MatthewDratt pointed out a new episode of Darkspire’s Matchmaking Reached – what happens when you pour Harry Potter themes into a Halo mold? YOU GET DARK LORD POPS! Wait, that’s not right… (Louis Wu 17:13:43 UTC)

Just a couple of new stories in the Fan Fiction section this week – go read!(Louis Wu 17:13:09 UTC)

While we are on the subject of fabulous artistic expression, you should check out what Hedgemony was able to do with the aforementioned screenshot from the Instillation 04 Firefight map from Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. The results are breathtaking, creating an ocular ecstasy that is typically only reserved for the third sphere of Heaven, sunrises in the Australian bush, and my wife. You might want to slip into something more comfortable before clicking this. (GrimBrother One 16:08:19 UTC)

On to things that are awesome, Rooster Teeth have a really slick new Freelancer poster for sale on their store. It would certainly look great above the desk I’m sitting at right now! You know, in case someone wanted to get it for me. Go buy lots of them so they can afford to do more live table readings! Thanks to 7he grunt w/a plasma pistol for noticing!(GrimBrother One 15:16:50 UTC)

After ElzarTheBam changed in to something dryer, he came across a delightfully intuitive list made by OXM UK regarding “20 Things That Have Changed” from the original Halo to the upcoming Anniversary edition. There are at least a couple of decent tidbits in there, though the larger value of the article can probably be found in the fact that it makes for good forum fodder. If you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, check it out!(GrimBrother One 15:08:25 UTC)

Urban Reflex brought up to our forum a piece on Deviant Art that looks at some interesting comparisons. Pretty funny stuff!(GrimBrother One 14:57:47 UTC)

During a recent game of Reach, ElzarTheBam wet his pants. This is why. You may have to watch it a couple of times…(GrimBrother One 14:51:51 UTC)

The Grifball Hub gang is back in the news today with the release of Chapter 11 of their very cool “Respect Your Roots” series, which chronicles the ups and downs of competitive Grifball, from season to season. It’s kind of like The League or Blue Mountain State except that it’s, you know, enjoyable. Go take a look!(GrimBrother One 04:10:53 UTC)

We start your HBO news Friday with this week’s Halo Bulletin, courtesy of the lovely bs angel from 343 Industries. You’ll find talk of costumes that look to the future, and a Firefight map giving nods toward the past, all wrapped up in one kitten-loving package. You can also find it locally in our archive. Go read it!(GrimBrother One 04:05:31 UTC)

Danni Cherie from GrifBall Hub posted a great post-PAX writeup over at the Game N Train blog. Really fun read, and great pics, definitely go and check it out!(GrimBrother One 21:26:27 UTC)

Kotaku AU interviewed Heff, the captain of Team Immunity’s Halo Reach team (an Australian eSports team), in their Training with the Pros series – go read what his life is like!(Louis Wu 20:57:24 UTC)

Firestorm12 wanted to let us know that Issue 5 of “War (or War)” is now available. Will the Private be able to stay away? Go find out!(GrimBrother One 18:47:20 UTC)

bs angel provided a link over on the Waypoint Blog to a good old-fashioned Halo 3 montage. Awesome stuff, if you’ve got the time, give it a look!(GrimBrother One 17:38:11 UTC)

hezekiah was on the ball in reminding us that Rooster Teeth’s Achievement HORSE: Episode 40 is now available on both its own website as well as on YouTube. The bar just keeps getting raised. Or visited. Either way, go check it out!(GrimBrother One 17:17:38 UTC)

Don’t forget that this weekend, Saturday September 10th is Part 2 of the Halo Decade Podcast series from the wonderful people at Podtacular. You might remember the multi-hour epic that was Round 1, featuring an awesome lineup of guests and community leaders. Part 2 looks to be no different. Expect HBO to be on the cast itself, and we are certainly hoping that a strong HBO member contingent will turn out to listen and comment live!(GrimBrother One 17:10:57 UTC)

We interrupt this news day to bring you two awesome images from HBO forum denizens. From BlueNinja, a gorgeous shot of Huragok in the night. From AngelicLionheart, a Mk V Spartan ready to wreak havoc within a Covenant ship. Both are gorgeous, and well worth the look!(GrimBrother One 13:39:04 UTC)