RTP Hackers & Founders meetup this week

Date: Friday, January 21, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: O'Malley's Tavern in Raleigh
RSVP at Meetup.com

RTP Hackers & Founders is a group dedicated to hackers and business people who are interested in or involved in the startup scene. If you're one of those looking to connect with the other, or just someone interested in the startup community--investors, academics, journalists, etc.--you're welcome. Meet at O'Malley's for a few hours of networking, beer, food, and hacking. Don't forget your laptop!

If you can't make this one, follow @rtp_hack_found on Twitter to get updated about future meetups.

Welcome TechShop RDU!

I want to extend a hearty welcome to our newest sponsor for Maker Faire:NC 2011, TechShop RDU!

TechShop is a 20,000 square-foot membership-based workshop, located right by the RDU Airport between Raleigh and Durham, that provides members with access to tools and equipment, instruction, and a creative and supportive community of like-minded people so you can build the things you have always wanted to make. TechShop is designed for everyone, regardless of their skill level. TechShop is perfect for inventors, “makers”, hackers, tinkerers, artists, roboteers, families, entrepreneurs, youth groups, FIRST robotic teams, arts and crafts enthusiasts, and anyone else who ever wanted to do something, but couldn’t.

TechShop RDU is a returning sponsor this year.  Show them some love!  Thanks, TechShop RDU!

Raleigh Group Making Feature Film

Today I came across the page for "Remnants," a film being made right now in Raleigh.  Go have a look at their trailer!  I'm dying to see this movie already!

A rare astrological event causes a permanent worldwide black out, forcing residents of a middle-class suburb to get by with no modern conveniences.

The community pulls together and adapts to a simpler way of life, but their success draws the attention of the less resourceful residents in the area and soon results in a war between subdivisions.

This is their story.

I've talked before about how overwhelmingly creative the triangle area is and this just reinforces my belief: there's no place like North Carolina.  I also wanted to highlight this film because it shows that you don't have to operate robots, solder circuits, or weld to be a maker.  Making is all about engenuity and it looks like the team making Remnants has that in spades.

School for Hackers

Here's an article that promotes the idea of hands-on learning for our young'uns.  The article points out that according, at least, to researcher Peter Gray traditional education in the USA leans more toward scholarly pursuits than making things... and that that's a problem.  In his own words: "in the narrowest sense of the word, meaning someone who spends their time reading and writing. Of course, most people are not scholars. We survive by doing things.”

There's plenty of research cited in the article pointing towards the value of project-based hands-on education.  I heartily suggest you read it.

The Triangle is alight with organizations (both non-profit and commercial) providing supplemental education to grownups that weren't offered Shop Class and likewise to our children who won't be offered the same.

Choices include Raleigh's TechShop RDU, Durham's SeeSaw Studio, the newly-founded Durham Hackerspace, WoodCraft, Student U, Citizen Schools, and, of course, long-time proponents (before it was cool!) of hands-on education from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H.  I'm sure there are more.  How about put them in the comments?

Just last night my six-year old was operating the drill press with considerable precision. Teach your children to make things. Our kids are more capable than you might think.

Reminder: Triangle Hackerspace Planning Meeting is Tonight

Just a friendly reminder that the first planning session for the Triangle Hackerspace is tonight.  The kickoff meeting for the project will be at 6:45 PM in Durham and will be held at Relevance.  See our original post for more in-depth information.

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