19 Years Later, Not Everything Has Changed For The Better

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Ugh, this movie hurts. It’s one to watch by yourself, in a overheated basement, in the middle of the day after you’ve already eaten--be as comfortable as you can get, because once you stop watching it, you can’t restart. So please, watch it, just know you can only watch it in one take

Many movies have stayed with me long after I have watched them, but this film remained on my Netflix que until it was going to be removed in a few days (I think it’s been put back one--regardless) I ended up seeing it around the time a friend of mine who had survived the Holocaust had just passed. While for most of the time I knew him he spoke very little, he lived to be 100, to “fuck the Nazis’”

I didn’t know too much about the film before I saw it, I had some understanding about the general synopsis but not even for sure that the boy was in an official Nazi camp. The ending of the story is of course heartbreaking and accurately works as the nail in the coffin. But the real heartbreak for me is the story for the mother and all parents who sees as we see with her, her daughter transform in one direction as we see her son transform in a different direction. Knowing and seemingly uncomfortable with the situation around her, she remains quiet and does very little to stand up for others and pays a very dear price for it. Now, this is not because I feel more for those caught between what is good and what is easy--no. But focusing on this story that focuses on a family that either just follows orders, chooses to ignore the truth of their world, follows the crowd or is too naive to know the difference (in his, and only his case it’s understandable as he is a child) and shows how choosing to be blind not only doesn’t make your inaction okay but it also may lead you to some ugly realities and consequences as we are all connected in this world.

While overall it is heartbreaking, I truly love and adore the story of Bruno and Shmuel’s friendship. While they are young they become friends and true friends, as while Bruno blames Shmuel out of fear, he apologizes and Shmuel both walks away and then later forgives Bruno. There is a lot of hate given to child-like wonder and this film should remind all how child-like wonder is a truly wonderful gift. While Bruno is clueless to the dangers and hate of the world around him, he takes things in as he sees them seeing those imprisoned as different than the “Jews” he’s being taught about and questions his adults--who should know and act better. He and Shmuel both also remind us how as people it is ourselves, and only ourselves, that stop us from living in a peaceful society

National Foster Care Month

Today is the last day of Foster Care Awareness month. As with all of these awareness days or months, Foster Care Awareness month is more about setting aside a specific time for agencies to learn more and focus promotion on a particular hardship or disease as these are ongoing issues that relate to hundreds to millions of people in the world every day

The US Foster Care system is rarely discussed, even during foster care awareness month as many don’t really understand the depths of its existence and may only know of its possible existence by what is shown on television. Due to the media being the main provider of introduction and information about foster care and the foster care system, Maia Mitchell and Zuri Adele from the current Freeform series Good Trouble (spin-off of The Fosters) discuss the disservice many of these introductions due to children in Foster Care (sorry, Tumblr wouldn’t link to it)

https://www.facebook.com/GoodTrouble/videos/316204539278544/

But social media and television isn’t all bad, depending on whose using it and how connected they are with the true foster care system. Meghan Walbert is an author that shares her family’s journey as a foster family, bringing to light the confusing pain and brightest joys brought by her foster children to her, her husband and their biological son (http://www.phasethreeoflife.com/). Earlier this month, the Comedy Central Show Jim Jefferies brought attention to Kids in the Spotlight with Modern Family’s Ty Burrell and reminded viewers that what you see in the media isn’t always true and how helping children and young adults in the foster care system can create on of the largest impacts not only in their individuals lives by bringing showing them visibility and care, but that those who do not receive the resources they need to grow are more likely to become homeless, be inducted into gangs and have long-term health problems.

The NBC show This Is US along with The Freeform series The Fosters has brought attention to not only the foster care system and the children in the foster care system, but also the older children in foster care—some of whom may never get adopted and lose what little government support they have once they age out of foster care at age 21.

