Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

It's now time to get ready to vote for our next set of prompts! The thread will be open for at least 24 hours before the poll gets posted. This is a good opportunity to ask any question you may have regarding the prompts, do some research, or ask for recommendations.

Voting will open in the morning of Wednesday, August 19 and results will be posted in the morning of Sunday, August 23 (CST time).

How it works:
- When the voting opens, follow the link to the mini-poll that will be added at the end of this post
- You have a total of 8 votes this poll to spread across your favorite and least favorite prompts (you can also use less than 8 votes)
- You can find examples of acceptable voting practices on the Introduction thread.
- The prompts with the more favorable votes (comparing top votes to bottom votes, and looking at the overall number of votes it received) will be added to the final list

We are asking people to include their Goodreads profile address when they vote. To find this, just go to your own profile and then copy the URL/web address. If for some reason you can't link to your Goodreads profile, please post your full Goodreads name with enough identifiable information that we'll be able to access your profile.

Poll Prompts:
1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book
2. A book about a woman who is fighting for Women's Rights
3. A book that features any holiday except Christmas
4. A microhistory
5. A book featuring a character who interacts with animals
6. A book with a character who is disabled, a wild animal, or from Seattle, in honor of Jimothy, the internet-famous raccoon
7. A book that makes you think “this can’t end well”
8. A book that is set in the stars
9. A book that involves connection and community
10. A book that features temporary accommodation
11. A book that is a collection
12. A book with a stormy cover
13. A book with a character who is “in the cards”
14. A book set in Asia
15. A book set in a national park

Feel free to discuss the prompts below, but please remember to be respectful to the other group members.

Vote here: https://forms.gle/NiLaA4mj5gc9dMjH9
NOTE: We will not have the ability to contact anyone who misvotes. Please be sure to check your voting before submitting.

THOUGHTS AND IDEAS FROM THE SUGGESTIONS THREAD

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book

2. A book about a woman who is fighting for Women's Rights
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...

3. A book that features any holiday except Christmas
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

4. A microhistory
According to Wikipedia: "Microhistory is a genre of history that focuses on small units of research, such as an event, community, individual or a settlement. According to Charles Joyner microhistory differs from case studies in that microhistory aspires to "[ask] large questions in small places". It is closely associated with social and cultural history.""

The microhistory could be fiction or non-fiction.

Microhistory shelf:https://www.goodreads.com/genres/micr...
Non-fiction listopia: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Fiction listopia: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...

5. A book featuring a character who interacts with animals

6. A book with a character who is disabled, a wild animal, or from Seattle, in honor of Jimothy, the internet-famous raccoon
How many of you are familiar with ""Jimothy"", the raccoon who looks different because he was born with a spinal deformity? He seems to be well loved by those who are familiar with him. He lives in the Seattle area.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-...

I was just listening to a podcast episode about him a few days ago (https://radiolab.org/podcast/the-jimo...). Besides being beloved, he seems to have become a mascot for the disability community.

I was thinking it might be fun to base a prompt on him (well, actually, his gender has not yet been confirmed).

7. A book that makes you think “this can’t end well”
Examples
Bel Canto (captives bonding with terrorists)
Lemonade in Winter (kids decide to have lemonade stand outside in winter)
Bad Kid (troubled teen gets sent to boot camp)

8. A book that is set in the stars
“Stars” can either be a book set in space, or something in the realm of movie-making or lives of movie stars.
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

9. A book that involves connection and community
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...

10. A book that features temporary accommodation
Prison: https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/pr...
Holidays/Vacations: https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/hotel
Military Manoeuvres: https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/mi...
Refugees: https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/re...
Space Travel: https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/sp...

11. A book that is a collection
short story, poetry, essay, etc

12. A book with a stormy cover
Lightning: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Storm in the title- NOT all books will work, but many do: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

13. A book with a character who is “in the cards”
This could be a King, Queen, Jack, Ace, Wand maker), Heart surgeon, Matchmaker, Diamond seller, Gardener (uses a spade), gambler, tarot reader, sells or writes greeting cards, etc.

