Birthday and Author and Books, Oh My!

I haven’t done a blogpost in a while, so as I edge closer to 50 on my birthday today, I will post some content (most of which I was asked to contribute directly through statements or interviews) that was cut from an article on me as an author (I was given permission to share it):

Author Ron Baxley, Jr., who claims he was an imaginative child and affirms that he helps foster civilization, says he believes in what original Oz author L. Frank Baum stated, "The imaginative child will become the imaginative man or woman most apt to create, to invent, and therefore to foster civilization."

Baxley also agrees with the late Ray Bradbury who stated that, "The intellect is a great danger to creativity... I’ve had a sign over my typewriter for over 25 years now, which reads 'Don’t think!' ”

Yet Baxley says he also thinks that Bradbury was more talking about the subconscious mind and that words that are buried there from the stories of the past, from your life, can be quite eloquent.

In fact, as Baxley is a published poet as well as a lyrical writer who uses a lot of imagery in his prose, he agrees with Gloria Naylor who stated, "Not only is your story worth telling, but it can be told in words so painstakingly eloquent that it becomes a song."

In short, Baxley, gleaning advice from these great writers, says to become the imaginative child you once were or maybe still are and do not overthink things and find the songs, the passed-down stories within yourself, and express yourself with lyricism.

Baxley adds that some of the best advice he personally can add as a writer is to be quiet, to observe, to listen, and to look for details and statements others might not otherwise notice and to express those using a literary voice that you have practiced as often as a performer sings, an artist paints or sketches, or a pianist practices his or her instrument.

Baxley said he hopes his readers will understand themselves better through his art of writing.

"I hope my readers will see that they are so much more than their identities and backgrounds, that they transcend those aspects of themselves. I also hope they will see that despite having differences such as physical disabilities or mental illnesses that they can rise above them as some of my characters have. Finally, I hope they see that good will ultimately win out over evil, no matter how much evil tries to fool itself or us," he said.

Baxley has shared his new work entitled Ziggy Zig-zags the Light & Dark Fantastic, Vol.1.

"I am over-joyed that my most recent project, Ziggy Zig-zags the Light and Dark Fantastic, Vol. 1, was awarded the 2019 Readers Favorite International Book Award finalist medallion in the graphic novel category, a medallion which now graces the 2nd Edition of the book."

The 2nd Edition of the Ziggy graphic novel is orderable wherever books are sold online and at brick and mortar bookstores as well as having immediate availability in the CSRA region and beyond in comics shops and independent bookstores from Columbia, S.C. to Barnwell, S.C. across to Augusta, Georgia and on down to Savannah, Georgia. 

This graphic novel, with the story and scripting by Ron and illustrations by Vincent Myrand, has been six years in the making from Ron drafting the story and the scripting from 2013-2015 to meeting the illustrator in 2015 to sign him on and to doing an early preview version of the graphic novel for a mini-tour with him in 2016. Then, there was discussing it with YBR Publishing, eventually signing on with them, and having them refine the hardback version until publishing it in mid-2019.

"From an animal shelter in Newberry in 2013, I adopted my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Ziggy, who inspired the book along with tales of how his breed were horses for the Welsh elves and fairies. Ziggy and I had real life mini-adventures that helped inspire some of the sub-plots of the graphic novel that I first wrote as a story and then as a script. There are many books beyond the first volume that will be coming out that are based on the many adventures of the Corgi super hero," Baxley said.

Baxley's focus in this piece was to highlight mental health and anxiety -- something that affects millions of people on a daily basis.

"Ziggy Zig-Zags the Light and Dark Fantastic, Vol. 1 is so significant because the main character, Ziggy, deals with anxiety while also being brave. In fact, his dog tag has the elven runes for anxiety and valor on it. Throughout his adventures, he becomes very nervous, copes with his anxiety, takes deep breaths, steels himself, and moves forward.  That is a very significant message to send to children, youth, and adults who are coping with anxiety," Baxley said. 

Baxley continued, "Ziggy, the real-life one the character is based upon, has been like a fur-angel to me, and I want others to adopt shelter dogs in the hope that they will experience this joy. I feel like God sent this dog to me for a purpose as He does many things for others in various ways for a greater purpose."

Baxley quoted what Walt Disney stated about Mickey Mouse, “I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse.”

"Well, with the Ziggy graphic novel series, I will never forget that it all started with a Corgi," Baxley added.