Unfortunately, actions taken this month are both highlighting and increasing the chances of children who will age out of foster care. Earlier this week, the state of Oklahoma in a lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals reported that another outcome of the opioid epidemic was a dramatic increase in the need of their foster care system. Connecting to the research done by Freakonomics writers, not all children go into Foster Care but the new abortion restrictions will create some increase dependency on the foster care system, but increase crime rates as those who are not ready to have children or cannot provide the necessary resources will harm the individual, the family and the community for generations.

Back to Jim and Ty, research has shown that small actions such as Ty’s acting classes, donations, and most importantly visibility, respect and validation of existence can all create a positive impact and other ways to help children and parents in the foster care system

Peter Pettigrew

I don’t think anyone likes Peter Pettigrew. People have gotten Dark Mark tattoos and have found compassion for Bellatrix and Voldemort, but no one likes Peter Pettigrew. A non-major character, but one of the most crucial in the overall story (factor in ending first and second Wizard Wars, killed both of Harry’s chances at a good family), Peter Pettigrew reminds us a lot of friendship and moral codes that some people forget. I don’t know if he even deserves a picture

“ The road to hell is paved with good intentions”--NO, that is not it, but it is similar, that “ The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts ” (C. S. Lewis)

Once you make one concession, the next one is easier; then all of the sudden the decisions you are considering are miles away from any you would have considered if thrown in that first concession, but they were all only one small step over from your last act. 

It is part of the Christian faith that if you accept Jesus into your life, even in your final moments, that you will be brought to heaven upon death. This is crap, and if it’s real, it should and still would be complete crap. You should not be judged just by your final moments, whether it be good or bad, out of remorse or desperation. 

Something that was lightly touched on throughout the series, is that people change. We see this with Snape, Malfoy, Dudley, Neville and Peter Pettigrew, Ron and others I’m sure (like James, supposedly). Snape and Malfoy were both put into Slytherin, but with very different outcomes (and beginnings). Snape was already a bit angry at the world, but with Lily as a friend and had he not been put into Slytherin in the first place, he may very well have not become a Death Eater. That’s who he spent his time with, other Slytherins; so the chances were higher. They say you are a combination of the 5 people you spend the most time with, and here I think that shows. Malfoy, on the other hand, came to Hogwarts excited and thrilled when he ended up with his friends. But in reality, 1st year Malfoy is just a spoiled brat, and not evil as he would need to be a true Death Eater (see Peter Pettigrew’s death). I don’t think that Malfoy would have realized he wasn’t evil if he hadn’t been put into Slytherin or with Peter Pettigrew, who wound up friends with those in his house (seriously, what else was there to tie them together?); he overtime showed he wasn’t brave, kind, smart or strong. Maybe the houses don’t choose who fits them most, but what they need the most, whether they rise above (Malfoy and James) or fail the challenges presented (Severus and Peter Pettigrew). 

As stated earlier while our final moments do not excuse us, they may show our true selves. I don’t know how much Peter Pettigrew changed as we never really knew him, and, I don’t think he ever really did change. I see this most when he turns back into a RAT after Lupin starts to transform at the end of the third year. It wasn’t a cowardly exit or a confused exit, it was an evil exit. He was escaping them, hahaha. But at the same time, he couldn’t strangle Harry, so maybe there was a young old part of him that knew what was right and had regrets. But I suspect it’s more because he’s a little shit. 

How can I learn this power?

Ron Weasley

Ron Weasley is the cliche of cliches. He was the hero’s best friend, the one who (eventually) got the girl and who glowed up  from being a dumb bloke to a great man.

