beadgirl

It is! I was humming it for about an hour after.

I think I know what I want for Christmas: http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2015/10/07/bob_s_burgers_cookbook_contributor_cole_bowden_talks_about_his_blog_and.html

Right. It really doesn't speak well of the main character, and suggests he/she has some thinking to do, rather than jumping into a new relationship. I think too many writers think there must be artificially high obstacles for the designated pairing. I prefer it when the wrongly-matched couple aren't actually engaged or on the verge of a big commitment, and instead organically realize they aren't right for each other.

So much better than I expected! I don't at all identify with Savage's character, because as a litigator I never, ever got nervous when I had to speak in court and I didn't stumble over my words and turn bright red and which I could stay mute and just rely on my research and writing skills.

The Hugo marriage/alternate children was my favorite section -- Tina with no interest in seeing a Zombie movie with Jimmy Jr., Gene being very shy and reserved, and of course, pretty pink princess Louise. Dark, indeed! I love how much of a romantic Tina is, too, and how upset she got at the idea of ther parents never getting together. "It's random fate! I feel so much better!"

It doesn't matter. My husband and I sing it to each other every September.

I just finished watching it with Beadboy2, of all people. He's 8, and asking all sorts of questions about marriage and families, and he was telling me about the commercial for it so I taped it. There wasn't much conflict at all and the acting was iffy at some points, but it was enjoyable. I especially liked the advisor -- Barry Bostwick?

That's what I find appealing, though. I like edgy as much as the next person (just started watching Penny Dreadful and I love it), but sometimes I want something pretty and cozy and undemanding. Which isn't to say some are better or worse in terms of quality. The one-note bitchy librarian rival in the Teagarden series, for example, lessened my enjoyment of that series, as did the dialogue that would have us believe CCB with her perfect make-up and expensive, glamorous hair is frumpy and unfashionable.

It would depend on the plus-size figure, which I'm hoping Ashley will get a chance to demonstrate on the show -- plus-sized women, like everyone else, come in a variety of shapes and proportions. Also, I thought she did a great job of making a skirt with a dramatic pattern and the appearance of fullness (via the pleats) without actually making it too oversized and poufy and overwhelming.

Holy crap, I've been wrong too!

I'm really enjoying these summaries, Sarah! It's almost enough to make me seek out the episodes. Almost.

And just how monogamous is he if all it takes to cheat is one extra drink?

I wish they'd at least shift the Christmas movie season, starting later and extending into January, at least January 6. I know I'm an outlier in this country, but I make a distinction between Advent and Christmas. Of course, I can just record a bunch of movies and then see them when I want, but that takes planning. Plus sometimes I just like to flip to a channel and watch a movie while I putter around the house.

Actually, he should blame Adalind most of all, because it was her shenanigans that ultimately led to Juliette's and his mother's deaths. That's the biggest problem I've had with this child thing -- Adalind is a horrible, horrible person. Yes, she lost her first child, but she conceived and bargained away that child to regain her powers. She gets them back, then loses them again to test the potion. They've neutered her that way and by making her a passive character who only reacts, but that hasn't redeemed her in any way. The co-parenting storyline better be hostile, not cutesy. Oooh, I like this. Really, I'd like any storyline where Nick is not the father. Or, alternatively, Adalind goes away somehow someway and leaves Nick as a single parent.

Supposedly a few years ago (2009? 2011?) she said she was working on a sequel that would be from the viewpoint of the "lower classes" -- people like Childermass and Vinculus. But there has been nothing more about it that I could find, and I suspect the show has taken up her attention. Which is a shame; I want more of this world, especially of Childermass.

According to Slate, he signed the same contract as the others: http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2015/07/07/harry_shearer_returning_to_the_simpsons_voice_of_mr_burns_flanders_more.html

It's both, actually. Or at least, the book makes it clear that Norrell does consider Strange to be his only friend (not that Norrell knows how to be a friend, does he?)

I've avoided making a summer playlist, because summer's not my thing (especially now that I have kids), but now I can't resist. The only song I have to add is "Chelsea Morning" by Joni Mitchell, which always makes me think of summer (I tend to find her music, and other folky types like CSNY, summery). Edited to add: How could I forget "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams???

I hate it when the heroine is in an actual wedding dress and about to marry a snooty jerk, when she suddenly breaks it off and runs into the arms of another guy, without stopping to wonder why she was so attracted to a snooty jerk in the first place and whether maybe she should take a break from relationships entirely. I think the problem is too many movie makers think weddings, aborted weddings, engagement rings, and the rest are terribly romantic and an easy source of drama, but ignore real-world consequences. All that stuff should happen *after* you've figured out who you are, what you want, and who you want to spend the rest of your life with. Make it more about the actual relationships, and less the trappings of relationships.

I pronounce it "Nor ELL" because that suits the rhythm of the title better (at least to my ear). "NOR ul" does seem more English, though. I covet Lady Pole's embroidery. I'd make it myself but it would take too long (I did make a little badge of the Raven King's symbol, though, just for fun). I'm really liking this show. The variations from the book make sense so far, and the atmosphere is effective.

It's amazing how often in real life "Simpsons did it" is appropriate. There was something in the news a few weeks ago that made me think that (too bad I can't remember it), and I could never take that sci-fi drama The Dome seriously.

Even more food songs: Snow Cherries from France by Tori Amos Red Beans and Rice by Spearhead Starfish and Coffee by Prince Black Coffee in Bed by Squeeze American Pie by Don McLean Caramel by Suzanne Vega Lime in the Coconut by Kermit the Frog (my favorite version, anyway) I Want Candy by Bow Wow Wow Big Rock Candy Mountain (traditional)

I'm impressed that the show left it unresolved! I hope that means she's coming back in a later episode; they are so good at recurring characters. And speaking of, who voiced Helen? The voice sounded familiar to me, but I didn't recognize her name. It's been years and years since I practiced, but now I want to open up my own law firm and call it Cupid's Stupid or Meet the Patents.

Juliette had to die, but I'm really pissed at what they did to her character. They could have gotten the hexendrama without her burning the trailer and killing Kelly. And if they whitewash Adalind's sins, I'll have had it. Kenneth's and the King's deaths were quite satisfying. And, of course, I loved Trubel. I so wanted her to say "well, you deserve it" when Adalind piped up about Juliette trying to kill her. I ask again, how the hell are they going to integrate Adalind and Nick's child into the show? Wacky hijinks about different parenting styles?

Once I heard Shearer was leaving, I knew they'd recast rather than get rid of so many major characters. But the idea of killing off Mr. Burns and having Scorpio run the plant is really intriguing -- I like the idea of the workers having to deal with a "friendly," "cool" albeit evil boss. And Mr. Smithers could spend his time hating Scorpio and trying ineffectively to ruin him. Springfielders focusing on Scorpio's petty good deeds and ignoring is global crimes could also be fun. The truth is, though, I can't imagine how this show is going to be without Shearer, and maybe it really is time to end it.