I have a friend who gave a name to his smokes,
'cause when it comes to cigarettes this man don't joke.
He calls them "Fellow Travelers", and to me it's kinda funny
'cause he,
may or may not know that's what they used to call "commies".
But this man and the name, see, he really got me thinking,
the kinda deep thoughts I only get when drinking.
I had to take some time out to do the math,
and wonder: Who's my "Fellow Traveler" along life's path?
Now I'm a lucky man, I have family, friends and a wife,
who provide love and guidance as I make my way through life.
No disrespect to them, my "Fellow Traveler" is much more simple,
I'm not talking about people, I'm talking about a symbol.
My "Fellow Traveler" is sitting here beside my right hand.
It's a paperbook edition of Stephen King's The Stand.
I've had this copy ever since first year university,
and this old book has seen me through much adversity.
I've read it so many times that the cover's all torn,
the pages are all dog-eared and the spine is all worn.
I've tried to preserve in its semi-disintegrated state,
by covering the front and back pages with layers of Scotch tape.
Yeah, my book ain't mint, in fact it's quite a mess
But I find when life is hard, and things get kinda stressed,
I can pick up this old book and get lost between it's pages.
This book has helped me through some of life's tougher stages.
Its about the end of the world, and isn't that ironic,
that a book so scary can be a healing "soul tonic"?
Its about more than Armageddon, that's not what makes the story great,
Its all about men and women taking a Stand based on faith.
Call me a little crazy, but after I read a few chapters,
Whatever bothered me before, doesn't really matter.
I gain a sense of perspective (yes, I know that sounds like blather),
But I couldn't ask for more from my old "Fellow Traveler".
Friday, July 27, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Harry Potter Blog - Chapter 33 to the End
"I open at the close."
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
Well, that was a huge bruhaha! The Battle for Hogwarts, the showdown between Voldemort and Harry for the Elder Wand, and the resulting coda. Full of emotional upheval. The highlights:
- the return of Percy
- the rally of Dumbledore's Army, The Order, the Potterwatch cast and crew and the teachers and students of Hogwarts.
- the image of Professor McGonagall leading a batallion of animated school desks to battle
- Neville throwing plant pods into the fray
- the final charge of the centaurs
- the battle between Mrs. Weasely and Bellatrix
- Kreacher leading the revolt of the House Elves
There are some things that confused me though:
- How did the giant spiders enter the battle? At first I thought the Death Eaters brought them on, but there may be some implication that Hagrid is responsible ("Don't hurt them!"), which would be too idiotic an idea, even for Hagrid. I will choose to thing that the spiders came of their own volition, attracted to the noise of the battle, seeking to eat the freshly fallen.
- How did Neville get Gryffindor's sword? I thought Griphook the goblin absconded with it. Perhaps the sword is so linked to Hogwarts that no matter who is in physical possession of the sword, they will loose it once a Gryffindor requires it for battle. We know that Neville was close to the Sorting Hat at the time, and Harry was able to pull the sword from the hat from book 2. But the hat was engulfed in cursed flames and Neville, I believe was magically bound at the time. Yet he emerges un-burnt and un-bound to deliver the final blow to Nagini. Again, perhaps the Sorting Hat itself protected and freed Neville as well as provided him with the sword (the hat is hinted to have quite a lot of magical power). But none of this was made explicit. Not that I mind, 'cause I think my logic fits nicely.
- Just a comment, all the questions on the ownership of the Elder Wand, who won it from whom, was getting to the point of annoyance. I like the concept, I just didn't really think that in the final battle with Voldemort, that would be a topic of conversation for so long. Anyways how I think it goes is, Dumbledore won the EW from his battle with _____, Draco disarmed Dumbledore in the last book, thus winning the EW, although he apparently dropped it and it was returned to Dumbledore's grave. Voldemort raided the grave, but the EW still considered itself Draco's wand, becase Voldemort didn't battle anybody for it. Harry and Draco battled in Malfoy Manor, and Harry was able to take not only Draco's original wand, but all other wands in Draco's possession would now consider themselves Harry's. Thus Voldemort was essentially using Harry's own wand against Harry, which explains the weakness of his magic (and may explain why it was so easy to protect Neville from cursed burns and free him so quickly). Whew...
