Perfect Timing - AKademy

A fresh announcement for AKademy in Dublin two days before Saint Patrick's Day? Nicely done.

I propose that we always coordinate such releases in the future. Want to announce an event in Paris? Sorry, you have to wait until Valentine's Day. Anxious to talk about Linuxworld Boston? Too late, you should have sent something out around Thanksgiving.

Back to the AKademy topic, top-notch artwork by Ken, don't you think? Now, I've never been excited by the KDE default font, but...what can you do. Awesome work - reserve a shirt or three for me.

This AKademy will also be the first to bring the new Working Groups together (hey, welcome to the new HCI WG!), celebrate the 10th anniversary of KDE, and ready an upcoming release that a few people are thinking about.

I love it when a good plan comes together

Like a moth to the flame, like a pudgy child to cake, so am I drawn inexorably to San Diego.

Today's excuse? The Desktop Linux Summit. An opportunity to speak about marketing and KDE and the chance for a booth, thanks to Linspire.

Can I defend myself against a fully operational battle station? Of course.
Have I figured out the last digit of pi? You bet.
Could I beat Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest? No problem.
Can I run a booth by myself at an this event? No chance.

Just when things looked the darkest, the cavalry arrived in the form of Ryan Nickell and Matt Broadstone.

How awesome are these two? This awesome. I really didn't want Linspire's kindness to go to waste. Now that's not an issue.

What next? A month to plan and accumulate things that just might end up in a future North American KDE booth box.

T60: It's my fault

I owe a public apology to Sebas.

In a bizarre turn of events: I apparently ordered nearly the exact same laptop as Sebas at the exact same time, with no discussion whatsoever on the topic. How weird/reassuring is that? However, he did beat me to the punch on blogging about it.

Why the apology? Although I have no proof whatsoever, I have a suspicion that both ATI and IBM were waiting to learn of my laptop decision before springing into action on supported drivers. Well, with an anticipated delivery date of April 14, I now have the following message:

[message]
Attention ATI and IBM: I, Wade Olson, have joined Sebas in a decision to purchase your respective products. You now have no reason to delay in the dramatic improvement and release of video drivers.

ATI, if IBM has not shared my purchase order with you yet (although with IBM's promise of real-time SOA web services data transfer, I'm sure you've received it by now): My new machine will have a 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1300. You have roughly 5 weeks to keep me from simply having an extremely expensive VESA display.

Already with 2/3 members of the MWG involved, do we really need to make the T60 the official laptop of the MWG to get some movement here? I hope they avoid the embarrassment of getting the final member involved.

Sure, you can take the easy way out and have Zack and Co. bail you out, but don't you want to Do the Right Thing (tm) here? 5 weeks and you're on the clock. 3 weeks if I start to sweat it and go the Vaio route to get Nvidia support.
[/message]

Sorry Sebas!

Cheerleader for a Day

No, this not a reference to a new Fox sitcom. Or that outfit you keep hidden behind your winter coats.

It's about you, and helping KDE promo to gather information. So take some time today and give us some feedback on IRC (#kde-promo) or on our mailing list about:

* An event calendar: We're collecting and compiling data about events that pertain to KDE. In your region/country, what upcoming events in 2006 need to be considered? Send as much information as you can (identification and logistics), but even the name/date/URL will allow us to learn more and research.

If you've attended in the past, any veteran tips (deadlines, key contacts, materials, etc) are appreciated. It not only helps everyone better prepare for that event in particular, but lends to best practices as well.

* Desktop Linux Summit: In particular, I'll be at this conference on April 24-25 and KDE has the opportunity for a booth. But apart from my parole officer, I all alone thusfar.

Are you able to attend? Do you know others who are? Let me know (kde-promo mailing list is fine) as soon as you can; the clock is ticking. Although my MWG cape does grant certain minor super powers, running the show alone is indeed daunting and unadvisable.