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Emily Dickinson was many things: great poet, a social recluse, lover of white dresses. One thing Emily Dickinson was not was a rabid Christmas shopper. But what if she was? What if holiday shopping was her main inspiration for her poems? Then they would probably read like this.

Legend has it that the name of Marvel Comics’ super-spy organization S.H.I.E.L.D. was inspired by the espionage television show The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Whatever the origin, S.H.I.E.L.D. has spawned so many acronym-titled teams it can be hard to keep them straight. While by no means an exhaustive list, this should help you tell your S.H.I.E.L.D. from your S.W.O.R.D. from your U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M.

Now that Kenneth Brannagh’s adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express has steamed into theaters, it’s high time to draw attention to the many knock-offs and also-rans that cropped up in the wake of Agatha Christie’s 1934 hit novel. When you have such a rich concept as “locked room mystery, but on a moving vehicle,” it’s not hard to imagine others exploiting it.

Last time: Frankenstein's neighborhood.

Next time: Dracula takes a bite…of friendship?

New to the group? Meet the monsters.

It’s very tempting to participate in Nation Novel Writing Month. 50,000 words in 30 days? No problem! And while everyone starts with gusto, after the first handful of days, the strain of the undertaking starts to take it’s toll. But fear not! Here’s some advice from a seasoned NaNoWriMo veteran to help you get to the end of your novel!

Last time: Dracula's type.

Next time: Ginger opens her heart.

New to the group? Meet the monsters.