I learned a lot this weekend at Blogger Social '08 right here in New York City.
I learned that Heather Gorringe visited New York from England on business a few years ago, and one of the highlights of her trip was a visit to the garbage dump at the Staten Island landfill. Heather is in the compost business.
I learned that there are many ways to express oneself with a Lorna Doone cookie, thanks to Chris Kieff.
I learned that Steve Woodruff has lost track of Curious George, possibly somewhere between New Jersey and Ohio. (Steve, did you look in the Raritan River? Maybe George is sleeping with the fishes and Big Pussy.)
I learned that Lewis Green really does lead with his heart and that it's a good heart.
I learned, very much to my surprise, that Montreal bagels are pretty damn good. (Mark Goren: I didn't say better than New York bagels, but Mario
Vellandi, Nathan Snell, Cam Beck, Ryan Karpeles and I did a taste test at my house Saturday morning and the consensus was very positive.) (Nathan, Cam & Ryan at the Reich Regency, with host Loki. Mario was inside looking for his toothbrush.)
I learned that Cathleen Rittereiser is a rising star in stand-up comedy. Let me know when your next gig is and I'll come. I won't heckle.
I was shocked to learn how much Sean Howard looks like my son-in-law. (I don't think my son-in-law takes his shirt off at every public gathering, though.)
I learned that Joseph Jaffe wasn't there.
I learned that Ryan Barrett looks very nice in a very short and shiny, puffy blue dress. Poor Ryan so wanted to dance.
I learned Tara Anderson has a great laugh. Is she legit? (or is it lijit?)
I learned that Arun Rajagopal likes steak and eggs at 4 in the morning.
I learned that Tim McHale drinks ketchup straight.
I learned that CeCe Salomon-Lee lives in my second-favorite city.
I learned that Gavin Heaton and Mack Collier are really nice in person.
I learned that I didn't spend enough time catching up with Matt Dickman.
I learned that Gene DeWitt is re-reading short stories like War & Peace.
I learned that Toby Bloomberg, if asked, will share her boa.
I learned that Linda Sherman is not the same Linda Sherman who was my wife's roommate in Greenwich Village after college.
I learned that Geoff Livingston is as nice in person as he sounds on the phone.
I learned that Neil Vineberg will soon become bi-coastal. Good luck, Neil.
I learned that Katie Chatfield will be in New York for another two weeks. You have my card. Call me and let's have coffee or lunch, since we didn't get to talk much this weekend.
I learned that even at a party at 2 a.m., my pal CK hands out action points to very tired bloggers.
I learned, again, why I like C.B. Whittemore and Valeria Maltoni.
I learned, again, what a class act is Luc Debaisieux. Hey Luc,
how do you think my hair would look with some pointy spikes like yours? (photo: CK, Luc, C.B. and David, courtesy Jason Falls.)
I learned that I missed Ann Handley Saturday. Where'd you go? I didn't get to say goodbye.
I learned that, as the party was ending Saturday night, I hadn't spoken at all to that pretty lady over there. So I introduced myself to Kaitlyn Wilkins.
I learned I need one more set of goodbye kisses from Lori Magno -- on both cheeks.
I learned that red M&Ms say on the back -- BS 08 NYC. How did the M&M people know we were coming?
I learned that CK, Drew McLellan and Lori Magno plan a hell of a party,
with every little detail beautifully planned and spectacularly executed.
I learned it's fun to collect booty. Thanks to all who put stuff into the goodie bags.
I learned how lucky I am to be in the company of so many smart and nice
people -- people I genuinely enjoyed hanging out with and want to see more of.
I learned that blogging is not a waste of time.
To those whose names I didn't mention here, it doesn't mean I didn't learn something from or about you. It simply means I was too tired, too drunk or too overwhelmed to remember. We'll have to talk again at BS '09.