I just watched this video, where Anders Hejlsberg explains to Channel 9 what Linq is. I couldn't help it but think "Why is everyone at Microsoft doing as if they've invented something new, or hearing from it for the very first time?". Also read the comments below the video on channel 9... I seriously doubt it if some people ever look beyond what they get from Microsoft. 
. I like Linq's general structure, and I think it's a step forward, but please... drop the act as if you all discovered something no-one has thought of before, especially in the department where databases come into play.
Same with the XLinq examples given. I find it interesting Microsoft finally understands that the horrible way the current Xml objects work is something which should be changed. What I also find interesting is that it's a big achievement to be able to finally create elements and attributes in a more convenient way. Anyone who has done some Xml work knows that the first thing you do is to write some wrapper which will produce the elements and attributes at the spot where you want them. Write it once, re-use it everywhere, and even today, not in 200n, n > 6
I'm not that into plugging my own work after making a point, but for creating and using an object-oriented overview of your database(s) and be able to use that with queries which are checked at compile time and are type safe, you don't have to wait till Linq finally arrives. And no, I didn't invent it either nor did a lot of other people in the O/R mapper field. The O/R mapping patent (which uses Xml files ironically, not attributes) states MS invented it, we all know that one of their biggest competitors, Oracle, sells a tool today which is around at least 10 years utilizing this same stuff.