- Who's daughter was Teddy Lupin snogging at the end? The name Victoire leads me to believe it's Bill and Fleur's child.
- Is it me or is the new James Potter a bit of an ass? A bit more malicious than say Fred or George was to Ron.
- What is the signifigance of the watch Harry wears in the coda? Does that mark him as a Ministry official, possible head Auror. I would think that Ron, Harry, Hermione and Ginny all work for the Ministry as Auror's. I also choose to think that Kingsley Shacklebolt is still Minister of Magic.
Anyways, let's look at the predictions I made in the first blog to see how if they came true:
1) Harry's gonna croak.
This one can go either way. I choose to think that Harry did indeed die, but earned the ability to return to life that one time. Purists may not buy this theory... feel free to post your arguments otherwise in the comments.
2) Voldemort's gonna croak too.
And he did.
3) Snape is not really on Voldemort's side, and will in some part assist in the Dark Lord's downfall, but in the eyes of the wizarding world, he will be forever considered a traitor.
I was right for most of this. The coda doesn't really make it clear if Snape is forever consisdered a traitor. Harry, in naming his son Albus Severus, certainly accepts Snape as a tragic hero, but a hero nonetheless.
4)Ginny's gonna get kidnapped.
Way off on that one.
5) Ron and Hermione will live and marry, and raise a bunch of kids (not so much a prediction as a feverant hope).
And they do.
6) The last chapter will be titled "The Boy Who Died" or something of that nature.
Way off on that one.
7) Neville still has a major part to play in the tale, and will die in an attempt to destroy Voldemort.
Neville did have a major part as the destroyer of the last horcrux, but he's alive and well, teaching herbology at Hogwarts. I get half points for that prediction
8) Harry's scar is a horcrux.
I get full points for that one, but almost every fan thought the same.
9) Ron will punch Malfoy in the face! (again, a feverant hope)
I can't tell you how happy I was when that happened! Ron is the friggin' man!
10) Remus Lupin is gonna die too.
Ever since the character Lupin was introduced, my gut feeling told me he was a marked man. I knew he was gonna die, it was just a matter of time. Still it was a crushing blow, and for Tonks and Fred to go too, that was too much. The price for defending Hogwarts and freeing the wizarding world from Voldemort was very dear, indeed.
The following is a first draft attempt to list the fallen heros throughout the series. Feel free to add names I might have missed.
R.I.P.
James Potter
Lily Potter
Cederic Diggory
Sirius Black
Albus Dumbledore
Charity Burbage
Hedwig the Snowy Owl
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
Bathilda Bagshot
Dobby the Free House Elf
Fred Weasly
Remus Lupin
Nymphadora Tonks
Colin Creevey
Severus Snape
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
Well, that was a huge bruhaha! The Battle for Hogwarts, the showdown between Voldemort and Harry for the Elder Wand, and the resulting coda. Full of emotional upheval. The highlights:
- the return of Percy
- the rally of Dumbledore's Army, The Order, the Potterwatch cast and crew and the teachers and students of Hogwarts.
- the image of Professor McGonagall leading a batallion of animated school desks to battle
- Neville throwing plant pods into the fray
- the final charge of the centaurs
- the battle between Mrs. Weasely and Bellatrix
- Kreacher leading the revolt of the House Elves
There are some things that confused me though:
- How did the giant spiders enter the battle? At first I thought the Death Eaters brought them on, but there may be some implication that Hagrid is responsible ("Don't hurt them!"), which would be too idiotic an idea, even for Hagrid. I will choose to thing that the spiders came of their own volition, attracted to the noise of the battle, seeking to eat the freshly fallen.
