posted by Qais on April 9, 2008 1:13 PM in Games, Geek Culture, Rant
You know what I think would be great? If gamers stopped being so damn selfish, collectively removed themselves from their couches for once, and used all that energy they spend playing games for the betterment of mankind. Wait, no, I don't think that, the Red Cross thinks that, or at least that's the implication given by their latest ad. The reason I don't think that? Gamers are are spending time, money, and effort to make the world a better place to live, and we're doing it with the thing we most love, games.
Now I'll be the first to admit that I can get a little reactionary when it seems like someone that isn't "hip to the lingo" is using games as a scapegoat or device in their advertising to drive people to action. And this ad by the Lebanese Red Cross is really clever, well designed, and is ultimately advocating something that I am behind 100%, but lumping gamers into the mix to make their point because it's convenient causes exactly what they're trying to avoid to occur; it's a divisive message and is going to make those of us sensitive to this kind of thing less likely to lend aid to their cause.
Thankfully, those of us that are now unwilling to lend aid to the Red Cross are likely still involved in any number of the multitude of charitable organizations run by and for gamers and the rest of the world. There are organizations such as Child's Play which donates games, books and toys to sick children across the world, Folding@Home which can be run in the background on a PC or a PS3 and distributes computer processing across the globe in order to better understand the evolution of viruses, or Gifts From Gamers which sends consoles, games, DVDs, CDs, books and magazines to soldiers currently stationed on the front lines. That last one is interesting considering the International Red Cross' roots are in assisting soldiers during war time. Seems the Lebanese Red Cross is a little late in their appeal, we've been on point helping those that need it for years now, especially soldiers.
Again I'd like to state that I don't disagree with the Red Cross' underlying message, we should be saving the world for real. The world is a horrible place full of violence, illness, tragedy, and horror, and we as human beings have a responsibility to put an end to that. The thing is though, we are, and we have been for a long time without any other unifying factors in place except that we all enjoy gaming and we aren't the shallow, thoughtless gang that we're often painted as. Take a look at gamers as a whole and you'll find an incredibly diverse group of people, a group that has put aside any differences it might have in order to help those in need. How many other charitable organizations can you think of whose members ignore the boundaries of race, age, gender, sexuality, and religion simply so they can give aid and make the world a better place to sit on your couch for hours at a time, seemingly doing nothing but accomplishing so much?
We all want to help, that much is obvious, but alienating gamers isn't the best way to get that help, no matter how many ignorant cause-heads titter at your clever joke.
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posted by Qais on December 20, 2007 1:01 PM in Games
Last night was the first, of what will hopefully be many, Pinkapalooza; an event put together by the awesome folks at Pink Godzilla as a charity benefit for Child's Play. The event kicked off with several rounds of Rock Band, which The Pink Godzillas rapidly dominated with a score of 2 million and then some. Although admittedly they did employ a secret weapon, of which ample use was made. Never before have I seen a man employ both cowbell AND pelvic thrusting with such skill. I'm told that with therapy and the right combination of psychoactive medications the nightmares will eventually end.
continue reading "Pinkapalooza: The Recapening"
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posted by Qais on December 18, 2007 2:31 PM in Geek Culture
One of the things the Seattle gaming community often boasts of is our geographical proximity to what could be called the mecca of import and classic gaming: Pink Godzilla. The light red reptilian purveyors of that which the Geekmobile breaks for (as the bumper-sticker declares) have taken one step further in the process of setting the hearts of gamers the world over aflutter.
Combining four things most gamers love: liquor, RockBand, prizes, and altruism, Pink Godzilla is kicking off their first Pinkapalooza. Pinkapalooza will be held to benefit Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity, December 19th (that's tomorrow for the slow students), at the Nectar Lounge in Fremont.
Pinkapalooza will feature local 8-bit artist Leeni, a Battle of the Bands on RockBand, and drawings for a Wii (bundled with Super Mario Galaxies), a 360 Rock Band Special Edition, a bevy of 360 games, and Jones Soda: Christmas soda packs. A paltry 10 dollars at the door will net you entry (although the event is 21+) and 2 raffle tickets for the aforementioned prizes with each additional ticket running 5 dollars a piece.
Come join the Weekly Geek crew for a little merriment for a good cause, and if altruism isn't your thing think of all the people that will inevitably clamor after your crusted hide following a public demonstration of your music simulation prowess.
via GayGamer
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posted by Mack on November 18, 2007 7:35 AM in Geek Culture
Actually it's been over for a few days now, but I've been holding off on this post until all the details were squared away. The auction has ended and holy crap! A huge thanks to Rob and Meghan A. of Massachusetts, who ended up donating one thousand dollars to Child Play and will be getting a nifty guitar as a side bonus. It's great and amazing and generous, and I'm glad I could be (in a small way) involved in their donation. So far Child's Play has raised over $200,000 in just these few weeks alone! Good work everyone!
If you'd like to donate to the Child's Play charity you can do so through their website here, through PayPal directly here, or if you're in the Seattle area you can donate to the Seattle Children's Hospital specifically through the Amazon list here.
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posted by Mack on November 12, 2007 10:42 AM in Geek Culture
Just quick update on the auction of this one of a kind geek artifact, there's only one day left and the bidding is already over $500! If you're feeling (at this point extremely) generous please feel free to bid. All proceeds will go to the Child's Play charity.
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posted by Grant on November 4, 2007 2:59 PM in Geek Culture
It's time once again, oh Geekkateers, to show the world that we're not all a bunch of crazy, gun wielding psychopaths just because we happen to enjoy interactive video entertainment. That's right, Child's Play 2007 has officially begun. For those of you who don't know, the crew over at Penny Arcade created a brand new charity back in 2003, where gamers donate money or buy gifts through Amazon to be donated to the Seattle Children's Hospital. Just like everything else PA has done in recent years, the event has grown exponentially and now works with a network of hospitals that spans the globe.
And this isn't one of them phony, shady, "give us some money for our huge paychecks and we might give the rest to some people in need" kind of charity. Absolutely 100% of everything that comes in goes directly to the beneficiaries of this charity. Mike and Jerry don't take even the slightest slice off the top for "administrative fees" or other crap like that.
In a world where gamers are are stereotyped as anti-social, violent, uncaring, selfish, etc., this is our chance to really prove them all wrong. But more importantly, it's a chance to participate in something wonderful and make a real difference in the lives of some children that may be facing the toughest days they will ever experience. Head on over to ChildsPlayCharity.org to find out what you can do to help your nearest children's hospital.
Check the full press release after the jump.
And be sure to check out an awesome Guitar Hero controller auction where all proceeds go to Child's Play.
continue reading "Get your charity on."
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posted by Chris on December 18, 2005 5:10 PM in Podcast
This week, The Geek, Frodo and White Mage discuss drinking your own pee, Child's Play Charity, Animal Crossing events, and the official Weekly Geek Casting Call. Download the show here or add http://www.weeklygeekshow.com/weeklygeek.rss to your favorite podcasting aggregator.
Show Notes:
-Inventor of the Segway drinks his own pee.
-big WoW machinima contest.
-Popular Toys throughout the ages.
-What IS WiTendoFi?.
-Metal Gear Solid Live PS3 video.
-Play SimCity Classic online for free.
-Donate to Child's Play this holiday season.
Music this week was the Super Mario World soundtrack remix by XOC. I don't know, google it.
--Frodo (frodo@weeklygeekshow.com)
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