All I want for Christmas are some goddamn berries in the dining halls.

Happening in the World: Japan’s Emperor Akihito will step down from his position on April 30, 2019, making Akihito the first Japanese monarch in two centuries to voluntarily leave his position – a decision announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday. (CNN)

Happening in the US: After reports of extramarital affairs, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas has declared Thursday that he will not run for another term to represent the Dallas-Fort Worth District. (Washington Post)

Happening in NYC: A Snickers survey has found that New York is the hangriest state of the United States, with New Yorkers’ hanger (hangriness?) peaking at 2:15 pm on Mondays. (The Week)

Happening on Campus: A public lecture by Jill Tarter and a stargazing session is taking place from 7-9 pm today in Pupin, hosted by Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach. If the 7-9 pm time window seems daunting, the hosts say you may “stay only as long as you want.” More information can be found at the Facebook event here.

Overseen: 

A stapler in a Wallach elevator. I get the socks and even the underwear, but like….a stapler? Why?