A Determined Weekly Link Round-Up

 

Why is this round-up determined? Because I've been waging war against bees that insist on trying to commandeer the hummingbird feeders. It's not really war because I don't want to hurt the bees, but I don't want them chasing away the hummingbirds. Bee stings can kill hummingbirds, and I definitely don't want that!

Found Image

I've switched the type of feeders to one that bees can't get to the sugar water, but they are persistent little beggars and keep trying to find a way to get at it. And they're also jealous because-- since they can't get at the sugar water, they've been chasing away the hummers. I've got a spray that's supposed to be a deterrent yet safe for all. I took a look at the feeder awhile ago, and there were no bees on it. If they have finally given up when I've finished this post, I won't have to use the spray. Come on, guys, go someplace else!

Virtual holiday hugs to you all-- especially to those, like me, who may need a bit more cheer.

Enjoy the links!

►Books & Other Interesting Tidbits◄

• Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2025 is "slop," the AI-generated junk that fills our social media feeds.
• What to know about Australia's social media ban for kids under 16.
• Are influencers harming the book industry? (I don't know about you, but even the term "influencer" makes me turn away.)
• An entire library board in North Carolina was dissolved over one picture book about a trans kid.
• AI is supercharging the war on libraries, education, and human knowledge.
• How a near-shipwreck on a luxury ocean liner inspired The Poseidon Adventure and a decade of disaster movies.

►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄

• An ancient Egyptian valley temple is being excavated, and it's connected to a massive upper temple dedicated to the sun god, Ra.
• This painting of a doomed duke just became the priciest Elizabethan portrait ever auctioned, selling for $4.2 million.
• Archaeologists are unraveling the mysteries behind deep pits found near Stonehenge.
• New discoveries at Hadrian's Wall are changing the picture of what life was like on the border of the Roman Empire.
• The Ash Pendant: The only known depiction of a pregnant Viking woman.
• Scientists are pulling up the first riches from the "Holy Grail of Shipwrecks" that sank off Colombia in 1708.

►Channeling My Inner Elly May Clampett◄

• A newly discovered mantis species dances like a snake to avoid death after sex.
• These owls took a free vacation on a cruise ship, but they'll soon be heading home.
• Beavers are dam good for biodiversity, bringing bats, butterflies, and other critters to their neighborhoods.
• Wild horses return to the Golden Steppe.
• More than 2,000 golden retrievers gather in an Argentina park in an attempt to break a world record.
• Inspired by bird feathers, this new "ultrablack" fabric absorbs nearly all the light that hits it.

►The Wanderer◄

• This landscape inspired some of Georgia O'Keeffe's best-known works. Now, it's receiving new protections.
• This one-of-a-kind Christmas tree is made of 2,000 handmade glass ornament.
• 17 can't-miss Christmas places to visit. (One of them is a few miles from me.)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral's controversial new stained-glass window designs go on display.
• What happens when a country loses most of its lakes?
• China's Great Green Wall: The giant artificial forest designed to slow the expansion of two deserts.

►Fascinating Folk◄

• British artist Es Devlin put 2,500 of her favorite books in a massive rotating library on Miami Beach.
• Three brothers found a 1939 copy of "Superman No. 1" in their mother's attic. It just became the most expensive comic book ever sold.
• In the 1930s, grocer Sylvan Goldman wanted to make it easier for his customers to buy more. They just needed a push.
• Ziegfeld's Folly: The actress, the showman, and the mystery of the missing jewels.
• Andrew and Lee Child on Jack Reacher, past and present.
• Hector Guimard, the architect who designed the iconic entrances to the Paris Métro, is finally getting the attention he deserves.

►I ♥ Lists◄

• The ten best photography books of 2025.
• The 173 best book covers of 2025.
• 19 books about real women as fascinating as any novel.
• Dig into these seven addictive Egyptian mysteries.
• You'll want to check out these new mysteries ASAP.
• 15 new cookbooks by your favorite chefs.

That's all for this week! No matter how busy you may be, don't forget that quality Me Time curled up with a good book!