Oscar Martinez

Sybill Trelawney

Sybill

This picture describes you the best to me. This doe-eyed, whiny, annoying middle school child (probably another reason her and Lavender connected so well). As a Hermione-type to begin with (and only increasing as I age) it’s not surprising that I found Sybil and her class to be ridiculous, but there are two parts to that. First, not being religious or believing in how when I was born controls that much of my life, the class itself was a bit frou-frou and crap and would be no matter who was teaching it. Secondly, she is the queen of frou-frou. For the most part, she had no real talent or skills but pretended she was this great predictor of everything and just a fraud, and that’s what upset me the most. 

The universe is amazing, we can learn so much, but for her, it was all about her and the universe! (and how was she a Ravenclaw? More than Pettigrew I need a recount on that one) it was how she approached the material and how she saw herself that made her most distasteful because she wasn’t even a semi-good seer (that she knew of). She thought she was better than everyone else (much like Gilderoy--another Ravenclaw, definitely a pattern) for things that weren’t even her strengths, she was just of damn full of herself and annoying. But really, I don’t care. All of these things were annoying, she’s annoying but that’s it. She’s nothing more to me, so one lesson to glean, don’t be like her. But of course, the other lesson she also wouldn’t know about it as she didn’t know herself, expect the unexpected. 

In a way it’s sad, thou she didn’t need to know and didn’t need to be a Seer, she actually was one, in the most crucial of times. Damn Universe.  Somehow, through all that fluff and pompous, she made two predictions that greatly altered the world and never knew this. On one hand, you could say this means that you should believe in yourself, but I’m not saying that, what I am saying is that there are miracles, there is the universe and people can do unexpected and extraordinary things: even if they don’t know it. Crazy

Dobby, the Great House Elf

In the beginning, the middle, and I’m sure to his end, had his final moments not been so serious and painful, Dobby could easily be considered very annoying. He wouldn’t listen and didn’t fully think things thru, making things a lot harder and sometimes more dangerous for Harry. But while I would consider him an adult, just with all the pitfalls of hanging out with a toddler, Dobby was fantastic and a great role model for those who are trying to accept themselves.

While at first Dobby loves Harry for being the boy who lived, his admiration for Harry grows more overtime for the simplicity of Harry treating him as an equal, something that Dobby didn’t experience in his life before and wouldn’t experience much in his lifetime at all. Overtime Dobby begins to love and appreciate himself more, becoming someone who stands up to bullies and is always there for his friends but he shows how rough of a battle it is. While he has always wanted his freedom, he wasn’t able to take the 10 galleons a week and weekends off provided by Dumbledore for wages thinking it to be too much, and wasn’t able to easily tell Harry about Umbridge considering she was his temporary master. While we can easily see Dobby’s friendship, loyalty, and equality with Harry Potter, it is the struggle to change and be yourself that is a lesson less shown or seen that we can grasp with Dobby as while Hermione and Luna were always confident with their intelligence and didn’t care for others, Dobby knew who he was and was proud but still struggled, something that is much more common, especially for young kids and teenagers.

Dobby knew what he was worth, was kind and giving, and did what was right—even against his friends. He struggled with his place in the world but knew to really only care about the opinions of those who matter

Cyclists are so annoying because they expect to be treated as road vehicles as well as pedestrians.

Road to Change

Today in Chicago, the two-month summer tour “Road to Change” by the March for our lives movement, begins. Along with open-discussion and proposals on how to make US citizens safer in the daily lives, the Road to Change is working to get the youth and others who are either generally ignored or kept out of the voting and political process active. 

Earlier this month, as part of NYC mandates, we had our semi-annual fire safety drill instructions: test if the door is hot, don’t take the elevator, call 911, etc.) but a new segment of this discussion was added, active shooter drills. We were told to turn our cell phones on silent (not vibrate), how a fire extinguisher is a good weapon is needed for the chemical can disarm the eyes and then you can knock the shooter out, how to barricade the door, and how to exit with your hands out and empty so you are not mistaken as the shooter. 

We were also told that the below video is good to watch, just about 6 minutes, that gives you additional tips on the three main ways to survive. First Run if you can and Hide if you can’t, and if left with no other options, Fight. 

Whether you agree with them or not, the activists related to March for Our Lives are keeping the discussion at the forefront and are doing everything they can so that everyone has a voice in not only this issue but all issues. Click on: Road to change tour dates, and you will be brought to their schedule for June on the March for Our Lives website where you can also find more information about how to register to vote, how to encourage others to vote, tips on how to become an activist yourself and other changes they are fighting for and how you can help. 

The Presitge

I was originally going to highlight Unbreakable (2000) today, but given the ending of the trilogy is getting released on Friday, I postponed. The Prestige (2006) will always be a film marked as one of my favorites as it’s a suspense film I can handle and I love when there is a bit of thinking and question as opposed to pure terror (see Cape Fear—the most frightening moments of the film being when literally NOTHING happens but it’s 5 straight, pure minutes of agony).

