Angalin
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Posts posted by Angalin
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2 hours ago, HelenaExMachina said:
Someone once pointed me to a really funny review of Tigana before that was written by someone on this board and I can't for the life of me think who it was. But the review was well worth the read.
Anyway, I also loved Lions and it does really tug on the heart strings. I've been meaning to move on to more by him but I've so much else I want to read. I'll give Tigana a try next
Datepalm's review on Goodreads.
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<mod note>
Start a thread about Lost in the Entertainment section (or find an old one), if that's what you want to discuss. And learn to disagree politely or drop out of the thread.
</mod note>
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A friend is interviewing GGK in a week or so and is looking for questions. Suggestions?
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Roughriders vs Bombers, maybe. Annual heartbreak on Labour Day weekend, unless that hits too close to home for GGK as a one-time Winnipegger.
The occasional whim has to be indulged or there would be an epidemic of blue pencil across the board.
I used to like GGK more than I do at the moment: a phase I'm going through, I think. There are bits that are always beautiful to read, though.
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Merged at my whim.
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Off the hop: if you're having password problems, opt to reset your password by having the reset link sent to your email address. If you no longer have access to that email address, contact Ran to update your email contact info. However, try doing it yourself first: most people (including me) have been able to log back in successfully within a few minutes.
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Mod note: if you have a problem with another poster or want a post clarified, it is actually possible to send a PM directly to that person, ask politely to have the issue addressed and explain why. This may be a revolutionary concept, I know, but with practice it gets easier.
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This is the same list as v.1
Awesome...Thanks, this is a great resource for us noobs who are new to the forum!
And I did notice some updates. :)
Volume 2! Whoop whoop. Sorry some of the ones that weren't on the OP aren't here though.
Still no yolkboy's S+B=M? :(
Am i wrong, or is this theory missing:
JON SNOW WILL LEAD THE ARMY OF WHITE WALKERS AGAINST DAENERYS TARGARYEN AND HER DRAGONSAnd this blog is my favourite analysis of the duality of Dany and Jon:
apologies if you are already aware of these.
The list has now been updated for this round.
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A continuation of the original thread.
NB: This thread is not for discussion of theories; it is only here to list them.
The list below has now been updated by Mladen for this iteration of the thread.
Welcome to the second edition of Compendium of Theories thread. The thread was opened in January 2013, and since then, it became must-read for all those who want to learn about popular and widely-accepted theories on this board. Since last January, the thread was updated several times, and this opportunity demands the updated list of everything that has been theorized in the past year.Please have in mind that this thread serves as the encyclopedic list of the theories, analyses and threads on this board. The whole point of this thread is to have organized list of many great and outside-the-box ideas that were posted at some point on this board. This thread is not for discussing the theories, or questioning them in any way, as it is your guide through the thousands and thousands of threads and posts on General section of this forum. We also warmly invite you to link us all the theories that you feel deserve to be included, as also to give us feedback of what we might have missed.This time, we will update the Compendium with the links from the Citadel that might give you the better understanding of certain theories. Also, we will divide the list into several categories that will make your search easier.Spoiler tags added for length:CONSPIRACIESThe Varys-Illyrio Conspiracy
Since they met in the dungeons during Games of Thrones, much has been made of these two enigmatic characters who seem to find themselves in the midst of it all. Their history has been revealed slowly over time and may be the key to their connection and their plotting.
The Grand Tyrell Conspiracy
Cersei's downfall and arrest by the High Sparrow was due to the plotting by the Tyrells to remove her from power. They manipulated Cersei into her scheme against Margaery Tyrell in a manner that would prove ineffective so that she would effectively reveal her own crimes.- Loras and Dragonstone: Was Loras Tyrell truly injured on Dragonstone? And if he was, was there some ulterior motive in his seizing the castle with so much bloodshed?
The Grand Faceless Men Conspiracy
Valar Morghulis. Behind the scenes of it all, the Faceless Men are pulling the strings and manipulating the world to achieve their own end. To what end? As a "death cult," naturally to bring "peace" to all mankind via conspiring with the Others.
