Welcome back, everyone!
For those celebrating, are we ready for Thanksgiving?
Today, we’ve made the decision to let Linus go. Some of you may remember he was diagnosed with cancer in the summer. I’ve never been more thankful for carbs and I said to my partner that we should have known he would be as much of an asshole in death as he was in life. BECAUSE THIS IS A REALLY INCONVENIENT TIME, LINUS!
If you would like, please share any funny pet stories in the comments.
Apologies if posting a bunch of videos is a little “phoning it in” today.
If anyone is curious how my Romance TBR Takedown experiment is going. I’m two books down! I’ve also discovered that the “partner picks” prompt is a real monkey’s paw scenario.
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This was sent in by Jen! Several publishers have been revealed to be using AI staff on their websites, which led to the exposure of an international publishing scam.
Sarah and I recently discussed 2026 trends and she predicts seeing an uptick in more AI nonsense in the book space.
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What if it was hunting season at Swan Lake?
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I recently found this YouTube channel of “found footage” from old VHS tapes. Not sure how real it is, but a girl can dream.
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And if you want a feel good story, enjoy this interview with an archivist preserving NYC’s queer history.
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Don’t forget to share what cool or interesting things you’ve seen, read, or listened to this week! And if you have anything you think we’d like to post on a future Wednesday Links, send it my way!
We lost our 21-year-old cat over a year ago so I feel your pain. We just adopted a new four year old litty that was surrendered to a local shelter. He’s been a hoot. I’d forgotten how kooky cats can get since our old baby had slowed down so much. We’re decorating this weekend and keeping it minimal. I have a feeling Mr sassy pants is going to be interesting with the Christmas decorations.
Deepest condolences on Linus’ passing.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been almost 4 years since my angel, Bitty, passed away. I can understand how you are feeling.
My sympathies to you and your partner, Amanda.
Some minor AI nonsense in a New Zealand book award:
https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/20-11-2025/how-two-ai-book-covers-forced-the-publishing-industry-to-reckon-with-its-future
Sorry for your loss
So very very sorry. They fill our hearts and then leave too soon. He was loved.
So sorry for your loss.
Our last act of love directly to them is letting them go, but it is so hard.
Funny per story: good friends had a pittie. I was always afraid of them but this dog loved me. Had know her since birth. Finally I gave in one day and sat on the steps and rubbed her belly. Every member of the family was so excited!
I enjoy SBTB videos and continue to miss the every- Friday videos. Bring ’em on! The selection is much more interesting than Youtube algorithms.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for the loss of your loved furbaby. My funny pet story: After losing my heart cat to cancer (this is not the funny part) about two years later I was finally ready to adopt again and ended up with a bonded pair: K. & R. The younger cat K. was VERY high energy and also very selfish with her toys. She loved chasing a feather toy dangling off of a pole. And when she caught it she did NOT want to let it go. “MINE,” she would growl. “MY PRECIOUS!” So one night after she caught the toy and refused to surrender it, I said, “Fine,” and went and got the other dangly toy-on-a-stick and started waving it around for R. to chase. K. immediately started trying to give chase as well. One problem – she still had the other feather (attached to the pole) firmly clenched in her mouth! So I had this little black whirlwind desperately trying to jump on and over things to chase one toy whilst dragging the other one behind her, pole and all. Suffice to say, R. came out ahead on that one!
Very sorry for the loss of your pet.
My childhood dog loved swimming. If there was a body of water anywhere in her vicinity, she wanted to be in it. When she finally was encouraged to come out of the water, she of course wanted to shake off the water. But for some reason, she was unable to shake this water off unless she was right next to one of us. So every time she left the water, there was a family dance while we all tried to be “not it” and she kept doggedly (sorry) walking toward the person closest to her until one or more of us got showered in river water.
Not a funny story but when our dog, Ruben, was very old (18) and sick, the vet told us “it is no longer a kindness to keep this animal alive”. I’ve always been grateful to that vet for letting us know that it was in Ruben’s interest to let him go. Much as you miss Linus, perhaps that vet’s message will also provide some comfort to you and your partner.
Sorry for your loss! A cute story from thanksgiving – I’ve had my pup Penny almost a year. She’s 2 and a half, and very sweet and calm so the last time we were in town, we met my 7 week old nephew and she was really good. Just sniffed at him. They came over my dad’s for t-give and my nephew is now 5 months. As soon as his mom took him out of his carrier, Penny jumped up on the couch next to him and gave him a kiss. And everytime he would see her, he’d have a huge smile. I think they’re already best friends and I can’t wait til he’s a little older so I can teach him how to play with her.