Happy birthday to me, as today marks the completion of another orbit around good old Sol. To follow up about my phone, I had a normal charge cycle yesterday, so not needing to replace it can be my present from the universe. That's a double-edged gift, as it comes with the reminder that my phone "problem" was me just not paying enough attention to its battery level, perhaps due to my advancing years. The universe can be a dick like that sometimes. But my non-problem led to a few recommendations for apps to help manage a phone's charging, so there's another gift. Thanks to all who offered help. Anyway, as I've mentioned in the past, I like my birthdays quiet. This being Thanksgiving week in the U.S. will help with that. Another gift! Quite the haul this year.

Obituary: Nicki Aycox Dies: ‘Supernatural’ Actor Was 47.

Annual Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Play

• RoyalUr.net - Play a friend, play online, or play the AI. Thanks New York Times (may require registration or subscription) via Cutter.

Stories

• Governments vote to retire the leap second by 2035. Adding a few seconds to everyone's lifespan.
• Bob Iger Reinstated As Disney CEO.
• Woman who married a rag doll claims he 'cheated.' Thanks Boing Boing.

Science

• Artemis 1 mission- NASA's Orion spacecraft makes its closest approach to the moon.
• 3D intergalactic map will reveal details about dark matter, black holes and stars.

Image

• “Just a bunch of idiots having fun”—a photo history of the LAN party. Makes me genuinely nostalgic.

Media

• Rick and Morty - S6E7 Cold Open- Previously on Rick and Morty. Thanks RedEye9.
• Casino Royale vs Skyfall: 007 Face Off (NSFW).
• Amazing footage of an Emirates A380 arrival at LAX. Thanks Kxmode.

Creature Features
Thanks Kxmode.

• Very rare dog breed with a LONG life expectancy. Thanks RedEye9.
• Mood...🐇😅.
• Happiness.. 😊.

Follow-up

• A COVID treatment wanes: New variants outsmart most monoclonal antibodies. Thanks RedEye9.