Watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the viewer is bombarded with a whole host of nazi allusions; from 30s style uniforms and propaganda to one of the snatchers literally walking around in a leather trenchcoat with a red armband, all designed to impress upon even the dullest of cinemagoers that Death Eaters=Nazis, from their vicious racial superiority to their dragon-hide Jackboots. As with most western fiction using the Nazis as stock villains, this should tend to imply the very sensible notion that racism is EVIL.

However, this does not seem to be the case with the Potterverse. Before the flaming starts I am not calling J.K. Rowling a racist, I’m merely pointing out that Wizarding society itself seems to be, even at its most liberal, institutionally racist. Whether this is an accident or an incredibly clever critique of Anglo-American smugness about the issue of race following the second world war (although sadly I’m drawn towards the former explanation) it remains that there are several trends within Wizarding society that would excite Nick Griffin:

1. The word “Muggle”. Used by all Wizards across the magical spectrum to refer to non-magical persons. Remind anyone of another racial slur involving a double G in the middle? Seriously, the fact that this word is used by those who support subjugation/extermination of non magical people, whilst simultaneously being used by the rest of the wizarding world seems to suggest that Political Correctness (in this case meaning trying not to use hideously racist language) has not quite reached the Ministry of Magic.
2. Segregation. The Harry Potter world is the wet dream of any lingering supporters of Apartheid, as the World of Harry Potter is entirely racially segregated, not even in the “different but equal” manner touted by some contemporary idiots; Wizards are free to dip in and out of non-magical society whenever they choose, however if a Muggle even finds out that Wizards exist they immediately have their memory wiped. Which leads us on to number 3…
3. Memory Control. Throughout the course of the books they refer to memory charms as a means to maintain wizard secrecy. Examples of these are given in which a Muggle land owner requires “six charms a day” to keep him happy (or sedate). This sort of thing is frightening enough in a Stalinist way, but even more terrifying is the fact that, whilst it appears perfectly legal to perform these upon Muggles (even after it had been reported that too many memory charms can break a person’s mind), it is a severe crime to perform a memory charm upon another magical person, because apparently they’re the only ones worthy of civil rights.
4. Elitist Education. Hogwarts appears to be a boarding school that, whilst apparently lacking in entrance fees (as the dirt-poor Weasleys manage to send all their offspring) has a strong racial requirement for entrance, rendering it less of an old-english Boarding school and more of an Elite Academy for the Racially Pure.

There are the main racist points I’ve picked out that seem to show Wizarding society in rather a bad light. This is compounded by the fact that no democratic process is ever even alluded to for Minister of Magic, the fact that the UK Wizarding Government has a horrible record on prisoners rights, using demonic creatures to keep them in a state of permament depression, and even more worrying the fact that at the end of the series, Death Eater War Criminals such as Draco Malfoy seem to have faced no criminal proceedings whatsoever, even maintaining their wealth and status. No Magical Nuremburg, no Veritaserum and Reconciliation. What was that I was saying about J.K. not being a racist? (A joke, honestly)

He said: “She wasn’t here a lot, really. We had to shoot around her, really, because she had commitments for her university. She had a lot of doubles. They made a mask of Emma’s face, a prosthetic for wide shots.

“She was there for big days and really important scenes and stuff. But I don’t know how she did it, really. It’d be so weird to be in that school environment and then be on set. I couldn’t do it.”

In the final part of the last movie, the cast – including Daniel Radcliffe, who has played the titular boy wizard for 10 years – are aged to put themselves in their mid-30s, and Rupert admits it was strange watching himself “deteriorate” while getting made up.

He told the Los Angeles Times’ Hero Complex Blog: “It was really quite terrifying, sitting in the makeup chair and gradually watching your face kind of deteriorate. Initially, we had to reshoot the end. I had a massive fat suit. We had to learn how to move like an older person. We had kids as well. I had this weird Donald Trump kind of hairstyle.”

This website is all about funny, sarcastic comments. Here are a few of my favourites:

Dear Noah, We could have sworn you said the ark wasn’t leaving till 5. Sincerely, Unicorns Dear J.K. Rowling, Your books are entirely unrealistic. I mean, a ginger kid with two friends? Sincerely, anonymous.Dear icebergs, Sorry to hear about the global warming. Enjoy the Karma… Sincerely, the Titanic.damn you, auto correct!: http://damnyouautocorrect.com/This website is all about the funniest auto-correct moments! Great fun with friends! They are all extremely funny, and very addictive. Parents shouldn’t text: http://parentsshouldnttext.com/This website shows the silliness of parents when texting; some of them don’t make sense but most of them are very funny!http://funnyreceipts.com/Funny receipt: http://funnyreceipts.com/(I recommend reading the comment beneath).Most of these are made by the same company, and you can manage around at the different websites at the top. Have fun procrastinating! If you like this article please ‘like’ it, or comment.

