Netroots Nation Hangover

As I said, it's really hard to follow the news and even discuss the news you're seeing before you in the middle of a big convention setting like that. If my nose is buried in a computer the whole time I've wasted by money. Netroots Nation has grown from a Meetup the first year, to what is now, for me, a giant family reunion. We see the friends and colleagues with whom we interact online all year in a completely new and vibrant setting, and our "threads" of discussion on the special events (Speaker Pelosi with Al Gore, Donna Edwards, Lawrence Lessig, Barack Obama's 6-minute video message, Van Jones, Bob Barr, various parties) happen in meatspace in real time. It's not a closed loop, as I'll be recollecting conversations and thoughts for weeks. But it's very hard to replicate that interaction instantaneously.

For now, I'll say that it was a fantastic event. All of the problems with the Chicago event, which mostly had to do with venue, were remedied. Yes, there were a lot of incredible panels all going on at once - I particularly regret missing Jeremy Scahill and Rik Hertzberg - but this offers a wide variety to everyone, and there were enough events that had a commonality of experience so that we all felt we were in the same convention. Next year's event in Pittsburgh will undoubtedly carry on the tradition. Gina Cooper, a real hero in all of this, is leaving, but next year Raven Brooks will be taking over the duties and I'm sure he'll be able to pull it off just as well.

Having the extra day in Austin was nice, too. After the Van Jones keynote (or sermon, if you will; he was pretty amazing), we hit up the world-famous Stubbs for their gospel brunch and the LBJ Library and Museum on the U-T campus (there was a 2-mile walk in 100-degree heat in between there, which helped work off the weekend's beer). I have further thoughts on that as well, but for another time.

For now, I'll just say that I'm back and ready for action again. Anything happening? Any Presidential candidates in Iraq right now?

...oh yeah, and this guy is a schmuck.