I have no idea whether this is relevant to this thread, but I thought of how ardently you (MB) keep up with news on this show last Friday when I was at Macy's--their big flagship store in Downtown Crossing, in Boston (which is where I ALWAYS imagine Liz, Carolyn and Vicki going on their shopping trips in 1967)--I was headed for housewares, and to get their you have to cut through an area that seems keyed to women's leisure wear. Anyhow there was this huge image of a romantic couple (male/female) with the big caption 'VAMPIRE DIARIES" and a product that is being marketed in connection with the show. I think it was some kind of cologne or perfume, but I am not sure.
The cards for these stanchions are going to be fabulous collectibles for fans of this series. The one I saw was gorgeous. I'm sure you've all seen them. Just really saying that even without watching TV or paying attention (all my friends seem to watch True Blood instead), I periodically become aware of just how big this show is.
G.