In good news we heard of two people setting good examples of how to treat others. First the CEO of Fiberbrand was very generous with his employees. Then Rick Steves saved the Lynnwood Hygiene Center. Rachael Shelton gave us some TV show recommendations. She suggested we ought to use the power sources aliens use, which she heard about at the recent Disclosure event. We also got tips on eavesdropping and the importance women place on getting all the details. Finally, we learned that "Evening Rachael" is not the same person as regular Rachael.

In Spain there is a lottery with a prize called El Gordo. Residents of a town that recently suffered a fire shared El Gordo recently. In another fire-related story in the good news, a lady got back her wedding dress. Mark Mozena's topics were these. Longtime CEO of ULA (United Launch Alliance) leaves rocket company abruptly.  White House planning to dismantle and close the country’s largest weather research center (NCAR in Colorado) for being ‘too climate alarmist’ in their climate research Data centers in space are becoming a popular topic to address energy (and environmental) concerns New uniforms for Space Force Gail Pellerin joined us to discuss the recent power outages, housing, running for re-election, human trafficking and regulating artificial intelligence.  

A woman with a diagnosis of terminal cancer mentioned it online and requested Christmas cards at the same time, expecting to get ten or fifteen. She got more than that. In the third hour Santa Claus was here. How did we know he is the real Santa? He played the ukulele and sang songs, so of course he was.

In good news we heard of a group in India that restores bodies of water, and of a secret Santa in Idaho that gives money to people who are in need. Rachael Shelton was in the studio, with the traditional Christmas gift of magnesium. We learned proper etiquette expected of one attending a dinner party.

Betty Reid Soskin was the oldest serving park ranger. She died yesterday. Wallace Bain still lives, but he announced his retirement. Mark Mozena brought us space news. Jared Isaacman has been sworn in and took over as NASA Administrator White House releases a new executive order of space First wheelchair user just traveled beyond Karman line on a rocket Russia announced new plan for its next space station after the international space station is debited in 2030 Japanese rocket failure yesterday.  Michael Olson told us of a plan to make Americans healthier by making American soil healthier

Dr. Pete talked a lot about baking cookies, which does not require years of vet school to do. That was followed by the less appetizing topic of vitriol in dogs' eyes. We also heard about what treats to leave for reindeer. In good news we heard that the Australian fellow who recently disarmed a shooter at Bondi Beach was the recipient of two and a half million dollars raised via gofundme. We learned a fellow known only as John helped catch the man who killed two people at Brown university and one at MIT. There was also a story that would probably make a good movie, of a pet that was reunited after years and many miles of separation from its family. Alex and Rosemary had the same movie pick of the week: Is This Thing On? We wished Phil in Sarasota a special happy birthday.

In good news we learned of a project in Australia to restore forests lost in their terrible wildfires of a few years ago. We also heard of a program to connect people with real grandmothers for chat on any topic. Gary Shapiro reminded us of the vast body of work from Rob Reiner, discussing several of the movies he directed. Jeff Manke participated in the annual Christmas count of birds again this year, just yesterday. We got a rundown of the results, as well as recommendations for Christmas gifts for birders or aspiring birders.

Rosemary was back in the studio today, and shared the story of her adventure in the hospital in recent days. Operation Thunder took place in 134 countries. Many animals and animal parts were seized. Ben Burns had a lemonade stand and gave have the take to VCUM. JM Brown raised money for the natural history museum. Jaime Smith had lots of good ideas for hors d'oeuvre, including getting them at Costco. Gary Shapiro read Scott Brogan's book Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM. It gives a look at lots of what went on behind the scenes.

Susan O'Connor-Fraser filled in for Rosemary today. Rosemary anticipates returning tomorrow. CNN's heros of the year includes a Chicago couple helping young people stay on the straight and narrow by growing and selling flowers, as well as a man with a corgi in a backpack who cheers up others. Rachael told another of her serpentine-pathed stories. It began somewhere near cookie dough-induced food poisoning and meandered past her uncle dying on Christmas day, but found its way back. John Laird's household is being terrorized by two young cats, holding his Christmas tree hostage. Of course he also spoke of the housing going up in the area and the controversy around that.

Dr. Pete taught us that when a dog's ear is irritated and it shakes its head, it is less often due to an infection and more often due to allergies, which can also be treated. We learned that dogs and cats can carry and spread the flu. We also heart about Nystagmus. Good news was exciting. There are bunches of dinosaur footprints in Bolivia and a giant underwater wall in Brittany. Rosemary's movie pick of the week was The King of Color, a documentary. Alex agreed, but had several picks, including multiple horror movies. Charlie Keutman talked a little bit about bare root roses, as it is the season. He talked a lot more about Christmas gifts for gardeners, as it is that season as well.

