What is GSB?

Every Friday afternoon, a bunch of people (students, faculty, staff, the occasional dog) get together in the 7th floor playroom for some lovely beverages and conversation. It's a way to unwind and get ready to put in some serious hacking time over the weekend. Everyone is invited.

What does GSB stand for?

It stands for everything that is wholesome and great about this country. Apple Pie, MTV, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Solidarity movement, and the Tamagotchi virtual pet. Some people think it stands for Girl Scout Benefit, since the empties used to be collected and the proceeds donated to the Girl Scouts.

How do I know if there is a GSB?

You will receive e-mail. Not just any e-mail, but a hilarious and carefully crafted piece of literature. Do not be fooled - some e-mail messages that you receive might _look_ like GSB announcements, but they're not. Do not run into the 7th floor playroom every time you get some e-mail.

Can you give me some examples of faux-GSB messages, just so I won't be confused?

- An announcement for a course where you'll be reading science fiction in order to figure out what scientists really think.

- A list of future colors for the lab's carpets (Denim and Ocean in the 7th floor, Eggplant and Flora in the 8th).

- Any message involving the words "Media Lab" and "agent".

What are examples of vrai-GSB messages?

They're archived.

Won't you join us at this week's

  G   I   R   L      S   C   O   U   T      B   E   N   E   F   I   T

7th floor playroom September 5, 1997 5:30 pm