Friday, December 6, 2024

Captain Marvel is a Disney Princess (Like It or Not)


Slow on the uptake, huh, Spencer? Yes, it's been over a year since the movie came out. That being said, I don't think any of the Captain Marvel haters will blame me. And I except that anyone like me who loves Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel will appreciate the post in general. As far as the movie itself, I enjoyed the it (when it came to Disney Plus). We got space travel, we got the Khan family back, and we got some insight into what Captain Marvel's been doing. I maintain the movie was AT LEAST as good as Iron Man 2 or Dark World (not all Marvel sequels are home runs).

But today is just a fun fluff post. 


"It is a marriage of convenience. It's more of a diplomatic act, you know? It's like there was a power struggle. Matriarchal society. We are friends. It's a long story."

During the movie, we learned that Carol got in a political marriage on a planet that speaks music. This was the cringiest part of the movie for me, though I did love how Kamala reacted to the whole (I'd react more like Monica). Turns out the person she married was their prince. So yeah, regardless of whether you like Captain Marvel, she's an unofficial Disney Princess now. For fun, I wanted to compare her to some of her sister Disney Princesses.


Rapunzel and Aurora - Lies About Her Heritage
Let's start with the comparison of Carol Danvers to two tragic Disney Princesses. Like Rapunzel, Carol was taken from her family and her home and was explicitly lied to about where she came from and what her powers represented. Like Aurora, she was kept in the vague lies that her caretakers thought would keep her in line (PS: I have some issues with the three fairies' plan but that's a post for another day). Captain Marvel's backstory is more in line with Rapunzel and how she was manipulated and gaslighted. But like Rapunzel, once she learned the truth Carol was pretty unstoppable. So here's my plug for the Tangled series on Disney Plus--Loved it!


Mulan - Massive Body Count
This one is almost laughable when you stop and think about it. I've seen memes repeatedly about how Mulan is the Disney Princess with the highest body count, but I think Carol could give her a run for her money. Like I mentioned before, once she learned the truth about herself and became Captain Marvel, she was unstoppable. Imagine if she'd been around for the full fight against Thanos (Infinity War or Endgame, I don't care). The tide of the Endgame battle changed once Danvers came in as a shooting star. Only person with a higher body count in that fight was Tony Stark himself.


Elsa - Magic Hands
Flashback to Ralph Breaks the Internet. When the Disney Princesses tried to determine if Vanellope really belonged with them, Elsa asked if she had magic hands, demonstrating her ice magic. Carol Danvers literally has magic hands. Okay, maybe not magic, but I think Tesseract-based powers are pretty magical. That's why, like Elsa's parents giving her the gloves, Yon-Rogg and the Kree had to dampen her powers. Once the gloves came off, Captain Marvel definitely had some "let it go" energy (but set to the tune of "Just a Girl").


Jasmine and Moana - Adventurous
At the end of the first Captain Marvel movie, Carol took to space to help the Skrulls find a new home. Based on Secret Invasion, The Marvels, and a handful of credit-scenes we know it wasn't that simple. All the same, we have no indication that she spent much time on Earth before or after Thanos. She explained away her absence by telling Rhodey (or a Skrull pretending to be Rhodey) that there were a lot of places in the galaxy who needed help. Maybe this was just out of duty, but Carol was an adventurous person before she became super. Traveling to many different worlds and helping them puts her in good company with her fellow princesses, Jasmine and Moana. While once these princesses were contained in their palace and island, they went on to explore their worlds. See also: Moana 2 and the Aladdin TV series (why is it not on Disney Plus yet???).


With over a dozen official and unofficial Disney Princesses, I'm sure there are plenty of other ways Carol Danvers relates to her Disney sisters. Let me know if you think of any, but she fits the bill, whether you like her or not. Sorry, guys.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

My First Impressions of the New Pokémon TCG App

 

I’ve been diving into the new Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) app, and it’s been a thrill playing the trading card game for the first time. But while there are some exciting highlights, I can't ignore a few areas where the app falls short of its potential. Let’s dive into what I think works well—and what could make the app even better for fans like me.