     J.K Rowling was single mother struggling to pay her bills when the idea of a book about a misfit young wizard downloaded into her mind over a four-hour train ride.She says on her website that she feels blessed she had no pen with her at the time, because writing down all the miraculous ideas that were coming to her would have slowed the flow.once the manuscript was done,her agent began to send Harry Potter to publishers.Most rejected the book instantly.One didn’t.And that’s my point about visionaries:They see an opportunity that most around them just don’t get.imagine that,rejecting harry Potter.Thinking no one would buy the book.Being a visionary and stepping into the higher reaches of your life necessarily means dealing with the fact that people will question you.They might call you odd or foolish or unorthodox.They will laugh at you.All good Thank them for the compliments and keep doing what you need to do get to where you need to get.The world will be a better place once you do

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I walked out of the Tube station, past some council flats and the large teaching hospital they named after the Lord Mayor of London. I passed a school which looked  like the one I am visiting and then there were some smarter flats, perhaps ones they are renovating.

I came at last to the right school. To the side of it there is an old cemetery, weeds creeping everywhere. A man with a rucksack stopped and photographed it.

The school is a splendid building with big tall rooms and reminds me of the primary school I went to.

They want to know what I like best about writing. They want to know how I decided to be a writer. They want to know if I know JK Rowling. I wish I knew the answers to these questions myself.

Image via Wikipedia

Nov. 2, 2000: The first crew of the International Space Station arrived for their four-month visit. The crew included American astronaut Bill Shepherd; also on board were Russian astronauts Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev.Their main goals included turning on lights, alarm systems and life support systems, The crew chose to name the space station ’Alpha.’ This signifies first, which is ironic because they were the first crew to be at the space station. This was the first time countries had joined their space missions, and it may increase in the future if the United States retires their space shuttles. 

Nov. 4, 2001: Housewife J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book and it changed the world forever. The magic wizard would capture the attention of young and old alike. Throughout the years, the series has consisted of seven books and six movies. Each movie is to go with a book, and the last one is due out next year. She signed a seven-book contract, but I don’t think she could foresee the madness of her series. Theme parks have added Harry Potter rides and theaters sell out when a new movie arrives. Everyone gets excited about the series which is based on a series of magical characters. Currently she’s known as the richest woman in Britain. It’ll be interesting to see what her next project will be after this series is over. 

Jan. 8, 2002: George W. Bush signed in law the ’No Child Left Behind Act.’ This act is supposed to allow each state to set their own standards for their students, versus federal standards that are set too high. Congress even increased their education budget to train teachers better so children get the best education. It not only affects how children are taught in classrooms, but how they learn as well. Their tests have been altered and new programs have been instilled to move children towards success. Progress has been shown in the reading level of 9-year-olds since this act was passed; America’s 13-yr-olds are now earning the best scores in math. 

April 18, 2002: Scientists have discovered a new insect, the mantophasmatodea. The insect is a cross breed between a preying mantis and a stick insect; it’s only two centimeters long. These bugs are thought to eat other insects since scientists have found leg parts in the stomachs of the mantophasmatodea. This insect is different from the others, however; it has external and internal body parts. Scientists are studying this DNA to see how they fit into the insect species and who they may be similar to in the wild. They also think this species may have been around for millions of years without any interaction. 

Jan. 16, 2003: Space shuttle Columbia left on its last flight to space, and the would never land back on Earth’s surface alive. They left Earth on Jan. 16, but when they would return on Feb. 3, their space shuttle disintegrated over Texas. Parts of the shuttle were found in Louisiana and Texas. The result of the disintegration was a piece of the shuttle that was damaged during the launch. It was in the main external tank under the left wing. While Columbia was in air, it was suspected there might be damage, but NASA thought little could be done. The crew included Commander Rick D. Husband, Pilot William C. McCool, Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson, Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla and Mission Specialist Laurel Clark. 

Dec. 26, 2004: A horrific 9.3-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia. This was the strongest earthquake to hit Southeast Asia within 40 years. The earthquake resulted in a tsunami which affected countries such as Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and much more. It left a death toll of nearly 187,000 and left 40,000 missing. The world donated over $14 million in relief funds to help clean up after the earthquake. This earthquake caused earthquakes as far away as Alaska; it also made the Earth vibrate 1 centimeter. 

