We did a McLuhanite experiment with our three oldest boys. They had been spending increasing hours playing X-Box and Gameboy, despite our standard restrictions. There was always an excuse: friends coming over, cousins in town, etc. Their behavior became wretched, so we banned all games for a week, then re-imposed the same restrictions, plus two days of absolute "no game" time. The results have been good. They're talking civilly again and taking an interest in football, chess, and other salubrious activities.
There's something about the videogame that messes with children's emotional (mental? spiritual?) disposition. I don't understand it, but I don't like it.
A reader sends this along:
"During the inter-war years, he once mischievously invited a party of Mormons down to Chartwell for lunch. They duly attacked the fizzy water and the orange juice with their accustomed gusto, while Churchill imbibed something stronger with equal vigour.
At some point, the chief Mormon turned to his host, and observed: "Mr Churchill, the reason I do not drink is that alcohol combines the kick of the antelope with the bite of the viper."
Churchill fixed the Mormon with his most beatifically wicked smile, and replied: "All my life, I have been searching for a drink like that."
