I realize I'm terrible at keeping a blog....
So...I'll try again and see how long it lasts this time.
Well not much changes in my life, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at times.
Me and Matt are doing great, had a few bumps in the road but we worked through them *happy dance*
I officially have only three more classes for LCCC to finish my degree and I hope to move onto Tiffin to finish my bachelors. Tiffin has a bachelors completion program along with the masters degree I want. The masters degree is in Criminal Behavior. So I'd get to pick the brains of criminals and try and figure out why they did whatever it is that they did. Fascinating stuff for me :-)
Work is...well. I love working for Caribou but I'm incredibly frustrated with STILL not being a shift super. I've been passed over for the job, now TWO times as of today. I've worked my butt off for over two years to get my hopes up being told I was next in line to be a shift super to once again get told I'm not the right one for the job. So thats been a confidence killer.
Anyway, Christmas is right around the corner and I'm almost ready for it!! I really enjoy holidays with mine and Matts families. I just wish the two would get together for an entire one as a whole. Its hard to get my mom out of the house and Ike doesn't really like socializing. (I think I see the pattern....) I'm not home alot anymore, I'm usually out doing something or another with Matt.
OOooo my big news is I FINALLY have my own car!!! Its a '96 Honda Accord that I absolutely love. Jack Matia is a regular at work and I mentioned to him I was looking for a car and viola he ofund me one. :-) I'm enjoying having the freedom to drive where I want to when I want to.
Well I'm going to go watch a movie with the boy :-)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Fairytale Love
Wrapped in your arms the world goes away,
Lost in the moment of your kiss.
Amazed by what I’ve found,
Or what found me.
In plain sight,
Looking right back at me.
This fairytale has just begun,
An adventure that gets better everyday.
Thoughts of the future catch attention,
Not only ideas but true possibilities.
Never before have these feelings been real,
Never before have they been true,
Never thought love could be this way.
Given a new idea of love,
A chance at a true love,
Waiting to see what happens next.
What new adventure is around the corner.
Only to discover it with you,
At your side,
Our very own epic.
Fairytales were only stories,
But my fairytale is real,
My fairytale is now,
My fairytale is you.
Lost in the moment of your kiss.
Amazed by what I’ve found,
Or what found me.
In plain sight,
Looking right back at me.
This fairytale has just begun,
An adventure that gets better everyday.
Thoughts of the future catch attention,
Not only ideas but true possibilities.
Never before have these feelings been real,
Never before have they been true,
Never thought love could be this way.
Given a new idea of love,
A chance at a true love,
Waiting to see what happens next.
What new adventure is around the corner.
Only to discover it with you,
At your side,
Our very own epic.
Fairytales were only stories,
But my fairytale is real,
My fairytale is now,
My fairytale is you.
Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action
The definition of affirmative action is a set of public policies and initiatives designed to help eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Affirmative action was an issue in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson which upheld "separate, but equal" that was anything but equal. Affirmative action was first used in The 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education overturned Plessy v. Ferguson. Executive Order 10925 by John F. Kennedy on March 6, 1961, which later leads to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today there are many organizations working to keep affirmative action working for all of our society. The purpose of affirmative action is to improve the standard of living and quality of life for those people that are at a disadvantage.
The case of Plessy v. Ferguson upheld racial segregation even in public accommodations under "separate but equal". This thought process was anything but equal for African Americans. On June 7, 1892, Homer Plessy boarded train owned by the East Louisiana Railroad that was designated for whites only. Although Plessy was actually of mixed races he was considered African American under Louisiana state law and was directed to leave the white car and move to the “colored” car. When Plessy refused to leave the white car and move to the colored car, he was arrested and jailed. “In his case Plessy argued that the East Louisiana Railroad had denied him his constitutional rights under the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States.” Southern governments provide less resources and faulty facilities to African Americans. In January 1896, Homer Plessy pled guilty to the violation and paid the fine. The case of Plessy v. Ferguson was overturned by the case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, nearly 60 years after the final decision for Plessy.
Brown v. Board of Education declared that state laws that established separate public schools for black and white students denied black children equal educational opportunities. In Topeka a black third-grader named Linda Brown was forced to walk one mile elementary school though a white elementary school was a few blocks away from her house. Her father, Oliver, tried to enroll her in the closer school, but the principal refused. “Brown went to McKinley Burnett, the head of Topeka's branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and asked for help. The NAACP was eager to assist the Browns, as it had long wanted to challenge segregation in public schools.” Along with another group of parents in 1951, Brown and the NAACP a suit was filed on the school systems segregation policies. On May 17, 1954, the Warren Court's unanimous decision that established separate educational facilities were unequal in their quality of education. A civil suit was filed against the Board of Education of the City of Topeka, Kansas, the plaintiffs were thirteen parents defending in total twenty children. The cause of the suit was arguing that the segregation of schools was unconstitutional.
