Friday Creature Feature - Muffin Heeler

Her cry chills you to the bone. 

Her mere presence can send grown men running. 

She is the queen of all she sees as long as she can see it. 

Her wrath is legendary. 

And she's three years old.

That One Kid..

The cousin of title character Bluey, Muffin is a fan favorite among the adult Bluey connoisseurs. She's the kid that when we hear is coming over we put all the breakables somewhere safe and are ready for at least one meltdown during the visit.  She's the kid who's screaming in a princess costume at Disneyland with at least one parent scrambling to get her whatever will make the noise stop. 

And we love her for it.

Chaos Incarnate

Muffin is three years old, which means she is full of energy and has little to no concept of people outside of herself. She wants what she wants right now and she's going to take it or throw a fit if she doesn't. Muffin is strong-willed towards the adults and children in her life alike, seeing no reason to treat one group different from the other (An equal opportunity monster). Besides being able to drift like a pro street racer, she doesn't have any special abilities or powers that a normal 3 year old human child would have, except she's a dog—which in the Bluey universe makes her the equivalent to a human. 

Muffin has three notable episodes where her chaos is put on full display. The first, The Sleepover, Muffin is trying to get away from an afternoon nap and shows up to the Heeler house exhausted, which is code for drunk in the episode. She proceeds to destroy anything within arms reach and ruin Bluey and Bingo's games, culminating in a high-speed chase in a pedal car with a stolen lawn flamingo. The episode is so unhinged compared to most Bluey episodes that it almost feels like a clip from another show spliced in, like Family Guy or Rick and Morty. This is Muffin taken to the next level as she has lost whatever filter she may've ever had from lack of sleep. 

The second Muffin episode, Faceytalk, the girls are playing on a Skype style app with their cousins but Muffin refuses to share with her little sister, so her dad puts her into time out. Muffin gets ahold of her dad's phone and her sister and cousins are treated to front-row seats at Muffin's frantic chase through the house, which climaxes with her accidentally dropping the phone two stories into their pool. Another unhinged episode, the first person view of Muffin running gives us a little insight into what life is like at Muffin's house, and since her little sister is completely unbothered by proceedings, we can assume that these chases are a regular occurrence. 

The last Muffin heavy episode is Granny Mobile. We see the return of two other fan-favorite characters, Bluey and Bingo's granny personas Janet and Rita, with Muffin taking on her own grouchy granny Gladys. Muffin gets into an argument with a real life grouchy granny, who either doesn't realize that Muffin is a child or doesn't care, but haggles with Muffin over the price of an electric scooter. Muffin saves the day by negotiating up and getting a great deal on it, helping the real owner go on holiday with her newfound funds. 

Not the Villain

One of the best parts about Bluey is that the kids are kids. They're not the exaggerated versions we caught in Rugrats, or the completely sci-fi versions we got in Codename: Kids Next Door. they're kids, with kid personalities and kid foibles. Muffin as an agent of chaos works because she's not one of the main characters so she's not an ever-present conflict like Angelica was. She doesn't overstay her welcome and isn't a constant problem, she's one that's around just enough to make life more interesting. 

Most episodes she's in, besides the ones mentioned, she's not completely unhinged, despite the occasional outburst. Usually she gets along well with everyone, plays with her cousins and sister, and just enjoys being a a kid. Muffin is what we wish we could still be as adults: wild, a little crazy, and not afraid to get what we want. 

Even if results do vary...

-JOE

Avatar/Korra Workout

If you need help getting into an exercise regimen and you're a fan of Avatar and/or Legend of Korra, I want you to put on an episode right now and try this workout. It's time to start getting your Uncle Iroh body (post-prison version).

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.

• Opening Sequence - Jumping Jacks 
• Avatar goes into Avatar state - Lateral Lunge 10 reps 
• Someone firebends - Front Raise 10 reps 
• Someone waterbends - Frog Bridges 10 reps 
• Someone airbends - Prone Scap Squeeze 10 reps 
• Someone earthbends - Sit to Stand Squats 10 reps 
• Anyone mentions cabbages - Seated Marches 15 reps 
• Uncle Iroh imparts wisdom - Reverse Curls 10 reps 
• A spirit creature appears - Adductor Squeeze 10 reps 
• Sky Bison appears - Butt Walk 30 seconds 

***Exercises updated January 2024 to account for what I've learned practicing physical therapy. This workout is intended to work without any equipment, but feel free to add small dumbbells or bands as you're safely able.

