Free and Open Source Software Events

If you read my blog you're probably already aware that I run a small not for profit organisation called Peer-Directed Projects Center (or PDPC for short) -- the organisation is all about promoting the use and development of Free and Open Source Software and the communities surrounding FOSS. Our "flagship product"; freenode is a interactive communications network for FOSS developers and users and a selection of other peer-directed projects, we clock in just short of 60,000 concurrent users on any given day. We play host to some incredible projects, Ubuntu, Wikipedia/Wikimedia, Gentoo, Redhat/Fedora, MySQL to name but a few.

We (PDPC) love events, we love going to various events across the globe and meeting the people we normally only bump into online -- for us that's a wonderful experience, not only to learn about developments and the projects that use us and that we use the software of, but also to learn about the people in the community and to seek invaluable feedback on the services we provide, and of course, having a bloody brilliant time with people! In seeking feedback, we've learnt that people would like to see us do a little bit more for them, just some small bits to complement what we already offer.. On such thing has to do directly with events, and this last week we launched FOSSEVENTS -- a listing of Free and Open Source Software events across the globe! Head over and find an event near you or add an event with which you're involved with! We hope the site proves as useful and popular as first feedback indicates and we'd love it if people were to get involved and help out.

Community Leadership Summit, 18-19th July 2009.

Jono Bacon, one of my friends and a FOSS contributor for which I have a lot of respect, known to many for his work as Ubuntu's Community Manager is one of the people behind arranging the Community Leadership Summit -- a conference aimed at bringing people from various projects together to look at cross project collaboration and such things. The conference compliments freenode and the PDPC's Group Advisory Board very well and I for one shall be attending.

The goal is simple: if those passionate about building great communities can get together to compare notes and discuss and debate these topics, we will all benefit from better communities.

The summit gathers together community managers, leaders and organizers as well as the projects, organizations, commercial vendors, ISVs and others who have an interest in building a strong and enabled community. The purpose of the event is to get everyone together to talk about the many nuances of building strong and effective community, such as governance, creating collaborative environments, conflict resolution, transparency, open infrastructure, social networking, commercial investment in community, engineering vs. marketing approaches to community leadership and more.

You can read the rest of that over at Jono's blog and of course, head over to the conference website, check it out and sign up if you can make it and it sounds like a good fit for you!

All you need is willpower and enough vaseline!

We recorded next weeks episode of free-as-in-node on Monday, recording earlier than usual due to Easter holidays coming up! It will be out on Monday, and you must remember to go get your copy over at the podcast blog!

We have a little chat about the Philadelphia Geeknic, so if you're "local" to Philly, or fancy a trip there why not check out the geeknic.org website and/or the Pennsylvania Ubuntu LoCo teams wiki page for it over at: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/PennsylvaniaTeam/EventsTeam/PhillyGeeknic2009.

The Philly one is on April 19th and should prove to be a good day out!

It's all very exciting! I wish I could make it to the Philly one, but I am heading over that way later in the year so unless they fancy doing another one in August I'll have to give it a miss!

We also understand that a few people fancy arranging geeknic's local to them, which is awesome(!) and you've asked us to set up a wiki to make planning and stuff easier, we're on it and we shall have http://wiki.geeknic.org up sometime during the Easter holiday!

Geeknics!

This summer we're planning to leave our computers inside and head outside for some (hopefully sunny!) tomfoolery and shenanigans! The PDPC and freenode are heading out into the wilderness to see if we can drag a few FOSS geeks outside to partake in our Geeknics -- Picnics for geeks! The PDPC is all about community, bringing people together in environments which promote collaboration! Over the years we've been lucky enough to get to know a whole heap of FOSS users and contributors through our flagship project; freenode.

This year, we want to spend some time with you all outside of IRC. Starting this month, April, we're arranging geeknics across the globe! You should come along to a geeknic near you, keep an eye on geeknic.org for details of upcoming geeknics! If there isn't one being planned near you, why not take the iniative to get one off the ground? We'll give you whatever help we can, both with planning it and promoting it and as far as we can we will try to attend it aswell!