Executive order 10925 required federal contractors to "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin.” This order gave way to the Presidential Committee on Equal Employment Opportunities. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed racial segregation in schools, public places, and employment. Which also lead to the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) is a Federal agency charged with ending employment discrimination. The EEOC investigates discrimination complaints based on an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability and also investigates allegations of retaliation. The EEOC is also tasked with filing suits on behalf of alleged victims of discrimination against employers.
Organizations today are more motivated than ever for affirmative action continuation. Organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) are currently successful in a “time when civil rights are under heavy attack, (as) advocates for affirmative action”. In 2005, the American Civil Liberties Union designated a Michigan affirmative action and peace group as a terrorist organization. "This document confirms our fears that federal and state counterterrorism officers have turned their attention to groups and individuals engaged in peaceful protest activities." This group was labeled as a terrorist group by their extreme policies and techniques. As with any type of government action there are extremes and the Michigan peace group is an example of a negative extreme. An example of a positive extreme is the NOW organization. Organizations for affirmative action are becoming more influential especially in these hard economic times. Equality is still a major issue in our society, it probably always will be unless new ideas are brought about and passed.
As time goes on affirmative action will hopefully increase. The special treatment that individuals believe that they are entitled to is false. Our society wants everything the easy way, without working for it. Through hard work anyone can achieve what they aspire to. There are only limitations on any one person are only those that they bring upon themselves. Organizations, the government, law enforcement and just your neighbor have outreach programs for every walk of life. Affirmative action takes that outreach to the next level, a federal level. It works to bring justice and equality to everyone in our society willing to work towards success.
The definition of affirmative action is a set of public policies and initiatives designed to help eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Affirmative action was an issue in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson which upheld "separate, but equal" that was anything but equal. Affirmative action was first used in The 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education overturned Plessy v. Ferguson. Executive Order 10925 by John F. Kennedy on March 6, 1961, which later leads to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today there are many organizations working to keep affirmative action working for all of our society. The purpose of affirmative action is to improve the standard of living and quality of life for those people that are at a disadvantage.
The case of Plessy v. Ferguson upheld racial segregation even in public accommodations under "separate but equal". This thought process was anything but equal for African Americans. On June 7, 1892, Homer Plessy boarded train owned by the East Louisiana Railroad that was designated for whites only. Although Plessy was actually of mixed races he was considered African American under Louisiana state law and was directed to leave the white car and move to the “colored” car. When Plessy refused to leave the white car and move to the colored car, he was arrested and jailed. “In his case Plessy argued that the East Louisiana Railroad had denied him his constitutional rights under the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States.” Southern governments provide less resources and faulty facilities to African Americans. In January 1896, Homer Plessy pled guilty to the violation and paid the fine. The case of Plessy v. Ferguson was overturned by the case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, nearly 60 years after the final decision for Plessy.
Brown v. Board of Education declared that state laws that established separate public schools for black and white students denied black children equal educational opportunities. In Topeka a black third-grader named Linda Brown was forced to walk one mile elementary school though a white elementary school was a few blocks away from her house. Her father, Oliver, tried to enroll her in the closer school, but the principal refused. “Brown went to McKinley Burnett, the head of Topeka's branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and asked for help. The NAACP was eager to assist the Browns, as it had long wanted to challenge segregation in public schools.” Along with another group of parents in 1951, Brown and the NAACP a suit was filed on the school systems segregation policies. On May 17, 1954, the Warren Court's unanimous decision that established separate educational facilities were unequal in their quality of education. A civil suit was filed against the Board of Education of the City of Topeka, Kansas, the plaintiffs were thirteen parents defending in total twenty children. The cause of the suit was arguing that the segregation of schools was unconstitutional.
Executive order 10925 required federal contractors to "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin.” This order gave way to the Presidential Committee on Equal Employment Opportunities. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed racial segregation in schools, public places, and employment. Which also lead to the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) is a Federal agency charged with ending employment discrimination. The EEOC investigates discrimination complaints based on an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability and also investigates allegations of retaliation. The EEOC is also tasked with filing suits on behalf of alleged victims of discrimination against employers.