See also: Avatar Workout Database

LDS Geeks Podcast #5: Chrono Cross Characters

Michael and I returned to Chrono Cross to chat about our most and least favorite characters. Learn what characters you will want to recruit when you play Chrono Cross, and some of the more complicated back stories of a few of them. Enjoy the podcast!

--Rob

Ahsoka: (Re)Opening the Door to Adventure

(Guest post by Ben)

The following is a review of the Ahsoka series. As such, expect spoilers. You have been warned.

Ahsoka Tano was my absolute least favorite character in Star Wars when she was first introduced in Clone Wars. As the series went on, her character grew on me in such a way that, when she walked away from the Jedi Order, I was crushed. She had an emotional arc, and more opportunities presented itself during her appearances on Rebels (her fight with Vader was just…wow!). Needless to say, news of an Ahsoka series got me excited, and I’m happy to report that season 1 did not disappoint. 

Season 1 of Ahsoka (or what I like to call Rebels Season 5) saw the return of some favorite characters, such as Sabine, Chopper, and even a cameo from C-3PO. But it was Thrawn I was waiting for. I wanted, more than anything, for a live-action Grand Admiral Thrawn.

And we got it. 

Some of the best moments in Ahsoka were with Thrawn. His cruel brilliance is always fun to watch, and knowing his character, I can’t help but wonder about everything he’s planning on doing and how everything will tie together in ways I have not expected. Having read all of the Thrawn books by Timothy Zahn (both Legends and canon), I found it exciting at mere mentions of things pulled from the books (i.e., his knowledge of Anakin Skywalker). There are certainly a rampant amount of fan theories circulating the Internet about what Thrawn is up to, but I won’t get into those. I just want to say how happy I am that Thrawn is still around, and I hope to one day see the Chiss Ascendency from which he hails. 

And then there was Anakin. Dave Filoni has done a remarkable job in creating likable characters. Take Ahsoka, for instance. But remember the Prequel Trilogy? Folks didn’t take a huge liking to Hayden Christensen’s acting as Anakin Skywalker. In Filoni’s hands, Anakin came back with a flourish, an on-screen performance that, in some eyes, was redeeming. Whether his character needed “redemption” or not is irrelevant; however, Christensen’s performance in the Ahsoka series was both fun and nostalgic, and a welcome return to the Clone Wars era. His scenes also included some of the best visuals and imagery in the show. 

Another highlight from the Ahsoka series is getting to see Jabba the Hutt again, although he’s a lot skinnier than he was in Return of the Jedi. In all seriousness though, Ezra Bridger was an all-star in Rebels whose character grew on me until he, too, became a favorite. The actor portraying Ezra (Eman Esfandi) did a phenomenal job at encapsulating his personality and energy. I chuckled at his antics. It’s good to have Ezra back.

One thing that was a little weird was Sabine’s padawan status. According to the Tenth Doctor…er, Huyang, Sabine was least fit of any candidates he’d ever known to become a Jedi—and he’d been around for centuries! I thought Sabine’s character was strong when she wasn’t considered Force sensitive. As such, I found her Jedi potential a weak character arc. But, we’ll see where it goes (I’m not entirely opposed just yet).

Speaking of Jedi, Baylan Skoll was, perhaps, most compelling character in the series. What is his goal? Why search for the Mortis gods on Peridea? At least, that’s what it looked like from the massive Argonath-esque statues we last saw him standing on. The Father, Son, and…where was the Daughter? Hmm… It’s a mystery, and one that obviously ties in with the cartoons. I need answers!

I won’t say much about Baylan’s apprentice, Shin Hati, other than I enjoyed her power-hungry character and fierce personality. Her path seems clouded, but is obviously going to play a large role in the future of the story.

All in all, I thought Ahsoka was a fantastic show. Star Wars is all about fun and adventure, and this series re-opens the door that the original series introduced. New planets, new (old) foes, and a mystery doubtless contained within the realms of the storyline, the adventure seems more dire than even Starkiller Base posed in The Force Awakens.