Tywin Knew About the Purple Wedding
A bold theory that Tywin knew about the plot to kill Joffrey and let it happen. He viewed Joffrey as incompetent and likely to be as bad a king as Robert and Aerys. Joffrey had already shown he would defy the regent when he foolishly decides to kill Ned, so replacing him with Tommen would allow Tywin to control the realm with better ease.
Targaryan and Blackfyre Alliance Theory
"Black or Red, a dragon is still a dragon." - Illyrio Mopatis
The Great Northern Conspiracy - Part 1 - Part 3 - Part 4
The Northern Lords are aware of Robb Stark's will and are playing Stannis and Ramsey against each other with the goal of crowning Robb's heir-declarant Jon Snow as King in the North
Southron Ambitions
According to Lady Barbrey Dustin, who hates the Starks for first not letting her marry Brandon Stark and then dragging her forced husband into the rebellious war of Robert Baratheon, there's more to Robert's Rebellion than meets the eye. In fact, Lord Rickard Stark was embroiled in a grand conspiracy with the other great houses.
The Northmen Inside Winterfell
Has Mance retaken Winterfell, conspired with Northern Lords, and written the "Pink Letter" to Jon?
Varys and the Antler Men
Varys has the great stabilizer of the status quo? A conspiracy theory that sees Varys has "pruning" the middle class during times of danger in order to maintain the feudal system of Westeros.Revolving around Yohn Royce's recognition of Sansa. Vale lords are moving against LF to take him down.Discussing the possible plot of Maesters of Citadel to eradicate all magic from PlanetosTRUE IDENTITIESThe much discussed and evidenced theory that Jon Snow is not Lord Eddard's bastard, but actually the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark who ran off together to the "Tower of Joy." Lyanna died giving birth to Jon and made Ned promise to protect him. The implications of this theory include that Jon Snow has a greater role to play in the story as a Targaryan, born of Ice and Fire, and potentially Azor Ahai or The Prince That Was Promised.
Howland Reed + Ashara Dayne = Meera & Jojen
"[A] theory... that Ashara Dayne is still alive, living in the Neck, and married to Howland Reed. I believe they met at Harrenhal, fell in love, and married. Meera was conceived almost immediately, and it was a pregnant Ashara who went back to Starfall or King’s Landing—perhaps forcibly sent there by her parents. After the Tower of Joy, Howland picked up Ashara from Starfall, along with their daughter, and went North. The story was put about that Ashara died, and she assumed the name Jyana Reed."
Aerys + Joanna = Tyrion
The hypothesis that Tyrion is actually the bastard son of Aerys Targaryan the Mad King and Joanna Lannister (the wife of Tywin Lannister who was Aerys's Hand), either through rape or love. It is unclear whether Tywin knew about it or suspected it and it is debated as to how it might affect the relationship of Tywin and Tyrion. If true, Tyrion would be half-(albeit bastard)-Targaryan.
The Knight of the Laughing Tree - Potential Identities
While traveling north, Meera Reed tells Bran the tale of the Knight of the Laughing Tree, a mystery knight who showed up at the Tourney of Harrenhal and defeated three knights whose squires had attacked a crannogman (thought to be Howland Reed). It is often thought that the knight is Lyanna Stark in disguise and lends itself to the popular Rhaegar + Lyanna = Jon theory.
Cold Hands is the Night's King
Cold Hands, the mysterious undead "man" who saves Samwell Tarly and brings Bran to the cave, is the Night's King, the 13th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch who fell in love with a woman (who may have been an Other) and declared himself king at the Nightfort.
The Gravedigging Hound
A well laid out analysis of how the briefly mentioned novice gravedigger on the Quiet Isle is actually, as many suspect, Sandor Clegane, aka the Hound.
Beneath the Armor of Ser Robert Strong
The well theorized idea that the true identity of Ser Robert Strong, the newest edition to the Kingsguard and savior of Cersei, is Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain that Rides, as reanimated by Qyborn.
The Golem and the Gravedigger
A more in-depth look at the fates of The Hound and the Mountain and their "resurrections."
Alleras the Sandsnake
A complete analysis of Alleras the Sphinx and "his" true identity as Sarella the Sandsnake, bastard daughter of Prince Oberyn.