Organizations today are more motivated than ever for affirmative action continuation. Organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) are currently successful in a “time when civil rights are under heavy attack, (as) advocates for affirmative action”. In 2005, the American Civil Liberties Union designated a Michigan affirmative action and peace group as a terrorist organization. "This document confirms our fears that federal and state counterterrorism officers have turned their attention to groups and individuals engaged in peaceful protest activities." This group was labeled as a terrorist group by their extreme policies and techniques. As with any type of government action there are extremes and the Michigan peace group is an example of a negative extreme. An example of a positive extreme is the NOW organization. Organizations for affirmative action are becoming more influential especially in these hard economic times. Equality is still a major issue in our society, it probably always will be unless new ideas are brought about and passed.
As time goes on affirmative action will hopefully increase. The special treatment that individuals believe that they are entitled to is false. Our society wants everything the easy way, without working for it. Through hard work anyone can achieve what they aspire to. There are only limitations on any one person are only those that they bring upon themselves. Organizations, the government, law enforcement and just your neighbor have outreach programs for every walk of life. Affirmative action takes that outreach to the next level, a federal level. It works to bring justice and equality to everyone in our society willing to work towards success.
Forensic Entomology
Forensic Entomology
Forensic entomology is the use of insects that collect on remains to aid in a criminal investigation. The history of entomology dates back to 1235 a.d., leaving a wide spectrum for the development of it. The field is broken down into three general areas: medicolegal, urban, and stored product pests. There are many types of insects involved with forensic entomology, from blowflies to moths and beetles. Entomology is important to many investigations, and can sometimes be the only thing that can possibly save a case.
Entomology has been recorded back to 1235 a.d. with Sung Tz’u who was also known as the “death investigator”. His book, The Washing Away of Wrongs, was translated in 1981 and showed how forensics was used at that time period. An account from a murder in a small village was accounted, and entomology was used to find out who did it. They were asked to bring their sickles to him, lay them out and flies were attracted to the one that was used to commit the crime. Dr. Bergeret d’Arbois was the first person to apply forensic entomology that had an estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). The first systematic study in forensic entomology was conducted in 1881 by Reinhard, who exhumed bodies and discovered that different species of flies determined how long the body had been there. Jean Pierre Mégnin, an army veterinarian, published two books on entomology, Faune des Tombeaux and La Faune des Cadavres. His second book revealed that there was a pattern to what insects arrived on a body and at what time. His experiments assessed that there were eight patterns of insects that a single corpse would endure in a period of time. Throughout the evolution of entomology many books, articles, and magazines have been published releasing the advancements that have been discovered. According to the website, Forensic Entomologist, “The first textbook devoted to forensic entomology was published in 1986: A Manual of Forensic Entomology (Smith 1986). This is an excellent reference for the entomologist, and it brings together in one place all the salient information contained in the literature on this subject.” As different techniques are discovered, publications will continue to be printing and released to the public. The new technologies of today allow for more accurate investigations and possible criminal convictions. Entomology is among the advancing technologies as much as the computer age advancements. Forensic entomology is now finding ways to determine DNA from what is collected from the insects. This is still an advancing portion of the technology and will be useful more so in the future.
The Forensic Entomology website determines that “Forensic Entomology, or Medicocriminal Entomology, is the science of using insect evidence to uncover circumstances of interest to the law, often related to a crime.” The different types or categories of entomology include: medicolegal, urban and stored product pests. Medicolegal entomology includes murders, rapes, and other physically damaging crimes. Murder investigations, and sometimes suicides and possible accidents, this type of entomology is used to determine how long the person has been deceased by the eggs laid by the insects and what order they appear in. This is essential in determining the predicted time of death and the possible location of the body at the time of death, in case they were possibly moved. The newest movement in medicolegal entomology is entomotoxicology, which involves removing and analyzing for remnants of toxins from flies or beetles that have ingested matter from a body. This helps investigators determine what toxins were possibly present at the time of death. Urban entomology deals more with how insects affect humans and their environment. This allows investigators to determine how the different insects feed on living and dead bodies. This also is leading investigations in criminal, environmental and civil cases. Stored product pests are used for investigations into food that is shipped to different places, and how they could affect that new ecosystem. Both the urban and stored pest entomology are focused on the environmental affects insects have on the environment. These also aid in investigations by showing what chemicals may have been used at a location for pest control. There will be an abundance of a certain insect and a lack of another, depending on the chemicals in the area. From the types of entomology, now the types of insects involved with entomological investigations.