Ironically, Ahsoka herself was one of my least-favorite characters in the show (although I still enjoyed her performance). Still, there’s a lot to love in Ahsoka. From zombie stormtroopers (no, this is not the first time zombies have been portrayed in Star Wars media) to Thrawn’s machinations, Ahsoka is a fun romp that expands the universe by introducing another galaxy far, far away…

6 Relatable Chandler Bing Moments

This past weekend we learned of the passing of Matthew Perry, who was known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends. This blog post could have had a few different names; “RIP Miss Chanandler Bong” and “The One Where We Grieve Matthew Perry” both came to mind. And while I don’t think Matthew or Chandler would have taken issue with either, this moment felt too solemn for jokes. 

I don’t often get emotional or torn up at the news of celebrity deaths. Maybe I’m not emotionally invested in them as much as others or maybe it’s the religious perspective that means death isn’t the end. But every once in a while there’s a death that strikes a little deeper, especially when mental health and/or suicide is involved. While I’ve seen no reports pointing to suicide or drugs or anything foul, Matthew Perry self-reported his struggles with addiction, mental health, and recovery in his memoir published last year. 

While he was brilliantly comedic and sarcastic, for my Matthew Perry tribute, I wanted to focus on some of his simply relatable moments as Chandler Bing (though most of them have a certain amount of humor in them anyway). Beyond his jokes and witty remarks, he had other serious moments that touched my heart and made me feel seen, particularly as a man struggling with mental health. 

“You're a pathetic loser, right?”

It’s self-deprecating and I can’t exactly get behind that as healthy behavior… but that doesn’t mean I don’t frequently use self-deprecating humor. But when Rachel needed someone to relate to her in “The One With the Fake Party” when she felt like she was falling flat on her face (literally and figuratively) at impressing her new crush. She knew Chandler would be able to relate because of his insecurities. It was a small moment, but I’ve definitely felt like that self-deprecating pathetic loser before. 

“I'm hopeless and awkward and desperate for love!”

While trying to get through the hurdle that was commitment issues, Chandler spouted off the comical line above in “The One With the Metaphorical Tunnel”. Yeah, it was funny. But it was also relatable, as anyone who had insecurities in relationships and friendships. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve used this line as a GIF to describe a depressive mood or my anxiety taking over my mind. Even after getting together with Monica, he repeatedly had to face that shadow of insecurity, like when he found out that Monica had been seeking Joey in London, not him (see “The One With The Truth About London”). 

“I like maintaining you.”

Anyone with an insecure partner (or insecure themselves) has probably thought of this line. We all have our baggage and our quirks. Monica was insecure about being viewed as “high maintenance” by Rachel and Phoebe in “The One With the Joke”. While Chandler couldn’t deny the reality of her personality, he put a positive spin on it, calling her “passionate”. He also took pride in being able to help her in her difficult times. Just one more reason I think they’re the perfect TV couple.

“That's funny with the fricken, right?”

When Chandler started spending half his week in the south, he got less time with his wife and friends. And while he was gone, Monica made friends with the head waiter in “The One With The Male Nanny”. After she referred to him as the “funniest guy” she’d ever met, Chandler’s insecurities got all riled up. As if he didn’t already feel insecure, he started freaking out and trying to “out funny” Monica’s new friend. And thus started Chandler overcompensating with the funny to be affirmed. Funny hasn’t been my thing necessarily, but I’ve definitely had those times when I hunker down on a single part of my personality to be liked.

“I'm not good enough to raise Emma?”

This one hits hard as a dad. In the Thanksgiving episode “The One with Rachel's Other Sister” the subject of Emma’s guardianship came up and Chandler found out he’d only get custody with Monica. As he and Monica were already struggling to get pregnant (happened with me and my wife too) I’m sure he was already feeling insecure about being a father figure. Never mind the fact that he had a strained relationship with his father. To find out that his best friend didn’t trust him to raise his niece alone would have been heartbreaking. But being the good wife she is, Monica entered to remind him of the irresponsible circumstances that led to Emma’s conception. Turns out he was a responsible adult after all (more or less).