- How did Neville get Gryffindor's sword? I thought Griphook the goblin absconded with it. Perhaps the sword is so linked to Hogwarts that no matter who is in physical possession of the sword, they will loose it once a Gryffindor requires it for battle. We know that Neville was close to the Sorting Hat at the time, and Harry was able to pull the sword from the hat from book 2. But the hat was engulfed in cursed flames and Neville, I believe was magically bound at the time. Yet he emerges un-burnt and un-bound to deliver the final blow to Nagini. Again, perhaps the Sorting Hat itself protected and freed Neville as well as provided him with the sword (the hat is hinted to have quite a lot of magical power). But none of this was made explicit. Not that I mind, 'cause I think my logic fits nicely.
- Just a comment, all the questions on the ownership of the Elder Wand, who won it from whom, was getting to the point of annoyance. I like the concept, I just didn't really think that in the final battle with Voldemort, that would be a topic of conversation for so long. Anyways how I think it goes is, Dumbledore won the EW from his battle with _____, Draco disarmed Dumbledore in the last book, thus winning the EW, although he apparently dropped it and it was returned to Dumbledore's grave. Voldemort raided the grave, but the EW still considered itself Draco's wand, becase Voldemort didn't battle anybody for it. Harry and Draco battled in Malfoy Manor, and Harry was able to take not only Draco's original wand, but all other wands in Draco's possession would now consider themselves Harry's. Thus Voldemort was essentially using Harry's own wand against Harry, which explains the weakness of his magic (and may explain why it was so easy to protect Neville from cursed burns and free him so quickly). Whew...
- Who's daughter was Teddy Lupin snogging at the end? The name Victoire leads me to believe it's Bill and Fleur's child.
- Is it me or is the new James Potter a bit of an ass? A bit more malicious than say Fred or George was to Ron.
- What is the signifigance of the watch Harry wears in the coda? Does that mark him as a Ministry official, possible head Auror. I would think that Ron, Harry, Hermione and Ginny all work for the Ministry as Auror's. I also choose to think that Kingsley Shacklebolt is still Minister of Magic.
Anyways, let's look at the predictions I made in the first blog to see how if they came true:
1) Harry's gonna croak.
This one can go either way. I choose to think that Harry did indeed die, but earned the ability to return to life that one time. Purists may not buy this theory... feel free to post your arguments otherwise in the comments.
2) Voldemort's gonna croak too.
And he did.
3) Snape is not really on Voldemort's side, and will in some part assist in the Dark Lord's downfall, but in the eyes of the wizarding world, he will be forever considered a traitor.
I was right for most of this. The coda doesn't really make it clear if Snape is forever consisdered a traitor. Harry, in naming his son Albus Severus, certainly accepts Snape as a tragic hero, but a hero nonetheless.
4)Ginny's gonna get kidnapped.
Way off on that one.
5) Ron and Hermione will live and marry, and raise a bunch of kids (not so much a prediction as a feverant hope).
And they do.
6) The last chapter will be titled "The Boy Who Died" or something of that nature.
Way off on that one.
7) Neville still has a major part to play in the tale, and will die in an attempt to destroy Voldemort.
Neville did have a major part as the destroyer of the last horcrux, but he's alive and well, teaching herbology at Hogwarts. I get half points for that prediction
8) Harry's scar is a horcrux.
I get full points for that one, but almost every fan thought the same.
9) Ron will punch Malfoy in the face! (again, a feverant hope)
I can't tell you how happy I was when that happened! Ron is the friggin' man!
10) Remus Lupin is gonna die too.
Ever since the character Lupin was introduced, my gut feeling told me he was a marked man. I knew he was gonna die, it was just a matter of time. Still it was a crushing blow, and for Tonks and Fred to go too, that was too much. The price for defending Hogwarts and freeing the wizarding world from Voldemort was very dear, indeed.
The following is a first draft attempt to list the fallen heros throughout the series. Feel free to add names I might have missed.
R.I.P.
