Lowepro CompuDaypack does not have enough pockets for stuff. It's also phenomenally uncomfortable to wear. I feel like they designed it to suck a lot just so they could put a bigger price tag on their nicer bags.

I also have a Ground Bass Pack (http://www.groundwear.com/showprod.php?idnum=30000205255) which is pretty awesome as a backpack/laptop bag. But it doesn't have the DSLR pockets. It is, however, big enough that you can buy a small camera back and nest it inside.

It's nearly impossible to determine if a work failed (financially) due to piracy. You have to make some assumption about the percentage of pirates who would have paid for the product if they had not obtained it for free. Some subset of the pirates don't cost the IP owner anything, because they wouldn't have purchased it anyway. Actually, they may create additional revenue for the poduct by turning friends on to the product. If those friends choose to pay for it, the pirates are additional marketing. There are too many variables. The RIAA, MPAA, BSA, etc. just need to learn to make good/better products.

I was surprised that they let Lala exist as long as they did - I thought they'd shut it down as quick as MySpace shut down Imeem. But I held out hope that they'd announce some similar functionalities with itunes (friends, followers, cheaper purchase options, etc.) when they announced the demise of Lala. Because, really, if their plan was to shut it down, why run it for an extra 5 months?

I've found the best way to meet people is expand on your own interests. Join groups that do things you like to do. It's not all tech-gadgetry, but you can find a lot of geeky stuff through Make: - including local groups, events, etc.