What Could Be Improved: Gameplay Depth and Balance

One of my main gripes with the app so far is that the gameplay feels a bit underwhelming. The matches are fun in their own right, but the game would really benefit from adding a battle story mode or a progression system with different challenges. Imagine playing through a journey with themed battles or different trainers—each with unique decks that force you to change your strategies! Right now, facing random decks or computer-controlled opponents with varied styles could add so much depth to the experience. Without this, the battles feel somewhat repetitive, as you’re often going up against similar decks and strategies over and over. I am in favor of this because I don't like playing with other people and waiting for them to take their turn unless it is a friend.


Then there’s the issue of the first turn disadvantage. I was surprised to find that going first doesn’t feel as beneficial as it should be. If you go first, you can’t attach an energy to your Pokémon or attack right away, which often leaves you a sitting duck for the player who goes second. On their turn, they can attach energy and attack, immediately putting pressure on you before you’ve even had a chance to get going. This setup can feel unbalanced, and I think it would be a huge improvement if the first player were allowed to attach an energy on their initial turn, even if they couldn’t attack right away. This would make starting first feel less like a disadvantage and more like an actual advantage, giving both players a fair shot right from the beginning.

What the App Gets Right: Free Packs and No Pay-to-Win

Now, let’s talk about the positive stuff—there’s definitely a lot to like! One of the things that has really stood out to me is the app’s daily rewards. You get two free packs every day, which keeps the game feeling generous and fun to log into regularly. Opening those packs is always a little thrill, and it’s a great way to build your collection without feeling pressured to spend money. It’s a big plus that the game feels accessible to all players, regardless of whether or not they’re spending real money.


Additionally, I have encountered any pay-to-win elements, but it is not terrible which is refreshing for a digital card game. You can purchase gold and buy more cards with it. In most apps, you end up feeling that those who spend money have a big advantage over free players. Here, everyone has an equal chance to build strong decks and compete on a fair playing field. It’s nice to see that they’re respecting the game’s competitive spirit by making sure all players can progress at the same pace.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Pokémon TCG app is off to a good start, and it’s clear they’re putting thought into how to make it a fun and balanced experience. However, there’s definitely room for improvement. Adding a story mode or more randomized battles, along with balancing the advantage of going first, would make a big difference in the game’s replayability and fairness.

For now, though, I’m enjoying building my deck and taking on other players, and I appreciate that the developers are making the app accessible without pay-to-win mechanics. It’s exciting to think about how this app might evolve over time—and hopefully, the changes that make it even better for fans like us.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Get to Know Your Geeks: Christmas Specials

It's that time of year again! I love the holiday season and have been shamelessly listening to Christmas music whenever I need it since before Halloween (because sometimes my mental health trumps social convention). Last year I wanted our Geeks team to share about our Christ-centered Christmas traditions, so this year I thought I'd be a little more whimsical. Instead of getting super serious or spiritual, a few of us are just going to share about some of our favorite Christmas specials. Movies. TV. Anything we love at this time of year. That being said, by the nature of it being Christmas, I'm sure there'll still be some religious/spiritual significance in what we picked.

--Spencer


Spencer: Olaf's Frozen Adventure

I can't say that Olaf's Frozen Adventure is my favorite Christmas special (TJ and I discussed most of our favorite favorites last year on the Podcast) but it's grown on me in recent years. We all by this point that Frozen has been overdone. That being said, my two little girls are still enamored by Disney Princesses and Frozen (they almost dressed as Elsa and Anna for Halloween this year). So sometimes I'll end up putting on Olaf's Frozen Adventure at this time of year. I'm happy that it's short and my girls are happy that it's Elsa and Anna. 

