Today is Election Day in the U.S. If you are a voter, I'm really hoping this is not the first you're hearing of this. MrsBlue and I are about to duck out to do our civic duty. I promised the Pickle Rick on my desk an "I Voted" sticker, and he seems excited about that. We expect things to go smoothly for us, so I really appreciate those who willingly endure long-lines and other obstacles that stand between them and democracy. The stakes are high and the rhetoric has reflected that, so hopefully we can proceed peacefully through this process and its aftermath, Guy Fawkes Night notwithstanding.

To follow up on my jury duty summons, last night I learned I don't have to report tomorrow, so my luck held out. My next check-in is after business tomorrow, when I find out if I'm required to report on Thursday. I'll keep you posted.

Elective Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Play

• Try This Quiz on Books That Were Made Into Great Space Movies - The New York Times. Not too challenging.

Stories

• Hurricane Rafael- Rare November storm set to hit the US – here’s the projected path - The Independent.
• Ryan Reynolds Writing Non-Marvel Film for Hugh Jackman, Shawn Levy - Variety.

Science

• Study: Special mud rubbed on MLB baseballs has 'magical' properties - NBC News. About time science tackled magic.
• World's first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, heads to space - Reuters.

Media

• Election Touchscreen Map Takes Deeper Look Inside Key Swing Voter - Onion News Network. Thanks Warpig.
• Making pop rocks from scratch (is complicated). Thanks RedEye9.

Creature Features

• And THIS Is Why Animals Are Better Than People 😤 - Meet Jack...The Best Dog In The World. Thanks RedEye9.
• Hilarious French bulldog loudly argues for a walk until his human finally gives in (video) - Boing Boing.