Janet

@Heidi It IS time to watch Kim's Convenience and you're in for a real treat! It's the most realistic (and entertaining) portrayal of everyday life in Toronto (Queen St. East, to be exact). The Kim family and their customers depict, with humor, the best of immigrants making their way in a new country.

@puzzle.noob In answer to your question, yes, it is common for a theme to be unannounced. We've all gone through it. Perhaps I'm just feeling perfectly OK with today's theme (once it finally occurred to me) because I've just spent a thoroughly enjoyable two weeks in Boca Raton. Perhaps I'll feel less accommodating when I get back to Toronto's 2-feet plus of snow tomorrow.

@Helen Wright I immediately thought of London Zoo, too, and was surprised to learn that I was right. Aas soon as I thought of it, my mind took me back to my childhood (OK, back in the 50s), visiting the zoo and seeing the lions pacing back and forth in cages. Even then, it didn't seem the best place for them. Last fall, I walked past the zoo on a stroll through bucolic Regent's Park and I thought of the lions that must be living in much better circumstances now.

@Teresa I'm imagining Deb crouched behind a large potted plant!

@Mary Beth and made worse by the pairs of clues not being highlighted.

@Alex and don't forget The Telegraph (oops, The Daily Telegraph)! It's where I first attempted cryptic crosswords, then moving on to The Times. I remember many a crowded morning commute from St Mary Cray to Victoria, during which I chewed the end of my pen, alongside many bowler-hatted gents, all of us endeavouring to finish the puzzle before pulling into London.

@John Carson The few minutes it took to solve this puzzle did actually provide a diversion for me, up here in Canada where we are facing the fallout from the 25% tariffs being imposed on our sales to the US. Your comment brought me right back to the here and now.

@Janine I must admit that I couldn't find the clue and/or answer related to blood libel but, my goodness, there must be something seriously wrong with your Google search, as when I (and I am well aware of what blood libel is) Googled the phrase, the explanations came up immediately, led by Wikipedia. Try again.

@AudreyLM lucky you, that you were able to understand what the lyrics of Fleetwood Mac were. I never could ... and I'm English!

@Strudel Dad as is the very interesting exhibit currently being staged in Toronto, "Not Long Ago, Not Far Away": it's pretty much a history of Auschwitz, from its early days as a prison to what we all know it evolved into. It's not on for much longer and is well worth a visit.

@Jane Wheelaghan yes, that clue took me right back to my mum talking about her "stays". One of those things that I'd forgotten over the decades (half-centuries, even!).

@Jim stamps in your passport!

@HeathieJ I think it's still ok to actually say that wearing matching PJs is a Christmas thing.

@Sam It doesn't even translate very well iin Canada. Very spotty writing, after the early seasons.

@Oikofuge and it's likely to follow "Oh", if used at all. And thankyou for reminding me to seek out some Fry and Laurie.

@Calig Christmas isn't Christmas without it. "Aaah .... Fragil-ay"!

@Strudel Dad no self-respecting bagel-eater is going to put Philadelphia cream cheese on their bagel, with or without a hole.

@Linda Jo oh, I'd never dare use that phrase in Bella's company!

@Steve L but I can't remember if he played in either of our back-to-back World Series wins. (I have to hang on to those moments of glory until the Maple Leafs do what is expected of them. Perhaps this year?)

@Gina D I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm actually having fun with it.

@Helen Wright by the time I got to reading CLOUD ATLAS, I'd previously read and enjoyed at least two David Mitchell novels. Unsuspecting, I'd happily embarked upon it until Wham - halfway through it, I found that I was reading something entirely different that removed all pleasure that I'd derived from the first 100 pages or so. I gave up, thinking that Mitchell was trying to be too clever by half and I don't think I've read anything by him, since. If only I'd had the benefit of the constructor's description of it being a science fiction novel, I'd never have picked it up in the first place.

@Suzanne Bee there may be an equivalent in the UK, but not when we say "silence". I still say it that way, even though I left England in 1973!

@CCNY yes - I was working at the Dome on Opening Day, 1989 (when, although the rain was pelting down, the GM opted to keep the roof open!) However, what is the link to Beetlejuice, please?

@John Carson You should come North and visit: given the appalling state of the Canadian dollar at present, a trip to Canada will provide a budget-friendly vacation!

@The X-Phile I thought most of the puzzle was very easy (making me very suspicious, it being a Sunday). Not until I read your comment, did I realise what the theme was. I got Friends with Benefits, but the character names went right by me. The names meant nothing to me as I don't think I ever watched the show. A fun puzzle, regardless.

@Kerri yes, I lived my first 23 years in England. I've never heard it pronounced with a soft "g", however. This usage of the word ARSE only came into being after I emigrated, I think. (So sometime in the past 51 years!)

@NYC Traveler yes, I'm beginning to think that, too.

@Charlie yes, like OE, for example.