All that being said, a couple years ago I was watching this Arendelle version of a Hallmark Christmas movie and the last song in particular resonated with me. It's not like my wife and I have plans for an extravagant holiday season this year or any year in the near future, so focusing on being together and experiencing the holidays together is everything to me at this time of year. So while I love the gift giving process and Christmas traditions, having those experiences as a family matter more. "'Cause when we're together it's a holiday every night." I've still got some growing up to do for sure, but "I have everything on my list" when I'm with my family--even when my kids drive me up the wall. "'Cause when we're together I'll forever feel at home" and when I'm at my most depressed "home" is all I want. 


T.J.: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Picking one favorite Christmas special isn't easy. But as it pertains to movies, my all-time favorite Christmas movie has been The Muppet Christmas Carol. As a kid, I absolutely loved the Muppets. This combination of wacky puppets always could bring a smile to my face. And pair them with one of my favorite actors (Michael Caine in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge)....it's just gold for me. I've always had a special place in my heart for Kermit, Fozzie, Ms. Piggy, and Gonzo. 

For a few years, I would even put this movie on to fall asleep to. The music is so fun and enjoyable (minus Love is Gone since I had a VHS copy with that song in the movie unlike the last time I watched it on Disney+) I use Kermit's "Only One More Sleep 'Til Christmas" to explain to my kids how many days until Christmas. "Scrooge" (an ensemble song) and "Marley and Marley" (by Waldorf and Statler) are such fun songs, topped by "It Feels Like Christmas" (Ghost of Christmas Present.) And then we get "Bless Us All" (Tiny Tim) and "Thankful Heart" (Scrooge) to help remind us of the reason for Christmas. The Muppets properly use Dickens' classic to remind us that Christmas is best when it's gratitude-filled with some fun.

The Nutcracker: A Fantasy on Ice (1983) | MUBI

Michael Davenport: The Nutcracker: A Fantasy on Ice

Have you ever had a movie your parents had to hide from you as a kid? As the youngest, my family hid three movies from me: Star Wars, Power Rangers: The Movie, and—you guessed it—The Nutcracker. I don’t know why I loved this movie so much, but I do remember watching it a lot as a kid. So, as a responsible adult, of course, I’m going to be watching this classic again this season.

The story follows Clara, a young girl who, on Christmas Eve, receives a nutcracker doll that magically transforms into a prince. As the adventure unfolds, Clara is whisked away into a dreamlike world of battling the Mouse King and exploring the dazzling Land of Sweets. Tchaikovsky’s iconic music guides the journey, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a snow globe of Christmas wonder.

What makes this version so special is how it combines the magic of the holidays with the artistry of ice skating. Watching Hamill glide effortlessly as Clara and Cousins bring charm and energy as the Nutcracker Prince feels like experiencing a Christmas fairy tale in motion. The choreography, vibrant costumes, and heartfelt performances capture the spirit of the season, making it a cozy and nostalgic watch for families. It’s not just a holiday movie; it’s a celebration of beauty, joy, and the power of imagination—a perfect way to make Christmas memories together.

 

Friday, November 29, 2024

5 Mental Health Strategies from Bluey


Maybe it’s a change in ADHD meds, but I’ve had to get creative with my mental health to avoid surviving on caffeine and chocolate--been feeling a lot like Bandit during "Stickbird". Since November is Men's Health Awareness Month, I figured I could touch on the mental health aspect, not unique to dads of course. Like many parents, I enjoy Bluey–probably more than my kids at times. As I’ve tried to manage my emotions better, I started cluing into scenes in Bluey that demonstrate concrete, practical strategies for when a bad day hits.


Chili’s Checklist

Bingo was really insecure during the events of “The Show” for unknown reasons. Way to break my heart, Bingo. But Chili did a great job teaching Bingo how to handle disappointment in this episode, which was especially relevant since Bingo portrayed Chili in their little play. For real life, I’ve used Chili’s checklist quite a number of times in the past several months when I feel overwhelmed. (1) Have a little cry, (2) pick myself up, (3) dust myself off, and (4) keep going. Her checklist does a good job of accepting, acknowledging, and feeling the emotion while still needing to accept that “the show must go on!”


