THEY'RE CALLED SPELLS AND HEXES ✨

Happy Brew a Potion Day! I like to start most days with a potion of very strong coffee, which imbues me with the power to tolerate the day's annoyances. If you've got the recipe for something more magical though, holler at your girl. Caffeine seems less than adequate some days.

Me starting my morning ritual.

Before we move on to the amusing links, let's celebrate a few January 19th birthdays!

• Actress Catherine Louise "Katey" Sagal, born on this day in 1954! You've probably seen her as Peggy Bundy on Married...with Children or heard her as Leela on Futurama.

• Singer, songwriter, musician, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian Dolly Rebecca Parton, born on this day in 1946! This dazzling multi-hyphenate has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and composed over 3,000 songs.

• Author and proto-goth Edgar Allan Poe, born this day in 1809! Poe is considered to be the inventor of the detective fiction genre, as well as a significant contributor to the genre of science fiction. He was the first well-known American writer to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career. Hoo-boy is that relatable! Maybe someone will mention me in a newsletter in 200 years. Just kidding — there won't be newsletters...or people.

Birthday shout outs also go to singer-songwriter Janis Joplin and French artist and Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne!

Anyway, let's get to some amusing links!

1. The mega-wealthy, they're just like us!

A hilarious Twitter thread that regales us with the tale of the most preposterous Zillow listing of all time. This literal castle has it all — a moat, suits of armor, way too many clocks, and a grim view of obscene privilege.

2. Enjoy some sketchy laughs with Ceara O'Sullivan

O'Sullivan treats us to clever comedic skits on her Instagram account. This laugh-out-loud home reno bit goes nicely with the selection above.

3. I bet these kitties are ready for Brew a Potion Day

These cats having a devil of a good time with their dark magic.

4. Keeping the laughs coming: comedian Robert Schultz tells us why his dad doesn't need therapy

Honestly there are a lot of great bits to choose from on this Instagram account, so check it out when you're ready for a LOL break.

5. Monkey and ducks just enjoying some watermelon

Will this be the most wholesome thing you look at today? Quite possibly! Only one way to find out.

OK! Hopefully these little diversions helped to brighten your day! We'll be back here in your inbox on Friday with more entertainment and Boredwalk news! Until then...

Peace, love, and potions,

Meredith