Baxley has received opportunities all over the United States.

"I would be amiss not to mention such festivals and cons as Oz-Stravaganza in Chittenango, New York, the Michigan Oz Festival in Ionia, Michigan, and Lake-Collect-a-Con in Mt. Dora, Florida who have had me as a participating Oz author and/or special guest at their events for many years – particularly Oz-Stravaganza. I have been invited to participate as an Oz author at Oz-Stravaganza in Chittenango, New York, the birthplace of original Oz author L. Frank Baum for nearly a decade and was awarded in 2016 the International L. Frank Baum and All Things Oz Foundation Lifetime Membership for my contributions to Oz fiction. I have also been invited for half a decade or so as a special guest to the Michigan Oz Festival which also awarded me in 2017. I have even been invited as a special guest several times at Lake-Collect-a-Con events and have been a special guest author, guest author, or authorial vendor at cons and festivals throughout the country," he said.

Baxley says clear mental pictures come to mind as he is writing new material.

“I picture the setting and the characters while I am typing. As I can picture settings and characters so vividly in my mind, perhaps this is why I incorporate a lot of imagery within my writing. Also, I have always been a good listener of others. I think I incorporate combinations of things others have said and the way others speak in my head while I am writing. Other times, I draw upon my own vivid memories of living in the rural South and exploring other areas as well." he said.

Baxley left a note of encouragement to people dealing with mental illness and for those wishing to adopt shelter animals:

"I think anyone who struggles with mental illness should do their best to keep moving forward while looking for a support network for themselves and should also hold to their faith in God and Christ. Also, I think that anyone who is looking to get a pet should seek out his or her local animal shelter first. You never know what wonderful fur-angel may be waiting in the wings for you. As I have shown by continuing to move forward in life with my creative work alongside a Corgi who seems very much sent from above, so much joy is there for us in life from God. We need only seek that joy and seize it with gusto.”

This was the article in the weekly Bamberg, S.C. “Advertizer Herald” that the above content was cut out of:

My next authorial event will be at FarleyCon this Saturday, March 7 at the East Ridge Community Center in East Ridge, TN from 9-4:

Look for my new banner there near my table:

I am signing and selling Limited Edition, numbered prints (of 40) presigned by illustrator Allison Exley of Savannah from the picturebook we will be putting out in May of this year, Goldey Goosey of Oz, copies of the aforementioned graphic novel, and my young adult fantasy novel which combines Southern literature with the Wizard of Oz, O.Z. Diggs Himself Out. YBR Publishing may also be publishing a sequel to this book entitled, O.Z. Doesn't "Diggs" G.C.C. at Emerald City, sometime later this year.

I hope to attend several Oz festivals and cons later this year (TBA). I should also mention, for approximately the 10 year anniversary of the release of the first book in our Oz/Wonderland series, that co-author James C. Wallace II has re-released the first book, Of Cabbages, Kings, and Even (Odd) Queens of Wonderland and Oz with illustrations by Gwendolyn Tennille. The book can be found among my others in this listing here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ron+baxley&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 . 

Inaugural Authors Across the River is a Success

Blackville, S.C. author Mary Beth Gibson; Aiken, S.C. author Steve Gordy; Challenge Center Director and North, S.C. author Sandra Sigmon; Barnwell, S.C. author Ron Baxley, Jr.; North resident and author Sandra Barnes; and Aiken author Candace Carter hold their books behind one of the tables at the Inaugural Authors Across the River event Saturday, Dec. 14 at The Challenge Center on 4583 Savannah Hwy. in North, South Carolina. They gave presentations about their books and signed books for an audience of approximately 15 individuals from the region. 

Door prizes were given out, and refreshments were served.

Approximately 20 authors and readers from the region gathered across the river for the Inaugural Authors Across the River Saturday, Dec. 14 in the late afternoon in the auditorium and meeting space at The Challenge Center in North, S.C.

Sandra Sigmon, Director of The Challenge Center from North, discussed how much poetry and writing in general meant to her as a little girl, walking through the hills of California. She presented her science fiction novel " Tempest on Trapter" a story of a tiny female warrior and leader of her tribe, and her wish to unite her world was discussed. 

Mrs. Sigmon also encouraged participants to purchase copies of volumes of student work from The Challenge Center. The Challenge Center contains what is basically a job skills center and computer lab and classrooms and an auditorium for what is known as the North Family Community School for students who wish to pursue their G.E.D. and/or enhance their literacy.