The different types of insects that arrive at the scene of a body are very important for the determination of the time of death and initial location of the body. Flies such as the blowfly and the black soldier fly are used to determine length of time the body has been there. The adult flies lay eggs that can reach maturity over a period of _____ days, but maturity is reached away from the corpse after migration from the body. “The larvae of flies that are commonly recovered from decomposing human remains lack functional legs, and the body of many species appears cream colored, soft-bodied, and quite "maggot-like". For a picture of some of the maggots commonly found on human cadavers.” If maturity is reached there is the timeline of those days plus the evidence of other insects like the Rove or Hister beetles that sustain their lives longer at a corpse than that of the flies. Beetle larvae are almost identical to the larvae of blowflies but can be determined as beetle larvae from certain characteristics including, being either white or brown in color, large or small in size, and being hairless or hairy. The range is much more vast than the fly larvae. Skin or hide beetles are the last to arrive at a corpse and feed off the dry skin, and break down keratin from the hairs left on the body. Most mites are found at the beginning stages of decomposition, while others arrive at the same time as the skin/hide beetles. Some mites feed on the fly larvae which can lead to miscalculations in the presumed time of death. Moths are the last to feed off the hair on a body, and finalize the decomposition stages. Bees, wasps, and ants have been reported to feed off bodies, but many are predatory and feed off the other insects inhabiting the body and area. Which again causes problems for the time of death and location determination.
Forensic entomology started with simple experiments and has evolved overtime, and will continue to evolve in the future. The study of insects and the environment they and we live in are essential to our way of life. Without insects the ecosystems would be off balance, and forensics would also be weakened by the lack of species needed to solve many cases. Entomology is used for criminal investigations, environmental and everyday life improvements. Imports and exports will always have something to do with entomology, for if one type of foreign insect gets in a country, it could ruin entire ecosystems. Forensic entomology will continue to be useful in many investigations and will sometimes be the only thing that will break a case and solve a homicide.
Forensic entomology is the use of insects that collect on remains to aid in a criminal investigation. The history of entomology dates back to 1235 a.d., leaving a wide spectrum for the development of it. The field is broken down into three general areas: medicolegal, urban, and stored product pests. There are many types of insects involved with forensic entomology, from blowflies to moths and beetles. Entomology is important to many investigations, and can sometimes be the only thing that can possibly save a case.
Entomology has been recorded back to 1235 a.d. with Sung Tz’u who was also known as the “death investigator”. His book, The Washing Away of Wrongs, was translated in 1981 and showed how forensics was used at that time period. An account from a murder in a small village was accounted, and entomology was used to find out who did it. They were asked to bring their sickles to him, lay them out and flies were attracted to the one that was used to commit the crime. Dr. Bergeret d’Arbois was the first person to apply forensic entomology that had an estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). The first systematic study in forensic entomology was conducted in 1881 by Reinhard, who exhumed bodies and discovered that different species of flies determined how long the body had been there. Jean Pierre Mégnin, an army veterinarian, published two books on entomology, Faune des Tombeaux and La Faune des Cadavres. His second book revealed that there was a pattern to what insects arrived on a body and at what time. His experiments assessed that there were eight patterns of insects that a single corpse would endure in a period of time. Throughout the evolution of entomology many books, articles, and magazines have been published releasing the advancements that have been discovered. According to the website, Forensic Entomologist, “The first textbook devoted to forensic entomology was published in 1986: A Manual of Forensic Entomology (Smith 1986). This is an excellent reference for the entomologist, and it brings together in one place all the salient information contained in the literature on this subject.” As different techniques are discovered, publications will continue to be printing and released to the public. The new technologies of today allow for more accurate investigations and possible criminal convictions. Entomology is among the advancing technologies as much as the computer age advancements. Forensic entomology is now finding ways to determine DNA from what is collected from the insects. This is still an advancing portion of the technology and will be useful more so in the future.
The Forensic Entomology website determines that “Forensic Entomology, or Medicocriminal Entomology, is the science of using insect evidence to uncover circumstances of interest to the law, often related to a crime.” The different types or categories of entomology include: medicolegal, urban and stored product pests. Medicolegal entomology includes murders, rapes, and other physically damaging crimes. Murder investigations, and sometimes suicides and possible accidents, this type of entomology is used to determine how long the person has been deceased by the eggs laid by the insects and what order they appear in. This is essential in determining the predicted time of death and the possible location of the body at the time of death, in case they were possibly moved. The newest movement in medicolegal entomology is entomotoxicology, which involves removing and analyzing for remnants of toxins from flies or beetles that have ingested matter from a body. This helps investigators determine what toxins were possibly present at the time of death. Urban entomology deals more with how insects affect humans and their environment. This allows investigators to determine how the different insects feed on living and dead bodies. This also is leading investigations in criminal, environmental and civil cases. Stored product pests are used for investigations into food that is shipped to different places, and how they could affect that new ecosystem. Both the urban and stored pest entomology are focused on the environmental affects insects have on the environment. These also aid in investigations by showing what chemicals may have been used at a location for pest control. There will be an abundance of a certain insect and a lack of another, depending on the chemicals in the area. From the types of entomology, now the types of insects involved with entomological investigations.
