Good Morning and welcome to a brand-new week!

A couple of years ago, a Nintendo DS entered our home. Liam's Christmas gift was fun and exciting. After all, we had been able to push off the video game generation a little longer.
Now, as a bit of an aside, we did have about 10 versions of different LeapFrog games, but they are more about learning than playing, something that was learned quickly by a child's mind.
So, loaded down with a couple of games, the Nintendo DS (for those not in the know, it's a hand-held video game) quickly became a reason to argue.
Everybody wanted to play it. Liam wasn't to happy, after all, it is his and his alone. Still, thanks to some parental input, the game became something to share.
So, Liam would play it, then Brendan would get a chance and finally Malena (and sometimes Dad). Soon, though, the amount of time everybody was using the game became an issue.
'He had it longer than me.' 'I never get a chance to play.' 'When is it my turn.'
That's when the timer comes in. Now, everybody has a chance to play for 15 minutes. When the alarm goes off, it's time to switch.
Of course, that comes with its own set of problems. Some of the games take longer than 15 minutes, which means you get to hear a lot of 'just one more minute' or 'I just want to finish this one thing.'
Of course, the arguments come and it's time to put it away. The next day, there's a repeat, so it's time to hide the whole thing.
Or, at least give me a chance to play.

Good Morning and welcome to the next big thing!

OK, I'll admit to be a little behind the times. Maybe it's because I never really grew up with the stuff or because I never really felt the need to spend hours pushing buttons, but I don't understand the video game revolution.
I don't know why you need to sit in front of the television and play virtual games instead of just playing the games. Much to the chagrin of a trio of children I know well, there are no Playstations or Xbox's connected to the television.
A few years ago I received something called 'Atari Flashback' which is exactly as it sounds. You can play some of the 'classic' Atari games like pong, 'Adventure' and 'Yars Revenge.' It lasted about two days plugged into the television before the being buried under other toys. I tried to sell it at a yard sale this fall for a buck and got no takers.
Now, I can almost see the reason to purchase a Wii. After all, you do have to move around a bit for most of the games. At least there's a little interaction besides just sitting and pushing buttons on a handheld thingamajig.
Actually, I don't think most games out on the market are for children anyway, so, if there's no temptation there's no 'Grand Theft Auto.'
I may plug the Atari back into the television on the next rainy day. I should hold them over for about 10 minutes.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Good Morning, Delaware County!

Haven't heard from Larry Mendte yet, but the shock from getting fired by Channel 3 is still probably too much to handle.
Anyway, I want to up the offer for the disgraced former anchor. Instead of just adding content to Rise and Shine, how about a Larry Mendte unemployment blog. Just think of the possibilities.
We have have a former TV anchor trying to get a job at Wawa or wondering around town. We can read about the trials and tribulations of being a former television personality. Hey, maybe we can even get some of that hidden humor.
Here's a good one, let's have Larry Mendte go back to Lansdowne and find some of his old neighbors and friends. Maybe sit in the Regency and talk about coffee.
Sounds like a winner.
By the way, one other incentive for poor Larry. I'll even let him read my e-mail any time he wants as long as he doesn't forward any of my bikini shots.
Come on, Larry. Let's get it going. Maybe it's not as impressive as the 11 o'clock news, but, hey, you have to keep your name out there somehow.
I'm up for anything. We even have an open desk next to Gil Spencer. I'll set up a camera and listen in on that banter. Sounds like fun.
Just in case you've forgotten Larry Mendte already, here's a classic that bears repeating:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

What a fine morning we have, with the sun shining bright and the promise of a nice new week.
Now, with that out of the way, got to thinking about all things in general. After I put my head back together, I started to wonder what has happened to things.
Sure, the world is changing. We all know that. We are going digital. Everbody has a cell phone and cars eat up too much gas, but there are smaller things here.
For instance, what happened to video game arcades. In the early 80s, they were all the rage. Every mall had a store put aside for games, most of which cost a quarter to play.
It was a chance to hang out with friends and play a few games. There was always a line at PacMan. There were sports games, space games, driving games (the favorite among those in the know) and, of course, pinball games.
You threw in a few quarters over the course of a few hours, got out of the house and actually interacted with people, some of which you didn't even know.
Now, video games are played in the house in front of the television. If children aren't playing alone, they are playing with a small group of friends.
Sure, the technology has improved to the point that today's video games make yesteryear's look like board games. OK, I get the 3D graphics and the role playing, but it's not enough.
Playstation, X-Box and the like not only are making our children lazier and, probably, a little heavier, but there's a social aspect missing as well.
Even if we were doing the same thing, at least we were out with people. Learning everbody in the community was a little different, liked different games.
Maybe it's not the most important thing in the world, but, in a world that's increasingly busy, the little things do matter a lot.
OK, here's a classic from days gone by:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com