I don’t know if it was his early treatment of Hermione or seeing a bit off ass hat in him when I got older and re-read, but I’m not the biggest fan of Ron. But it might also just be that in comparison to other characters (Hermione’s love of knowledge, Harry’s home life, Neville’s bullying and Luna’s eccentricity) that I’m just missing that connection that I have with other characters. While over time I always felt that Ron was a good match for Hermione, and he would usually be with Harry through thick and thin, even when they’re going after a bunch of spiders but regardless, Ron always stood by Harry. After the first few weeks of school, let’s be honest, the cool factor of Harry Potter had settled (until he killed a Professor, rescued Ginny, was the youngest seeker in century, etc, etc.)Ron had his siblings and less drama, and could’ve had other friends but that first gesture by Harry and the kindness of Ron’s mother brought them together and Ron wouldn’t leave him behind, they had a real friendship. But even when he stood by Harry, he more stood by his truth. showing that you could do both, and that the true support of someone is being there for them, even if you don’t agree with them (within limits, obviously)

While there is a lot we saw of Ron, what we saw the most of and was his most important attribute, as how much he grew; he grew not just into a hero but also into a great person, a wonderful and exemplary human being. many readers have pointed out that Ron had similar viewpoints to Malfoy, he even momentarily got afraid and thought differently of Hagrid when he discovered he was half giant.  It’s important to know that even the classic mean girls or bullies aren’t the only ones who can have bad opinions or beliefs, people are shades of grey. But eventually, people can understand that there isn’t a difference of blood status or between creatures as their aren’t differences between races, genders, orientation; not to bypass, this change was also extremely important for Hermione. 

Along with understanding that the good, funny, charming best pal can be a bit of shit face and how people can change, Ron also matured a lot over the series, and became more comfortable with himself. With most growths there wasn’t a makeover or relationship that changed Ron, but overtime and with the help of his friends he became less jealous and more confident in who he was and that he wasn’t second class to his family or friends. This was important for us, for us to grow with Ron in ways we didn’t grow with Harry or Hermione. We grew with him, more than anyone else.

Best End Moments

1.  Season Six, Episode Ten: Murder

After the end of the Murder Mystery game(s) when Michael, Andy, Dwight and Pam are all still at the office, past six, trying not to get shot by each other because they all announced how they were double agents ….and Jim has to drag her away

2. Season Eight, Episode Twenty-Two: Fundraiser

When everyone thinks Kevin doesn’t realize his dog Ruby is dead because he tells them:

She’s doesn’t do anything, just lays there all day

She barely touches her food

She doesn’t really poop

She just lies there all day

He has to prop her eyes open to watch the tv

She smells horrible

3. Season Five, Episode Twenty-Eight: Company Picnic

When Jim and Pam find out they’re expecting

4. Season Six, Episode Twenty-One: Happy Hour

Hide’s story

“In Japan, heart surgeon. Number one. Steady hand. One day, Yakuza boss need new heart. I do operation. But mistake! Yakuza boss die. Yakuza very mad. I hide fishing boat, come to America. No English, no food, no money. Darryl give me job. Now I have house, American car, and new woman. Darryl save life. My big secret: I kill Yakuza boss on purpose. I good surgeon. The best”

5. Season Five, Episode Nine: Frame Toby

Dwight’s Perfect Crime

6. Season Three, Episode One: Gay Witch Hunt

“I was gonna quit, but Jan offered me a three month paid vacation and a company car. All I had to do was sign something promising I wouldn’t sue. We’re going to Europe. Kids, sometimes it pays to be gay”

7. Season Eight, Episode Twenty-One

After Ryan somewhat pours his heart out to Kelly in the parking lot, Pam searches the waste basket to find the love poem he wrote to her because of how bad Pam expects it to be but after reading the whole thing with Jim that they are both brought to tears Jim tells the camera team “Ryan can never know”

8. Season Eight, Episode Four: Garden Party

When Jim keeps leaving and re-entering the Garden Party so Dwight has to keep announcing him and knowing that Dwight is so committed to throwing a good Garden Party that he asks Dwight who he really think the best salesman in the office is and then timing to walk back into the party so Dwight’s answer comes out as “Obviously M—Mr. James Halpert!”

