Meet Samantha Cook of Hacker Scouts And Help The Cause!

banner2We geeks have to make sure that we impart our wisdom, experience, love of learning, and ability to recognize unwise technical choices to the younger generation. That’s not always easy between work, family, our own kids, and the decaying educational infrastructure. Meet the Hacker Scouts, an organization that gets young people involved in science, technology, and engagement in the community. It’s pretty much everything I wish I’d had when I was younger.

Best of all? They’re leveraging the latest technology to let you help out – using Kickstarter to get their own lab in Oakland California. Yes, kickstarting a science scout facility. So you know, I’m going to interview anyone involved.

Fortunately, Samantha Cook herself, the Executive Director, took the time to speak with me. So go, read – and then go support and get involved.

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Link Roundup 9/14/2013: News on Microsoft, Zynga, and more

Maker Culture

If you’re into science, you may want to check out bodyhackers and medical hackers.

Technology

A great look at Microsoft’s slow fall/stumble.  Really gives some perspective.  I’m still bullish on Microsoft as an employer, but they’ve changed, times have changed, and they need to broaden to survive.

On the subject, a good look at what the hell happened to Zynga.

Is Twitter’s IPO plan to basically not do what Facebook did?  Apparently.  I’m still tetchy about Goldman Sachs being involved, but I do trust Twitter.   Their results will affect other people’s plans for IPos, so watch out.

– Steven Savage

Twitter Goes Public. Water Is Wet

Linked to the appropriately sarcastic Valleywag.  Twitter is going public, though I have to say I’m not exactly thrilled with some of the players involved.

Still, we knew it would happen eventually, so I guess this is the time.  I actually think they’ll do pretty decently since expectations are different, and they have a lot more love than Facebook.

– Steven Savage