Over in the Gaming thread they have very strange mating habits we're trying out something new. After 22 games of Battlestar Galactica, we've broken out a new game, a card game called Race for the Galaxy. This is a card game, where each player is trying to build up a layout (representing a space empire) that will earn them the most victory points. Obviously, being a card game, there's a fair amount of luck involved; but there's also wide scope for meaningful decision-making, and multiple viable strategies. (It is one of my favourite games; Biyi and I have probably played it more than any other game.)

We've run one game so far. It took about 21 days to play through. I'm in the pricess of putting together Game 2, and we have one slot left. Anyone who thinks they might like to try it out, drop me a line. I'm happy to answer any questions and to take sign-ups. You don't need to own the game, I'll provide all the info you need and take an active role in explaining what's going on. In addition, scans of every card in the game are available online: [link]

If you've ever wondered what actually goes on in the Gaming thread, now's your chance. First in, first served.

I'm talking about wings and flight and inventors (other than that daVinci guy) who dreamed of soaring, over at iO9 today: [link]

Hey, peeps! A good friend of mine, who, while not being a Buffista, is Buffista adjacent for sure, is finally seeing the light at the end of the unemployment tunnel... once HR gets back from vacation.

In the meantime, she's exhausted most of her resources at this point, and needs a little help, if anyone can. [link]

She's good people. (She's also local, and I can vouch for her.)

Hey there, what's new?

Just kidding... I have to tell you that watching the b.org live book drop was one of the best things last night. You are amazing friends and I love you so.

I made you a book launch present over at Chuck Wendig's: [link]

If anyone is interested I have some free meals from Blue Apron to give away. Profile addy is good.

Hello, all. Hope to update here soon, but for now, just wanted to share something.

My baby sister, who I am so proud of, is an MD PhD student who will be in Boston (your Boston. If you're an American, that is) in two weeks to represent her team in iGEM (http://igem.org/Main_Page). Her team is named Boomerang, and they're working on a proof of concept to fight cancer. More on this can be found here: [link] If you'd like, you can donate to their effort here: [link]

That is it for now. Thank you!

I have an awkward favor to ask regarding Book, and I'm going to ask it in here, for full embarrassment purposes.

I love reading your comments and thoughts about Book on fbook, in chat, email (hi lurkers!) and in literary - they're wonderful and I would love to read more, anytime.

There are a number of authors on the board, and I'm saying this for all of us - As new writers (it's true for established writers also), public reviews and comments are hugely important, especially within the first month following a book's release.

If you are able and inclined to do so, would you consider copying your thoughts over to that big, online, riverlike bookseller, and/or that good online reading space, or anywhere else folks consider books? With my gratitude and hope that me saying this will help other authors as well.

Many thanks, and if you're not into it, don't worry - that's cool by me too.

Advanced TV Herstory (a podcast) has an episode about the Powerpuff Girls.

My band had its debut gig! The SO & I are backing up a local singer-songwriter with a couple of other guys for his rock project. Check us out! The Brighter Still performs "Dystopia" [link]

Chicago area folks:

NIU's STEM Cafe is having discussion of "The Physics of Game of Thrones"

he Physics of Game of Thrones October 15, 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway Aurora, IL 60505

Join Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Head of Public Outreach for the American Physical Society, for a fun and fantastical discussion on the fundamental laws of science that Game of Thrones gets right. Find out how dragon fire matures, how ice walls keep white walkers out, and how summer can last for ten years. There’s even a surprise physics problem at the end for romantics!

I thought some people here might be interested.

NIU STEM Cafe's website.