July 4, 2005: Deep Impact and its crew were to complete a mission which they destroyed comet Tempel 1. Its main goal was to provide a glimpse underneath the comet. This would give more of an in-depth view of what the basics of our solar system. The mission gave scientists a look at the formation of the solar system and what they could expect to see on future missions. This was the first mission to go through the interior of a comet or beneath its surface. The mission lasted a total of six years from start to finish. While the comet was headed towards Earth, Deep Impact rerouted it so it would not strike our home planet. 

Aug. 24, 2006: Scientists evaluated the planet Pluto and discovered it was lacking characteristics shared by other planets. It’s smaller and has the longest orbit of any of the planets in our solar system. Mike Brown, a scientist from Caltech, found an object further away than Pluto and named it Eris. They’re called dwarf planets because they don’t orbit the sun. Pluto does this, but it also needs to clear its orbit of anything that may get in the way. This is where Pluto falls short. Its mass is not large enough to pull the gravitational pull to push these objects out of the way, so Pluto got demoted as a planet.  
June 27, 2007: Apple, which is currently the leader in computers and electronics, announced their iPhone product. They first arrived with a price tag of $600 and had 8 GB of storage for music files. The product is thin and stylish which is different than the Blackberry. Its touch screen allows users to scroll messages and applications which is a step towards the technological advancement. The email and web browser allow users to open pdf files, email and chat services. The phone is only carried by A T & T and has great reviews. 

April 20, 2008: Donica Patrick, an American race car driver, became the first female driver to win in IndyCarhistory. She finished 5.8594 seconds ahead of her competitor Helio Castroneves. This was Patrick’s 50th careerIndyCar start; the race took place in Japan on a twin track. Patrick and her competitor had to complete a 200-lap race in order to win the race. She started in the third row and stayed close to the leading cars all throughout the race; in the last few seconds of the race, she was able to get ahead and take the fame. 

June 12, 2009: Americans were going to lose their rabbit ears to digital settings, and President Obama had signed this into law. The government passed several acts to issue citizens coupons and reimbursements on new cable boxes as the new change came into effect. This change was needed, however, to help Americans advance into the new digital age of technology. By law, there wasn’t to be anymore analog broadcasts by the end of the year. The FCC has continued local analog broadcasts, however; in 2012, the FCC will review if they will want to keep this going or bring it to an end. 

Dec. 2, 2010: Scientists have uncovered a new type of bacteria that makes its DNA and proteins using arsenic. It was found in Mono Lake in California; scientists say arsenic can substitute for phosphorus. This is only one of six elements which make it possible for life to exist on Earth. The other five are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. All life discovered by scientists up to this point have contained these six elements, so scientists are considering this a unique find. Instead of the bacteria dying, it’s using phosphorus to build cells and stay alive. 

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

What I’m referring to here is comment and view swapping.

Do you think that JK Rowling sent a message or phoned Stephen King and said “Hey I just read your latest book, the least you could do is read mine. If you don’t you can get lost!”

No of course not. It doesn’t work like that in the real world.

Kind of like Justin Bieber sending a message to Oasis saying  “I listened to your new song, now listen to mine”.

I’m pretty sure I know what Oasis would say to that, and it wouldn’t be polite!

Image credit.

It just doesn’t happen. Why not? These people, bands, groups have made it on their own. Yes they will have had help along the way and been supported by other people, but I’m damn sure they weren’t made to listen to music they had no interest in, or read books that was not on a subject that mattered to them.

It’s kind of the same thing here on Triond and on the internet in general. Yes it’s nice to support your friends and help them out a little, but your friends wouldn’t keep hassling you for views. They would be more likely to give honest feedback.

I know many of these articles have been done before, but I wanted people to have a fresh look on the whole idea.

Last week I had a go at doing the whole comment swapping thing, more out of boredom then anything and curiosity. I wanted to make my own opinion of the whole thing.

I admit I got a few extra views and a lot of  “nice work”, “great share” and “good post” comments. I also admit that some of my comments on others articles were also very similar. Purely because I had nothing to add to what they had written, or I just wasn’t interested in it.

I’m quite aware that I will probably annoy a few people with this article and I will lose some of those very ( not so) constructive comments.

What I do admit to doing is clicking on articles that have some interest to me, or have a catchy title. That way I am more likely to be able to give feedback that is valuable to the writer.

I also will click on my friends articles, and by friends I mean people I talk to on a regular basis, and have a quick glimpse of them. Not so I can give them a view, but because it sometimes gives me a better understanding of that person. It teaches me a little more about that person. I might also leave a daft comment on a friends article, but that’s because we are friends and they usually do a similar thing back. Just a bit of banter. 

I don’t always comment though, because sometimes, I have nothing to add. That goes for all articles I view. Sometimes I just want to read an article and leave it at that.