I like this film because it taps into a lot, struggling for success, secrets, devotion, mystery and it’s related suspense. While we mostly follow Angier and root for him to succeed for his redemption against Borden, we also delve a bit more into Borden and want to root for him sometimes as well. It shows and tests the very complex journey of our aspirations and what may happen when things get out of hand. The fake and true deaths of Angier and Borden show both the worst that comes in us destroying ourselves and how when we lose track of ourselves we can lead others to destroy us.

PS—plus the Borden switch—damn

Gutted, Gentrified and Gone

Libraries are great community spaces that should be free so local residents can learn, explore and expand their minds and creativity. But libraries like our schools, are generally paid for by the income of the local residents, therefore, poorer communities get less funding and therefore poorer quality libraries. Similar to the recent “Aunt Becky” college situation, this goes against the ideals behind libraries and in the US, our equality, and how knowledge, perseverance, education and will is supposed to allow us all to flourish.

A prime example of the differences in communities is nestled within San Francisco. Known for massive hills and hipsters, San Francisco’s Pacific Heights Presidio Branch Library is just six miles away from the Bayview Linda Brooks-Burton Branch Library in Bayview-Hunters Point. There is nothing wrong with the Bayview Library; its open frequently, it’s clean and the local neighborhood seems to enjoy it but with comparison you can see a difference to the Presidio Branch Library. First, the Bayview Library is in an semi-industrial area and has classes geared to computer classes for Adults & Seniors including sales meetings and tax classes. The Presidio library is surrounded by open grass where you can comfortably read outside, has information available about it’s environmental LEED Green Report Card, highlights inter-library loan, foreign language staff and diverse classes of baby and toddler interaction, writing classes and Tai Chi. The Presidio Branch Library has the resources and access residents need to want to visit the library and develop new interests. This is not surprising as Pacific Heights is noted as a rich and thriving community (1) and Bayview has been graded one of the worst based on income and education opportunities (2) and has a history of gentrification and marginalization (3). Libraries don’t have to be pretty and I can understand how they’re not always the most updated but we cannot forget that “a rising tide lifts all boats” and that we are all equal.

(1)   https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-pacific-heights-san-francisco-billionaires-row-2014-3

(2)   https://www.roadsnacks.net/worst-neighborhoods-in-san-francisco-ca/

(3)   https://www.mccalman.co/portfolio/i-am-bayview/

Questions Left Unanswered

1. Season Five, Episode Eight: Business Trip

Where does Darryl go after Kelly breaks up with him via text. There is a lot of support for the idea that he is walking away happy and is thrilled that he didn’t have to break up with Kelly (further evidenced by how he has Val break up with him), but WHERE DOES HE GO!! This is the middle of the work day, why was this part and only this part included. Did I miss something, I continue to remain so confused.

2. Season Nine, Episode Twenty: Paper Airplane

They never gave an explanation for how Angela got so poor overnight. Yes, she was separated from the Senator, but she wasn’t poor before and she continued to work while married to the. So even if he really was that big of an asshole it doesn’t explain how or why she ended up so poor.

3. Season Five, Episode Seven: Customer Survey

What is the evidence that Dunder Mifflin is a front for the Mob

4. Season Seven, Episode Twenty-Two: Goodbye Michael

Okay Phyllis, to clean the mittens you told us 1) we can’t get them wet, 2) they can’t be dry cleaned but they have to be “hand washed without water” à how am I supposed to do that!?!?

And is it the same for your oven mitt

5. Season Six, Episode Twenty: New Leads

How did the rest of the staff (Meredith, Angela, Kevin, Oscar, Creed) react when they realized the Sales staff was going to offer them 2% of their quarter sales and not just an apology

6. Multiple Episodes: How many Chad Flenderson novels did Toby write?

7.  Season Five, Episode Five: Crime Aid

Who got David Wallace’s timeshare during the fundraiser?

8. Season Nine, Episode Twenty-Two: A.A.R.M.

What are the time limits on the other summoning bags?

9: Season Five, Episode Twelve: The Duel

We only know about Rule 17 (Don’t turn your back on bears, men you have wronged, or the dominant turkey during mating season) but what about the other Shrute Rules. There are 39 more and while also being interesting, I also do not wish to be eaten in my sleep. Though my guess that only matters if I am a Shrute.

10. Season Two, Episode Seventeen: Dwight’s Speech

What does Creed say in Chinese? There is some speculation that it translates simply to " My China friends hello” but, I don’t know. It’s Creed, and the finger pointing at the camera at the end makes me question if there is more.

