View Full Version : YMCA vs. video games
There's an oversize postcard in the mail (possibly regional) from the YMCA showing a Playstation DualShock(2?) w/ the name & button symbols colored over, obviously, & "Gonna waste the whole summer?" printed above it, implying gaming is a waste of time, especially for the kiddies.
Anyone wanna stage a protest?
Why not show a crack pipe, LSD tab, or hypodermic needle instead?
Actually, I'd like to display it in my game room. Can someone post a scan of one here?
TheSmirk
06-03-2004, 10:30 AM
There's an oversize postcard in the mail (possibly regional) from the YMCA showing a Playstation DualShock(2?) w/ the name & button symbols colored over, obviously, & "Gonna waste the whole summer?" printed above it, implying gaming is a waste of time, especially for the kiddies.
LOL gaming IS a time sink, thats a given. Is it a waste of time? Yeah in most cases yes, just like TV or watching a movie is ultimately a waste of time. Guess it all depends on how you value your time :D
macabre26
06-03-2004, 10:39 AM
I have to agree to a certain extent that gaming IS a waste of time. Though there are a certain few games (tv and movies included in this) which can offer one certain insights into life.
Quickclaw
06-03-2004, 10:48 AM
Joining the YMCA is a waste of money.
Oobgarm
06-03-2004, 10:57 AM
Guess it all depends on how you value your time :D
Agreed. I could also say that outdoor recreation is a waste of time, but I'd rather be indoors anyway.
Half Japanese
06-03-2004, 12:29 PM
The best protest to such a thing would be a bunch of envelopes with a note inside saying "damn right." After a couple hundred someone there would have to get it.
I'm sure it's meant to be humorous, as mine was, but if you wanna take it THAT far, isn't anything one does a waste of time?
@Oobgarm & Quickclaw: 8-) 8-) 8-)
I'm outside as much as the next guy, but I find it highly overrated.
Is having a 2600 hooked up in your garage considered "outside"?
DigitalSpace
06-04-2004, 04:42 AM
If I had one of those postcards, I'd display it as well. "Gonna waste the whole summer?" No, but most of it! :D
PentiumMMX
06-04-2004, 08:50 AM
YMCA = Crap!
My PSone + FF7 = Fun!
That's What I think! :)
sporkster
06-04-2004, 11:44 AM
hehe man I wish I got one of those.
Ed Oscuro
06-04-2004, 11:36 PM
The best protest to such a thing would be a bunch of envelopes with a note inside saying "damn right."
LOL
Being outdoors does rock, though. :)
Cmosfm
06-05-2004, 12:44 PM
Yeah, personally I normally would rather be out in the sun enjoying the day than playing games...thought when im out enjoying the day I'm usually game hunting...so would that mean my time spent NOT wasting my time is just a prelude to the time I will waste? Odd.
Ok, well, anyways...yeah, gaming is a waste of time but in reality most thiings we do are a waste of time. TV, Movies, hanging out with friends, etc etc. Some people may feel that exercising is a waste of time, I dunno...just a stupid slogan. Nothing to even really take a second glance at.
NintendoMan
06-05-2004, 11:15 PM
Joining the YMCA is a waste of money.
Not exactly. I guess it is if you don't do anything that doesn't involve a controller.
suppafly
06-06-2004, 10:43 AM
Whats the YMCA? :embarrassed:
hades
06-06-2004, 11:29 AM
I can see where they're coming from. I've been addicted to a MMORPG pretty bad lately and found myself not wanting to go work out. I've put on a few extra pounds that really aren't needed.
So yeah, the ad does give me a kick in the ass to get to the gym by relating it to my favoritest hobby ;)
Doesn't mean I like the ad though.
SoulBlazer
06-06-2004, 03:35 PM
YMCA stands for Young Men Christians Association. It was created around a hundred years ago as a place for kids to hang out after school. Mostly they sponsor things like sporting acitivities, swimming, and study hall help. It's not as popular as it once was, but many cities still have YMCA buildings. There's a version for women as well.
suppafly
06-06-2004, 05:13 PM
Thanks!
is that related in any way to the old music group¿¿??
spoon
06-06-2004, 09:27 PM
I play my GBA outside sometimes.
Seriously though, I play Basket-Ball at the YMCa too. As someone else stated, ones man's Combat cart is anther man's Stadium events.
GaijinPunch
06-06-2004, 11:55 PM
You just gotta do some of both. My weekend:
Saturday -- beatiful weather. Did a 4 km bike ride, then laid out in the sun for half an hour. Back for some lunch, then went to the gym for an hour and a half. Got home, a quick online poker game, then off to a movie.
