Hank is a bright 5 year old with a vivid imagination. He does spend some time on the iPad playing a game called Minecraft. The game is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is thought to be the most popular game ever designed with over 176 million copies sold. The game allows players to build with a variety of blocks in 3D procedurally generated world, requiring creativity from the players. Hank has built incredible structures from a variety of blocks while dealing with various threatening Zombie, Enderman characters, water, and hot lava. Instructions are given and as Hank has to spell words to build his game inventory he has basically taught himself to read. We worry about screen time but Hank’s activities keep him entertained and learning in a lot of ways. Could he grow up to be a Gamer- it is possible. There are leagues with prize money, game designers hire them to review and improve the quality, and some people hire them as mentors and tutors. UNiVeRsE, real name Saahil Arora, at 27 was a professional Dota 2 player. In 2017 he had earned over $2.8 million in 67 tournaments. Ever watch Jeopardy? The current Champion, James Holzhauer, has earned almost $2 million in his 25 successive wins. This guy is smart, cool under pressure, and strategically fearless. I am finishing with the Gamers who get the most attention and make the most money. Those athletes who raise their performance in critical games and moments, they thrive on pressure. Last week end, Brooks Koepka overcame his nerves and won the PGA. Watching Stephen Curry step up for his injury riddled team to reach the finals again, the man can shoot three pointers under pressure. Many think of Michael Jordan as the ultimate gamer. In today’s world I am nominating Nancy Pelosi for a gamer award for her calm leadership in a battle to preserve our country.
Imagine riding the beleaguered, sclerotic, consistently delayed subway system in New York, on top of the many inconveniences someone has taken to riding the last car and pulling the emergency brake cord. Not cool and action has locals wishing they could send for help from Batman, Gotham needs an infrastructure fix. Unfortunately, our fearless leader is not a multitasker and has declined to consider this important issue for our country. In Washington D.C., parking is so difficult and there are so many lawless folks the city council has considered deputizing 80 regular citizens to give tickets. No report on who will collect from all those who park illegally. And in a serious breach of the United Golf Association computer system, some evil people posted four scores over 100 for an alleged notorious golf cheat to better reflect his ability. The posted handicap is called an “excessively flattering” 2.8. Seems like a lot of people question the Veracity of the commander in chief. I never understand why anyone would prevaricate when the game is one of honor and you play against the course and yourself. My father, Ed, loved golf and could score, his words still resonate with me and apply to golf and life, “you can fool everyone but yourself.”
Michael Jordan reminded us, “never say never because limits, like fears, are often just illusions. I believe we can find a way to move our country forward and thanks to those who gave their lives to give us that opportunity.
Enjoy the long week end.
Mike