Peter Pettigrew

Best Advice

1. Season Nine, Episode Thirteen: Junior Salesman (Jim)

“No, it does matter who ends up sitting next to Pam when I’m gone. The people around you are basically who you end up spending your life with. I mean, because of where my desk was I spent all those years looking at Pam, and I fell in love. So, that stuff matters, definitely does.

 Choose wisely                        

 2. Season Seven, Episode Thirteen: Ultimatum (Pam)

“One of the hardest parts about making resolutions is keeping them—but that’s okay. Because it’s not about being perfect, it’s about trying.”

3. Season Three, Episode Twenty-One: Women’s Appreciation (Phyllis)

 “I bet you know, don’t think just answer”

 4.  Season Three, Episode Fourteen: Ben Franklin (Elizabeth, the stripper)

 “Secrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone”

5.  Season Five, Episode Twenty-Two: Dream Team (Pam)

 “We need to come up with one realistic thing that we could do today”

 6.  Season Nine, Episode Twenty-One: Livin’ the Dream (Angela)

“You don’t have to leave because you said you would. Don’t let pride ruin your whole life. Okay? It’s not worth it.”

 7. Season Six, Episode Ten: Murder (Jim)

 “I think today was a good day to have two managers, cause, if you’re a family stuck on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean--one parent might want to just keep rowing. But, if the other parent wants to play a game, it’s not because they’re crazy, it’s because they’re doing it for the kids. And I get that now.”

 8. Season Six, Episode five: Niagara Part 2 (Pam)

 “This is supposed to be our wedding day, why did we invite all these people?”

  9. Season Seven, Episode Two: Counseling (Pam)

“The first lesson of watching World Poker Tour at 2:00AM. You play the opponent, not the cards”.

 10.   Season Nine, Episode Twenty-Three: Finale (Pam)

“But, when the documentary started airing, people on the street told me that I had this fairytale romance. But There were a lot of times last year when it did not feel like a fairytale”

Pomona Sprout

Professor Sprout was the embodiment of Hufflepuff, mostly pertaining to her love of Herbology, sweetness, and lack of need to be worshipped. Plenty of potions need the careful, dedicated and complicated treatment of plants that is based in Herbology; something that Professor Sprout hints at but does not boast about. Her brilliance was shown not only in her famous care of Mandrake’s to help petrified students be restored, but the year before when she used Devil’s Snare to help protect the Sorcerer’s Stone so that the one who tried to get it would not need only intelligence but the ability to remain calm in a panic.

Similar to her brilliance, Professor Sprout also showed her generosity as the many lessons she taught the students in harvesting she gave to Madam Pomphrey to help students with all types of ailments from being petrified, to common acne or used for other aspects of her class (unlike other Professors). She also showed her loyalty and bravery not only to what was right in protecting her and other students in the year that Death Eaters had control of the school, but also to Albus Dumbledore in her agreeing that the school should be kept open after his passing. Most importantly, she didn’t care whose house you were in—she loved you all the same

Cedric Diggoy

Cedric Diggory was an important character as he embodied all we missed out on, not knowing more Hufflepuff characters closely. Dumbledore’s speech about how he was a fierce friend, chose to do what’s right over what was easy, and was shown to constantly be his biggest opponent, not hating those who bested him but only trying to better himself. 

It is these Hufflepuff traits that are one of the two main reasons this character has had such a profound impact. Being the complete opposite of boastful, even before Harry told him about the Dragons he tried to stop people hating on Harry, knowing there was enough Hogwarts pride to go around. This extends to the previous year when he catches the golden snitch just moments after the Dementors come onto the Quidditch field and paralyze Harry. He feels this wasn’t a fair win and as Captain, protests against their win to no prevail. A sentiment he carries even during the Quidditch World Cup when his father brags about how ‘’he beat thee Harry Potter!”

