Best Coworker Moments

Who framed Roger Rabbit

And believe me when I say all I hope for is that you’re okay

Because there are some things we never get over,

some things we can never live without,

some things that are more of who we are that make sense--and you are one of them. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Cure of the Black Pearl

It’s a little ridiculous, and it’s been a while so I can’t say for sure, but the original Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is one of my favourite movie stories of a romantic relationship because the relationship between Will and Elizabeth that is, actually tolerable.

While much of this might be due Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth that curses, is dominant, assertive in the film and in her own life, their relationship seemed like a better understanding than is what usually portrayed in stories (fiction and non-fiction). Friends, with a real partnership who happen to be romantically involved where neither acts better than the other and both feel the other is better than them. 

*Shout out also to Knocked-Up and This is 40 stars, Pete and Debbie

Forgotten, Flexible and Free

There has been a pretty one-sided debate about libraries and overdue fines with a majority of speakers stating that they go against the purpose of libraries and aren’t productive in getting books returned, and pretty much no speakers on the other side of the debate. Over the past few years various communities across the US have worked or looked into removing the fines and research has shown that 1) the fines are more time and sometimes monetarily more costly to the library, 2) you end up lessening your patronage as community members don’t want to deal with the hassle or cannot afford the fines, 3) those who have racked up the fines are majorly those who need the library resources the most: children and those without disposable income.

Recent removable of library late fees or fines by the Chicago Public Library system and San Francisco Public Library system will increase access for low-income families and children, who in Chicago make up 20% of cardholders who have had access removed because of late books fees, and will bring the library back to its true calling: where book lovers and the local community can come together

(1)    https://princh.com/4-reasons-why-removing-fines-could-be-the-next-breakthrough-for-your-library/#.XZeSQkZKgdU

(2)    https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/10/public-library-late-fees-chicago-san-francisco-equity-access/599194/

Trayvon Martin

When I think of Trayvon Martin, this is the image I see in my head. The kid in the hoodie, the young boy, the typical teenager. He was one of the first I heard about as US civilians and officers started to receive more public backlash against the murdering of Black teenagers, Black youth, Black men, Black America.

There is a lot I could say about Trayvon Martin, and the impact his death had on his community, the US and the world--but it’s not fair. It’s not right. He should not have had this impact from his death, the choice of how he should live his life and the impact his life would have on the world were choices stolen from him by his murderer and those who let his murderer go free. 

Today I think in pain about his parents, who have pushed forward his spirit and his loss trying to give something back to their son that they should still have with them. It’s been 7 years, and the part that is the worst, the part that sticks with me today is that he is physically gone. Skin cells take an average of 7 years to live and replenish. After 7 years today I will continue to hold his soul and say his name, but after today even those who tried to save his life will not have had physical contact with his body at any point in their history. Any hugs or kisses from his family, hi-fives from his friends, all are gone. But will not be forgotten. 

Rest in Peace young man

Ravenclaw Stats

87% of Ravenclaws are stressed out at this very moment.

Mommas

They are two characters that couldn’t be more different, they are also two characters who couldn’t have more in common: Molly Weasley and Fleur Delacour. 

While Fleur started out (and on some level remained) snobby and shallow, even when knowing her as a Triwizard Champion there were glimpses into someone who was more than that. For starters, she was a Triwizard Champion and showed to be brave, intelligent and talented. She would loudly talk down about Hogwarts’ decoration and education, but I feel there were reasons underneath for that, while she held herself to high regard she also wasn’t arrogant as when she did poorly she didn’t blame others but herself, usually being a harsher critic of herself than anyone else. Long before Bill, she proved to be loyal to those she considered her friends in going what she could to help them and showing distraught when they were killed. A rarity, she was also able to separate competition from competitors, making life-long bonds with Victor Krum and Harry Potter, and probably Cedric had he lived. 

