I will heartily second all of this.

I will also say that I believe this show has brought me close to tears more often than any other show. And I don't think I tear up easily, although maybe I tear up more now that I'm older, or something. Life is pain. Life is beauty.

I've read some of your posts about it. I just ... I don't really like anime.

Don't let this stop you, honestly. If you don't like animation at all, then, well, I suppose that's a large hurdle, but I'm not a big anime person either. One of my newbies is, however, and she remarked that "it's like anime, but with a coherent storyline!" The anime title comes from the Chinese/Japanese-style setting/names/character design (although they borrow from a lot of Eastern traditions and philosophies) and the general focus on nature and spirituality. Also, there are wacky animals.

And Ben just told me airily I would never understand it if I hadn't watched from the beginning.

This is rather true because the show is very continuity-heavy. It's one big long story that's been extremely well planned out. My first episode was in the middle of season two, though, and while I didn't really understand all of what was going on, I was sufficiently entertained to keep watching.

What this means for me, a walker? I get to stay to the end of the day!!

See, this seems backasswards to me. If you've got to walk in it, they should let you walk when there are only a few inches to slog through, not 22. Especially because they'll clear roads before sidewalks.

Are you planning your snow fort?

I'm missing snow a bit now.

I'm getting annoyed by my cube-neighbor arguing with her mother about her wedding (the neighbor's). It's better than her fighting with her fiance, I suppose.

But really? I want Tim Horton's, like, NOW. Must... have... Timbits....

Are you planning your snow fort?

I'm planning sitting inside curled up with my kitties and a cup of tea. I have a sneaking suspicion that after walking home in the snow, I may not feel like playing in it.

Also, there are wacky animals.

Not like Pokemon, though, right?

I have a sneaking suspicion that after walking home in the snow, I may not feel like playing in it.

And being kind to your poor frozen feet, I hope. That sucks, libkitty.

Not like Pokemon, though, right?

Oh, no! They're all hybrids, like platypus bears and ostrich horses and catfish alligators. It's fun.

Seriously, it's not as cracked-out as the popular conception of anime. It's an American show, and the creators' previous work includes Futurama, Family Guy, and King of the Hill. The head writer worked on Mission Hill. This all means it's hilarious as hell.

Also, Jason Isaacs voices one of the recurring "Avatar" villains.

As does Mark Hamill.

And Mae Whitman of Arrested Development fame voices the female lead.

Oh good grief. That sealed it. I just bought Avatar off Amazon.

Avatar off Amazon. (I just wanted to repeat that phrase.)

I bought Book 1 - was that the right thing to start with?

punctuation break:

{{vw}} i don't know what happened, but you are amazing and strong and it will be all right

~ma for Miracleman, who won't really need it, because his former employers are stoopid and will soon be very sorry.

It's an American show, and the creators' previous work includes Futurama, Family Guy, and King of the Hill. The head writer worked on Mission Hill. This all means it's hilarious as hell.

Anne and P-C are pimptastic when they're double-teaming! I'll watch it with Ben tomorrow and report back.

Jason Isaacs is Malfoy Sr., right?