Coming from disparate parts of a city that in its distribution of specialties resembles a machine, the attendees of 2600 and later HAQR meetings converged on the Galleria. In a city laced with commerce, the Galleria is a semi-elite gathering of expensive shops and flagship franchises in the heart of the city suburbs.

However, being elite in commerce does not mean that one has high standards. Instead, the Galleria is open to whatever huddled masses might come its way, so long as they can swipe a credit card. Wannabe gangstas, pale greenish-tinged sick people, teen sluts in halter tops, burn-out office workers with pissed-off written behind their eyes, and all nature of fat, lumpy, stupid and otherwise dispossessed people flooded through its halls.

As a result, when a hacker's organization meets, those who can disrupt the commerce all around them by punching into its innards and entering unfortunate viral patterns are a minority that gets crowded into a corner. The ever-welcoming Ninfas fed us, and allowed us three hours of racous conversation on every topic from Cisco administration to steganography. Highlights included an animated debate about the virtues of the recent New York Times piece on trolling.

After 2600 gracefully concluded, the members of HAQR conducted their meeting under the plasticine eaves of a nearby Borders Books and Records, retreating into the unfinished maintenance halls of the mall for a few quick smokes and the more risque conversation. Topics ranged from history to future means of communication, and plans quickly developed for more digital mayhem in the future.

About HAQR

Houston Area Quorum for Recidivism (HAQR), encourage learning philosophical frameworks through design-oriented thinking.

http://www.hou2600.org/

About 2600

2600 connects people with technology in unorthodox ways.

http://www.2600.com/