Hanging out with great people...

The ActiveWords Odyssey has allowed me all kinds of wonderful adventures. The best part has been the people that I have gotten to know, and have had the privilege to spend time with.

Last week I had the incredible privilege to spend 3 days at Microsoft in Redmond. Others have blogged it, and and on Buzznovation, I will write something about my experiences.

However, before I get to expanding on the great time I had with the people who were invited, and the incredibly bright, thoughtful and gracious hosts that we had, I wanted to write briefly about hanging out with John Dillow and Robert Scoble.

John and I went to law school together in the late 60's at Duke. We became friends almost immediately, and have remained close friends since. At times our common experiences are almost uncanny.

John is one of the brightest, and most able people I have known in my life. He has become a great lawyer in Seattle, travels the world representing Boeing, and every time we are together, we have a great time.

Robert Scoble and I became friends about 4 years ago I when I stumbled on blogging, and I have watched with enormous pride and satisfaction as Robert has become a rock star in the world of technology. About 18 months ago, Robert was hired by Microsoft to become an evangelist on the Longhorn team.

For those of us that aspire to build great products and a great company, watching Robert in action is truly remarkable. Robert played an important role in inviting people to the event that I was just at, and I believe I can report that the consensus in the group was that Robert is the best thing to happen to Microsoft in the last few years.

His honesty and transparency are unique, and while I am reasonably sure that the top Microsoft guys don't read my blog, if they did, I would hope they would recognise what a terrific guy Robert is.

But, enough accolades for my friends. Saturday John and I met up with Robert, had a great lunch, headed to Fry's in Renton, WA, and about 12 hours, two meals and an extraordinary time together, we called it a day.

Being able to connect great people, and simply step back, see them interact, see them enjoy each other is truly a blessing, and one that I will forever be grateful for.

Thanks guys for a great day!