I’ve changed a few backend things here at w-g, but the only change y’all should notice is that you need to reset your cookie when leaving a comment. Just re-type your info and check the “Re-save cookie” box before submitting. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Update: Actually, there’s something else you might notice. I’ve implemented backlinking on all the archived posts of this site. This means that whenever you link to one of my permanent posts (and someone actually uses that link), an automatic link back to your site will be created. (See it in action here.) There’s a Metafilter discussion about this and what it means to “blogspace”. I’m not sure what I think of all that; I just thought it would be an interesting experiment. We’ll see what happens, eh?

Wow? Where have I been? I just found lots of pictures from the next Harry Potter film. Kenneth Branagh looks great, but I’m not so sure about Dobby. That isn’t quite how I pictured him. And hello? Check out Harry in some of those pics. Daniel Radcliffe is gonna be hot in a few more years!

New Poll! Where are you on the food chain? I know some of you vegan types will complain about only having two options, but just pick whatever fits you best.

I’ve been noticing lately that when I hit the site in the morning, more than eight comments have gone by in the “Recent Comments” list. Since I like to read each and every one, I’ve made an extended Recent Comments page that lists the last 50 comments here at the site. (It’s also linked down there on the left.) Now you never have to lose track of a w-g discussion!

I am the sports jinx of all time. My teams never, ever win. As soon as I crowed about England, Senegal, Korea, and USA being in the quarterfinals, their fates were sealed. Sorry, everybody.

Healthcare for the Amish

Marci found an amazing article about the practice of many Amish and Mennonite families traveling to Tijuana, Mexico for low-cost medical treatment. I had no idea that stuff happened. Reminds me of that episode of The Simpsons where Homer undergoes a bypass from Dr. Nick. How desperate do you have to be to travel to Tijuana for a hysterectomy? And how the hell do they get to Mexico anyway? They don’t drive all the way there in their buggies, do they?

Snookums and I were most impressed to see the poster for The Two Towers. It looks great. There is, of course, some scholarly debate over whether the towers depicted are the ones Tolkien intended. There’s a great comment on that page from Kevin that sorta explains the confusion. (You have to wade through the usual AICN fanboy slobbering nonsense to get to it, though.)

Is it wrong to find shirtless Ned Flanders from the “Oh Streetcar!” episode of The Simpsons kinda sexy? I mean, I know it’s Flanders and all, but he’s ripped! (Snookums is rolling his eyes at me.)

I was walking through the QVB shopping centre in the city today when I found myself drawn to a fabulous-smelling shop full of soap. To my surprise, I realized it was Lush, the cosmetics store Megan‘s always raving about. I stepped in to look around, and before I knew it I’d let the goateed shop assistant talk me into buying three bath bombs and a tub of scrub. Mmm, everything smells so delicious. I can’t wait to try them out!