It is a fantastic movie. Go see it. If you are a fan of the books, I think you will be pleased at how faithful the movie was to the tone of the series and to the characters themselves. There's even a bit of steampunk in it for those of you who are fans of that.

Also saw Princess and the Frog, which was also awesome. The prettiest animation I've seen in a while and a pretty good entry in the Disney catalog. Definitely exceeded my expectations.

Merry Christmas! My Christmas pretty much sucks this year. Although I did just cook some wicked mushroom risotto with homemade duck stock and beef tenderloin medallions. Two more random food things:

First, I finally found them at Marshall Field's: chocolate covered cherries!! No, I don't mean that crap you get at Fannie Mae. I mean dried cherries covered in chocolate. None of that other crap. I've been looking for those ever since I heard of the concept of chocolate covered cherries and subsequently disappointed in the pieces of garbage they call "chocolate covered cherries."

Second, a long time ago I bought a big tin of earl grey tea from Teavana in Water Tower Place in Chicago. I kind of forgot about it and now I can't find the damn thing. That pisses me off.

Merry Christmas again everyone!

Holidays without a significant other are significantly easier on one's wallet.