Aegon is Legitimate
Contrary to the growing popularity of the (F)aegon theory, this claims Aegon is actually the legitimate Aegon Targaryen
Three-Eyed Crow is Brynden Rivers *CONFIRMED*
Simply that the true identity of the Three-Eyed Crow in the Cave and of Bran's dreams is Brynden Rivers, aka Bloodraven, a legitimized Targaryan bastard who fought as a loyalist against the Blackfyre rebellion.S+B=M; The Identity of Melisandre
A theory that explores the idea of Melisandre being the child of Shiera Seastar and Brynden "Bloodraven" Rivers, the Great Bastards of Aegon IV.
The Green Grace is the Harpy or is it Shavepate?
Some agree that Hizdahr zo Loraq was too obvious a choice and thus wrongly accused by Shavepate and Barristan as being the Harpy and poisoner of Dany. So who else can manipulate the city and has something to gain? The Green Grace most obviously (female as a harpy) or maybe a traitorous Shavepate with a more devious plan.
Is Septa Lemore actually Ashara Dayne, Serra Mopatis, Wenda the White Fawn, Tyene's Mother or Mellario of Norvos
The Sailor's Wife - Littlefinger and Tysha
Tysha, the not-really-a-whore first love and wife of Tyrion Lannister, is the subject of much theorizing after her disappearance post-abuse by Tywin's men. She is much on Tyrion's mind throughout the series, never more so then when he kill's his Tywin whose last words include the answer to where she is as "Wherever whores go." It's possible Tysha is the much talked about "Sailor's Wife" in Braavos, a whore who insists men marry before bedding her. Or possibly the simple answer to "Where do whores go?" is the obvious "Littlefinger's brothels!"The Young Falcon - or the Young Mockingbird?
A discussion of the possibility that Robert Arryn is in fact the son of Lysa Arryn and Petyr Baelish
Septon Chayle is the Hooded Man TWOW Spoilers
The murders in Winterfell were committed by the Spearwives and Big Walder, while the Hooded Man that Theon encounters is Septon Chayle, the little-noted Septon that was supposedly killed when the sea came to Winterfell.
Missandei the Faceless One
A more detailed and supported account of the oft-mentioned theory that Missandei, wise beyond her years, is something other than a simple 11-year-old slave-girl. Rather than an innocent, sweet handmaiden, the theory posits that she is a dedicated faceless man/woman (and possibly a descendant of the Children of the Forest), which would go along way to explain her knowledge, abilities, and influence over Dany.Lem Lemoncloak = Richard Lonmouth
One of many discussions regarding the identity of Young Griff who claims to be Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. Instead of being who he claims to be, Aegon is in fact the Blackfyre pretender, boy raised to believe he is something he is not.
Illyrio Blackfyre + Serra Brightflame = Young Griff
MYSTERIES
The Hooded Man of Winterfell
Theon runs into a mysterious hooded figure while at the Bolton's Winterfell who is very possibly the Ghost of Winterfell responsible for at least some of the unexplained murders happening. But Who is this man that recognizes Theon as "kinslayer?" (Note: The link is to a particularly helpful post in the thread - see the full thread for more discussion.)
Hatching a Dragon: A Summerhall Theory
How visions and prophecies of "dragons" refer not to the fire-breathing beast, but to those of "Targaryen" lineage. Such a shift in interpretation could have major effects on the understanding of major prophecies like Azor Ahai and the Prince that was Promised.
The Drowned King and the Faceless Crow
A complete analysis of whether or not King Balon Greyjoy was murdered by a faceless man, hired by his brother Euron Greyjoy.
Oberyn Poisoned Tywin - There's Something Rotten in King's Landing
A rundown of the evidence that Oberyn Martell had managed to poison Tywin Lannister with the substance known as "Widow's Blood" and subsequent discussion.
Syrio Forel, Alive and Full-Faced from the Never-Ending Fight
Syrio, Arya's "dancing" teacher in King's Landing, is oft inferred dead but presumed living either through escaping Ser Trant or as the faceless man from the black cells,Jaqen H'ghar (the latter being said by many as impossible due to the timing of events). As the former First Sword of Braavos, Syrio's incredible skill and speed enabled him to dispatch the guardsmen and endure an unending battle against Trant until he gave up.
