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Strange & Paranormal Files
Strange & Paranormal Files
2 yrs

Hikers Disrupt SASQUATCH 'DEER HUNT' Near Mount Rainier‚ Washington
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Hikers Disrupt SASQUATCH 'DEER HUNT' Near Mount Rainier‚ Washington

A group of friends were camping and hiking near Ashford‚ Washington. During the evening‚ three of the group went out to spot deer and elk. They came across something that they would never forget."This took place in July 2013 in an area just outside of Ashford‚ Washington in the foothills of Mount Rainier. We were there on a campout with several other people. On Friday afternoon several of us went out on a hike‚ walking up an old grade road which was being overtaken by Alder trees. Along this road‚ about 7 feet high‚ were twigs that were snapped all in the same direction and at the same height. This road came out to a clearing where on one side of the ravine was an old clearcut. There's a small creek that runs between the two hillsides. There was a fire trail that paralleled the clearcut along old-growth timber which was the side we were on.Being the hunter that my boyfriend is he suggested that we come back up later that night to look for deer and elk. There were three of us that went back up there that evening‚ myself‚ my boyfriend‚ and another man. We were all dressed in camo. Being that the fire trail was clear of brush‚ we were able to make our way to the top without making a lot of noise. We settled in sitting facing the clearcut with the big timber at our back. It's about 9:00 PM. There was a slight breeze coming from our left. It was still light. Being summer in Washington it stays lighter longer so we could see the hillside across from us.As we were sitting we could hear what sounded like rocks or boulders rolling in the creek below us. There are various sounds of sticks breaking. As darkness started a large military plane flew in from our left through the canyon‚ so low that we could have hit it with a slingshot. If this had anything to do with what was about to take place‚ I don't know. That was a strange coincidence. It is about 9:30 PM at this time.To our left‚ a deer came running into the clearcut and it was blowing air. We were downwind from it. By now it was close to dark so we were unable to see the deer but we could hear it moving across the clearcut in front of us which‚ on a straight line‚ would be approximately 125 yards away. As it was moving it was continually blowing. While we were watching and listening we could hear sticks breaking to the left and right of us. At our 10:00 direction was an ice blue light flash and another at our 4:00 direction. Chatter was heard in the 10:00 to 12:00 direction. While we were observing all of this the deer was ping-ponging back and forth across the clearcut as though it was being controlled or coralled. We figured there were four or five Sasquatch on the hillside attempting to catch this deer.The other man who was with us let out a loud howl. Immediately following his howl was a response from the clearcut in the 4:00 direction with a loud return howl and crashing into the bush. Then about 40 yards below us‚ along the creek‚ were three loud heavy stomps‚ and coming up the game trail about 20 yards from us was a large dark figure that seemed to be gliding. There was no sound and it moved very fast to our right. After this everything went quiet in the clearcut the deer ran off over the other side of the hill.We had the feeling that we had messed something up. We decided it was best we leave this area. We then came across two large footprints measuring 12 1/2 inches and the other at 15 inches which we observed with a flashlight. We went back to our vantage point where we were the night before to discover these tracks were in the area of the chatter and the blue light.The following weekend my boyfriend‚ my daughter‚ and I went back to camp in the same area. That evening we hiked up to our vantage point that we sat at the weekend before looking through our binos. Our flagging ribbons were no longer on the trees. We had the feeling that we were being watched from behind. That was a very uneasy feeling. So we left the area.Transcribed Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-w8kkogW5QThe Alien Abduction Files: The Most Startling Cases of Human Alien Contact Ever ReportedThe Untold Story of Champ: A Social History of America's Loch Ness MonsterAngels: Who They Are‚ What They Do‚ and Why It MattersBeasts of BritainThe Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War (Civil War Trilogy)Monsters Among Us: An Exploration of Otherworldly Bigfoots‚ Wolfmen‚ Portals‚ Phantoms‚ and Odd PhenomenaMonsters of West Virginia: Mysterious Creatures in the Mountain StateA Menagerie of Mysterious Beasts: Encounters with Cryptid CreaturesALIEN DISCLOSURE: EXPERIENCERS EXPOSE REALITY - AudiobookRegister a SNAP EBT CardTHE MEME HUMANOIDS: MODERN MYTHS OR REAL MONSTERS - AudiobookTry Audible PlusPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTFeel Free to Post PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS DIRECT LINKS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA &; WEBSITE. Thanks For Your Support!Have you had a sighting or encounter?Contact me by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAccess Phantoms &; Monsters Posts on Twitter 'X'-----YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED! THANKS-----ORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONProject Threshold: Team Riker: Division A-----TODAY'S TOP LINKSBigfoot Filmed on Hillside in Oregon?Mysterious Man Manages to Fly to Los Angeles in Strange Alleged Stowaway CaseCHICAGO/LAKE MICHIGAN MOTHMAN UPDATE W/ TOBIAS WAYLAND - LIVE Chat - JOIN US! Lon Strickler (Host)LISTEN TO NARRATIONS OF PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS REPORTS &; CASES - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE‚ LIKE &; SHARE'Eyes Everywhere': Congress Is About to Vote to Expand Mass Surveillance of Americans‚ Experts WarnNostradamus’ 2024 predictions revealed — brace yourself for more war and faminePHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTCONSIDER ADVERTISING ON PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIOLET'S DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONSClick the link for our Media KitCHICAGO MOTHMAN / O'HARE BATMAN YouTube PlaylistPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIO Podcasts on Spotify**********Your financial support of Phantoms &; Monsters and our other pursuits is much appreciated. Please click the banner above. Thanks.Have you had a sighting or encounter?Contact us by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAlso available with audiobooknarration by Terry Springs‚CBS-TV Las Vegas affiliate.The Dark Arts of MISTER SAM SHEARON - Original Prints &; MerchandiseThis blog and newsletter are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Work 3.0 United States License.Registered trademark PHANTOMS AND MONSTERS ® / PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS ® - USPTO #90902480 - Lon D. Strickler© 2005-2023 Phantoms &; Monsters - All Rights Reserved
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Strange & Paranormal Files
Strange & Paranormal Files
2 yrs

Buffalo‚ NY Convenience Store Clerk Encounters BLACK-EYED 'ZOMBIE!'
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Buffalo‚ NY Convenience Store Clerk Encounters BLACK-EYED 'ZOMBIE!'

