This actually aligns pretty well with my feelings to this point in reading these books (I've read them already, but only once). I'll say no more because spoilers and expectation etc etc etc, but I'll be interested in discussing as we reach the end of the Aly books with you and everyone!

What an interesting point! I never considered it, but wouldn't it be interesting if they counted with a different system.

That is a great point.

Never complain about glorious sunshine, Mark!! So lovely!
I love the detail about how aged Kami’s father seems. I’ve seen it many times in my own life, where a truly tolling event can make someone age years.
“All the trees were bare and lonely as abandoned bones.” I kind of love dormant winter trees.
I have a bit of a book crush on Rusty. Haha. No shame.
Awww, “and cried instead” --- poor Kami!
Kami!! It is a worthwhile thing to know, and an admirable thing to be!!
Aww, Rusty is so nice to Kami. I do love him. Also I love his tee shirt. Points for Rusty. Wait, attempted comfort hugs? More points for Rusty!! So nice and adorable. He seems a little miffed that she didn’t let him hug her. OOoooOO.
Broad across the shoulders is one of my things. FallingforRustyandDoNotCare. The name Rusty is a little ridiculous though. Whatever. Also paroxysms of idleness is a great turn or phrase.
Whoa wait a minute. Punches are flying! What?? I guess maybe he was miffed at the perceived cause of tears.
Ugh fighting makes me nervous. The descriptions of the sounds are what get me.
Ha, disappointed grandfather.
Eww, teeth.
“I was thinking that he made Kami cry.” Awwwwwww.
Hahahahaha. “You have to use a firm hand.”
Hahahahahahaha, the most gentlemanly grabbing ever is like ballroom dancing. Love it.
“Are you overwhelmed by my rugged masculinity?” “No no, keep going on about that.” Hahahahahaha, Rusty I love you.

This is amazing work.

I agree, I'm actually interested in the way religion is depicted in these books, because to my reading, i'm seeing very pronounced allusions to major iterations of predominant religion in our own real world. 
I definitely agree that the Old Gods of the North are a pretty good analog to pagan religions.  The Celtic and Britannic pagan religions are the ones I know the most about, so that would heavily inform my reading, but there's a lot reminiscent. 

Here's where I'm differing from the comments above,e, though.  (In sweeping terms, I'm no historian)...Before Christianity arrived, those ancient religions were already dying out to be replaced by the pantheonic religions of conquering empires, namely the Roman empire.  Some of the northmen call themselves "men of the old blood" or "descendents of the first men" and make references to theSoutherners (even those not living that far south) as being "newer" -- I'm reading this as heavily influenced by the way the Roman empire conquered most of Europe eventually, and how people of many descents settled and stayed and "bloodlines got mixed".  I read the Seven, with distinct entities and gods, as being a Roman-esque religion with a pantheon of gods.  (I can definitely also see the "fole-based" nature (ex. the mother, the maiden, the warrior) as being similar to Christianity.  Makes me think of the way that Christianity believes in one god, but also gives him/it several personas (ex the Trinity of father, son, and holy ghost), and also acknowledges other sacred entities, like the virgin mary (the mother, anyone?  or maybe maiden, who knows). 
Finally, I'm obviously agreeing with Melisandre's Lord of Light as a direct anaglog to Jesus and a Christian religion.  I think this one is the most obvious, and I also think it fits the best.  In the real world, Christianity is a religion that started in the East.  In Rome, it was then a small, minority that was severely persecuted, but then gained a lot of power and spread pretty rapidly.  I feel like in this analogous reading of mine, I'm seeing Melisandre's religion in that stage of Christianity - it's been a small faction in Westeros, but now seems to be growing in power.  If Stannis takes the Iron Throne (as some later roman emperor's ended up adopting Christianity and making it the official religion) we might even see a further analog. 

Obviously I'm aware this review is ancient and no one is here, but I am currently readnig ASoIaF, and I came back to read Mark's reviews.  Wanted to just put thoughts into words.  I'm currently almost done with book 4. 

Can I just say, Mark and all, that while I have not been free enough to comment, I am listening along to the videos!! I ordered a copy from the library, but there's a wait list of holds. So Mark, I'm using you as the most delightfully unprepared audiobook narrator (videobook? Your facial expressions are an amazing contribution) ever. Thanks for doing this, and thanks to those who commissioned to make it possible. I'm one who really appreciates it!

Oh my gosh, YES (actually NO I feel your pain). This happened to me a few weeks ago. It was horrible. The internet explained to me that I should try washing with things like alcohol or milk, which I did, but it didn't help except in the moment. I had painful burning hands for about 16 hours. I admittedly have really sensitive skin, so I hope you recuperated faster! Your recipe sounds great, I was making a chicken chili :)

I've never seen "the old internet joke" -- that's great!

Love this comment - that ultimately it wasn't the Chamber's instructions specifically, but Kel's very nature and her love for her people. (Maybe it was all fate all along, who knows.) This is a powerful, important distinction that I've never thought about explicitly before - thanks for pointing it out!