π
2009-09-21 01:01
in Linux
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So, after about 10 years, there was finally a new worthwhile linux conference in the US (linuxworld after 2000 does not count), and I almost missed it because I wasn't even aware it was going on (bad me). While it was in nearby Portland, because I only found out 4 days before the conference started, I had to pay $420 for the airfare (ouch!), but otherwise managed to get everything else for free thanks to friends who hooked me up (thanks again guys) since this trip was definitely on my dime as it's hard to claim for a business trip while being on leave still :)
For a first year, the conference was actually very well run and I'm excited that we finally have a yearly US linux conference again, even if it means that some speakers won't be able to come because they boycott the US or can't get through immigration. Also, now that OLS is pretty much dying out, Linuxcon will make for a fine replacement.
It was great to see some of my conf buddies again, including Mark Bolzern, whom I hadn't seen in 15 years, and some of the talks were pretty interesting too. I'm definitely happy I got not to miss this, just a few days before I was scheduled to go back to work.
Mark at the linux Pavillion in 1996
Mark and I 13 years later
Monday night, we had a bowling outing
I even got a whole 78 :)
The highlight was definitely the Penguin Bowl run by my friend Jeremy. He definitely outdid himself again, being Steve Balmer this time, starting with the "developers" hysteria walk, and the sweat stained shirt. Absolutely classic!
Jeremy was outdid himself
(click for vid) unfortunately I missed the beginning of the developers hysteria dance
I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am :)
(click for vid) the last question was to fly a very crappy RC helicopter to a landing pad
I actually tried flying the heli after the game was over since I'm reasonably familiar with flying RC, but it was an unflyable cheap ass 2 axis (power and some kind of yaw control), so the contestants just threw those things uncontrollably into the room. It's actually a good thing no one got hurt by an uncontrolled RC heli :)
Anyway, the conf was a success, kudos to the organizers and 'till next year. |