Articles written by Matt Bird - Page 3

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About me - Matt Bird

What's there to say, really? I'm a Canadian Journalism student who loves to write. I've done it since I was a child and I hope to continue writing 'til I'm in my grave. Prior to Journalism I went to the University of Toronto, St. George Campus for English

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Hobbies & Games > Role Playing & War Games Website recommendations for free online role-playing games: 1 of 20
I'm not the kind of guy who can sit around role playing with a group of people for a long time. I did it when I was younger, and as fun as playing pretend may have been, there just wasn't enough structure for me to enjoy it. So when I talk about role playing games, my definition's going to be browser-based and relatively inte... More..
Relationships & Family > Humor & Laughter Bombing gracefully: Tips for surviving a joke that falls flat: 1 of 20
Ever notice that jokes almost always sound better in your head than when they're stumbling out of your mouth? We all have our own sense of humor, and though it may overlap with that of others not everybody is likely to find something as funny as you. Luckily even if your jokes aren't that good you'll still likely get some lau... More..
Arts & Humanities > Literature (Other) Readers share their favorite novels: 3 of 56
Everybody has their favorite books, whether they're avid readers or not. I, of course, am no exception, and though I've not read as many titles as I'd like to think I still have a few tales that hold a special place in my heart. Here's a listing of some of my favorite novels, and what sets them above the rest for me. It, by... More..
Entertainment > Celebrity Commentary Top ten best comedians: 2 of 36
We look to them to laugh. Sometimes they delight; other times... not so much. Yet there are some comedians who will make you laugh almost regardless of what they have to say, mainly because of how they say it. Everybody has their own top ten comedians, and I'm no exception. Here, then, is my list of favored funny men and wom... More..
Sports & Recreation > Biking Essentials for biking safety: 1 of 18
Biking is great fun. It's good exercise, and a reliable, clean way of getting where you're going. But it's also a potentially dangerous pastime, one that can get you badly injured if you're not aware of everything that may come your way. Here are a few tips that will help ensure that you get home safely every time you head o... More..
Hobbies & Games > Hobbies & Games (Other) Activities to do on a sunny day: 1 of 18
With winter finally giving way to spring and summer, people will invariably want to get outside. Once you're there, though, what's there to do? (And I'm not talking about bringing electronic devices with you - or, at the very least, limiting them to a music player.) Here's a list of some of my favorite things to do on those f... More..
Relationships & Family > Humor & Laughter 12 Step guide to instant insanity: 1 of 17
FINALLY, a topic for which I an eminently qualified. It's about time. Insanity can be surprisingly difficult to achieve. It takes a lot of hard work and extra hours of thinking to keep yourself from slipping back into the dangerous realm of the sane. Perseverance is key to going cuckoo, and if you're not willing to adhere to... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Reviews Downloadable game review: Kukoo Kitchen: 1 of 17
Shouldn't a dog as cook be considered, I dunno, unsanitary?In a galaxy where other dogs, cats, slugs and a host of other weirdos come looking for nourishment from said cook, I guess not.Such is the setting of Kukoo Kitchen, a new task management game by Questtracers. It sports a fairly nonsensical plot: Jessica, the owner of ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Board Games Best family board games: 2 of 33
Just about every board game out there is fun for the whole family. If they weren't they'd lose all appeal, as board games are typically made to be enjoyed by multiple people at a time - and those people usually compose a family. Your game is probably a failure if a family doesn't enjoy it. But there are some games which mana... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Trends & Genres Remembering retro video games: 2 of 32
When I think of 'retro' video gaming, one word invariably jumps to mind.Difficult.Old games are hard games. That's just the way it was. You weren't destined to save Princess Toadstool, to stop the evil Ganon, to pump missiles into the cortex of the Mother Brain or knock out Mike Tyson: no, you were just supposed to wallow in ... More..