In good news, we heard of an animal that has gone from extinct in the wild to merely endangered. That is the scimitar-horned oryx. In more good news, Jonny Fabulous was with us in the studio. He shared music and stories with us, as he always does. He let us know he is working on a Christmas album. He's doing his annual Christmas sing-along at the Sand Bar in Capitola on the 17th. That is always fun.

Mari Segura filled in for Rosemary today. She and Jaime Smith talked of buñuelos nad champurados. We enjoyed disco Christmas songs for the bumper music today.

Mark Mozena was with us to talk space. Jared Isaacman’s second hearing to become NASA Administrator - China China China Combined with a China Space hearing on Congress New study showing impact of satellites on astronomy - impacting future science missions NASA spacecraft hacking vulnerability found by AI software…undetected for years Gemini’s meteor shower next weekend - should be dark skies In the ag report we heard that many of the local Christmas tree farms have not yet recovered from the CZU fire that burned in 2020. We also learned that plastic Christmas trees are not trees.

Dr. Pete told us all about ear hematomas in dogs. Also, now we know not to let our pets drink from the water in which we place our Christmas tree. In good news we heard of three nuns who had been moved from their abbey to a nursing home. They liberated themselves and made it back to the abbey, where they are going to get to stay. Charlie Keutman taught us how to grow a Christmas tree, or how to treat one if we get a live one. We also learned about poinsettias.   

An Australian fellow shows the way, helping an 88-year-old man who still works full-time. Sasha DiGiulian climbed El Capitan in Yosemite via the Direct Line, the first woman to free climb it. Gary Shapiro had more to tell us about White Christmas, the movie. Then he gave us some of the history of studios losing a bit of their grip on the control of movie-making, with a shift from factory-style production to a system where movies can be made by all. Rob Oliveros joined us for the entire third hour. He started the facebook group Santa Cruz Against Runaway Development. There is lots of building happening locally with even more planned. Rob wants to keep the developers in check, and keep them honest. It is a big task, and he will be back with us again.

We heard of Catholic charity converting the popemobile into a mobile pediatric medical clinic for treating children in Gaza. Also, Claude the albino Crocodile, ambassador of the California Academy of Sciences, has died. Jaime Smith addressed the perennial question, how long do Thanksgiving leftovers remain okay to eat? Gary Shapiro told us of the movie Holiday Inn, then showed his prowess by doing well on the trivia quiz Bill presented to Rosemary the prior Monday. The topic was the movie's remake, "White Christmas."

In good news we heard of several small countries that have qualified for the world cup. Also, leopards are making a comeback on the west coast of South Africa, after 170 years. Gary Shapiro joined us to discuss concert movies, of which there are apparently very many. He would like even more.

Jaime Smith talked of Thanksgiving foods, naturally. Gary Shapiro is reading When Caesar Was King, a story about Sid Caesar and early days of television. He also informed Bill that Jodie Foster is indeed still working, and doing some of her best work now. Jeff Manke educated us on the conflict between spotted owls and barred owls.

Gail Pellerin discussed elections and being thankful. Mark Mozena was with us after having been away for a couple weeks. China has three astronauts stuck on station after space debris damaged the return spacecraft. They will launch a new return spacecraft this week.   Trump has renominated Jared Isaacman for NASA Administrator.  A leaked version of Jared’s Project Athena outlines his plans for NASA.  Blue Origin launched and landed New Glenn on a barge in Florida for the first time. Included a NASA mission to Mars - Escapade (to study Mars’ magnetosphere and atmosphere) Europe likely rewriting their Space Policy proposal after widespread complaints and concerns.  Auroras were phenomenal last week due to a solar storm.  Leo is meteor shower is peaking tonight.  Catherine Barr joined Michael Olson for the ag report. We talked farmers' markets.  

Dr. Pete says when a dog has what looks like pepper on its snout, or elsewhere, it can be flea dirt. He told us about various flea treatments. He also discussed what a practice manager does in a veterinary office. Charlie Keutman taught us all we need to know about having a live Christmas tree. Some popular choices are Noble fir, Douglas fir, Colorado blue spruce and Cork bark fir. He suggested we treat a new tree like a pet.