The Pyre Revisited
A reexamination of what transpired on that fateful day when Dany entered the bonfire of Drogo's funeral pyre and emerged The Mother of Dragons. GRRM himself has revealed that Targaryens are not fire-proof, so how exactly did she emerge unscathed? Perhaps it was actually the witch, Mirri Maz Duur, and her wailing gone-wrong that changed the course of history and saved Dany from a foolish mistake.
Shireen's True Purpose
With Jon stabbed and dying/dead at the Wall and many of us readers convinced of Jon's greater importance and role to play in the story, he must be returned from the brink of death in some manner. This theory suggests Melisandre will invoke blood magic and sacrifice Shireen to use her royal blood as the medium with which to bring back Jon.ANALYSES
Winterfell Huis Clos - A True Queen - The Black Bat - The Princes of Dorne
A remarkable amount of analysis from Branvras on the topics of Theon in Winterfell, the hidden importance of matrilineal lineage (Stark and Tully), and Quentyn Martell's foolhardy quest. Winterfell Huis Clos (Sartre's "No Exit") is a must read perspective on the cliffhanging validity of the letters from Winterfell at the end of ADWD.
Ice and Fire Assessment/Theory
A "Look at the Valyrians and First Men and a speculation of their history and purpose," the dualism and parallels between the two, and the inevitable clashes that have shaped the history of men.
From Pawn to Player: Rethinking Sansa (RESOURCES)
An amazingly extensive analysis of Sansa Stark and her roles and relationships in the world from Princess-to-be to UnKiss to Alayne Stone.
If It's Chains You Want, Come With Me...
A look at all things happening around the Citadel from the Sphinx to Jaqen H'Ghar
North is No Place for a Blackfish
An analysis of the whereabouts of Brynden Tully after having escaped the siege at Riverrun
The Mastermind and the Gold Digger
An expose and comparison of the backstory, persona, modus operandi, and endgame of Varys and Littlefinger.
Drawing Blood from a Bolton
An extensive look at the Boltons and their odd views on blood and life. It is hypothesized that the Boltons are the product of the Night's King and his Other bride, while Roose is specifically after some form of ice magic (that may have initially corrupted the Others).
Mocking Bird: The Petyr Baelish Story
As High as Honor - Tyrion, Tyrell, Tully - Along Came a Spider
An extensive, three-part analysis of the great schemer Lord Petyr Baelish from his ascent to the Eyrie to his dealings with Varys.
The Mad Genius of Petyr Baelish
Another detailed analysis of the mind of Petyr Baelish and the machinations that makes him one of the great champions of chaos in WesterosIce and fire animal project: Wolves, Lions, Stags
An extensive analysis about animal symbolism in ASOIAF.
She-wolves of Winterfell: Analyzing Northern women
Adjacent project of Animal project focusing on Northern women, including three Stark women - Lyanna, Sansa and Arya
Foreshadowing and symbolism in Sansa's Snow castle scene
An analysis about snow castle Sansa builds in Eyrie with all the scenarios and interpretations the scene might have hinted to us.
Danerys Targaryen: Agent of change
Discussion about the impact of Daenerys Targaryen and her possible role in the Westerosi future
Analysis about RR being legally justifiable
Analysis that helps us determining the Stark triangle dynamics
measured look at the wisdom of Catelyn's arrest of Tyrion
Sansa+Ned: What's the difference?
Comparative analysis of Sansa's and Ned's path in AGOT, focusing on introductory characters biases
Examining the priests, beliefs and method of Faith of R'hllor
Analysis of Varys' conversation with Kevan during Kevan's last moments.
Comprehensive analysis about classical elements (fire, water, air and earth) and their use in ASOIAF
Rhaegar and Lyanna: What do we really know?