14. A book set in Asia
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/asia

15. A book set in a national park
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/na...

Lots of really fun ones in here, and none that I would hate to see end up on next year's list. I hope we get multiple new prompts out of this bunch.

Hi,

The examples dropped off from suggestion 10. Could they be put back into message 2? I’ve copied the original suggestion below:

A book that features temporary accommodation

This could include:

Prison
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/pr...

Holidays/Vacations
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/hotel

Military Manoeuvres
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/mi...

Refugees
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/re...

Space Travel
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/sp...

I know that a lot of these are repeats - holiday that isn't Christmas, collections, set in Asia, and character in the cards (both deck of cards and tarot cards), but they are all easy prompts that I would have no trouble finding a book for. So, I wouldn't mind doing any of them again.

Women's rights and a book that makes you think “this can’t end well” are my favourite new prompts. This is going to be hard to vote.

I actually like - more or less - all the suggestions! It will be so difficult to vote!
My favourites are:
Woman who is fighting for Women's rights (well, my own suggestion)
Microhistory - I know this one has circled through the years but as far as I remember it has never made it. I've loved this since the first time it was mentioned.
Features temporary accommodation - there are so many possibilities for this one
Collections - I just love short story collections.
Set in Asia - I really, really love Japanese books.
A character from a deck of cards, if it's for example a Tarot Card there are so many fascinating characters to choose from

#13 A character who is “in the cards”

Could also be interpreted as someone “destined”, aka a “chosen one”, fated mates, etc.

More character options: an “Old Maid”, a Joker, someone who collects cards and/or plays or competes in card games, including fantasy deck tournaments.

I was hoping for global inclusivity when I suggested "set in national parks"; happily, I've found that only eight countries (according to one list, https://mossandfog.com/the-only-count...) lack them. Of these, five have preserves or other protected areas. The only three that apparently lack any areas so designated are San Marino, Vatican City and Somalia.

Nancy R. wrote: "I was hoping for global inclusivity when I suggested "set in national parks"; happily, I've found that only eight countries (according to one list, https://mossandfog.com/the-only-count...-..."

That is actually very interesting facts. But are there many books set in them to choose from? I have to Google to see if there's any books set in one of the national parks in Sweden, I think I can recall that I no of one thriller.

Edit: Yes, there is! Sarek and even translated to English The Couples Trip by Ulf Kvensler. Sarek is the most famous national park in Sweden. I will link to photos.

Sarek
https://www.google.com/search?client=...

Sarek is known as the last true wilderness in Europe and is one of the oldest national parks in Europe, founded 1909.

Nike wrote: "Sarek
https://www.google.com/search?client=......"
Another set in Sarek: Observatoriet. It may be available only in Swedish. The setting is a meteorological observatory at the top of Pårtetjåkko, a mountain in the park. It's the first book by author Mats Söderlund.
The Couples Trip sounds intriguing.

I really like this list - so many good choices! I do think, though, that
# 9 - set in a national park is probably covered by the non urban landscape prompt from poll 8.

My very favorites are:
4. A microhistory
10. A book that features temporary accommodation
12. A book with a stormy cover
13. A book with a character who is “in the cards”
14. A book set in Asia

Every time I see the phrase "temporary accommodation" I think of student IEP's (Individualized Educational Plans) and the list of student accommodations like extended time on task, note takers / note readers, calculators, alternate test locations...there's others, but most are non-applicable for my class.

Nancy R. wrote: "Nike wrote: "Sarek
https://www.google.com/search?client=......"

Thank you, it seems like an interesting book about solitude and isolation.

#8 Set in the stars could also be set at an observatory or planetarium, if such a book exists. I seem to recall a book in which characters visited one or the other, but I don't remember anything else about it that would be handy, like title, author. or even genre.