A Buffalo‚ NY convenience store clerk recalls a black-eyed zombie-like man who entered the store and walked around making bizarre noises and driving away customers.I received the following account:“During the summer of 2022‚ I worked at a 24-hour convenience store in Buffalo‚ New York. My shift was from 11 PM to 7 AM on the Niagara Thruway. We received a lot of drunks and druggies‚ as well as delivery and truck drivers.One night around 4 AM‚ a bizarre-looking man entered the store‚ almost zombie-like. Tattered clothing‚ scarred face‚ and arms. He was breathing really weird with loud‚ crackling breath. He looked at me as soon as he walked in the door. I will never forget this guy's eyes. They were coal black! They were empty. A chill went up my spine. It makes me shudder just thinking about it. As he walked around the store‚ he made insane sounds and exaggerated motions that still haunt me. A few people walked in‚ took one look at this guy‚ and turned around and left.I finally had enough after about 20 minutes. I walked from around the counter and literally grabbed him by the belt and threw him out the door. I have no idea what this guy was but if zombies are real‚ then I had an actual encounter with one.” PLThe Alien Abduction Files: The Most Startling Cases of Human Alien Contact Ever ReportedThe Untold Story of Champ: A Social History of America's Loch Ness MonsterAngels: Who They Are‚ What They Do‚ and Why It MattersBeasts of BritainThe Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War (Civil War Trilogy)Monsters Among Us: An Exploration of Otherworldly Bigfoots‚ Wolfmen‚ Portals‚ Phantoms‚ and Odd PhenomenaMonsters of West Virginia: Mysterious Creatures in the Mountain StateA Menagerie of Mysterious Beasts: Encounters with Cryptid CreaturesALIEN DISCLOSURE: EXPERIENCERS EXPOSE REALITY - AudiobookRegister a SNAP EBT CardTHE MEME HUMANOIDS: MODERN MYTHS OR REAL MONSTERS - AudiobookTry Audible PlusPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTFeel Free to Post PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS DIRECT LINKS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA &; WEBSITE. Thanks For Your Support!Have you had a sighting or encounter?Contact me by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAccess Phantoms &; Monsters Posts on Twitter 'X'-----YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED! THANKS-----ORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONProject Threshold: Team Riker: Division A-----TODAY'S TOP LINKSBigfoot Filmed on Hillside in Oregon?Mysterious Man Manages to Fly to Los Angeles in Strange Alleged Stowaway CaseCHICAGO/LAKE MICHIGAN MOTHMAN UPDATE W/ TOBIAS WAYLAND - LIVE Chat - JOIN US! Lon Strickler (Host)LISTEN TO NARRATIONS OF PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS REPORTS &; CASES - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE‚ LIKE &; SHARE'Eyes Everywhere': Congress Is About to Vote to Expand Mass Surveillance of Americans‚ Experts WarnNostradamus’ 2024 predictions revealed — brace yourself for more war and faminePHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTCONSIDER ADVERTISING ON PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIOLET'S DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONSClick the link for our Media KitCHICAGO MOTHMAN / O'HARE BATMAN YouTube PlaylistPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIO Podcasts on Spotify**********Your financial support of Phantoms &; Monsters and our other pursuits is much appreciated. Please click the banner above. Thanks.Have you had a sighting or encounter?Contact us by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAlso available with audiobooknarration by Terry Springs‚CBS-TV Las Vegas affiliate.The Dark Arts of MISTER SAM SHEARON - Original Prints &; MerchandiseThis blog and newsletter are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Work 3.0 United States License.Registered trademark PHANTOMS AND MONSTERS ® / PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS ® - USPTO #90902480 - Lon D. Strickler© 2005-2023 Phantoms &; Monsters - All Rights Reserved
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Classic Rock Lovers
Classic Rock Lovers  
2 yrs

Complete List Of The Neighbourhood Band Members
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Complete List Of The Neighbourhood Band Members

The Neighbourhood is one of those bands that you find out about from your friends‚ and you feel like you are in on the secret. This band is fantastic.  The group formed in 2011 in Newbury Park‚ California. Known for blending indie rock with electronic and hip-hop elements‚ the band gained significant attention with their hit single “Sweater Weather.” They have released several albums‚ including I Love You.‚ Wiped Out!‚ and Chip Chrome &; The Mono-Tones. The Neighbourhood’s music has been characterized by its moody and atmospheric sound‚ and they have maintained a consistent presence in the alternative music scene The post Complete List Of The Neighbourhood Band Members appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.
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The Lighter Side
The Lighter Side
2 yrs

This Grandad is All-Action at Aged 92: ‘I do martial arts daily’ (Watch)
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This Grandad is All-Action at Aged 92: ‘I do martial arts daily’ (Watch)

A wise man once said that aging is the gradual acceleration of comfort-seeking‚ and Englishman Lew Burja‚ who’s 92 and still practices kung fu and tai chi‚ certainly seems to think so. A grandfather with three grandkids‚ decades of remaining spry has ensured he can keep up with the little ones‚ and keep up a […] The post This Grandad is All-Action at Aged 92: ‘I do martial arts daily’ (Watch) appeared first on Good News Network.
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The Lighter Side
The Lighter Side
2 yrs

Off-Duty Firefighter Drives Over An Hour To Return A Womanand#039;s Lost Purse
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Off-Duty Firefighter Drives Over An Hour To Return A Womanand#039;s Lost Purse

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Pet Life
Pet Life
2 yrs

Tube Feeding for Cats: Success‚ Safety‚ &; When to Do It
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Tube Feeding for Cats: Success‚ Safety‚ &; When to Do It

