| |
|
|
October 4 · Issue #10 · View online
Martin Walfisz distracted by games, technology and politics.
|
|
|
Weekend reading! A lot of interesting stuff on US politics. But starting off with a really funny, deeply insightful take on the intricacies of game design. And further down an important perspective on kids and screen time. Don’t miss it. Also, if you have any random shinies that you think that I should share, don’t hesitate to let me know. :) |
|
"Can the player open every door in the game?"
|
“The Door Problem” | Liz England
This is a few years old, so if you’re into game design, you might have seen it already. But it’s such a simple, perfect explanation of the challenges and efforts that go into game design. There’s an impression that game design is flashy and cool and about crazy ideas and fun all the time. But when I start off with, “Let me tell you about doors…” it cuts straight to the everyday practical considerations.
|
Seth Meyers expertly mocks Trump for being his own whistleblower on Ukraine interference
The bestest and funniest summary of the Trump-Biden-Ukraine controversy I’ve seen. Trump is like teflon, nothing sticks. I don’t have high hopes for actual impeachment, but military-aid-for-digging-up-dirt-on-Biden is as simple as it gets. Everyone, even the GOP, should understand that this is corruption for personal gain. Drumpf! |
If Trump's Ukraine call isn't impeachable, nothing is (Opinion) - CNN
Now, here’s another, more serious, take on the Ukraine situation. By a law professor who literally wrote the book on impeachment.
|
Republicans’ ‘No Quid Pro Quo’ Defense of Trump Collapses With Release of Volker Texts
And the latest news is really damning. At least from a legal perspective. Three texts are worth highlighting, as they immediately shatter the notion that the administration did not engage in a quid pro quo when they withheld aid in order to influence Ukraine into investigating a political rival.
|
Elizabeth Warren tops Democratic candidates in national poll for first time | US news | The Guardian
Continuing with US politics. Warren would be a great president. I’m just not sure that the US voting populace (with warts and all) is ready for a rational, smart woman who “has a plan for that!” On the other hand, if Sanders is out of the race (?), Warren should have a really good chance of getting the democratic nomination. Assuming that Trump is never impeached, I hope that he will find that his dirt-throwing and bullying does not work on Warren. Time will tell. If it wasn’t so important for the world, I’d bunker up with popcorn and enjoy the show. |
Opinion: Donald Trump is a walking punch line. Democrats need to learn that this is their greatest weapon - Los Angeles Times
Last comment (for now) on US politics. Here’s the right move to counter Trump’s swaggering: ridicule him. I wonder if Warren can stoop this low without coming across as mean. After all, we shouldn’t make fun of the mentally impaired.
|
100,000 FACES GENERATED BY AI FREE FOR ANY USE
On to something completely else. This is another (small) proof-point of the ongoing AI revolution. A great, free resource if you ever need a face for mockups or marketing materials.
|
For First Time Ever, Scientists Identify How Many Trees to Plant and Where to Plant Them to Stop Climate Crisis
Many important takes on climate change in a recent issue, and planting trees is definitely one of the efforts that most people (not least politicians) could easily understand. The world should rally around this and just make it happen. What can you do? Well, for example, donate to the International Tree Foundation. I just did. |
In defense of screen time – Björn Jeffery
Founder of kids gaming powerhouse Toca Boca, Björn Jeffery, has written a great piece on how to think about screen time. It’s something that certainly every parent has struggled with at times. Björn’s essay should be mandatory reading, at least if you have non-adult kids, or ever voiced an opinion on modern-day child-rearing. (I’m looking at you, yes you! ;) Fortnite looks like a game where people shoot each other and do weird dances to celebrate it. But Fortnite is also an online social club where leadership and teamwork develop. It’s deep and multi-layered. When was the last time you collaborated with a global group of people, in real-time, towards a common goal?
|
|
Did you enjoy this issue?
|
|
|
|
In order to unsubscribe, click here.
If you were forwarded this newsletter and you like it, you can subscribe here.
|
|
|
|
|
