American religious leader and author, Thomas S. Monson, said “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.” The game of Secret Santa supports this ideal, by giving everyone a chance to provide a gift of gratitude in secret, knowing that they will receive nothing in return. In this game, players will try to determine who they need to thank for a secret gift they received. Continue reading
American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, political activist, and social critic, Avram Noam Chomsky, said “There are two problems for our species’ survival – nuclear war and environmental catastrophe – and we’re hurtling towards them. Knowingly.” Our species – Humans – are capable of tremendous damage, but we also have the capacity to create. And more importantly, to protect. In this game, you are racing against time to save animals from the destructive greed of mankind. Continue reading
American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson, said “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” I don’t think “luck” is something you need to believe or disbelieve in. It’s just what we call the outcome of random possibilities that are not in our perceived control. Get off your high horse, Emerson! In this game, skill is set aside and replaced with the very real sense that the universe is on your side or laughing at you. Continue reading
Best selling self-help book author, Karen Salmansohn, said “Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” Communication is key to our species’ survival. From the very first hand motion telling another Neanderthal that a giant tiger was nearby to a child telling their parents that their stomach hurts. Without communication, we cannot share, grow, or assist. Making a game out of this essential skill further strengthens bonds with friends and family. Continue reading
English singer-songwriter and actor, Eric Burdon, said “Inside each of us, there is the seed of both good and evil. It’s a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other.” In this game, evil and good take different sides, fighting against the other for control. Time is on the side of evil, but those who champion good have many tools at their disposal to obtain victory. Who wins between the two is a matter of smart card plays and impeccable timing. Continue reading
English philosopher, physician, and Father of Liberalism, John Locke, said “Any one reflecting upon the thought he has of the delight, which any present or absent thing is apt to produce in him, has the idea we call love.” Pause for a moment and reflect. What do you like best? What makes you laugh? Who do you enjoy spending time with? Your answers and those from others might surprise you. Continue reading
English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic, George Orwell, said “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” In this game, players will be rescuing animals and returning them to their homes, ensuring they are safe and sound. But as Mr. Orwell alluded to, not every animal is worth saving, nor are they of the same value. In the end, it will be up to the player to determine their worth. Continue reading
United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) under President Lyndon Johnson, John W. Gardner, said “Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” But what if your “ordinary” is already “extraordinary”? In this school of magic, to be the very best, you must prove that you not only have what it takes to control immense magical powers, but also have the wit to know when to focus on your own goals or see the goals of others as a means to personal success. Continue reading
American actor, writer, comedian, and voice actor, J.B. Smoove, said “You got to start by doing little things if your quest is to take over the world.” In this game, players will earn the right for their kingdom to rule over all, but not through force of strength or contest of will. Acts of kindness and the gathering of resources for the betterment of all is the path to the throne. The kingdom is yours for the taking, reaping the rewards that come with power, one small step at a time. Continue reading
American lawyer, U.S. Representative, social activist and a leader of the Women’s Movement, Bella Abzug, said “I spend all day figuring out how to beat the machine and knock the crap out of the political power structure.” A task easier said than done. In this game, players will be attempting to do the same as Ms. Abzug, manipulating the machine and adjusting the power structure in hopes of one day ruling the kingdom. Continue reading
American spiritual teacher, author, and philosopher, Vernon Howard, said “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” Very true, and in most situations, I think this approach is valid. But not here. In this game, you desperately need the approval of others and the only way to do that is to think like them. Easy? Not at all because you need to be uniquely the same. Wrap your mind around that! Continue reading
Indian politician, television personality and former cricketer, Navjot Singh Sidhu, said “One who doesn’t throw the dice can never expect to score a six.” Depending on the game (and the context), that is either a good thing or a bad thing. In the case of this game, you want a six, but not always. And when you want that six is critical to winning or making someone else lose. Pick up the dice and let them roll! Continue reading
