I'm writing this with Soundgarden playing on the iPod while I take the Amtrak Cascades train heading home to Portland from Seattle. (further proof, my life has a soundtrack). The silvery-gray and green of the Northwest land and skyscape streams by the window. Tukwila - Skookumchuk  - Tacoma - Tenino - Vadar - Kalama. They've got a knack for names in Washington.

The train beats flying and driving - hands down. There's a mysterious time warp continuum between Portland and Seattle. No matter how you travel - by car, by plane or train -  it takes exactly the same time to get door to door. Weird.

Last night Brian Mulvaney and I caught up with Feedia founders, Alex Williams and Johnny Hartman and TechCrunch's Marshall Kirkpatrick (scroll down, you'll find him) at the Venture All Stars party in Seattle. Tim Reha is an energetic and magnanimous host who pulled together a great crowd and a great event. I got reacquainted with Steve Broback, the force behind the Blog Business Summit. I connected with Robert Scoble, met Microsoft's Aaron Brethorst (last of the freelance hackers and greatest swordfighter in the world) showing off his new moo cards.  These business cards define cool. And, had a great conversation with Edelman's Sara Ball on how PR and the blogosphere connect. 

As a veteran of way too many trade shows and industry conferences, I really enjoy the fresh format of these new millennium networking events and "unconferences." Less upfront work, great value for your sponsorship dollar and they provide just the right dose of messaging, announcements and informal demos. But, the real energy come out with the schmoozing and connecting following the formal program.