The post Tube Feeding for Cats: Success‚ Safety‚ &; When to Do It by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. There is nothing more frustrating‚ and worrisome‚ than a sick cat who won’t eat. Cats may refuse to eat for many reasons. They may be bored with the same old food‚ or they may be stressed about something. Most often‚ though‚ inappetence and anorexia will be caused by an illness‚ either because the cat feels nauseated or can’t smell her food. A cat who doesn’t eat for more than 48 hours is at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis‚ also known as fatty liver disease‚ which can be fatal if left untreated. Force-feeding rarely works It used to be that force-feeding or syringe feeding was an acceptable method to try to get nutrition into these cats‚ but‚ as anyone who has ever tried to force feed a cat knows‚ it can be a miserable process for both cat and guardian. The volume of food needed requires multiple feedings of multiple syringes‚ and it is extremely challenging to meet the nutritional and hydration needs of a cat in this way. In addition‚ sick cats frequently need multiple medications. All of this makes syringe feeding a struggle‚ which leads to stressed cats and stressed humans. This is not only detrimental to the cat’s healing process‚ it can also damage the bond between cat and human to the point where the cat will run every time she sees her human coming. As a result‚ many cat guardians give up on cats who won’t eat and elect euthanasia. “Feeding tubes shorten hospital stays‚ reduce the stress of administering medications‚ and ensure that nutrition‚ one of the most important aspects of healing‚ happens safely and effectively‚” says Dr. Elizabeth Colleran‚ a feline veterinarian and owner of two cat hospitals. “They can aid in recovery from any illness that involves multiple medications‚ significant oral pain or any other condition that would cause a cat not to want to eat.” Don’t be afraid of feeding tubes Most guardians will balk at the idea of a feeding tube. “I would never put my cat through that” is a frequent reaction. In human medicine‚ the idea of a feeding tube has end-of-life connotations. Nothing could be further from the truth in feline medicine. What is a feeding tube? There are two types of feeding tubes‚ pharyngostomy (P) tubes and esophagostomy (E) tubes. Both are inserted through the side of the neck and into the esophagus. The body then easily passes the tube down into the stomach. The other end of the tube will come out of the side of the cat’s neck and is held in place with a bandage‚ or even a stylish KittyKollar. The procedures requires sedation‚ but takes less than 10 minutes. Removal requires no sedation. Using a feeding tube Food is given via a syringe that attaches to the end of the feeding tube. Your veterinarian will guide you as to what kind of food‚ how much and how frequently to feed your cat. Food will need to be run through a good quality blender. The tube will need to be flushed with water after each feeding‚ and the area around the end of the tube that sticks out of your cat’s neck needs to be kept clean. The real beauty of having a feeding tube in place is that you can also administer medications through the tube‚ rather than having to struggle to get your cat to take them. Cats can eat on their own with a feeding tube in place. Once a cat eats enough on her own‚ removal of the tube can be considered‚ unless a guardian elects to keep the tube in place to facilitate delivery of medications. A cat guardian’s experience with a feeding tube Dr. Kristopher Chandroo‚ a veterinarian and owner of The 100x Vet in Ottawa‚ Canada‚ shared the experience of one of his clients with a E-tube in his comprehensive article‚ What to Do When They Won’t Eat at All: Pina and the E-Tube. Pina’s guardians share what worked and what didn’t work for them. There is no question that feeding tubes can improve the quality of life for sick cats. If you’re faced with a sick cat who won’t eat‚ discuss feeding tubes with your veterinarian. It may just save your cat’s life. Additional resources: Dr. Lisa Pierson has a comprehensive article about feeding tubes on her website‚ catinfo.org. Has your cat had a feeding tube? What was your experience? Would you consider a feeding tube for your cat? Featured Image Credit: frantic00‚ Shutterstock The post Tube Feeding for Cats: Success‚ Safety‚ &; When to Do It by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
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Pet Life
Pet Life
2 yrs

My Cat Brought Me a Mouse‚ What Should I Do?
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My Cat Brought Me a Mouse‚ What Should I Do?

The post My Cat Brought Me a Mouse‚ What Should I Do? by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. If you find yourself in a situation where your cat has brought you a mouse‚ it’s important not to panic. This is perfectly normal behavior for cats‚ even if it can be a little unsettling for us humans. Your cat isn’t trying to upset you – on the contrary! They’re likely displaying their hunting instincts or even showing affection. What to Do If Your Cat Brings You a Mouse Stay Calm If your cat presents you with a mouse‚ your first reaction might be to freak out. However‚ it’s essential to remain calm. Remember‚ your cat isn’t trying to upset you or make a mess. Instead‚ they’re following their natural instincts or trying to show you affection. They don’t understand that you might find their gift unpleasant. Don’t Punish Your Cat It’s crucial not to punish your cat for bringing you a mouse. They’re simply acting on their natural instincts and punishing them could confuse them or damage your relationship. Your cat won’t understand why they’re being punished for something that‚ in their eyes‚ should be rewarded. Instead of punishment‚ try to redirect their energy towards toys and playtime. Thank Them Gently While you don’t want to encourage the behavior‚ it’s important to acknowledge your cat’s hard work. A simple‚ gentle “thank you” will suffice. This can help maintain your bond with your cat without necessarily encouraging more hunting. What to Do With the Mouse If the Mouse Is Alive… If the mouse is still alive when your cat brings it to you‚ try to trap it if possible. You can use a towel or blanket to catch the mouse‚ then gently release it outside‚ far away from your home to prevent it from returning. If the Mouse Is Dead… If the mouse is already dead‚ use gloves to remove it to avoid any potential diseases or parasites the mouse might be carrying. Dispose of it safely by placing it in a bag and putting it in the trash. Preventing Future Hunting Keep Your Cat Indoors One of the most effective ways to reduce hunting behavior is by keeping your cat indoors‚ particularly at dawn and dusk when mice are most active. This can significantly decrease their opportunities to hunt. Provide Entertainment Ensure your cat has plenty of toys and stimulation indoors to distract them from hunting. Interactive toys‚ puzzle feeders‚ and regular playtime can help satisfy their hunting instincts in a safer and cleaner way. Use Bells on Collars Another strategy is to use a bell on your cat’s collar. The sound of the bell can warn potential prey of their approach‚ giving them a chance to escape before your cat can catch them. This can reduce the number of successful hunts‚ and subsequently‚ the number of ‘gifts’ you receive. Tips to Prevent Your Cat from Bringing You Mice You can’t keep both eyes on your cat all day‚ so here are some tips to help keep the dead mice off your doorstep. Keep your cat indoors‚ particularly at dawn and dusk when mice are most active. Provide plenty of toys and stimulation to satisfy their hunting instincts in a safer way. Use a bell on their collar to warn potential prey of their approach. Regularly check your home for any cracks or holes that could allow mice to enter. Keep your yard and home clean and tidy to help deter mice from entering the area. Don’t allow your cat to eat any mice they catch as this could potentially be dangerous for them. If your cat gets sick after eating a mouse‚ contact your vet immediately. Neutering or spaying won’t necessarily reduce hunting behaviors in cats. The Hunting Instinct Cats are natural hunters‚ a trait that’s been ingrained in them from their wild ancestors. This instinct doesn’t disappear just because they live indoors or are well-fed. Hunting is more than just a way to get food for cats; it’s also an important part of their behavior that allows them to express their natural instincts and keep their skills honed. Even when provided with plenty of food‚ cats might still hunt for sport‚ practicing their skills and keeping themselves mentally and physically stimulated. It’s an activity that involves stalking‚ pouncing‚ and playing with their prey‚ which cats find incredibly entertaining. Affectionate Gestures Another reason cats often bring their owners “gifts” like mice is as a sign of affection. In the wild‚ mother cats teach their kittens how to eat by bringing home dead or injured prey. Your cat might see you as part of their family and feel the need to share their successful hunt with you. It’s a way for them to take care of you‚ show you that they trust you‚ and even try to teach you to hunt. While this behavior can be a bit gruesome‚ it’s a significant compliment in the world of cats. Other FAQs Q: Why do cats hunt‚ even when they’re not hungry? A: Cats hunt due to their natural instincts‚ not necessarily because they’re hungry. They are predators and hunting allows them to express these instincts and keep their skills sharp. Q: My cat is well-fed. Why does it still hunt? A: Even well-fed cats will often engage in hunting behavior. This is due to their instinctual drive to hunt and doesn’t necessarily indicate that they are hungry. Q: Is it safe for my cat to eat a mouse? A: While cats are capable of eating mice‚ it’s not always safe. Mice can carry diseases and parasites which could potentially be harmful to your cat. Q: Can I train my cat to stop hunting? A: It’s challenging to train a cat to stop hunting completely as it’s a natural instinct. However‚ you can provide alternative forms of stimulation to help reduce the behavior. The post My Cat Brought Me a Mouse‚ What Should I Do? by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
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Pet Life
Pet Life
2 yrs

