, Farkle chips, Texas Hold 'Em chips(which I can actually play very well in "real" life, thank you. And, I play a mean game of regular ol' Poker thanks to my Dad and a 4 day stint in Vegas, You're money, BABY!.) I have to admit (god help me), me and my ex did buy my nephews a WIii last Christmas but they play it all the time and exercise with it, which is cool. Their mom is the best with pushing the sports and exercise.

I was flabbergasted by the amount of gaming going on. I respect gamers. It really is a skill, if it is your JOB. Otherwise, get a job. Make some friends. Go out, shower and dress in a sort of cool, respectful manner, not in that order necessarily?! I have a gaming system and play it sometimes (yummy Laura Croft, what I can't be old school?,) but I also READ. I have two bookshevles full of classics, old and new, that I read part of every day. Read Neitzsche, or the Bible if that is more to your fancy. Watch some NEWS or ESPN on the actual T.V. I write, I blog. I exercise. I cook. I participate in society. But, if your intention is to only get home so you can log on to a gaming site, you need to reevaluate things and either spend more time with your family, listen to some music, read some classics or just chill. Watch some WNBA, 'cuz you know they are one of my favorites.

Lay off the computer gaming for a few days. You'll feel much better about yourself. Boredom isn't an excuse. Get up off your butt and do something else. Anyone who knows me knows I will read anything, a menu, a number on a bathroom stall, I will edit it, correct it and not feel bad about it, so I advocate reading of all things, however, do ANYTHING but spend a few minutes a day online "gaming" and don't forget how to participate in real life. It seems to be a dying art. Remember how to talk to people, don't just grunt at them. Ugg. Gross, belligerent and just bad manners. Half-calf, decaf, non-fat Latte doesn't cut it. TALK to people. Look them in the eye.

And unless you are Twittering, don't shorthand....it is the death of language, which is precious, and besides, it's annoying.

Namaste :) HB