Sunday -- rained balls. Never got out of my underwear, and played video games all day.
I'd say that was a pretty well-rounded weekend.
-hellvin-
06-07-2004, 01:19 AM
Hmmm...I would have to agree with the card. Gaming is pretty much just wasting your time. No other way to put it. I almost never spend time gaming anymore, just collecting, which is a bigger waste of time driving around and searching for crap, heh.
Allanon
06-07-2004, 01:28 AM
Why would I want to stage a protest when that would take me away from playing video games? lol
Shure gaming is a waste of time. So is reading a fiction book. As is watching a movie. But the problem is not wasting time is usually not fun. You know what I mean mowing the lawn is that fun? Or is having fun truly a waste of time. If you enjoy it why not do it? So gaming is a waste of time but if you ask me its the best way to waste it.
SirDrexl
06-07-2004, 06:35 AM
Thanks!
is that related in any way to the old music group¿¿??
Yes, that's the place the Village People were singing about. Although, I don't think you can have a good meal there these days. Nowadays it's pretty much a health club like Vic Tanny.
So, does anyone have one to scan in/post please?
punkoffgirl
06-15-2004, 09:04 AM
Think about it.. It's obviously directed toward kids. Have any of you listened to the news or peeked at the stats on how many kids, young kids, are already having issues with being overweight and obese? Sitting inside playing games all summer long is the last thing those kids need to be doing. Stage a protest? Please, find something more worthwhile to protest.
spoon
06-15-2004, 08:36 PM
I like your knife POG.
OMG- I was TOTALLY kidding!!! I simply thought it was rather humorous when I saw it. I GET WHAT THE YMCA MEANT. I never once had the idea to stage a protest, & never once thought I'd be taken so seriously...
Guess that sig & "rank" are for real!!! :eek 2:
Really, though, I was hoping someone'd scan in a copy.
Hate to resurrect a year-old thread, but it's that time again!
I saw this oversize postcard in the mailstream again...
I'd REALLY like a copy to put up in my game room. I f anyone gets one in the mail, please scan/post it here! THANKS!
Griking
06-02-2005, 08:37 AM
Guess it all depends on how you value your time :D
Agreed. I could also say that outdoor recreation is a waste of time, but I'd rather be indoors anyway.
I think it all depends on whether you live a healthy lifestyle or not. If all you do is play videogames 24/7 and are about 100lbs overweight then you've got priority problems. If you're generally in good physical shape and responsible with other important aspects of life then there's nothing wrong with playing videogames in your free time. I'm sure that the YMCA are just trying to tackle the obesity problem that's starting to affect more and more children.
Edit: Lol, didn't realize how old this thread originally was when I first responded.
GrayFox
06-02-2005, 09:02 AM
YMCA = Cheap way to have access to a nice weight room/running track.
Damn right this works for me. I'll pay the $20 a month for the summer.
Hep038
06-02-2005, 10:13 AM
20$ a month!!! The YMCA near my work is 49$ a month. Hell I can join the meathead gym for 30$ a month. Anyways I was thinking about what POG said, and what I did for the summer as a kid. As a kid on summer vacation, none of our parents allowed other kids in the house when they were not home. So we were all stuck outside. Now you could stay inside and play video games by yourself if you wanted to, but from what I remember we only did that when it rained. Most of the time we just tried to find something to do. Every once in a while we would play basketball or some other game where we ran around, but it got so damn hot in Atlanta in the summer time it would suck the life right out of you. It was at night when you had some one sleep over that we had our gaming marathons. I do not know if that is any different from today's kids or not. Of course this was over 20 years ago, and you could only play combat for so long.
Nature Boy
06-02-2005, 10:31 AM
What I don't like about all the hubub these days is this misguided notion that when we were kids (late 70s/early 80s) we didn't have the choice so we went outdoors. That's total bunk!
Anyway, that ad is probably geared more towards parents, right? I'd definitely consider my son's summer wasted if he did nothing but play video games (he's years away from that though). And if I were looking for something to put him in while my wife and I worked, well, the ad is well placed.
§ Gideon §
06-02-2005, 10:35 AM
Actually, I'd like to display it in my game room. Can someone post a scan of one here?
:eek 2: You are a resourceful genius. I want to do this, too.
I'm just outside the metro Detroit area. There are a couple of enormous YMCA's close by. I'll scan it immediately in high res if one comes.
rbudrick
06-02-2005, 11:08 AM
http://www.rotten.com/library/culture/village-people/village.jpg
Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.
Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do what about you feel ...
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!
No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the y.m.c.a.