James Potter
Lily Potter
Cederic Diggory
Sirius Black
Albus Dumbledore
Charity Burbage
Hedwig the Snowy Owl
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
Bathilda Bagshot
Dobby the Free House Elf
Fred Weasly
Remus Lupin
Nymphadora Tonks
Colin Creevey
Severus Snape
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Harry Pottter Blog - Chapters 16 to 31
WARNING, SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW
The endgame is afoot, and the Battle for Hogwarts is underway. The last fifteen chapters are pretty harrowing, and our gang takes some major casualties. At the same time the deus ex machina clanks along at key moments to save our heros.
I wonder who made the doe Patronus? The romantic in me would guess Ginny, but that does not jive with the facts.
More and more you hear about Snape, the more you wonder his motives. I'm sure that Rowling has some kind of twist planned for the character, but I'm thinking he's pretty much a total ass.
I'm pretty pleased that Nevill turned so bad-ass! I haven't seen a transformation like that since... oh, say Westley-Wydham Price in Angel. And man, I do love a good rally scene before a major battle. Some long lost friends show up to support Harry as he tries to complete his last desperate task.
If I had to critique, I'd say that the action scenes are starting to get confusing. It's hard to tell who's doing what to who. And I sure the hell am tired of Crabbe and Goyle. Never liked them, and never considered them a threat.
It's 9:34 PM and I've been reading since oh, about 1:30. That means I've been reading twelve out of the last 20 hours. Teresa has custody of the book right now, but she'll be going to bed soon. I reckon I can actually finish withing 24 hrs after all.
The endgame is afoot, and the Battle for Hogwarts is underway. The last fifteen chapters are pretty harrowing, and our gang takes some major casualties. At the same time the deus ex machina clanks along at key moments to save our heros.
I wonder who made the doe Patronus? The romantic in me would guess Ginny, but that does not jive with the facts.
More and more you hear about Snape, the more you wonder his motives. I'm sure that Rowling has some kind of twist planned for the character, but I'm thinking he's pretty much a total ass.
I'm pretty pleased that Nevill turned so bad-ass! I haven't seen a transformation like that since... oh, say Westley-Wydham Price in Angel. And man, I do love a good rally scene before a major battle. Some long lost friends show up to support Harry as he tries to complete his last desperate task.
If I had to critique, I'd say that the action scenes are starting to get confusing. It's hard to tell who's doing what to who. And I sure the hell am tired of Crabbe and Goyle. Never liked them, and never considered them a threat.
It's 9:34 PM and I've been reading since oh, about 1:30. That means I've been reading twelve out of the last 20 hours. Teresa has custody of the book right now, but she'll be going to bed soon. I reckon I can actually finish withing 24 hrs after all.
Harry Potter Blog - Chapters 9 to 15
WARNING SPOILERS TO FOLLOW!!!
In the Dark Tower Series Stephen King calls it "ka-shume" the feeling of dread that comes when a ka-tet, or group of hero's linked by destiny, begins to break. After sharing many harrowing adventures, after finding a horcrux and liberating a few Muggle-borns, Harry Potter's little ka-tet has reached the breaking point. Things are going from bad to worse.
The thing is Voldemort is not the sole reason things are going so badly in the wizarding world. He's just taking advantage of the general fear and mistrust between wizards and muggles. And who's to blame really? Since The Goblet of Fire Rowling has been steadily highlighting the darkness that pervades the wizarding world. The Harry Potter books started off as a nice escape from our more mundane world, to a place of magic. Since book four, the Harry Potter books have come to reflect our own world more and more. The complexity, the shades of gray, the conflicted morality... I'm just really glad that that these issues are being explored in a supposed "kid's" book.
In the Dark Tower Series Stephen King calls it "ka-shume" the feeling of dread that comes when a ka-tet, or group of hero's linked by destiny, begins to break. After sharing many harrowing adventures, after finding a horcrux and liberating a few Muggle-borns, Harry Potter's little ka-tet has reached the breaking point. Things are going from bad to worse.