The different types of insects that arrive at the scene of a body are very important for the determination of the time of death and initial location of the body. Flies such as the blowfly and the black soldier fly are used to determine length of time the body has been there. The adult flies lay eggs that can reach maturity over a period of _____ days, but maturity is reached away from the corpse after migration from the body. “The larvae of flies that are commonly recovered from decomposing human remains lack functional legs, and the body of many species appears cream colored, soft-bodied, and quite "maggot-like". For a picture of some of the maggots commonly found on human cadavers.” If maturity is reached there is the timeline of those days plus the evidence of other insects like the Rove or Hister beetles that sustain their lives longer at a corpse than that of the flies. Beetle larvae are almost identical to the larvae of blowflies but can be determined as beetle larvae from certain characteristics including, being either white or brown in color, large or small in size, and being hairless or hairy. The range is much more vast than the fly larvae. Skin or hide beetles are the last to arrive at a corpse and feed off the dry skin, and break down keratin from the hairs left on the body. Most mites are found at the beginning stages of decomposition, while others arrive at the same time as the skin/hide beetles. Some mites feed on the fly larvae which can lead to miscalculations in the presumed time of death. Moths are the last to feed off the hair on a body, and finalize the decomposition stages. Bees, wasps, and ants have been reported to feed off bodies, but many are predatory and feed off the other insects inhabiting the body and area. Which again causes problems for the time of death and location determination.
Forensic entomology started with simple experiments and has evolved overtime, and will continue to evolve in the future. The study of insects and the environment they and we live in are essential to our way of life. Without insects the ecosystems would be off balance, and forensics would also be weakened by the lack of species needed to solve many cases. Entomology is used for criminal investigations, environmental and everyday life improvements. Imports and exports will always have something to do with entomology, for if one type of foreign insect gets in a country, it could ruin entire ecosystems. Forensic entomology will continue to be useful in many investigations and will sometimes be the only thing that will break a case and solve a homicide.
My Childrens Lit Paper on HP
The Harry Potter series has been popular for years and will continue to be a source of controversy which allows it to remain popular. Controversy over religious beliefs are a large part of debate, many believe Harry Potter to be satanic because of the magic involved. Another controversy is the fact that violence from spells and deaths are the basis of the main story. Finally, it is debated that Harry Potter promotes war and terrorism. The Harry Potter Controversy is not warranted, there is no reason to ban these books. The religious believers, the violence debate, and the war and terrorism issues are going to continue to be discussed throughout the time giving the Harry Potter the spotlight for years to come.
The religious debate over the Harry Potter series is based on the fact that the entire series is about witchcraft and wizardry. They believe that because there are spells and potions in the books that children will be learning witchcraft and become Satanists. The spells in the Harry Potter series are made up with a Latin base. They are used to create affect and make the story line more credible. In Finding God in Harry Potter, it is discussed that Harry Potter supports a more biblical teaching more than that of the occult. “I am convinced that the fundamental reason for the astonishing popularity of the Harry Potter novels is their ability to meet a spiritual longing for some experience of the truths of life, love, and death taught by Christianity but denied by a secular culture” (Granger, 2). This book discusses that the setting of Harry Potter also falls into the controversy and is unwarranted by the fact that other fantasy books are just as positive in their portrayal of witches and wizards. Books such as Narnia, Lord of the Rings and even the Golden Compass have the battle between good and evil continually throughout the books. Another part of the controversy is Harry’s scar, some people think it is a symbol for the occult. The argument is “Rowling, a graduate of Exeter University in England, is very familiar with occultic practices, using elements and philosophies behind "pagan religions, celtic religions, the religions of the druids, witchcraft, [and] satanism." This fact does not mean that J.K. Rowling is trying to teach children witchcraft, Satanism or anything other than books can be entertaining and mystifying if allowed to be.
