This is not an exhaustive list of all new characters. This list came from a casting call, so it doesn't include any new characters that are already cast or where they have a specific actor in mind and aren't doing an "open" casting.

I think Briene is told she can choose "the sword" (to kill Jaime) or "the noose" (be hanged along with her companions).

A "hot tooth".

Most amateur astronomers I know spend a lot of their time looking at stars, not just planets, moons, and nebulae. Also, if the kid is just messing around with a telescope and not hardcore into astronomy, polaris is nice because you don't have to track it (move your telescope as an object moves across the sky).

Whether it's Cronkite or anybody, the moon landing isn't the type of event where you need someone jawing away constantly. Especially to say, "What'd he say?"

He liked Don because he thought Don was like himself, pragmatic and ruthless.

"Good or bad, handsome or ugly, rich or poor, they are all equal now."

Actually, the 'why' probably is relevant, which is why Martin said that the explanation is a fantasy one, not a science or science fiction one, but that he'd say no more because "that would be telling" and it will be revealed later in the books.

No, lions are a common element in European heraldry because there used to be lions in Europe but they became extinct in antiquity.

in universe, I don't think wildfire or the Wall are viewed as magical.

"news"

They probably haven't "always" been wild and unpredictable. They may have started with the Long Night and the first appearance of the Others.

For example, we sort of take for granted that we have seasons, but many people have nothing more than the vaguest notion of how they work.

Could that quote be any more relevant?

Howland Reed is the only other surviving eyewitness, and he "conveniently" hasn't been seen in years!?

They're smart weapons! Any rumours about collateral damage including children are exaggerations by the media. Those were just goat bones.

*PUNCH*

A wizard or an Other explanation.

Ned Stark says he's interested in honour and the good of the Realm. But then why won't Ned Stark tell us what really happened at the Tower of Joy?

Curly, Straight, Curly, Straight, Curly, Straight.