I've heard that Santa Rosa is one of the fastest growing U.S. cities, but I haven't been too impressed in the few months I've lived here -- until last night. Halo 2 hit the streets (well, the mall parking lot) last night at midnight, and the masses gathered. I was highly impressed. I didn't think Sonoma had it in her.

There was actually a "VIP" line for those who paid in advance in full. Who the Func(oland) do they think they are?

I had the pleasure of accommodating Nephew Rich to pick up his reserved copy. He never stays up late, or maybe he was just waiting for a good excuse. We all need our obsessions, especially when your 14 years old. He put $5 down on a reservation back in January of this year and has been waiting ever since.

We stood on line outside Funcoland with people who brought lawn furniture, played Hacky Sack, and plotted on how to ditch school or work in the morning.

I really wish I took some photos of the scene.