The general idea is to leave our computers behind gasp and head out into a local-ish park somewhere for a fun-packed day! We'll eat good food, have a few drinks, partake in plenty of banter, laugh a little, play the occasional game or two and schmooze and network with like-minded geeks.

So far, the dates that are set in stone are as follows:

April 19th 2009 - Pennsylvania.
May 9th 2009 - Dublin, Ireland.
June 6th 2009 - Edinburgh, Scotland.
July 4th 2009 - Cardiff, Wales.
August 1st 2009 - Cambridge, England.

We hope to see you there! More details will be forthcoming on the geeknic.org site as well as on the fortnightly free-as-in-node podcast!

The Damned United!

Last night I went to see 'The Damned United' -- if you're into your football you may just enjoy the film! I certainly enjoyed it.

Been a while since I last went to the cinema to watch a film, think the last one I went to see may have been the latest Indiana Jones movie like a year ago or something!

Irssi 0.8.13

While I may no longer be officially affiliated with the Irssi project, I still use Irssi, I still adore the development team and I think they simply kick ass! They've been hard at work, as usual to bring us a new release and tonight version 0.8.13 was released!

Why don't you head over to http://www.irssi.org and upgrade your Irssi now?!

I've not been very good at blogging for the best part of a year, I shall try get a entry or two up over the next week or so! You may wish to catch the freenode podcast though, if you're really bored!

Is that the time? Really?

They say that time flies, it flies bloody fast if you ask me! It's been ages since I last blogged. I can't believe that it's July already. My summer so far has primarily been filled with all things Cricket related -- as you may be able to tell by the blurry picture of Monty Panesar. As of now I shall start bringing a proper camera to the county ground!

When I haven't been watching 20-twenty matches at the county ground, in which I was disappointed to see that the England players were left sat at the boundary rather than playing for their home club, I have been doing various bits relating to Cricket at our club.

I've spent a lot of time with men in white, I've taken about 5000 pictures so far this season -- when I have the time I will sit down and look through them to find the best ones and stick them online somewhere.

I'm also involved with the planning and organizing of this years Party in the Park, which will be fantastic I am sure! ~3000 people, September 13th. Golden Hill, Bristol. Be there - I promise you tons of fun and perhaps the chance to put me in the stocks and sponge me. If you're lucky.

Don't get me wrong, there's also been time for some proper fun! I did go to Becky's Moustache themed birthday BBQ sporting what can only be described as a most wonderful creation of face facial hair. Annoyingly though, not being partial to normal hair growth, it kept interfering with my wine drinking! How on earth do people manage with a tasche without uh, dipping it into everything they take by mouth?
There was also the fantastic wedding of the beautiful Lucy to our 3rd XI team captain; Richie a few weeks back. A wonderful time was had. They should be due back from their Mexican honeymoon this week - I look forward to seeing them both soon.

Of course, there has also been a few post-cricket nights out. Twice we've been refused entry to this one club, which, for each time we get refused entry just appear that little bit more alluring..

The first time was after a police car pulled up and told one of my friends off for 'anti-social behaviour' -- he had drunkenly decided that a hedge just off White Ladies Road was the perfect place for a quick wee-wee and happily relieved himself while the police drove past. Oops.

The second time.. I believe they decided not to let us in because we were, quite frankly, a bit too arguementative.

More fun is planned for this weekend, as General Levy is making a quick pit-stop in Bristol on his way to London from Belgium.. which makes it the weekend of the much anticipated Lizard Lounge Appreciation Jolly-Up. For which my name is no longer Christel but the much more fitting Tamsin.

I should go do something useful, like take laundry out of the machine. I may leave you with a couple more pictures though!

We were of course giving it some on the dancefloor at Richie and Lucy's wedding, above you can see Chris M. looking dashing in black, Chris D. with a massive grin (had he just spotted a bridesmaid?) and Ben being oblivious to the camera. In the second picture Colley is showing off his moves!