Wholesomely supporting a friend (or vice versa)

This one doesn’t have a specific quote or moment, because there are countless throughout the series. Whether it’s Chandler comforting Rachel or Monica (even before they started dating) or whether it’s the girls or Joey rallying around Chandler after a breakup, I love that Chandler wasn’t too much of a “man” to be available for a friend emotionally or to be vulnerable and let his friends in. I like to think that was just Matthew Perry shining through and being himself, despite the relapses and depression.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to grab my copy of his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing”. Watching Friends will never be the same again. Everytime Chandler says goodbye, it’ll mean something different this time. I pray Matthew Perry is at peace now after all his mental and emotional turmoil. 

You can check out Matthew Perry's memoir on Amazon and Audible.

Kingdom Hearts: 0.2 Birth by Sleep - A Fragmentary Passage

 

 

artist: Gaozme

This title is the weirdest title for me. Kingdom Heart: 0.2 Birth by Sleep - A Fragmentary Passage (KHBBS 0.2) takes place before Kingdom Hearts I (KHI) and after Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep (KHBBS). I think this title has 0.2 in it because of that; 0 because it happens before KHI and 2 because it is the second Birth by Sleep game. 

Before I get into the summary of the story I want to share with you my experience playing the game. In a previous post I said that KHBBS was one of my favorite games because the game mechanics were the best. This game has the same game mechanics and that made me so happy. We play as Aqua after the events that happened in KHBBS and she starts off at level 50 with the strongest magic attacks/healings. The graphics of the game are better than all the previous HD remastered games/movies I have watched. The shadows don’t pixelate and there are finger nails. So much better than before. The only downside is the main story is only 2.5 hours long. Even though the gameplay is short the story is important and good, like most games.

After the events that took place in Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance (KH3D). Yen Sid wants to prepare for Xehanort by getting seven wielders of light. So far they have three (Sora, Riku, and King Mikey) and two potential candidates in training (Axel and Kairi). Yen Sid wants to recruit the three that were fallen 10 years ago during the events of KHBBS (Aqua, Terra, and Ventus). Mickey explains that he came across Aqua and that she has been dwelling in the Realm of Darkness. Then we flash back to Aqua’s perspective on what has been happening to her over the years.

During Aqua’s time in the Realm of Darkness she lost track of time because time doesn’t exist in this realm. She becomes discouraged because she has been alone for a long time, but she keeps fighting because she wants to protect her friends Terra and Ventus. During her time there she thought she saw them and chased after them through most of the gameplay. Eventually, she catches up to them and learns that they are illusions conjured by Terra illusion. Which makes sense because she left Ventus’ soulless body somewhere safe. Terra explains that he hasn’t been in control of his body for all these years because he is controlled by Xehanort. As the converse Xehanort takes over Terra and learns that Aqua hid Ventus in Castle Oblivion. 

After their confrontation a dark portal consumes Aqua and she is rescued by Mickey who is in search for a keyblade of the dark realm so he and Sora can seal the door to a lesser Kingdom Hearts from the first game. She aids Mickey in his travels and recollects that she has met Sora and Riku before. After Mickey gets the keyblade and before he gets to the doorway that he is going to seal Aqua is taken by the Heartless causing Mickey to follow Riku (who is also in that realm) to close the door. 

Flashforward to the present Yen Sid committed to train Kairi and Axel while instructing Sora, who failed his Mark of Mastery and lost his powers in the process to find a certain hero who once lost his power and reclaimed it. The events from KHII prevent Sora, Donald, and Goofy from using gateways to Olympus Coliseum. Pondering how to get their Goofy recites the phrase “Let your heart be your guiding key”. With that statement Sora uses his key and enters a gateway that emerges. 

In conclusion, I really enjoyed the game yet I was sad how quickly it ended. Before I end this post can I just say that “Let your heart be your guiding key” doesn’t make sense? When has a key led you somewhere? I think let your key unlock your guiding heart would make better sense. Anyways, what is your favorite video game?

Friday Creature Feature - Face Stealer

I would like to introduce you to Koh. He’s a spirit about as ancient as they come, he’s got a voice as deep and velvety as a pocket full of stars, and a great memory.

Also, he collects faces. People, animals, all of the faces are fair game. Let’s spend some time with our creepy friend,  because it’s SPOOKY season, and there’s plenty spookiness in the one they call the Face Stealer.

Avatar Aang enters the spirit world for the second time in Season 1 of ATLA on a mission to speak to Koh, the ancient spirit. He learns that Koh is the one… person… who can reveal where the moon and ocean spirits’ physical forms reside. With this information, Aang will be able to thwart Admiral Zhao’s plan to subjugate the northern water tribe.

