Archive for the ‘Reference and Education’ Category

Is Video Game Design Education Enough?

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

Not all types of jobs will require qualifications but there are many that do. Even those that do not require the education, the companies will ask for something to prove that you are capable of doing the job that you are applying for. Video game design education is vast and can be fun but is one of those qualifications that is not always required.

A person who designs video games is different to the person that creates them, and this is something that you should bear in mind. The designer will create the style of the game and rules associated with it, which means doing a lot of things at the same time. There are different types of skills that you will need to have and select types of education can be difficult to cover it all.

Coding is not something that you definitely need but it can help. The truth is that you will not have anything to do with the creation of the code for the game. You will do the behind the scenes work. Many designers need to have skills in the art department to be able to create storyboards for the video frames. They will also need to know how to manage projects and deal with paperwork and specifications.

Companies that do ask for qualifications will usually look for someone who has a degree in computer science. The benefit is that this degree covers a number of different areas and will look into the whole project life cycle. However, not all companies will ask for the same qualifications. The benefit is that it is possible to learn on the job and there are apprenticeships that can be taken.

Many video game courses are actually done online, which can help many people who are working and learning at the same time. This also benefits those who are bettering their skills for that pay rise. There are many individual companies that will offer courses to learn this subject or you can gain the qualifications through colleges. You will need to do your research into any course that you look at.

There are many companies that will claim to offer you what you need to gain a job in the games design but you will have to watch for some. It is worth taking the time to look into each company and find out more about the qualification that you will come out with. It is very important to check that the company is accredited to a college or business and find out more from the Better Business Bureau.

Check with previous and current students to find out more about the course that you will be taking. This is the best way to learn more and decide whether it is worth your time and money. You want students that will recommend the courses and the institution.

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The Inner Dimensions of the Islamic Fast

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

Fasting-Its inner dimensions

Fasting is a mode of worship that is not exclusive to the religion of Islam. In fact, it has been prevalent in every religion, though in varied and diverse forms. As Allah says in the Holy Qur’an Ch 2,V183: ‘Oh ye who believe, fasting has been enjoined upon you just as it was enjoined on those before you so that you may attain righteousness’

Islam outlines the purpose of the human existence in Ch52 V56 of the Holy Qur’an: ‘Verily,We created not men and Jinn except to worship Me.’ All the modes of worship in Islam are designed in a way that helps to fulfil this underline objective. In this article, we shall aim to illustrate how fasting prepares an individual for fulfilling the purpose of his existence.

The word for fasting in Arabic is ‘Saum’. Literally, Saum means abstinence. As opposed to the prayer, the Hajj and the Zakat,fasting is devoid of an external visible form because it involves not doing something that one routinely does rather than doing something that one does not routinely do. It is quite possible that one could secretly eat or drink without being observed by a human being but what stops the fasting person from doing so is the fear of Allah. This strengthens him in the conviction that he can hide from or deceive anyone except Allah and makes him less prone to committing sin or abuse.

Another hallmark of fasting is that it is a prolonged exercise which spans over a major part of the day and encompasses a whole month and recurs every year. By subjecting the human personality to this regular and rigorous time- keeping and discipline it moulds him into a responsible individual. Moreover, the benefits of this exercise are multiplied manifold because millions of Muslims participate in it together, and there is a general atmosphere of devotion, piety and benevolence. The Prophet saw said that Allah Ta’ala says ‘every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied ten times to seven hundred times. However fasting is exclusively for Me and I shall reward it as much as I deem fitting’.

Also, fasting teaches you to abstain from lying. The Prophet (saw) said ‘whoever does not abstain from lying or acting upon falsehood, Allah is not in need of him to give up his food and drink.’ In another Hadith it is said ‘numerous are those fasting persons who do not achieve anything from their fast except starvation and thirst, and numerous are those standing in night prayers who achieve nothing from their prayers except sleeplessness.’ This proves that the aim behind fasting is not self infliction but rather disciplining one’s self towards obedience.

Also the Prophet (saw) said: Fasting is a shield. So when one of you is fasting he should not indulge in quarelling or shouting. If someone abuses him or tries to fight him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’

In another Hadith, The Prophet(saw) said ‘whoever fasted in Ramadan with Eiman and seeking reward from Allah, Allah will forgive all his sins’. The Muslims have been instructed to strive harder in earning good deeds when fasting especially in feeding the fasting person and other forms of charity and showing kindness to fellow human beings, irrespective of their religion or their cultural affiliations.