Violence is also throughout the Harry Potter series, as with any really successful series of any media. Harry’s story is a legend because his parents were murdered when he was a baby. This sets off a series of books that shows his life and struggle against his parents murderer, Voldemort. The debate is that children will believe that violence is the answer and that death is a “cool” thing. As the series goes on, epic battles happen, deaths happen and friends are lost. This is a reality, there is no hiding death, violence and loss in our world, we see it everyday. Its on our news, in our papers and in our everyday conversations with our friends and family. Another point of discussion is the character of Hermione, they debate that she is promoting violence in girls. Hermione’s character is a strong, smart character and it hard to break unless the right things have been said. ” According to leading American psychologist Professor James Garbarino, the sight of Miss Granger punching baddies in the blockbuster film encourages copycat behaviour by impressionable young girls.” Yes in our society girls have always be taught to be passive and not react in a violent or negative fashion when it comes to controversy. Just because Hermione hits Draco Malfoy in the third movie, parents feel that it is promoting violence to girls. If it had been Harry or Ron punching Malfoy, it would have been more acceptable to our society. Violence is everywhere we go, hostility about our differences is part of how the world works. No one can ever escape the fact that there will always be someone in the way to try and stop you from something.
Finally, the war debate is seen throughout this series and since we are in a war ourselves, some believe that this is promoting war in our world. The war that is part of Harry Potter is the war of good versus evil. The classic David and Goliath story. Voldemort was at the highest power he could have been, but was cut down by only a child. He was never able to kill Harry because of a specific type of magic that was protecting him, his mothers love. The war that Harry and the entire magical community must fight is one for freedom from the powers that could destroy them all. Much like the war on terror we all must face now, Harry faces his within a magical realm. Voldemort is a basic terrorist, the only difference is instead of bombs and guns, he has magic. The war against Voldemort is also a war against themselves, they must choose a side on which to stand. Everyone has a side of good and evil, it just depends on which one actually wins out in the end that matters. The seventh and final installment of Harry Potter shows the war at its greatest, it is epic. The fighting of families against each other, the deaths of friends and family, and the bonds that have grown between others is tested against the evils of their world. The same bonds we have with our soldiers overseas are being tested the same way. We go for months not seeing them, not hearing from them, and it tests the true friendship and loyalty you would have for that person. Families are being torn apart because of the present war.
Harry Potter only shows the reality that is part of our world, just with magic thrown in there for good measure. He shows the reality that some people do not want to believe is real, so controversy will continue and the books will remain popular throughout generations to come. This series allows children and adults to use their imagination as to what Harry’s world really is. The movies give a general idea, and a visual, but children still make installments as to what happens next in his world. Children need to use their imaginations, just as adults should; life is too full of video games and inactivity to let imagination go. Using Harry Potter as a scapegoat on religious beliefs, violence in the media, and war on terrorism in our world are only the beginning of the ongoing debate for Harry and his world.
The religious debate over the Harry Potter series is based on the fact that the entire series is about witchcraft and wizardry. They believe that because there are spells and potions in the books that children will be learning witchcraft and become Satanists. The spells in the Harry Potter series are made up with a Latin base. They are used to create affect and make the story line more credible. In Finding God in Harry Potter, it is discussed that Harry Potter supports a more biblical teaching more than that of the occult. “I am convinced that the fundamental reason for the astonishing popularity of the Harry Potter novels is their ability to meet a spiritual longing for some experience of the truths of life, love, and death taught by Christianity but denied by a secular culture” (Granger, 2). This book discusses that the setting of Harry Potter also falls into the controversy and is unwarranted by the fact that other fantasy books are just as positive in their portrayal of witches and wizards. Books such as Narnia, Lord of the Rings and even the Golden Compass have the battle between good and evil continually throughout the books. Another part of the controversy is Harry’s scar, some people think it is a symbol for the occult. The argument is “Rowling, a graduate of Exeter University in England, is very familiar with occultic practices, using elements and philosophies behind "pagan religions, celtic religions, the religions of the druids, witchcraft, [and] satanism." This fact does not mean that J.K. Rowling is trying to teach children witchcraft, Satanism or anything other than books can be entertaining and mystifying if allowed to be.
