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Next Ubuntu hour location???

Ubuntu hour is almost upon us again (June 7th, 2013) and I’m still deliberating where to hold the next Ubuntu hour. Here is a summary of what we’ve tried in the past along with the pros and cons:

  1. Misty Mountain – 1st meeting place – pros: can just buy a coffee, tea, or soft drink. Close to downtown bus station. Has a private room with a big screen t.v. we can hook up to and a door that can be closed for noise. Has outlets for notebooks all over and free wifi. Cons – the room is a bit small if the group gets bigger than 8 and limited food, limited downtown parking, limited accessibility.
  2. Cafe Pyrus – 2nd meeting place – pros: variety of food, free wifi, centrally located for bus takers, can just order coffee. Cons – music tends to overpower discussions sometimes, sometimes has live entertainment, limited downtown parking.
  3. Egg Roll King – 3rd meeting place – pros: variety of food, on #8 bus line, generally very accommodating. Cons – generally more expensive than cafes, not as close to downtown, limited parking, no wifi, smaller space.
  4. Williams Cafe – 4th meeting place – pros: variety of food, can have only coffee, free wireless, ample parking. Cons – out of the way for Waterloo attendees, no outlets (well 1, but this is ridiculous), not really accommodating to groups larger than 4 to 6 people.

What I’ve been hoping for is a place that meets the following critera:

  • Is centrally located, preferably downtown Kitchener.
  • Has good food and coffee, but isn’t a spot where people have to buy more than a coffee or two.
  • Must have and be willing to let us use their power outlets.
  • Has enough space to accommodate a group of 6-12 (or more would be better).
  • Isn’t overly noisy.
  • Has free wireless Internet access.
  • Has enough parking.
  • Is open when we meet 7-8pm (or 9pm).

Can anyone else think of other places that might be more suitable in Kitchener? Do we need to go to Waterloo?

 

 

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New Ubuntu Hour venue?

Bob Jonkman will be hosting an Ubuntu Hour on April 25th in time for the Raring Ringtail release. Each month both Bob and I try to host Ubuntu Hour events. This month I was unable to host, but I’m back on schedule for the first Friday, May 3rd. We’ve tried a few spots in the past, Misty Mountain, Pyrus Cafe, and Egg Roll King. For this month I’d like to change the venue to Williams Cafe, 340 Fairway Road South. I know this will be a bit unpopular among current attendees because it’s further away from where most are coming from. Part of the reason for the change is selfishness, the location is closer to home for me, and part of the reason is the hope of attracting people from Cambridge who might not attend other meetings.

Williams has free wifi, acceptable coffee, and lots of food. Holding meetings at Egg Roll King was great because of the food selection, but holding it at Williams means there’s less of an issue of someone only comes and wants to buy a single coffee. Other than gas it’s also likely you’ll save a bit more in your wallet. The food is decent, and there’s options for vegetarians as well as carnivores.

Raring Ringtail will be out for several days by this time so it should be interesting to discuss what’s new and exciting in the world of Ubuntu Linux.

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July 6, 2012 – Ubuntu Hour Kitchener at 7pm

Ubuntu_Logo_Glow_by_master_of_design

Ubuntu_Logo_Glow_by_master_of_design

Tonight at 7pm I’ll be hosting another Ubuntu Hour at Misty Mountain Coffee in downtown Kitchener, Ontario. Ubuntu Hour is an informal get together of people interested in Linux and open source software. Bring your notebook, netbook, or just you. Got a project you’re working on to show, or just questions about Linux, bring them too. People who show are typically a mix of experienced and less experienced Linux users. For those who know my wife, Maria, she’ll be there tonight too.

Misty Mountain is located at 33 Queen Street South and has a Facebook page with more details about their food, drinks, etc.

Ubuntu hour is typically the first non-holiday Friday (yes I know Monday was a holiday, but this Friday seemed better than the next) of each month.

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