1-2) The LowePro CompuTrekker Plus AW backpack worked out pretty well for my California trip by consolidating my DSLR camera, lenses, laptop, and miscellaneous accessories into one bag that I could keep with me at all times while flying. I've heard horror stories about TSA breaking or stealing people's gear. It's easy to slide the laptop out of the side pocket for x-ray. True to reviews, the bag did get really heavy when loaded up, and it was limited to overhead storage being too big to stow under a seat.

3) Wednesday night, I went to see my friend Thomas Vander Wal, the father of the word folksonomy, give a talk about Web 2.0 and the personal infocloud at the DC Future Salon. It was also the first time catching up with Thomas since he left his full time job to go out solo as a consultant. He's doing very well with clients all over the world. This is Thomas Vander Wal 2.0: emergent, loosely coupled, and with an open API...

4) I got some custom-branded YackPack microphones Friday!

5) MIT PLW sent a cool new t-shirt!

6) My copy of Infrastructure: A Field Guide to the Industrial Landscape arrived. It's a comprehensive survey of all kinds of industrial constructs you've always wondered about.

7) Cianna learned how to eat steamed edamame beans out of the pods. She liked them a lot.

- mike lee - wheaton, md