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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.”

Remember, Remember the Titans

This is one of those movies, stories, days where I am both excited and appalled about how much and how little has changed in the world. Remember the Titans hits on a lot of topics, some that are only becoming more discussed than they were in 2000 when the film was released, and definitely not when the film took place in 1971.

There is discussion about how this story isn’t real, but of course it’s real. It might not be the day-to-day real actions and challenges faced by this specific number of obstacles but this all did happen. While the main focus of the story is racism, but it also touches upon current-hot phrase toxic masculinity and homophobia. Boys who were taught to be one thing, come to realize what they have been taught is wrong, something especially difficult when it seems that it’s almost everyone that is telling you something else. As the younger generations are showing to be more open-minded and tolerant overall there still are obstacles for them against their parents’ and sometimes friends and shown with Gary and his mother and his girlfriend who couldn’t understand what he was thinking—even though they couldn’t explain their point of view. Separate from general teasing both the players and the coaches have difficulties seeing what they have in common with people they believe are ‘different’ from them—with the players having an automatic hatred of Sunshine and the coaches missing they are both strong leaders who try to be good, equal and fair men and attentive fathers.

So whether this film accurately portrays the Titan players of 1971 of Coach Boone, it does portray the changes and struggles people dealt with once they were able to interact with each other without the rhetoric of others. One of the most important parts of this are the diner scenes once the team starts winning. Gary’s character, who at first hates Julius and is racist, homophobic and a bunch of other crap, gets confused when his girlfriend doesn’t like Julius right off the bat. Excusing the fact that just weeks ago he hated this man for no reason, he doesn’t understand why she does—because his viewpoint has now changed. Gary deals with this again because while the team is okay with black players winning games, they’re not okay with them eating at their restaurants. I think one of the best parts of this film is the constant reminder that while they were able to come together at camp, they had to refight some of their own battles once they left – because the world isn’t just how they see it.

Unbreakable

I wanted to do this one earlier, but given the trilogy has it’s final release today, I postponed

I love this movie. Another film that I can rewatch just after finishing it’s very, very high on my list. I even bought it as a download from iTunes to my iPod Classic–that’s an extremely old sentence (JM). I think one of the things that made this story unique was that it wasn’t a teenager having a coming-of-age superhero, complex story, it was an adult. An adult with a kid, problems at home and an entire life he really had to figure out along with the great story we are figuring out with him, how and to what level of a superhero he should be. Usually, our superheroes are more established when we meet them, in this case, we really went on the discovery journey with them as we can clearly see when David stands in the crowd and tries to figure out exactly who and how he will be a hero. 

The clincher, of course, is at the end (which if you haven’t seen is already spoiled by the rest of the trilogies release) when we discover that Mr. Glass wasn’t just interested in finding someone who was a superhero, but felt it was so important—that he create the disasters to expose him. He created his superhero, and was this a line worth crossing—he believes so, when did he realize he was the villain? At least he agrees that he is one--definitely, some time has passed, but why then, had he become that obsessed, more needs to be divulged here. 

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

20Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

An important and crucial character, Dumbledore was to us as he was to Harry, a role model, with whom we learned more about character, personal growth and the complexities of human nature than we would’ve learned from him about Transfiguration (had we known him as a Professor and not Headmaster).While Dumbledore had his reasons, our journey with him thru the final book held the most important lessons he could have and I feel should have bestowed upon us. While difficult, by being ashamed we lost out on his wisdom on the loss and guilt of his sister and brother, the complexities of choosing the right path as when Voldemort chose the wrong path, and of course his relationship with Gellert Grindewald. Thru Dumbledore, we see and are shown how our idols, and more importantly our parents, are human and as such, perfectly, imperfect

On the other side, we also learn about how one can be powerful, important but also still childlike as we saw with his obsession with sweets and socks (regardless of what he might have really seen in the Mirror of Erised).This is important because as we age we lose some of our sense of wonder, and are told we must always be mature and un-childlike.

Throughout the series Dumbledore also bestowed wisdom with many fabulous quotes; here are some of the ones that have always stuck out with me

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live”

“You will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it”

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”

"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends"

"We must all face the choice between what is right, and what is easy"

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love"

One I believe is a nod from JK about Harry Potter and the world she created for us

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?"

Here, Harry Potter is comforted by Dumbledore about his journey during the seventh book, his life so far, his relationships with others, answers to some of his most crucial questions and who he wants to be if he chooses to live.  

So thank you JK Rowling for giving us a man from whom we learned so much, and were able to learn from as we grew up, and grew, with him.