Working Cats: Felines That Have Important Jobs &; How to Have One
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Working Cats: Felines That Have Important Jobs &; How to Have One

The post Working Cats: Felines That Have Important Jobs &; How to Have One by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. As your cat basks in the glow of the high noon sun‚ you may be wondering if felines ever do anything except eat‚ play‚ and sleep. The truth is‚ cats are so domesticated now that some are spoiled beyond employment for heavy-duty jobs such as pest control. My own cats have become so lazy that they don’t always bother to catch the occasional annoying fly‚ but simply follow it with their eyes (which‚ I also do apparently since the fly got away in the end). Unlike my cats‚ not all felines are fortunate enough to live in loving homes where everything is provided for them. Some cats live on the streets with the minimum necessities for life. They’ve never known the love of a human and aren’t typically fit to be good pets since they’re partially wild. However‚ working cat programs can give these cats a second chance when they’re caught in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs and find themselves unable to be released back into their former environment. What Is a Working Cat? A working cat is a feline who’s “employed” as a pest control alternative to harsh chemicals. It’s a symbiotic relationship for humans and felines‚ since humans are able to eradicate rats‚ and the cats generally enjoy a lifestyle that’s a step above what they’re used to. Working cats usually come from shelters as part of the TNR program. Under this plan‚ feral community cats are caught‚ neutered‚ treated with medicine and vaccines as needed‚ and then ideally released back into the wild. However‚ sometimes there’s an outstanding reason why they can’t go back home. Maybe they lived in a dilapidated shed that’s now torn down‚ or whoever notified animal control hated the cats in the first place. If the cat is in poor health‚ they also may not be able to be released. Since they’re unfamiliar with humans‚ feral cats who can’t go home are in serious danger of being put on the euthanasia list since they can’t be adopted either. Most community animal shelters or humane societies have implemented a working cat or feral cat program to save these animals that would otherwise slip through the cracks. These cats are often called “barn cats” or “warehouse” cats‚ denoting their typical places of employment. A working cat will catch mice just like they did in the wild‚ but on the grounds of a farm‚ church‚ or warehouse. Otherwise‚ that facility would have to implement alternate pest control measures that might not be as healthy for their crops or congregation‚ such as chemical pesticides. How to Acquire a Working Cat If you have a pest control problem at your business or if you own a facility such as a small farm that needs constant maintenance‚ you might consider contacting your local humane society to inquire about their feral cat program. Just know that the process is a little different than adopting a pet. Feral cat adoptions are usually free. However‚ oftentimes you must take a minimum of two cats‚ and you aren’t necessarily allowed to choose which ones. Feral cats are scared of humans and wouldn’t tolerate people “shopping” in their shelter all day long‚ so the staff usually picks the cats to relieve them from the stress of constant visitors. To adopt a feral cat‚ you’ll need to make sure you can always provide: Food Water Litter An enclosure or shelter that’s safe from rain or harsh weather This list is your working cat’s “minimum wage.” Some cats may even develop a friendship with their employer‚ even if they’re not quite as friendly as devoted house cats. What Is a Therapy Cat? I welcome cat snuggles all day any day (even now while I’m writing this article)‚ but they’re especially appreciated whenever I feel lonely or upset. Therapy cats use their purring skills to provide calming and healing benefits to the people they meet. They’re often taken to nursing homes to comfort residents who may be feeling lonely. Unfortunately‚ the current Americans with Disabilities Act only grants the title of service animal to canines‚ which means there are many restrictions on where a therapy cat can go. For example‚ no laws currently permit felines to visit restaurants or grocery stores‚ or unconditionally allow cats in any public area. However‚ a trained and licensed therapy cat may be received into specific hospitals‚ schools‚ and other public places where they can work if their handlers obtain prior permission. How to Train Your Cat as a Therapy Cat Cats and their handlers must undergo several hours of supervised training and pass individual inspections to be qualified as a therapy team. If you’re interested‚ research organizations like Love on a Leash for more details and requirements. How to Adopt an ESA Since they’re not granted the full rights of a service animal‚ therapy cats basically function as emotional support animals (ESAs) for the community. Individuals may also acquire an emotional support cat to give them comfort day and night. There are no strict requirements for registering a cat as an ESA‚ and you can even register a pet you already have‚ but you’ll need a letter of recommendation from a licensed mental health professional to qualify for registration. Since there really aren’t any qualifications for the type of cat‚ you might try to visit your shelter and ask for a feline with a calm demeanor to serve as your ESA if you don’t currently have a kitty. The benefits of registering your cat as an ESA include fewer housing restrictions. Per the Fair Housing Act‚ your landlord must accept an ESA under their roof without requiring a pet deposit—even if the house isn’t deemed “pet-friendly.” Only a few exceptions apply‚ such as if the landlord also lives in the house or if the complex is designated for senior living. Some airlines may also allow emotional support cats to fly in the cabin without an additional fee‚ although this practice has been on the decline over the last couple years. Just For Fun: Cats Can Be Booksellers‚ Too Cats can serve pivotal roles in pest control and therapeutic assistance‚ but they can also gather their community over a shared love for felines and fiction. The thick black cat watched me from the deep‚ old-fashioned shop window at The Haunted Bookstore in Mobile‚ Alabama. He had been taking a nap‚ but when he noticed he had a customer‚ he crawled off his daybed and came over to greet me. Affectionate‚ he rubbed his body against my hand and waited for the pettings which were eagerly given. After my friend and I crooned over him for a few moments‚ the human bookseller behind the counter told me that his name was Mr. Bingley. I immediately appreciated his prestigious name‚ which comes from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice‚ and seemed fitting for the resident bookstore cat. I can attest that Mr. Bingley takes his job very seriously‚ bonding with the customers so they don’t want to leave the store. If you search the shop on Google Maps‚ you’ll see “cat” is actually the most mentioned word in the bookstore’s reviews‚ and some people have jokingly said he’s the most overworked employee. I hope he earns employee of the month. Conclusion They may try to fool us by napping for long stretches on the couch‚ but cats are capable of many different types of jobs‚ depending on the particular cat. Even your own cat may be registered as an emotional support animal if you obtain a letter of recommendation from a licensed mental health professional. Feral felines who are unfit for adoption may be drafted into a local working cat program‚ where they’re guaranteed to have at least food‚ water‚ litter‚ and shelter in return for catching pests. Some cats‚ like the affectionate Mr. Bingley‚ may take on odd jobs such as booksellers‚ or groundskeepers like Mrs. Norris in the Harry Potter trilogy. While felines currently don’t have the same service animal protections available to canines‚ cats may serve as therapy animals in certain settings‚ as long as they’re trained‚ registered‚ and have particular permission from the hospital or school where they’ll be visiting. Sources https://www.loveonaleash.org/Therapy-Pet/ https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x889a4fdcb17fed19%3A0xbe336c2227b07815!3m1!7e115!5sGoogle%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&;hl=en&;imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipM7bIVvNhrchmzGxy98yr-tvFHsaVPMa0ZmugFs&;sa=X&;ved=2ahUKEwjqyqCD3tP7AhWKlGoFHc1fASIQ9fkHKAF6BAgBEBY https://humaneanimalrescue.org/programs-and-services/other-programs/working-cats/ https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-owner-relationship/therapy-cat https://ocgainesville.org/working-cat-program Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory The post Working Cats: Felines That Have Important Jobs &; How to Have One by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
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Pet Life
Pet Life
2 yrs