Imagine if JK Rowling asked every person who read her book to leave feedback? Just so she knew they had read it. Pointless, because she would then have to sift through thousands upon thousands of comments just to find ones that were of value to her and would help her improve.

Opinions on topics are always good too, especially when they start little debates.

I just want to thank those people who do leave constructive feedback. One person in particular would be Thestickman.  He will point out to me if I’ve made an error, or spelling mistake. He will leave valuable constructive feedback that has helped me improve.

Thanks Stickman. ☺☺☺

In ancient mythology, the pursuit for immortality has led some to the “elixir of immortality” with the promise of eternal youth. Known today as the elixir of life, a renowned potion, often associated with the philosopher’s stone is said to grant the drinker eternal life. Alchemists from all over the world from India, China, Persia and Europe have pursued this potion to obtain long life. Legend tells us that mythological figures like Hermes, Enoch, and the Egyptian deity Thoth all drank from the elixir of life.

The effects of this elixir and in the creation of it seem to have magical overtones throughout history. The use of magic in ritualistic practices to produce conscious manipulation, and almost seemingly impossible feats, would have some believes that it’s merely an illusion. But there seems to be a thin line between sorcery and alchemy, which seems to use purely natural means to create something real. The concept of the elixir of life is very similar to the Fountain of Youth, a legendary spring that restores youth and vitality. When Spanish conquistadors like Juan Ponce de Leon who came to America in the 16th century they were looking for the Fountain of Youth and gold. But legendary folklore claims 300 years before a talented alchemist may have solved both problems.

The creation of the philosophers’ stone is said to have the power to turn lead into gold and some believe it can be used as the elixir of life. For once drinking the elixir to rejuvenate and heal the body, and ultimately achieve immortality. Nicolas Flamel (1330-1418) was a French alchemist born on September 28, 1330 and is allegedly the creator of the philosopher’s stone. Flamel’s reputation as an accomplish alchemist of his time is unsurpassed. When Nicolas Flamel discovered the book of Abraham it is said that he discovered applications to help him create the philosopher’s stone.

Legend states that tomb robbers found Nicolas Flamel’s grave to be empty upon opening it a few years after his recorded death. Adding to the mystery that maybe he actually was successful in creating the elixir of life and used it on himself. Some believe that he could still be alive, even today, almost 700 years old, immortal, and living in secret. The story of the philosophers’ stone is widely used in literature today and remains a mystery.

J.K. Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 1997, released in the United States in 2001 as a highly successful fantasy-adventure film as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The book concerns Harry Potter’s effort to stop the evil magician Lord Voldemort from seeking the stone created by Nicolas Flamel so that he can use it and achieved immortality. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series is rich in fantasy and myth; and covering the theme of immortality and death.

Michael Scott is an Irish author born in Dublin on September 28, 1959. Scott has written over 100 books and has started a successful series covering folklore, romance, and fantasy books involving the immortal French alchemist, Nicholas Flamel. Scott’s book The Alchemyst, The Magician, The Sorceress, and Necromancer are about how Nicolas Flamel and his wife become the guardians of the book of Abraham. From ancient knowledge found within the book of Abraham and combined with Nicholas Flamel’s alchemy skill he has produced the philosopher’s stone and granted him and his wife immortality.

The desire and the pursuit of immortality is an old and ancient one that many have tried through the centuries of time. The ultimate goal for clearly selfish reasons to cheat death and retain one’s youthfulness is a path for the faint hearted. But let us not forget Irish poet and writer Oscar Wilde‘s novel entitled The Picture of Dorian Graypublished in 1890 is considered a classic work of gothic horror fiction about a man obsessed with his own beauty and longevity. Dorian Gray sells his soul to retain his life and beauty, and places all his sin and acts of debauchery into his self-portrait which becomes disfigured and ages into a horrible portrait of himself.

The price for immortality can be a costly one. Alchemists have tried to create it. Magicians and conjurers have tried to master it. Conquerors and armies have searched the world for it. But what if technology was so advanced that it could actually stop death? Modern science today is slowly catching up to the benefits of the fountain of youth. Prolonging life with better medicine and artificial organs is just one step away to becoming almost immortal. What would happen if we could master time and space, and become immortal beings ourselves? Would we become gods? Would we become heroes? Or would we become villains?

T.S.Garp © Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.

 Emma Watson (who plays Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter Series) has now been ranked as the highest paid Hollywood Actress. Emma, born on 15th of April, 1990, is now just 19 years old and has achieved this fame at such a young age. Evidently, her works in the Harry Potter series when she worked in it since she was a child was a remarkable piece in the History of Movies. Six movies complete and now the last movie of the HP series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is coming up.