While always the parent to be afraid of, Molly Weasley was generally seen as this strict for fair Mom. She hadn’t had a professional career of her own, focused on having many children, and took pride in the domestic chores that allowed her children and husband to have as easy and comfortable lives as possible. Tere are many things to adore and look up to in regards to Molly Weasley, she was never ashamed of being poor, always tried her best to help her children while not allowing them to be snobs (I’m sure Draco would still be Draco even if they didn’t have a Knut to their name) and of course, was the one who wore the pants in the family and outside and inside the home made sure others knew it was a wizards talent, nature and heart that made them good or bad, not their bloodline. 

During the Second Wizarding War, Molly joined the Order of the Phoenix, but still in a way that stayed true to her nature of being the natural caregiver by taking care of things on the home front (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT BTW--just a different type of person) instead of going out and battling. We all knew she was a badass, and not a woman to mess with but it is how she chose to use that badassery that blasted thru when she obliterated Bellatrix. Here, Ginny, Hermione and Luna, all (female--important) wizards who are noted at the top of their class and have fought in many battles before cannot destroy Bellatrix, but a mom? Momma Molly, easy. This was such an important element of her because for the most part it’s hidden and it is in this case that I connect her so much with Fleur. People have layers, they’re complex, they all react to things and show different aspects of themselves at different times. This is such an important thing to understand when it comes to being a human and connecting with others. 

The Harry Potter film series

Harry Potter Harry Potter Harry Potter

Of course the Harry Potter films are a big deal to me, how could they not be. To get into each one could be a bit much—so I’ll just go with the highlights. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, ha, it wasn’t until just after the troll was knocked out that I stopped yelling at the screen (yes, in the movie theatre) that it had it wrong—how we didn’t get kicked out I have no idea. This is also funny because the first three films, and especially the first two, are the ones that were able to most closely represent the books before too much started happening where a good portion had to be cut.

The fourth and fifth films, the fourth being highly regarded as the WORST of the franchise, had some major issues. For starters, they cut out the most both time wise and important detail wise. The fact that Harry Potter was able to start such a feminist revolution without Hermione’s organizations of SPEW represented in the films shows just how otherwise kickass these stories were. I hope if they could go back they’d split or extend the 4th film—focusing less on the ‘action!’ of the tasks and more of the changes starting to occur as they were realizing something was going on, but not yet what. While the fourth film was the worst in the franchise by far, no one can ever rightfully deny that the scene of Harry’s return with Cedric’s body truly captured the turning point of the series, while Harry has known death and loss for a long time this year and this moment is when he really begins becoming a man and stepping up to the challenges bestowed upon him.

The 7th year of Harry Potters’ education, or what was supposed to be, split between the 7th and 8th films was done pretty well. The last two films sort of encompass all the series had to offer; drama between Ron and Hermione, the friendship between Harry and Hermione and Ron and Harry separately, the trip to Gringotts brought me back to their more youthful adventures then there are the adult aspects of Neville’s and Draco’s development and the finale of Harry and Voldemort standoff with some beloved life lost that blanketed the series.

Jan Levinson (Gould)

Jan’s Best Moment: Season Two, Episode Fifteen: Boys and Girls

When Pam mentions the obstacles of not going for the Corporate Graphic Design Internship (her current job, cost, and time), she tells Pam “There are always a million reasons not to do something”.

Jan’s Worst Moment: Season Three, Episode Nine: The Convict

When she tells them it’s Martin who was the ‘reformed convict’. Maybe she had to, but honestly, she should have known how this would go.

Jan’s Best Line: Season Four, Episode Nine: Dinner Party

“This will be great to cook with—really”.

Jan’s Most Memorable Moment: Season Four, Episode Fourteen

When we find out she’s pregnant with *not Michael’s* baby.

It’s not just today it’s through random occurrences everyday 

When you’re taking a walk around the neighbourhood, or see an old movie with a very different skyline. It’s not always prominent, but it’s always with us. 

8:46

9:03

9:37

9:59

10:03

10:28

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