Back in April of 2013, someone asked Wil Wheaton to talk on what it is to be a nerd and wanted to video it for her newborn daughter. You can view the video here. It really is a great off the cuff speech and gets right to the heart of what it is to be a nerd or geek, of which I am a card carrying member of. Recently the speech was transcribed and I wanted to share it here with you all. Now, I like Wil Wheaton for his stance on all thing nerdy and geek related, but I don't think that he and I would agree on much else. His politics and ideology are quite different from mine but he and I are both geeks (or nerds if you will) and on that commonality, we can agree on many things in the culture we love so much. Here's the transcript. Enjoy!
“My name is Wil Wheaton. It’s 2013. And you've just recently joined us on planet Earth. So welcome. I’m an actor. I’m a writer. And I’m a Dad. Your mother asked me to tell you why it’s awesome to be a nerd. That’s an easy thing for me to do because I am a nerd.
I don’t know what the world is going to be like by the time you understand this. I don’t what it’s going to mean to be a nerd when you are a young women. For me, when I was growing up, being a nerd meant that I liked things that were a little weird. That took a lot of effort to appreciate and understand. It meant that I loved science, and that I loved playing board games, and reading books, and really understanding what went on in the world instead of just riding the planet through space.
When I was a little boy, people really teased us about that, and made us feel like there was something wrong with us for loving those things. Now that I’m an adult, I’m kind of a professional nerd, and the world has changed a lot. I think a lot of us have realized that being a nerd … it’s not about what you love. It’s about how you love it.
So there’s going to be a thing in your life that you love, and I don’t know what it’s going to be. It might be sports, it might be science, it might be reading, it might be fashion design, it might be building things, it might be telling stories or taking pictures. It doesn’t matter what it is. The way you love that, and the way that you find other people who love it the way you do, is what makes being a nerd awesome. The way you love that, and the way that you find other people who love it the way you do is what makes you a nerd. The defining characteristic of [being a nerd] is that we love things. Some of us love Firefly and some of us love Game of Thrones, or Star Trek, or Star Wars, or anime, or games, or fantasy, or science fiction. Some of us love completely different things. But we all love those things SO much that we travel for thousands of miles … we come from all over the world, so that we can be around people who love the things the way that we love them.
That’s why being a nerd is awesome. And don’t let anyone tell you that that thing that you love is a thing that you can’t love. Don’t anyone ever tell you that you can’t love that, that’s for boys … you find the things that you love, and you love them the most that you can.
And listen: This is really important. I want you to be honest, honorable, kind. I want you to work hard. Because everything worth doing is hard. And I want you to be awesome, and I will do my very best to leave you a planet that you can still live on.
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
The Weight of Family History.
We all have a family history. And I don't mean that history of stories about family members that you don't want to be known to the general public, but the family history that is contained in things. Things like furniture, clothing, photos, newspaper clippings and such. If you have a large family, odds are you have a bunch of family history that is being kept somewhere. By someone. Recently I had a discussion with someone who works for me and we were discussing how horrible it would be to lose one's home to a fire or some other way. We both agreed that it would be both devastating to lose all those things that are important to us and how irreplaceable those things would be. But during the conversation, we lit upon the idea of how liberating something like that could also be. For him, he carries the weight of a lot of family history, all manifested in things. He and his wife came from families that were large, and became the recipients of the family dining table and chairs, clothing, and quite a few other things that bore some special meaning to them in some way or another. But they themselves, do not have children, so there is no one to really pass those things on to. For many many years they brought these items from one living space to another, never really using them, or even looking at them, but those items still required special treatment and storage. And then it hit him, that those things, while having important meaning to him for what they were, they were no longer are even the things they were meant to be.
Let me explain with example. In the attic of my house, there sits a rocking chair. It belonged to my grandmother and apparently it was used by her to rock her grandchildren(including myself) to sleep when she watched them. At that time, it was a useful item and it was the thing it was designed to be. Today, I possess that chair. But it has been in my attic for literally 20 years. It is in very good condition. But it resides in my attic, acting as a holder of other stuff that I have not looked at or utilized in many years. It is no longer a rocking chair. It is not that which it was constructed for and hence not really a chair anymore. It is merely a part of the weight of my family history. Now if I were to have grandkids, I could then use it for the purpose it was made for, but truth be told, I probably won't. What I should do, is sell it. Or give it away to another family member, or maybe donate to a used furniture store. But I don't. Why?
Is there that much emotional attachment to it that I cannot bear to part with it? I certainly don't recall ever being rocked to sleep in it while being held by my grandmother! I cannot even remember ever seeing it in her home! But yet, I hold on to it and let it sit and collect dust in my attic. I think the reason why is because I am afflicted with what I will call "Familial Historical Responsibility Disorder." I am reluctant (But not unwilling) let go of things that are of supposed importance to my family history. I feel that I am responsible for maintaining a family ownership or connection to those things. It could be things like furniture, but it can also be smaller things like photos, newspaper clippings, or simply family genealogy. I think my wife feels that same way too. While her family is not nearly as large as mine, and she moved from home to home more times than she cares to count, she also feels that urge to hold on to things from the past that carry the weight of family history. Speaking solely for myself I feel I have the responsibility to hold onto these things and make sure that they are stored away and ready for whenever the need might arise for them to be dusted off and used or referenced.
