For several weeks, I’ve pondered whether to fly to Chicago in late July for the UNITY journalism conference, where the Asian American, African American, Native American and Latino journalism organizations unite for a week-long gathering. It’s a chance to meet up with current colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and well, party.

A few days ago, I got a spam email, saying: “15 days until pre-registration ends!” The next day, I got an email that said: “14 days until pre-registration ends!” Today, I got an email that read: “50 days until UNITY!”

Well, here’s how I figure it. For the $500 for roundtrip airfare and the $375 it would cost for pre-registration, not to mention food and other expenses, I can buy three new second-generation iPhones for my whole family.

The geek in me wins out!

And yes, I think I’m going to choose the new 3G iPhone over the new BlackBerry Bold.