Throwing the Upset

I don’t know how many times I saw dads post about how “Stickbird” resonated with them. We can guess that Bandit was preoccupied and upset about the new job and the move that almost happened in “The Sign”, but I also read that Bandit’s mood was left ambiguous on purpose. With everything on my mind and my heart (never mind the pre-existing ADHD) I’ve definitely felt like Bandit a lot, just zoned out of life. I love that it was Bluey teaching the lesson this time, showing Bingo how to gather up all the upset and the sad before throwing it far away. There’s something about physical movement that helps emotions. I can’t say I’ve thrown my sadness or my upset lately, but there have definitely been times I’ve consciously thrown my frustrations into each push up during my workout or each stride in my run. Use your body to your advantage guys!


Joy in Little Things

One of the wonders of being a parent is seeing life through the eyes of my kids (see also: “Born Yesterday”). I can definitely relate to Chili in “Relax” when I have some spare me-time at home. It’s silly to watch myself overthink about how to optimize the benefits of my me-time and self care. When you’re a kid, you’re not thinking about how to relax or have fun, you just do. Just like how Bluey and Bingo had fun simply exploring and playing in their hotel room, not even processing the proximity of the beach (despite Chili trying to get them out the door to start relaxing). I wish I was better at slowing down and finding joy in the little things. Seriously though. Where did we learn to overthink having fun?


Be Silly!

When I’m joking around and laughing at work, I know I’m doing okay. When I get too serious for too long, I start to wonder how long it’s been since I truly laughed. Chili had a stroke of brilliance in “Bad Mood” to get Bingo laughing and playing again. Maybe it’s not always time to be silly and laugh, but sometimes you have to stop taking yourself so seriously! Even when Bandit personified Bingo’s bad mood, he helped her not take the moment as seriously. And while it’s great to be silly, I think the best thing from “Bad Mood” was when Bingo returned to her bad mood to hug him. That’s something I need to work on… loving the parts of my heart that aren’t so pleasant. 


Take a Break

It’s not entirely clear what had Chili so worked up about by the beginning of “Sheep Dog” that she desperately needed a break, but every parent needs to know it’s okay to take a break. Maybe that’s why (in an ideal world) every child has two parents and every parent has a network of support. So while Bluey didn’t understand Chili needing a break, Bandit and Wendy stepped up to let Chili rest and reset. Doesn’t mean the unnecessary parent guilt won’t hit me about taking a break, but I believe in rest breaks (just ask my patients).


As much as I like the concrete tangible mental health strategies, often self-care is more subtle than what was illustrated in these examples. Sometimes it’s a “you’re doing great” like in “Baby Race”. Other times it’s just important to eat something, like Bandit in “Omelette”. 

Monday, November 25, 2024

LDS Geeks Podcast #30: Animorphs Overview


We've both been reading through the Animorphs series in recent years, so Russell and I had the idea to read through the books together and book club about it (because that's what we do here). Before we start the re-read, I thought it would be nice to simply talk about the books. 

--Spencer

PS: If the audio seems choppy, I apologize--It's because a large chunk of my recorded audio was lost, so I had to re-record a bunch of my parts while my daughter was occupied with Snow White. If you listen closely, you'll hear a scream from a dwarf around the 10 minute mark


Listen to Episode 30 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here



Show Notes:

    Spencer's Recommendation:  "Beyond" from Moana 2

            Listen on YouTube

    Russell's Recommendation: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

            Available for streaming on Apple TV

    "The Problem with Animorphs" by Spencer

Friday, November 22, 2024

Friday Creature Feature - Trogdor

Rounding out the Year of the Dragon, I felt like I had to do one more dragon-related blog post. I'd planned to write about Spyro the Dragon, but life got busy with buying a house and such. Instead, I'm going to bring us back twenty years to the inception of Trogdor the Burninator.