And so Aang finds Koh. It turns out that Koh is one of the creepiest beings in the Avatar universe. And, thankfully, Aang learns about Koh’s odd habit before they meet. He has a very specific formula for stealing faces. He allows mortals to come to him for requests of all kinds. Those mortals foolish enough to allow him to see displays of emotion on their face lose it. 

Koh greets Aang, and indicates he has met the Avatar before, and has kept the face of the past Avatar’s lover as a trophy.

Koh is in the approximate shape of a giant centipede, and if your skin isn’t crawling yet you may be totally dead inside. Since you obviously require more unseemly details, Koh proudly swaps out faces he has stolen by “blinking” through them. Any creature that uses eyelids in weird ways like this is, scientifically speaking, is unrefined nightmare fuel. It's not really clear whether Koh believes in testing mortals, punishing them, or using them for a wildly violent form of entertainment.

One of the most brilliant parts of Koh testing Aang is that the ever-whimsical Avatar wears his emotions on his sleeve. Aang’s childlike playfulness and exaggerated exuberance show in so many goofy expressions you can't watch this scene without being on the edge of your seat. Koh challenges Aang to manage his spontaneity and impulsivity, and does not pull any punches in terms of trying to catch Aang with his guard down.

This character was so deliciously and maliciously portrayed I’ve been waiting for ATLA to reintroduce him since that single episode. Researching for this post led me to discover that Koh and Aang do have further encounters featured in a web-based game, which you can watch as a video without interruptions from pesky gameplay mechanics. The game itself is called “Escape from the Spirit World.” It takes place in between seasons two and three of ATLA. Koh returns several times through this game with riddles that bars Aang’s progress toward returning to the physical realm.

Bizarre and spine-tingling character design chills our bones around Halloween time. But you can enjoy the weirdness of Koh any time of the year! Whether it’s in the original series, or through some other incarnation, watch out. Keep your face blank, or Koh will add it to his bank. 

Happy Halloween!

Artist Spotlight: Joe Meyere

Before Spooktober ends, it only seemed appropriate to do an Artist Spotlight on someone who lives for Halloween. That's right, I'm talking about Joe from our Latter-Day Saint Geeks team. Don't forget to follow Joe's art on social media.

--Spencer

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I’m from a small town in central Utah. I used to wander the art museums in my home town and all I saw were portraits and landscapes. I wanted to do something more interesting, something that captured the imagination. 

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I love Alex Ross who paints comic books-as in each comic panel is a full painting with life models. It gives the heroes a far more life-like quality. I also love Kentaro Miura, the artist of the Berserk manga. I love the detail and shape he gives all his characters. 

Tell me about your favorite medium.

I love anything physical. I admire digital artists but there’s nothing like feeling the raw material in my hands and shaping it into something new. 

Where do you find inspiration?

I am inspired by the little moments that make a moment. The way a character will suddenly realize that they’re in danger, or how an animal can move a certain way that’s unique to that animal. I love to translate that into something fantastic. 

When is your favorite time of day to create?

After dark. I believe that anything done after dark is sacred. 

Describe how art is important to society.

Art is the way society processes the world it exists in. A good example is The Last of Us TV series. While it follows the video game it also has subtle references to the COVID pandemic. The show has become a way to process some of our feelings about the pandemic. 

What motivates you to create?

I want to create something beautiful. I want to add things to the world that make it a more interesting place to live in. I see a blank wall and I think “That’s a shame. Something could go there” and I created something to go there. 

How do you define success as an artist?

I think success is measured in multiple ways. The first time one of my pieces sold at an auction (Albeit a ward auction) I was so honored I jumped for joy. When bots on Instagram tried to scam me for my work I got excited. When Facebook’s algorithm recognized the actor in one of my pieces I got excited. I think success is anytime something happens with my art that makes me jump for joy. 

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

Art teaches me patience with myself when I don’t pick up on something right away. It’s helped me see how to figure out a problem step by step, or see it through other angles. 

How do you develop your art skills?

I am constantly practicing and am ready to create at the drop of a hat. Right now I have three different sketch books that I carry with me everywhere, in case I have a moment and some inspiration. 

