Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Thomas Beckett <thomas AT tbeckett.com>]

	Well, despite the second coincident attack of winter weather, the 
InterNetWorkers 4th Anniversary Gathering and Give Fest turned out very 
nicely.  Despite, or perhaps because of, my pooh-poohing of the 
impending storm, the snow actually started coming down in earnest right 
about the time we got there.  I cannot fault those who decided to sit at 
home.  Around thirty intrepid souls did come to share dinner, drinks, 
and cheery discussion.

	The gathering was officially to take place in The Speakeasy section of 
Tyler's.  Which has expanded further since our last gathering there, 
adding a nice salon with a low stage and lots of cushy sofas for 
slouching and conversation.  Gotta love it!  A significant contingent 
decided that a civilized meal was in order first, and split off to 
occupy what became a large table in the restaurant proper.  A single 
beleagured waitron managed to keep us all fed and irrigated.

	Food service /is/ available in the Speakeasy, just fewer convenient 
places to sit and eat it.  The beer & pool contingent scarfed happily 
scarfed their pizzas in dimmer surroundings.

	As the snowfall thickened and started to collect on the ground, Uzi 
herded both contingents into the sofa salon for the main event.  For the 
Fourth Anniversary, there was a significant departure from INW protocol: 
 making speeches.

	No, it wasn't as bad as you might have expected.  Uzi and then Mike T. 
gave brief informal talks about how terrific it is that we have managed 
to sustain this rather disorganized undertaking for four years now. 
After lauds and congratulations all around, Uzi also gave away some nice 
technical books that had been kindly donated.  And we examined all the 
loot -- both books and clothing -- that attendees had brought for the 
Durham Rescue Mission and the Durham middle-schoolers.

	It was a swell time despite the weather.  This group really is a great 
thing to be a part of.  Happy Fourth Anniversary, everyone!

TaB