[freegeek-e-newsletter] July FreeGeek E-newsletter

[e-newsletter at lists.freegeek.org]

Free Geek's email newsletter has come your way once more!  Get yer dancin' 
shoes on!

If you'd like to stop receiving this newsletter, please scroll down to the
very bottom of this email and follow the instructions.

Contents:

I. Geek Fair!  July 15
II. New FreekBox Distro
III. Staff Comings and Goings
IV. Free Geek Awarded Recycling Honors
V. Happenings Around Town
VI. Wishlist

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I. GEEK FAIR!  JULY 15

It is almost upon us!  Geek Fair is Free Geek's annual street party.  This
year's version will include great bands like Alan Singley and Pants Machine,
Johnny Punchclock, a comedy troupe, the ever-lovely and lively Sprockettes
dancing minibike troupe, and an awesome kids' area.  Also look forward to a
rockin' computer gaming LAN party, classic video games, storytelling, puppet
shows, printer smashing, a great silent auction, clowns on tall bikes, and
water games.  Of course, we'll have great food and drink available as well.

Geek Fair at Free Geek
1731 SE 10th Ave, Portland
1pm-7pm
FREE, all ages

Thanks to our sponsors: the Portland Mercury, Backspace, Dennis Uniforms,
Virtuous, Wibiki, Belmont Computers, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Southeast Uplift.

Check out http://freegeek.org/geekfair for more information, and we'll see you 
there!

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II. NEW FREEKBOX DISTRO

The Distro group at Free Geek has recently updated the software we put on our 
FreekBoxen.  We're now using Ubuntu, which is simply Debian (the Linux 
distribution we've used for about 5 years now) specially configured.  We're 
using Ubuntu version 6.06 Dapper Drake, which went stable July 1.  

The benefits of this new distribution are myriad.  For end users, Ubuntu 
allows more options and ease for plug and play devices like printers, mp3 
players, and digital cameras.  Installing software is also easier: no more 
command line, just a simple graphical interface does it all.

For builders and tech support, Ubuntu is simpler to install and configure than 
our last FreekBox distribution.  Modem issues have been fixed, and occasional 
video issues that we saw on the FreekBox 3 distro have been eliminated.  
Ubuntu also forces its initial user to choose his or her own password, 
whereas the FreekBox 3 had a default password, which was often left 
unchanged.  This makes the new disto more secure.

For more info on the new distro, visit http://www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu

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III. STAFF COMINGS AND GOINGS

Stop in and say hello to our two new paid interns!

Jeff Robinson is currently exploring the feasability of a long-term Laptop 
Program.  He's been involved in the Build Program for about 8 months, and has 
been working hard cleaning out the Black Hole (our laptop area) and repairing 
as many laptops as possible to be used for infrastructure, hardware grants, 
and for sale in the thrift store.  

Katrina Light has filled the role of Receiving Intern.  While she's a new face 
to the organization, in her first two weeks at Free Geek, she has adapted 
well to the chaos inherent in the receiving area, and conceived many good 
plans for making the area more efficient and welcoming to volunteers.

Alas, we must also bid farewell to Guy Longanecker, our former Printer Program 
Coordinator.  Guy made huge strides in the printer and recycling areas while 
he was here.  He's decided to step back into the role of volunteer, and spend 
more time with his family.  Thanks for your time and attention, Guy, and we 
look forward to continuing to see you around the Geek!

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IV. FREE GEEK AWARDED RECYCLING HONORS

As we do every year, Free Geek participated in the 28th Annual Association of 
Oregon Recyclers Trade Show and Education Conference in Eugene. Oso Martin 
and recyling intern Matt Lange provided technical support for the myriad of 
Power Point presentations that are part of most professional gatherings.

There were lots of great sessions including a brilliant presentation by David 
Alloway of Oregon DEQ regarding landfills and the problems associated with 
the public misconceptions around what is appropriate to landfill and what 
should be kept out. The keynote speaker was Justin Kitzes of the Global 
Footprint Network ( http://www.footprintnetwork.org ).  The Global Footprint 
Network does the calcuations for different global footprints which can then 
be used to describe the impacts of human activity on the earth in ways that 
directly relate to individuals. The talk was great, inspiring and depressing 
at the same time. Check out your own footprint at http://www.ecofoot.org.

At the end of the three-day conference, Free Geek received the Recycler 
of the Year Award for an Organization, getting a super-cool globe made of 
recycled bicycle sprockets (currently on display at the front desk, stop 
by and behold the splendor!). Also, Free Geek's good friend and reuse 
partner Lorraine Kerwood of Mac Renewal received the Alice Soderwall 
Reuse and Waste Prevention Award. Lorraine knew Alice personally, so 
getting an award that was named in honor of her reuse and recycling 
legacy was extra special. Yay Lorraine! Yay Free Geek!

(Thanks, Oso, for crafting the above article.)

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V. HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN

Potluck Brunch at Hawthorne Hostel
3031 SE Hawthorne in Portland
Every Sunday during the summer
10:30am to 2pm
FREE

Bring a dish or help with the cooking.  A great opportunity to meet new people 
and enjoy some good food in a beautiful setting.

****************************************
GEEK FAIR!
Saturday, July 15
1-7pm
Free Geek 1731 SE 10th Portland
FREE

Oh yea.  We'll see you there.  (check out the first article in this 
newsletter, or http://freegeek.org/geekfair for more info)

***************************************
Thirsty Third Thursday Theater
Every third Thursday
7:30pm
Free Geek
FREE

Check out a cool, geek-selected movie on our big screen for free every third 
Thursday.  Bring beverages (or money for beverages) and food if you'd like to 
share.

***************************************
Bike Movies at Clinton St. Theater
SE 26th and Clinton Street Portland
Wednesday, July 26
9pm-11pm
$6

Come see some of our own Reverend Phil's freshest bicycle videos!  He promises 
they'll be good.

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VI. WISHLIST

You might not know it, but many of our basic supplies (like printer paper and
TP) are donated to us by individuals with big hearts and a few extra dollars
in their wallets (or good scavenging skills!).  We'd very much appreciate
donations of any of the below:

- Band-aids, band-aids, band-aids
- TP
- Simple Green general spray cleaner
- Bleach
- Rubber gloves
- Cream and sugar for coffee
- Dry Erase Markers
- Wire and cable cutters
- 8.5" x 11" single-sheet white printer paper (100% post-consumer
  recycled, if possible)
- Food and drink for volunteers (especially chocolate)
- Locking cabinets (with keys, please!)
- Big hugs!

As a quick and easy alternative, we welcome your online monetary donations.
Just visit https://www.applyweb.com/public/contribute?freegeek to contribute
to Free Geek online.

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Ha!  You've made it to the end of another Free Geek newsletter.  As a reward
(or punishment, depending on your point of view), here's a parting joke:

Q: What do you call a one legged donkey?

A: A wonkey.


Until next time,

Shawn Furst
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Free Geek
1731 SE 10th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
(503)232-9350
info at freegeek.org
http://www.freegeek.org


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