A few days ago, a friend mentioned an experiment involving spoons. Subjects were given spoons made out of different metals and moulded into different shapes, and they were asked to eat the same type of ice cream. As it turns out, the composition of the spoon had a HUGE impact on the perception of flavor. … Read more
As of right now, I have exactly one rule on my game room whiteboard: “No cell phones at game night, please!” I like to keep it simple. Who wants a long list of rules when we’re just trying to have fun? Well, as it so happens, gamers love rules! So I decided to compile some … Read more
Today I was filming a game design video about Stratego, and as I waxed poetic about how good this ancient game is, I realized: Some of the games from my childhood were really, really good. So I decided to put together a list of those games, ranked as a top 10. I’m pretty sure this … Read more
This past weekend, my TiVo happened to pick up Die Hard. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Die Hard, and I was quickly reminded of how much I enjoy the movie. As I was watching, I realized why: At its heart, its a heist movie. I love heist movies. I think a big part of … Read more
When I was 18, my parents threw me a surprise off-to-college party on a Saturday afternoon. There was barbecue, lawn games, and no alcohol. It was a tame party in all the best of ways–I was not a partier in high school, and it would have been supremely awkward for my parents to host anything … Read more
Today I went to the doctor for a checkup. The office had moved to a new building, and as I entered it, I was greeted with a beautiful sight: A wide, carpeted staircase right next to the elevator. You see, I love taking the stairs. It’s exercise, it’s often faster than taking the elevator, and … Read more
Whether or not you follow the National Football League, there’s an emerging story that I think is worth your attention. Shaquem Griffin, an acclaimed player for the University of Central Florida, only has one hand. He lost his hand at age 4 due to a congenital condition called “amniotic band syndrome.” Yet he recently tore … Read more
Last night I was reading in bed before going to sleep. Walter was in his usual spot by the pillow, purring happily and drooling on the pillow. Here’s what he looks like when he does this: All of a sudden, he stopped purring, leapt to his feet, and sprang towards the bedroom door. Something was … Read more
I’ve never been married, nor do I plan to be. But if I did, what would my bachelor party look like? This subject came up the other day at a friend’s bachelor party. It was an all-day affair involving something called demolition ball, axe-throwing, and barbecue dinner at Salt & Smoke. I wasn’t able to … Read more
Late last week I became an uncle. Okay, I was already an uncle to my sister’s kids. But my brother just had his first child with his wife, so that’s a special first for me (and for him and his wife). Andrew and Margaret avoided learning the baby’s gender until the moment of truth. I … Read more