I think my wife might feel that weight more keenly than I at times. For her, there is a basement full of photographs, newspaper clippings, school awards, drawing, poems, and other items that document the lives of our children, all stuffed away in chaotic little piles, just waiting to be used for what they were intended. But there is so much of it, so big of a weight that I think she might be intimidated by the sheer size of it all. She is a scrap-booker but family history (especially in photos) grows at a much higher rate of speed than any scrap-booker can manage and so it that weight continues to grow.
Someday, I (and she) will have to come up with a way to reduce the weight of family history, because if not, then it will be passed on en-mass and become a weight for my children, or it might be tossed out without any regard to the value it might have for family members. As for those things that can be used, like a chair, or clothing, I am of a mind to finding a new home for them, so that others can use them for what they were intended. Whether they go to someone in the family or not, I don't think I much care. Because if they go to someone that will appreciate them, or find a use for them, then those items will possibly become part of someone else's family history or at the least a useful item to them. But as they sit now, their story and connection to my family are tenuous at best. Currently, the intended usefullness is wasted and they are only adding to the weight of family history that I carry.
Let me explain with example. In the attic of my house, there sits a rocking chair. It belonged to my grandmother and apparently it was used by her to rock her grandchildren(including myself) to sleep when she watched them. At that time, it was a useful item and it was the thing it was designed to be. Today, I possess that chair. But it has been in my attic for literally 20 years. It is in very good condition. But it resides in my attic, acting as a holder of other stuff that I have not looked at or utilized in many years. It is no longer a rocking chair. It is not that which it was constructed for and hence not really a chair anymore. It is merely a part of the weight of my family history. Now if I were to have grandkids, I could then use it for the purpose it was made for, but truth be told, I probably won't. What I should do, is sell it. Or give it away to another family member, or maybe donate to a used furniture store. But I don't. Why?
Is there that much emotional attachment to it that I cannot bear to part with it? I certainly don't recall ever being rocked to sleep in it while being held by my grandmother! I cannot even remember ever seeing it in her home! But yet, I hold on to it and let it sit and collect dust in my attic. I think the reason why is because I am afflicted with what I will call "Familial Historical Responsibility Disorder." I am reluctant (But not unwilling) let go of things that are of supposed importance to my family history. I feel that I am responsible for maintaining a family ownership or connection to those things. It could be things like furniture, but it can also be smaller things like photos, newspaper clippings, or simply family genealogy. I think my wife feels that same way too. While her family is not nearly as large as mine, and she moved from home to home more times than she cares to count, she also feels that urge to hold on to things from the past that carry the weight of family history. Speaking solely for myself I feel I have the responsibility to hold onto these things and make sure that they are stored away and ready for whenever the need might arise for them to be dusted off and used or referenced.
I think my wife might feel that weight more keenly than I at times. For her, there is a basement full of photographs, newspaper clippings, school awards, drawing, poems, and other items that document the lives of our children, all stuffed away in chaotic little piles, just waiting to be used for what they were intended. But there is so much of it, so big of a weight that I think she might be intimidated by the sheer size of it all. She is a scrap-booker but family history (especially in photos) grows at a much higher rate of speed than any scrap-booker can manage and so it that weight continues to grow.
Someday, I (and she) will have to come up with a way to reduce the weight of family history, because if not, then it will be passed on en-mass and become a weight for my children, or it might be tossed out without any regard to the value it might have for family members. As for those things that can be used, like a chair, or clothing, I am of a mind to finding a new home for them, so that others can use them for what they were intended. Whether they go to someone in the family or not, I don't think I much care. Because if they go to someone that will appreciate them, or find a use for them, then those items will possibly become part of someone else's family history or at the least a useful item to them. But as they sit now, their story and connection to my family are tenuous at best. Currently, the intended usefullness is wasted and they are only adding to the weight of family history that I carry.
So True, So True, So True...
I found this a long time ago and it came up again. I thought I should share it.
If the cats and dogs could write, it would look something like this-----
DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now...
The Cat!
If the cats and dogs could write, it would look something like this-----
DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now...
The Cat!
Thursday, September 05, 2013
There and back again....
To know me is to know that I am a gamer. A big one. Take that for what it's worth, but I don't hide it. I am passionate about games and gaming and make time in my busy schedule to game. And one of the games that is near and dear to me is Dungeons and Dragons. That game has been with me since I was about 12 years old and I have played most of the varied incarnations of the game from the "Red Box" basic set all the way through to play-testing the latest version, currently known as D&D Next. Of all of those, I have played 1st Edition the most, (safe to say hundreds and hundreds of games) but only played one game of 4th Edition and a handful of 2nd Edition. And of all the versions, I feel that 1st Edition was my favorite. First impressions last and that version of the game is the version I like the most. That being said, it is version 3.5 that I currently play as it is the most accepted form by D&D adherents prior to the game rules system being taken up and turned into the Pathfinder game rule set.
