Jo Bennet

Alastor Moody

Alastor Moody is, of course, a difficult character to think back on because most of our experiences with him--weren’t actually him

Regardless, he was still an important character, one of the few characters who was in the Order of the Phoenix during both Wizarding Wars. A brave and skilled wizard he was also a good judge of character (Igor Karkaroff), giving (Tonks was his protégé) and he didn’t care too much about what others thought of him—only considering the opinion of those he deemed worthy.

What I think most about him, is he gives us a glimpse into some mental illness, disillusion and how Ron would be in his later years with PTSD. Even as a high-ranking Auror, people mostly avoided him as he had become a bit paranoid

Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you

after all his years serving as an Auror and all those he had put away. He had limited friends he felt he could trust and had shown to have many scars showing all he had been thru. In the brief moments with him, he showed to be sentimental and trying to form human connections where he could and appreciating them: giving Harry the original Order of the Phoenix photo and his relationship with Tonks

PS Very glad Harry worked to get his eye back 

Erin Hannon

Erin’s Best Moment: Season Six, Episode Twelve: Scott’s Tots

When she explains to Michael, even though he’s a jerk to her and shuts down her other points, that 90% of the kids in the Scotts tots program are set to graduate on time, and that’s 35% higher than the rest of the average, so while he didn’t meet his promise he did help them.

Erin’s Worst Moment: Season Eight, Episode 10: Christmas Wishes

When she says she wishes Jessica, Andy’s girlfriend, “Was dead--in a graveyard, under the ground”

Erin’s Best Line: Season Eight, Episode Two: The Incentive

Cold Coffee….she wasn’t wrong

“I asked if you wanted a cold beverage and you said coffee”

Erin’s Most Memorable Moment: Season Seven, Episode Two: Counseling

Erin and the disposable camera, where she misses the steps of getting the pictures printed before throwing the camera out.

Even better, it’s not an accident and she ends her explanation of the negatives of using a disposable compared to a ‘real camera’ with “It it’s an important even that you want to remember, I recommend using a real camera”

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)

Best Coworker Moments

1. Season Three, Episode Twenty-Three: The Job How Phyllis, Karen, Pam and Angela genuinely try to help Michael through his relationship and encourage him to be remain broken up with Jan.

2. Season Three, Episode Sixteen: Business School

Michael putting Pam’s painting in the office.

3. Season Three, Episode Eight: The Merger When Ryan and Phyllis answer the Stanford branches concerns about how Michael usually is, how they get work done, and how they'll get home.

4. Season Three, Episode Ten: A Benihana Christmas When Pam gets Toby back the robe, or a replacement robe, they all got as Christmas gifts from corporate that Michael stole from him.

5. Season Nine, Episode Twenty-One: Livin the Dream

When Pam is upset that neither Jim nor Dwight are in her desk clump anymore.

6. Season Three, Episode Four: Grief Counseling When Jim insists that Karen gets her Hertz potato chips, before she start any other work.

7. Season Three, Episode Nineteen: Safety Training When they all start dropping cash off on Ryan’s desk as he bet how long it would take for Kelly to explain to him how Netflix works.

8. Season Nine, Episode Twenty-Three: Finale

When Stanley makes Phyllis that stand of her, with bird legs, and while she's showing it off to the camera crew she's bursting into tears.

9. Season Five, Episode Five: Crime Aid When Darryl, and the rest of the warehouse crew, auctions for whoever to "go out for a beer with them right now."

10. Season Two, Episode Nine: Email Surveillance Kelly (to Oscar and Stanley) “I’m sorry guys, can we please not talk about paper. There’s gotta be something else we can talk about.”

Clark Green

Clark’s Best Moment: Season Nine, Episode

When Dwight tells him “ The bubble wrap is the only thing that is stopping his suit from getting wrinkled. These meetings are all about presentation”

And he responds “that’s actually really smart—God, if only there was any other use or situation for that kind of knowledge”

Clark’s Worst Moment: Season Nine, Episode Two: Roy’s Wedding

When he uses Erin’s gullibility to get her to his apartment alone for a “reporting job”

Clark’s Best Line: Season Nine, Episode Eleven: Suit Warehouse)

When describing Jan’s sexual appetite “Women reach their sexual peak at whatever age Jan as last week. I mean, if it was….like making love with a wild animal. But not like a cougar, like you might think.. It was…uh…like a swarm of bees. Bees that just find something wrong with every hotel room”

Clark’s Most Memorable Moment: Season Nine, Episode One: New Guys

When he walks right across the slack rope

Youth Climate Strike

Similar to the March for Our Lives a year ago, students will leave their classrooms again today across the US, joining students from over 100 countries around the world who have already marched, begging their elders, to work to leave some of the world behind for them to thrive with.

Image: Climate Change: Youth climate strikes to take place in more than 100 countries. The Guardian.   https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/mar/14/youth-climate-strikes-to-take-place-in-almost-100-countries-greta-thunberg

While there are many issues that plague every generation, this generation sees themselves shook with the idea that they might not even have a chance to survive as more data shows that the deadline to save the human races’ existence on the planet is just getting closer, and closer. While the declining health of the planet has been an issue for decades, and the ignorance of facts behind it are baffling, the students and youth really are doing everything they can to keep it on individuals minds and are seeing growing victories from lawsuits against their governments, the growing vegan and vegetarian movements, and bans on single-use plastic. Looking at the map above this is a growing movement and my only hope, the only hope is that others get out of their way: in political office, in corporations, and the ridiculous online bullying older people think will impact the younger generation. 