9. Season Five, Episode Twenty-One: Two Weeks

When after Michael and Pam quit, Charles puts Kevin on “phones” and to decrease the time wasting makes Stanley his productivity czar and be ‘on top of that’

10. Season Seven, Episode Ten: China

After Andy first texts Darryl about him and Michael wearing the same tie, Darryl tells Andy to text him less. Then when Andy texts him “Megan Fox?” Darryl holds Andy to one bad text away from getting blocked. Andy maintains his “good text status” by only next texting Darryl two pigeons eating ice cream.

Darryl Philbin

Darryl’s Best Moment: Season Four, Episode Four: Money

When Kelly tells him “you’re going to have to make a choice. It’s either your daughter or me”

And without looking back at her, taking a moment, or even consider anything, just says “my daughter”.

Darryl’s Worst Moment: Season Nine, Episode Twenty-Two: A.A.R.M.

When he sneaks out of Dunder Mifflin, and doesn’t say goodbye to anyone.

Darryl’s Best line: Season Seven, Episode Thirteen: Ultimatum

“I’m telling you, don’t do it. I got nothing against strip clubs; but I do have something against them at noon, on a Monday. The day shift, at a strip club? You can’t unsee that”.

Darry’s Most Memorable Moment: Season Eight, Episode Three: Lotto

When he decided “My future isn’t going to be determined by seven little white lotto balls, it’s gonna be determined by two big black balls”.

Our Shared Universe: Human Experience

What is truly beautiful and most show by JK Rowlings’ Harry Potter series, but also by many other books (Sakura and the 1,000 paper cranes and the new book-to-movie adaption To all the boys I’ve loved before, is that while our cultures are different, part of us are all the same. WE ARE ALL HUMAN. While some believe in the human being split and others believe in the red string; most of us all have similarities with those very different from ourselves and even if we cannot meet these people face to face, we meet them in the stories that reflect ours, but are just slightly different.  

At the entrance to the Peace Park people filed through the memorial building in silence. On the walls were photographs of the dead and dying in a ruined city. The atom bomb—the Thunderbolt—had turned Hiroshima into a desert. Sadako didn’t want to look at the frightening pictures. She held tight to Chizuko’s hand and walked quickly through the building. -- Sakura and the 1,000 paper cranes 

Is this not how the US currently deals with September 11th, there is respect, there is honor, there is fear and confusion. 

me, with a vague plot idea, 1 (one) character name, and an outline that consists of mostly question marks:

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

20Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

An important and crucial character, Dumbledore was to us as he was to Harry, a role model, with whom we learned more about character, personal growth and the complexities of human nature than we would’ve learned from him about Transfiguration (had we known him as a Professor and not Headmaster).While Dumbledore had his reasons, our journey with him thru the final book held the most important lessons he could have and I feel should have bestowed upon us. While difficult, by being ashamed we lost out on his wisdom on the loss and guilt of his sister and brother, the complexities of choosing the right path as when Voldemort chose the wrong path, and of course his relationship with Gellert Grindewald. Thru Dumbledore, we see and are shown how our idols, and more importantly our parents, are human and as such, perfectly, imperfect

On the other side, we also learn about how one can be powerful, important but also still childlike as we saw with his obsession with sweets and socks (regardless of what he might have really seen in the Mirror of Erised).This is important because as we age we lose some of our sense of wonder, and are told we must always be mature and un-childlike.

Throughout the series Dumbledore also bestowed wisdom with many fabulous quotes; here are some of the ones that have always stuck out with me

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live”

“You will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it”

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”

"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends"

"We must all face the choice between what is right, and what is easy"

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love"

One I believe is a nod from JK about Harry Potter and the world she created for us

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?"

Here, Harry Potter is comforted by Dumbledore about his journey during the seventh book, his life so far, his relationships with others, answers to some of his most crucial questions and who he wants to be if he chooses to live.  

So thank you JK Rowling for giving us a man from whom we learned so much, and were able to learn from as we grew up, and grew, with him.