i realized today that i missed access in 2000 when it was in newfoundland, so i have been lying for weeks saying this year is my first no-show in a decade. it's definitely a drag to miss hackfest though, hard to believe it all started in that hotel room in windsor in 2002. if it's any consolation, no one has worked harder than you to make hackfest able to stand on its own.

Well, I've met Art already, but I would have liked to have seen you too. But hey, try to make it to 2008, ja? My heart will *really* be broke if y'all skip out on that one too.

@art: it's funny you missed newfoundland, because if history is to record what made hackfest a staple of access, i'll just note that it was first thought up over dinner and drinks at access 2000 in newfoundland, and *even though you weren't there* you were actually the one who made it happen for the first time in 2002. :)

@John: trust me, if I could be there, I would. Sorry to miss you too! I'll do everything I can to be there in 2008 for sure.

Lunch was fuelled by traditional hacker food: pizza, pop, and cookies. Now the room is abuzz with groups working on thesauri, Evergreen, Facebook, etc. Too bad you're not here! Next year!