State of the Arts: March 26, 2010 Archive
Can video games save the world?
Posted at 8:03 AM on March 26, 2010
by Marianne Combs
Filed under: Media, Technology
Jane McGonigal's goal for the next decade is to make it as easy to save the world in real life as it is to save the world in a computer game. According to McGonigal, people spend on average 3 billion hours a week playing video games. These games are intensely engaging, satisfying, and demand great concentration on the part of the player. So what if were able to get all those people playing games that dealt with poverty, obesity, and other world crises? Could we have an "epic win" for the world?
Gil Scott-Heron lays down the listening law
Posted at 11:01 AM on March 26, 2010
by Euan Kerr
Filed under: How To, Music
It's rare to be chastised by a CD even before you listen to it.
However when you open the jewel case for Gil Scott-Heron's new album "I'm New Here" you are confronted by a set of instructions.
To quote them in their entirety:
"There is a proper procedure for taking advantage of any investment. Music, for example. Buying a CD is an investment. To get the maximum you must
LISTEN TO IT FOR THE FIRST TIME UNDER OPTIMUM CONDITIONS
Not in your car or on a portable player through a headset.
Take it home.
Get rid of all distractions, (even her or him).
Turn off your cell phone
Turn off everything that rings or beeps or rattles or whistles.
Make yourself comfortable
LISTEN all the way through.
Think about what you got
Think about who would appreciate this investment.
Decide if there is someone to share this with.
Turn it on again.
Enjoy Yourself.
Gil Scott-Heron"
I got this CD two days ago, and these words were a mighty slap at what have become my own bad listening habits. I have yet to find the time to follow the instructions properly. But today is the day.
Gil Scott-Heron plays two shows at the Dakota in Minneapolis on Sunday
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