Tag Archives: video

Gaming role models: Aloy vs Lara Croft

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to start making videos. Well, said videos are happening. I did my planned Facebook Live on Sunday evening, and of course, life happened and there were interruptions. But I think it went pretty well, although due to interruptions I sort of lost my train of thought at times and didn’t give as much depth and detail in my argumentation. But that’s okay – that’s what the written word is for! So, here is a bit more insight into my assessment of the Aloy vs Lara Croft argument.

It’s something I’ve been thinking about after getting a platinum in Horizon Zero Dawn. Yes, I loved the game. A lot. The gameplay, the story… so much of the experience really resonated with me. And a large part of that was because of Aloy, the protagonist. What made her so unique? Why did I like her so much? I still love Lara – she’s the original trail blazer of a gaming icon – but Aloy is just, different. But first, let’s talk a bit about role models. Continue Reading

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I’m going to start making videos

videos

I love this little place on the internet. This blog is my corner where I can share whatever I’m going through. Part chronicle, part journal, part opportunity to vent, I love being able to write posts and share what’s going on with all of you. Even better is when some of you take the time to reply, to comment or tweet or leave a Facebook response to whatever I’m going through. While part of blogging is incredibly narcissistic – you know, that whole thing about assuming that my story/life will be interesting to other people – the other part is really outward facing. It’s the community of readers and lurkers who help make me feel less alone on this journey, and I adore every single person who pauses on my site to read my words. But one of my goals this year was to connect more with people, in my private life, and on my blog, and I think the best way to push that forward is with videos.

Before anyone worries, fear not! This doesn’t mean that I will stop writing words or sharing my thoughts here. I am committed to this blog, to writing. I just think that video will give me a chance to share things differently, to give more of a behind-the-scenes glimpse into my life, and open up another channel for you all to respond, engage and interact with me. I really want to connect, and I’m hoping this will help with that. Continue Reading

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Everyone should watch these sexual harassment PSAs

sexual harassment

Public Service Announcements (or PSAs) are strange things. Some of them have been so tone deaf over the years, using weird imagery and language while trying to push kids to just say no to drugs or avoid the perils of teen sex. I still remember a PSA I saw as a kid about someone stealing condoms because they were too shy to buy them, with the messaging that if you aren’t mature enough to buy condoms, you aren’t mature enough to cope with the reality of sex. This latest batch of PSAs deal with sexual harassment, and they hit a little too close to home for me.

So often, sexual harassment and assault is depicted as strangers jumping out of bushes to flash people, or gross lecherous men groping teenagers on the subway. The reality of sexual harassment is much more nuanced. It’s usually from someone you know, perhaps in the workplace or from someone in a position of power. It is still harassment, and in a way even more insidious. David Schwimmer helped produce these new PSAs and they are well written, acted and filmed, and showcase some real star power as well. Here are a few that resonated with me. Continue Reading

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This is how you play video games with a baby

While I’ve managed some gaming time since Harley was born, it’s not the way it once was. I can’t wear a headset because I need to be able to hear if she cries, and I can’t really play online either because if she needs me she can’t wait while I finish a mission. I managed to get in some single player gaming, but as Harley has grown the way that works has changed. Sure, it’s best to play while she naps, but I’m also learning to hold her and play at the same time – I even managed to play a game while nursing her the other night.

But the best way is if someone else can hold your baby for a bit. At least, I like it because it means I can sort of focus on playing (even if Harley still always has some of my attention) and just relax and have fun. Plus, most people like the chance to hold Harley. I saw most people, because this video with Sam is quite possibly my new favorite thing. Continue Reading

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