Microsoft’s social networking ambitions have finally come to fruition. As we reported earlier, the new and improved Windows Live is designed to make the software giant a major player in the social media world. While the team at Redmond isn’t necessarily offering anything unique at the moment, many within the industry feel that the change is a good “first step” for the company. The new and improved Windows Live is available now.

It seems as if Hulu is the latest online service to come down with a case of “upgrade fever.” The big news this time around is the addition of a “recommendation” system, which in theory should give you something new and different to watch. The other major addition is that of a closed-captioning service which now accompanies many of the featured programs. Despite the “simple” nature of the new updates, both add a bit more spice to an already featured-packed video service. Both the closed-captioning and recommendation system is available now to all users. Expect even more to appaear within the next few weeks.

The worlds of blogging, gaming, and Japanese culture are about to collide, and it’s all thanks to MobaMingle. Originally started as the “international wing” of popular Japanese site Mobage-town, MobaMingle combines the “virtual universe” elements of services such as Second Life, the social interaction of MySpace, and the sugary sweetness of Hello Kitty into one bizarrely charming package. Aside from the normal slate of Flash games and instant messaging, the service is perhaps best known for MobaStory, which allows users to read and write novels using their cell phones. Interesting yet oddball, MobaMingle is perfect for anyone who wants something a bit different out of their mobile networks.

Elsewhere in the web 2.0 universe, we have Pwytter. Think of Pwytter as the one-stop “instant messanging program” for Twitter fans worldwide. Although it isn’t exactly much to look at — both the design and feature list give the phrase “stripped down” a whole new meaning — it is well worth a look. Easy to load and even easier to work with, Pwytter makes a good thing even better. Peytter is available now for all three major operating systems.

Finally, Copyblogger writer Orna Ross has a few helpful hints when it comes to defeating the feared disease known as “writer’s block.” According to Ross, it all comes down to a combination of sticking to the “fundamentals” and knowing when to walk away. “The reason so many of us find this difficult is that our education has trained us to respond to problems only with linear, rational, conscious thought,” she writes. “Willpower, discipline, and good old-fashioned work may squeeze another blog post out of you but to produce words effortlessly… you need to know how to nurture abstraction and your hard-working subconscious.” Although some of her tips might seem a bit basic on the surface, they can do a world of good for a frustrated writer. After all, somtimes the best advice is the most basic.