Can You Turn an Outdoor Cat Into an Indoor Cat? Facts &; Tips
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Can You Turn an Outdoor Cat Into an Indoor Cat? Facts &; Tips

The post Can You Turn an Outdoor Cat Into an Indoor Cat? Facts &; Tips by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Cats instinctively like to be in nature‚ but the outdoors is not always the safest place for a cat to live. Many cats that are born inside a home or get adopted from a rescue center end up living happy and healthy lives indoors with their human companions. It is a different story when dealing with stray cats or those that are used to living outside most of the time. It’s possible to turn an outdoor cat into an indoor cat‚ but the process may not be easy. Once a cat gets used to living outside‚ they may resist being kept indoors—at least at first. It can seem like you’re being cruel to your kitty‚ as they will paw at the doors and windows‚ whine throughout the day and night‚ and try making a run for it anytime someone enters and exits the home. Rest assured‚ though‚ keeping your cat indoors is not cruel. It’s a safety measure that ensures their health and happiness when all is said and done. Why It’s a Good Idea to Turn an Outdoor Cat Into an Indoor Cat Keeping a cat indoors increases their safety and minimizes the chance that they will develop an illness or deadly disease. Diseases like parvo‚ feline AIDS‚ herpes‚ leukemia‚ and peritonitis are common in stray cats. The more time that a cat spends outdoors‚ the more prone they are to acquiring one or more of these diseases. This alone is a good enough reason to consider making sure your cat stays indoors at all times. Outdoor cats are also more likely to get into fights with other animals and are prone to dangers like cars‚ dogs‚ and uncaring people who want to hurt them. Staying indoors‚ a cat does not have to face these kinds of dangers. How to Transition a Cat From Living Outdoors to Living Indoors It takes time and patience to transition a cat from living strictly (or even partly) outdoors to living indoors full time. The key is to make the indoors as interesting and exciting as the outdoors would be. You must consider all the things that cats like about the outdoors‚ such as trees and other structures to climb on‚ natural obstacles to work their way through‚ and prey to pounce on. Keeping these things in mind‚ you can create a magical wonderland for your cat to explore. Here are a few suggestions on how to do that. Incorporate Multiple Climbing Structures Cats love climbing and adventuring‚ so make sure you incorporate multiple climbing structures into your home for your feline family member to enjoy. Place a climbing tree in front of a large window in your living room so they can see what’s going on outside. Put a smaller one in your bedroom or near your dresser where they can perch and survey their surroundings. You can also put one near their food station so they can keep an eye on what’s happening with their sacred area from above. Climbing trees come in various shapes‚ sizes‚ colors‚ and styles‚ so it is possible to seamlessly incorporate them into your home’s décor. Try Multi-level Living Ensure that your new indoor cat has multiple vertical levels to investigate and hang out on. As natural predators‚ they always want the best vantage point when it comes to seeing what’s happening in the area that they are spending time in. Consider installing floating shelves on the walls for them to climb on. Clear off a shelf on your bookcase for them to snuggle into. Install window perches‚ put tables in front of your windows‚ and/or create “tunnels” out of pliable metal to hang on the walls. Know That Interaction Is the Name of the Game Cats like to play‚ hunt‚ and explore as much as they like napping. They need things to keep their interest‚ teach them new skills‚ and stimulate their brains when you aren’t there to interact with them. A great way to make sure your cat has plenty of interaction is to have things like puzzle toys be available in the house. This doesn’t have to be a pricey investment. You can cut holes in cardboard boxes to create puzzles and mazes‚ tie knots in old socks to create play toys‚ and buy wind-up toy mice for them to play with when you leave the house. The more interactive toys and items that you leave for them to explore throughout the day‚ the more enriched‚ happy‚ and healthy they will be. Prepare for Nighttime Living Most cats that are used to living outdoors tend to keep nocturnal schedules. It’s easier for them to hunt for food and avoid predators and dangers at night when it’s dark‚ rather than during the day when people and animals are out and about. So‚ you should be prepared to deal with a cat that’s awake while all the humans in the house are trying to sleep. There are a few things that you can do to curb nighttime activity: Offer dinner right before bed‚ as cats tend to take long naps after having a tasty and filling meal. Play a game with your cat to help them burn off pent-up energy. This should help them get comfortable and snuggly while you sleep. Hide your cat’s “prey” toys in the furniture and other places to give them something to do during the night. This should decrease the number of times that they wake you up. Exert Extra Efforts There are many things that you can do to ensure that your cat has a fulfilling life when they can no longer go outdoors. For one thing‚ make sure toys are available in every room of the house that they are allowed to spend time in. Whether it’s cotton mice‚ plastic balls‚ or little crinkly toys‚ all that matters is that your cat can enjoy different textures‚ interactions‚ and results for a dynamic living experience. Resist the Resistance Your cat will likely howl‚ meow‚ hiss‚ and scratch at the doors when they are being transitioned into indoor living. Be sure to expect such behavior and resist giving in when it persists. It is natural for a cat to want to go back to the environment that they are used to‚ but don’t give in; maintain patience throughout the transition period. Before long‚ your cat will start feeling comfortable and content indoors‚ especially if you have taken steps to ensure that their environment is interesting and interactive. In Conclusion Cats are naturally curious creatures that require places to investigate and explore. Fortunately‚ you can turn your house into a cat’s dreamland with a bit of imagination and commitment. Hopefully‚ the steps outlined here will help ease transitioning a cat from outdoors to indoors. See Also: Why You Should Grow Cat Grass: Benefits &; Uses Explained Sources PETA: Feral Cats   Featured Image Credit: AjayTvm‚ Shutterstock The post Can You Turn an Outdoor Cat Into an Indoor Cat? Facts &; Tips by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
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SciFi and Fantasy
SciFi and Fantasy  
2 yrs

“We’re gonna need more Skittles” — Shazam!: Fury of the Gods
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“We’re gonna need more Skittles” — Shazam!: Fury of the Gods

