It's only 90 days until the Netroots descends upon Austin for Netroots Nation 2008. If you've already registered and taken care of lodging, give yourself a pat on the back.

 Location

They've done it, those Nerdcore Rising folks. Produced an awesome Convention video, that is. Perhaps fittingly (and lovingly) titled Nerd of the Week: Episode 4 The Blogger Nerd, these ten minutes of pure heaven remind us why we do what we do, and how truly eye-catching those bright orange lanyards were.

I posted an update on the loccation page this morning dealing with some of the issues some folks have had securing hotel rooms for days before Netroots Nation officially kicks off, specifically, Tuesday, July 15:

 Location

Just a quick administrative note for everyone about registration rates. Our special introductory rate will be ending at 11:59 PM pacific time on November 30th, 2007. After that point our early bird rate of $250 will be in effect until December 31st at 11:59 PM when a further rate increase will take place.

 Registration

If you've never been to Austin, Texas you're in for a treat! Smoke some BBQ and get ready for some live music because Netroots Nation is taking over the capital of Texas July 17-20, 2008

Austin is an amazing town, full of great food, great progressives and good times. In addition to all that, we've got a fantastic venue for the first ever Netroots Nation.

There are many reasons that we choose Austin, personally, I was most compelled because the hotel rate was $25 better than the other city. But it also gives me piece of mind to know the venue can handle our technical needs because they host South by Southwest every year. Another great reason is that we have already been approached by people on the ground to help with organizing local volunteers (always a consideration for a convention that relies on getting 100+ volunteers, many of whom tend to be local to the area). Finally, Austin has everything that our audience asked for in our post-convention surveys this year. The rooms are cheap, the city is walkable, there are many food and accommodation options, and the meeting space is compact.

How did we wind up in the heart of Texas? Well come on in and I'll tell you a story...

 Location

Why should you already be dreaming about our next Convention, the debut of Netroots Nation in '08? I can think of at least 10 reasons...

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10. Your blogs are becoming smooth like butta.

9. That guy/girl you snogged in Chicago lives seven states over and it's time for round two.

 NN 2008

What are your favorite YKC 07 organizers up to? What is it like to return to civilian life? Re-enter the atmosphere of daily life?

The Little Laptop That Could

 NN 2008

Paul Haggis has come out with the first honest portrayal of the effects of the Iraq war on our returning soldiers. We have heard a lot of rhetoric about 'supporting the troops' coming out of the White House, but sometimes the best thing we can do for them, is look beyond the slogans to face the difficult truth. "In the Valley of Elah" does just that and I can't recommend this film highly enough.

 Sponsors

Both the Daily Show and The Colbert Report had some coverage of the convention this week. You'll find the segments below.