When the United States looked westward to the new territories it acquired, many saw a chance for a new life. Even more saw opportunities for wealth. Acquiring ownership of this new land meant speculating its worth. For those who could manipulate the railroad, land became better than gold. Continue reading
Characters Jack Sparrow and Mr. Gibbs from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl were fond of saying “Take what you can; give nothing back.” That is exactly the goal in this game. A clever pirate captain knows that luck is as fickle as the sea, but only fools wouldn’t risk it all for wealth. Continue reading
American businessman, music publisher, writer’s representative, filmmaker, and record label executive, Allen Klein, said “You may not be able to change a situation, but with humor you can change your attitude about it.” One person’s good luck could be a source of envy or the butt-end of a joke. In this game, the better the news, the funnier the ironic outcome. Continue reading
If the stories are true, Santa has a lot of elves at his beck and call. With so many happy workers, you just know there are problems underneath the festive surface. The elves have their own rivalries and compete to be Santa’s “Top Elf”. Even the smallest task becomes an aggressive competition. In this game, the Holiday Spirit hits hard and plays for keeps. Continue reading
French author and a soldier in World War I, Georges Bernanos, said “The first sign of corruption in a society that is still alive is that the end justifies the means.” But what if the end is believed to be righteous even though the means may seem unjust? History is written by those who survive to write it, trumping opposing opinions in the process. In this game, corrupting others is essential to victory. Continue reading
American actor, screenwriter and film director, Sylvester Stallone, said “There’s a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone.” Clearly Mr. Stallone has never played a cutthroat game of Monopoly. Regardless, there is truth in his statement. In this series of games, what you do to others might comeback to haunt you or lead to victory. Karma is funny that way. Continue reading
Austrian-born American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and occasional actor, Wolfgang Puck, said “Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors – it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” In this game, there are only so many ingredients to go around and dishes to make. Cook fast and cook smart to taste victory. Continue reading
British politician and statesman, Joseph Chamberlain, said “The day of small nations has long passed away. The day of Empires has come.” Ambition is a powerful motivator that will lead men and women to take questionable risks. In this game, players will build their own empire in a hostile land that seeks to crush them. Continue reading
American science fiction writer, Frank Herbert, said “If wishes were fishes, we’d all cast nets.” Who among us hasn’t wished to be bigger, faster, richer, or be granted more than what we think we have? Wishing is the act of longing and in this game, players will need to decide if what they long for is worth the risk of pursuing. Continue reading
Former professional wrestler, actor, political commentator, author, naval veteran, and politician, Jesse Ventura said, “Wrestling is ballet with violence.” I could not agree more. The men and women who wrestle in the ring perform tremendous feats of strength and endurance, all timed and rehearsed to depict seemingly violent acts. Wrestlers are a mix of actors and athletes that put on shows where the danger of being hurt is very real, but that’s all part of the allure. Continue reading
Let’s be clear. Your job does not exist. Your employer does not exist. Those alien artifacts and technology you see over there. Those doesn’t exist either. Yes, you exist. Don’t be silly and don’t let your control area get out of .. well .. control. We like to keep things clean and organized here. And by “we”, I mean no one. Now get to work, Agent. Continue reading
American syndicated columnist, pundit, author and radio commentator, Cal Thomas, said “One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely a politician’s objective. Election and power are.” Many share this point of view, but there are still many more who consider politics and politicians vitals gears in the democratic machine, for better or worse. In this game, players pit politicians from different time periods to debate universal concerns. Continue reading
