Career

Link Roundup 8/13/2013: Hyperlooping the Kickstarter And More

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Had a lot of good stuff today.

Very important to follow – a startup program that focuses on an aging population.  This is a great (and kind of obvious idea) and fits trends I’ve seen lately for specialized incubators.  It’s a great way to focus and probably avoids rather dumb ideas.  Check this out . . .

Here’s three programs encouraging women in science and engineering and geekery.  It’s awesome, and yes you should check them out.

Fine, here’s something on the Hyperloop.  Actually the slightly cracked sci-fi weirdness aside, this intrigues me.  If nothing else I’d like to see it get a go if only to get people to experiment with public transport MORE.

A fascinating post that asks if there’s a danger to Kickstarter changing cosplay communities.

– Steven Savage

Does io9 Get It Right About SF and “Competence Porn”?

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Well worth reading.  Rough summary, SF has diverged from “Competence Porn” – the joy of seeing smart and skilled people do smart and skilled things.  I agree with the thesis that this has happened, but not his explanations.  In fact I probably need to analyze this for awhile before I can coherently state my own theories.

However, I think there’s something here.  Maybe it’s just my age, but for me my SF heroes were always, well, competent.  Scientists and adventurers with names like Dick Seaton (oh, E.E. Smith . . .), Danny Dunn, Tom Swift, John Carter.  Even Luke Skywalker, a bit niave, was a fast learner – but then again *I* mostly wanted to be Han Solo or Obi-Wan, so maybe I don’t care.

Something to think over.

Also I am so using the term “Competence Porn.”

(Edit: I put in the wrong link.  Ironic that.)

– Steven Savage

 

Muse Hack Postings 8/9/2013!

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A little light this week, but we got someone who needs an artist!

ARTIST NEEDED:

We’ve got a soon to be self-published writer looking for a cover artist.  There’s not pay involved for this assignment, but it is a chance to get in on her efforts!  Contact her at ekgriffin.warriorphoenix(at-sign)yahoo(dot)com for anyone interested – and check out her website elizabethkayegriffin.webs.com!

– Steven!