If You Use the Internet, You Need to See This...

If a monopoly of internet providers can buy our government, then, you know... "What's next?" Rather than talking about the oft scoffed slippery slope, just think about what happens when you drop slippery soap in a prison shower. That's what cable companies will (be continuing to) do to us.


There is a lot you can do about it, including...

• Read more about net neutrality...here, here, or here.
• Tell your elected officials what you think about it (and, important second step: hold them accountable by voting against them if they don't listen to you.)
• Tell your cable company you'll drop them (which is nearly impossible to do, considering there is no competition, but that's something else to ask your government representatives to change. In the meantime, consider satellite.)
• Tell your friends and family (share this video or any other article you find readable and informative).
• Check out other ways you can take action.

Lastly, but not leastly...

• The FCC is actually inviting you to comment directly, via the internet: here at ffc.gov/comments. You can follow the esteemed Mr. Oliver's advice, or construct your comments as you wish. But, hey, let's not be dillweeds and give any government entity reason to say: "See? See?!! This is why we don't want to ask the public about anything!" (i.e. keep comments constructive and on topic, please.)

Support every individual's equal access to the internet (which is free like the airwaves) and don't let cable companies restrict that access.

Not For Sale...

Please let me take brief moment to shine a light on a growing problem: slavery. You hear about it occasionally in the news as "human trafficking," yet it happens much more than occasionally. It happens every day, everywhere in the world, even "first world" nations, even our own. Children of all ages and adults are enslaved, either sold by their families to pay a debt, or simply kidnapped. Often they are not only subjected to a dehumanizing life of forced labor, those trapped in slavery, children included, are raped and abused or forced into prostitution. And it doesn't matter what color skin or political background they come from, it's all the same: they're not free in even the most basic meaning of the word.

To begin my own involvement, I turned to these groups who not only get the word out but who work actively to free individual slaves, provide a safe harbor and give the support individuals need to escape slavery:

Not For Sale—is an intervention program that staffs safehouses and sponsors individuals so they can be freed.

End It Movement—the first step is knowing this problem exists and spreading the word, using social media as well as other awareness campaigns.

Exodus Cry—focused on prevention through prayer, awareness and reform by changing legislation that allows slavery to proliferate.

This isn't a happy subject, not one we want to think about when there is so much else going on. It's hard to face. But we can't stay in the dark about it. Or not talk about it or call it anything other than what it is. President Obama says this about the issue:

"It ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at our social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I'm talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name—modern slavery."

Ignore that word "modern", though. It adds a hip vibe to the problem when, in actuality, it is far worse and more people are currently enslaved in far wider reaches across the globe than many times in history. It's overwhelming to consider so let's start by acknowledging they need our help and start looking for a way to help them. Please begin with the first and most potent way to help: pray. Then don't be too shy to talk about it, to share something about it on Facebook or send a tweet on the issue, and then do something.

Overlooked Gems...More Best Games of 2012

When it came to cumulating a list of 2012's best games, the competition was fierce, especially in some categories. It was impossible to include everyone's favorites, short of cage fights and pony tossing contests, we had to make compromises to account for a variety of factors. As a result, some games didn't make the list, as awesome as they were. Imagine an episode of Chopped where two chefs each made three exceedingly amazing dishes; someone gets "chopped" for the smallest of errors. Well, the same was true behind the scenes of Jayisgames' Best of 2012.

Thus, here's my own list: More Best Games from 2012 (part 1 of 4)...

TOGETHER ALONE _{This narrative puzzle game from Jan Niestadt and Gijs Rosengarten of Qwok Games is unique, artistic, engaging and thoughtful. First made for a game jam competition, the authors improved their creation, smoothing the level progression and fleshing out gameplay. Deserving of kudos for originality as well as overall quality, Together Alone didn't quite muster the attention it might have gotten if the puzzle category of 2012 hadn't been brimming full of strong contenders.}

KVEENDOLNITZA _{The charm in Jacek Szleszyński's Samorost-like point-and-click adventure far exceeds its boundaries. On first look, the surreal artwork alone is attention-grabbing. While, upon play, it seems to lack a bit of flow and polish, Kveendolnitza's every component and quality work together to exude the personality of one tiny protagonist: Triton. Which is why this game is worthy of a second look.}

WEIRDOS ON A TRAIN <sub>Part of the Something Amiss series of games, Tucker Bowen's escape adventure manages to be, yes, weird, but also quite lovely in how it presents the story and draws its players into the atmosphere, which is an offbeat yet perfectly logical mish-mash of strange characters traveling on a train. Here's a game series that manages to strike its own chord, especially for those who highly appreciate uniqueness.

