I’m still on deadline so about the only socialization I have these days in on Twitter, which I love–not because I’m interested in what you’re having for lunch today (and if this is what your posts are like, I won’t follow you, sorry) but because it’s a great way to share info.

So here are a few links I’ve found that I thought you might enjoy.

First, here’s a jolly restored panther from Hampton Court (is he adorable or what!), work of historic paint expert Patrick Baty from his blog post on heraldic colors and their significance.

If you’re interested in food–and who isn’t–or, specifically, historical food, the Allbright Museum has digitalized its collection of historical receipt books. If you don’t want to brave the archives, you can see a few samples at BBC News Today. You might, possibly, be able to find recipes suitable for the holiday season–the examples include pie decorations–and since the collection includes both culinary and medicinal receipts you also might be able to find something for overindulgence afterward.

Hair Care in the Toilet in which author Kate Dolan shares the wisdom from The Toilet of Flora: A Collection of the Most Simple and Approved Methods of Preparing Baths, Essences, Pomatums, Powders, Perfumes, Sweet-Scented Waters and Opiates for Preserving and Whitening the Teeth & c. & c. With Receipts for Cosmetics of Every Kind that can Smooth and Brighten the Skin, give Force to Beauty, and Take Off the Appearance of Old Age and Decay. Interestingly the book does include concoctions for depilatory use but not suggested for the areas in which (some of) our minds would immediately wander … or would this be implied anyway?

And finally, an interview with Terry Pratchett from a couple of years ago in which he talks about religion with great wit, good humor and smarts.

Some of my favorite quotes:

I’d rather be a rising ape than a fallen angel.

We have an instinct toward the good … most people if left alone and unpressured are pretty decent.

On reading the Old Testament: If this is true we are in the hands of a maniac.

The New Testament: St. Paul basically should have been introduced to a good woman.