One could go on forever about Cedric, it really is no wonder why Cho loved him, (even thou I got the impression that if given both options she would’ve chosen Harry) but what equally sticks out is Cedric’s impact and representation of the innocent victims of war. While the film overall was horrendously shackled together, the scene in the film and book bring me to tears long before his death and their return to Hogwarts. He was just a good person, in the wrong place, at the wrong time. The reaction of his classmates and especially his father and the circumstances were meant to highlight how truly ugly and unnecessary war is. There was no reason for his death, and like most wars even the young men and children who survive physically lose their minds to it. Finally, on a small level, Harry’s guilt and other’s reactions for his survival and Cedric’s death reminds me of the understanding how death happens to those left behind; as while Cedric comes back as a ghost momentarily he thinks only of his parents and unknowingly remains as a force in Harry to stop Voldemort.

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.

20th Year of Harry Potter

Nineteen years ago in the US (September 1st, 1998) Harry Potter was released. Hearing of it’s success in the UK, my mother ran out and got it for us to read together. While It would not become more common in my community for another few years, it quickly became very important to me. My mother read it to me at night the first time around, miss-pronouncing Hermione until my dad who grew up for a time in England corrected her, and then I read it many times over to where the book started to fall apart. 

The Harry Potter series is a big deal for many reasons, and has shaped our world and helped us connect with more than just the theme parks, midnight book releases, Emma Watson, movies and expansions such as Quidditch Throughout the Ages. The story of Harry Potter has shown the ridiculousness of racism, the promotion of helping those less fortunate, of doing what is morally right and reminding us that what we see is not always accurate as with depression or social differences. The Harry Potter world created by J.K. Rowling (who I also first assumed was a male) was the first apocalyptic universe where everyone was fighting to survive, but also win the world for good; and make the world better. Hermione Granger might not have been the main protagonist as with following series that all became about the sole female heroine, but she was the first to be brave regardless of her fears, rely on her smarts, and always be there for her friends. In studies the Harry Potter series have been noted as a large influence on combating race and social-class status as the absurdity of separation on these qualities were shown in the books with werewolves, elves and with half-bloods and muggles. While not the sole supporter or eye-opener, it is a reason why younger generations believe it is their responsibility to make sure everyone is treated with equality and respect. 

September 1st is widely known in the Harry Potter Universe as the day that those who were fortunate enough to receive their Hogwarts letters would get on the Hogwarts Express and get to begin their official journey into the wizarding world, and while intended enough, it is when those in the US were able to join as well with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In this story, we were Harry, we were learning everything as he did--something that would continue for the rest of the series (very eloquently referenced with each new book I might add) that entranced us. But more than with the wizarding world, we were like Harry in learning about the problems arising and feeling that we had to stop it, how it was our duty to stop it, part of what has spread outside the pages to common activism and empathy in our day to day lives. Again we were Harry Potter, we were young, new to this world and with our humbled experience prior, we wonder if this world we were growing into was as magical and perfect as we were led to believe. This is what this Harry Potter journey taught us and continues to remind us, that not everything perfect or fair but that we can all, individually make a difference 

Best Company moments

1. Season Seven, Episode Two: Counseling

When they all support and try to help Dwight with the mall fiasco even before they knew what happened. After first storming in and demanding everyone “Boycott the Steamtown Mall” and then again when help him prepare to Pretty Woman the salesclerk (per Kelly’s suggestion).

Kelly “You shirt and tie are disgusto-barfo”

Oscar “Maybe not so monochromatic, not so matching”

Ryan, Kelly, Pam and then Ryan again “The glasses are a little….I liked them…I thought they were kinda cute…yeah I liked them too”

Darryl "Say Stuff like ‘good morning, good afternoon. People appreciate that’” Darryl

Andy “If someone offers you a cocktail, accept, but keeps your wits about you” Andy

Angela “Please and Thank you go a long way”

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

When they all sing Rent, and calculated the actual minutes (9,986,000)  that he had been at the company

3. Season Five, Episode Fourteen: Stress Relief Part 1

When, more than those you’d expect, began dancing to them singing ‘staying alive’ to know when to pump for CPR. First Andy joining in singing, then Kelly dancing, Phyllis and Creed bopping their heads, then Michael stops with the CPR and gets up to also dance as does Andy later dancing with the instructor and even Meredith and Dwight bopping their heads as well.