Mrs. Sigmon also stated, “I wanted to create this event to promote reading and writing in the area.” She mentioned that many of her students have had unique stories to tell and that she wanted to expose them and others to authors from the area.

Candace Carter, a guest author who came from Aiken, S.C., discussed her book “Muddy Waters” and experiences as a park ranger. Carter stated, regarding her mystery novel, “It's the story of a Colorado range detective who reluctantly returns to his North Carolina hometown for his uncle's wedding. When a childhood friend is murdered, he uses skills from tracking livestock rustlers to bring a killer to justice.”

“I'm currently working on the second in the series,” she continued.

Author Ron Baxley, Jr., with a wooden walking stick and carved Cowardly Lion head as props, discussed how observed imagery such as wooden walking sticks and canes used by a senior citizen group walking group during a trip to Ionia, Michigan became magic staffs within his fictional Society of the Walking Cane. The carved Cowardly Lion head was given to him by the son, Raymond Houck, of Chittenango, New York’s Oz-Stravaganza Festival’s late founder, Clara Houck. (Baxley, for many years, has been a participating, awarded Oz author at Oz-Stravaganza in the birthplace of original Oz author L. Frank Baum and the Michigan Oz Festival respectively.) Baxley stated that he made the senior citizen walking group into a group of good elderly wizards and witches with magic staffs and canes within his fantasy book, “O.Z. Diggs Himself Out.”

"The Cowardly Lion head became a part of my protagonist wizard's staff," he added.

He also discussed how amalgamations or combinations of real-life people become characters.

Baxley stated “An author never creates exact duplicates of real-life individuals. You don’t want to get sued.”

He finally briefly discussed his award-winning graphic novel “Ziggy Zig-zags the Light and Dark Fantastic” which is based on his shelter-adopted, emotional support Corgi, Ziggy.

Author Mary Beth Gibson of Blackville, S.C. who has written multiple historical fiction novels, premiered a brand new novel at the event, “Patience Can Cook a Stone.”

She discussed how her previous books had utilized the historic persecution of the Irish people in the British Isles and that her latest novel focuses on the Revolutionary War era Savannah River region.

According to the online description of “Patience Can Cook a Stone, “The government is in shambles. Battle lines have been drawn. In the lawless backcountry of 1780 South Carolina, no one is safe. Mr. Tom, of Kilkenny Plantation, is dead. His sons, Carlton and Alden, clash over loyalty, patriotism, even the very definition of freedom. Is the homestead cursed? Unless the evil is lifted, everyone from the slaves to the master will pay the price…”

Author Steve Gordy of Aiken discussed how loss, particularly the loss of relatives to dementia, and even aspects of hospice can figure even into one’s fictional work, including his book, “Faith, Hope, and Dr. Vangelis”. 

He even had the audience members do a show of hands to indicate if any had had family members in hospice. Approximately a third of the participants had. According to the online description of his book, “In a world of pain, who heals a wounded healer? This question bedevils Lukas Vangelis, a hospice physician. For decades, he's been not only a medical doctor, but a spiritual go-between, assisting the dying into peaceful death. He doesn't recognize the extent to which this role has become an almost unbearable burden. His niece and colleague, Diana Karras, likewise bears the scars of a healer who gives hope to the hopeless. Both she and her uncle bear deep wounds from life's battles, the pains they have inflicted and suffered. Lukas's psychological turmoil is complicated by his love for Helen Ferguson, also a colleague and a longtime friend, whose presence in his life creates a tension that threatens to disrupt his work.”

Sandra Barnes of North discussed the real-life aspects of her book, “Battered, Beaten, and Scorned, Still I Rise Above It All: My Rising Years of Hell Book 1 of 2”, and how domestic violence and abuse can affect an individual. 

She also discussed her children’s book “Reflection of a Broken Butterfly” which she mentioned can give children courage who have gone through bullying. According to the online description, the book is “A learning concept book for all ages about bullying, peer pressure, self-worth, and self-esteem.”

Many of the guest authors and employees of The Challenge Center and the North Branch of the Orangeburg Public Library donated items for door prizes, including signed books, original artwork from a book, books on the writing process, collectible items, a cookbook, and gift certificates which the participants won throughout the afternoon.

The authors, after presentations and prize drawings were done, signed books and spoke with participants at their decorated tables.

