HissyFit

My family came to call the back-facing, third seat in our station wagon the "Don't Forget Me" seat because of the time my youngest brother was accidentally left behind at a gas station.

I'm still giggling at Ken's Space Cuisine comment, "Yes, wine. You can't observe communion with Tang."

Now I'm an AXOLOTL, AXOLOTL, AXOLOTL, La La La La!

It was after Michael's correct DD response of "Niagara." The network could have sold another commercial in that gap.

Hello, earworm!

Yes! Although I've occasionally been turned off by some over-the-top personalities — and we all have our own definitions of "over-the-top" — tonight's contestants, as a group, may have been the most low-key ever. "Mood for $800, Ken. What is ennui?"

Workaround is a wonderfully precise and descriptive word for many problem-solvers in the IT field. In that context, it's a perfect fit.

On any other day of the year, I'd have yelled "Stockholm!" before Ken finished reading the clue. Yesterday, it was hiding under a sofa cushion in my brain.

I'm not a cook, but I used to enjoy cooking shows. The late Mr. HissyFit called them my "fantasy channels." Real recipes. Good cooks who seemed like people I'd enjoy having in my kitchen. I felt like I was learning something. I made a couple of Ina Garten's recipes and impressed my sweetie. Alton Brown convinced me I could make popovers. No running and yelling by chefs. No drama. Nobody trying to make an entree from gummy bears and goat testicles.

I take issue with the word "crucifix" being accepted for "cross." A cross is two linear pieces (of wood or two lines or two sticks or whatever medium) that intersect. A crucifix is a depiction of a cross with the body of Christ affixed to it. The item that was described in the clue was a cross.

I've found that usually means I've put it on too thick. Yes, it looks great at first, but the top of the polish, exposed to air, dries first, and the bubbles are formed as the still-wet polish underneath tries to dry. Two thin coats (yes, the first one may look wimpy) with sufficient drying time between them, really do look better. (Three for me, because I use a clear, smoothing base coat.)

A petty peeve: It's a cold, dreary afternoon, so I decide to curl up on the sofa and read (or nap ... whatever). Just when I've got the pillows piled perfectly and the lamp tilted and my snuggy blanket tucked around my feet ... I have to pee! I guess I should call it a peeeeve!

The late Mr. HissyFit had naturally black hair into his 60s, but when he grew a beard it was gray. He finally shaved it off because he grew tired of being asked why he didn't dye his beard too.

If I caused you to honk, I apologize, but I was not texting or dawdling. I've been in two accidents in the past 20 years and both occurred when I proceeded on a green light and another driver ran the red light and hit my car (one from the right, one from the left, and both struck the rear quarter panel of my vehicle, so I was well into the intersection). As a result, I don't trust people not to run red lights! I look to be sure the other cars are stopped or slowing before I hit the gas.

I caught that, too. I remember those Palmolive commercials and the shocked customers of Madge the manicurist.

I really, really liked Matthew — OK, I'm a sucker for the accent — until he made those goofy faces and gestures at the end. From Shakespeare to slapstick in six seconds.

I can't believe that getting Scheherazade right when all three contestants missed it brought me such joy. I have no life.

I was coming here to post a pet peeve, but now that I've read all the latest posts, I'm hungry! Back to my peeve: For the third night, some inconsiderate fartbrains in my neighborhood are dangerously and illegally spending the evening setting off fireworks. Or maybe bombs. I dunno. Booms and bangs too loud to sleep through. My sleep-deprived self is beyond stabby.

Pet peeve right now: Fireworks! Fireworks!! Fireworks!!! I just hope the inconsiderate idiots blow up all their money tonight so there will be no repeats tomorrow ... and the next day ... and the next.

"The road was a ribbon of moonlight across the purple moor ...." I loved it, too, also as a young teen.

I wonder if Ray has done any book narration? He'd be marvelous for some of those mysteries featuring British detectives with droll, dry wit.

ALL of you are correct. "Mutter" was the wrong word. I only meant that Ken didn't use his big announce-y voice. He can poke fun at himself without demanding the spotlight. He's witty, smart and an utterly terrific host.

Did everyone hear Ken mutter, "I didn't know that," to the H&R Block question? Do you think the writers threw in that clue to needle him? I guess everyone has something they'll never live down.

Peeve: shipping "detours." At 5 a.m. yesterday, the tracking app for a package I ordered showed it in a town 75 miles away. Happy face. This morning, it appears to be en route to a city 400 miles away. Puzzled face.

Still giggling over "the comedic stylings of Herbert Hoover."