4. Season Eight, Episode Five: Garden Party

When they all come together to cheer Andy up after the Garden party; even to where they ignore him as he tries to leave and apologize with Darryl asking him he wants a “Cheeseburger or Hamburger” and Oscar calling him “Nard-dog” before tossing him a beer.

5. Season Seven, Episode Seven: Christening

When they all shit on the churchgoers at the Christening; they are their own type of family

Ryan “Teach for America girls are way hotter—but their nuts”

Phyliis “Who takes a kid to Mexico”

Stanley” I would run to Mexico if that’s where the sandwiches are”

Dwight “You wanna know my 11th Commandment, I will not be undersold”

Andy “What if the Moon was your car and Jupiter was your hairbrush”

Ending with half-assed claps and Ryan playing with his cup

6. Season Six, Episode Fifteen: Sabre

When they work together to repackage the Sabre box

7. Season Seven, Episode Nine: WUPHF.com

When they figured out the server password first thinking of things topical for when it was set, IT guys, and then that it made Michael laugh when he heard it, but Pam got offended.

8. Season Seven, Episode Six: Costume Contest

“Is there no limit to what Stanley won’t notice?”

Jim’s OJ wasn’t his hot coffee

Kevin dressed up as Phyllis

Andy naked except for his tie

The computer monitor being replaced by a cardboard box with a picture on it

Michael with fake teeth

The conference meeting having everyone but him sitting backwards and the meeting talking about the projections on Jupiter

Pam with a mustache

and Dwight with a pony

 Except—he notices the clock is slow and it’s after 5pm

9. Season Nine, Episode Eight: The Target

When Pete, Kevin, Erin, Meredith, Creed, Nellie and Darryl all work together to build the complaint tower and support Pam getting a complaint

10. Season Nine, Episode Eighteen: Promos

When they realize the camera crew followed them more than they realized, and all looked at the camera simultaneously

Why We March

Today around the world we march again. We march for the women who give themselves, to allow us to come into the world. We walk for cisgender women, transwomen, black women, poor women, brilliant women, all women. 

We march because women who in 1920 were allowed to raise their voice and speak their mind in public to vote, but not at home. Until the 1990s, and even in many states today a women’s vocal pronouncement of “NO” when her husband wanted to have sex, was not an option. Even today, there are many states where it is only marital rape if there is proof of extreme threat of violence or violence. 

We march because women, who on average go for higher degrees and do better in the classroom, on average only make $0.79 for every dollar a man makes. An average, Black woman and Hispanic woman make less. 

We march because men have to do so little to be considered great leaders and parents, but one misstep and women are seen as being harmful and neglectful to their children. Those first nine months where women not only couldn’t eat, drink, smoke, exercise as well as were the incubators for their chidren, means nothing. Perfection is the bare minimum asked by society. 

We march because harassment, sexual violence and intimidation are not a rarity that women experience, but something that their whole lives are focused on, there is no day off. They know how many paces back the cute neighbor with the dog is, how long that car has been at the end of the block, where the bulbs are to replace the bulb in the entry way. Women know these things not because they’re mothers, or it’s part of their DNA, because they have to, TO SURVIVE. 

These are the shameful reasons why we march. We march because society has allowed these and other aspects of women lived to continue as second rate, as not good enough, when they are the ones dragging us ahead. This why we all march.

Luna Lovegood

There are many, many, many reasons to love Luna Lovegood as well as lessons about how we should be:

she’s honest

she’s conscientious, and not the center of the universe

she’s confident in herself

she’s brave for herself and others

she’s supportive and understanding of her friends and others

she's not prejudiced and address’ it in others

this list can go on for pages and pages of a tumblr article. 