The thing is Voldemort is not the sole reason things are going so badly in the wizarding world. He's just taking advantage of the general fear and mistrust between wizards and muggles. And who's to blame really? Since The Goblet of Fire Rowling has been steadily highlighting the darkness that pervades the wizarding world. The Harry Potter books started off as a nice escape from our more mundane world, to a place of magic. Since book four, the Harry Potter books have come to reflect our own world more and more. The complexity, the shades of gray, the conflicted morality... I'm just really glad that that these issues are being explored in a supposed "kid's" book.
Harry Potter Blog - Chapter "Freh?"
My non-stop reading marathon turned out to have major stops after all. I was betrayed by two things:
1) My body: I gamely tried to continue reading through chapter 9, despite what I wrote in my last blog, but I fell asleep mid-chapter. I was so tired I hardly understood what I was reading anyway.
2) My wife: While I was sleeping, Teresa absconded with the book. She's currently finished chapter 4, and for any HP fan, it would be nigh impossible to not continue on to find out the outcome of the books first, and quite amazing, action sequence. I shall have to wait for her to stop reading, or resort to dastardly measures to gain access to the book. I plan to make a huge mess in one part of the house, bring her attention to the problem, and given her meticulous nature she will be complelled to attend to the mess and drop the book. If that doesn't work, I will have to spike her drink with knock-out drops.
Either way, the book will be mine... oh, yes...
It will be mine...
1) My body: I gamely tried to continue reading through chapter 9, despite what I wrote in my last blog, but I fell asleep mid-chapter. I was so tired I hardly understood what I was reading anyway.
2) My wife: While I was sleeping, Teresa absconded with the book. She's currently finished chapter 4, and for any HP fan, it would be nigh impossible to not continue on to find out the outcome of the books first, and quite amazing, action sequence. I shall have to wait for her to stop reading, or resort to dastardly measures to gain access to the book. I plan to make a huge mess in one part of the house, bring her attention to the problem, and given her meticulous nature she will be complelled to attend to the mess and drop the book. If that doesn't work, I will have to spike her drink with knock-out drops.
Either way, the book will be mine... oh, yes...It will be mine...
Harry Potter - Chapter 8
It's 5:00 AM and I'm done in. Harry and his peeps are safe for now but only in the loosest sense of the word. They are on the run, confused, disheartened and their worse fears are happening. All that means the book is fantastic and very hard to put down. But put it down I must. For now anyway...
Harry Potter Blog - Chapters 7 & 8
Man, already a major battle, major casualties, two Patronuses, much heartbreak and denied love and I'm only on page 133 (of 607). Chapter 7 helps renew your contempt for Rufus Scrimgeour. Chapter 8 starts off so funny, so nice and heartwarmingly good, featuring a surprising return of beloved secondary characters that I began to suspect that things were going to end badly. And sure enough, the crap really hits the fan. Cliffhanger ending too!
It's 4:32 in the morning and I'm beginning to fade. The Ginny/Harry thing is doing me in. And Mrs. Weasly really has to cut out the over-mothering. Voldemort has made such headway into terrorizing the wizarding world that over-mothering is just gonna get more people killed!
The ghost of Dumbledore (figuratively speaking, not like Nearly-Headless Nick) is featuring big time. The guy is proving to be just as big as a mystery as Voldemort. It's amazing how little we know about his past...
It's 4:32 in the morning and I'm beginning to fade. The Ginny/Harry thing is doing me in. And Mrs. Weasly really has to cut out the over-mothering. Voldemort has made such headway into terrorizing the wizarding world that over-mothering is just gonna get more people killed!
The ghost of Dumbledore (figuratively speaking, not like Nearly-Headless Nick) is featuring big time. The guy is proving to be just as big as a mystery as Voldemort. It's amazing how little we know about his past...