A look at the knowns and even more numerous unknowns of the details of Rhaegar and Lyanna during the Rebellion
The Lordly Lion: A Series of Essays Discussing Tywin Lannister
PROPHECIES
Lightbringer is the Night's Watch
The legend of Azor Ahai's sword, known as Lightbringer, used to defeat the Others is a metaphor. Lightbringer is actually the Night's Watch, wielded by Azor Ahai reborn, Jon Snow, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.The prophecy's interpretation of Jon Snow being the Lightbringer.
An interpretation of the prophecy suggesting that Three headed dragon is not 3 person, but one - Jon Snow.
House of the Undying and Red wedding
Detailed analysis of the vision in House of the Undying that is taken to be foreshadowing Red wedding
OTHER TOPICS
The Wall, the Watch, and a Hersey - Heresy 38
The first and most recent topics in the incredible line of heresy threads. "Its an eclectic thread all about challenging orthodoxy, as we try to figure out what’s really going on not in the Game of Thrones but the over-arching Game of Ice and Fire." By rejecting the orthodox views on certain ideas and theories, new understanding may come to light regarding the great questions of the series.
Jon Snow at the Crossroads of Resurrection Mythology
Sometimes answers to the mysteries of the Song are aided by understanding where GRRM's mind has borrowed his ideas from. The mythology of many cultures are admittedly woven into the Song and Jon Snow may be at the heart of much of it.
Patchface Project
For that prophetic fool who hangs around Stannis's court, a thread devoted to answering his mysteries (including foreseeing the Red Wedding) by starting from only the facts that are known.
Night's King - A Turn From Fire to Ice: The Story of Stannis Baratheon *WARNING: TWOW SPOILER*
...Or will Stannis turn away from fire to ice be the Night's King Reborn?
Heresy of the Night's King
Some information and observations about the Night's King from the heretics.
Sansa, The Hound, Brienne and The Valonquar
Marriages, Battles, Murders... When plot-lines collide in Westeros: a fight between the Vale and Harrenhal, a wedding between Sansa and Harry the Heir, the Brotherhood without Banners, Jamie and Brienne and UnCat...
A Big ol' Theory of Dorne and Aegon
A series of conclusions and thoughts trying to reconcile the seemingly useless goings-on of the Dornish (Quentyn Martell and Gerold Dayne, Darkstar) and Varys's unnecessary lie to Ser Kevan Lannister as he lay dying about Aegon's return (if Aegon is really a Blackfyre).
Heir to the North: Jeyne's Hips Don't Lie? (NOTE: The discrepency in anatomy has been corrected in foreign editions.)
The case for Robb Stark's son and rightful heir to the North via Jeyne Westerling. iIn large part the theory is prompted by two different descriptions of Jeyne's anatomy, once from Catelyn as having good birthing hips and once from Jamie as having narrow hips.
The Others and the Children
The two sides north of the Wall are actually "cousins," according to the Theory, two sides of a coin. During their conflict with the First Men, the Children embraced nature while the Others abandoned it for the icy tundras of the deep north and turned to warging to raise an army of undead. Note: GRRM has described the Others as inhuman, elegant, and dangerous, but also opposes creating characters of pure evil.
Jojen Paste
A slightly gruesome theory that Jojen was ground up into the paste that Bran ate while in the Cave with Leaf, a Child of the Forest, and the Three-Eyed Crow. Bran reckons the paste tastes like blood and afterwards he is unable to find the Reeds (while Jojen has had an impending sense of doomWho Will be the Faith's Champion?
A discussion of potential candidates to face Ser Robert Strong in Cersei's trial by combat
Warrior's Sons, Knight-Assassins, and a Trial by Magic
What is the true purpose of the religious order of knights described as holy men, ascetics, fanatics, sorcerers, dragonslayers, and demonhunters. A new force of power has entered the world of Westeros and its enemies are all things not-Seven.
Rhaegar Targaryen: Early passion for the Lord of Light, Foul Play at Harrenhal, The Spearwife Princess
The great prince Rhaegar has been the subject of much discussion regarding his kidnapping or courtship of Lyanna, but the man may have hid other secrets as well. He turned from the Seven and embraced the Red God, emblazoning rubies on his armor during the Tourney at Harrenhal so that none might touch him.
