SIMply irresistable!

I'm sure that other folks have already blogged this, but I've been a bit busy lately. Students can now view (certain) CliffsNotes online for free. This doesn't bother me as much as it would some because when I do teach a lit course I use mostly contemporary stuff that doesn't have C-Notes :-) Not only are students more engaged, but they actually have to read the book. Go figure! It makes for better classroom discussion. Perhaps technology will bring an end to the canon (a grrl can always hope, right?)

We Have Sims2!! This is an interesting game for a number of reasons. I'll list a few now and come back and talk about it more later.

1. Sims can now join as well as marry.
2. Each neighborhood has a narrative.
3. You can edit the narrative of each neighborhood by adding and deleting screenshots and writing and deleting the accompanying narrative. (There's a pedagogical possibility!!)
4. The Sims age!
5. Sim parents not only contribute their DNA to their offspring, but they show "genuine" affection for them. I know, I sound nuts saying CG people show genuine affection, but I thought it was sweet when one of my Sims walked into a room, smoothed the hair and kissed the forehead of a sleeping Sim child. (Will Wright on psychology in the game)
6. Sims are getting scandalous and they want to be! Don Lothario had the aspiration of sleeping with (also called WooHooing) 3, count them 3 different Sims. Now his little aspiration chart didn't say Sim women so I may have some fun with him.
7. and probably most importantly, this game is far too addictive.
8. Don't tell Charlie that I am playing the Sims when I should be working on our CivicSpace project. If I sleep less I can satiate my Sims' desires and get the CS project done too.
CliffsNotes
The Sims2