Jun 12 2010
We had a cockroach living under our bathroom sink for the last couple of weeks. We named him Henry. He would come out every now and then to say hello. He never left a mess, would hide when the lights came on and was only out when no one was in the bathroom. Of course because he was a cockroach his welcome had run out. Last night we found him, out and about as usual. I got him in the corner and swiftly ended his life with a shoe. RIP Henry.
Jun 07 2010
Jun 01 2010
Over the last century, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) developed one of the largest youth organizations in America based on its tradition of building character, teaching practical skills and developing a spirit of community service. Today BSA combines these goals with modern technology by offering new achievement badges focused on computer and video games.
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts can earn a video game belt loop by demonstrating an understanding of what the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) game ratings mean, how they work and why they are important. Scouts must play video games that have been approved by their parents and create daily schedules that include time for video game play, chores and homework.
“I don’t know of any household of anyone less than 30 that doesn’t have some kind of gaming system,” said Renee Fairrer, a spokesman for BSA. “It’s at the home, it’s at the library, and nine times out of ten, in some form or fashion, it’s at their school.”
Earning the academic achievement pin requires additional work that helps Scouts learn about games and gaming systems, how to interact appropriately with others while playing and how to teach others how to play. Scouts must research a number of video games to find one that is appropriate for their age group, report on the differences between two gaming systems, play a game with a family member and teach someone how to play. The program also encourages Scouts to play a game that teaches math or spelling skills, and requires that they attempt to install a gaming system under adult supervision.
The game-related achievement badges were introduced along with 13 new merit pins this year dedicated to a wide range of topics, including Disability Awareness, Family Travel, Good Manners, Hiking, Hockey, Horseback Riding, Kickball, Nutrition, Pet Care, Photography, Reading and Writing and Skateboarding.
The addition of the video game belt loop and achievement pin provides a valuable opportunity for Scouts to learn about the ESRB ratings and experience video games in a supervised, educational manner.
You can learn more about the video game achievement awards and the new merit badges on the BSA website, www.scouting.org.
May 25 2010
We have a new baby on the way. Kevin is going to be a big brother in early Dec.