Vicki wrote: "#8 Set in the stars could also be set at an observatory or planetarium, if such a book exists. I seem to recall a book in which characters visited one or the other, but I don't remember anything el..."

I've read at least one book where an observatory and /or planetarium was a main setting within the book.

Perhaps some nonfiction would work The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars

Overall, none of these prompt excite me so I don't believe I will have many, if any, up votes:

When we had the prompt to read a holiday book that isn't about Christmas, I remember having a difficult time finding a book that I hadn't already read. I will probably vote this one down.

I can't wrap my head around "A book with a character who is disabled, a wild animal, or from Seattle, in honor of Jimothy, the internet-famous raccoon"; therefore, will be voting this one down.

Prompts like "a book that makes you think “this can’t end well”" are difficult to plan for since I don't really know this until I am into the book.

I'm on the fence regarding a book set in a national park; I need to do some digging to see if there is one that interest me. Probably will vote this one down unless I find one. I don't want to read another Anna Pigeon mystery since this seems to be my fallback.

First thoughts:

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book
Neutral or maybe up. I do like an attractive book.

2. A book about a woman who is fighting for Women's Rights
Maybe. This is a lot more narrow that the previous female rage prompt. I'll have to think on it.

3. A book that features any holiday except Christmas
Quite possibly. I do like a good Halloween-centric book. Of course, knowing me, I'll probably just read the novelization of Halloween, lol.

4. A microhistory
Strong maybe.

5. A book featuring a character who interacts with animals
We need more character prompts, so probably.

6. A book with a character who is disabled, a wild animal, or from Seattle, in honor of Jimothy, the internet-famous raccoon
We need more character prompts, but the reference is lost on me.

7. A book that makes you think “this can’t end well”
Neutral

8. A book that is set in the stars
I feel like we already have a lot of setting prompts.

9. A book that involves connection and community
I don't know.

10. A book that features temporary accommodation
I don't know.

11. A book that is a collection
Up. I have lots of things like this.

12. A book with a stormy cover
Maybe.

13. A book with a character who is “in the cards”
Maybe. I feel like we had something like this not long ago.

14. A book set in Asia
Again, I feel like we have a lot of setting prompts. I have things that would work, though.

15. A book set in a national park
Probably not. I remember having trouble with a prompt like this before.

John wrote: "Overall, none of these prompt excite me so I don't believe I will have many, if any, up votes:

When we had the prompt to read a holiday book that isn't about Christmas, I remember having a difficu..."

I feel the same way.

Nike wrote: "Sarek
https://www.google.com/search?client=......"

What a beautiful place!

I have to admit, though, that my first thought when I heard the name was of Spock's father on Star Trek. And I see from the image collection that I wasn't the only one!

If anyone wants something urban set in a national park, try Firewatching by Russ Thomas. It takes place around Hope, a village in the Peak District National Park, and in Sheffield, which is one of the largest cities in the UK and is partially in the Park.

British national parks are not like US national parks, they are full of villages and are close to towns and cities, there are plenty of books that centre life in the villages instead of focusing on the "wilderness" (although the fictional versions can be a bit murderery!).

Marie wrote: "If anyone wants something urban set in a national park, try Firewatching by Russ Thomas. It takes place around Hope, a village in the Peak District National Park, ..."

The Gateway Arch National Park is right in the heart of St. Louis MO

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book

Doesn't work for me since all my books are on Kindle

Marie wrote: "If anyone wants something urban set in a national park, try Firewatching by Russ Thomas. It takes place around Hope, a village in the Peak District National Park, ..."
You've inspired me, Marie. A list of books set in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland:
https://www.goodreads.com/places/4899...

Robin H-R wrote: "1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book

Doesn't work for me since all ..."

Same for people who use audiobooks. I do read a lot on paper but rarely notice details like this.

Another set of temporary accommodation I forgot to include is healthcare settings - hospital, rehab, some care homes, maternity homes etc.

Oh, and boarding schools and colleges.

