This is a must read from @anneapplebaum.bsky.social.

We just had an illuminating realization that tomorrow is the Epiphany.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a law, passed by Congress on November 19 with an overwhelming vote. Complying with it was not optional. The Department of Justice did not comply. I want to make sure this is very clear.

That one person can drag us into a war without consulting or even notifying Congress, or our allies, or fully explaining to the American people why this is necessary, is absolutely bonkers. Reminder that Congress has the power to stop all of this. Where the hell are they?

Moulton: "When we had briefings on Venezuela, we asked, 'Are you going to invade the country?' We were told no. 'Do you plan to put troops on the ground?' We were told no. 'Do you intend regime change in VZ?' We were told no. So in a sense, we have been briefed, we've just been completely lied to"

You have to go through Congress for anything resembling this type of war. Round up Massie and Paul types and have him removed. The people in this administration are on actual drugs and have insatiable bloodlust and bespoke mental illnesses. He has to go, and everybody with him.

I went to bed sad and angry due to an argument compounded by a misunderstanding with a loved one. I woke up to war. Despite expecting this for months it still managed to catch me off guard. In addition to living in the world trump "built" I also have a life. He is s cancer. A malignancy. Life thief.

#booksky @theauthorguy.bsky.social First completed read 2026. Started Christmas day 2025. Laughed out loud. Related to being off meds, but without a sword. Stupid angel. Brilliant writer.

“Can’t believe NYC elected a Muslim as mayor.” In truth—a Black American Christian woman swearing in a Ugandan American Muslim of South Asian ethnicity as his Syrian American wife holds the Qurans he swears in on, all while standing on the steps of a subway station—is the most NYC thing imaginable.

I love making this list every year, and I never have any trouble coming up with 50 things I think were genuinely wonderful.

Never forget this: The forces undermining our democracy, rigging our economy, polluting our planet, and stoking hatred are counting on you to give up. Cynicism is how they win. We must keep fighting in 2026 and beyond.

My life has been unpredictable for most of the last 10 years, and not just due to Covid-19. It's fine to make plans for a new year, and also understand that plans can significantly change due to things outside of your control. It's normal to need to pivot and figure out a new plan.

All righty -- this year's writerly resolution is live, should you care to read it. The tl;dr is it's actually quite an optimistic read, so hopefully it'll give you some juice to kick open the new year and put words to stories that need to be told.

December 30, 2025

If you, like me, are confused... today is Monday.

How we beat back the corporate takeover of America: 1. Break up corporate monopolies 2. Continue building union power 3. End Citizens United and get big money out of politics Let’s keep working to unrig the system.

A thoughtful, important and timely piece from Christine Zuba, a remarkable Catholic, now on Outreach: outreach.faith/2025/12/what...

Here are my Top 5 Favorite Dog Stories of the Year!

Been thinking about this worship of a certain type of man a lot lately. When I was at the Pentagon, the shorter, stouter officers used to grouse about the fact that the upper brass featured tall men. Having a full head of hair didn't hurt, either

If this is true, it is the most impeachable offense ever.

another robot highlight for 2025: man wearing humanoid mocap suit kicks himself in the balls

163 years ago in Mankato, 38 Dakota men were hung in the largest mass execution in our nation’s history. I’m grateful to the riders who continue to remind us the importance of fighting for accountability and healing for the Dakota people. www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...

Casual reminder that the myth of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” is a cruel hoax designed to convince poor people from all walks of life that the injustices they face are a result of their own actions, rather than an oppressive system rigged against them.

This is really terrific. Do yourself a favor and watch

second dose of moment of calm

Happy holidays from your furiends at the zoo ✨ Thanks to Keeper Megan and Keeper Ali for the holiday pics!

Scrolling through dogs in antlers on @theauthorguy.bsky.social is a wise choice this Christmas day.

Tonight's sunset clouds. Holy mackerel.

2026 is going to be another INSANE year for horror fiction! Very honored to see WRETCH mentioned here 🖤🕯️🪲 cinemachords.com/2026-horror-...

Smoke if you want but don't imagine your peppermint gum is covering the smell.

@theauthorguy.bsky.social I dreamed we danced the two-step in the middle of the street. I don't know how to dance. Hope I didn't step on your toes. Then we picked up recycling. Normal hanging with a famous author stuff.

Maybe she thought the interviewer was dating her

May God in His mercy lead us through these times, but above all, may He lead us to Himself. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer

New data reports that LGBTQ+ people — especially trans & nonbinary people — have been forced to make significant changes to their daily lives, confirming the real-world harm that anti-equality politicians have on our community. We will not be deterred. We will fight for our freedom to exist.

What a great piece! This just gets better and better as you read. prospect.org/2025/12/11/s...

We should be working together to foster innovation and protect Americans’ privacy and safety—not punishing states for trying to protect people from the harms of AI.