After looking at our tools, and printing some things on Skidoo we all settled down and spoke a bit about hackerspaces. I could tell that they have been speaking with many people, because their questions were generally very good (or the questions were about fish). It was really interesting to hear about how there is a common theme with all of the spaces, but how each approach it from very different angles; the basic theme being shared space and shared knowledge. I’m greatly anticipating what comes out of all this.

The thing that I personally love about visiting other hacker spaces, is that you inevitably meet really cool people doing really cool stuff. People you end up hanging out with till 2 in the morning, which you feel invigorated from and wish you didn’t need to sleep. Bilal, Paul, and Jordan seemed to be living on that energy. It is an enviable position, and they are really cool people working on a really cool project. We wish them the best in their travels, and welcome them back at any time.

What motivates you, what do you do, what does it mean to you and how does all of it fit into your life? I’m talking about your hacking, your building, your making, your science/art*, your anything that motivates and compels you to create. The act of creation of anything is a fundamental tap to that which makes us human, each act of creation is an exploration of possibility, an actualization of our imagination and a practical utilization of our skills. When we create, we are sublime and we are awesome!

I want your details. Not as in “Hey, baby, gimme your digits!”, but who you are and what you make. While I was at Pumping Station One in Chicago with the Two Hands Project, I collected profiles of the incredible people I met there, and I did the same at i3 Detroit. However, I don’t feel as though I can post hacker/maker/awesome people profiles from just those 2 places as it would exclude all of those around the country and world that are also awesome. So send me an email, tell me who you are and what you make and what you’re passionate about, and where you are, even include a mugshot if you want and I will post them here (may be edited for length) to increase the sharing of awesomeness in the world!

Email Profiles in Awesomeness to Alexander(DOT)Honkala(AT)GMAIL(DOT)COM.

*Is there even a difference?

Bilal at NYC Resistor

The Two Hands Project crew has been here in NYC for the past two days, and it’s really hard to describe the experience other than to simply say this; I really wish they were part of NYC Resistor so we could hang out all the time, rather than just as this once while they’re in town.

From great conversations and interviews about the hackerspace movement, NYCR and other hackerspaces, and the similarities and difference between them, to learning what a “full body handshake” was (all I know is that Bilal was holding me upside-down over his back at some point), an impromptu session brainstorming about toasters, and doing improv with puppets, we packed more fun and memories into one evening than most months.

Seriously, if they’re heading to your town next, make some time and be sure you get a chance to be part of this film and their experience as they crisscross the country. They’re wildly enthusiastic about the movement and the people involved, and that enthusiasm is incredibly contagious!