Violence is also throughout the Harry Potter series, as with any really successful series of any media. Harry’s story is a legend because his parents were murdered when he was a baby. This sets off a series of books that shows his life and struggle against his parents murderer, Voldemort. The debate is that children will believe that violence is the answer and that death is a “cool” thing. As the series goes on, epic battles happen, deaths happen and friends are lost. This is a reality, there is no hiding death, violence and loss in our world, we see it everyday. Its on our news, in our papers and in our everyday conversations with our friends and family. Another point of discussion is the character of Hermione, they debate that she is promoting violence in girls. Hermione’s character is a strong, smart character and it hard to break unless the right things have been said. ” According to leading American psychologist Professor James Garbarino, the sight of Miss Granger punching baddies in the blockbuster film encourages copycat behaviour by impressionable young girls.” Yes in our society girls have always be taught to be passive and not react in a violent or negative fashion when it comes to controversy. Just because Hermione hits Draco Malfoy in the third movie, parents feel that it is promoting violence to girls. If it had been Harry or Ron punching Malfoy, it would have been more acceptable to our society. Violence is everywhere we go, hostility about our differences is part of how the world works. No one can ever escape the fact that there will always be someone in the way to try and stop you from something.
Finally, the war debate is seen throughout this series and since we are in a war ourselves, some believe that this is promoting war in our world. The war that is part of Harry Potter is the war of good versus evil. The classic David and Goliath story. Voldemort was at the highest power he could have been, but was cut down by only a child. He was never able to kill Harry because of a specific type of magic that was protecting him, his mothers love. The war that Harry and the entire magical community must fight is one for freedom from the powers that could destroy them all. Much like the war on terror we all must face now, Harry faces his within a magical realm. Voldemort is a basic terrorist, the only difference is instead of bombs and guns, he has magic. The war against Voldemort is also a war against themselves, they must choose a side on which to stand. Everyone has a side of good and evil, it just depends on which one actually wins out in the end that matters. The seventh and final installment of Harry Potter shows the war at its greatest, it is epic. The fighting of families against each other, the deaths of friends and family, and the bonds that have grown between others is tested against the evils of their world. The same bonds we have with our soldiers overseas are being tested the same way. We go for months not seeing them, not hearing from them, and it tests the true friendship and loyalty you would have for that person. Families are being torn apart because of the present war.
Harry Potter only shows the reality that is part of our world, just with magic thrown in there for good measure. He shows the reality that some people do not want to believe is real, so controversy will continue and the books will remain popular throughout generations to come. This series allows children and adults to use their imagination as to what Harry’s world really is. The movies give a general idea, and a visual, but children still make installments as to what happens next in his world. Children need to use their imaginations, just as adults should; life is too full of video games and inactivity to let imagination go. Using Harry Potter as a scapegoat on religious beliefs, violence in the media, and war on terrorism in our world are only the beginning of the ongoing debate for Harry and his world.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ahh my wonderous life.
In the past year its been a bit turbulant in my relationships. I felt like I was on a never ending roller coaster until about from September until May. Before me and Tom finally broke up my life was a living circus. I was being yelled at constintantly for anything and everything. Slowly my moods started to be just as cynical as they were back in 2004 when my dad died. I started to be more opinionated on what I thought of people, which I've needed to do my entire life. I've been a shell person most of my life. I'm really an understanding person but at that time, I just didn't care. I was being pushed into quicksand and left alone with no help. Thats when Matt came into my life.
Matt has been a godsend. I've never been this full of life in my entire life. I feel so amazing when I'm in his arms. I love spending time with him and getting closer to him everyday. I've never thought about the future with someone as I have with him.
I knew of Matt in high school, we weren't friends persay but I knew who he was since he was with Amber and at one time she was my squad leader for a day haha. Well obviously he graduated, and then I did. I'd heard about Matt from Steph when they were "talking" but obviously just only hearing about him does only so much justice. I finally officially met Matt at Stephs grad party, we hit it off. But I was talking to Tom, unfortunately, at the time. I was attracted to Matt but I backed down since he was still talking to Steph and I was talking to Tom.
We started hanging out with Matt and Steph. Matt was back and forth from PA at the time so it was usually a treat to see him on weekends. We'd go shoot pool or just hang out. As time went on I got closer and closer to Matt. We'd text or call each other. I'd rant to him about Tom and apparently Tom did that same about me but I digress.
Things went south with me and Tom (as expected). So me and Matt became closer as things got worse with me and Tom. Matt went to South Carolina for next three weeks we were just talking, texting and luckily not running up a phone bill (thank you Alltel). I'd learned more and more about him everyday. The day he was coming home I expected him at about 4 or 5 and so I just went about my day. Throughout the day I got pictures that were "hello from where ever I am" and "hi again", the last picture I got was of my house at about noon, it just said "HI". I was confused, looked out my door and there he was! I ran out of the house and gave him a huge hug. He brought me really pretty orange roses too. We went to appreciation day, saw people that gave us looks of shock and confusion, happy faces, and some people we really weren't up for seeing but anyway. He came out to camp for the weekend (after meeting my mom, one time) and they loved him!