Sbemail #58: Dragon

Trogdor began as a throwaway character/doodle in a random Strong Bad Email video. The premise was simple: Strong Bad gets an email requesting a drawing tutorial. But since nothing can be too simple, the request for Strong Bad to draw a dragon resulted in a dragon-man burninating the countryside. The video quickly turned into nothing short of a phenomena (at least as far as Homestar Runner is concerned). 


How to Draw Trogdor

The steps to draw Trogdor are pretty simple (I mean they come out of Strong Bad's masked mouth, so they have to be simple):

  1. Draw an S.
  2. Draw another more different S.
  3. Close it up real good at the top for his head.
  4. Using consumate V's, give him teeth, spineitties, and angry eyebrows.
  5. Add smoke or fire and wings for a wingaling dragon.
  6. Last but not least, every Trogdor must have a beefy arm growing from the back of his neck.


Trogdor's Legacy

Despite being a drawing meant for only one email video, Trogdor became insanely popular. The Homestar Runner ended up featuring Trogdor on various games and cameos. Even amongst regular humans, Trogdor (or at least his theme song) has been one of the more famous Homestar Runner references across pop culture--I mean, he was referenced on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so that's pretty famous. So please finish off the Year of the Dragon the right way, by following Strong Bad's steps to draw your own Trogdor and make sure you send us a copy. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

"That's Not Why I Rode"

     Sometimes the pull of the limelight can be strong. Sometimes I think about how I might look in the eyes of others if I do this or that. If it is a good idea, I think about how cool I will seem in the eyes of others. And if it’s a bad idea, I think about how bad I will look. Regardless of how I think I look in the eyes of others, this should not be the focus nor the reason for doing something, however motivating that may be. These thoughts have led me to remember a movie I enjoyed as a child and while it has been a while, I think I would still enjoy it as an adult. That movie is “The Man from Snowy River.” Let me try to tie in a part of this movie to my ramblings about the limelight. 



To begin with, I must share that the movie is based on an 1890 poem of the same name and is about an Australian cowboy. In the movie, the cowboy’s name is Jim Craig. Jim’s father dies (spoiler) when some wild horses charge through an area where he and his father are felling logs. The logs fall on his father who dies in Jim’s arms. Jim eventually goes to work for a big rancher played by Kirk Douglas. Jim falls in love with the rancher’s daughter, Jessica and befriends the rancher’s brother, also played by Kirk Douglas.  

When one of the prized colts of the rancher runs off with a herd of wild horses the rancher puts out a reward to get the colt back. Many cowboys show up to lend a hand at gathering up the herd in an effort to earn a share of the reward money. A great chase ensues to try to bring the wild horses and beloved colt back to the ranch. Jim fends off foul play by other cowboys and eventually the horses ride down a steep cliff. All the cowboys pull up short knowing this to be a dangerous place to follow after the horses. The only one who confidently is able to follow the horses down the steep hill is Jim and his horse.



Jim eventually gathers up the horses single handedly and returns them back to the corral. The rancher approaches Jim and holds out the reward money to which Jim replies, “That’s not why I rode.” 

This phrase, “That’s not why I rode” is what has stuck out to me with regards to motives for doing things. There may be many reasons why I do things, some good and others less so, but I certainly hope my motives will always be pure and not out of a desire to be seen as good in the eyes of others. That is not to say that I will always be altruistic in my desires, but hopefully I can find a “why” that has more to do with money, fame, or the proverbial spotlight.


Monday, November 18, 2024

The Kingkiller and His Lute


Have you ever read a book where a scene stood out so vividly that it stayed with you? Even months or years after reading, that scene pops into your mind because of how beautifully written it was. I’ve had many experiences like that, but this one is the most memorable.

The scene happens in The Wise Man’s Fear, part of The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss. No matter your opinion of him, I believe anyone who has read the series can agree that he is a master of prose. While the third book remains unwritten, it doesn’t diminish the artistry of the first two books.