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

Patience with yourself. Realizing that every piece isn’t going to be a masterpiece and that some days you’re just going to make art. The point isn’t to make something perfect, the point is to make something. 

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

I drew some fanart from Spelunky 2 of a walrus madam in a seductive pose. When I showed it to my stepdad he said “What’s wrong with you?!” I knew it was a winner. I’ve also had several pieces that have disturbed my wife. I’m exceptionally proud of creating something with such a visceral reaction. I’ve done several pieces for my friends after their pets passed away. When they tear up when they see their beloved pets rendered I know I did it right.

What do you dislike about the art world?

I hate the argument over what “Is” and what “Isn’t” art. An original Monet is art. A child’s drawing is art. A piece of fanart is art. Anything meant to make another human feel something is art. 

What do you dislike about your work?

I dislike how my faces sometimes turn out. I can have this amazing scary monster and the human reacting to it to me looks like a character from Scooby Doo. 

What do you like about your work?

I like how I can see tangible progression the longer I do it. I look at some of my old artwork that I thought was a masterpiece and I realize that I must’ve been blind or never seen a human face before compared to what I do now, and I know that in the future I’ll feel the same about my current work. 

What superpower would you have and why?

Telekinesis. That way I could do multiple things without having to get up. 

Your top 3 fandoms of all time

1: Anything with Harley Quinn. 

2: H.P. Lovecraft

3: Disney

If you're an artist (even if you're not a Latter-day Saint) and would like to be featured on our blog, send us an email to mormongeeks@gmail.com or message us on Facebook/Instagram. 

Don't forget to check out Joe's latest blog posts 

You can follow Joe's art accounts, Harvey Quinn Studio, on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Halloween Books Recommendations

 

Image: Marsan/Shutterstock

As Halloween approaches its always a good time to cozy up next to the fire place with a cup of hot chocolate and read some spooky books.

In this post I will go over five Halloween books that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. If there is a book on this list that you haven't read this is a good time to read it as Halloween approaches. If there is a book that I am missing leave a comment, I always like to read something new.

1. I Am Legend 

This is one of my favorite Halloween books. I usually read this book once a year. When I was a kid I watched the movie before reading the book and I was so confused on why the title of the movie was called "I Am Legend." That curiosity eventually encouraged me to read the book. Let me tell you this book is way better than the movie. Don't get me wrong the movie was entertaining, I like Will Smith movies, but the book is drastically different. For example, in the movie the antagonists are zombies, while in the book they are vampires. 

The ending of the book explains why Robert Neville, the protagonist, is a legend and it is brilliant, it makes sense, and it is satisfying. If you haven't read this book I highly encourage it. However, this book is aimed for adults and have some adult themes that may not be suited for with triggering imagery. For example, the vampires tempt Robert to leave his house in a lewd fashion.

2. Frankenstein

This is another novel that has not had a faithful adaptation. I get why movies don't, but I believe that if there was a movie that followed the events of the book it would do well in the box office. It would be unique to what has been made and what is being made currently in theaters.

Without going into any spoilers the book follows Frankenstein and his monster, having a father and son theme to it. The father being disappointed in what his son is. His son longing for compassion, being jealous of his father. I really like how the book betrays both perspectives of Frankenstein and his monster and how the monster went down a monstrous path believing that it was his only one. While the father thinks he is being noble, but is as much of a monster as his son.

3. Harry Potter

Not all Halloween books need to be scary or have a sad ending. Even though there are sad moments in the series I enjoy reading this series about a boy that escapes an abusive home to learn magic, gain friends, and defeat the Dark Lord. I assume most of you have read this series before, but if you haven't read it in a while take some time out of your busy schedule and read this relaxing series.

I watched the movies before reading the books and I am sad that Peeves was never in the movies. I hope that he will be present in the TV adaptation that will be happening.

4.  Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie

I have been sharing a lot of classic Halloween books, but this one is a less known book by a classic author so I thought I would recommend it.

For those who may not know Agatha Christie is one of the most well known murder mystery writers. Her series is as much of a classic as Sir Athur Doyle who wrote Sherlock Holmes. Many of her books have been made into television shows, BBC radio drama, and movies. Her most recent book that was made into a movie is "A Haunting in Venice" which is based off of this book. Most of her novels follows Hercule Poirot as he solves the crime.