Roose Bolton and the Fate of Domeric - Roose Bolton and the Last Day in Harrenhal - Roose Bolton and Lady Dustin
Three theories surrounding Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort. Is he a sorcerer, responsible for his son, Domeric Bolton's, death, and in fact allied with Lady Dustin?
A Unifying Theory of Magic
Lies and Arbor GoldRundown of Dance of Dragons 2.0: Part I and Part II
In-depth theory about how Second dance of dragons will revolve between Daenerys and Aegon.
Theory about Sansa claiming Harrenhal and forming House Stark of Harrenhal
Olenna's Targaryen Prince: Duncan the Small
WESTEROS.ORG PROJECTS AND LINKS
REREAD THREADS:
Daenerys Stormborn Reread project
Becoming No one: Arya reread project
The Last King's Man: Davos reread project
OTHER RUNNING THREADS/WESTEROS.ORG SUBSECTIONS:
MOMENTS OF FORESHADOWING (PREVIOUS EDITIONS)
CITADEL: FAQ (ANSWERED QUESTIONS FROM THE BOOK SERIES)
CITADEL: SO SPAKE MARTIN (abbreviated: SSM, compendium of GRRM's interviews, fan correspondences etc.)
ABBREVIATION TRANSLATION FOR NOOBS
SMALL QUESTIONS - CURRENT EDITION (a thread where you can ask all the questions regarding ASOIAF)
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See this thread regarding sample chapters.
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As you were.
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Here's a story from the latest collection, if you haven't read anything of hers before.
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A few weeks ago I joined a forum focused on world literature, and I was amazed today at the level of sexism I saw there after Munro was announced. Let me just say how much I appreciate you posters on this subforum.
Was it a forum full of David Gilmour and alts? It was probably insufficient white straight male for him.
I too am glad that the Nobel committee endorsed the short story form with this award. They are much harder to write than people give them credit for.
eta: Douglas Gibson, Munro's longtime editor, at one point told her to keep on with short stories although everybody else was telling her to write novels. He is very, very happy for her today. :)
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Alice Munro's win was very nice news to wake up to. Her daughter called her at 4am to let her know, apparently, followed right afterwards by the CBC. She was pretty chirpy about it, although awoken in the middle of the night. :)
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Alice Munro has announced she's retiring from writing. Time to give her an honourary Oscar, so to speak?
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Multiquote still works even when the board is running in performance mode.
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Actually, changing avatars may be turned off right now if the board is running in performance mode. This will be happening on and off while season three is airing. Viewing profiles and view new content are some of the first to go too.
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Seems to be back up again now.
Kay being Kay, supernatural aspects will be kicking in sooner or later.
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I have to agree with beniowa, you're really lucky. I love Kay and I loved the Prairie Ink/McNally when I visited last summer. Both together should be awesome.
They are; last time I stood upstairs in the children's section to listen to Kay read then went downstairs to get my copy signed.
If you wander through Winnipeg again, PM me. I always enjoy a trip to McNally's. :)
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Oh, go on then.
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You lucky duck.
When's your birthday again? :)
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I liked Under Heaven and am looking forward to River of Stars, but I am an unabashed Kay fan. He's signing it here in April, as he always comes to Winnipeg for a special hometown launch.
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All of them look great, Mike! Hard to choose one.
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I had a couple of fabric tears from heavy jewellery before I learned that some materials really won't hold much weight. :( Will be interested to see what you come up with as a design.
Names: My newspaper column: now featuring The Old Man and the most famous spouse of witch
in General Chatter
Posted · Edited by Angalin
Thanks for the updated thread, Ormond!
I have a follow-up question to Baita's genealogical query, which maybe other people can help me with too. Ages ago I created a family tree on Geni and the site sends me notices of possible matches between my family tree and others, often based on names and similar dates/places. Sometimes the names will be a little different: is that more likely to happen because of inconsistent records or from family use of nicknames?
eta: I love the name Eleanor and am glad it's back! Seeing The Lion in Winter on Saturday afternoon tv when I was young left me in awe of both queen and Kate Hepburn.
Ormond, have you ever written about the name Mark and its variants? I searched the newspaper's site but couldn't find anything.