Video Games Turn 40

It's been 40 years this month since Ralph Baer invented Pong.

Within those 40 years the video game industry has surpassed both the music and film industry in terms of annual revenue generated. No small feat for "kids stuff".

The 1Up.com article recaps the history of inventing Pong.

Mr. Baer, thank you for all the wonderful gaming moments.

Wisconsin gamers raise $14K to help their fellow schoolmate

For the second time this year Kaukauna High School students stepped up to raise money for a schoolmate in trouble. In March they raised $13K for Michael Ederer, who was diagnosed with cancer, and this Monday they raised $14K to help Tiffany Pohl, who was seriously injured in a car crash.

The students were selling raffle tickets to win a Nintendo Wii, and tickets to play video games like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution.

Nicely done!

Games are Good for You

Ben Silverman's article on Yahoo! Games discusses five different positive aspects of video games.

They are:

1. They can improve your eyesight.
2. They can help you focus.
3. They can help you lose weight.
4. They can help you understand classic literature.
5. They can literally save your life.

Ben is a kindred spirit.