Blog #2

First, I am going to talk about the Documentary "Second Skin." It is unbelievable that these people can let a video game rule their lives. I loved the documentary because it really showed us a different side of gamers. I just can't get over the fact that this game dictated their sleep patterns, eating habits and working ability. When you get that far into a down fall you know you have some issues. What do you guys think about this? I seriously think they need some help to get away from these games. It's really just a game and when a gane dictates your life when you have thoughts of suicide YOU NEED HELP.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a little time to yourself to maybe play a video game or have some fun with whatever, but you need to know the boundaries. I play video games, and I know when to stop. It isn't that hard. I don't understand how they have so much difficulty stopping the game. These guys would have a great life if they put time and effort into their actual lives instead of their virtual lives.
For example, I found a video on Google about a kid that was playing WOW and totally freaked out over something so stupid. During this freak out his brother taped the whole thing. If this offends anybody, I apologize in advance. WOW Freak out

I didn't exactly find a specific quote from the video that I would be able to discuss but I have a couple examples that would get this discussion going. In our book, "Culture Jam" on page 43 and 44 there is a passage that sums up how ridiculous gaming can get. "Sometimes I go out," she'd say, but she didn't mean "out" out, she meant "out" of that chat group and into another site somewhere else on the Net. She was reluctant to sleep because she might miss an interesting thread. One time my friend saw her on the street, and she hadn't showered in four days."

When you get to the level of not showering and your personal hygiene is at risk, there is a serious problem. What do you guys think about that passage. It's almost unbelievable to me but I can see it happening. Another example of this is that my friends play COD Black Ops continuously. Every time I talk to them they are either playing or taking a 5 minute break from playing. It's another serious issued besides computer gaming. Now when I read that passage in the book, I got really annoyed with what she was doing. I can't believe someone could do that to them self. I can't go a day without a shower and she went 4 DAYS!!! Get a hold of yourself!
The book and the video are tied together because of what this lady is saying. In the movie and book they both seemed to have obsession and over doing it. Losing their jobs, committing suicide, gaining weight, and not keeping up with personal hygiene is a big problem with me.


There was one more thing that really bothered me to even listen to at the time during the video but was also briefly discussed in the book. These people are being sucked into a fake world because they think they can get whatever they want. One guy said, "I don't have to worry about having that nice car." Well maybe if he didn't waste all of his time playing WOW he would have a good job and be able to by himself a really beautiful car instead of dreaming about it. That would make a lot more sense than dreaming about a whole new life where you can have anything you want. It's just completely ridiculous to me and I just don't understand. The thing is, I guess I can't understand what they are thinking unless I was them.

My feelings about gaming aren't completely against it.Gaming can be a fun bonus to your life when maybe you do something good and you feel like you need a break. It isn't bad to play games for "fun" sometimes but when it starts ruining your eating habits and your personal hygiene it needs to stop!

Introduction

Hi everybody,

       My name is Chris Russell. I'm a sophomore here at Shippensburg University and I am majoring in Accounting. With my Accounting degree I hope to get into Law School somewhere and become a lawyer and practice Corporate Law. In this class I am interested in raising my knowledge of graphic novels. I have already read Fahrenheit 451 in high school but that was the only graphic novel I can relate too. I really like that book, so I believe I'll like the other novels we read as well. The last book I read was a pretty long time ago. I believe it was Beowulf my senior year of High School. Overall, it was pretty good book and I would consider reading it again. The type of pop culture I am interested in would most likely have to be sports and music. There is nothing else I would rather do than watch or play sports and listen to music. The music I listen to is mostly Eminem, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Joey Galaxy, etc. Movies are a favorite too and most of my favorite movies are newer. Inception is one of my new favorite along with The Town and Taken. When I'm not watching movies or playing sports I either watch television or play some video games. I usually watch ESPN or anything sports related. My video games consist of Call of Duty and of course mostly sports games. I really don't have much of a background with literature because I was never a big reader. When I had to do something for myself it was either to relax or hang with my friends. To me literature is pieces of writing from the old times that are analyzed and taught to newer generations. 

      My parents' names are William and Donna Russell. I also have an older brother named Robert. He has a handsome little boy named Saige that I adore very much. I only have one pet but I couldn't ask for a better one. He's a German Shepherd named Bandit and will be turning two years old in May. I am 20 years old and I'm a bank teller for National Penn Bank. I've been working as a bank teller for almost a year now and I love it very much. The relationships you make with your customers is one of a kind. I currently live in Frackville, Pennsylvania but not many people know where Frackville is so I will give you some information about it.

     Frackville is a borough in Schuylkill County, PA and is near Interstate 81. It's 7 miles north of Pottsville and 4 miles South of Shenandoah. It's also 55 miles from Harrisburg and 45 miles from Wilkes-Barre. Frackville sits in the middle of Northeastern Pennsylvania's historic and proud Coal Region. Coal mining has been a big think in the area. Many of Frackville's residents are employed at local factories, retail outlets, a Federal Prison, and two State Prisons in the area. Many commute daily to the cities of Pottsville, Hazleton, Allentown, Reading or Harrisburg to work. Since Frackville is so close to Interstate 81 it is a popular stop for travelers.

     I attended North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School in Fountain Springs, PA and it's one of the best high schools in the area. During high school I played three sports; football, basketball and baseball. My favorite sport is baseball because it's my best sport. I've played baseball for 15 years ranging from Local baseball teams to an AAU travel baseball team called the Schuylkill Express. I've tried to play baseball in college but my senior year of high school I needed elbow surgery and it ended my baseball career abruptly.

     My interests are mainly sports because that is what I was always around. My father played baseball and my brother was a two sport standout in football and baseball. I love to listen to music and have a great time with my friends. My roommate is one of my best friends here at Shippensburg and will continue to be for a very long time after. His name is Christian Pascuzzo. I also have a girlfriend at home and her name is Ciara Mateyak. Ciara brings out the best in me and always makes sure I'm doing what I'm suppose to. I couldn't ask for anybody better!

     More of my interests are watching movies, playing video games, and watching Professional sports. My favorite sports teams are the Phillies, Eagles and the Flyers. The team I love the most are the Duke University Blue Devils Basketball Team. I've been watching them ever since I was a little boy and they will always be my favorite team.

     That is basically everything about me that I can think of. If I remember anything else I want to share with you I will post it right away. Have a great day!

Chris Russell