But I digress. Home games (when I play them) are mostly 3.5 edition with a bit of 1st Edition influence. And that works for me. I never really embraced 3.5 like I did 1st edition but that is because I was an adult when I picked up 3.5 and had things like a home, a family, and a job. I am part of a D&D group that meets every other Tuesday (well, at least they do. I am more of an irregular part of the group) at the local game store and we usually have a go at the game for the better part of 4 hours. But of late something has changed for me. The luster for the game has worn off.
While I truly enjoy the time spent with the people I play with, am find myself becoming bored with the "game". Too often it becomes a grind to go through the rules to find the "magic number" you need to roll to succeed or things get bogged down with too much attention to little details that while might be helpful to the characters of the game, make it downright tedious for me to figure out, listen to, or simply care about. What I never really noticed before was how much "roll playing" there was in 3.5 and how little "role playing" there is.
I really try to encourage the role playing aspect in the games I run and I think I succeed to an extent. I have always tried to play by the rules of the game system, but I have never forgotten the words of Gary Gygax in the introduction of the 1st Edition of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. To summarize, he said the books were not actually rule books but rather guidelines on how to play the game. And it is with that idea etched in my brain I approach my playing style of D&D. I don't care about some of the finer details or rules and stats. If they get in the way of the game play, then I do away with them or deal with them in such a way that it still allows the player to do what he/she wants to do but doesn't bog down a game.
So I am thinking of letting go of version 3.5 and whole heartedly embracing the newest version of D&D, which is in reality is not even complete or even published. D&D Next is still in the play test mode but I have been following it since the beginning and do some work with it and find it very satisfying. The people in charge of D&D Next want to make this new version more about what made the game fun in the early days of the game, and that is less concern about hard and fast rules and more about role-playing, adaptability, flexibility, and improvising. (They admit to using the best parts from all previous versions.) This new edition, whatever it will be called, sounds a lot like what 1st Edition was! And that makes me happy! The designers are taking the word of what the play-testers, gamers that love the D&D product, have to say and are using what they say to make the game better.
So just like in the past, a new version of the game has come into view and I find it appealing. I will work some way of out of letting players continue to play their characters from 3.5 in the Next edition but I am going to start phasing out my involvement with 3.5 and wait for the full release of D&D Next (or version 5.0 if you will) to arrive. I can only do one version at a time... and that not very often.
I am hoping that the others that have been with me in the 3.5 world will come along for the Next world. After all it is about getting together with friends, rolling some dice, and having some fun.
But I digress. Home games (when I play them) are mostly 3.5 edition with a bit of 1st Edition influence. And that works for me. I never really embraced 3.5 like I did 1st edition but that is because I was an adult when I picked up 3.5 and had things like a home, a family, and a job. I am part of a D&D group that meets every other Tuesday (well, at least they do. I am more of an irregular part of the group) at the local game store and we usually have a go at the game for the better part of 4 hours. But of late something has changed for me. The luster for the game has worn off.
While I truly enjoy the time spent with the people I play with, am find myself becoming bored with the "game". Too often it becomes a grind to go through the rules to find the "magic number" you need to roll to succeed or things get bogged down with too much attention to little details that while might be helpful to the characters of the game, make it downright tedious for me to figure out, listen to, or simply care about. What I never really noticed before was how much "roll playing" there was in 3.5 and how little "role playing" there is.
I really try to encourage the role playing aspect in the games I run and I think I succeed to an extent. I have always tried to play by the rules of the game system, but I have never forgotten the words of Gary Gygax in the introduction of the 1st Edition of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. To summarize, he said the books were not actually rule books but rather guidelines on how to play the game. And it is with that idea etched in my brain I approach my playing style of D&D. I don't care about some of the finer details or rules and stats. If they get in the way of the game play, then I do away with them or deal with them in such a way that it still allows the player to do what he/she wants to do but doesn't bog down a game.
So I am thinking of letting go of version 3.5 and whole heartedly embracing the newest version of D&D, which is in reality is not even complete or even published. D&D Next is still in the play test mode but I have been following it since the beginning and do some work with it and find it very satisfying. The people in charge of D&D Next want to make this new version more about what made the game fun in the early days of the game, and that is less concern about hard and fast rules and more about role-playing, adaptability, flexibility, and improvising. (They admit to using the best parts from all previous versions.) This new edition, whatever it will be called, sounds a lot like what 1st Edition was! And that makes me happy! The designers are taking the word of what the play-testers, gamers that love the D&D product, have to say and are using what they say to make the game better.
So just like in the past, a new version of the game has come into view and I find it appealing. I will work some way of out of letting players continue to play their characters from 3.5 in the Next edition but I am going to start phasing out my involvement with 3.5 and wait for the full release of D&D Next (or version 5.0 if you will) to arrive. I can only do one version at a time... and that not very often.
I am hoping that the others that have been with me in the 3.5 world will come along for the Next world. After all it is about getting together with friends, rolling some dice, and having some fun.
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