Last Friday, I was running errands when I heard this episode of On Point, about how giving and receiving gifts makes us feel good. I was especially struck by caller Sarah's story . . . www.wbur.org/onpoint/2025...

After a quick peek at the news, it's time for NORAD's Santa Tracker instead. www.noradsanta.org/en/map

There's Discourse about using genAI for writing research, and I want to add that every time I've done research (reading books, emailing the library, talking directly to experts, etc) I always stumble across something that inspires a new direction or adds depth that wouldn't have been there before.

Last year on New Year's Eve, I tuned to live streams of the aurora borealis in other parts of the world (via YouTube) instead of fireworks or parties. I'm looking forward to doing that again next week. Or anytime, really.

OK. I've made a decision. Tomorrow is Wednesday, which is traditionally #buyastrangerabook. However, as you may be aware, it's also Christmas Eve. And I don't think I want to do #buyastrangerabook on Christmas Eve. So, I'm going to do it today instead. I hope that doesn't upset your plans.

Just remarked to the cat that patience is not one of his core competencies.

Last night, I watched "On the Beach" (1959) for the first time. And, um, that was not fun.

Evergreen.

Hubble has imaged the largest planet-forming disk ever seen! At 400 billion miles wide, it is roughly 40 times the diameter of our solar system. The disk is unexpectedly chaotic and turbulent, offering new insights into how planetary systems form: https://bit.ly/477sQ9b 🔭 🧪

May your holidays be full of light — and just the right amount of dark matter 🌌 Happy Holidays from all of us at NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory! We hope your festive season sparkles with cosmic wonder ✨🔭🧪

Earth Crescent from Apollo 12 - From Jason Major (jpmajor.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/2fCpVLR

I'm in the minority, but I prefer the darker half of the year, when everything is quieter and cozier, when rest is prioritized and I can generally think more clearly. The winter solstice is a special and sacred day. I am feeling grateful and energized on this gray and dim winter afternoon.

Currently watching the Winter Solstice sun come up at Newgrange. www.gov.ie/en/office-of...

Wow!

For Winter Break, why not download a fun urban fantasy read? Moon Dog Magic is book 1 in the six-volume Rune Witch series, and it's free! A teenage witch, old Viking gods, and a cantankerous cat on the eve of Ragnarok. What could go wrong? books2read.com/b/mdzwxX #booksky #urbanfantasy #YA

When I was younger, I fully expected to live through the US's waning influence on the world stage and our loss of status as a superpower. Never once, however, did I imagine the decline would be this stupid.

OH MY GOD YES I AM GONNA WATCH THIS

🔭 Andromeda and Sprites over Australia Image Credit & Copyright: JJ Rao apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap25121...

You could just choose not to worry about why someone needs disability assistance. You could read a book or scroll on your phone or do sudoku, and just let other people do their thing.

Dione: May 9, 2015 - From Val Klavans (valklavans.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/rKHgFc

Gift link, probably the funniest thing the Wall Street Journal has done this year.

I cannot tell you how many times each day I am reminded that we could have had the smart lady and the coach instead.

They really don't have any concept of what it takes to create art of any kind, much less something like A NOVEL. Yet their $3.99 purchase of said novel must be protected AT ALL COSTS. That $3.99 is REAL to them but the novel is made of nothing, just bits and bytes... BUT ALSO THEY MUST HAVE IT.

Support the art you want to exist... or it will stop existing. Creators are already under massive constant attack by AI corps. If you're on the side of piracy, you are *not* on the side of creators. Full stop. #destroyAI support #art 5/n

This pup managed to sneak her way into a joyride with an unsuspecting delivery driver. Popped up to ask where they're headed and if there's time to get a pup cup on the way. 12/10 (TT: copperdoesstuffs)

The Vanity Fair photographer from the Susie Wiles story. Holy. Shit. www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/...

Donald Trump attempted a coup. It still astounds me that the GOP gaslit America into forgetting that. Pretty remarkable.

MORE from Jack Smith: "Our investigation also developed powerful evidence that showed President Trump willfully retained highly classified documents after he left office in January 2021 ... He then repeatedly tried to obstruct justice to conceal his continued retention of those documents."

Petroglyphs at Parowan Gap - From Bill (ridingrobots.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/2nDk5hi

Solar Flare (SDO AIA 304) 3-7-11 - From Jason Major (jpmajor.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/9oYcs2

This is Millie. She just learned how to sled. Hopes you brought a second land frisbee, because she will not be taking turns. 13/10 (TT: millietheredlab)

I'm writing another holiday-themed short story this year to share with my newsletter subscribers for the solstice. "*Amulets not included" will be a rough but fun tale of Christmas demons. Here's my newsletter sign up for anyone who wants to read it! jennifer-willis.com/newsletter-s...

This is the kind of thread that used to make social media actually magic. And still can, apparently!!

I know things can feel heavy and hopeless at times. There is so much needless death and tragedy all around us. When you’re feeling low, reach out to your loved ones. Tell them how much they mean to you. Spread some love and laughter in a weary world.

Because the world needs light.

Can this news cycle just stop, please?

Ahmed Al Ahmed is a hero.

Part of the Chanukah tradition is to place the light menorah either outside or in a window where outsiders can see it. This is supposed to advertise the miracle of Chanukah. These days, it is also a way of saying, “This is a Jewish home.” Every year I think about how it is also an act of bravery.

Wow!

Seeing the aurora from an airplane is extra magical because you get to explain space weather to random bored people who think you're a magician and also you are warm and awake because it's "daytime" 10/10

There is always something to be done, and that something makes a difference. That is what optimism is: choosing to believe that you can continue to make a difference, and doing so, as much as you can.

Well said. For me, optimism does not mean "everything will turn out okay." Optimism means "a solution exists, and my efforts matter." Without this kind of optimism nothing gets done, and yeah, that's a guaranteed that things will *not* turn out okay.

I made a blank one for anyone who wants to make their own based on their local library's special offerings! My own custom card based on things I need/want to utilize at my library for reference.

One of my favorite recent JWST images, Pismis 24, is now available as a free downloadable poster. Perfect for printing and decorating your walls. It includes the image on the front and a description in both English and Spanish on the back. 🔭🧪 science.nasa.gov/asset/webb/p...

🧵 Here is Messier 106 (or NGC 4258), a true cosmic marvel in the constellation Canes Venatici. Image Credit: NASA, ESO , NAOJ, Giovanni Paglioli; Assembling and Processing: R. Colombari and R. Gendler ➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap19031... 🔭 🧪 #science #universe #extragalactic #astronomy 1/5

'Tis the season when the neighbor's packages keep getting mis-delivered to our house on a near daily basis.

This goes for every day, too.

We all need these (and all) dogs today.