Participants, with the authors, next discussed life, fiction, and other types of books over punch, meatballs, gingerbread Corgis (instead of men), brownies, and fruit during the refreshment and mingling part of the event.

Gordy, who is part of the South Carolina Writers Association as are several of the other participating authors, stated toward the end of the event put on by The Challenge Center that he thinks it will grow and that S.C.W.A. members from Columbia may participate in future years.

Mrs. Sigmon stated that she hopes some of the participating authors will have writing classes at The Challenge Center in 2020.

Tracie Clemons, newly-elected mayor of Norway, was one of the dignitaries invited to attend, showed her support by coming from three towns down Hwy. 321 and participating, and stated that the event was wonderful.

Tracie Clemons, newly elected mayor of Norway, South Carolina who has planned fashion shows, recently attended Authors Across the River at The Challenge Center in North and wore festive red high heels for the holidays which some said were ruby high heels comparable to the ruby slippers from 1939’s M.G.M. “The Wizard of Oz” film. 

I Wish That I Had Jessie's... Job at Walt Disney World

With apologies to Rick Springfield, I wish that I had Jessie's... former job at Walt Disney World as a castmember. In this blogpost, I interview Jessie Elyse Nourse about her time as a Castmember at the Happiest Place on Earth and her Disney fandom in general. I first met Jessie while being an invited, participating Oz author about a decade in Chittenango, New York, birthplace of L. Frank Baum. You will note the name of the village on the castmember nametags in some of her photos. 

Caption: Jessie in her Walt Disney World Castmember costume (what Castmembers call their uniforms) and wearing her nametag, etc.

1) How long did you work for Walt Disney World? Please give the range of years too.

I worked at Walt Disney World for about 8 years all together. I did two separate Disney College Program internships in Fall of 2008 and Fall of 2009, went seasonal from January 2010 until December 2010, and eventually went part time and then full time. I unfortunately left the company in October 2015.

2) What parks or resort hotels did you work in?

I worked in Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Between the two I worked at 16 different attractions, was a trainer for 5 of those attractions, worked with our area's safety team in Epcot, was one of the Queen of Hearts cards handing out candy at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and was a Fantasyland Dream Maker during the Year of a Million Dreams.

3) What was your role or what were your roles as a Cast member?

I was an attractions cast member as well as an attractions trainer.

4) Did you work at Magic Kingdom and walk through the underground tunnels there?

Yes, I worked at Magic Kingdom for 8 months. I had to walk through the tunnels to get to my job location. It is funny how uneventful it is, yet is the talk of WDW fans everywhere.

5) What was your favorite role?

My favorite role was being a trainer at Journey into Imagination and Living with the Land. I have a special place in my heart for Figment as well as everything about Living with the Land. I loved training in general, but it was always more fun training an attraction you loved.

Caption (above two): Various roles Jessie had as a Castmember.

6) What was your favorite thing about working for Walt Disney World?

My favorite part of working at Walt Disney World was by far getting the chance to create magic for our guests. Disney has the most excellent customer service model I have ever experienced, and to be a part of that and help create special memories for thousands of people is something I will always cherish.

7) What was your least favorite thing about working for Walt Disney World?

My least favorite thing about working at Walt Disney World was probably dealing with the crowds. I worked at Magic Kingdom and Epcot on our most crowded days. This meant dealing with tens of thousands of guests a day. I suffer from anxiety and this was definitely a challenge for me, especially on holidays where I missed being with family. It was always worth it, but it was challenging at times.

8) Were you a Disney fan before you worked at Walt Disney World? Describe your fandom. Did it involve mostly movies or did it also involve collecting?

I was a Disney fan before working there. My knowledge of Disney was primarily movies, but I had been visiting WDW since I was 11. As soon as I walked into Magic Kingdom the first time I knew I needed to work there. The parks became my fandom so to speak. I loved the complexity that went into creating even the most mundane aspects of the parks. It is still a passion for me to this day.

Caption (two above): With being close to Mickey Mouse and kissing Goofy, Jessie shows she is a Disney superfan.

9) What is your favorite Disney animated film? What is your favorite Disney live action film?

My favorite Disney animated film is Pixar's "UP". It is beautifully done and has a message that I believe is important. Pixar is by far my favorite subcategory of Disney films. My favorite live action Disney film is "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End". I love the history of the time period and the music scores were probably some of the best.

Caption: Jessie poses with Russell, a character from her favorite film "UP" at WDW

10) What is your favorite Disney television show?

