TTL Demagogue popped in to announce that Reclaimer 126 is online – and Ferial is revealed to be something other than what we thought.(Louis Wu 16:30:54 UTC)

Willy, from CE United, stopped by to point out an article he’s written about the Halo Warthog, and how it compares to its earth-bound namesake (and other inspirations). The page background might give you a headache (it did me), but it’s got a lot of info. I’m surprised that there’s not a single Lion King reference.(Louis Wu 16:27:59 UTC)

Seems there are some Far Cry 2 mapmakers with a real love for Halo; some Halo 2 and 3 levels have been rebuilt with an astounding attention to detail. This video flies you through Turf, Burial Grounds, Sandtrap, Narrows (intriguing mancannon solution), and Last Resort, while this one gives you a tour of Headlong, Ascension, The Pit, and Blackout. I have no clue how they play – but MAN, they look accurate. Thanks to Kibbles, over at NeoGAF, for the heads-up.(Louis Wu 14:47:42 UTC)

Raulboy created a cool image for a t-shirt for his brothers – but is happy to make it available to you if you’d like to print up your own. I think it’s fantastic! (Louis Wu 14:19:50 UTC)

To celebrate the holidays, Hawty McBloggy is calling on you to do something creative and Halo-related. Swing by for suggestions (but feel free to come up with something unique) – she’s going to give some cool custom New Years cards to a few participants. Have fun! (Louis Wu 14:18:17 UTC)

Cody Miller pointed out that High Speed Halo is running another tournament on Xbox LIVE – no prizes, no real competition, it’s just plain fun. Swing by and ask questions if you’ve got ’em! The festivities take place on December 28.(Louis Wu 14:17:34 UTC)

If you’re looking for some MLG schwag, today might be a good day to buy it; as part of the MLG Gives Back program, MLG is donating 50% of all proceeds from purchases made on LIVE or at the MLG Store to Harlem RBI, an organization that gives inner city kids a chance. (This deal is today only, so don’t delay too long.) You can buy cool game gear… and know that some of your money is helping kids. Happy Holidays! (Louis Wu 14:15:32 UTC)

Lots of Halo Wars news recently: there are some new screenshots (mixed in with older ones) at TeamXbox (thanks, Planet Halo), G4TV’s X-Play interviewed Graeme Devine (thanks, Exanubisleader), and Edge also talked to Devine (thanks, LoneRanger 2.5). It’s a surprising blast of information, given that the game isn’t going to be out for more than two months… (Louis Wu 14:14:37 UTC)

Seven new pieces for you in the Fan Fiction section today, including some well-known names. Go read!(Louis Wu 14:11:31 UTC)

Bungie’s Breaking In series continues with a talk with Noah Bordner, an animator. It’s a great read if you’re looking to break into this industry; there’s no guarantee that what worked for someone else will work for you, but having an idea of what was important for HIS successful bid for a job might help you figure out what’s important for you. (Louis Wu 14:08:58 UTC)