Not to be outdone by the First XI's captain, Dowle was quick to get in there and show us how it's really done!

And of course, the picture that sums up the entire summer so far -- three of the amazing characters that I have come to know and admire as of late, Mr. Watts, Mr. Lush and El Presidente; Mr. Mulholland -- whom I believe may just have the X-factor. Never before have I seen young women flock to a man like bees to honey.. but that's what happened when Gerry's shirt came undone. How peculiar!

Soo.. there you go. I'm alive, well, busy and happy. I think. I may be an undead, although, I am far from certain!

How pleasant it is that spring is here!

I never wanted to become one of Them, infact I always thought them to be rather boring and of course, in my younger years I was certain that Sundays had one purpose and that purpose was to give your body a mini-detox -- recuperating from a weekend on the town and preparing you for the week ahead.

Well, I have turned into one of them. I have joined the Sunday People! Gone are the days of lie-ins, hangovers, lazing about. Suddenly it's all about walks in the countryside, museums, zoo's and other local attractions. Suddenly, Sundays have become the day where I enjoy myself, my company and my local surroundings. It's become the day I look forward to throughout the week. It's become the day where I don't mind mud, rain, cold..

And to think, I used to bemusedly snigger at the Sunday People -- finding their jumping into their walking boots soon as Sunday lunch was consumed to set off on a hunt for the countryside rather silly.. Though as I age I realise that perhaps the rest of the week doesn't really allow you to do such things, a busy work week doesn't exactly allow for hours of wandering on the moors..

So now I spend my Sundays outside, I get my ass out of bed as early as any other day of the week and I do something. It may not be all that productive but it sure is enjoyable. And I am loving it. And it gives me something nice to look forward to when slaving away during the week longing for the weekend to come around.

The last couple of Sundays have been most nice, rather than just a countryside walk we've actually been places.

Weekend before last we headed to the Downs, walked around in the Urban Greens (it's not proper countryside!) before heading to the Observatory where I enjoyed the Camera Obscura before going down into the Giants Cave and finishing off with a visit to Bristol's number 1 suicide hot spot - the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which fittingly has advertisements for the Samaritans help line!

Last Sunday we went to Bristol Zoo Gardens where we spent an enjoyable five hours wandering around. In the evening we went for yet another walk, which was most pleasant. I wonder when I became boring enough to enjoy long walks?

This coming weekend we're planning to head to Brean Down on Sunday, visiting Brean Fort and generally wandering around. It's bank holiday weekend though so we're off to the North Somerset Agricultural Show on Monday -- I decided I wanted my birthday treat to be a day watching tractor pulling, terrier racing and other such fine yokel activities. I look forward to it.

Saturday I managed to get a bit sunburnt spending a good 6+ hours outside on the cricket ground in Eaton-in-Gordano where the 2nd XI's played United Banks (and lost by 58 runs), mind, the match was somewhat of a one-man-show with United Banks Dan Lockwood scoring a century which included several big sixes. One of the balls never to be retrieved after it cleared the roof of the local pub; the Rudgley Inn.

It was a very pleasant day mind. If only every Saturday was that nice and sunny! This coming weekend sees another away match, this time against St George. I am hoping the powers that be will provide some sun and pleasantness!

Quick! Get in the car it's a Lion!

Hullu,

It's been quite some time since I blogged, I'd like to be able to say that it is because I have been on amazing mission into outer space and was quite simply too busy and overwhelmed to write.

But that would, of course, be a lie. A lot has happened in the past five months, some good, some bad, some really, really good and some really, really bad. Instead of doing a re-cap of it I shall simply quote Steinman/Meatloaf:

"There were nights when the wind was so cold, that my body froze in bed at night if I just listened to it right outside the window. There were days when the sun was so cruel that all the tears turned to dust and I just knew my eyes were drying up forever.

I finished crying in the instant that you left and I can't remember where or when or how.. and I banished every memory you and I had ever made.

