Sorting Phineas and Ferb into Hogwarts Houses

In a recent podcast episode about Ravenclaw House, Michael and I briefly disagreed about where Ferb would be sorted at Hogwarts (maybe he went there at one point? He is British after all). We landed on Ravenclaw, but I felt like the only way to follow up that discussion was to sort (most of) the main cast of the show—especially since new episodes were recently put on Disney Plus. 

Phineas Flynn - Ravenclaw

If you listen to our Ravenclaw podcast episode, you’ll know that Phineas is an easy Ravenclaw. He’s the brains behind the operation. He’s witty and curious. All hallmarks of an ideal Ravenclaw.

Ferb Fletcher - Ravenclaw 

In our podcast episode, I first thought Ferb fit well under the Hufflepuff banner. But Michael pointed out some very Ravenclaw traits. Ferb is the hands behind Phineas‘s inventions. Very clever in his own right and his one-liners are basically the definition of wit.

Candace Flynn - Hufflepuff 

Her brothers are set in Ravenclaw, I can’t exactly say the same about Candace. She has a lot of stereotypical, Hufflepuff tendencies, like being a spaz and a goofball. She’s certainly hard-working, trying to bust her brothers every day, even though she fails. At the same time, she’s also very loyal to her family and her friends, as seen when she gets protective of her brothers

Isabella Garcia-Shapiro - Gryffindor

This was a tricky one. Isabella could easily go into Slytherin just as much as Gryffindor. With her determination to get her patches, she sells very Gryffindor traits. Her cunning (and sometimes ruthlessness) are the type that could easily place her in Slytherin. So like with Harry Potter, she would do well in either house. But I think she would choose Gryffindor at that point, like Harry. 

Buford Van Stomm - Slythein

I think this one should be pretty straightforward. Buford was a bully who became their friend. (while still having some bully tendencies). He’s cunning and ruthless. And his loyalty to his family and his heritage, even if it’s just a goldfish, could easily place him in Slytherin.

Baljeet Tjinder - Slytherin

You might think that Baljeet belongs in Ravenclaw because of how academic he is. Hear me out. This boy is the definition of determination, cunning, and ruthless. Frequently his studies are not for the love of learning, but for the sake of achievement and ambition. Also, there’s a certain amount of self-preservation, which is typical of Slytherin, while dealing with Buford as his best friend. 

Heinz Doofenshmirtz  - Hufflepuff 

You might think that Doof belongs in Slytherin because he’s a villain. I disagree. Not only is he a poor villain, but he’s loyal to a fault. He will give up any scheme for the sake of his daughter, and even showed loyalty to Perry, the platypus, as his Frenemy. Also, his goofiness is very stereotypical Hufflepuff.

Perry the Platypus - Gryffindor

Hey. Where is Perry? He’s in Gryffindor. Or he would be if they let a platypus into the school. They don’t do much. But this semi aquatic mammal has shown determination and a fierce sense of right and wrong while battling Doof and taking care of his host family. 

Agree or disagree? There are a lot of other side characters, like Stacey and Jeramy, that I could include. But I think the eight core characters are enough for now. Make sure you check out our Hogwarts house series on the podcast and let us know what you think.

Pokemon Nicknames: Disney (5)

I thought I had finished doing Disney-themed Pokemon nicknames (at least through the generations I was familiar with) but while watching Disney movies with my daughters, I thought of plenty more--we're pretty much always watching a Disney movie. I felt like I had too many new ones to fit in another blog post, so here's a sampling of the new nicknames I came up with. 

Vaporeon as Ariel

Mankey as Spot

Talonflame as Maui

Morpeko as Hamsterviel

Krabby as Sebastian

Kricketune as Jiminy

Torchic as Hei Hei

Psyduck as Ducky Momo

Spheal as Gerald

Venonat as PT Flea

Friday Creature Feature - Perry the Platypus

“Hey. Where’s Perry?”

I couldn’t let the summer pass without spotlighting the king of summer vacation, Perry the Platypus (maybe Phineas is the king of summer… but I think he’d abdicate to Perry). The first round of new Phineas and Ferb episodes have finished airing on Disney Channel (I finished them weeks ago on Disney Plus) so it’s the perfect time to talk platypus. 