My favorite Disney show currently is "Puppy Dog Pals", but only because my one year old son is obsessed with it and sings the song about 27 times a day. My favorite Disney show of all time would be "Even Stevens".

11) What is your favorite Disney song?

My favorite Disney song is "You'll Be In My Heart" from "Tarzan". Though it is not my top choice to listen to, it has impacted my life in many ways. It was my mother's favorite song, and I have sung it to my son since before he was born as a way to connect him to my mother who he unfortunately will never meet. He is almost two and "You'll Be In My Heart" will still immediately calm him down. It will forever be a part of me.

12) Do you still enjoy Disney films and music, etc. after working at Walt Disney World?

I think I enjoy Disney films more now that I have worked at Walt Disney World. Sometimes, I feel like there are things in movies that I find funny only because of my experiences working in the parks.

(I later asked for an example of this after our interview. I mentioned the scene with Kronk and Yzma in "The Emperor's New Groove" in which they go through ride instructions as if they are at the Disney Parks when traveling on a mini-coaster to Yzma's secret lair. Jessie gave her reply below.)

That moment with Kronk and Yzma is definitely one of my favorites that I just find so hilarious. Another is during "Finding Dory" when they're at the Marine Life center. The touch tank reminded me of all the interactive aspects at WDW and the stroller gag made me think of all the stroller parking in the parks.

13) Do you still enjoy going to the parks after having worked there?

I love going to the parks even more after working there. I try and take a trip every year and have succeeded in doing so minus the year I was pregnant with my son. My son will have gone to Walt Disney World twp times before his 2nd birthday, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I feel like I'm lucky to have gotten to see the parks as a kid, teenager, and single adult;now, I get to see it through the eyes of my child. Walt Disney World is a very special place for me and always will be.

Caption: Jessie takes her son to WDW and has him visit Minnie Mouse. 

14) What would you advise people to do if they want to work for Walt Disney World?

If you want to work for Walt Disney World, remember that being positive, passionate, and having patience will get you far. It is not a job for those who are doing it for the money or just to have a job. In order to do well, you must want to be a part of the legacy. Also, if you are in college or taking college classes, I highly suggest applying for the Disney College Program. That was the best decision of my entire life.

15) Have you enjoyed the changes that have been made at the parks? Is there anything you wish had not changed at the parks?

There have been many changes within the parks over the past few years. I understand the necessity for progress and adhering to the new technology and interests of today's guests. There are a few changes I have not personally enjoyed, but I understand the reasoning behind most of them.

16) I happen to know you are a fan of “The Wizard of Oz.” Were you disappointed when The Great Movie Ride was closed with its scenes from the film?

The closing of The Great Movie Ride is probably the one change I am most upset by. It was such an iconic attraction and really made the theme of Hollywood Studios (as well as MGM Studios back in the day). I honestly cried when they announced the closure of The Great Movie Ride, and to be candid, will probably not be going on the ride that is replacing it anytime soon.

17) When was the last time you went to Walt Disney World?

My last visit to Walt Disney World was June 2018 and it was the first time I took my son. It was pure magic!

18) Do you have any future plans to go to the parks?

My next visit to Walt Disney World is in August this year. I am so excited and I'm sure all my friends and family are tired of me talking about it so I'll tell you instead....I'm going to Walt Disney World next month!!!!!! My hotel and dining plan is paid for, dining reservations are booked, fastpasses made, and now I just wait.

19) What do you most anticipate seeing when you return to the parks?

So apart from taking my son on my favorite rides I am very excited for a new dining experience that is happening in Restaurantosorous this coming fall that I have reservations for. It is Sundaes and Burgers with "Paleontologists" that come talk to the diners about their discoveries. There are activities for kids and a make your own sundae bar! My son is currently obsessed with dinosaurs which makes me so excited to see how he reacts. Plus, Disney food is the best food.

20) What are some nostalgic dark rides or other things such as certain foods that are “musts” for you when you return?

My nostalgic must see rides are: Peter Pan's Flight, Living With The Land, and Journey into Imagination. My must eat foods: Dole Whip Float and Mickey waffles (gluten free for me, but they're still Mickey waffles!)

Caption: Mickey waffles are one of Jessie's favorite treats at W.D.W.

Thank you for this wonderful interview, Jessie!