Harry Potter Blog - Chapters 5 & 6
Mmmmm.... it's 3:31 AM and I am happily munching on cheese and crackers and reading one of the most engaging books in my library. Chapters 5 & 6 offered some respite after the crazy shenanigans of chapter 4, but wow, the characters are paying a heavy cost to save the wizarding world. Again I am struck by the allegory to post-War on Terror culture; the wizard folks who bury thier heads in the sand rather to stand for a cause, and the breeding of mistrust within a the Order. Anyway's Harry's people are hurting, but doing the best they can, and Hermione and Ron are proving once again to be the best friends ever.
I'm going to take a pee break before starting chapter 7, which looks pretty heavy...
I'm going to take a pee break before starting chapter 7, which looks pretty heavy...
Harry Potter Blog - Chapter 3
Whew, Chapter 4 is a doozy! Things are getting very dark for the Order.
Reading the first few chapters has made me wonder about the implicit analogy to living in the post 9-11 era. Here in Canada, the War on Terror is really does not have the same impact that it does in either the US, UK or Middle East. There has been no attacks on Canadian soil, so there's not the same level of pervasive fear. Maybe the darkness of the last few books, and the mood of the last few chapters J.K. Rowling is making some comment on the culture of fear that has developed since the attacks and the resulting war. Certainly the actions of the Ministry of Magic share a lot of the "head-up-the-ass" actions of the US (and perhaps UK) government.
The book is great so far. Rowling is calling back some of the more memorable images from the past books, like the return of the flying motorcar. Generally in the other books, you don't hear much from the Dursleys after the third or fourth chapter, and they seem to bow out of the story as I expected (although there is one minor and rather nice surprise).
By the way the casualty count is beginning to rise...
Reading the first few chapters has made me wonder about the implicit analogy to living in the post 9-11 era. Here in Canada, the War on Terror is really does not have the same impact that it does in either the US, UK or Middle East. There has been no attacks on Canadian soil, so there's not the same level of pervasive fear. Maybe the darkness of the last few books, and the mood of the last few chapters J.K. Rowling is making some comment on the culture of fear that has developed since the attacks and the resulting war. Certainly the actions of the Ministry of Magic share a lot of the "head-up-the-ass" actions of the US (and perhaps UK) government.
The book is great so far. Rowling is calling back some of the more memorable images from the past books, like the return of the flying motorcar. Generally in the other books, you don't hear much from the Dursleys after the third or fourth chapter, and they seem to bow out of the story as I expected (although there is one minor and rather nice surprise).
By the way the casualty count is beginning to rise...
Harry Potter Blog - Chapter 2
Oh Dumbledore, we hardly knew ye!
We learn a little bit more about the Headmaster's background, and it's a doozy. And guess who's back? Rita Skeeter.
It's 1:52 and I only finished chapter 2.
We learn a little bit more about the Headmaster's background, and it's a doozy. And guess who's back? Rita Skeeter.
It's 1:52 and I only finished chapter 2.
Harry Potter Blog - Chapter 1
A quick scan of the end of the book shows that my predition #6 is wrong. The last chapter is not "The Boy Who Died". I won't tell you what it is, but it is marginally more hopefull.
The first chapter starts with a scene with Voldemort and the Death Eaters, in keeping with the pattern of the last three books. Voldemort declares his goal and it doesn't look good for either the Muggles or those that love them.
Voldemort's last words in the chapter: "Dinner, Nagini," is very creepifying. As bad guys go, he's as scary as Anakin Skywalker wasn't in Episodes I to III.
Who is more scary?
Friday, July 20, 2007
Harry Potter Blog - Waiting for Midnight
I haven't really done much since the last post. I made some supper, folded some laundry and generally hung out with my doggie. Teresa and I started watching The Da Vinci Code movie, which was not really that good. 