Along with all Luna (and Evanna Lynch) taught us, and was a role model for those who didn’t feel like they belonged or were considered less than, she taught us a lot with the unexpected relationships she had with two characters: Hermione and Harry

Hermione, seen as a brilliant, kind and caring Witch, was cruel to Luna at first as she was opposite, but not opposite, of Hermione. Luna showed us with her relationship with Hermione a few flaws of Hermione along with growth and with Luna, what it meant to be truly open and accepting. Both intelligent, heroic and compassionate, their core similarities ended there. While important, Hermione let the values of acceptance and appearance overshadow curiosity and open-mindedness; which are both very important and defining characteristics of any person. It is so, so, so important to not only be open-minded and interested in the world around you, people’s beliefs, but also people in general. Even the villains in Harry Potter weren’t all evil or heroes all good.

Harry, this is one of my biggest umphs, Luna was the best character we knew for Harry romantically, because of how natural they were together. Sure, like all relationships Luna had there was a bit of a warming up period, but once they met and interacted, she just got him. When he wanted to hide after the battle, she could recognize him even when disguised with Polyjoice Potion, how it felt to not know one’s parent(s), she just got him. It’s rare, and doesn’t have to be romantic, but is such a beautiful relationship and connection that some people have. That without words or  

i have a reading list longer than my life expectancy

2020 Census Citizenship Question

Today the Supreme Court begins hearing arguments about reintroducing a question pertaining to individual citizenship on the 2020 Census—and it’s a smooth political move. It sounds okay, the administration is just trying to get better information about the residents of different areas, but its outcomes are more than that. Similar to this same administrations’ rhetoric about sending the recent immigrants legally applying for refugee and asylum status to ‘sanctuary cities’ this citizenship question could lead to an overall inaccurate population count that would lower those areas with higher immigrant population and with the census would lower their federal funding received and their political representation. Sound familiar? Both outcomes that would fall in favor with the administration that is pushing and put this change into action.

The obvious argument is, don’t answer (illegal) or lie (more illegal). While both of these options shouldn’t be preferred by the government and aren’t preferred by the immigrants themselves, it’s important to also understand the specific type of immigrant. Along with the rest of my family my Aunt has lived in the US for close to sixty years but retains her original citizenship and has not obtained US citizenship. Chances are, this Supreme Court case won’t impact her as her age, appearance, location and other demographic factors don’t match the politicized “immigrant image” but there are those who do fit into that image. There are those who are citizens and whose families have resided in the US for generations but are believed to be “illegals” the same as those who are here recently but legally and will become frightened about answering this question wrong. As immigrants continue to be in the headlines, here are 5 things about US immigrants and international relationships that people should consider.

Taxes

While certain requirements and programs block immigrants and other recent newcomers from services[i] current legal residents and undocumented immigrants both pay taxes even if they may never be entitled to benefits such as social security, Medicaid, or other tax credits. [ii],[iii] In fact, according to Forbes, an estimated 11.64 billion is paid by just undocumented immigrants every year in state and local taxes.[iv]

Hard Workers

NYC and other cities have been under some heat from the current administration for being ‘Sanctuary Cities’ and allowing undocumented immigrants to be there. This annoyance has led to ‘threats’ of dropping all refugee and asylum seekers into sanctuary cities, related to the upcoming Supreme Court case about the 2020 Census Citizenship question and is full of misinformation as it is believed all immigrants (as the current administration confuses just not liking immigrants with illegal actions by those trying to migrate) are just stealing jobs or not working. In addition to this being false with the earlier facts about taxation (and now possible without representation), immigrants are already a large, hard-working part of the US workforce with foreign-born workers making up 25% of the construction industry, 23.1% of the agricultural industry, 20.1% of arts and entertainment, 19.7% of the Professional, Scientific, Management, Administrative and waste-management and 19.4% of educational services, healthcare and social assistance.[v] 

For more understanding of the work ethic of all immigrants, please see this video by clicking the link or going to the end of this post:[vi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7q3ofdJRKc