Hagrid

Rubeus Hagrid; Half-giant, great giant, great Gryffindor, great man, great brother, great friend, great everything. The two things I love the most about Hagrid both have to do with his love, (1) his love for Harry, and (2) his love of everything else

We all know that Sirius loved Harry, but he wasn’t the only one and on another note, I feel part of Sirius’ love for Harry was connected to James. When I think of Hagrid’s love for Harry I think of Molly (and Arthur), who loved him unconditionally. I think of someone who saw Harry as an equal, as a friend, as someone with their own reactions and thoughts; not as someone to be manipulated, convinced or as a child. 

One of the biggest issues I will always have is that none of Harry’s children were named after Hagrid, mostly, because Harry never truly appreciated Hagrid. While he did care for Hagrid, he never had all the respect for him that he should have, some of the respect that he gave to Dumbledore should have been with Hagrid. This is a shame for both of them, as they have a lot in common that Harry didn’t with anyone else. For starters, they both had terrible childhoods and adolescence that related a lot to their loss of parents and community. when they were both young Hagrid’s mother left him and Harry’s parents died. In their teens, Hagrid’s father died and he was kicked out of school and Harry would consistently have to deal with the Dursleys and would become an outcast whenever the admiration of the wizarding world turned to disgust or pettiness (not a very strong bunch). This is in addition to being a standout; Hagrid for being a half-giant and Harry for being “the boy who lived”. 

These are also only a few of the reasons why both end up like lost boys in the wizarding world, whom both turn to Albus Dumbledore as a guide. Hagrid, like Harry, was given a very rough deal early on, but so was Lupin who I also deeply treasure but must point out did not handle it as well as Hagrid. Unlike Harry and Lupin, who both managed to get great friends in their youth, part of what I love and think we can all learn from Hagrid is how he so strongly persevered thru everything. Without all the skulking and pity-parties. At any point in his life he could have run off to be with the other giants, or just hid out by himself with his little bit of magic, but he didn’t, he continued to try, do good and be good. Obviously, he found and had reasons to stay, Hogwarts was his home, but there was an easier way, a path with less rejection and side-glances (just think of him being out in the world will all the different creatures he could be with and care for); regardless of everything Hagrid not only persevered, but he was so, so kind, almost always trusting there to be good in people, giving people the benefit of the doubt and even when he got a bit of temper, he never got mean.

Another thing with Hagrid that was so amazing giving his upbringing was how much he loved and was king, to himself. While he kept it quiet in the beginning, he was never ashamed of being a half-giant, and while he wasn’t happy about getting kicked out of school, he knew he hadn’t done anything wrong and just wished he could learn more magic. When he made mistakes, he owned up to them. Finally, the most endearing thing sounds like all the others but is truly unique: he loved everything. Every creature, he found beauty in it, regardless of everything he saw beauty, believed in love, friendship, the truth and the good. How can anyone not completely admire that, love that

So again, Hagrid is someone to be honoured and admired and to try and live up to, for he never gives up, is incredibly kind, loves himself and loves everything else

Toby Flenderson

Toby’s Best Moment: Season Seven, Episode Eleven: Classy Christmas Part 1

When he rubs his neck, indicating to the office that the case he’s on is the Scranton Strangler.

Toby’s Worst Moment: Season Two, Episode Twenty-One: Conflict Resolution

The truth about the “Special Filing Cabinet” in New York. Dwight, and the Dwight v Jim feud may be annoying to deal with, but he wasn’t actually dealing with it and it was terrible as the HR rep and disrespectful to Dwight to not report the issues Dwight was having. Even though it wasn’t legal harassment, Toby still could and should have gotten in trouble for not taking the issue seriously.

Toby’s Best Line: Season Two, Episode Twenty-Two: Casino Night

“Actually I didn’t think it was appropriate to invite children since it’s, uh, you know, there’s gambling and alcohol and it’s in our dangerous warehouse, and, it’s a school night, and you know, hooters is catering, …..is that, is that enough, should I keep going?”

 Toby’s Most Memorable Moment: Season Four, Episode Fourteen: Goodbye Toby

Pam gifts Toby a picture of everyone in the office as his going away gift, but because she took the picture. As we know Toby is interested in Pam and while she agrees to take a picture with him neither of them have a camera so he screams “Does anyone have a camera”…..and then later in the episode gets a camera to get pictures taken with Pam

Bibliothek

Switzerland isn’t as neutral as portrayed, ranking high in various records related to education, intelligence, happiness and diversity. While not definitive, the online access and draw of its libraries may symbolize how these institutions wish to encourage development in various education and entertainment avenues. Bibliothek Chur is extremely automated and while having strict rules and either monthly or yearly patronage costs is overall reasonable, especially considering the service and information provided. Similarly, Konzier bibliotheken has fewer hours but boasts an online presence and has events focused on individual community issues and larger intersectional issues.

