Because I couldn't be everywhere at once, there were many great bloggers at the BlogWorld convention that I didn't get to meet, most notably Ed Morrisey and Glenn Reynolds. And after reading posts on other blogs, I found out that there were even more great bloggers I missed, particularly James Lileks.
Still, I ran into a variety of interesting people, including:
Marvin and Lisa Hutchins. I first met them at the 2005 GodBlogCon. Marvin is working full-time now with The Center for Threat Awareness and its blog, ThreatsWatch.
Bill Roggio, one of the best mil-bloggers out there. I have linked to his stuff many times, and it was a pleasure to meet him. I also got to try on his armored vest, which similar to the standard issue given to Marines. Bill's vest weighs about 40 pounds. He also told me that including water, a sidearm, ammo clips, rifle, and other gear, a Marine carries about 80 pounds of stuff with him when he goes on patrol. So when you see video of Marines hopping out of personnel carriers, running through streets, kicking in doors and the like, that is how much extra gear they are carrying, even when the temperature is over 100 degrees. Bill is blogging now at The Long War Journal.
Gina Elise, who created Pinup Calendars For Vets. Gina is a spunky young gal who uses her cheeky cheesecake calendar to raise funds for wounded veterans. It's a good cause, so buy one. (My calendar requisition is pending War Department approval.)
Pam Spaulding, who runs Pam House Blend, a blog that concentrates on left-of-center politics and lesbian/gay issues. Pam's blog personality is snarky and merciless, particularly toward the Bush administration and the Religious Right. But in person she is thoughtful and friendly. We started talking because we both had "yellow' conference badges and we were both kicked out of the attendee's lounge near the meeting rooms. I couldn't even look at the croissants and bottled water, much less have a seat at a table. Vegas trade show bouncers are a tough bunch: think Bea Arthur with an even worse attitude.
Hugh Hewitt, the catalyst behind GodBlogCon and probably the best conservative talk show host out there. He chatted with me for a minute before his broadcast, which was done live from the Townhall.com tradeshow booth. I got to listen in on his mil-blogger roundtable with Blackfive, Mr. Wolf, and Uncle Jimbo of Black Five Blog.
Quan, the ill-tempered Ferengi who manages the restaurant and bar aboard the Federation's Deep Space Nine station. Actually we were in the Vegas Hilton, which is home to Star Trek: The Experience and a tourist-trap restaurant, Quark's, which, despite its rather cheesy setup, has very good food. So I'd say that Quan was doing a pretty good job.
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