A year ago today I bought my original Sidekick after avidly reading a beta blog by some guy named MikePop at a domain named BEDOPE. I was first in line at the Towson, MD store and by 10:45, I was out the door to start my mobile lifestyle. I went directly to Penn Station and hopped on an Amtrak train to NYC. I charged the Sidekick in the cafe car while playing with the features. After a very positive job interview, which led to working and living in NYC for seven months, I walked out to South Street Seaport by the Brooklyn Bridge and excitedly sent IM messages and photos to my wife in Washington, D.C. About the interview and the Sidekick.

If you had asked me then, I would have guessed that I would have become bored with the device in a few weeks to crave the next gadget. A year later, despite many flaws in the B&W and color models I've owned, I am moblogging and communicating with the Sidekick as much as ever.

The key catalyst for my sustained enthusiasm was this hiptop Nation community and it's unique communal structure. I care more about the interaction opportunities afforded by the Sidekick as is than the details of the hardware and software improvements to come. Thanks to MikePop and everyone here for sharing.

- mike lee - baltimore

Sign I saw while waiting for cold tahini noodles at the Silk Road Express on the JHU campus.

- mike lee - baltimore

My submission to fortune.bedope.com.

- mike lee -

Amy got two fortunes in one cookie last night and the baby seemingly kicked its approval. Momma got to pick hers first.

- mike lee - baltimore

A Tourist's Guide to the Quarantine Road Municipal Landfill

Visitors (and even most natives) to Baltimore have yet to discover this well-kept secret of a scenic overlook. If you're looking for a rustic getaway that offers a breathtaking (actually hold your breath...) view of the entire Baltimore skyline and the eastern shipyards, this is the place for you and yours.

Located right on the southern tip of the city, The Quarantine, as we've lovingly dubbed it, is readily accessible from the beltway or from the harbor if you have access to a tug boat or waste barge. The location is wonderfully secluded by a series of earthen mounds and moats that line the perimeter. When you arrive at the entrance, the helpful "concierge," who exudes professionalism with his hard hat and orange DPW uniform, cheerfully directs you to the correct dirt access road. About a mile in, you arrive at a nice parking spot that is kept clear by heavy earth moving equipment.

One of the first things you notice, besides the "aromatic" atmosphere, is the thousands of seagulls that swarm around the indigenous fauna. It should be a delight for birdwatchers who can study how these happy, yappy creatures enthusiastically scavenge for food.

Surrounding you is all manner of interesting artifacts of human civilization. Antique furniture, vintage clothing, classic cars, historically significant office furniture, and much more are piled high waiting for inspection. This is a treasure hunter's paradise. I imagine Martha Stewart would find profound inspiration here.

Being "rustic," The Quarantine is light on amenities. Besides the attractive avacado green Port-A-Potties, there aren't many creature comforts, and the only option for food is to compete with the seagulls. We suggest you pack a picnic basket and bring your beer and wine in a cooler. But the greatest charm of this little-known outdoor hotspot is that you can leave your garbage anywhere to be cleaned up in style by city workers driving heavy equipment.

Mike's Rating: *** (out of five * if it's not raining) Budget: $$ (out of five $) We got out of the place for only $64.50 for two people and we left .69 tons of garbage!

- mike lee - baltimore

Geoff and I are on our way to the city landfill with a pile of old junk from my garage. Nice day--except for the landfill part.

- mike lee - baltimore

Photographing again this past morning, the sky started out overcast, and then the sun came out for the rest of the morning. It usually has been the other way 'round for me. The interplay of light in this interior setting was wonderful. I'm giving one of the images a full fine tuning in Photoshop tonight. The photo will be on my main blog in the near future.

- mike lee -

The day before yesterday, I was at a chain link fence company ordering a new back gate for the house. Backing out of my parking space, I bumped into a car that was in the big blind spot created by my headrest in our new car. I need to learn to crane my neck further from now on. I did learn that the left rear of 2003 PT Cruiser can perfectly scoop out the plastic of the right front turn light on a 1988 Toyota Corolla. Even the light bulbs were still intact. The PT looks worse. Heh and oy.

- mike lee - baltimore

I'm working in Photoshop tonight on some frames from a great photo portrait session I did this afternoon at a local cafe. I'm learning so much about working with people. Turns out the subject is a painter and I will be visiting her studio next month to photograph her at work.

- mike lee -

Wife's train is running very late due to power problems on the Amtrak rails. She says via IM that the real problem is some kids climbing on a signal bridge over the tracks. Unbelievable--nice way to get yourself killed. So much for her getting off work early. Meantime, I'm admiring the three Tiffany windows in the ceiling of the lobby of Baltimore Penn Station.

- mike lee -