Geek As Citizen: To Know

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So I’ve taken it upon myself to ponder the question: what is the role of a geek as a citizen? We have our own unique skills and inclinations and the like, so just what is the role of people like us in a functional society? Note I say “functional” society – we’re working on the ideal here.

Last column I defined what geeks were in an “inclusive, definitional” sense for the purpose of my work and because I obsess over the subject. Here’s what defines geeks for me:

  • Passionate about a subject or subjects – on a personal level.
  • Apply that passion and knowledge – not always for monetary reward, but there are blurred lines.
  • Leverage tools and technology to apply that passion.
  • The person’s identity and social involvements are part of this strong interest.
  • Geeks are often part of a larger gestalt and culture, but not always – the “Geekonomy” and “Geek culture” don’t encompass all geeks.

Or “Geeks are personally passionate about a subject that they apply, and that knowledge and application is part of their identity and social scene.” Simple, but I kind of like my bullet points.

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Link Roundup 9/26/2013

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What’s been up today?

  • First, let’s get to a chance to help out.  Want to do some good for people in need? Help crowdfund a 3D printed prosthetic hand.  It’s a chance to crowdfund production of this low-cost device, and if you want you can even get one for your own medical need, research purposes, or just to do some good.
  • Looks like our own Scott may be busy – there’s some evidence/rumor the next Superman film will have Wonder Woman.  That may sound crazy but not any crazier than inserting some Dark Knight into it – and recall Superman is traditionally vulnerable to magic, and is currently hooked up with her in DC’s universe.  Even if it’s not a launching of a film just a well done Wonder Woman would be something.
  • Speaking of films, Pacific Rim had it’s problems in the states, but was the highest grossing original live action film of the summer.  A bit of a feather in its large, mechanical cap, and maybe some hope it (and original properties) may get some love.  Something to jump in on and pay attention to, writers and media types.
  • At some point we might be watching Pacific Rim on Hulu, and people might complain about the adds – though there’s a reason behind that and they might go away.  Plenty telling – and yeah, Netflix ix clearly in the crosshairs.  Might present some career options as they ramp it up . . .
  • Of course while viewing things at home on Hulu, maybe you’d be interested in having a highly integrated household with climate control, etc.  Nest is on it, providing some interesting opportunities – and maybe employment opportunities.  I think this could get too hackable, but do see possibilities for energy efficiency.
  • Finally some good networking advice – help connect people together to build your contacts and support network.

– Steven “Leave Ben Affleck Alone” Savage

 

 

Healthy Cooking: Magazines and Cookbooks

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In the age of the internet, it may seem strange to emphasize people who want to cook well should subscribe to magazines and/or get and read cookbooks. Everything’s online, we’re up to our armpits in recipes, and you can search for anything. However, much like other forms of knowledge, there’s a value in personal curation.

That’s why I still subscribe to cooking magazines and scout books for cooking. Oh it’s rare I’ll get a new book, and I am reluctant to get too many magazines (I only get one right now), but I still do it. No matter how much I get off the internet, I get a lot out of print publications.

If you want to cook healthy, I recommend checking out the right magazines and books because they’re curated as I said – someone took time to get everything right.

That’s really one thing that’s hard to get in cooking, is recipes filtered, assessed, grouped, analyzed, and organized for maximum use and usefulness. That’s one thing a good magazine or book provides. Some one or someones made this into a coherent product for you based on theme, focus, interest, etc.

Especially when it comes to recipes? That’s important. There are themes and styles, personal touches and general truths, cultural knowledge and ingredient smarts. Those are needed to make a good cookbook or cooking mag, so when you find one you get a lot more than just some checklists of ingredients – you something focused on the big picture of cooking.

Ever looked at a recipe and gone “what the hell?” Yeah, me too. A good book or magazine helps avoid that.

When you find the right one or ones? It’s invaluable because you’ve found something that fits your needs and interests without having to wade through assorted sources. Plus you can read it in the bathtub which is always a plus.

Now with that in mind I actually don’t keep these per se:

  • With magazines I tend to go through and find the best recipes then either recycle them, or cut out the recipes for a folder and recycle them.
  • Some “bookazines” (you know those book like magazines that sum up recipe themes that big publishers release) I’m mixed on since some are so lovely.
  • With books I either have true keepers (especially historical, cultural, or collectable ones) and then when I’ve gone through them enough I donate them or sell them to used bookstores.

Really there’s few cookbooks I plan to keep long term. But using one for a year or two then giving someone else a chance is a great idea.

Not sure what to get? Hit the magazine rack at a bookstore or go to a bookstore or used bookstore for cookbooks and see what shows up. In general, your gut will tell you if something is right for you.

– Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach.  He blogs on careers at http://www.musehack.com/, nerd and geek culture at http://www.nerdcaliber.com/, and does a site of creative tools at http://www.seventhsanctum.com/. He can be reached at https://www.stevensavage.com/.