tl;dr: Python Module Thunderdome, Pythonic Trivia, wear Halloween costume if you like, please RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/pdxpython/events/33445392

This Tuesday at 6:30pm at Urban Airship we'll be celebrating October with the Second Annual PDX Python MODULE THUNDERDOOOOOME. We still don't really know what the rules are, but it was fun last year so we're doing it again. :)

In the Thunderdome ring so far we have: Nick Wilson, Dan Colish, Chris McDonald and Kyle Jones. Are you up for a round in the dome? Pick a module in stdlib or PyPI and bring a 5 minute Michel's Module of the Month-style presentation to the meeting. All are welcome to compete! If you want to make sure no one else is doing your module, let me know ([email protected] / @pythonchelle) what you're thinking and I'll find out.

After the module throw down, Rob Bednark has created a Python-themed trivia game for us to play!

*** New this year: The Dome is close-ish to Halloween, and some competitors have talked about dressing up like the module they're representing. Why not? Dressing up is fun, and fun things are fun. (Still not sure if a costume will affect the results.) I am going to wear my Halloween costume, which has nothing to do with Python or modules, but does include some fake blood and a couple props. I might also bring some Halloween candy. Feel free to wear a costume, bring some candy to share, or none of the above, but please do join us!

PLUG Advanced Topics October:

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

How and why to root your Android phone

From tethering to better hardware access to watching Hulu, our speaker will explain why you might want to install the Android Debug Bridge.

Our speaker is happy to help you install the "Gingerbread" release on your Droid X of find out what your model of phone would need to receive the ADB.

When: TUESDAY, October 18th, 7PM

Where: Free Geek, 1731 SE 10th Avenue, a few blocks from Hawthorne

IPv6 Update: Ted Mittelstaedt is working with Free Geek and their two ISP's on a move to IPv6. The next hands-on IPv6 installment will wait until this transition is complete.

Food: BYO Gingerbread, Cupcakes, Frozen Yogurt, or Ice Cream Sandwiches! (and beer as you please)

We’re thrilled (get it?) to announce a special collection of upcoming classes to get you in gear for all your upcoming Halloween festivities.

Join us on Saturday, October 22, for the opportunity to make your own electrifying decorations and gear, troubleshoot and complete your own DIY costumes, and craft your own piñata from found materials. Read on to learn more and get involved!

10am-1pm: Electrifying eTextiles Halloween Workshop $50 (includes all materials) – Up to 20 students Create a spooky light-up fabric decoration for your wall or door! In this workshop we’ll use Aniomagic’s Sparkle platform to sew LED Halloween decorations that respond to ambient light levels.

11am-2pm: Conquer Your DIY Costume: Troubleshooting & Handholding Session $25 – Up to 8 students Are you interested in making your own crazy Halloween costume but don’t know where to start? Or, perhaps you have everything you need BUT that sparkly superhero cape? Expert seamstress ElizaBeth Rohloff is offering hands-on sessions to help work through your project. She’ll be available to talk through your plans, help recommend fabrics, and come up with easy and cost-effective solutions to help bring your vision to life!

1:30-4:30pm: Create Your Own Halloween Piñata! $25 – Up to 8 students Explore the Zen of Pñata-making with instructor Julian Ansell, using materials harvested from Portland’s poster-laden telephone poles (and for the same price as buying a Piñata from Wal-mart!). Instruction and construction will take place from 1:30-4:30pm, but participants are welcome to continue work at any time during ADX operating hours if they’d like more time to perfect their pieces.

Create a spooky light-up fabric decoration for your wall or door! In this workshop we'll use Aniomagic's Sparkle platform to sew LED Halloween decorations that respond to ambient light levels.

Sparkle is one of a growing number of eTextile platforms meant for creating projects that integrate electronics with fabrics or paper. Sparkle can be programmed for interactive response without writing any code, and no soldering is needed as all of the components can be sewn together with special electrically conductive thread.

The cost for this workshop is $50. All materials are provided, including an Aniomagic Sparkle sensor kit with an approximate retail value of $40. No electronic experience needed, some experience with hand sewing is recommended. Register at etextilehalloween.eventbrite.com

About the instructors: Shannon Henry loves to make things that blend the science & tech world with art and crafts. She has been crafting with fabric since she could handle safety scissors, and began integrating electronics into her art in 2008. Her eTextile work has been shown in San Francisco, New York, and Vancouver BC. She also develops sewn electronics kits and tutorials, which you can find at her website, Polymathdesignlab.com.

Cat Poole is a one woman instigator of perception bending mayhem. Through "Discovering Empowerment Through Creativity" workshops and Upcycled Electronics, she encourages all to defy their programming and void all warranties. Find out more at her site, Cacophonouscreations.com.

Learn to sew your own plush monster that lights up!

Who: Anyone 21+ years old, who is interested in learning how to combine sewing and electronics. All experience levels welcome!

Cost: $10 covers all materials

Suggested Things To Bring: Scissors

Needle nose pliers

Ideas for what your monster will look like

Head lamp (I have a few lamps. However, we are sewing in a bar with limited lighting and your eyes may appreciate additional light.)

Do you have a creative idea for a Halloween costume? Or perhaps you want to show your awesome Jack-o'-lantern. Or what if you have brilliant ideas for decorations? We'd love to see them all!

I'll be sharing my high-tech costume I found from https://www.morphsuits.com/digital-dudz.

If you would like to join the discussion check us out on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/7891236789. If you want to listen, we're also on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/KnowledgeMavens/.

Do you want to learn and share your passion in a supportive community? Knowledge Mavens is an ethos of sharing, creativity, and inspiration.

Our Meetup provides an opportunity to "Show and Tell" followed by a feedback and Q&A. You'll have the opportunity to share with our channels such as Meetup, GitHub, YouTube, and Facebook to connect with more passionate people.

The second half of our session we'll collaborate on new topics. The winner wins an award for the most interesting topic and the opportunity to share in an upcoming session.