TED Talks

1) How has watching these two Ted Talks changed your perspective on the roles of games?

Watching the TED video presentations did change my perspective on the role that games can play and the role that games will have in the future. The evidence that Gabe Zichermann presented surprised me. The fact that there is actual proof that video games help to increase intelligence, specifically fluid thinking and problem solving ability was something that I was not aware of. Some of the examples that were given about how video game experience translates to real were interesting. For example, one individual indicated that most of his driving skills came form real life. Additionally, the information about the increase in ability of the grade three class using hand-held games after such a short time was notable. I didn’t realize just how addictive video games could be for some people. It was shocking to hear someone admit that he could no longer tell the difference between what was a game and what was reality.

2) Based on the video's, how do you see games "changing the world"?

Games are going to change the world. Games will become part of the education process and will be used to teach people all types of things, not just traditional academic subjects. I can see games becoming standard for teaching all different types of skills. The multi-player aspect of gaming will likely be applied to collaboration in the business world. Because companies are doing business globally the idea that people across the world can work on something together so simply is ideal. Also, I see games beginning to involve real life characteristics and actions. For example, I can see job applicants having to compete for positions using gaming techniques. This would also give insight to how they work alone and how they work as a team. Games will alter the world on every level.

3) What concerns or doubts do you have about games becoming a dominant cultural force?

One concern that I have is that if games become a large part of education and an individual’s learning style is not compatible with a particular format, it may become more difficult for some people to learn. Virtual life may also begin to compete with actual life in an unhealthy way. Games have started to incorporate more physical elements into their format, but this needs to continue so that people do not become obese and sedentary. Wealthier countries that have access to greater technology and development will prosper at a greater rate and continue to have dominance, just as they do today.

TSBTI Letter

142 Garden Avenue, Apt. 5

Toronto, ON

M6R 1H7

September 7, 1999

Dear Dominic,

I hope that as you read this that you are in a good place, you have found some peace and you are eager to play again. It has been over a year since I received your voice message apologizing and telling me not to worry. I did worry Dom and I continue to be concerned about you. I do feel somewhat reassured now that I have finished transcribing the tapes and reading your notebooks. Unfortunately, I overlooked the tape in your recorder and did not listen to it until I had completed all the others. If I had started with that one I may have been slightly less troubled at certain points while working my way through the material. On the other hand, I may have approached it differently so perhaps it is for the best after all.

After you left the stage at the AGO I tired to find you. I checked all of your favourite spots including Pho Pasteur, Dai Nam and Fran’s. Later, I joined the police in their search for you. I never believed that you would have killed yourself. I tired to discover if you had contacted anyone else. I know I irritated Claire with all my questions, but after going through the tapes and learning of the abortion, I understood her reaction to me. I also started to learn what you were experiencing before you left. I had no idea that you were under so much pressure that you needed to get away.

I can’t help but wonder if you were trying to follow in Gould’s footsteps. I know you don’t recall anything before you found yourself in the Montreal airport, but do you think that subconsciously you knew where you were going? Unlike Gould, you really observed and came to know the people of Wolf Cove. The music you played at the school sounded to me like a representation of northern life. I listened to Gould’s “Idea of North” and he didn’t capture the north and its people the way you did.

At many times I wanted to try and reach out to you. I was deeply concerned about you when I realized that you saw Malachai turn over in his kayak and not resurface. I wasn’t sure how I might react in the same situation and I was afraid for you. I tried to find you. I contacted the RCMP and Northern Ventures. Based on what I’d learned about Sam Willy, I doubt he told you that someone was looking for you. Later, I remembered that one night, around the time that Malachai died my phone rang, but the caller hung-up. I thought that it might have been you on the other end. Was it you that called that night?

You seemed convinced that you saw McCardle’s body in the stone cairn. I think that there were many people who likely wanted him gone, but do you have any idea who might have put him there? It doesn’t really matter, but the reporter in me likes to tie up the loose ends.

Ultimately, going north seems to have been the right move for you. I’m not sure that you would have experienced the same recovery had you stayed in Toronto. I will send this note to your Toronto address. I expect someone will ensure that you receive it. I look forward to hearing from you when the time is right.

Sincerely,

Joe

Quotes: T.S.'s Spivet

A: T.S's love for layton

" My fingers were black with grease and throbbing with the lingering echoes of adrenaline. I suddenly wished layton were there to share the feeling with me." (Pg. 103)

Through everything that could be going through T.S.'s head while hanging on to the train all he can think about is layton and how much he loves him.

B: Dr. Clairs passion for her work

"Dr. Clair always made the gesture to cook, but then seemed to remember her study at the last minute." (Pg. 30)

Instead of making a meal Dr. Clair continuously gets caught up with her determination to find the tiger monk.

C: His dads dedication to the ranch

When we pulled up to the house, he motioned for me to get out "Give her my regards. I got things I got to care on" (pg.66)

This shows his dads dedication to the ranch because he would skip out on a meal to go and continue working, which he never did.