If you ever wander why I think what I do, remember number 16.

If you ever wander why I think what I do, remember number 16.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/annaborges/dont-suggest-meditation-omg

I do this precisely all the time. Right now, in fact. 

I did it at Nerdly. I do it when I sleep. I do it all the time.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/annaborges/dont-suggest-meditation-omg

Dropped Pin

Dropped Pin

http://goo.gl/maps/JXtZw

Nerdly, I am looking forward to you. Oh man, am I ever.

I've been playing this new larp. It is a solo larp....

I've been playing this new larp. It is a solo larp....

Last week, I ran 5 times, for a total of 10.4 miles. I've run away from a lot of zombies, and doubt I'd run at all if not for the zombies run ap.

The game has some downsides around agency and figuring out the right level of difficulty for the town sub-game, but it is really immersive.

I'm not sure if I think of it as a video game, a kinesthetic audio book, or a solo larp. It is delightful that it crosses so many media types, and hits so many of my buttons. It is remarkable that it has gotten me to obsess over running.

I wonder if they have larpwrites, and if they are concerned about agency. I'd feel much more connected to the story and the characters if my actions did more than keep the zombies away from me.

Thoughts on other games with minimal agency but high immersion? Or how those variables interact in other games?

For the last year and more, most of the high impact gaming I've done has involved personal stakes that don't have...

For the last year and more, most of the high impact gaming I've done has involved personal stakes that don't have huge impact in the world around them. For example: if you tell the truth to a tribunal, or if you give HIV to your lover, or if you get away with the con.

In a very long 4e game, there are a couple moments that struck with me. I'm not sure how to replicate the feels from these moments in other games. Though, maybe I'll learn at Nerdly.

Those moments? A perfectly timed wizard daily that stopped an opponent in her tracks and won the day -- not because the spell was so powerful, but because it was used so well.

Or, taking out a dragon, and giving its heart and part of its loot to a friend of the party, who was able to build a better life due to the resultant fame and fortune.

The first is partially resource management, partially system mastery, partially just dumb luck. The second is having power and money, and being willing to use it to help others.

Indie games where you are rich and powerful -- and pure of heart -- seem fairly uncommon. Maybe Katanas and Trenchcoats, but that's hard to take seriously.  I'd love to hear about games that can scratch those itches.

ok, internet. You tell me something: Why is there much Ikea hate?

ok, internet. You tell me something: Why is there much Ikea hate?

Edit: For emphasis -- Ikea as opposed to other places to buy furniture. Not, say, the idea of furniture. That's a different discussion.

You guys, I just accidentally did a 5k on a treadmill. 48 minutes.

You guys, I just accidentally did a 5k on a treadmill. 48 minutes.

I've been training for a month, more or less. Back  in September, I dislocated me knee and couldn't walk. This is a big fucking deal.

I'm going to be sore as shit tomorrow, that's for sure. Worth it.