Brian Jepson’s Weblog

When you read an article like this one, and when you’re part of a community that has an answer to the question, it’s hard to stay quiet. Joey deVilla gave Toronto a shout-out in his blog (and he has an awesome graphic to go along with it).

Although Providence wasn’t mentioned in the 37signals post like Toronto was, I think Providence is one of those cities where some similar stuff is happening/can happen. And even looking beyond our borders, some of the folks who’ve spoken at Providence Geeks manage teams that are spread out all over the world, so I think it’s not just a question of whether the city is good for building a team, but sometimes it’s whether the city is a fun and livable headquarters/underground lair for the benevolent dictator/evil genius running the company. But the really key point is you can start a company anywhere. I keep hearing about interesting, successful Rhode Island companies that are located well outside of Providence, down in my neck of the woods. Just check out the map on RI Nexus.

Former GSG editor-in-chief Shawn Wallace is scanning old issues for your viewing pleasure. The first one is up, more to follow soon. Update: I’ve created a Google Group as a place to put more scans and post your comments. Link

Don’t miss this month’s Providence Geek Dinner (this Wednesday!); In the spirit of the holiday season and giving back to the community, Providence Geeks is a proud sponsor of Rhode Island’s 2008 FIRST FTC Robotics Challenge. The program provides high school students the opportunity to build working robots and test their creations in head-to-head competition. At Wednesday’s Geek Dinner, Tech Collective President Tim Hebert and other RI FIRST FTC team members will give an overview of the program, the kids, & the robots, and explain how Providence Geeks members can serve as volunteer mentors and referees. Details and RSVP here.

The Providence Geek Dinner returns this month on Wednesday September 19 at the usual time and location. Check out the Providence Geeks blog for complete details and RSVP!

Don’t miss this month’s Providence Geek Dinner (Wednesday July 25); food, beverages, and great conversation will be all around you. Also, Providence-based Digication will be giving a short presentation; Digication provides an easy way for schools to create online communities and for teachers and students to showcase their work.

Details and RSVP here.

Don’t miss this month’s Providence Geek Dinner (Wednesday June 20!); Providence Geeks regulars Public Display will be giving their first public demonstration and you don’t want to miss it! Details and RSVP here.

The Providence Geek Dinner is back at AS220 (115 Empire Street, Providence, RI) on Wednesday, February 28, 2007. The fun starts at 5:30pm. I hope to see you there. See the Providence Geeks blog for details and RSVP.

Some of the folks from the Make team through Providence last week, and our first stop was the Steel Yard. I’m embarrassed to admit that this was only my first visit to the Steel Yard as well.

Make: The Steel Yard - Providence, RI
(see also: Craft: An Afternoon at RISD’s Apparel Department)

David Ortiz: “An IT pioneer who introduced open-source code to Rhode Island’s government Web sites is leaving after four years to return to his native New Jersey…” We’re going to miss you, Jim! Come back any time!

I recently picked up an XGameStation Pico, which is a small video game system you can build and program yourself. I’m going to be coming up to AS220 around 2:30pm, and I’ll set up a little work area where I can assemble the unit, and if the darn thing works, I’ll even plug it into the projector for some big-screen neo-retro action before the Geek Dinner. Feel free to come along and watch, help, or give me moral support when I mess something up beyond repair!

P.S. If you have a Parallax SX-Key and a KeySpan 19HS USB/Serial adapter, bring it along. Those are the two accessories I forgot to order until last night (and without them, we’ll only be able to run the default video game that’s pre-flashed onto the system).