The Sigma 18-250 is a nice alternative. I have two L lenses but still love the Sigma for more casual shoots.

Speak to the lowest level of understanding in your audience. Explain this at the beginning of your presentation and thank those more advanced for their understanding. Engage the advanced attendees with eye candy.

Of all my lenses, the 24-105 is the hands down favorite. Go for it.

Beautiful women. Lots and lots of beautiful women.

Many credit cards automatically offer to extend (double) the mfg warranty. Anything I purchase in excess of $100 I make sure to use a cc for the protection it gives me.
PS - that advice is only good if you plan to pay in full when the bill is due.

Prices on laptops are dropping like a rock. Do take a look at Costco. They have a 90 day, no questions asked return policy on computers. Unheard of. More importantly they DOUBLE your warranty period offered by the mfg. If all this isn't enough, they offer their own tech service BASED IN THE USA. I just bought a desktop from them and could not be more pleased with their service.

For notebooks, I like Lenovo. They seem bullet proof though I'm currently writing this from a Gateway notebook that just won't die. Buy as much processor (Intel i3, i5, or i7) as you can afford, then as much memory as you can afford.

I've only ever bought off brands for my extra batteries and have never had a problem. Some day I probably will, but given the price difference I usually have 3 - 4 batteries per camera.

Arrive early and have a Starbucks (or whatever) when you get there. There are some wonderful shots (hear I'm speaking about photos) to be had at airports. Security isn't so much an issue when you're not rushed.

Lightroom 4 and PSE10 is my recommendation. LR should handle the bulk of everything you need to do then PSE for nurturing your more artistic side. You can buy both for less money than CS6.

24 - 105 and the 100 - 400? I don't think it can get any better than that. I own the 25 - 105 L and it is wonderful.

Tim has nailed with his advice. the 24-105 is incredible. The 70-200 f4 is too big for a walk around. The 70-200 2.8 is out of the question for a walk around (imho).

I have the 60d and use the canon 70-200 f4 with is. It's a better rig than I am photographer, but I'm in this for the long haul. I've purchased two "L" lenses and have never been sorry.

Are you talking about taking pictures at your own daughters wedding? Allowed vs not allowed has already received some very good answers. To me it is more a question of appropriateness. I've seen all three of my girls get married and at each my first obligation was to the bride, then to my family, then to the guests. This didn't allow any time for photography (and my wife wouldn't allow me).

It's her day. Anything that takes the attention off her should be avoided. We're all just props that day.

Check out dpreview.com for a comparison of the two cameras. Also, the 70D should be out soon if that interests you. I purchased the 60D a couple of months ago and love it.

Use RICKSMUG20 for a 20% discount your first year. (Thanks Rick Sammons.) I've come away with two thoughts after reading the posts. 1) It's probably worth the money given the difficulty writing your own code. 2) Not one post that I read mentioned if they were making any money from their site.