When I was a teenager, my friend Sean and I were big into horror movies.  Now, I can't stand them. I still love a good thriller or science fiction film, but horror has lost its appeal.  I do not think I am better for not liking them, nor do I think that horror movies are bad.  They are simply not my thing. 
     Reality for me became more horrific than any film could provide.  Be it hospital stays that became nightmares or instructors and teachers that lost their mind. 

Our hearts are with the Tree of Life in Squirrel Hill Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburg. We begin our show with a moment of silence and reflection. 
News and Links:
Wonder Woman - delayed
Michael Jordan is investing in esports
Wil watched horror movies with the boy. Taking both of his kiddos to see Beetlejuice to see how the ghost with the most and how the movie stands up to time. Picking Halloween costumes for the kiddos! It's ok to let kids dress up - discussion on Moana. 

Tyra is part of a wedding actually today. Discussion of Star Wars theme songs being used and how epic a helicopter is for the bride and groom to leave the reception. She is still playing Emoji Blitz - Nightmare Before Christmas event. ​(However, Nix thinks a Nightmare on Elm Street one would be hilarious!) 

Episode 2 further information links on our news and main show discussion!
The News Side:
​Wil discussed the Netflix cancellations!
Netflix Marvel cancellations - Variety Article 
A moment of reflection for the loss of Microsoft co-founder-Paul Allen. Sadly Mr. Allen passed away at 65 after a battle with cancer. 
New York Times Obituary - Death of Microsoft’s co-founder - Paul Allen -
Tyra discuessed innovations and the reimaginaing of social media tools.  
Portal/echo show - CNet.com article
IG QR codes and school communities at AdWeek 

The Geeky Side - of TV!
We discussed all things Battlestar Galatica and other aspects of how we grew as geeks! 
Wikipedia - Original TV Series
SYFY Reboot
We concluded with a discussion on the impact of all things BSG and how it led into the current atmosphere and how it's creation reinvigorated Sci-Fi in its day.  
Please comment on your favorite or most hated character and share! 
​SO SAY WE ALL! 

    This side of the Geeky had a gaming conference for educators.  I attended the Games for Change conference with about 30 or more educators in and around the metro-Atlanta area.  Games for Change #G4C is a competition that promotes game design in major cities around the US.  It is a non-profit organization that helps provide curriculum and game design tools to those that are willing to compete. For more information, please check out: http://www.gamesforchange.org/studentchallenge/  The conference was hosted at Georgia Tech and the Tech staff was extremely helpful and gracious.
    What struck me as the most intriguing was that I was one of three self described gamers at the conference.  This fact made me reflect on the core of gaming and could non-gamers facilitate game design.  I think an instructor will have to be inspirational and willing to learn without a gaming background, but could find success by harnessing the gaming passion of his/her students.  
       Now, I am a first year computer science and gaming instructor.  I have a huge learning curve in programming and design, but have been a gamer since 1978.  I know what makes a game fun and what makes a game marketable. That is what I saw missing from the conference was an in-depth gamer perspective, but and I shudder, too much talk of educational games....NO! A game should be designed for fun and if you learn: great side bonus!  Once a game is labeled educational, it quickly loses the appeal for the audience and then becomes another worksheet or exercise. 
       However, some positives that come out of this conference.  One was the diversity of the crowd. It was good to see teachers of every background willing to reach out to the interest of students.  The challenge itself lends to innovative thinking and can provide a good, safe arena for discussion on possibly heated topics.  
          I think #G4C has a ton of potential and with some recruitment of gamer-teachers could provide a much needed depth to game design and education.  As with anything, this needs support and the gaming community needs to step up and help others realize how this medium can be used to make all better and to improve education with edutainment! 
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