To the general human populace, he’s just a pet platypus. They don’t do much. The Flynn-Fletcher family adopted him when he was small and adorable. As far as they know, he wanders around town in between bouts of sleeping and eating. Originally the boys named him Bartholomew, but thankfully they renamed him to give us OWCA-regulation alliteration. 

Unbeknownst to most humans outside of OWCA (Doofenschmirtz, Vanessa, Stacy, and random unnamed civilians) the famed platypus is a secret agent who thwarts Heinz Doofenshmirtz on a daily basis. Because Doof is so incompetent at being evil (hence his break from evil between seasons four and five) Perry doesn’t have to do much to stop the mad scientist—especially if there’s a self-destruct button involved. Really it’s more like Perry is Doof’s exasperated buddy who puts up with the crazy antics. Literally went with him to run errands. 

The duck-billed secret agent deserves an Emmy for his acting as a derpy pet. A whole episode exists around “They don’t do much” while the pet platypus is off fighting an evil scientist. The concept is so ridiculous (much like the show in general) and I think that’s why we love Perry. Where else can you find an obscure crime-fighting pet with an alliterative name and a theme song?

I look forward to more antics from Perry and Doof in the next string of episodes (and maybe more Perry and Stacy). And maybe I can get my kids to join me in a dance party to his theme song. I could always use more platypus in my life. 

"Oh! There you are, Perry!"

LDS Geeks Podcast #19: Bandit Heeler is #DadGoals

Of all TV dads in recent years, one stands above all else, Bandit Heeler. Maybe it's because he's a cartoon dog–maybe it's because he's from a kids' show– but parents love it too. As for me, I think it's because dads find him so relatable. So for Father's Day this June, Kenton and I decided to discuss #DadGoals himself.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 19 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Kenton's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

        Spencer's Recommendations: Phineas and Ferb

        Kenton's Recommendations: Merlin

Phineas and Ferb Workout

"There's 104 days of summer vacation..." Wait. Where are Phineas and Ferb at that they have three months off school? Regardless of where the Tristate Area is and why Danville has a summer that lasted four years, I can assure you that students (and teachers especially) are ready for a relaxing break. So if you've been putting off exercise until the summer, now is the time. And you can work out to the tune of Phineas and Ferb's shenanigans. 

Disclaimer: While I am a licensed physical therapy provider, I am not a personal trainer or a medical practitioner. Partner as necessary with your doctor prior to engaging in any diet or excise programs. If any of these exercises cause increased pain, stop the exercise immediately.

• Theme Song - Jumping Jacks 
• “I know what we’re gonna do today” - Lateral Lunge 10 reps 
• “Where’s Perry?” - Front Raise 10 reps 
• Doofenschmirtz scene begins - Frog Bridges 10 reps 
• Candice shouts for Mom - Prone Scap Squeeze 10 reps 
• “Whatcha doing?” - Sit to Stand Squats 10 reps 
• Perry gets his mission - Seated Marches 15 reps 
• Perry fights Doofenschmirtz - Reverse Curls 10 reps 
• “Curse you, Perry the Platypus” - Adductor Squeeze 10 reps 
• “There you are, Perry” - Butt Walk 30 seconds 

***This workout is intended to work without any equipment, but feel free to add small dumbbells or bands as you're safely able.

LDS Geeks Podcast #7: Christmas Episodes

Merry Christmas! We're excited to discuss some of our favorite Christmas episodes from television at this special time of year!

--Spencer

What does a 14-year-old autistic kid think of the new Phineas and Ferb movie?

Coinciding with the end of summer vacation, Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe was released on Disney+. (But really, with the quarantine, summer vacation was waaaaay more than 104 days!) I watched this awesome little film with my family, and we really enjoyed it. It had all the requisite Phineas and Ferb staples: amazingly funny songs, breaking the fourth wall, creative use of catchphrases, non sequiturs that make sense in the end. Yes, Perry kicks some serious butt and is the unsung hero of the show. (Though now that he has a song about being an unsung hero, is he still an unsung hero?) And yes, Doofenshmirtz has the best lines of all the characters and steals the show in every scene he's in. If you like Phineas and Ferb, you'll like this movie. And if you don't like Phineas and Ferb, what are you doing reading this article? And if you don't know what Phineas and Ferb is, go check it out, I'll wait.