Matt’s been such a wonderful thing in my life and I couldn't ask for more. I've never had someone in my life that has been that I have been able to trust so completely. He's brought so much love to my life and I'm truly blessed to have him in my life. He’s brutally honest and I love it. He’s helped me break out of my shell person stage. I've been able to be more vocal about my life, about my thoughts. We've had such a short time together and yet it feels like so much longer, in a very very good way. I've actually thought about what my future would be like with Matt. What it would be like to be his wife, to be his lover, and to be his best friend for life. What it would be like to have children with him. And I've never been more thrilled to think that this time I have it right. I've found the man of my dreams and he was standing right in front of me. He’s become my best friend, and I cherish what I have with him and can't wait to see what comes next.
And I'm truly sorry to any of my friends that I upset or snapped at. I was stuck in a bad situation and didn't know how to get out. I'm still that understanding, tough girl I've been all along. Just had a couple mountains to climb along the way. I was stuck in quicksand without a helping hand. I found that helping hand and I'm back! And I'm here to stay!
Matt has been a godsend. I've never been this full of life in my entire life. I feel so amazing when I'm in his arms. I love spending time with him and getting closer to him everyday. I've never thought about the future with someone as I have with him.
I knew of Matt in high school, we weren't friends persay but I knew who he was since he was with Amber and at one time she was my squad leader for a day haha. Well obviously he graduated, and then I did. I'd heard about Matt from Steph when they were "talking" but obviously just only hearing about him does only so much justice. I finally officially met Matt at Stephs grad party, we hit it off. But I was talking to Tom, unfortunately, at the time. I was attracted to Matt but I backed down since he was still talking to Steph and I was talking to Tom.
We started hanging out with Matt and Steph. Matt was back and forth from PA at the time so it was usually a treat to see him on weekends. We'd go shoot pool or just hang out. As time went on I got closer and closer to Matt. We'd text or call each other. I'd rant to him about Tom and apparently Tom did that same about me but I digress.
Things went south with me and Tom (as expected). So me and Matt became closer as things got worse with me and Tom. Matt went to South Carolina for next three weeks we were just talking, texting and luckily not running up a phone bill (thank you Alltel). I'd learned more and more about him everyday. The day he was coming home I expected him at about 4 or 5 and so I just went about my day. Throughout the day I got pictures that were "hello from where ever I am" and "hi again", the last picture I got was of my house at about noon, it just said "HI". I was confused, looked out my door and there he was! I ran out of the house and gave him a huge hug. He brought me really pretty orange roses too. We went to appreciation day, saw people that gave us looks of shock and confusion, happy faces, and some people we really weren't up for seeing but anyway. He came out to camp for the weekend (after meeting my mom, one time) and they loved him!
Matt’s been such a wonderful thing in my life and I couldn't ask for more. I've never had someone in my life that has been that I have been able to trust so completely. He's brought so much love to my life and I'm truly blessed to have him in my life. He’s brutally honest and I love it. He’s helped me break out of my shell person stage. I've been able to be more vocal about my life, about my thoughts. We've had such a short time together and yet it feels like so much longer, in a very very good way. I've actually thought about what my future would be like with Matt. What it would be like to be his wife, to be his lover, and to be his best friend for life. What it would be like to have children with him. And I've never been more thrilled to think that this time I have it right. I've found the man of my dreams and he was standing right in front of me. He’s become my best friend, and I cherish what I have with him and can't wait to see what comes next.
And I'm truly sorry to any of my friends that I upset or snapped at. I was stuck in a bad situation and didn't know how to get out. I'm still that understanding, tough girl I've been all along. Just had a couple mountains to climb along the way. I was stuck in quicksand without a helping hand. I found that helping hand and I'm back! And I'm here to stay!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Start
Figured I would start a blog again. I have too many ideas running around in my head to not write them down anymore. School is starting back up, and so far I love my classes. I'm with the greatest guy I could have ever thought to be with. I'm finishing up my degree and hopefully finding a job in the career field I want. So life hasn't been to bad as of late. Hectic as usual but thats my life. Friend issues are slowly being resolved, school is finally settling down, and my family is healthy, I couldn't ask for much more then that. I'll keep this updated from time to time with poems, papers, and the occasional rant. Hope it helps me to get my thoughts in order. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
