Happening in the World: Two men, Nicolás Maduro and Juan Guaidó, are claiming to be the president of Venezuela after an economic collapse that has left the country rocked by political turmoil. Guaidó, who declared himself head of state last week in opposition to Maduro, published an op-ed in the New York Times calling on democratic governments around the world to support his movement (CNBC; NYT).

Happening in the US: The polar vortex has frozen us so completely that we’ve barely noticed the absence in our frozen food aisles. Tyson Foods recalled more than 36,000 pounds of chicken nuggets after customers found blue rubber inside (BBC).

Happening in NYC: If you need something to warm your heart in these cold winter months, Westsider Books announced its doors will remain open, one week after it announced it would be closing. Kindhearted patrons and locals raised $50,000 on GoFundMe to save the used bookstore and neighborhood staple. For those looking to shop somewhere other than Amazon and Book Culture, Westsider is between 80th and 81st, just past the 79th St Station (Gothamist).

Happening on Campus: Dancing queens and Dancing Queen enthusiasts should stop by Roone Arteledge Cinema from 8 – 10 PM for a screening of Mama Mia! Here We Go Again put on by Ferris Reel Film Society and Undergraduate Student Life. If the promise of an ABBA movie musical isn’t enough to tempt you, I don’t know what can (but there will also be snacks!)

Short Story Recommendation: Two science fiction stories told in the form of crowdfunding campaigns: “HELP FUND MY ROBOT ARMY!!” by  Keffy R. M. Kehrli (as ridiculous as the concept sounds) and “Help Me Follow My Sister Into the Land of the Dead” by Carmen Maria Machado (as sad as the title implies)

the two presidents via Wikimedia Commons