Before you start:

Keep in mind that sanitation is important; sanitize all of your equipment (I suggest vinegar, do not use soap), and make sure you keep your hands clean.

I read a few different recipes before deciding to start my own, so please do your research beforehand and make sure you’re safe!  If I’ve missed anything, feel free to let me know.  I cannot responsible for anything you may do wrong, so please do your own research to make sure you’re safe.

I obtained a starter SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) from a gentleman at work (Thanks, Brad!).

Here’s what you need:

• 1 gallon spring water (room temperature)
• 5 bags organic green tea
• 1.5 cups pure cane sugar
• 1 meal pot (for boiling water)
• 1 gal glass cookie jar (important that’s glass)
• 1 plastic ladle (no metal, please!)
• 1 jar of starter Kombucha (you can use a cup of Kombucha and a SCOBY from a previous batch, or get some from a friend, or use some from Kombucha you’ve purchased)

Here’s how I did it:

1. Boil 1qt water in the metal pot
2. Add 1.5 cups sugar, dissolve
3. Turn heat off, add 5 tea bags
4. Steep for 15 minutes, then discard tea bags
5. Remove from stove and let cool to room temp (consider leaving overnight)
6. Combine starter Kombucha, 1 qt tea, and remaining room temperature spring water into the 1 gal glass cookie jar
7. Cover with a porous cloth, and use a rubber-band to keep it fastened around the top of the cookie jar
8. Let sit on the counter for 7-14 days at room temperature
9. Separate the new SCOBY (that will have grown on top of the old SCOBY), and put it into a new jar, along with 1 cup of the brewed tea (you’ve just made your own starter batch!)
10. Strain the Kombucha, and enjoy!  Please don’t store in metal or plastic containers; use glass.

Here is my first starter batch as a result of my first gallon of Kombucha.  The white stuff is the SCOBY that grew on top of my jar, which I will use for my next batch.

According to the Ubuntu Hour Wiki, it’s a pretty simple event.

• Head over to a public place (like a local coffee shop, etc) and use Ubuntu in a place that you will be visible to others.
  • Of course, check with management before you do this.
• Perhaps have a sticker and/or make your desktop more easily visible that it’s something different.
  • A stock theme is pretty distinguishable from Windows or OSX, which is probably the method I’ll use.
  • Wobbly windows or the desktop cube can be eye-catching.
• Maybe have a stock of Live CD’s and some documentation about it if anyone were to ask what OS you’re using.
• Of course, follow the Ubuntu Code of Conduct while you’re there.
• Remember kids, stay safe offline – meet in a public place and take a friend.
• Document!  Send an email to the mailing list, blog about it, etc.  We’d like to hear what’s going on!
• Be approachable (it’s kinda the point)!

It’s a pretty laid-back event with little expectations.  If nobody asks one week, maybe you’ll talk to 4 people the next week.  It’s a good time to get some coffee, catch up on some work, or just browse the internet.  I’ll probably even take pictures of where I am each week.

Please, don’t forget to document, tell us what you’ve been up to, when and where you are, etc.

African Welcome Piece by Michael Udow preformed by UW Superior Percussion Ensemble from Anthony Hook on Vimeo.

Halloween happened and was a lot of fun.  Crownhart is always the kid-friendly decorations so we decided to decorate as, “Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!”

This turned out to be received relatively well by the community guests.  Some people were confused at my costume as The Dude from The Big Lebowski.  Don’t worry, it was a candy stick (and I didn’t have it in front of the kids).

Brittany wasn’t able to work on Friday (sick, see above) and was quite disappointed she couldn’t wear the springy-head-band-thing that Melinda had gotten her to work.  In a last-minute decision, Brenda had gotten her the purple wig and some giant silver eyelashes to wear.

Isaac has announced officially that the proverbial wheels are in motion for his transfer to UW Superior.  See the above link for details on his end.  He will be well-received among his friends here.

On the virtual front, I’d like to introduce you to the personal musings of Kyle Saunders at http://kylejsaunders.com.  He has been working hard on getting this up, please check back often for updates.

In addition to the release of Kyle’s site, Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala has been released on October 29th.  I currently use the Desktop version on my Dell XPS laptop, and the Netbook Remix on my Asus EEE 1000.

Details on Karmic Koala may be covered on a later post, but I’m really enjoying it.  As you can see, Isaac is enjoying it also.

Keepin it classy,

-Anthony

I’m not going to make this a technical review, I’d just like to get down to the fun.

I thought it would be a good idea to get some people together for a Release Party for the northern Wisconsin/northeastern Minnesota area to celebrate this fantastic release.  Bring your friends, family, coworkers, even your boss!

Here’s some details:

• Friday, November 6 th, 2009
• 7pm-10pm? (or whenever)
• The Shack @ 3301 Belknap St. Superior, WI 54880
• You don’t have to be 21 to attend
• Wear your Ubuntu gear if you have it, bring laughs, stories, experiences, and prepare to meet some new people
• There is a restaurant if you’re hungry, also soda and a bar (if you’re over 21)

Please click here for a map and RSVP form.

I hope to see you there!