And I’m back!  Big update, and another big one coming, hopefully tomorrow.  I’ve been working hard on my NaNoWriMo novel, and the word counts are now working, you can follow my progress on the left side.  Also, Pittsburgh is in a word-war with Sacramento and Finland.  Yes, the entire country.  And we’re also battling Philly, but less officially.  Tracking for that is over there as well.  We agreed at our write-in today that we need to take down Finland.  Because it would be so satisfying to say that we won versus an entire country!  Also, we learned that they only have to write 30,000 words because of how their grammar works, sentences like we use can be said in three or four words.  Only fair, and a cool fact!

I watched live online the House pass their version of Health Care Reform.  It was exciting, I found out that most representatives don’t know when to sit down and shut up, and generally I would not like to be in either house of Congress.  I also spent a good bit of time researching on wikipedia things like Whips.  All in all, a fun evening.  While I don’t agree with the individual mandate and I think there are cuts for women’s health hidden in it (but I would have to check), generally, it’s a step in the right direction.  Heck, just getting rid of the term “pre-existing condition” would do this country a lot of good.  Well, the term, and everything associated with it, you can’t just rename it and expect it to work…you know what I mean.  Good job House!

Ok, too much talking, here’s the newest trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks:

Did you know they are working on a space elevator?  I didn’t either.

And in the UK, construction can begin on the first underground mansion, complete with water slide!

That guy in Louisiana who refused to give out marriage certificates to interracial couples finally quit.

And I think this family wins for Halloween costumes!

Speaking of, Dan Savage has a great column about Halloween costumes.  Check it out, but not while you’re at work.

Games Radar did an article about video games characters zombiefied.  I don’t like the article, I don’t think the graphics were great, however, there was one entry which made me laugh, Pac-Man:

This video has been floating around this week, I’m already a fan on Facebook.  You should be too.  You know, if you support the 11 principles and the 3 herbs and spices…and you oppose the communists who want to socialize your Nazism!

Not quite your thing?  Then check out this video mash-up:

Did you know you can grow a mustache in November in support of men’s health charities?  I didn’t know, although I’m already doing one month-long project.  Not shaving would require another commitment….wait a minute….nah

The Diocese of Fort Worth is finally going to ordain their first woman priest.  Only took them 33 years, but good for them.

And it makes me happy that wherever the Westboro Baptist Church goes, more counter-protesters go.  6-200.  Sounds about right.

Are you going to be participating in a drag race?  Not in cars, a race, in drag.  Here is what you need to know.

Ok, there is a lot more coming, but for now, that’s all.  Have a great one!