The Effects of Video Games

        In this day and age, video games have affected the brains of millions around the world. Although video games may be a way to let out stress, relax, and have fun, they have also negatively impacted many throughout the world. 

       Video games are for the most part, addictive. Addiction is one of the biggest effects that video games have on the individuals that play them. Many young boys in school avoid doing homework since they are too busy playing their favourite video games instead. In a recent documentary I watched about technology and its impact on people, it showed how many young boys and men, even in countries such as Korea, are addicted to playing video games. They stayed in their local arcade not eating nor sleeping and playing for more than 24 hours. This just shows the severity of video games becoming addictive to any age. Not to mention that the extent that the Koreans reached can be threatening and unhealthy to the human body.

     Despite the fact that video games can become an obsession for some, they also have a few benefits. For example, there is absolutely nothing wrong with playing video games after a long day at work or even on game night with buddies. As long as you have nothing more important or essential that has to be done. Some video games, unfortunately not most are actually educational and stimulate the brain for the better. 

    The majority of popular video games nowadays advertise violence to any age. Video games do have ratings, although just like movies people usually pay them no attention. Not only do video games promote violence but most video games sexually exploit women. These are the messages being endorsed to people playing video games and by ignoring ratings such as M for mature 17+ youth and children under age are becoming influenced by sexual themes and illegal violence. Those controversial topics of which can lead to aggressive demeanour and an interest in crimes and violence. 

   Fortunately, the news have done a great job showing the negative impacts of video games and the chance of addiction that comes with playing. Although many people who love video games do not care much for what they say. In my opinion, I feel that youth (young men) especially in the ages that range from 15-20 years old are the ones that are affected/play video games the most. In these ages young men are usually in high school - college/university. During these crucial times in life, video games including other forms in the technology field may become the number one distraction. Distracting the young men from the most important time in education can affect many of their lives for worse. 

   Adults in their late 20s and above do play video games as do kids under 15 but I think that the level of addiction is high in youth. Most people above the age of 20 are labeled child-like when they still play video games. Those scenarios are also shown in TV comedies as men in their 20s-30s still living in their parents house and addicted to video games. Those men are depicted as a laughing stock.

   All in all, I believe that video games have more of a negative impact than a positive one. As long as you have self control I think that video games are a fun way to relax and enjoy time alone or even with friends. I also believe that obeying ratings and video games guidelines are crucial. Knowing that there is a chance of addiction that comes with video gaming is necessary. There are some great and amusing video games out there that appeal to any and everyone. Just remember to choose and play wisely.

http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/297

A Rough Time in History Makes for A Exceptional Novel

       “The Book Thief” written by Markus Zusak is set in Germany during the war of 1939. This was a rough time and place during history when Adolf Hitler took over Germany with the Nazi Army.

       The novel is set specifically in the city of Munich. During the time of Hitler’s  attack on Jews and reign of power over Germany, the interesting story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger is told. Liesel is not an average child. Her mother sent her off to live to Molching with Hans and Rosa Hubermann, Liesel’s new foster parents. Also known as“mama number two and papa”. Liesel’s younger brother Warren also died on a train while he was sleeping. Sad to say, life was not the best for young Liesel. She was set off to live on Himmel Street with her foster parents, where she encounters new friends as well as challenges. 

      Death, the narrator of the story first refers to Liesel as The Book Thief. This title, which is also the title of the book, has very much to do with the setting in which the story takes place, and much to do with Liesel’s challenges. Firstly, Liesel’s biggest challenge is not being able to read. Due to the fact, that Liesel cannot read she was set back in school to learn with the little kids. Even with her papa helping and teaching her how to read in the middle of the night, reading was still a constant struggle. Especially trying to read at the same level as kids her age. It was also challenging for Liesel, since the kids on Himmel Street, made fun of her. After a while, she became disruptive in her class, therefore they placed her back to learn with kids her age. Nevertheless, books fascinated Liesel. Despite the fact that Liesel was not able to read, she still had a great interest for books. Unfortunately, the Hubermanns were not wealthy enough to have tons of books for their dear foster child, Liesel. 

     The Hubermanns got by, by very little. Hans Hubermann is an accordion player as well as a painter and his wife Rosa brings home the most money by washing and ironing for wealthier homes. After a while Liesel took over Rosa’s job by helping her fulfill her duties instead. All in all, it was still not enough to provide Liesel with new books whenever she had a desire to read. Receiving books was an occasion for Liesel that only happened once or twice a year, more so on holidays. Which is why, Liesel resorted to stealing, and fulfilling her very own title as The Book Thief.

    In conclusion, I believe that the author, Mark Zusak selected to write an inspiring and well-written novel during this particular time and place in history because it gives the story an edge as well as more emotion. Using a time in history as tough as such makes the character’s struggles and triumphs all the more superior, and including death as the narrator, gives the story the whole package. Although I haven’t finished the novel yet, I can say that this is a book that surpasses expectations and is extremely hard to put down.

My Life's Motivational Quotes

A Few Quotations that Motivate Me

     Sometimes we all need motivation to get through a tough day. Whether it be a coach or a trainer, a little push never hurt. Through my life, there have been 3 quotes that have always gave me some form of hope or a little bit of motivation to strive through whatever obstacle may be in my way. 

     The first quote is by the famous Walt Disney. If you can dream it you can do it. This quote has always been my motivation to chase my dreams. I believe that if you try your hardest, you can make your dreams your reality. Sometimes my dreams for my future seem far from achievable. However, the late Walt Disney started his unimaginable successful career with only a dream and a mouse. Therefore, this inspirational story of a man and his dream gives me my motivation to pursue my very own dreams. 

     My second quote goes hand in hand with my first, on the topic of chasing your goals and dreams. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Confucius. For instance, your goals, dreams, and maybe even desires may be far from where you are now. Although, if you never start on your pathway to achieving what is at the end of your journey, it will not be possibly attainable. I once read that you don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great. This saying has always stuck by me since it proves that you can’t always succeed on your first attempt but you have to attempt to succeed. My personal journey may not be going a thousand miles per hour but I believe that it can be achieved one step at a time.

     My third and final quote is about the times you fall and the times you struggle. The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.  Swami Sivananda. Everyone goes through their very own struggles however overcoming them is what’s hard. I, too have encountered my very own struggles and failures through life but learning and overcoming from them has helped me grow as a person. Making mistakes is normal. One of my teachers once told me that the worst mistake anyone could make is being too afraid to make one. I presume true that Swami Sivananda meant that the tougher your obstacles, the sweeter your success.

     Ultimately, I believe that if you start your journey to pursuing your dreams knowing there may be struggles along the path there is absolutely nothing stopping you from achieving whatever you may desire.