As I mentioned at the start of this post, this is the most memorable scene for me, and I want to share it for two reasons:

    1. It deserves to be talked about more.

    2. I hope it inspires you to read the books—either for the first time or all over again.

art: GisAlmeida

Kvothe, the protagonist, is a young student attending The University. Struggling to pay tuition and make a living, he turns to his Edema Ruh roots (the traveling performers akin to bards) and plays music to earn his way. In The Wise Man’s Fear, Chapter 5, Kvothe performs at a prestigious venue, the Eolian, where only the best musicians play. He performs two songs: first, a simple folk tune that he intentionally struggles with, and second, a challenging piece he plays flawlessly, almost as if he were bored.

Rather than analyze the text, I’ve included excerpts from the chapter for you to read and appreciate for yourself. I really like this scene because I felt like I could hear the music as Kvothe played these two songs. I hope that you will enjoy it too.

  I brought the lute out of its shabby case and began to tune it. It was not the finest lute in the Eolian. Not by half. Its neck was slightly bent, but not bowed. One of the pegs was loose and was prone to changing its tune. 

    I brushed a soft chord and tipped my ear to the strings. As I looked up, I could see Denna’s face, clear as the moon. She smiled excitedly at me and wiggled her fingers below the level of the table where her gentleman couldn’t see. 

    I touched the loose peg gently, running my hands over the warm wood of the lute. The varnish was scraped and scuffed in places. It had been treated unkindly in the past, but that didn’t make it less lovely underneath. 

    So yes. It had flaws, but what does that matter when it comes to matters of the heart? We love what we love. Reason does not enter into it. In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing because.That’s as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect. 

    Stanchion made a sweeping gesture in my direction. There was brief applause followed by an attentive hush. 

    I plucked two notes and felt the audience lean toward me. I touched a string, tuned it slightly, and began to play. Before a handful of notes rang out, everyone had caught the tune. 

    It was “Bell-Wether.” A tune shepherds have been whistling for ten thousand years. The simplest of simple melodies. A tune anyone with a bucket could carry. A bucket was overkill, actually. A pair of cupped hands would manage nicely. A single hand. Two fingers, even. 

    It was, plainly said, folk music. 

    There have been a hundred songs written to the tune of “Bell-Wether.” Songs of love and war. Songs of humor, tragedy, and lust. I did not bother with any of these. No words. Just the music. Just the tune.

    I looked up and saw Lord Brickjaw leaning close to Denna, making a dismissive gesture. I smiled as I teased the song carefully from the strings of my lute. 

    But before much longer, my smile grew strained. Sweat began to bead on my forehead. I hunched over the lute, concentrating on what my hands were doing. My fingers darted, then danced, then flew. 

    I played hard as a hailstorm, like a hammer beating brass. I played soft as sun on autumn wheat, gentle as a single stirring leaf. Before long, my breath began to catch from the strain of it. My lips made a thin, bloodless line across my face. 

    As I pushed through the middle refrain I shook my head to clear my hair away from my eyes. Sweat flew in an arc to patter out along the wood of the stage. I breathed hard, my chest working like a bellows, straining like a horse run to lather. 

    The song rang out, each note bright and clear. I almost stumbled once. The rhythm faltered for the space of a split hair. . . .Then somehow I recovered, pushed through, and managed to finish the final line, plucking the notes sweet and light despite the fact that my fingers were a weary blur. 

    Then, just when it was obvious I couldn’t carry on a moment longer, the last chord rang through the room and I slumped in my chair, exhausted. 

    The audience burst into thunderous applause. 

    But not the whole audience. Scattered through the room dozens of people burst into laughter instead, a few of them pounding the tables and stomping the floor, shouting their amusement. 

    The applause sputtered and died almost immediately. Men and women stopped with their hands frozen midclap as they stared at the laughing members of the audience. Some looked angry, others confused. Many were plainly offended on my behalf, and angry mutterings began to ripple through the room. 

