Interesting reactions to the post yesterday about the player who died after an extremely long Counter-Strike session (story), ranging from folks defensive about another story they feel reflects negatively on gaming, to one or two folks questioning the validity of posting it here, along with the usual dose of levity over the serious topic. I'm surprised that there is so much concern that this would become another example cited by gaming detractors, but I guess this is a touchy topic. Anyway, the description of his gaming session sounds like it was less than 24 hours of play, and I can attest myself to how I have survived similar extended bouts of gaming at LAN parties and such with no worse side effects than headaches (and I'm sure very many of you have as well), and folks have survived longer stretches of far more strenuous activity since the dawn of time, so I would be surprised if this was used as serious anti-gaming ammunition, but I guess stranger things have happened. Update: In an fascinating twist, Drugs 'added to gamers' drinking water' (Ananova) has a report springing out of this story saying: "A Thai newspaper claims amphetamines are being added to drinking water at 24-hour computer game shops to keep people playing for longer." Thanks Rigs.

R.I.P.: Singer Aaliyah killed in plane crash (CNN). The 22 year-old R&B singer who was to appear in one of the sequels to The Matrix. Thanks CrunchTime.

Link of the Day: SilverSmiles Fake Braces. Thanks mortis. Something to straighten out your Billy-Bob teeth, I suppose.
Bonus Link: Nicotine Water. Thanks mortis. I just can't figure out how you're supposed to get the stuff lit.
Story of the Day: Wild child weds Norwegian prince (CNN). Congrats to the prince and Norway's colorful future queen. Thanks Axel Sjøstedt.
Bonus Story: Shocking £2bn electricity bill (BBC). Thanks Grom. So remember to turn the lights off when you leave a room.
Wild Science: IBM Researchers Build World's First Single-Molecule Computer Circuit. Thanks Digital Silence.