There were those empty threats and hollow lies and whenever you tried to hurt me I just hurt you even worse and so much deeper.

There were hours that just went on for days.

But you were history with the slamming of the door and I made myself so strong again somehow. And I never wasted any of my time on you since then.

There were moments of gold and there were flashes of light. There were things I'd never do again, but then they'd always seemed right. There were nights of endless pleasure."

Song lyrics aside, life is - as is the norm, pretty busy these days. But it's good. I am happy and enjoying everything that goes on around me. Work is good, freenode/PDPC takes up my spare computer-y time but that's good also. I'm getting better at making time for fun though, and am enjoying things like going to gigs, visiting museums, going to the theatre and having some proper good jolly-ups in fantastic company.

I am also spending a good chunk of my time at the gym, aiming to do a half-marathon with Bryan (kloeri) in june! Go us! And I've taken up one on one boxing lessons -- which is tremendous amounts of fun. On the subject of er, close contact sports.. I may have developed somewhat of a thing for rugby. This may be a sign that my britification is nearing completion.

Though, perhaps a more telltale sign is the fact that while I may have a "thing" for the rugby I am enveloped in a bizarre obsession with the cricket (whether this is at all related to terribly sexy tall batsmen or not I am still unsure).

Speaking of obsessions.. I am going through a 80s phase at present too. Trying not to take it too far and doing my best not to purchase a pair of really dodgy looking white stilettos!

I made a really difficult decision a while back and choose to resign from Gentoo.

Er, I think that's about it for a canned update. Right now I am mainly just counting down to Easter, which shall, of course, be filled with nights (and days) of endless pleasure!

That is all..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b-fJxzpK7s

Tick tock tick tock..

I haven't blogged much lately, been pretty busy with work, life, stuff. And when I've had some free time I have dived into the wonderful world of Marvel

Everyone else was doing it, being a lamb I had to follow...

Soo... atleast I'm not as nerdy as some of you! Hah. Some new exiting people in my life, which is great. I love getting to know new people. Booked tickets for Christmas in Norway the other day, looking forward to a trip home.

Spending a fair chunk of time looking for a new place to live, need somewhere bigger.. but trying to take the time to find the 'perfect place,' viewed this one house at the weekend which was pretty rad. More country-sidey than where we presently live but really nice.. I'm crossing fingers and toes!

Bar that, all is well. Busy but well.

What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger?

It's almost the weekend - Thank God! Can't wait to just have a couple of lazy days to chill out. If the weather is nice I suspect we may head to the sea front and laze on the beach for a bit too.

This week has been.. a multitude of various shades of interesting. I've gotten to know some really interesting new people, I've learnt a ton of things which hopefully won't be entirely useless.. Caught up with work, sort of. And been amused beyond belief.

The internet never fails to provide the best entertainment.. sometimes it may be wrapped in a package which wouldn't have made it all that attractive in the shop, but who am I to resist a good proper bottom of the belly laugh which leaves me heaving for breath and with tears running down my cheeks for hours? I for one, raise a glass to my new delusional and raving mad overlords!

The house hunt has so far been.. I won't say unfruitful, if we want the first house I decided I liked then it's ours.. but, while the house is a good size, and the garden lovely and all that jazz the kitchen and living room are somewhat on the small side. So I am desperately trying to find a few more properties to view before we make our minds up. Now, we've spotted a couple of properties which could be ideal, while somewhat out in the sticks.. which I am all for, just need to convince Chris that the benefits of a detached house with a huge garden is worth not doing the city thing for... Hopefully we'll manage to book a viewing at a couple of them for Saturday.

This evening I intend to have some proper me time, I have a nice bottle of white chilling and a pile of new books to pick from... I suspect I shall have a nice, long, bubbly soak and just enjoy some quiet time.

Peek-a-boo!

