computer games I played

I've played hundreds of hours in computer game time.

In the 1980s, there was Nintendo Family Computer. The Supermario Brothers 1-3, Strider, Rockman / Mega Man, Contra Team, Gradius, Battle City, Wrecking Crew, Astroboy and 100-in-1 games were on top of my to-play list. I also had the opportunity to try out light-gun and joystick attachments in shooting games, Duckhunt and Pac Man, Atari Space Invaders or Galaxian remakes.

The coming of the 1990s brought with it the evolution of personal computers or desktops where more sophisticated tasks can be accomplished. The user can prepare word documents, spreadsheets, layouts, drawings, and play games with high resolution graphics and animation. Eventually, as the processors and silicon chips got better, as technology improved, many more advanced games were created and more story lines, game types and expansions made into virtual reality. The games not only reflected reality, they also expanded the fantasy realms, from the deepest parts of the earth, the past to future worlds, and alternative universes as far as imagination can take.

Among those I remember playing were CounterStrike, Command and Conquer, Red Alert, Diablo 2, Ragnarok, Exile, Warcraft, Starcraft, and Battle for Wesnoth.

learning from sci-fi

Two of my Social Sciences professors sometimes referred to sci-fi's such as Star Trek and Star Wars to inspire students in envisioning a better society. Sure enough, we students gained some ideas from these sci-fi's, that we are now able to utilize in making alternative propositions and day to day critiques. The more difficult part comes in applying such theories or ideas in mundane realities. Here are a few lessons from Star Trek.

technology vs safety

In the age of e-cash, unlimited sms, wireless tapping, bluetooth, echelon, and blogging (wala lang, rhymes with tapping), how safe is safe, and how private is private? Are there enough measures to ensure our security? Of course, you already know that ATM accounts can be tampered, our text messages are logged, and cellphones also serve as tracking devices, among other possible security risks. Imagine the possibilities, and the risks. Years from now, would you want to have your own SIM implant, a number code or bar code, or a centralized national/international ID?