From August 2017 – January 2020‚ Keith R.A. DeCandido took a weekly look at every live-action movie based on a superhero comic that had been made to date in the Superhero Movie Rewatch. He’s periodically revisited the feature to look back at new releases‚ as well as a few he missed the first time through. After a string of movies that were‚ at best‚ uneven in terms of quality and/or financial success‚ and all of which were incredibly serious and dramatic and heavy‚ 2019’s Shazam! (along with 2018’s Aquaman) proved to a breath of fresh air in the DC Extended Universe that kicked off six years earlier with Man of Steel. A sequel was green-lit almost instantly. Like so many films‚ the Shazam! sequel‚ subtitled Fury of the Gods‚ was delayed by the apocalypse of 2020‚ as filming was originally scheduled to start in the summer of that year. However‚ contrary to expectations when it was announced that Dwayne Johnson was also starring in the title role of a Black Adam film‚ Black Adam is not the villain in this one. And‚ contrary to the expectations set by the closing of Shazam!‚ Doctor Sivana and Mr. Mind aren’t‚ either. Indeed‚ there is no mention or reference to Black Adam anywhere in this film beyond a brief reference to the Justice Society in the mid-credits scene (a scene that was originally intended to be at the end of Black Adam‚ but Johnson nixed it). Sivana and Mr. Mind at least make an after-credits cameo‚ promising their return in a third film. That third film’s likelihood is not known‚ given that the film itself did poorly at the box office (as have many big-budget films in these post-pandemic times)‚ not to mention the reorganization of the DCEU under James Gunn and Peter Safran (though the latter is also the producer of the the Shazam! and Aquaman films‚ as well as The Suicide Squad). Having eschewed the character’s three primary comics villains‚ the story instead leaned into Shazam’s mythical roots by having the antagonists be the three daughters of Atlas from Greek lore. They cast the great Dame Helen Mirren and the amazing Lucy Liu as two of them‚ with Rachel Zegler‚ fresh off her Golden Globe Award-winning turn as Maria in 2021’s West Side Story‚ as the third sister. Back from Shazam! are Zachary Levi and Asher Angel as the two versions of Billy Batson‚ Jack Dylan Grazer and Adam Brody as the two versions of Freddy Freeman‚ Ross Butler and Ian Chen as the two versions of Eugene Choi‚ D.J. Cotrona and Jovan Armand as the two versions of Pedro Peña‚ Meagan Good and Faithe Herman as the two versions of Darla Dudley‚ Grace Caroline Currey as both versions of Mary Bromfield (the only one of the Shazam family who isn’t played by two different actors‚ with Michelle Borth not returning despite having signed a multi-picture deal)‚ Marta Milans and Cooper Adams as foster parents Rosa and Victor Vásquez‚ Mark Strong as Sivana‚ and director David F. Sandberg as the voice of Mr. Mind (the latter two in a post-credits scene). Back from Black Adam are Djimon Honsou as the wizard and Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt. Back from the Peacemaker TV series is Steve Agee as John Economos. Back from Wonder Woman 1984 is Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. Also in this film are Rizwan Manji as a docent‚ Diedrich Bader as a teacher‚ P.J. Byrne as a pediatrician‚ and Michael Gray—who played Billy Batson in The Shazam/Isis Hour in the 1970s—as a civilian who calls Billy “Captain Marvel.” With the DCEU in flux‚ as stated before‚ it’s unclear what the future of Shazam! films even is.   “Fun is for children‚ dear—we are at war!” Shazam!: Fury of the Gods Written by Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan Directed by David F. Sandberg Produced by Peter Safran Original release date: March 17‚ 2023 Image: Warner Bros. Pictures In Greece‚ a docent is giving a tour of an exhibit‚ which includes the two pieces of the wizard’s staff‚ which Billy Batson broke in Shazam! The docent comments that it was found in a garbage dump in Philadelphia. Two people dressed in ancient armor break into the case containing the staff‚ which inexplicably doesn’t set off any alarms. A security guard runs in from another room‚ but one of the two people‚ Kalypso‚ uses her godly powers to hypnotize the guard into causing chaos. That chaos spreads through the gallery‚ which is soon locked down by museum security. The other thief‚ Hespera‚ turns all the people in the gallery to stone. The sisters return to the Realm of the Gods‚ where they have imprisoned the wizard. They force him to repair the staff‚ though a splinter of it winds up under the wizard’s fingernail. Now the sisters need to find the seed of the tree‚ and they must also be ready for the wizard’s champion. Said champion is visiting his pediatrician—who‚ of course‚ doesn’t recognize him—and attempting to get psychological help from him. He and the other members of the family‚ who have been dubbed “the Philadelphia Fiascoes” by the media due to their varying levels of competence‚ have continued to try to protect the city. We see them engage in a rescue at the Benjamin Franklin Bridge—while they fail to keep the bridge from collapsing‚ they do save everyone’s lives. Later‚ in the Rock of Eternity—a realm the family can access through any door‚ and which also has multiple doors leading to various places—Billy does a post-game analysis‚ which the others are barely interested in. Indeed‚ the family is bristling under Billy’s almost smothering leadership‚ and his insistence on the one rule of “all or none‚” that they will do everything together. Billy is also concerned because he’s coming up on eighteen‚ which means he’ll age out of the foster care program. Mary has already aged out‚ and