Want to make fun GPS toys, but need a base map? Don’t like Google Maps’
terms and conditions? Come learn about OpenStreetMap, a free and open map
of the world editable like a wiki.
When: June 20th, from 9am to 5pm
Where: HacDC, in the Auditorium and Main Space
This is an all day event at HacDC. At this event you will learn about OpenStreetMap, learn how to use the software to edit the existing map and have the opportunity to help the project by contributing your own data to it.
Instruction will be ongoing throughout the day as well as opportunity to learn from experienced members of the project on how to contribute and use existing mapping data.
The rapid deployment of robotics platforms and systems within the military represents one of the most important present-day political and technological developments. Bestselling author and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution Peter W. Singer has written a new book about this “robotics revolution” entitled Wired for War, a broad ethical and technological look at the subject.
On Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30PM, HacDC, a “hackerspace” and creative technology collaborative in downtown Washington D.C., will host a talk and discussion with Dr. Singer. Singer has recently discussed the book on The Daily Show and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and has been traveling the country presenting his findings to audiences of civilians, military personnel, and technology industry workers. As a neutral meeting-place open to engineers, technology hobbyists, and policy analysts, HacDC is an ideal location to discuss the significant ethical and political questions raised by the acceleration of military robotics. Many HacDC members build robots themselves and have a good feeling for the technological possibilities, especially in terms of offensive capabilities that technologies with off-the-shelf components might offer amateurs and small groups.
This event will be free and open to the public, and there is no need to RSVP. HacDC is several blocks away from the Columbia Heights metro station and is located in St. Stephen’s Church at 1525 Newton St NW. The event will be held in the large church sanctuary space. For more details, contact Todd Fine at tdfine@gmail.com or (857) 234-0920.
Where: HacDC (1525 Newton St NW, Washington, D.C.)
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Time: 7:30PM
Also, see Singer’s appearance last week on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson:
Come join HacDC for a viewing of Freedom Downtime, the documentary film made by Emmanuel Goldstein and 2600 Films about Kevin Mitnick.
This film is in direct response to the Miramax film Takedown, where the filmmakers feel that Kevin Mitnick and the hacker community are misrepresented. In this film, the filmakers search out the makers of that film a la Roger & Me as well as interview famous members of the hacker community.
Wednesday, May 20th is the world celebration of Metrology Day, in commemoration of the same day in 1875 at the signing of the treaty between 17 nations to agree on a common set of measurement units.
Today most nations of the world use the Metric system, enjoying not only the interoperability that it provides, but the far simpler math required to make unit conversions.
Come join HacDC for a viewing of Freedom Downtime, the documentary film made by Emmanuel Goldstein and 2600 Films about Kevin Mitnick.