Does anyone listening know how long personal checks are good for? Will the bank refuse them after a certain amount of time?

If there is at least one person in your life whom you consider a close friend, and whom you would not have met without the internet, post this sentence in your journal. So, yeah – I guess ought to count as a “close friend”! I met Rob in Dallas, through a Usenet newsgroup called dfw.singles. I wouldn't have been in Dallas if I hadn't have moved there because of a guy I met on the 'net. I wouldn't have been on Usenet if it hadn't have been for that same guy. On a related note, it's obvious that I'm warped…

My schedule today: Schlock Mercenary Local science fiction writers you should be reading Authors we gave up on Pros and cons of the GNU General Public License Guilty Pleasures – Science fiction authors we like even though we think we shouldn't And then it was over. Over all, worth going. It was fun, interesting, and geek-filled all at once. It was a bit rougher around the edges than last year even, but hopefully they've learned more and next year it will be more organized. Tomorrow we pick up the brats at their kennels, and then Tuesday, it's back to work.…

My schedule today: Electronic Publishing The current state of gaming technology Eric Raymond's Rolling Road Show Internet Radio Customers do the craziest things (we left this panel because there was a baby Fussing Quietly™) Short Stories vs Novels Fan Fiction Manga 101 Got to watch some anime today. The manga panel was really informative! I've got more of an idea what to try first. Thoughts are scattered right now, and I think it's time for bed.

The Austin Ambassador is a slightly icky hotel. Apparently the maids don't get what the “maid service” side of the door hanger means. figures they think both sides means “do not disturb”. Saw a cockroach on the wall and an ant on the table during dinner last night. The breakfast buffet was mediocre at best. The con suite, on the other hand, is nifty keen. This year they went w/ homemade – and I think it's better than last year. French toast this morning (should have come here instead of the restaurant) DIY sandwiches, ravioli, ramen (of course) various cakes,…

This has been a really fun, geeky day. My schedule today: Anime & Cyberpunk Realities of the Video Game Industry Independent Video Game Development This topic intentionally left blank (A bull session between Steve Jackson, Eric Raymond, and Howard Tayler – it was a total blast) The early history of computers Computer Security It's now 1:22 am and I'm beat. Hopefully I'll be able to post this – the network's been a tad flaky. It's probably a little overwhelmed at the moment.

Tomorrow is Linucon! Three days of pure geekiness. Can't beat that. So yesterday sent the “out of office” email – it said we'd be out and that if anyone wanted to meet us, we'd be at linucon. Then he IM'd me and said “I'm glad you're a geek”. :) So am I. :) I really feel sorry for the geek guys that have wives/girlfriends that look down on their hobbies and geekiness, and don't “let” them go to these things, or buy/play video games, etc., etc. On the other hand, bed – made – lie. Hrm. I really need a…

GamerGod – Returning the Investment: The Future of Marketing The Entertainment Software Association issued a report this year stating that the average gamer is 30 years of age and 75% are likely to be the head of the household. Most men and more than a few women will be surprised to learn that women account for 43% of the gamer market, with women over 18 playing more games than boys ages 6-17. While it is no secret that men are considered the ideal target demographic, women prove more and more that they can play as hard as the guys. The…

Rita went east instead of west and Austin got nothing. No rain, no wind to speak of, no thunderstorms. Bah. In fact, it's hotter than it has been. Again, bah. Paying off all of our credit card debt is going to feel fantastic. Heavily doctored spaghetti sauce is teh yum. Chicken, sausage, onions, garlic, mushrooms… mmmm. Plus enough leftovers to freeze for easy dinners later. The Fifth Element is a really bad movie. But I liked it a lot. Jerry Doyle is way yummier than Bruce Willis. Linucon is looking like it's going to be a lot of fun this…