First, there was Pong...

Since the dawn of time video games have been an infatuation with the youth, and not surprisingly but controllers and hand held devices can be found in the palms of many adults. Well the dawn of time is a bit of a stretch, but since the coming of Pong, the video game frenzy spread through teens, and is still going strong. They allow people to take the role of someone else, and truly have an adventure or get the adrenaline rush they can’t in the real world. It is something fun to do for most teens. I personally believe video games are a great way to pass time. Now more than ever some may argue that the negative effects of video games are a growing concern. While this may be true in part, video games can have a rather positive effect to an extent.

A common stereotype is that video games isolate kids from their peers. In fact, video games bring people and friends together, even from all the way around the world. You can play and compete with others online from where ever they may reside. Snow storm and you need to find out who is better at Rock Band? Don't fret, you can still play and get your time to playfully taunt. As well many video games are multilayer which is great for when friends are over or even to do some sibling bonding. Video games don't cut you completely off from your social calendar, in fact it can even be a part of it. The important thing is to know when to put down that controller and perhaps pick up a text book.

Despite another common stereotype of wasting your brain cells away gaming, video games can be very helpful as well as super fun. Certain games exist that are educational, and helps stimulate the mind at any age. Games designed for young children contribute to a proper mental and physical development. It helps with hand eye coordination, and reaction times which are skills young children should be building. Games such as Brain Quest can help keep your mind finely tuned at any age. Math games are also quite common august the educational video games, but the spectrum is not limited there!

However, as to all good things, there is a limit. If gaming interrupts things like showering, eating, school work, social activities or any important event for a prolonged time there is a problem. While this may be a problem for some hardcore video game players, not all are guilty of neglect. So if you indent on buckling down for a 2 hour game of Sims 3, don’t forget you do have a life beyond the virtual world.

Wazzzup Obama!

Months after the election, I am still elated to know that Barack Obama is in the oval office as president of the United States of America. His victory marks an important historical event, a beacon of hope, and is a significant change to the United States. His victory didn’t come without a strong campaign trail. He targeted more than one generation, and brought the relevance of politics to many for the first time.

Ridding on the popularity of the memorable Budweiser beer commercial in which the phrase, “Whazzzup?” is heavily used, Obama created a somewhat of a follow up to reflect the change he wants to bring with his political platform. In a comical, interesting, and clever manner Obama manages to shed light on several American issues that need to be dealt with. This includes the increasing concerns with unemployment, the downturn of the economy, the war in Iraq, the struggle citizens face with expensive health care, and the handling of disastrous weather conditions. Through this commercial Obama tries to relate to the American people and provide a perspective similar to their outlook on the troubles they face. Obama as well shows himself as being a beacon of hope and change for a country that is currently suffering. His message to the people is that change can happen if he is elected, and he will work to address these issues and help solve the problems.

This particular ad campaign was extremely effective. Two attributes that helps with the effectiveness of the advertisement is its ability to connect to the people, and the memorability it has that made it so popular worldwide. The images displayed in the advertisement are things all citizens can recognize as they feel the impact the issues leave in their lives. With the contrasting positive image of Obama bringing forth change and hope, Americans feel more optimistic about the future which could possibly have resulted in their vote for him. The fact that this was a follow up and plays on a previously loved commercial helps its popularity. The comedic aspect of it, and it being a “sequel” contributed to the widespread of the viral marketing. I personally enjoyed it very much, and thought it was a clever move on his part.