She is just 19 years old, and this star has topped the highest paid actors list and also the actresses done by Vanity Fair. Emma Watson, apart from the Harry Potter films, also takes her parts of income from the various adverts for conform code Burberry and she also has combined her own line of clothing.

     Her co-star, Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Harry Potter) usually ranks 6th, Emma’s occupies the first.

     Well, if you’re a freak about the Harry Potter series, you may also read another article of mine about THE FLAWS IN THE HARRY POTTER SERIES

Do you have any special talents or gifts?  I’m trying to work out if truly talented people are just more motivated than the average Joe public, or are they blessed with extraordinary talents from birth?  You maybe into sports in a big way, if so you will have a favourite soccer star say David Beckham or boxer like Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali, surely the best Heavyweight boxer of all time.

You may respect and admire leaders such as President Obama or Margaret Thatcher. 
Maybe you admire self made business men such as Richard Branson?  Acting maybe one of your favourite pastimes, you may admire Tom Cruise or Kate Winslet?

One thing these key people have in common is they stand out within their chosen field.  Whether their prominent because of awards or points on a score card or even by the amount of money they have accumulated.  Some years ago I saw an interview with Muhammad Ali and Michael Parkinson.  Muhammad was musing over his lengthy and highly successful career as a heavyweight boxer. 

I am a huge fan of heavyweight boxing and Muhammad Ali shone out to me as the most entertaining and gifted boxer I’ve ever watched.  During this interview with Michael Parkinson, Muhammad claimed if he had not been a boxer, he would have been at the top of his chosen field no matter what it was. 

 Tom Cruise.

Can I imagine Muhammad as a motor mechanic? Laying under cars in the snow changing gearboxes?  I’m not sure, Muhammad claimed his motivation and hard work would see him to the top of any profession, he further claimed he had to be the best. 

If you think of the billions of people on our planet why is it only a very small percentage really ever find fame and adulation and wealth?  I had my own business once, as a motor mechanic I worked nearly every hour I could.  I had two other jobs part time to support my mechanic’s business.  The business paid my mortgage and food but I worked very long hours.  Some days I lived on three hours sleep!

I persevered with my venture for five years but then I gave it up due to personal and financial reasons.  I had not achieved my goal of making lots of money and not having to work bank holidays and week ends.  I’m now trying my second chosen career whilst I’m waiting for an operation.  I want to be a successful writer and work from home and perhaps move abroad to live in the sun! 

Do I have the talent and flare to be successful? Time will tell.  I am putting in the hours as much as humanly possible.  I do constant research and try to think of a different angle on writing. 

How many people do you know or you have worked with who have truly made it  to the top in their field?  Which brings me back to my point of talent or a gift.  Some people I have spoken to think if your happy with your lot in life why struggle to achieve more.  To an extent I agree with the sentiment, clearly I want more from life otherwise it would not bother me and neither would I be writing this article.

Believe me I’m not bitter or envious of successful people, I would just like a little to come my way.   J.K. Rowling the author of the “Harry Potter” collection of books is so rich now she gifted £1,000,000 to her chosen political party the Labour party! 

I admire Sir Douglas Bader who whilst performing an acrobatic stunt in an R.A.F. aeroplane, crashed and had both his legs amputated!  Douglas went on not only to fly for the R.A.F. he became a wing leader and distinguished himself as a truly fantastic pilot.  Did he have a gift? Did god ordain Douglas to be one of the best pilots on earth, or was this achieved through shear hard work?

Sir Douglas Bader, with his Hawker Hurricane.

My father was in a Jazz band part time and he could play the Trumpet and other wind instruments.  My father wanted me to follow in his foot steps he tried to teach me to play the Mouth organ and the Trumpet.  He gave up with me and in the nicest possible way told me that I had no musical talent what so ever.

Richard Branson was a working class British school child who has gone on to be one of the richest men in the world.  He must have an entrepreneurial talent far in excess of most people. 

Sir Richard Branson.

I do believe self motivation is key to being successful in any field.  However surely there must be a spark of genius or above average talent in these highly successful individuals?  I’ve heard many people criticise actors, claiming their job is money for old rope!  However these people who claim acting is easy, can not even perform a best mans speech at a wedding, in front of 100 guests!  Let alone take to the stage in front of thousands of people, or star in a Hollywood blockbuster.

I do not like to leave an article without a conclusion.  So in this case I will not sit on the fence, if I have to say one way or another, then I do believe exceptional talent is required for an individual to stand out from the billions on this planet and be successful.  I’d love to read your view-point.

Lord Banks