Well, that was quick; I'm back from jury duty.  Actually, not "back," rather "deferred" (until some time in January).

The issue, about which they give you eminently fair and civilized warning, is that there's an outside chance one could end up on a trial lasting as long as two weeks (beyond two weeks, I infer although they did not say, is a "special circumstance" which judges will deal with individually outside the normal parameters of jury duty).  Since I'm going to London for 5 days a week from tomorrow, that ruled out my ability to promise I could serve.

London?, you ask:  Indeed.  My good friends at Edge International are convening for an all-hands meeting on the 21st and 22nd, and they have graciously invited me.  I will be doing a presentation about the use of blogs, wikis, and RSS in professional service firms.  The estimable Gerry Riskin, of course, already has one. 

Extracurricular events may include a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and will certainly include The British Museum, The Tate, and extravagantly long walks in one of the world's greatest pedestrian cities.   Stay tuned for photos.