Friends and colleagues around the web:

Thaisi Da Silva is the program coordinator for PBS NewsHour’s Student Reporting Labs.

Ralph Braseth is a journalism professor at Loyola University Chicago and a personal mentor.

Arvinder Singh Kang is an awesome programmer, designer, and journalist currently blowing minds at the University of British Columbia and Vehdaa.com.

Allyson Brewer is a MIS pro and inspirational blogger.

Jim Ciscell is one of my favorite pop culture writers online, contributing to sites like Gunaxin, and Cracked.

Dan Whisenhunt is an ace journalist in Georgia who started a revolution with his website, Decaturish.

Haley Crum is a SEO and social media marketing specialist at Compucast Web, Inc. Former engagement producer at The Washington Post.

Jamie Arrexi is a blogger and fashionista from Mississippi living in Qatar.

Robin Wade makes the most amazing hand-crafted furniture, from sustainably-harvested wood. I did a piece on him years ago, and I’m still amazed by his work.

Jesse Folk is a web content editor at WCPO Cincinnati and general Twitter addict.

Clayton Hinchman is CEO of USi, a firm helping government agencies manage contracts, projects, and personnel.

Scott Blakely is a voiceover artist with the voice of an angel.

Rima Chaddha Mycynek is a journalism professor at Boston University and all around classy geek.

Tom Piwowar owns a media consulting and training company in D.C.

Rose Richey is a talented painter, designer and art director in D.C.

Ashley Smith is employed by BRG Communications in Alexandria, Virginia.