My weekend started on thursday this week, which was nice! The intention was to house-hunt friday and saturday, though, so far one hasn't found the dream property. Have decided that Topsham is fairly nice and a very possible place to live, it's pretty, nice, quiet but close to the city. Did lunch, scenic green walk and a quick bout of bird watching with Simon while out in Topsham.. I enjoy spending time with Simon, he also introduced me to some of his other friends who seemed most charming and who had two gorgeous children who were both tremendously well behaved! Adore

The evening was a fairly quiet one, mexican food and beer.

The bestest thing about the weekend must be having spent hours and hours catching up with my friend Norm, we speak way too rarely these days. It was tremendously enjoyable, also made me realise how much I miss that group of my friends and how crap I have been at keeping in touch for the past year.. (not to mention my attendance record for any get togethers..:/ I'm sorry guys! I do love you!)

Relaxing with a cup of coffee and some 90s music right now.. wishing the weekend wasn't nearly over.

I'm also thinking about, and sending good vibes to my friend Roz (and her family) whos dad passed away earlier today. Having had the pleasure of meeting him a few times I can attest that he was a really nice guy, really smart, friendly, helpful, funny in a super quirky way.. and the man I hold solely responsible for me getting so tipsy at Roz and James' wedding! Roz, James.. if there's anything I can do, don't hesitate to prod me, ok?

Free as in Vodka..

I am really tired today. We got back to Exeter at like 8 last night, just as I'd sat down to open two weeks worth of post the phone rings; it's Matt Lee (GNU Community Manager) wondering if he and his entire stag party may pop around for a quick drink! They just also happened to be outside the gate to my place.. a couple of bottles of vodka later we've all endured his best man Nick playing the guitar and singing while trying to convince Liam (who owns a record label) to sign him.. '12 pints later with Nick Hancock..'

Had a good time, nice to meet more of Matt's friends, decided we're all of to New York next July for the last HOPE, should be fun! Managed to crawl into bed at 4am and am suffering for it today

Done some house hunting these last few days, off to view a few places this coming week. There's one which I am totally in love with.. Fingers crossed and all that jazz eh?

I ordered the Avengers boxset before I went to Texas, it has arrived! Hooray! Well, I only ordered the episodes with Emma Peel, but hey, 17 dvds, I can't wait to watch them all

Chris just set off back to London a couple of hours ago, the next few days I need to focus focus on work. I want a holiday tho..

Irish Doctor?

Rumour has it that James Nesbitt may be replacing David Tennant as the next Doctor, having mulled over this I have decided I may not have too much of a problem with it. I mean, I adore David Tennant and I think they will be hard pushed to find a really good replacement.. but James Nesbitt is incredible.

I just hope he doesn't do a Tennant and drops his accent, while I'd have preferred Tennant as a Scottish Doctor I think Nesbitt could make a wicked Irish Doctor! I mean, wow, he has the most awesome Irish accent, ever.

I'm unsure if I like the rumours about Kylie Minogue becoming the next assistant though.. I mean come on? I want Billie Piper back! While it took a while before I warmed to her as Rose Tyler I came to adore the character and I have missed her tremendously since she left.. I don't particulary care much for Freema Agyeman/Martha Jones.. hell, I preferred Catherine Tate to her!

I'm also not much liking that there's no Dr Who for the next few months, the Christmas special is oh so far away!

In other non Dr Who related news.. I am back in England, over the jetlag, trying to catch up with work, Gentoo and freenode in between attempting to get my head around the PDPC paperwork I picked up when in Houston.

It's nice to be back home, just wish the next couple of months weren't poised to be quite so busy.. but hey..

Looking forward to meeting a few more Gentoo developers in Zurich next month, and we've started semi planning a mini vacation/long weekend to Ukraine in October, which I am really, really looking forward to. The next few months are going to fly by I suspect and then suddenly it will be christmas.. and a trip home to Norway. Can't wait to see my family again.. and snow, I like snow.

I should consider getting changed as Chris shall be arriving home from work any moment and I believe I am taking him out for dinner.. because it seemed like the sort of thing I should do today..