I just want to make sure that we're all on the same page about how annoying it is to hear someone say "It is what it is," because at the end of the day all we can do is think outside the box and figure out a way to monetize our annoyance so it impacts real Americans while staying on message.

The world looks mighty good to me . . . and I don't even like Tootsie rolls.

It looks like about twenty different scary things. I'm wondering if it's possible to see anything other than scary things---vampire bats, biting beetles, demonic face masks of serial killers---in Rorschach blots, or if that's just me.

This question makes me feel hungry and indecisive all at the same time. I was going to say Mexican or Indian, because of the greater variety of gluten-free options, but then I remembered how much I like fresh vegetables, and that the Italians also have risotto and polenta in addition to all those vegetables, cured meats, roasts, and fresh fruit desserts, so I will have to side with the majority on this one: Italian.

It is impossible to pick just one, because let's face it, ladies are good at finding out stuff.

Early role models: Harriet the Spy, Nancy Drew, and Trixie Belden.

TV inspirations: Veronica Mars, Laura Holt (the brains behind Remington Steele), all the Charlie's Angels, Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson, and Sam from Foyle's War.

Grown-up mystery series: Harriet Vane, Miss Marple, Stephanie Plum, and Thursday Next.

And of course, the No. 1 Lady Detective: Mma Precious Ramotswe.

I think there can be no argument that Biscuit is the cutest dog in the history of dogdom:

This is a hard one---berets, the best national anthem ever, that certain je ne sais quoi---but I'm going to have to go with steak frites. Or steak frites plus that salad with the poached egg and lardons. And a glass of rosé. Followed by a tarte tatin for dessert.

Coach Taylor and Tami Taylor; President Roslin and Admiral Adama; Sheriff Bullock and Mrs. Garrett; Tony Soprano and the one-legged Russian woman.

Oh there are so many little threads to tug that could tighten up the whole enterprise. Eat out less, buy fewer clothes/books/cute things, drink less wine, etc etc etc. While I admire the spirit of W. Hodding Carter's experiment in extreme frugality, I lack the discipline to enact my own.

I am in love with this cylon toaster oven. If only I had room for a toaster, or ate toast. Ideally the toaster would play the theme music while toasting.