Robin H-R wrote: "1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book

Doesn't work for me since all ..."

Even if I'm reading the dead tree version, I'm often not looking at the actual book when I choose a book, since I go through the web page and have the books routed to my local branch library.

First impressions:

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book - This might be nitpicking, but I really dislike how wordy this one is and that kind of puts me off

2. A book about a woman who is fighting for Women's Rights - Maybe, but I strongly preferred the women's rage version

3. A book that features any holiday except Christmas - Probably a downvote. I've done Christmas and non-Christmas holiday-related prompts too many times, I'd prefer something new

4. A microhistory - Downvote. I've never been a fan of this, but I'm sure I could find something if I had to

5. A book featuring a character who interacts with animals - Maybe, but not sure I like it strongly enough to vote for it

6. A book with a character who is disabled, a wild animal, or from Seattle, in honor of Jimothy, the internet-famous raccoon - As much as I enjoy disability-related prompts, I think the Jimothy reference is a bit too niche for me and this mashes too many completely different things together

7. A book that makes you think “this can’t end well” - Love this! Definitely an upvote

8. A book that is set in the stars - A strong maybe, if I have enough books that I think could fit

9. A book that involves connection and community - I really like this one too. I have quite a few books about communities banding together to save the local bookshop, cafe, etc. so that could work

10. A book that features temporary accommodation - I also really like this one, but I'd need to look into my options a bit

11. A book that is a collection - Probably a downvote, just because I've had this/similar prompts many times before

12. A book with a stormy cover - Love it! Desfinitely an upvote

13. A book with a character who is “in the cards” - Somehow missed this one in the suggestion thread, but I really like it

14. A book set in Asia - Meh, I generally like this but I think we have plenty of setting prompts already

15. A book set in a national park - I don't so many setting prompts, and I also find this one especially limiting so likely a downvote

Nancy R. wrote: "I was hoping for global inclusivity when I suggested "set in national parks"; happily, I've found that only eight countries (according to one list, https://mossandfog.com/the-only-count...-..."

Not like Vatican City has the space for one....

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book

Downvote- I need to spend less on books and I donate after I read so no need to buy these editions. I only keep if I will reread.

2. A book about a woman who is fighting for Women's Rights
Neutral

3. A book that features any holiday except Christmas
Neutral- would have upvoted in a different week

4. A microhistory
Neutral

5. A book featuring a character who interacts with animals
Neutral

6. A book with a character who is disabled, a wild animal, or from
Seattle, in honor of Jimothy, the internet-famous raccoon
Up- I don't know Jimothy but this is quirky and will be fun to scavenger hunt

7. A book that makes you think “this can’t end well”
Down- too hard to know ahead of time

8. A book that is set in the stars
Up- I just love space books and have a lot on my tbr

9. A book that involves connection and community
Down

10. A book that features temporary accommodation
Down- the wording just bothers me..i dont know why.

11. A book that is a collection
Up- i have several I want to read and always skip over

12. A book with a stormy cover
Neutral

13. A book with a character who is “in the cards”
Neutral

14. A book set in Asia
Neutral

15. A book set in a national park
Down- we already have set in a non urban area

Marie wrote: "If anyone wants something urban set in a national park, try Firewatching by Russ Thomas. It takes place around Hope, a village in the Peak District National Park, ..."

There are plenty of urban US national parks-- the Mall in DC, Independence National Park in Philadelphia, NYC has a bunch including Stonewall... even my little city has one which include The Custom House, famed as the introduction to the Scarlet Letter.

Robin H-R wrote: "1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book

Doesn't work for me since all ..."

While you could do it not in a dead tree book, the qualifier "attracts you to the book" does seem to make it difficult. I don't mind cover prompts cause I can use listopias, but the attraction element seems something that can't be found in a listopia.

Oh dear, I probably sound awfully cranky. Sorry in advance.