And...if you liked Weirdos on a Train, be sure to also check out: Stupid Cat Snatching Goblins.</sub>

THE WISH _{It's hard to describe this lovely piece of art and music as "merely a game." This BeardShaker Games creation is much more like a diminutive interactive postcard, one that is outstandingly gorgeous and emotionally effective albeit lacking gameplay. It is completely unique in format and style for that reason. Whenever you want to share something beautiful with someone you care about, try sending him or her a link to The Wish.}

Neutral Christmas Escape...

Just an update to escape-the-room fans...Neutral's charming Christmas banner mini game is available to play throughout the month of December.

Read my Jay is Games review of the game for more information, links to Neutral's site and a walkthrough.

Keeping Perspective...

The above words may or may not have been written by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, but they are beautiful and merit contemplation anyway. Happiness is an attitude. When it's a bit fuzzy, changing focus may be all that's needed to bring it into clarity again.

And now for something completely different...

Perhaps not completely different, being it's on a subject we all have to deal with sometime (and will hopefully be more solemn and respectful of when those times come), but as morbid as it may be, this video has gone viral on the laurels of being "best PSA evah!" Commentary? I have none except it's a fun tune and I like fun tunes. Way to make a song about death sound so cheerful and catchy, eh?

We Are So Thankful...

In honor of Veterans Day and in this month when we here in the United States are reminded to be thankful, I'd like to highlight an organization that turns our words of gratitude into a concrete gesture of appreciation and respect: The Fisher House Foundation.

_{UnitedHealthcare's WellnessAd program funding supports the Fisher House "Sponsor A Family" program at the Naval Medical Center Fisher Houses in San Diego, California and at Joint Base Lewis McChord Fisher House in Seattle, Washington.}

The Fisher House ensures that military personal injured during their service to our country have the one thing that medical care cannot guarantee: the presence and support of loved ones. When a service member is hospitalized or in long term care, it is not always within range of their home town and family members. Fisher House provides a place for family to stay, so they can be close by to give love and encouragement to these heroes who have sacrificed their health for our safety and continued prosperity. With locations at every major medical facility, the "Fisher House Foundation donates comfort homes, built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury."

You can donate to and read more about The Fisher House Foundation on their website: www.fisherhouse.org.

You can also help by simply spreading the word: please share this on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you and Happy Veterans Day to the great men and women who have served for our rights and our freedoms!

Too Beautiful to Not Share...

When you seek inspiration or a boost of wonderment, select an eyeful of gorgeous from Evosia Studios. Shot in Joshua Tree National Park, Ascendance utilizes time lapse photography, fitting days of glory into a few brief moments. Film artist Henry Jun Wah Lee initially sought to film a meteor shower but discovered much more.... The musical accompaniment, "Fields of Honor," by Justin Durban makes you wonder if God planned such a show for just this occasion.

A little too...distracted

I'm long in updating, but am keeping to the advice I offered another blogger: just write.

Distractions and disruptions in my normal pattern have kept me away from my little project here, but it isn't abandoned. If you have stumbled past and so happen to wonder, "What's this?" I'll be at it again soon. My goal: interesting memes and encouraging stories from around the web with a heavy emphasis on da kine I like the most.

Keep checking back! Meanwhile, I'll continue updating to Twitter more often and Facebook much more frequently.

Love Is . . . Not Self-Seeking

For St. Valentine's Day, why not warm your heart from the inside out? These two charitable organizations model what a loving heart is in the most meaningful ways:

Blood Water Mission is not only dedicated to building wells in impoverished nations where this essential, life-basic resource is not always in ready supply, they are also working hard to fight AIDS world-wide by giving communities the information and tools to be "agents of change" in stopping the epidemic. Think: teach a man to fish while also making sure he has enough fish to eat. It's the real deal; they are independently audited every year, have been certified by ECFA for integrity, and you can view their financial report here. Wherever you decide to put your charity dollars, it's always wise to investigate just how those funds are spent. In some organizations, as little as 1% of proceeds actually go toward helping those in need. Not so with BWM, which strives to put at least 80% of the funds directly into the communities it serves. It's a small world after all.

