I'm here on the South Side of Chicago (only a mile from where I grew up! only a few blocks from the White Sox stadium!), to participate in what is essentially the largest gathering of progressive bloggers and new media activists in US history.  

 There is excitement in the air... well, a nerdy sort of  bow-tie / 'impeach bush' t-shirt / coffee & cigarettes kind of excitement- but there's definitely something in the air here in the windy city, and it's not just the smell wafting over from nearby China Town.  

I'm heading out now to go get some of that Low-Mein right now, but I'll be posting interesting updates here throughout the day.  

swag update 1:  free NEA (national educators association) t-shirts handed out at lunch... with the slogan "No child left behind  Had Enough? It's time for a change" BUT- they were only handed out in XL size.  Free  T-shirts?  Very Cool.  T-shirts that can be worn as dresses on half the young people here?  Kinda lame.  But nice try NEA- better than just handing out the same old flyers.  

Trends Update 1:  Most Laptops Award, goes to.... Youth Voting Panel.
I'm estimating 1 laptop per 4 people... and that's just the people like me who have laptops out right now and are blogging (or facebooking) while the panel happens.  This compares to about 1 in 8 (roughly) that I've seen in most other panels.   

Swag Update 2:  Most comfy place to sit award goes to... John Edwards for Preznit.
The JE campaign is a) giving away free bumper stickers ("take 20 if you really think you want them")  b) giving away DVDs ("no really, they're free.  You don't even *have* to sign up") and c) has tons of inflatable sofas!   The Campus Progress booth needs to learn from these guys.  I may end up voting for JE now just because I felt so comfy!  if you can't bring voters into your home, bring your home to them!

Swag Update 3:   Taxation W/Out Representation...wtf? 
If you make the hike up to the 4th floor... there are lots and lots of free bumper stickers that look like a bumper-stickerized version of the Washington, DC license plate (minus the letters part).  Very nice.   

Swag Updates 4:   I got Pssssted @ YearlyKos
nice t-shirts (remind me of the campus progress shirts actually) that say "I got psssted at YearlyKos" being handed out by Brave New Films.  The back says:  pssst:  do something.  Cool points:  49 out of 50 on the subjective made up this minute cool scale.  Best shirts so far though, which is a high honor @ a conference that has featured at least 3 free t-shirts in only 48 hours.  

Trends Update 2:   Who are these netroots candidates? 
The netroots candidates reception tonight doesn't have an open bar, but it makes up for it w/ some great speakers and candidates.  Folks like Scott Kleeb,  and other great candidates who recieved 2006 netroots support have a huge reception on the terrace level.  Def. a who's who type of gatherin.  Was orginally scheduled for a hotel room to fit 20 people... rescheduled for the terrace balcony area to fit well over 200...and it's still packed!  

that's probably it for the updates tonight.  Check back bright and early tomorrow for my second installment of Live From YearlyKos!