SHAMELESS PLUG: If you are looking to travel to Walt Disney World or Disneyland or are looking into any type of Disney-related vacation, including a Disney Cruise, contact me, Ron with Mad Hatter Adventures Travel Company, at ron@madhatteradv.com or see my travel page at https://www.facebook.com/RonMadHatterAdventuresCompany/ . 

Five Starcourt Malls for Stranger Things Season 3

Source (for photo): Whats-on-Netflix.com

(A potential spoiler or two is enclosed but only in generalities)

The Starcourt Mall, a seemingly typical 80s mall, is the setting for much of Season 3 of "Stranger Things". Therefore, given that the horror and characterization have been amped up this season, I give "Stranger Things Season 3" five Starcourt Malls instead of five stars. In fact, the relatively new mall does have some connection to some of the stranger things going on within the town of Hawkins, Indiana.

The opening scene seemingly contrasts the benign happy-go-lucky mall scenes which soon follow. In a stark environment, the scene shows Russians doing basically what the American government has done in previous seasons with tampering with space-time with some sort of particle machine but opening up a portal to another dimension, a dark one. (The Cold War and the nuclear arms race of the 80s have seemed to be motivators for the experiments in previous seasons.) The Russian scene appears to be a prequel scene of sorts which then flashforwards to the present day after the events of Seasons 1 and 2.

Next, some of the main youth characters have entered puberty and are in the ups and downs of relationships but at least one wants to regress, and this creates some conflicts. Eleven and Finn are getting a little too close with their relationship, and Hopper, her guardian, intervenes. Eventually, a rift is driven between them for a while. Next, Lucas and Max, "Mad Max" the feisty red-headed young lady, are having conflicts as well. As in previous seasons, there are conflicts between friends as well. Dustin is upset when his friends do not try to get in touch with him upon his return from a month-long "nerd camp." He continues his "bromance" with older friend Steve who has taken several steps down the social ladder by working at an ice-cream parlor (shades of "Fast Times in Ridgemont High" are evident in some of the Starcourt Mall facets and even the public pool scenes) with a young lady who is not charmed by him. Dustin takes more of a leadership role with Steve in some ways, so there is more of a role reversal there. Finally, Will wants things to remain with his friends more like they were when they were younger and is not pursuing any romantic interest. In fact, Will even tells his mom he probably will not be pursuing a romantic relationship. He wants to still play D&D and just hang out and talk with his friends. As his friends are more interested in pursuing romances, this puts him in conflict with them at times. The characterization seems improved thanks to these conflicts and interactions and the dynamic qualities of the characters.

The main adult characters, Hopper and Joyce, are leaning more toward romance after the loss of her uber-nerd boyfriend, Bob Newby, in Season 2. (Newby's heroism is alluded to and respected in the new season.) Hopper and Joyce's past history figures into their current relationship (hasn't it always in some ways?). The same holds true for photographer Jonathan Byers, Will's brother, who is now interning at a newspaper, and Nancy Wheeler, who is interning there too and is treated more like a coffee girl in a male dominated, chauvenistic newsroom. However, she aspires to be so much more. Their snooping and ambitions soon land them into trouble, and this jeopardizes their relationship.

As you can tell from previews, the evil force from previous seasons has returned. Much like in "It" or other works of Stephen King, whose work inspired this series, a bully, who you can probably guess without spoilers, cooperates with this evil force. Eleven, once again, is called to help go against this force but others do their best to as well. What is interesting in this season is that Eleven uses her powers almost as much for adolescent snooping and curiousity about the opposite sex as she does against the evil force. Will uses his connection to the dark force to help in this season as well.

In a kind of "Red Dawn"-esque scenario with Russian influences, multiple horror influences are played out amongst an 80s-nostalgia-heavy setting. New Coke, 80s mall store favorites, and 80s songs take one back over 30 years ago as other nostalgic aspects did in previous seasons. 80s film classics such as "The Dawn of the Dead" and "Back to the Future" are brought into the mix as well. (Oz fans will even notice the cult classic "Return to Oz" is mentioned on the mall cinema's marquee.) One 80s fantasy film classic is brought into the series is a surprising, fun way toward the end as well. In addition to 80s films nostalgia, the Duffer Brothers, directors, and screen-writers have taken aspects of "Willard", "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "The Blob", the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King's "The Tommyknockers", and other horror tropes and have woven them into this new season. Some may question the freshness of the material thanks to these tropes, yet I think it is the blending of these aspects and other facets that keep watchers coming back for more.