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book - I find this awfully wordy tbh (much less that I personally don't care about special designs but I could work with it if I really have to)
2. A book about a woman who is fighting for Women's Rights - I probably could find something I just don't look out for it in general
3. A book that features any holiday except Christmas - Probably staying neutral
4. A microhistory - I could work with it, but not sure if I want to use a vote on it
5. A book featuring a character who interacts with animals - It's not like I don't like animals but I'm probably too less of a pet person to really see the appeal
6. A book with a character who is disabled, a wild animal, or from Seattle, in honor of Jimothy, the internet-famous raccoon - This looks quite interesting
7. A book that makes you think “this can’t end well” - That's an interesting take tbh
8. A book that is set in the stars - Currently not a fan, but might stay neutral
9. A book that involves connection and community - I'm not sure if I really get this one (I simply might be too tired though)
10. A book that features temporary accommodation - Could be interesting, neutral for now
11. A book that is a collection - Doable
12. A book with a stormy cover - Not really feeling it, but might stay neutral
13. A book with a character who is “in the cards” - I somehow like this
14. A book set in Asia - Easily doable as I read a lot of mangas and novels set in either Japan or South Korea
15. A book set in a national park - Not really into it, and it does remind me of the non-urban one that just got in

Dixie wrote: "Nike wrote: "Sarek
https://www.google.com/search?client=......"

Oh, since I haven't watched Star Trek more than one or two episodes I don't know their names. So Sarek is in the series, Lol!

The national park Sarek comes from the name of a mountain there called Sarektjåkkå, a Sami name of the mountain.

Rachel wrote: "First impressions:

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book - This mig..."

The Woman who is fighting for women's rights is not another version of women's rage though.

Since we need more character prompts I first proposed a book about a woman dealing with forced abortion, or not getting allowed to have an abortion and matters like that. Since this can be a very sensitive subject to some I reworded it and that also makes it broader.

The women's rage was a totally different suggestion by another participant and I don't see view them as two similar promt suggestions. A woman can be furious for many things, it can be against a school system that breaks down her kid with asperger, it can be wrath against industries spewing out poison in a water system or raging against other environmental disasters (like Erin Brokowich), it can be her raging against so many other things that doesn't involve women's rights at all.

Marie M. wrote: "Every time I see the phrase "temporary accommodation" I think of student IEP's (Individualized Educational Plans) and the list of student accommodations like extended time on task, note takers / no..."

I think about the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Act as I used to be our school district's homeless liaison. (Primarily the reason I read for escapism...I've seen too much over 30+ years in education)

My favorite prompt was microhistory since a list with fiction options was added. I like quirky topics so I would have upvoted it anyway, but fiction just sent it over the edge. I think of it as a type of historical fiction.

I also upvoted set in Asia. Generally, I dislike geography prompts but since I finished War & Peace and Anna Karenina, I'm ready to dive into Dostoyevsky.

Many of the other suggestions were repeats that I can use to check off series entries if they win, so I left those neutral. I also left #1 neutral because I mainly read thru Libby. If it wins, I may wildcard it in favor of a rejected prompt since covers are designed to get your attention.

Pamela wrote: "There are plenty of urban US national parks-- the Mall in DC, Independence National Park in Philadelphia, NYC has a bunch including Stonewall... even my little city has one which include The Custom House, famed as the introduction to the Scarlet Letter."

That's great to know, it gives different options that separate it from the "non-urban" prompt. I think everyone's first reaction to a National Park is to think of somewhere like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. I've been to the Mall in DC, Independence in Philadelphia and Gateway Arch in St Louis and didn't even register that they were national parks - I think I even have a Gateway Arch National Park t-shirt and didn't make the connection :)

John wrote: "Overall, none of these prompt excite me so I don't believe I will have many, if any, up votes:

When we had the prompt to read a holiday book that isn't about Christmas, I remember having a difficu..."

Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon is an interesting nonfiction book set in a national park, as is The Last Season.

Robin H-R wrote: "1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the book

Doesn't work for me since all ..."

