The map of locations accepting bitcoin is way too sparsely marked.  Let's get it started in Chicago.

http://bitcoin.travel/

Lets try to get a restaurant to accept bitcoin around here.  Also, what is the best way to pay with a blackberry?

Just moved to Chicago and I will definitely be hitting up Rashid when I need to go anywhere.

Intersango exchange is a no-brainer for transacting with GBP.

Its actually 1.2% for low volume traders because you get hit with the fee when you buy and then again when you sell.  You will show a bigger profit per trade on smaller exchanges because of their higher spreads, but the action wont be as fast as it is on mtgox.  I like intersango's interface better than gox for daytrading because it has the open orders on the trading page.

bitcoin-otc.com might have someone that can do this.  Otherwise a bunch of silk road vendors exchange for ukash.  Go get tor browser and have a look

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Mining_hardware_comparison
this wiki has specs on all video cards

How does one convert a moneypak back to cash?

For smaller amount of bitcoins, you should choose an exchange based on the transfer costs in/out of the exchange instead of the trade commission.  This means you should primarily choose based on location, because Mtgox will hit you will hit you with a 2.5% exchange fee on non USD transfers and you will pay an international wire transfer fee, so generally if you live in Europe choose Intersango and their free transfers, in Australia use cryptoxchange, and in the US use Mtgox via dwolla.

Thanks ZodiacDragon84 that was really easy!  Much better than learning commands.  I couldnt find that thread with the search for some reason....