Best Couple Moments

1.      Season Five, Episode Two: Weightloss

When Jim proposes to Pam, it’s a lot of peoples favorites but what is truly perfect about it is how he acknowledges to Pam that they planned on waiting on getting engaged, but “I just—I couldn’t wait”

2.      Season Nine, Episode Twenty: Paper Airplane

First, Angela after hearing from Ester how they pity her tells Dwight “don’t you dare tank this”; and then he doesn’t after seeing how she is looking at him. It shows the respect they have for each other.

3.      Season Seven, Episode Four: Sex Ed

When Michael calls Holly to tell her about his possible herpes diagnosis, they’re able to joke with each other so easily, are so comfortable with each other, understand each other; Dwight loves Michael but does not understand what is going on with them

4.      Season Eight, Episode Sixteen: After Hours

After Val apologizes about how her boyfriend acted and brought up Val and Darryl seeing each other, Darryl lets Val know that he’s interested in her by saying so, but also as Kelly implied “ dot-dot-dot, dot-dot”

5.      Season Four, Episode Four: Money

After hearing how much debt Michael is in and how he runs away from the office Jan catches up to him and tells him she’ll stand by him

“What I want to say is, You Were There for me. By my side, without even a thought. That’s just who you are. I mean, no matter how badly I treat you, or what I’m going through. You just, you are there for me, and that’s a guy worth staying beside. So where’s this train taking us?”

6.      Season Nine, Episode Fifteen: Couple’s Contest

Erin comes out to tell Pete that she just couldn’t break up with Andy but he lets her off the hook “You don’t have to apologize, I just, I just want you to be happy, ok”

7.      Season Two, Episode Eleven: The Injury

When Dwight has his concussion, he’s friendlier with Pam but is more outgoing with Angela by flirting with her and complimenting her. First telling her she’s “sweeter than Candy” and then smacking her butt in full view of the documentary crew

8.      Season Nine, Episode Fifteen: Couple’s Discount

When after hearing about Brian and Alyssa breaking up, and how they are walking on egg shells with each other, Pam tells Jim she doesn’t want to just ignore their problems and she wants to fight.

 “Do you really want to fight on Valentine’s Day?”

“Yeah I do”

9.      Season Three, Episode Ten: A Benihana Christmas

Jim and Karen both getting each other Bridget Jones Diary for Christmas, because it was a terrible movie that they saw on one of their dates.  

10.  Season Five, Episode Six: Employee Transfer and  Season Nine, Episode Five: Here Comes Treble

The fact that Andy dresses up as a kitten (not a cat) and Erin dresses up as a puppy (not a dog)

Libraries

I love libraries, I always have. The insurmountable access to books and all the information they contain and may provide, always makes my heart completely burst (especially the reference sections that discuss religion, culture, and historical past times). 

Here is Trinity college, a famous library. Most people don't appreciate their local library as much as they fawn over this one thou. My local library, the library I grew up with, that’s the one that just makes me happy and comfortable, just thinking about it as I am now. 

Whether it’s those little boxes on a yard where people can exchange books for free, a large historic university library inside an old castle or cathedral where some King once studied, or your modern library down the street that lets you take out electronic books: love your local library! GO to your local library! There are movies, there is music, there are boos, there are sessions about plays and scientific questions and just so much can be done at libraries. 

Think of a library as the Wood Between the Worlds, every book can take you to an entirely different place, and you won’t feel so bored, or lonely. Love your local library, be loving to your local library

18,262 days later

Today has been a sad week, my heart has just had a constant ache the past few days, it hurts to the point where I can physically feel it pulling me down, holding me back. I am sad, for a feeling that nothing much has happened in the past 50 years, and that we have become more complacent with hatred and prejudice, tolerant and desensitized to injustice

We have seen it all, and are surprised by nothing. You can say you refuse to get used to it or accept it, but eventually, you will as that’s how our brains work. We see something shocking enough, it becomes something we expect and it becomes normal, no matter how terrible it is. It is not a choice. And when that day comes when we all accept, we will officially not be able to create change

Martin Luther King Jr. is known as an advocate for civil rights to bring equality to African Americans, but he was a civil rights advocate for all; regardless of race, gender or economic status he believed that everyone should be given the tools they needed to reach their full potential, especially if they worked for it. While progress continued, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. greatly impacted the rights of all US citizens and unfortunately at 50 years later, I do not think we have recovered. We are still divided by race, religion, gender, poverty, sexual orientation and so many others. We are not a people of a country but individuals of ourselves, disconnected 

I have become desensitised by gun violence, it saddens me but it doesn't shock me and that sadness doesn’t last. Like the news stations, and in the offices we hear about it and then move onto traffic, we scroll past it on Twitter, we hear it and move on. It has become a part of my everyday life. The similarities today from 50 years ago of those who are still fighting for equality, for our lives, do not give me hope but dread, for when we become desensitised by injustice to others I know our chance for equality and true prosperity for all will be over. 

Let me explain, I knew who Etan Petz is, but I didn’t know who Emmett Till was