This just in from Stupid Evil Bastard:

According to this news item on PC.ign.com Valve has announced that Half-Life 2 will go Gold on Monday.
…
As soon as we know the retail date, you’ll know, so stay tuned!

Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go and scare the cat by completely freaking out in a very unadult manner.

I almost had hope! But then I read…

Update: The folks at Gamespy also have a news story up on this. Thanks to Ingolfson for the link.

So I guess those of us who bought the Radeon 9800 Pro with the promise of a free download of Half-Life 2 will have to continue twiddling our gaming thumbs while waiting not-so-patiently. I wasn’t really expecting it until later in September, anyway. Actually, I’m not really expecting it at all. That way I won’t be disappointed. Hopefully I’ll be able to find my coupon with the key on it when ever it gets released.

Congratulations to Autistic Youth on the release of their first CD, “Lost Boys.”

Go to autisticyouth.com for ordering info and downloadable mp3’s.