Articles written by Steven Laskoske

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About me - Steven Laskoske

Steven is a professional computer/web programmer living in the middle of Amish Country. He has been on the Board of Directors for the Computer Professionals of Central Pennsylvania. His other fields have included acting for three years at the PA Renaissance

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Computers & Technology > Software & Web Development Why use VB.Net?: 1 of 9
There are many useful features that make it worthwhile to move to VB.Net. Visual Basic has long been one of Microsoft's premiere programming languages. With the inclusion of the .Net framework, VB has been made even better and more powerful.INTEROPERABILITYOne of the best new features of VB.Net is the ability to work together... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Is the "abstinence only" educational initiative to reduce teen pregnancies just?: 1 of 9
In judging "abstinence only" educational programs, the question that needs to be asked is "Does it work?" Keep in mind that this is referring to those programs that only discuss abstinence as a means of preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancy. These programs do not discuss other forms of protection against those problems (exce... More..
Arts & Humanities > Colonial & Early American History Was America founded as a Christian nation?: 9 of 78
Every now and again, I hear how this is a Christian Nation. Every time, it worries me a little. I have nothing against Christianity and, in fact, am a Christian myself. However, it seems to me that those who espouse that seems to be doing so in an attempt towards some sort of theocratic rule.The fact is that the Constitution,... More..
Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games The Dungeons and Dragons stigma: 3 of 25
Throughout its over 30 years, D&D has faced all sorts of criticism from groups relating it to cultism and devil-worship. Because of this, the game has gained a stigma of being some sort of occultist tool dealing with witchcraft. Some of this is due to Paula Pulling and her group, BADD (Bothered About Dungeons & Dragons). Pull... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Should the Bible continue to be used for swearing-in ceremonies and in courtrooms?: 33 of 254
Swearing on the Bible has become a useless gesture. It, in no way, compels greater honesty and only serves to prejudice the jury if someone decides not to do so. Plus, doing so actually goes against the words inside the book.In Matthew 5:33-35, Christ says "Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAK... More..
Relationships & Family > Gay & Lesbian Issues Marriage should be a sacred institution between only a woman and a man: 42 of 317
I think in that the true issue is whether marriage is a sacred institution or a secular institution that is also given by various faiths as a sacrament. In either case, the arguement of marriage being only between a man and a woman falls apart.First, let's look at marriage as purely a religious institution. Here it fails beca... More..
Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games Dungeons and Dragons: Tips for dungeon masters: 3 of 21
DMing is the most complex aspect of the game. You prepare the adventure, act as eyes and ears for the characters, play monsters and NPCs, deal with problems and questions, give out rewards and basically serve as the focal point for the whole game. Someone taking that type of job on deserves some assistance and advice at times... More..
Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games Speculating on the rumored release of Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition (4E): 1 of 6

Having played D&D from the original white booklets up to 3.5e (over a period of 30 years), I am very interested in what changes will be made to the game. While Wizards of the Coast, the current publishers of the games (owned by Hasbro), has been pretty skimpy with what information has been announced since GenCon 2007, there s... More..
Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games How role-playing video games have affected tabletop role-playing games: 1 of 6
The popularity of role-playing games has been fairly strong for the past thirty or so years since D&D first came out. However, more recently, there has been a struggle between the tabletop versions and the computer versions especially with the growth of internet capability in those games.Both tabletop and video game versions ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games How to choose a starting class in Dungeons and Dragons: 2 of 10
Depending on the type of game you are in, the type of player that you are and the environment where the characters usually adventure, there can be question as to what would be the best character to start off.TYPE OF ADVENTURE:While most adventures tend to have a combination of the elements below, often one style tends to be m... More..