But as I was making some notes about this show, I was listening to my 14-year-old making comments in the peanut gallery. This is a kid who used to watch Phineas and Ferb when they were younger, and loved it. Jamie is autistic and enjoys the show's creative use of repetition and some of the goofy, crazy things that happen in the series. And of course they love Doofenshmirtz because the Doof transcends neurodevelopmental disorders! So I decided to write down what this amazing 14-year-old kid was saying. Here are Jamie's comments, with absolutely no context. Enjoy.

"Oh, she's going to need some serious therapy after this.”

"Man, her phone must have some seriously high resolution.”

"The flossing dance? Ack. Not cool, Disney. Not cool."

"Bwa ha ha ha! I was NOT expecting them to just randomly interrupt their own song! That's perfect."

"What?! They had to create a specific sound effect just for that scene. That's crazy!"

"How long is this bit going to go on for? IT'S AWESOME!"

"They just need to kill that chicken."

"Of COURSE his axe-inator has a self destruct button."

"Well if that wasn't the definition of nonchalant, I don't know what was."

"Holy cow, why did he just have that in his pocket?!"

"Okay, this is going to be a not funny thing where she makes a big speech, but her big speech doesn't work. Classic."

"Dad, imagine there was just a chicken somewhere else."

"That list was kind of silly ... but I really relate to that last one."

I'm raising the quirkiest movie critic ever. Welcome to my world, people. I love it.

A Very Disney Christmas

(Streaming options updated as of 12/5/19)

Hi. I'm Spencer and I'm a Mormon Geek (waits for reply of "Hi, Spencer")... Oh that's not what this blog is for? Oh well. I guess I'll just get into introducing myself and then into the meat of things. I am a Mormon Geek and I'll be taking over your news feed on Tuesdays. The things I geek out about vary, but right now I most geek out about Disney and Doctor Who (that one should be obvious from a guest post I did a while back). Anyway, enough of introductions. Time to get jolly with a Christmas-themed post.

Like I said, one of the things I geek about is Disney. I can out-Disney most people I know. At my last job I actually made the claim to a coworker that I can work a Disney quote into any conversation (this is especially true of The Emperor's New Groove). Today however, I'm gonna forego Disney Princesses and talking llamas in favor of something more timely: Disney Christmas specials and movies.

We see a lot of holiday specials floating around this time of year, including Charlie Brown, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and so on. I'm just gonna focus on some Disney specials though (sorry, Charlie Brown). So here we go...

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

(Available for streaming on Disney+)

Can't beat Mickey and friends right? I'll come right out and say that two of the three segments of is show are a bit cliche, but overall it's still a great show. We get Mickey and Minnie in a version of The Gift of the Magi, featuring them, Pluto, Figaro, Daisy, and Pete. It's heartwarming to say the least and definitely worth the watch. In another segment we get Huey, Dewey, and Louie causing all sorts of trouble for Uncle Donald on Christmas Day, only to make the clichéd wish that Christmas was everyday. So mix that with Groundhog Day and you've got a recipe for disaster as the trio uses their repeating day to wreak some havoc without the consequences. Everything works out alright in the end, of course, and the trio learn to cherish Christmas. Finally, the third segment is Max and Goofy, both having their doubts in turn about Santa Claus. I liked his one for its uniqueness, however I take issue (probably because of the LDS view of faith) with both Max and Goofy trying to find proof to believe in Santa. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of faith? Overall, I liked this one. My only complaints are the clichés of Mickey and Donald's portions and the faith thing with Goofy's. If you don't over analyze these things like me, you'll be fine.

Snowed in at the House of Mouse

("Mickey's Christmas Carol" available for streaming on Disney+)

I remember watching the House of Mouse when it was on tv (I think I was in middle school, so disregard the fact that it's supposed to be a kids show... Because I don't care). The cameos of all the Disney characters and little animated Mickey and friends shorts just makes this show amazing. Pure Disney Magic. The Christmas special gives such a wonderful display of Disney Christmas shorts, perfect for any age. This show also includes the wonderfully classic Mickey's Christmas Carol. What better Scrooge than Scrooge McDuck? I remember him specifically from Duck Tales and there is definitely a reason he's named Scrooge. I love this rendition of Charles Dickens's story, accommodating for the personalities of each of our favorite Disney characters (nothing can beat Goofy as Jacob Marley).  Just watch it. Ok? Good.