SelflessTee always remains topical...rather than focusing on only one cause, they hold two-week campaigns for a variety of good causes—both large and very small. Their current campaigns include Cancer Early Detection. All you have to do to support the cause of your choice is to purchase one of their way-cool fashionable (designed by talented artists) tee shirts. Or, if you have a foundation or organization needing support, you can contact the fine folks at SelflessTee with your fundraising needs and you might inspire their next 2-week campaign. SelflessTee's ingenuity and efficiency is truly motivating: they had an idea and just went out and did it. But don't take my word on it; hear directly from Selfless Tee founders, Danny and Josh, in the video posted below.

SelflessTee from SelflessTee on Vimeo.

Cyber Rules Tip #512: How Food Goes Viral

The Darth Vader Burger is catching a lot of attention these days. Wasn't there once a time in history that voyagers risked life and limb to traverse stormy, monster-infested oceans to bring back flavorful spices to their Kings and Queens? Now, inventors are hard at work creating fleeting tastes that spark food addiction and toying with nature's original aesthetics to grab fame and publicity.

The food industry has an edge that other businesses cannot match: everybody has to eat. It's just a matter of getting them to eat your food. Quick, a Belgian fast food chain, is certain to get its share of attention as this latest stunt has gone viral. Enjoy your fame, Quick. And, um, those folks out there who will eat this...burger...well, you enjoy your meal, too.

Mad Rush of Year End/New Year

Happy New Year! Just a little personal message from me to anyone who happens across my humble little blog here. I haven't been posting much (well, even less than before) as various other projects in teaching and writing have kept my burners at a constant boil. If you've reached this page through JIG but have not yet seen William and Sly 2, then give it a look . . . you do not have to be someone who likes video games to like that one.

My resolution for 2012 is to find more interesting, worth-sharing bits and snips to post here and to actually get this blog thing going to be a place where for you to discover more eclectic stories and information, latest viral videos or memes, and such stuff.

All the best to you and yours in 2012,

L

A Deer Story to Warm Your Heart . . .

This happened over a year ago, but when Second Chance Ranch posted it on their Facebook page, the story went viral. While it may seem like a minor feat, some may even call it insignificant, the story of how Tom Satre of Alaska Quest Charters saved four young deer has heart. It is, when you read it and look at the pictures, a reminder that people are simply kind. That we have, in our hearts, the inclination to do good even when it means no benefit to us. This is a good thing at a time when we also see so much ugliness in the world. It helps to change perspective and appreciate that basic, simple joy . . . there for the taking to anyone who will inhale, smile and say, "It is good." God built us for fellowship with others and stewardship of the earth . . . and that's what I see happening in this story.

Read more about the swimming deer rescue story at Alaska Quest Charters' website, The Juneau Empire, and on Second Chance Ranch's Facebook profile.

Photos from The Seattle Weekly.

Nom Noms Inspired by Fantasy Saga

Yes, it's good. If your first choice for a good read is a lengthy, viscerally detail-orientated saga...If you find yourself salivating over George R. R. Martin's vivid descriptions of, say, Sansa's breakfast...Or, simply, if you enjoy a spot of epicurean gamboling and are wracked with ennui over the monotony of cookbook choices, here is something for you: Inn at the Crossroads. This website, inspired by foods mentioned in The Song of Fire and Ice, the renowned book series by George R. R. Martin, is the foodie opus of Chelsea Monroe-Cassel and Sariann Lehrer and is the best source on the web (or anywhere else!) to find recipes for both ordinary repast as well as kingly delicacies from history and imagination.

Inn at the Crossroads also provides good entertainment as each recipe is accompanied by a gorgeous photograph to gawk at and a bit of narrative to read.

Visit Innatthecrossroads.com for more information and recipes.

It's a Catchy Tune . . . How About You?

Krista Branch's single, "I Am America," is now a politician's campaign theme song. What?! But wherever you stand in your political leanings, this song has many inspirational notes worth pondering.  Maybe not the Star Spangled Banner, yet Branch's lyrics and upbeat melody manage to convey a significant motto of our societal generation.

A Picture is Worth . . . Much, Much More.

National Geographic's Your Shot provides a much needed escape from cynicism, apathy, and perhaps just plain boredom. It's sure to spark conversations and, the best part is, they're pictures that ordinary-yet-extraordinary people take every day. Not only does NatGeo host your photos on their website where all can gaze, gawk and admire—they also turn them into enjoyably diverting games: sliders, memory, jigsaw puzzles, and concentration/match games.

