When I flew to Las Vegas last week for the show at the Fiesta, it was the first time since Sept. 11 that I had flown with chips in my possession. I had them in a carry-on bag with me on the flight. Security couldn't tell what they were through the X-ray machine and had me open the bag and remove its contents at both the Sacramento and Las Vegas airports (even though I had told them ahead of time what was in there).

So, an early warning to those who are flying to the convention and taking a lot of traders: Be prepared for an even longer wait than usual. All things considered, though, I would rather have them check than not check.