Michael Boylan views life as a series of games with rules and consequences. The first game is college, where the rules are to do assignments on time, learn new skills, and work with others. Failing exams or assignments results in having to repeat a year. The second game is work, with rules to be on time, earn money, and serve customers politely. Getting fired results in unemployment. The third game is driving, with rules to follow traffic laws and avoid accidents. Speeding, parking violations, or accidents end the game. The fourth game is caring for a dog, with rules to feed, walk, and play with the dog. Failing results in the dog starving, dying, or becoming lazy.