In this novel a 13-year old girl named Joyce claims to have seen a murder at a Halloween party. At the end of the party she is found dead, drowned in an apple bobbing tub. One of the attendees brings Hercule Patriot to investigate the murder and Joyce's declaration. Will Hercule Poirot solve who the murderer was? The only way to find out is to read the book or watch the movie. 

To be honest I have not watched the movie yet so I don't know how accurate it is with the book. So It would be best if you just read the book. It's good to read.  

5. The Road

Have you ever read a book and thought about it days, weeks, and months after finishing it? "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy caused me to ponder the message long after finishing the book. It may have been because the story follows a father and his son and when I read it I became a recent father so the message stuck with me longer because I love my children. It could also be that the story is so compelling that you don't have to be a parent to enjoy the message. Either way if you want to read a rousing book I would recommend this novel.

The story follows a father and son as the journey on foot in an post-apocalyptic world. We don't know what caused this world to become this way, but it is and the father is trying to raise and protect his son from the natural man in the world that would do anything for a meal. The father does his best to keep his morals and be one of the "good guys" with the help of his son, but it becomes hard when food is limited. 

This book has some dark themes to it that are not suitable for people that only want to see good in everyone. Meaning they like the bad guys to be mild like Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb. This book is not that way. To drive home the message of staying true to being one of the "good guys" even in dark situations, McCarthy doesn't leave anything to the imagination.    

Who are Team Rocket?

I try to do at least one villainous blog post each October and I knew this year I wanted to talk about Team Rocket. The problem became choosing between game and anime iterations of the members of Team Rocket. And then which Rockets to talk about! For now I’ve made the arbitrary decision to focus on the Team Rocket trio from the anime. So without further adieu…

Prepare for trouble

Make it double…

Jessie

Let’s start with the femme fatale who sees herself equally as a thug and as a princess. Through various flashbacks over twenty years, we get instances of Jessie in nursing school, in a bicycle gang, and at Pokémon school. Eventually she joined Team Rocket and was partnered with equally inept James (not before developing a rivalry with Cassidy). When arriving in Hoenn, Jessie starts competing in Pokémon contests under an alias and constantly searches to be in the spotlight. She’s certainly attention-seeking, which I’m sure is no small part because of basically being abandoned as a kid. 

James

In contrast to poor Jessie, her partner in crime came from affluence, but was no less abandoned. Emotionally stunted (in my opinion) because of his parents’ constant direction, he was betrothed to overbearing Jessebelle. So he ran away and made his way to joining the same bicycle gang as Jessie and eventually joined Team Rocket. James has a certain kind of self confidence that I admire. Doesn’t matter if Jessie has talked him into crossdressing or if he’s befriending a new Pokémon friend. He just enjoys being himself, so I can only imagine that’s why he ran away from his engagement. 

Meowth

An alley cat from the beginning, Meowth taught himself to speak and walk on two legs like a human to impress a girl… only to lose her to a Persian. That's probably a contributing factor behind his inferiority complex to Giovanni's Persian after joining Team Rocket. Probably doesn't help that the Boss shipped him off with Jessie and James and kept the Persian.

Team Rocket Blast Off

When the series began, our Team Rocket trio was menacing and had some standards for their captures. But it wasn't long before the bumbling buffoons became comic relief, going after Pikachu and any other minorly interesting Pokemon. With every episode, they had new gadgets, Meowth-shaped balloons, and ended up blasting off into the distance. Comic relief villains through and through. Other than about two-thirds of Unova (in which they were surprisingly dark), you were more likely to get solid puns than successful poaching. But that's why we love them. More chaotic neutral than any sort of evil. And they’re relatable. It’s fun to see villains in kids’ shows that are relatable, instead of just doing evil for the sake of evil. In fact, we have many instances when Team Rocket helps the good guys more than the bad guys (sometimes even against other Rockets). It’ll be interesting to see what kind of villain shows up on the new iteration of Pokemon–I’ve yet to watch it… not even sure if it’s dubbed. 

In the meantime, I’m going to continue watching Pokemon Sun and Moon on the Pokemon Channel. Maybe one of these days our anti-heroes will find something worth catching and keep it for more than five seconds. Happy spooky season to you and all your villains!

Bonus trivia/Reminder: Our Team Rocket trio appeared in the main events of Pokemon Yellow