Smitty's Hobby Shop

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

The Top Five Old-School Hobbies That Are Dying Out

Whatever happened to old-school hobbies that get us out of the house and away from our screens?

The Top Ten Old-School Hobbies That Are Dying Out

Experts always say we’re supposed to have a hobby, so we don’t get too stressed out by life. But how many of us actually have one? A new survey found about 75% of us DO

Do Your Children Play Video Games?

Parents often feel guilty about how much time their kids spend playing video games and they sometimes have questions about whether their kids should play them at all. When I speak on issues related to families and technology I’m always asked to addresses kids and their games. I take a shot at doing that here. You can purchase the Circle device mentioned in the video here. Transcript Over the last few weeks, I’ve had a bunch of opportunities to speak …

Toy shopping? Top toys for children 3 and younger

We have been checking out toys with the help of the experts: children.

Toy shopping? Ideas for children 4 and older

23 Secrets $e% Toy Shop Workers Want You To Know

Autism and Video Games, Good Playmates?

A hallmark of autism is difficulty with social interaction and communication, and therapy typically involves trying to boost these skills. But what if activities that seem antisocial, namely screen-based technology such as video games and computers, can help children with autism spectrum disorder? Could video games be good playmates?

Video Games As Learning Tools—Fact or Fiction?

There's been a resurgence in using video games as valuable learning tools. Neuroscientists are asking: can commercial hits promote cognitive traits that transfer to real life?

Are Video Games Creating Productive Members of Society?

Let’s be honest video games have a bad reputation. Depending on who you ask, you may get answers like they rot your brain, they make people aggressive, or they contribute to the incessant need for …

‘It’s a magical experience children never forget’: why toy shops flourish while others struggle

The internet is killing the high street? Not if you’re in the market for a doll’s house, a pedal car or a make-your-own nodding cat. We get hands-on with a retail success story

Why Can My Inattentive Child Pay Attention to Video Games?!

Why can my child pay attention to video games but nothing else?!

Toy shopping? Look out for these dangers.

How to tell if a toy is dangerous for a little one and how to look up recalled toys.

Can You Get Too Old to Be Good at Video Games?

It's more likely that it's not that you're getting worse at video games, it's that everyone got a lot better.

Does exposure to violent movies or video games make kids more aggressive?

Although no single factor can cause a nonviolent person to act aggressively, some studies suggest that heavy exposure to violent movies, video games, and other media can be a risk factor for violent behavior. Learn more and get expert advice from Common Sense Media editors on how to handle media violence.

12 Fun & Weird Facts About the Classic Video Games You Love

To help you (80's babies!) relive your glory gaming days, we’ve pulled together 12 fun and weird facts about those classic video games from your childhood that you know and love.

Use IFTTT to Find Cheap and Free Video Games Online

If This Then That is great for everything from managing your savings to archiving your favorite songs on Spotify, but did you know you can also use it to find free video games? There are dozens of applets (IFTTT’s name for any combination of triggers and actions used through the service) designed to help you track gaming giveaways.

Can Video Games Hurt My Eyes?

Are video games actually bad for your eyes, or is that just an old wives' tale? Learn about the short- and long-term effects gaming can have on your eye health.