Check out “The Elevator”

Victoria Shockley, who we interviewed previously, has her new children’s novella, “The Elevator” coming out soon.  You can find out more here: http://victoriashockleywrites.wordpress.com/.  Here’s her blurb:

“Gorb the gnome operates an elevator in an upscale hotel. When three businessmen get stuck in his lift, their only chance of escape is to work together. But with a clashing of personalities, that proves difficult.

Gorb has a plan. Will his tale about the fantastic  kingdom of Eggslandia be enough to inspire the  group to collaborate and find a way out?

The Elevator and its story within a story share a  lesson in the importance of teamwork.”

Sounds like something to check out.  Give it a look!

– Steven

Elder Geeks Speak: Talking Careers

So I’m an Elder Geek. I’m 45. I saw Akira in the theaters (and was confused). I saw Star Wars first run. I remember the first “Cosmos” and have the book. You get the idea – or at least I hope you do.

I also speak on careers. I write on careers. I also encourage my fellow Elder Geeks who’ve been around the block a few times to do the same because let’s face it, we’ve got the experience and should share it. Also the economy is in tatters, so hey, let’s help people out here.

Except sometimes, it’s hard. It’s challenging to bridge the gaps between us and people ten, twenty, even thirty years younger. Things have changed, technology has changed, jobs has changed, and there is that whole smoking-ruin-of the economy thing I mentioned. It’s hard to explain how to survive in the economic wasteland when you’re coming from a different background.

So, as I look at my next round of convention talks, and as I encourage my fellows to talk about careers at cons, blogs, random gaming sessions, etc. I wanted to share what you can do to help talk to the younger geek crowd about careers. Trust me, it’s needed.

Read more

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

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