she’s been working and paying rent while going to college. Billy thinks that’s silly—Wonder Woman doesn’t work‚ at least he doesn’t think she does—but Mary insists on helping the Vásquezes out. A dream Billy has about a date with Wonder Woman is interrupted by the wizard‚ who has used the splinter of the staff to contact Billy through his dream and warn him about the daughters of Atlas. At school‚ Freddy meets a new girl named Anne‚ and they’re both very taken with each other. Two bullies try to hit on Anne‚ and Freddy interpolates himself in‚ despite the risk. The bullies bend his crutch and threaten to toss him into the garbage can before a teacher intervenes. (Said teacher assures Freddy that he took up residence in that garbage can when he attended the school.) Anne is impressed by his bravado‚ and also queries him about the reference to him by the bullies as “Thundercrack Make-a-Wish.” Freddy explains that a couple superheroes sat at lunch with him a while back‚ as seen at the end of Shazam! Billy interrupts Freddy having lunch with Anne at that very table to say they need to have a family meeting. Billy shares the dream with the rest of the family‚ and Pedro reveals that there’s a library‚ complete with a sentient pen (whom Pedro has named “Steve”) that knows everything. Eugene is a bit put out that Pedro never mentioned this‚ since he’s been exploring the various doors and figuring out where they go. With Steve’s help they do some research‚ and discover that the staff that Billy broke and tossed away (and subsequently forgot all about until now) was what kept the gods imprisoned by the council of wizards. The wizards were able to confer the power of the gods to others‚ which is when the family finally learns what “Shazam” is an acronym for. (The fact that Solomon isn’t a god is not mentioned‚ though Mary has to correct Billy’s mispronunciation of the Biblical king as “Solo Man.”) They also discover that there are three daughters of Atlas—and one of them looks just like the girl Freddy was talking to at school. Freddy has taken Anne—whose full name is Anthea—to the roof of the school‚ which is a place he goes to think‚ in lieu of attending the family meeting. Freddy then “calls” his alter-ego on the phone‚ and then he “appears” and talks up how great Freddy is to Anne. However‚ it’s a trap. Kalypso zaps Freddy with the staff‚ and he reverts to his kid form. The teacher from earlier comes to the roof to see what the commotion is about‚ and Kalypso makes him walk off the roof to his death. The rest of the family arrives‚ but they are unable to save Freddy. Hespera puts a magical dome around the city‚ which keeps Billy from getting to Freddy. The sisters return to the Realm of the Gods and toss Freddy into the same cell as the wizard. Darla learns that you can write a letter to the gods using parchment they have in the library‚ folded into the form of a bird. They send a bird letter to Hespera—which Steve transcribes literally‚ thus leading to great confusion on Hespera’s part when she reads it—asking for an exchange. Billy and Hespera meet at an outdoor restaurant‚ and while the meeting starts cordially‚ Hespera makes it clear that she will not tolerate her and her family’s powers being stolen by a bunch of children. She and Kalypso fight the family with Kalypso zapping Pedro with the staff‚ reverting him to kid form as well. However‚ the family does manage to defeat Hespera and bring her to the Rock of Eternity. The new plan is to exchange Hespera for Freddy—but it turns out that Hespera got captured on purpose‚ as the seed of the tree of life is in the Rock of Eternity. With no more use for the wizard or Freddy‚ the sisters toss them into the pit with Ladon the dragon. However‚ Anthea rescues them‚ enabling them to escape. When Hespera returns with the seed‚ the sisters argue over its disposition. Hespera and Anthea want to restore the Realm of the Gods‚ but Kalypso wants to plant the seed on Earth‚ which will cause tremendous chaos and death. Freddy and the wizard—who are having trouble finding the egress—discover this and try to steal the seed. While Freddy’s attempted stealthy theft is found out‚ he does manage to touch the staff with his crutch and say “Shazam!” which restores his powers. The family tries to figure out which door Hespera might have taken when she absconded with the seed. When they go for one door‚ Eugene says not to bother‚ it’s just a big maze‚ and Mary reminds them that the labyrinth is a thing in Greek myth. Sure enough‚ that’s the door to the Realm of the Gods. Billy and the rest of the family show up and take the staff and the seed. Kalypso takes the staff back‚ but the family escapes with the seed. Kalypso frees Ladon. The family run back to the Rock of Eternity and then into the house proper‚ waking up the Vásquezes to reveal that they’re really the Philadelpha Fiascoes. (Pedro also reveals that he’s gay‚ which everyone already knew‚ to Pedro’s surprise.) Ladon destroys the house and goes on a rampage‚ zapping each of the family in turn save for Billy and Mary. Mary tries to fly off with the seed‚ but Kalypso zaps her‚ and she plummets to the Earth. Billy saves her‚ but now Kalypso has the seed. Kalypso rides Ladon to Citizens Bank Park and plants the seed‚ which causes all manner of creatures from myth to appear. Hespera and Anthea are appalled‚ but Kalypso has Ladon stab Hespera in the heart and then takes Anthea’s powers away. All kinds of creatures from mythology—minotaurs‚ cyclopses‚ etc.