Amid fighting my wonky internet connection over the weekend, we headed off to the great white north of upstate New York to visit the Ego clan to celebrate the birthdays of our sister-in-law and youngest niece (who is now all of three). A fine time was had by all (the Egos throw a very nice party), and I was even spontaneously referred to as "Uncle Steve" by our older niece, which was more touching than I ever would have guessed.

R.I.P.: John A. Wheeler, Physicist Who Coined the Term ‘Black Hole,’ Is Dead at 96.

Celebratory Links:	Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez.
Play:	Europa Universalis: Rome Quiz. Needs a translator.
Link of the Morning:	Videogame Tropes.
Stories:	Uruguay hosts biggest BBQ, grills 12 tons of beef. Couple arrested after fight with band at their wedding. Thanks Devicer. Suit Says Toy Kit Contains Asbestos. CSI toy. Is that ironic?
Science!	Brain Scanners Can See Your Decisions Before You Make Them. Light-emitting wallpaper runs your lamps right out of a job. Thanks jimnms.
Media:	Guitar Hero Traffic. Real Life Line Rider. 136 mph Car Rally Jump.
Teh Funny:	Dilbert.