Doesn't work for me, either. I don't like to choose my books based on things like this even if they look cool :)

I can understand being attracted to those books. I did pick up and admire some fancy books with sprayed edges at the book sale this summer, but I certainly didn't buy them because they were all popular books that the library has. I don't buy books to just sit there and look pretty. I do have an entire shelf of books in the living room bought just so the authors could sign them.

Nike wrote: "Rachel wrote: "First impressions:

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element that attracts you to the ..."

I understand they are separate things! I just liked the other prompt better, personally.

Despite the fact that I liked many of these prompts, I ended up going only 2 up and 6 down. When it came time to put my votes in, I realized there were only 2 that I really strongly wanted, a bunch I'd be okay with, and many that I either actively don't want or just have done too many times before.

5 Up, 3 Down

My favorite prompts that I haven't seen before are:

7. A book that makes you think “this can’t end well”—because it just has the feel of a good story on its way, and

9. A book that involves connection and community—because these are some of my favorite kind of stories.

Some links for ideas to the first prompt.

1. A book with a cover featuring foil, metallic lettering, sprayed edges, embossing, unusual texture, or another special design element.

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

https://tacoma.bibliocommons.com/v2/l...

https://www.booksaremythirdplace.com/...

One thing I came to think about is if there are many people voting that doesn't live in the US. I only know of a few here, I'm Swedish, I believe it's Robin P who's British (forgive me if I'm wrong) and there's someone from Germany. And some are from Canada, someone from Denmark. But overall maybe some of the suggestions are too US-centered and if there are a substantial proportion of non-US voters maybe that can contribute to some suggestions never making it.

Like the Seattle-Jimothy prompt, as much as Jimothy caught my heart when I saw the pictures I feel so far from any connection to Seattle and even if I like the disability perspective I wouldn't vote for it. Now someone mentioned a homeless education act that has something to do with schools? As much as I want to support homeless people and organisations working for them I don't know of this education act and don't understand how it's connected to a school district. That's something I can't associate with.

I don't say that there are too many of those suggestions though, it's quite modest but maybe - if there are many voters from other countries, (maybe there aren't), that is a contributing fact to why those specific suggestions don't make it?

Is there any of the moderators who know how many of the voters are from other countries than the US? Would be interesting to know.

Nike wrote: "One thing I came to think about is if there are many people voting that doesn't live in the US. I only know of a few here, I'm Swedish, I believe it's Robin P who's British (forgive me if I'm wrong..."

I am Swedish as well and I agree with you regarding some of the US-centric suggestions, that I do not have a connection to them and might be more prone to downvote them because of that.

Anna wrote: "Nike wrote: "One thing I came to think about is if there are many people voting that doesn't live in the US. I only know of a few here, I'm Swedish, I believe it's Robin P who's British (forgive me..."

Hi, Anna! Nice meeting you here! 🙂

"Nike wrote: "One thing I came to think about is if there are many people voting that doesn't live in the US. I only know of a few here, I'm Swedish, I believe it's Robin P who's British (forgive me..."

It's me who's the weird British mod. In understand what you mean, though, which is why I've done a couple of runs of suggestions at more European times. I'm sure I'll do at least another one.

I am from India and yeah I find it hard to connect to few suggestions. But i love pop culture suggestions that are universal.

Trish wrote: ""Nike wrote: "One thing I came to think about is if there are many people voting that doesn't live in the US. I only know of a few here, I'm Swedish, I believe it's Robin P who's British (forgive m..."

Lol, I'm sorry Trish, I know this now when you mentioned it - I really remember that. Forgive me! You are the one who bridges the distance between US and Europe, due to the English language and I really like you and your role as a moderator.

(By the way - in my generation we learned British English in school, nowadays youth speak English with an American accent and when we sometimes speak about differences in the BE and AE my youngest son laughs at me for sounding so "very posh and old fashioned" when I say something in English whereas I think that's the "proper" way of speaking English. Lol!)