Comments on: 544 Second St. & Me

By: Paul Lyon

Paul Lyon — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:03:14 +0000

Deja Vu – I used to buy lots of stuff from TOAD Computers. I had an Atari ST, Jaguar, and visited Atari shows in the DC area many times. Always bought stuff at your booth in addition to mail orders. Once I bought a 20 MB HDD, controller, and a case with TOAD embossed on it…. and RAM upgrade to 2.5 megs. It cost a fortune, but I was rockin'. Best of luck….

By: Paul Lyon

Paul Lyon — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:03:14 +0000

By: John Marsh

John Marsh — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:39:05 +0000

Dave – after reading your post, I too was impressed with the set design. What I was particularly drawn to was the lack of technology and the presence of “things” – i.e. books and objects. Yes, we are a technologically driven society but I find books and objects can be the root or spark of any inspiration. From a basic and primal standpoint, there is still something to be said for holding an object or reading the printed word and I hope that others find the value in something as “old school” as a book or even a magazine. But then again, I use the word “album” to describe a band's new release.

By: Mike Subelsky

Mike Subelsky — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:03:41 +0000

Dave, it's nice to read where all of your ideas and energy are coming from, starting way back in 1989. I think you've definitely succeeded in your mission, though of course there is much more we can do.

As you know I have been tempted to move to my own 544 Second Street from time to time and it's been your example and the example of our burgeoning community that keeps me firmly rooted in Maryland.

Thanks for your generosity of spirit! It helps us all keep fighting the good fight!

By: paulwolman

paulwolman — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:37:28 +0000

Reading your story, Dave, I feel like I just experienced the 21st presentation of www.TEDxMidAtlantic.com. Your journey of curiosity, focus, passion and action is reminiscent of the story Nobel Prize winner Peter Agre told Thursday on the TEDx platform you made happen. Your personal vision and efforts to drive what is becoming an important movement around an ever-more connected community of ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship is certainly remarkable. More than that, in an era where actions or, as we say, Feats Speak Louder than Words (with the possible exception of brilliant writers like Scott Simon who indeed painted actionable pictures on your stage with words), your ability in short order to build a team of over 100 committed and passionate volunteers was as impressive as the close to 1000 attendees or those wait-listed you assembled. And, of course, the 20 or so presenters who you inspired to participate on their own nickel.

The result - a deeply emotional, rich, provocative and evocative shared experience that will have unknown ripple effects in the months and years to come. Just as your years of following your passions has lead to the creation of and your continued efforts to build the movement that we will all be the better for. Thank you.

Your tears are not only well-deserved but reflective of your true commitment to something greater than yourself.

By: jjulian

jjulian — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:11:51 +0000

Great post! I'm always amazed at how much you've accomplished in the same amount of years as me. Very inspirational.

By: robotchampion

robotchampion — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:55:25 +0000

Great post Dave. Very cool story about SOMA and I think ur doing it right. I am drawn to Charm City, the ETC, and energetic culture of the people there.