The prime example of course is The Swiss National Library. With a newsletter release every four to six weeks, you may also take guided tours and speak with workers online or in person if you need help understanding or accessing the archives you are trying to work towards. Within the past ten years, they have even had a focus on both the “digital future” of libraries and books, while holding onto the history of printed bookts

Focused on more than just literary documentation, the Swiss National Library also promotes the importance images and sound documents as important artifacts of their shared history in addition to the smaller archives of each canton (individual states) and different exhibits that occur at the libraries.

Gilderoy Lockhart

Another Ravenclaw embarrassment, Gilderoy Lockhart’s biggets lessons to us were more lessons to Hermione: that crushes aren’t real, and that it’s important to look past the surface of people and how they aren’t always what they seem; while very similar these two lessons are two important and different beast life stories to learn.

Attractive and intelligent were two qualities Lockhart had but like anyone who has ever had a crush, Hermione filled in the gaps she didn’t know about Lockart’s personality with qualities and explanations that could fit, and ones she also admired.

Hermione thinks: Lockhart wants to get some hands on experience (when he released and then left them to ‘round up’ the Cornish Pixies

She fills this in because she likes to be independent and smart. This happens to everyone, and unfortunately for some more than once. Crushes are different than true relationships with depth. This is also why we should evaluate all of our relationships as time goes by. This is because people can grow distant and people change and just because we connected with someone once or had the same values doesn’t mean we do now. These are relationships that without pain or malice we can let go.

Similarly, certain things about Lockhart just didn’t add up. Yes, he wrote autobiographies, but not one other person from his cases or towns that he saved ever came forward, joined him on tour, or admitted to have been save by him and was a fan. Given his charm and ‘wanting to help others”, this doesn’t fit even the part of his personality he promoted: where he would have wanted to seem more accessible and like the “every-man”, and therefore better than the everyman. No one confirming his stories or telling his historic and impressive saves as a victim are two crucial clues that show have allowed even the distant observer insight into the fraud he was.

So Dumbledore is correct, “there is plenty to be learned even from a bad teacher: what not to do, how not to be” and I cannot help but feel this was especially true of a lesson to give to Harry Potter, probably more than any other lesson. That no one, for talent, intelligence, beauty or charm, is better than anyone else

Best Camera Looks

1. Season Two Episode Nineteen: Michael’s Birthday

Ryan’s look to the camera’s after being in the kitchen while Angela and Dwight fight over who should take care of Michael’s Ice Cream Birthday cake and whether or not Dwight will get any ‘cookie’ later.

2. Season Three, Episode Twelve: Traveling Salesman

Angela’s glare from behind the pillar as Andy explains how he got rid of Dwight.

3. Season Two, Episode Seven: The Client

Jan looking between Michael and Louis sucking ribs at Chili’s

4. Season Five, Episode Eighteen: Blood Drive

When Jim and Pam look into the camera while Bob Vance feeds Phyliss after they catch them having sex in the bathroom during their Valentine’s lunch date

5. Season Five, Episode Nine: The Surplus

Jim’s involuntary shake in the conference room/interview after Pam tells him “I’m not threatening you. I love you. But you should know you’re on very dangerous ground” and gives him the smallest of pecks.

6. Season Five, Episode Nineteen: Golden Ticket

Darryl’s look at the camera crew after Michael asks him “What is a pallet?”

7. Season Four, Episode Thirteen: Job Fair

When Pam flashes the camera the sheet of paper Michael had her go back to the office to get for the Job Fair after

Not letting her bring more than one paper

Insisting they only can use Dunder Mifflin Paper

Having her go back because someone wrote their name on the paper which he wanted to have left blank but didn’t tell anyone

8. Season Two, Episode Seventeen: Dwight’s Speech

Pam’s sarcastic look to the camera after Angela ‘non-chalantly’ wishes Dwight luck on his speech from across the office

9. Season Two, Episode Seven: The Client

Dwight’s look to the camera when he realizes Jan stayed the night

10. Season Nine, Episode Nineteen: Stairmageddon

Clark’s look to the camera after Stanley stabs himself with the bull tranquilizer

March for your life

Yesterday I spoke with someone about making sure to take care of themselves, advice later that night I realized again I wasn't taking. It's hard, for us to not feel disappointed in ourselves when we don't meet our own unrealistic expectations and it's even more difficult for us to remember that it's okay to prioritize our own health and well-being

Last year, over 800 Marches for gun reform and gun violence were orchestrated by minors. It was not the beginning of activism for many of those minors, but it did bring them to the centerstage and give them a global community full of love and support. Today's anniversary speaks not only for the issues effecting the younger generation, their fight, their endurance or their intelligence, but also for their support of each other and a reminder for them to take care of themselves as they work to make the world a better place for everyone