Phineas and Ferb: Christmas Vacation

(Available for streaming on Disney+ -- Ep 2x21)

Not a Disney classic by any means, but it is a must-view for me each year. We get some allusions to Christmas classics (Frosty the Snowman, for example) but we also get explicitly away from some other clichés (like the villain having a vendetta against Christmas). The thing I find most refreshing about this holiday special is that instead of being about Santa coming and delivering the presents and getting only his milk and cookies in return, Phineas, Ferb, and their friends go all out to show their gratitude for what they're getting. I think it's great to see a kids show promoting gratitude for what they get. I also really liked the concept that this show used to demonstrate nice kids vs naughty kids. Instead of being a good deeds vs misdeeds tally, they show at being good means being a good person with good intents and a good heart, because everyone makes mistakes. From a gospel standpoint, this is a soapbox of mine, the idea that we have to balance out our sins with our good works. That's not how it works. Just no. Nuh uh. Sorry. Period. I won't get on that soapbox here, but I'll just say that I like how the elves in this special explain it.

The Santa Clause
(Available for streaming on Disney+)

The whole trilogy. I'm not a huge fan of the third movie, because, like most movie trilogies that weren't planned as trilogies, it gets weaker the longer you go. That being said, this is the perfect Christmas classic. It's unique. It's fun. It's funny. Alluding to my comments about faith from "Once Upon a Christmas", I really like how they dealt with her concept of faith in this movie. Though everyone was telling Charlie that his belief about his dad being Santa was crazy, he knew what he knew and it was because of his faith in his dad (not just in Santa) that helped his dad have the faith to be Santa. If not all three movies, I recommend at least watching the first movie in the trilogy this season. It's packed full of references to Christmas carols (eg. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town") and other Christmas traditions (eg. "'Twas the Night Before Christmas") and taking a look at those things from how a child views them (eg. The North Pole being a pole). It's full of childlike wonder which is amazingly refreshing during such a stressful time of year.

The Muppet Christmas Carol
(Available for streaming on Disney+)

Like I mentioned with Mickey's Christmas Carol, this is a fun way to enjoy Dickens's Christmas classic. Gonzo (as Charles Dickens) and Rizzo give this movie the occasionally needed comedic timing, balancing out some of the darker parts of the show. Also, this movie has some amazing music.  The Ghost of Christmas Present and the townspeople sing the song "It Feels Like Christmas" and I can't help but smile and be happy when I listen to it. I think that song does an amazing job of capturing the feeling of Christmas. Finally, I have to mention how, like Mickey's Christmas Carol, this one does a great job of incorporating the Muppets' personalities into the characters of A Christmas Carol. I especially loved seeing Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit. You will never see a sassier Mrs. Cratchit. Also her two daughters, Belinda and Betina, are a chip off the old block. Love it!

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
(Available for streaming on Disney+)

I know I said I'd forego Disney Princesses this post... Well, Belle is the exception (this will be even more true when Emma Watson plays her). This magical story takes place mostly in the middle of Beauty and the Beast. With the Beast having forbidden Christmas, Belle takes it upon herself to have Christmas anyway. The villain, Forte the Organ, is despicable and creepy. I probably hate him more than Gaston in the original movie. One wonderful theme of the movie is having hope and more specifically finding hope no matter the circumstances, like Belle did while she was a captive in the Beast's castle. Another perfect Christmas song appears in this movie as well. "As Long as There's Christmas" describes hope as the the best Christmas present we can give. Incidentally, as my roommate pointed out, hope was the first Christmas present. The Savior was born about 2000 years ago to give us hope of redemption from the Fall. Because of His Atonement, we have hope.

That's all I have for Disney Christmas specials. Next week I'll be back with the Doctor Who Christmas specials. In the meantime, what Christmas movies and specials do you watch every year (Disney or otherwise)?