So I recently found two interesting spiders in my yard, both of them fairly large. That, combined with seeing five praying mantises recently, and I’m beginning to wonder if there’s some strange mystical insect vortex centered on my house.

Here’s the first spider.

This time of year is for family, giving thanks, feasting, gift giving, and reflecting on the coming new year. And, of course, this time of year would not be complete without Santa riding the Yule Goat.

Here’s a webcam of the Yule Goat in Sweden who, as of this writing, is still standing.

While you …

WARNING: This is a special Halloween edition of my “weekend reading links”. If the Halloween season keeps you cowering safe inside your home, away from the dark and the scary, then it’s probably best to read no more of this page and please come back next week. You have been warned.

We don’t really …