Leaders and Influencers

As a great reminder, Time Magazine’s 100 came out earlier last week. With many political leaders, tech entrepreneurs, advocates and other females and immigrants both to the US and around the world were highly recognized with some US examples with Sandra Oh (who recently became a US citizen),[vii] Luchita Hurtado and Leana Wen as a pioneer, an artist and a leader.[viii]

Fellow Human-beings

With the treatment of incoming immigrants who are either coming to improve their lives, the lives of their children, or just trying to survive; the treatment in the US has a few looking back at their home countries reevaluating why they came. Fleeing poverty, famine, gang violence and more, some would say “fine”, “go back”, leave this place”; but is that really where we want the bar to be. As reflecting upon immigrant heritage, strength, work ethic, we should also focus on our own. Many values based on religion and the moral compass highlight how you should always look at what you can give and how you can help, similar as many sayings express the ideas that those who suffer most are always the first to give.

NAFTA and food

A big part of countries’ heritage and culture is connected to food, while NY is known as the melting pot, great food and a lot comes from its great diversity, the importing of food impacts all of the US and not just with avocados. While Apples and Oranges are the top fruits overall, that’s mostly from juice. The top actual fruit is Bananas that mostly come from Equador.[ix] 5% of US apples consumed are imported,[x] mostly during non-peak growing season while the rest of apples are grown in 32 different states and exported to Mexico, Canada and other countries.[xi] However, potatoes are also a big staple in the US and while a big production for agriculture, the US is only able to produce 40% of the demand with the balance coming from Mexico and Canada.x Overall, over 25% of US coffee, spices, fish, fresh fruits and juices, sugar, wine and vegetable oils are imported from outside the US[xii] and this is only some of what is imported.

The 2020 Census citizenship isn’t a harmful question in itself. But with the current administration's attack on immigrants, especially on those just trying to become legal residents and citizens, one cannot blame them for being too scared to be truthful. Again, do we want to be the dictators they are fleeing from, do we want them to remove themselves from the country because they are better than how they are being treated--is that our goal? To be just cruel enough to get “our” way-- in that case good to know, I’ll try to get represented elsewhere. 

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[i] The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The US Department of Health and Human Services Website: Administration for Children and Families. Published November 1st, 1996. Last Accessed: April 23rd, 2019.

[ii] Campbell, A. Trump says undocumented immigrants are an economic burden. They pay billions in taxes. Vox Website. https://www.vox.com/2018/4/13/17229018/undocumented-immigrants-pay-taxes. Published: October 25th, 2018. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.

[iii] Martin, M. Do immigrants pay Taxes? Metro New Website. https://www.metro.us/news/politics/do-immigrants-pay-taxes. Published: June 18th, 2018. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.

[iv] McCarthy, N. How Much Tax Do America's Undocumented Immigrants Actually Pay? [Infographic]. Forbes Website. https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2016/10/06/how-much-tax-do-americas-undocumented-immigrants-actually-pay-infographic/#3a9dd3421de0. Published: October 6th, 2016. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.

[v] State Immigration Data Profiles: United States. Migration Policy Institute Website. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/state-profiles/state/workforce/US#. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.

[vi] Few Americans take immigrants' jobs in Alabama. AP Archive Youtube Account. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7q3ofdJRKc. Posted: July 31st, 2015. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.

[vii] Sandra Oh. Monologue. Saturday Night Live Season 44 Episode 16. Aired: March 30th, 2019

[viii] Time 100: The Most Influential People 2019. Time Magazine Website. Accessible at: http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.

[ix] The Most Interesting Fruit in the World (Ep. 375). Freakonomics Radio Archive. http://freakonomics.com/archive/. Posted: April 17th, 2019. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.

[x] United States: Fresh Produce-Imports and Exports. Produce Marketing Association Website. https://www.pma.com/~/media/pma-files/research-and-development/usa.pdf?la=en. Last Accessed: April 23rd, 2019.

[xi] Commodity Apples. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center Website. https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/fruits/apples/commodity-apples. Last Revised: December 2017. Last Accessed: April 22nd, 2019.