Sid Meier's Civilization V is a fantastic game with insightful texts, historically accurate scenarios, and animated rulers from various cultures such as Attila the Huns and Oda Nabunaga. Your kingship is put to the test as you compete with other civilizations, militarily, culturally, scientifically, religiously, and economically. You Rule the ages turn by turn, progressing you people toward global power, achieved through many different means. I have played through a few rounds enjoying the intellectual nature of the game. My favorite thing is the historic quotes you get once you reach a certain point in history, or once you build one of the world wonders. They are large architectural accomplishments through out the ages. for example the Statue of Liberty, or the Pyramids. I mentioned that religion was a portion of the game. You gain faith from religious structures or resources that you can spend to create missionaries. these missionaries can travel to other cities to influence them with your nation's religion. Personally I think this is a very simplified view of religion. It disregards the influence of wars, and morale of the people, as well as the influence of natural disasters, or the values of a religion.
    I suppose this isn't a game entirely centered on religion. Given its shortcomings its still a very enjoyable game. Who doesn't wish to influence the stream of history? Weather you are a military general at heart or a diplomat, this game has got something in store for you. Currently I'm in a game as Queen Theodora of Spain in the industrial era, building my nation to be the cultural center of the world, fending off Ramkhamhaeng's armies allied with the Ottoman empire. Its fun to think of all the different ways history could have unraveled, as well as how we are so greatly influenced by the land we live on.

The nature of "CARN"

CARN is a short animation by Jeff Le Bars. It tell the story about the struggle for survival, the worth of a life, and the twisted fate of nature. as a piece of art, I am in awe of what they have created.The rendering style seamlessly merges 2d artwork and 3d models (I believe 3d models are cell shaded). With a simple color palette, strong contrast, an effective use of positive and negative space. As the story progresses the lighting reflects the corruption of the boy.  Much of this story is told through silhouettes. The wolf is always a silhouette. giving him both the demonic presence as well as the mystery of being shrouded in shadows. Oddly enough I connect most with the wolf, expressing such morality and self restraint it is ironic to see the predator as the most humane character in the story. I think it also speaks to the harsh law the environment presses on the boy. Nature, and the wolf,  has its way of providing nourishment and shelter, as long as you comply, but is unforgiving once crossed. In this story it is our greed and selfishness, that leads to our own sorrow. Our attempts to hold so tightly to our survival, leaves us strangling it and gasping for peace. I have much appreciation for the animation in this film. Having only a single line "I accept" does not keep you from connecting with the boy. His body language speaks entirely of his character, and through that we know the bitterness of the cold, the fear of isolation, his reverence of his savior, and the depravity of his condition. 
     although the plot, mainly the ending, left me wanting more. It seemed like an abrupt conclusion to a complex story. I felt like the roller coaster was over halfway down the largest hill. Nobody likes to be drawn in just to find there's nothing special worth your attention. all in all, I'm glad the film was made, and I enjoyed the ride, but as soon as it was over I found my self saying "oh.....ok....."