This photo of dolphins surfing, for example, was captured by Sarah Jones who proudly captions: "I had just finished photographing surfers when this school of dolphins came through. For once I had my camera with me and was able to get the shot!" (View it here with full accreditation: National Geographic's Your Shot Weekly Wrapper)

While dozens of social media and other sites also offer the means to photo-share, Nat Geo brings it all together under their infamous banner. Having your own photo published by an acclaimed magazine globally-known for absolutely amazing pictures since 1888 does have a special ego-boosting dynamism. Meanwhile, YouTube, for example, can only feint at fame for 15-minute bursts (Justin Beiber and the latest humorous monkey tricks notwithstanding).

There's a huge assortment of pics to browse through at National Geographic's Your Shot home page and you just might discover, while sifting through, your daily inspiration or just a reminder of how blessed you truly are. And that's worth, well, a lot—much more than just words.

Note: You can also give "My Shot" a try if you're looking for a more social-media-esque pic sharing experience.

(The above photo can be viewed full size, with its captions and source cited, at National Geographic's Your Shot Daily Dozen.)

(The above photo can be viewed full size, with its captions and source cited, at National Geographic's Your Shot Daily Dozen .)

(The above photo can be viewed full size, with its captions and source cited, at National Geographic's Your Shot Daily Dozen.)

A Song of Fire and Ice (aka how to be cruel to your readers)

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


That's it! I can't read anymore. Martin is a great writer, skilled at weaving engaging and vibrant stories . . . but his perverse and sadistic obsession with making us love a character only to kill him or her off is torturing me. There is only so much I can take of these depressing twists of the knife. Someone give George R.R. Martin a hug and a big bar of chocolate. He needs more cheer.

Bah.



View all my reviews

Make It Yours, Make It Better

Better Facebook allows you to customize your facebook page via its browser app. Even better, Better Facebook is a free application (although, if you like freeware or even just like the idea of freeware, you should donate at least something to the cause) and a safe download.

With Better Facebook, add skins, tabs, easily hide annoying content (so you won't have to "unfriend" your Farmville loving pals), move notifications to where they are convenient for you, make chat work the way you want, and much more.

You have nothing to lose in trying; if you don't like it, the Better Facebook plug-in is as simple to remove as it is to add on.

We Love Our Social Media, So Why Does It Keep Changing?

Here's why:
Facebook's Singular Goal is to be THE Center of the World.
Well, the world wide web. Everything you do on the internet, Facebook wants to be a part of it. That's a tall order, though, for a site better known as a Farmville platform or a myspace 2.0. Then, you have to consider that Google+ is looming overhead, waiting to usurp them all.

That's not all; Facebook also has its face undergoing cosmetic surgery. An entire page is devoted to this update: Timeline, which has a very blog-like, web-page-y feel to it. Many will consider this a radical change and extremely terrifying to some users if even a small switch from "fan" to "like" could upset millions.

For some reason, even though we voted a man into The White House based on his promise for change, social media users do not like change. Every change made on Facebook sparks hundreds of new Facebook group pages devoted to protesting it, and many thousands more who banner their profiles with complaints and disgruntled "Me no like" status updates. Constant change, though, is what resulted in the technology we're now spoiled by and dependent upon.

In the meantime, you will find me on my blog more often. Any changes in format or content is in my (Muwahahahaha) absolute control. That's how I like it. Between Twitter and Blogger, what more could a girl want?

Well, more readers perhaps. And my own nuclear powered island. All that may come . . . in time.

Netflix Apology Is Defensive But Misses The Mark

In his blog last Sunday, Netflix CEO and Co-Founder Reed Hastings offered An Explanation and Some Reflections about the latest Netflix price hike. Last month, Netflix announced that it was splitting its services—dvd shipments and instant streaming—into two pay structures, angering millions of users as the change resulted in a significant increase in monthly subscription rates. As the effect took place September 1st, Netflix lost over one million subscribers and its stock values plunged.

Now Hastings' apology dumps another blow on his dissatisfied customers' heads; Netflix is splitting into two separate companies: Netflix for instant streaming content and Qwikster for DVD by mail service. Read more, and offer your opinion, here.

UPDATE: as of 10/10/11, Netflix has reversed its plans: DVDs are staying on the main site. Seems that the power of customer feedback also remains. Read more here.