Real Life stuff
For some reason unknown to me I decided this morning to do a Google search on Life Simulators. I found a program called Real Lives made by Educational Simulations that they allow you to download for a free X days free evaluation. So, after looking at the screen shots and reading a little of the verbage I decided I would partake of some of this free downloading goodness.
After a brief install I double clicked on the conveniently located desktop icon and launched the program. I was informed that I was born a boy, somewhere in India (there was a specific location, but I don't remember it). I then proceeded to live my life, complete with going to school, parents getting jobs, romantic interests, deciding on my leisure activities and such things as 'will I drink or smoke'.
This is surprisingly addictive, leading this little virtual life. I've played a girl in Indonesia, a girl in China, a girl in Brasil (for some reason I keep getting born as a girl). Unfortunately the program seems to love sticking you in impoverished parts of the world...which while insightful, doesn't make for a lot of decisions. I complete school, get married, have babies and then I die.
If I have any complaints it is that all my people have died before reaching 70. Even my US doctor died at 49 from mouth cancer, but then I guess I shouldn't have made him a smoker...the pity there is that he had just quit. Also, my brazilian girl managed to graduate from graduate school with a degree in Engineering and then I couldn't find a job...even in Rio. Plus you can't leave your country...as near as I can tell anyway and the economic model is a little screwy...you don't have to pay for college and you don't have to pay for relocation.
Anyways, fun little game. It should keep me entertained for awhile and avoiding work :D