PS--if none of the 16 marches planned in New Zealand occurred, you have our deepest sympathies and understanding. Whether blocked by the lockdowns or just needing to be at home with those you love, stay safe. 

Movies that make you think--if you let them

There are many movies that with a final scene turn the whole show on its head, make you try to figure things out as you go along, or fit so well together –these movies aren’t for the night at the end of the week where you’re tired or trying to relax, these are movies that make you think, keep your heart pounding not with action or violence but just suspense and intrigue (yeah, some of them also have those but that’s not what keeps people talking)

Gone Girl (2014)

Gone Girl was mentioned to me by one of my best friends whose really into movies and is a pretty smart guy all around. Knowing me, he also knew I’d like the question of the relationship between the married couple and the truth. While it was on my list, his recommendation pushed me to get to it sooner.

While the movie is good and has you thinking from the start, along with growing sympathy, the true story shoots up halfway thru with the wife’s reveal—something that could have but should not have been slipped in earlier (obviously). Here we delve further into the gray area, who is right, who is wrong, is there absolution for the husband and how can he get out of all this and how guilty is he really in everything that occurs.

There were many things I didn’t like about the movie, especially the character of the wife, but while it’s a movie I can’t bring myself to see again, I may one day as I still think about it.

Gattaca (1997)

Gattaca was a movie, that due to personal circumstances, I saw many, many time. Focused on how genetics shape our lives, this movie becomes more realistic every day and jumped back into my head late last year with the Chinese scientist who (may) have genetically engineered twins to be HIV resistant. A simple plot, lightly explained how genetics impact everything and how much of our DNA is everywhere—but more so it brought out the core questions related to humanity and the many levels of how our genetics should be used as decisions about our lives. The main character has been able to lead a superior life, regardless of his inferior genetic makeup, but also exceed beyond the identity his has assumed. Forget heart and effort, will and perseverance—he promotes the idea that he the genetics test provides nothing but statistical probabilities, not absolute facts (in how they are used in this film, there obviously very clear cut yes and no things with genetics).

On another level, which you may choose to explore, is the reminder that the law hardly ever is equal with society—it is always behind, and how while genetics may allow for a “higher chance” of success for the human race, it will not rid people of their human qualities. But again, the work is on you

While not the best of ideas, in the pre-internet times--books sometimes were your only saviour. Even today, I still appreciate the new worlds, in some aspect better worlds books can take me to and inspire me to create

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.

Best Intros

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

     The Fire

2. Season Six, Episode Four: Niagara Part 1

When Dwight insists on eating an egg at his desk after Pam asks people to change some of their habits during the morning sickness part of her pregnancy; so then Pam throws up, then Andy, and Erin, Phyllis, Meredith, Oscar, Angela….Creed eating his noodles, and Pam just taps her mouth with a tissue

3. Season Eight, Episode Sixteen: After Hours

First Angela and Pam complain about Oscar and his dog,

Oscar and Angela complain about how Angela pretends her kids are more advanced than they are,

Angela and Oscar complain about Pam talking about two kids instead of just one, 

Then all three complain about Andy and his boat.

4. Season Two, Episode Nine: Email Surveillance

When Michael racially profiles the new IT guy, and turns off the office lights and has them all hide.

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

When Kevin is the receptionist. First, he forgets he’s supposed to answer the phone and second, we find out that he’s been having trouble understanding how to transfer so he just calls whoever the call is for to come up to reception.

Then, in this scene Jim reminds him how to transfer by hitting “transfer, extension, transfer” (Kevin had written it on his hands but then washed his hands and forgot) to transfer a call to Andy first transfers the call to the empty desk across from Meredith, then to Stanley, and then to Andy; all while politely speaking to the customer.

6. Season Three, Episode Fifteen: Phyllis’ Wedding

When Jim “Pavlov’s Dog” Dwight with an altoid whenever he reboots his computer

7. Season Four, Episode Three: Launch Party

The TV cube-corner countdown; it’s something we’ve all experienced, just as passionately.

There’s this cube on the screen that bounces around all day. And sometimes it looks like its hitting Right into the corner of the screen And then at the last minute it hits a wall and bounces away. And we are all just dying to see it go right into the corner.

8. Season Five, Episode Nineteen: Golden Ticket

“THE KGB WILL WAIT FOR NO ONE!”

9. Season Five, Episode Twenty-Six

When Michael had not a pot pie, or an entire pot pie but an entire, family-sized, chicken pot pie for lunch and after letting the office be dark and quiet for a while Jim changes the computer time, Pam changes his watch, and Dwight changes his car time so they can all get a half-day.

10. Season Three, Episode Eleven: Back from Vacation

When Jim starts tell lies about what Dwight is doing in the meeting since Dwight is recording the meetings since Michael is away with Phyllis and Karen joining in later

Jim “you’re not allowed to take your pants off at the office—oh my god, he has a knife”

Phyllis “Jim Carrey just walked in, oh Dwight, get his autograph for Michael, quickly”

Karen “Dwight, what is that on your stomach? Is that a “Muppet Babies” tattoo?”