    Before any serious discussion could take root, I struck a single high note and held up a hand, pulling their attention back to me. I wasn’t done yet. Not by half. 

    I shifted in my seat and rolled my shoulders. I strummed once, touched the loose peg, and rolled effortlessly into my second song. 

    It was one of Illien’s: “Tintatatornin.” I doubt you’ve ever heard of it. It’s something of an oddity compared to Illien’s other works. First, it has no lyrics. Second, while it’s a lovely song, it isn’t nearly as catchy or moving as many of his better-known melodies. 

    Most importantly, it is perversely difficult to play. My father referred to it as “the finest song ever written for fifteen fingers.” He made me play it when I was getting too full of myself and felt I needed humbling. Suffice to say I practiced it with fair regularity, sometimes more than once a day. 

    So I played “Tintatatornin.” I leaned back into my chair and crossed my ankles, relaxing a bit. My hands strolled idly over the strings. After the first chorus, I drew a breath and gave a short sigh, like a young boy trapped inside on a sunny day. My eyes began to wander aimlessly around the room, bored. 

    Still playing, I fidgeted in my seat, trying to find a comfortable position and failing. I frowned, stood up, and looked at the chair as if it was somehow to blame. Then I reclaimed my seat and wriggled, an uncomfortable expression on my face. 

    All the while the ten thousand notes of “Tintatatornin” danced and capered. I took a moment between one chord and the next to scratch myself idly behind the ear. 

    I was so deeply into my little act that I actually felt a yawn swelling up. I let it out in full earnest, so wide and long that the people the front row could count my teeth. I shook my head as if to clear it, and daubed at my watery eyes with my sleeve. 

    Through all of this, “Tintatatornin” tripped into the air. Maddening harmony and counterpoint weaving together, skipping apart. All of it flawless and sweet and easy as breathing. When the end came, drawing together a dozen tangled threads of song, I made no flourish. I simply stopped and rubbed my eyes a bit. No crescendo. No bow. Nothing. I cracked my knuckles distractedly and leaned forward to set my lute back in the case. 

    This time the laughter came first. The same people as before, hooting and hammering at their tables twice as loudly as before. My people. The musicians. I let my bored expression fall away and grinned knowingly out at them. 

    The applause followed a few heartbeats later, but it was scattered and confused. Even before the house lights rose, it had dissolved into a hundred murmuring discussions throughout the room. 

    Marie rushed up to greet me as I came down the stairs, her face full of laughter. She shook my hand and clapped me on the back. She was the first of many, all musicians. Before I could get bogged down, Marie linked her arm in mine and led me back to my table. 

    “Good lord, boy,” Manet said. “You’re like a tiny king here.” 

    “This isn’t half the attention he usually gets,” Wilem said. “Normally they’re still cheering when he makes it back to the table. Young women bat their eyes and strew his path with flowers.” 

    Sim looked around the room curiously. “The reaction did seem . . .” he groped for a word. 

    “Mixed. Why is that?” 

    “Because young six-string here is so sharp he can hardly help but cut himself,” Stanchion said as he made his way over to our table. 

    “You’ve noticed that too?” Manet asked dryly. 

    “Hush,” Marie said. “It was brilliant.” 

    Stanchion sighed and shook his head. 

    “I for one,” Wilem said pointedly, “would like to know what is being discussed.” 

    “Kvothe here played the simplest song in the world and made it look like he was spinning gold out of flax,” Marie said. “Then he took a real piece of music, something only a handful of folk in the whole place could play, and made it look so easy you’d think a child could blow it on a tin whistle.” 

    “I’m not denying that it was cleverly done,” Stanchion said. “The problem is the way he did it. Everyone who jumped in clapping on the first song feels like an idiot. They feel they’ve been toyed with.” 

    “Which they were,” Marie pointed out. “A performer manipulates the audience. That’s the point of the joke.”