—show up on the streets of Philadelphia. The Vásquezes and the now-de-powered family do their best to help. When they ask Steve for help‚ the pen writes that the monsters are all scared of unicorns‚ who can be lured with ambrosia. Darla—who loves unicorns—hits on the notion of luring one with Skittles‚ which works. The unicorn then summons other unicorns‚ and the family ride the unicorns into battle‚ goring the creatures right and left. Billy‚ meanwhile‚ comes up with a plan when he realizes that his lightning powers charge up the staff. He’s going to overload the staff‚ turning it into a bomb; but he needs the dying Hespera’s help. She agrees to compress the dome so it only covers Citizens Bank Park. Billy lures Kalypso and Ladon there‚ and then he zaps the hell out of the staff‚ with the final blast coming from the lightning strike that occurs when he says‚ “Shazam!” There’s a huge explosion‚ taking out Kalypso‚ Ladon‚ and Billy. The staff is now inert. They bury Billy in the Realm of the Gods‚ but then Wonder Woman shows up (Billy had written her a bird letter‚ also). She is able to re-power the staff and bring Billy back to life. The family rebuild the house (with a new sign that says‚ “No Shazamming in the house”). Anthea intends to rebuild the Realm of the Gods‚ but she wants to spend time on Earth‚ too‚ to get to know humanity. She and Freddy are also dating. The wizard also shows up and takes the staff back for safekeeping—he‚ too‚ intends to spend some time on Earth. At some indeterminate future point‚ Billy is in a remote location zapping bottles for some reason‚ and John Economos and Emilia Harcourt of Task Force X try to recruit him for the Justice Society. Since that’s not the one with Wonder Woman‚ Billy isn’t interested. He also thinks that having a Justice Society and a Justice League is unnecessarily confusing… Finally‚ Mr. Mind shows up at Doctor Sivana’s cell in the asylum. Sivana is pissed that it’s been two years with no movement on Mr. Mind’s big plan; Mr. Mind points out that he’s a tiny worm and he doesn’t move that fast. But soon!   “There’s only so many minotaurs I can run over with this van” Image: Warner Bros. Pictures First of all‚ let me say that‚ holy cow‚ was this movie not filmed in Philadelphia. My wife is from the Philly area‚ and I’ve been lots of times‚ and I also go to Atlanta pretty regularly (for Dragon Con‚ among other reasons)‚ and it’s so incredibly blindingly obvious that they filmed this movie in the latter and not the former. Anyhow‚ the biggest problem I had with Shazam! was the disconnect between the character Zachary Levi was playing and the character Asher Angel was playing‚ which was a problem insofar as they were supposed to be the same person. Angel gave us a nuanced‚ damaged teenager‚ while Levi was playing a dim-witted goofball. It is therefore disappointing—but not at all surprising—that they leaned more heavily on Levi (who is‚ after all‚ the star of the show)‚ and relegated Angel’s role to a glorified cameo with screen time that can be numbered in minutes. The problem is a script that desperately wants to address issues of anxiety over abandonment‚ but which (a) doesn’t really get into it in anywhere near the depth as the first movie did‚ and (b) is very much not in the wheelhouse of the persona Levi has created for the protagonist. Honestly‚ (a) is the bigger issue here. The first film had a depth of feeling and of character that is wholly missing from this sequel. More to the point‚ the first film was very much about the power (both positive and negative) of family‚ where Fury of the Gods just talks about family without really getting into it in any meaningful way. Worse‚ the movie is unwilling to commit itself to being the Shazam family film that the climax of the prior film promised. Instead‚ the movie goes out of its way to marginalize and/or write out the rest of the family in order to make sure that Billy does all the cool stuff. (Freddy does a lot of cool stuff‚ too‚ but it’s all almost entirely as teen Freddy‚ not super-powered Freddy. And I will say that the banter between him and Djimon Honsou’s all-out-of-fucks-to-give wizard is one of the film’s high points.) The worst is in the fight against Hespera where the daughter of Atlas wraps Mary and Darla in electrical wire and they just sit there helpless. For whatever reason‚ Hespera doesn’t do the same to Billy and Billy gets to save the two girls. Sigh. Worse‚ we barely see the fightin’ unicorns‚ which promises to be a crowning moment of awesome‚ but it only lasts for a second before we cut back to Billy‚ and then the next time we see them is when Billy has saved the day and all the creatures disappear. Speaking of Hespera‚ one of the joys of watching this movie is watching Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu do their Evil Sisters of Evil act. The pair of them are obviously having a grand old time‚ and they definitely make for excellent bad guys. And I have to admit to laughing my ass off when Mirren solemnly reads the letter from the family‚ which includes every digression and weird thought and correction transcribed literally. As a straight-up superhero story‚ this works‚ as the plot actually follows nicely from the character’s mythological roots and the events of the previous film. But as a movie about a family of superheroes‚ it’s far less than it should’ve been.   We’re gonna be taking the rest of the year off for the holidays. We’ll be back on the 3rd of January 2024 with Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. May you all have a safe and fabulous season and a joyous new year! Keith R.A. DeCandido’s recent work includes short stories in the magazine Star Trek Explorer (issues #8 and 9) and in the anthologies Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird‚ The Four ???? of the Apocalypse‚ Joe Ledger: Unbreakable‚ and The Good‚ the Bad‚ and the Uncanny.
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