Revised Column about Harry Potter

HED: Harry Potter Mania


DEK: J.K. Rowling has turned our world upside down.

BYLINE: Jamie York

WORDCOUNT: 482

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The inspiration for this column came this weekend at a Harry Potter marathon with a bunch of friends. Unlike my friends, I have never read the books, only seen and loved the movies. My mom would not let me read them as a kid because of the witchcraft. Apparently, I was the only kid who listened to her mother. Anyway, we are watching the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, when Hedwig, Harry’s owl, came on the screen. Everyone in the room in unison says “Poor Hedwig.” Then they turn to me. I say nothing. My friend closest to me, Jim, says, “Oh yeah, you haven’t read the books. You’re so lost.” The whole room begins to chuckle.

I don’t find it funny because this is not the first offense. Every day that the Harry Potter premiere gets closer, the more they taunt me. They have little inside jokes about the books that they love to rub in my face. Jim once told me that they were the best books ever and I am missing out. Now, I am not saying all Harry Potter fans are this cruel; just some fans. It astonishes me that they make fun of me for not having read the holy book series. When did reading become cool?

Reading wasn’t always cool. I remember being called a nerd for always having a book on hand. Now I am being made fun of for not reading. It doesn’t stop there, though. Harry Potter has created a mania. My friends have wands and know several spells. They started a club called The Circle of Wands. They were sorted into their houses, chose their wands, and even decided what their patronus animals would be. I personally would pick a howler monkey. Even though this club seems a bit much, they have a waiting list of more than 60 people dying to get in.

All of this brings me to my point. When did the majority become nerdy? Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact people are actually reading, but the fan base has never been this huge for a book. The minority used to be the geeky kids, myself included, who loved books. I would live in my school’s library after school. Now, my friends and I are going four hours early to get a good seat for the midnight premiere this Thursday. Furthermore, fans will be dressed in their Harry Potter apparel to show their devotion. I will be wearing a muggle shirt which seems befitting. When did dressing up, other than at sporting events and Halloween, become the norm? J.K. Rowling has made being nerdy not just acceptable, but in.

All in all, the Harry Potter mania has defied the odds and become all the rage. I say that’s wonderful, but for the few of you who are like me, the taunted outsiders, hold your ticket high and wear your t-shirts proud. Remember, they are more likely to be disappointed than you are.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Hi Everyone,
Well this is my last post and it just happens to be the last episode of Glee (funny how things work out). This episode was one of my favorite of the season. I don't think it was a good way to end this half of the season, but it did leave on a good note. Here are my final bullet points:

• I loved the Grinch references throughout the episode. Sue made a great Grinch. I laughed when she was dressed as the Grinch. You got to love her on this show. She is the Grinch in a sense; mean to everyone, but really cares about others. I loved the way they ended it with her spending Christmas Eve with Will and the Glee Club.
• I love that Brittany still believes in Santa Claus. I'm with Artie; I would still like to have that child-like innocence and belief. Speaking of Artie, he is a great boyfriend. He was so mean to Tina, but with Brittany, he is a great guy. He went to such great lengths to give Brittany a great Christmas. He is such a sweetheart.
• I love Coach Beiste. I want to know some one like her. She is so cool. Not only does she go see Brittany to help out Artie, but she buys Artie that device to help him walk. She really is a Santa because she is so selfless. She made me cry. I want her to have a bigger role on the show.
• I want to punch Finn. He is so stupid. I'm wondering if Rachel and Finn are doomed to keep this  love/hate relationship going because it is starting to get really annoying. Also, I think Jessie will come back. It's just a guess, but I'm pretty sure about it.
• As for the songs this week, I loved them. I'm a little biased though because I love Christmas and I have been listening to Christmas music nonstop since Black Friday. I like the song Kurt and Blaine sang. It was so cute. I also really liked Rachel's songs to Finn. My favorite songs, though, were the ones from the Grinch. I love the Who Song that they sang in the teacher's lounge. I touched my heart. Their song choices were great this week.

All in all, it was great episode. It didn't really end this half of the season, but it left the audience feeling really good about the show. I will miss the show until it starts up again in the Spring. Thank you to everyone for always saying such great things about my blog. I will miss our class.

Here are two of the music performances from this episode:





I do not own the rights to these videos or picture.

Who Could Have Predicted a Tie?

Well, this was an interesting episode for glee and I am just going to take it character by character.

• I don't think Kurt is going to last at his new school. Sure there is acceptance, but Kurt cannot really express himself. His wardrobe is the same everyday. He was discouraged from being dramatic in his music. Plus, he does not have a voice in the new glee club. His new glee club is so strict and reformed. Kurt needs the crazy New Directions.
• I was proud of Rachel and Kurt this week. I love their friendship and they would be great friends. They really need each other and I hope they don't lose that.
• I really am starting to dislike Finn's character and I am more mad at him than Rachel. Yes, she shouldn't have made out with Puck, but let us examine everything Finn has put her through. Beginning of season one, Finn was with Quinn, but kept stringing Rachel along. When they are both single, he decided he did not want Rachel, but in the same show, he decided he did want her only because she was no longer available. Throughout the rest of the season, he kept trying to break Rachel and Jessie up by claiming he loved her, but slept with Santana. Now, Rachel finds out that Finn lied to her about his virginity, but forgives him. Rachel screws up though and its over. He is becoming too frustrating.
• I was really upset with the glee cast. I know they were suppose to be acting selfish, but it seems like they have been doing that all season. Without Kurt to give them a cause to fight for, they are not united. They all like a bunch of spoiled brats.
• I'm kind of glad that Emma married Carl. He is really good for her. At the end, though, she didn't look happy when she was hugging him. I know it will be bad for Mr. Schu, but I have a prediction. I think Terri is going to be pregnant. This is just a shot in the dark, but I could see the show going that way. I really hope not.
• As for the songs this week, they were pretty good. I didn't care for "Hey Soul Sister." It seemed really stiff which is how I am starting to see that group. I didn't really care for "Valerie" although the dancing was good. I did like "Dog Days Are Over" and "Time of My Life." I like when Quinn and Sam sing together, but New Directions needs to find a new way of entering besides down the aisle, serenading each other. The final song was a lot of fun. It was not a great sectional set-up like normal, but still entertaining.

All in all, it was a pretty decent show. I thought that it was the last episode, but apparently not. They are doing a Christmas episode (explaining the Christmas cd) and I am excited because I love Christmas. However, I don't think it will be a good end to this half of the season. They probably should have done it before this episode. I could be wrong though. We will see.
 If you missed this week's episode, here is the Glee-Wind:


I do not claim the photo or video.