How We Play: They Story of Fun and Games & The Cost of Not Sleeping Well
Apr 21, 2025
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Russ Frushtick, co-founder of Vox Media’s Polygon and author of 'The Book of Fun,' explores the rich history of games and the universal human need for fun. He delves into the origins of iconic board games and video games, emphasizing their cultural significance. Joining him is Dr. Guy Leschziner, a neurologist and author of 'The Nocturnal Brain,' who reveals the critical role of sleep in our health, discussing sleep disorders and the vital connection between rest and creativity. Expect a fascinating dive into both play and slumber!
Effective handwashing techniques significantly reduce infectious disease transmission, demanding at least 30 seconds to ensure thorough cleansing of all areas including fingertips.
Human history illustrates that fun is fundamental, with games and toys evolving over millennia to foster creativity and community engagement across cultures.
Quality sleep is crucial for health, with chronic lack leading to serious consequences and emphasizing the importance of individualized sleep hygiene practices.
Deep dives
Handwashing Techniques
Effective handwashing is crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, as 80% are transmitted through touch. Proper technique involves washing for at least 30 seconds, which reduces bacteria significantly more than the 15-second standard recommended by the CDC. Commonly missed spots during washing include fingertips and fingernails, which can hold onto germs. Surprisingly, the temperature of the water used for washing does not impact its effectiveness, making both cold and warm water equally suitable.
The Origins of Fun
Fun has been an integral part of human life throughout history, with toys and games evolving over thousands of years. Board games date back to ancient Egypt, and their timeless appeal lies in their simple technology and universal enjoyment. Monopoly, for instance, spawned from a game created by Elizabeth Magie, demonstrating how ideas can be adapted and commercialized. Other popular toys, like the Slinky and Rubik's Cube, highlight serendipitous discoveries, underscoring how creativity often emerges from accidents.
Sleep Quality and Its Importance
Quality of sleep significantly affects health and cognitive function, with a clear correlation between insufficient sleep and negative health outcomes. Most adults require seven to eight hours of sleep, and chronic lack can lead to serious repercussions, including increased mortality risks. The stages of sleep, particularly REM and non-REM sleep, play separate roles in recovery and brain function. A deeper understanding of one's individual sleep needs and patterns can foster better sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
Job Satisfaction and Its Effects
Job dissatisfaction can have profound consequences on both mental and physical health, impacting individuals well into their later years. Research from Ohio State suggests that those unhappy in their jobs during their 20s and 30s exhibit lower mental health scores in their 40s. This dissatisfaction can also lead to a higher likelihood of various health issues, including frequent colds and sinus problems. The silver lining is that changing to a more fulfilling job can alleviate many of these negative health impacts.
The Fascination with Video Games
The modern video game industry has roots tracing back to early experiments, such as 'Tennis for Two' created in 1958, which showcased early gaming technology. Significant milestones like the transition from 2D to 3D graphics transformed gameplay experiences, with titles like 'Super Mario 64' marking a major shift. While many games aim to be entertaining and addictive, they can become a double-edged sword for some players, particularly in terms of impulse control and time management. The evolution of video gaming has continually shaped cultural engagement, creating communities centered around interactive play.
There is a human need for fun. And there are a million ways to indulge yourself including amusement parks, board games, sports, toys, festivals, video games or whatever else you can think of. How these fun things came to be makes for a very interesting story. Here to tell it is Russ Frushtick who has written about games and technology for over a decade. Russ is co-founder of Vox Media’s gaming site called Polygon (www.polygon.com) and he is author of The Book of Fun: An illustrated History of Having a Good Time (https://amzn.to/3H2nBdn).
A lot has been learned in recent years about sleep – how getting enough of it is crucial and how lack of sleep has some significant negative consequences. Here to explain some important intel on sleep and why it is so important is neurologist Dr. Guy Leschziner, who is head of The Sleep Disorders Centre in London and author of the book, The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience and the Secret World of Sleep (https://amzn.to/2lSckr0). If you care to understand just how important sleep is for your health, you need to listen to this important discussion.
If you don’t like where you work, is it better to quit now or stay at least until you find another job? The answer seems to depend on just how much you hate your job. Listen as I reveal the negative consequences of staying at a job that you hate. They are probably worse than you imagined. https://news.osu.edu/lousy-jobs-hurt-your-health-by-the-time-youre-in-your-40s/
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!!
AURA FRAMES: Get $35-off plus free shipping on their best-selling Carver Mat frame at www.AuraFrames.com Promo Code: SOMETHING
