Are you a hackerspace member with an event you’d like to publicize? Send it to johnb@makezine.com or tweet me at @johnbaichtal and I’ll post it. Also feel free to subscribe to my hackerspaces Twitter list.

Hacker Challenge at Mesa, AZ’s HeatSync Labs

TONIGHT, Wednesday, December 12, HeatSync will be hosting the Hacker Challenge Night beginning at 7pm.

Interested in computer security? Come learn offensive skills in a hands-on manner as we host our first annual Hacker Challenge Night! We’ll be tackling several scenario-based hacking challenges, where participants will be exposed to common, real-world vulnerabilities.

The challenges will range from easy to moderate difficulty, so all experience levels are encouraged to attend. Come meet and learn alongside other security-minded people, and give your input on how future Hacker Challenge Nights will be run in the future!

You’ll need to bring your own computer. We will have copies of BackTrack available in DVD and USB form, depending on if you want to run as a live CD or virtual machine, but you are advised to download it- and any other hacker tools, wordlists, etc. that you might need- beforehand. Energy drinks or coffee is also recommended.

Pallet Hacking & DIY Gardening Workshop at LA’s CRASH Space

We will hack pallets under the sunny sun sunshine, breaking apart and reconstructing wooden pallets into window sill herb and flower gardens, indoor planters, standing outdoor gardens, tool boxes, bottle racks, shelves, and much more! Pallets are my new favorite medium to hack, so many uses and people/companies throw them away all the time. I will show you how to re-use the old rusty nails, so BYO Tetanus Shot

This class is BYOP = Bring your own pallet but if you dont have time to source one, I can do it for you, just sign up for that option, and if you want to own your own tools and not have to wait to share the commie tools, select the option to keep your tools. If you come with just a pallet of your own, I will provide a couple hammers, a box of nails, plastic bags, and staple gun for tear down and building- but if you wanna get pro with it— bring your own crow bar (flat form works better).

The workshop is Saturday, December 15th. The price of the workshop is $0 if you bring your own pallet and supplies. However, if you need a pallet and tools, it costs more. [photo by G30Sh1]

TV-B-Gone Soldering Class at Vancouver’s VHS

Sick of TV?
Want to learn to solder?
Want to make a great stocking stuffer?
TV-B-Gone is a universal remote that will turn off any TV within 150 feet. I’ve got twenty kits for sale and I’m offering free soldering training for anyone who orders one. To streamline things in time for the holidays I’m holding a soldering course at the VHS Saturday, December 15th from 13:00-15:00. Get it for yourself or the maker in your life.

Sign up here, the cost is $25.

Make-a-Long Craft Night at NYC Resistor

Introducing Make-A-Long, a new monthly crafting event at NYCR. Make-A-Long is a self-guided craft workshop where participants learn new skills, explore new materials and make great things!

In this session we’ll explore the wonderful world of felting using carded wool (also known as wool roving). Using water or needles, wool roving can be manipulated to form a myriad of different shapes. Learning how to felt means you can make things like: felted soap, felted creatures, felted jewelry, felted ornaments and more!

Are you a beginner? Don’t worry! We’ll provide instructions and materials for a variety of projects. Facilitators will be available to help guide you through a project of your choice.

Are you a master? Bring a project, use our materials and hang out in a great space while doing what you love.

The event is from 5-8pm on December 15th. Sign up here; the cost is $20.

Mitch Altman is in Prague’s Brmlab This Sunday

Mitch, who is in the midst of a European trip will be leading a soldering class in Brmlab on Sunday the 16th. (Later on this month he will be in Hamburg for 29C3 and in Berlin for EHSM.) [photo by dreamexplorer, CC]

The Makers’ Masquerade Ball at Seattle’s Jigsaw Renaissance

Dance of the Second Dawn: The Makers’ Masquerade Ball
Makers inspired fundraising event

YOU SURVIVED THE APOCALYPSE!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Let’s celebrate the beginning of the world in an environment created by Makers, for Makers and anyone interested in the DIY community. Ticket sales will benefit our beloved makerspace, Jigsaw Renaissance. This ball is going to be fun, exciting, and full of community spirit. This beginning of the world is an optimistic and mystical time!

Enjoy refreshments, dancing, entertainment, and photo booth session.

Costumes and masks are strongly encouraged.

The event is on December 22nd at 6pm and admission is $25 through the 15th and $30 after that.

Membership Sale at Minneapolis’ Hack Factory

The HF’s parent organization, Twin Cities Maker, is throwing a membership sale for those interested in signing up for an entire year. The deal gives you 27% off for a total of $480, and is good from December 15th through January 15th.