Given the quality of the source matter, I didn't expect much from the movie anyway. Dan Brown's book may be popular, but it really isn't that great of a book. It struck me as a book not so much written, as "plotted", and it's popularity has more to do with the premise than the story itself. A couple of things save the movie from being an outright disaster though:
Given the quality of the source matter, I didn't expect much from the movie anyway. Dan Brown's book may be popular, but it really isn't that great of a book. It struck me as a book not so much written, as "plotted", and it's popularity has more to do with the premise than the story itself. A couple of things save the movie from being an outright disaster though: One, Tom Hanks is a really good actor. A lot of his appeal stems from him being so likable. He's been describes as a modern day Jimmy Stewart, who had that same "everyman" quality, and you just can't help but root for him, even in crappy movies like You've Got Mail or Joe vs. the Volcano.
Two, Sir Ian McKellan's performance gives the film a much needed breath of fresh air. I really like his acting, he always seems to be enjoying it so much. Even in an exposition-heavy movie like this one, he hams it up enough to make his scenes fun.
Anyway, I paused the movie in mid-scene and left for the bookstore at about 10:40. As expected there was a major line up. Some people dressed up. There were many wizards, a "Hagrid" or two, and one creative guy dressed up as the car that Ron and Harry crashed up at the beginning of The Chamber of Secrets. I'll give points to the first person who can tell me the make and model of that car. Respond in the comments.
Anyways, I got the book, I've made some tea. It is now 1:00 AM and I shall start reading... now!
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Blog Part 1. - Stealing a Ideas from the A.V. Club
I love The Onion A.V. Club (link here)! It's the best place to go to steal ideas for your personal 'blog.
I too will present a live, chapter-by-chapter progress report as I attempt to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, non-stop, starting as soon as I pick up my pre-ordered copy from Chapters.
I will try not to spoil any major revelations, and chances are that my posts will be fraught with spelling mistakes, especially the 3:00 AM blog.
Here are my predictions (based on no prior knowledge or leaked info) for the final installment of the Harry Potter series:
1) Harry's gonna croak. It will be heroic, but he'll be dead just the same.
2) Voldemort's gonna croak too.
3) Snape is not really on Voldemort's side, and will in some part assist in the Dark Lord's downfall, but in the eyes of the wizarding world, he will be forever considered a traitor.
4) Ginny's gonna get kidnapped.
5) Ron and Hermione will live and marry, and raise a bunch of kids (not so much a prediction as a feverant hope).
6) The last chapter will be titled "The Boy Who Died" or something of that nature.
7) Neville still has a major part to play in the tale, and will die in an attempt to destroy Voldemort.
8) Harry's scar is a horcrux.
9) Ron will punch Malfoy in the face! (again, a feverant hope)
10) Remus Lupin is gonna die too.
See you again after midnight.
Monday, July 16, 2007
All Time Best: Movies That Helped Me Through Puberty
The Parent Trap, 1961
Ah, Hayley Mills... my first cinematic crush...
I remember when I first watched that movie, I thought two things: 1) I was convinced I was going to marry Hayley Mills; and 2) rich white people sure do have weird problems. Only white people would split up their twins as part of a divorce settlement. The Parent Trap is one of those movies that will never be remade with a black cast. Is that a sterotype? Maybe, imagine remaking Boyz In The Hood with white people. Just doesn't work.
Summer Lovers, 1982
The perfect "Skinemax" movie. To this day, I couldn't tell you what this movie is about. But this was my first exposure to a young Daryl Hannah, whom it seemed was determined to film every scene covered in a layer of cooking oil. (Ugh, my dog just farted as I was reminiscing about that movie. I guess I should move on...)
Return of the Jedi, 1983
Man, Jabba the Hutt was a pimp! He was like Tatooine's version of Snoop Dogg. Who else could get a intergalactic ambassador to dress in a silk and gold bikini?
Did he have to threaten to bitch slap her with his tail? Say what you will about Jabba, his pimp-hand was strong!
Risky Business, 1983
Between the train scene, and the famous "Old Time Rock and Roll" scene, I was at odds to figure out who was prettier: Rebecca De Mornay...
or Tom Cruise...
As a result, a young me was introduced to the concept of "sexual confusion"...
