MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-04-10 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [hangout] For the PR Mill
|
----- Forwarded message from Dave Williams -----
Subject: Re: Article for the announcement
From: Dave Williams
To: Ruben I Safir
In-Reply-To: <20030409154937.A11992-at-www2.mrbrklyn.com>
Organization:
X-Mailer: Ximian Evolution 1.2.4
Date: 10 Apr 2003 15:18:12 -0400
Here's my edit:
-- New Free Software Technology Center opens in Brooklyn --
NYLXS, New York's busiest Free Software group, is at it again! This
April they're opening the area's first Free Software Technology and
Education Center in Brooklyn, NY. Located in one of New York's largest
business districts, the NYLXS Free Software Education Center and
Internet Cafe is a collaborative effort between Alex Shvartsman
(http://66.150.119.242/cgi-bin/strategy/article.cgi?id=3980) and Ruben
Safir.
Alex is the owner of Kings Games, a computer gaming center which caters
to players of "Magic, the Game". Ruben met Alex several months ago when
Kings Games first opened. He found the place a comfortable environment
for getting work done while enjoying a change of scenery from his
office. The two quickly developed a fast friendship, and before long
Kings Games was hosting its first installfest. A meeting of NYFairUse
was held there, and from then on only good things started to happen.
The creation of a Free Software Center is something NYLXS has been
trying to accomplish for many months, and thanks to Alex's generosity it
is now a reality.
Kings Games had a huge space available in the venue's second floor
overlooking Kings Highway. Several months ago the building was
purchased by a bank which didn't want an upstairs residence. They
offered Alex and his partners the floor, customized to their
requirements. Alex and Ruben were already discussing the possibility of
creating an educational center in the space, and the change in ownership
plus the subsequent move opened up this possibility.
Together they designed the entire basement (easily over 80 by 50 feet in
area) to be usable as a Free Software educational facility and an
Internet cafe. It was built to their specifications, and everything was
looking good for both NYLXS and Kings Games.
The NYLXS Board was informed of the plans, and current President Marco
Scoffier agreed to invest in six new computers and provide technical
support to Kings Games. A hardware recycling program has been
implemented, and plans for both subsidized and non-subsidized
educational programs are in place.
According to Ruben, "This is the best opportunity yet for the New York
City Free Software community to really spread its wings and provide
unprecedented services to the public at large. Not only will it give
people a chance to hang out and collaborate, but it also has serious
long term possibilities as an incubator for Free Software projects and
businesses. The room is huge and completely wired, the management at
Kings Games is the best, and Alex is one of the most fair-minded
individuals I've ever worked with. NYLXS members will be announcing
hours at the facility when our experts and members will be available to
help new users and others with Free Software issues and development.
Overall, this is the most exciting thing to come out of the New York
City Free Software community in a long time. It is going to be our
ultimate asset."
Alex is also excited about the prospects for the project. "We are
really happy to establish a 'white hat' hacker community here in
Brooklyn," he said. "The guys from NYLXS have amazing energy and
enthusiasm, and only good things will come from that."
Computer access will initially be available for non-NYLXS members at a
rate of $5.00 per hour. You can also bring your own laptop computer and
plug into the network. The Center's first open house meeting will be on
Monday, April 21st, and scheduling for support personnel is currently
being arranged. If anyone is interested in getting involved please
contact Marco Scoffier at marco-at-nylxs.com, or any member of NYLXS
(http://www.nylxs.com/).
- Dave
____________________________
NYLXS: New Yorker Free Software Users Scene
Fair Use -
because it's either fair use or useless....
NYLXS is a trademark of NYLXS, Inc
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