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Letting The Good Times Roll

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By Kris DiGiovanni

Published: February 25, 2008

One recent Saturday night, my 81-year-old in-laws, once serious league bowlers, got to throw strikes and pick up spares, just like in "the old days."

It's not something I ever thought I'd witness. Both are not too steady on their feet. He has arthritis and is looking at a knee replacement. She has a history of strokes and is weak on her right side. Yet there they were, having a great time, right in my living room. I guess I should mention they were using a Wii.

This isn't an advertisement for Nintendo, but I have to admit the Wii I bought for my husband's birthday has brought a whole new dimension to our lives. My husband is addicted to television. He has to have TV at all times, everywhere, including in the bathroom. But reruns frustrate him, and he gets downright grumpy when there is "nothing on."

I thought the Wii might help by providing something besides recycled sitcoms on his precious big-screen. He likes golf, and we used to bowl in a league. Since the Wii comes standard with those games, it seemed a sure bet.

He set the device up with the help of our 11-year-old grandson, Thomas, who has previous Wii experience. We had more than a few laughs creating a personal Mii (pronounced "me") in our own likeness, or some semblance thereof.

After Tom's quick course in tips and techniques, we were ready to tackle our first game.

The last time there was a video game in our home, it was Colecovision, so we were a bit nervous. But we were amazed at the intuitiveness of the controls, and soon we were shooting par on the beginner golf course and breaking 100 on the lanes.

The younger generation wanted a turn, so we watched our daughter and grandson play other games. Tennis and baseball were fun, but given the close resemblance of the Miis to the real players, the boxing match between mother and son was too creepy for me to watch.

Before long, the old folks decided they wanted to give it a try. Now, despite lame reality shows and ubiquitous encore presentations, we all are enjoying television once more.

Like the ad says, "Big screen - $2,000; Wii game - $250; watching an 11-year-old and an 81-year-old bowling like equals - priceless."

Kris DiGiovanni is a Tampa resident.

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