Fast Times at Ridgemont High, 1982
...which was promptly straightened out by this movie. The Phoebe Cates "pool scene" was a true highlight, but I also developed a long-term, annoyingly un-requited crush on Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Career Opportunities, 1991
Not one of John Hughes's best movies, but earns a special place on this list for one scene, and one scene alone: Jennifer Connelly on a coin-operated rocking horse!
A very powerful image, indeed. The day after I watched that movie, I noticed hairs in places that I never had hairs growing before....
Ha, ha... I know... gross...
Dirty Dancing, 1987
Patrick Swayze vs. Jennifer Grey? Again with the sexual confusion!
After watching this movie fans asked: Could the "Sawyze-dawg" get any hotter? Road House proved that answer was a resounding: "Yes!".
Bull Durham, 1988
Susan Sarandon should be declared a national treasure.
Rosie... my sweet Rosie Perez... 
The physical embodiment of global warming, Rosie was singularly responsible for raising the heat level in a movie about the hottest day in the summer. Made me want to move to Bed-Stuy, Do or Die!
Ah, Hayley Mills... my first cinematic crush...
I remember when I first watched that movie, I thought two things: 1) I was convinced I was going to marry Hayley Mills; and 2) rich white people sure do have weird problems. Only white people would split up their twins as part of a divorce settlement. The Parent Trap is one of those movies that will never be remade with a black cast. Is that a sterotype? Maybe, imagine remaking Boyz In The Hood with white people. Just doesn't work.Summer Lovers, 1982
The perfect "Skinemax" movie. To this day, I couldn't tell you what this movie is about. But this was my first exposure to a young Daryl Hannah, whom it seemed was determined to film every scene covered in a layer of cooking oil. (Ugh, my dog just farted as I was reminiscing about that movie. I guess I should move on...)
Return of the Jedi, 1983
Man, Jabba the Hutt was a pimp! He was like Tatooine's version of Snoop Dogg. Who else could get a intergalactic ambassador to dress in a silk and gold bikini?
Did he have to threaten to bitch slap her with his tail? Say what you will about Jabba, his pimp-hand was strong!
Risky Business, 1983
Between the train scene, and the famous "Old Time Rock and Roll" scene, I was at odds to figure out who was prettier: Rebecca De Mornay...
or Tom Cruise...As a result, a young me was introduced to the concept of "sexual confusion"...
Fast Times at Ridgemont High, 1982
...which was promptly straightened out by this movie. The Phoebe Cates "pool scene" was a true highlight, but I also developed a long-term, annoyingly un-requited crush on Jennifer Jason Leigh.Career Opportunities, 1991
Not one of John Hughes's best movies, but earns a special place on this list for one scene, and one scene alone: Jennifer Connelly on a coin-operated rocking horse!A very powerful image, indeed. The day after I watched that movie, I noticed hairs in places that I never had hairs growing before....Ha, ha... I know... gross...
Dirty Dancing, 1987
Patrick Swayze vs. Jennifer Grey? Again with the sexual confusion!
After watching this movie fans asked: Could the "Sawyze-dawg" get any hotter? Road House proved that answer was a resounding: "Yes!".Bull Durham, 1988
Susan Sarandon should be declared a national treasure.The Opening Title Sequence to Do the Right Thing, 1989
Rosie... my sweet Rosie Perez... The physical embodiment of global warming, Rosie was singularly responsible for raising the heat level in a movie about the hottest day in the summer. Made me want to move to Bed-Stuy, Do or Die! If all the previous movies on the list represent cinematic crushes, Frankie and Johnny represents true love, in all its lovely, horrible, painful, redemptive glory. My favorite scene, is the one in the flower market, an unexpected garden of Eden in the midst of urban New York, where Al Pachino as Johnny is trying to convince Michelle Phiffer's Frankie to spend the night with him. The sound goes down and the music overtakes the dialogue, and I just was dying to know what he said to convince her. In my young mind, I always thought if I could figure out what Johnny said to Frankie that night, I could melt the heart of any girl in the world. One of the best movies ever!
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