I'm sure they can help you today.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do what about you feel ...
Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so tight ...
That's when someone came up to me,
And said, young man, take a walk up the street.
There's a place there called the y.m.c.a.
They can start you back on your way.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ...
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... you'll find it at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.
Y-m-c-a ... just go to the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?
-Rob
stuffedmonkey
06-02-2005, 03:11 PM
Whats the YMCA? :embarrassed:
It's where men dressed up as Indians and Construction Workers meet to have sex with each other.
You are a resourceful genius. I want to do this, too.
I'm just outside the metro Detroit area. There are a couple of enormous YMCA's close by. I'll scan it immediately in high res if one comes.
At last, someone realizes the truth! LOL
Thank you VERY MUCH!!!
BTW- You're probably more likely to receive it if you have kids, I assume...
rally9x
06-02-2005, 04:30 PM
Ironicly my YMCA has a videogame room.
Bluteg
06-02-2005, 04:39 PM
I pay $15 a month but of course I get a student discount.
I see no problem with this... I think kids need to go out and explore the real world rather sit around and play games all day. Also they need to get out and be around other kids to develop social skills. There is a social aspect to online games, but I really don't think I would feel comfortable with a 10 year old in that enviroment.
Hep038
06-02-2005, 04:44 PM
Ironicly my YMCA has a videogame room.
OK now that is funny.
Dad comes home from work, kids are in front of the TV playing video games, he opens the mail and looks at the flyer. Then tells the kids to turn off the TV and get ready for a summer of fun. Next morning drops kids off at the YMCA. Kids walk straight to the video game room sit down and play for 8 hours until their dad comes to pick them up. Dad's happy , kids happy, YMCA is happy.
XxMe2NiKxX
06-02-2005, 06:05 PM
This doesn't have a deeper meaning, it's not about child obesity.
It's an advertisement.
Wavelflack
06-02-2005, 07:59 PM
Our YMCA has a couple of arcade machines, right next to the vending machines.
Yes, I'm serious.
Anyway, I'm sure the Y is a great way to spend time if you have nothing better to do than lift weights and drool over the prospect of lifting even more weight, or playing repetitive unimaginative sports.
"Hey guys! Lets run down to that end and try to put the ball in the hoop!"
"Awesome! Now you guys try to go to the other end and put the ball in that hoop!"
"Yay! Now WE will try to run down to the OTHER end and try to put the ball in the hoop!"
"Okay, now YOU guys go to the other end and try to put the ball in THAT hoop"
(2 hours later)
"Wow! That was amazing! Let's go home and watch some more of this on TV!"
GrayFox
06-02-2005, 11:44 PM
Our YMCA has a couple of arcade machines, right next to the vending machines.
Yes, I'm serious.
Anyway, I'm sure the Y is a great way to spend time if you have nothing better to do than lift weights and drool over the prospect of lifting even more weight, or playing repetitive unimaginative sports.
"Hey guys! Lets run down to that end and try to put the ball in the hoop!"
"Awesome! Now you guys try to go to the other end and put the ball in that hoop!"
"Yay! Now WE will try to run down to the OTHER end and try to put the ball in the hoop!"
"Okay, now YOU guys go to the other end and try to put the ball in THAT hoop"
(2 hours later)
"Wow! That was amazing! Let's go home and watch some more of this on TV!"
Well, I wouldn't be that harsh on it. I've spent a good amount of time in my life in sports, and everytime I've had a blast. I mean, it's an excellent way of increasing your physical abilities, and its a great way of just having fun. I loved just having pickup games after school, good stuff.
I mean, I pretty much just downhill ski now as a ski instructor, but if people want to ball, or play some football, I'm up for it. I like playing sports, on a team, but moreso just with friends with fun. Great pasttime.
I really don't drool over the prospect over lifting more weight though, BUT, I know plenty of people do. I do it pretty much to stay healthy, I want to live long, and because you just feel and look better. But, to each his own.
Fuyukaze
06-03-2005, 01:08 AM
An old topic it may be, but one that still rings true no matter what the age. I have to agree with PoG on the point of view involving children. To many kids these days are over weight to the point of obesity. They sit around the house locked in untill their parents get home eating and playing games. Also, look beyond just the weight issues to other health problems such as diabeties. I still dont consider playing games to be a waste of time though. Atleast, not if done in a healthy moderation. That basicly applies to everything though. Spend to much time doing one thing, even if loved, you eventualy loose interest in it, or it becomes work.
segarocks30
06-03-2005, 03:54 PM
Joining the YMCA is a waste of money. Im with ya there. YMCA vs. video games. Is this a joke?!