by Adrianna La Cerva
On a visit to the divination classroom, one can expect to find a cluttered room littered with typical items such as tea cups and crystal balls. Today is no exception. The only difference is that I'm headed to the classroom not to learn about the future, but to learn about Professor Ripley Guildhall's favorite books.
When I arrive, the room is dim and there is a strong scent of incense burning; I can see trickles of raindrops making funny patterns on the window panes. I find Professor Ripley sitting at a small table, already having poured some tea into two cups with mismatching patterns. I thank her for the tea and dive right into the questions.
"Our readers want to know about your favorite books. Can I assume you are going to mention the Harry Potter series as one of your favorites?"
A grin instantly appears on her face as she begins to laugh. "I found out about the Harry Potter books through the TV show Rosie O'Donnell when it was on; only the first two books were published then. I wanted to read them so bad as they sounded like something I would enjoy." She pauses before adding, " I grew up wanting to be Peter Pan or Pippi Longstocking..so this type of fantasy was right up my alley".
Visions of Professor Ripley in red braids that stick out on the sides of her head throws me for a loop, as I scribble quickly making sure to catch her every word.
"I got the books and loved them so much, I bought all my nephews both hard bound editions for the following Christmas. They got hooked too and we have that in common."
Professor Ripley takes a sip of the warm tea before she continues. "I loved The Romance of Leonardo Da Vinci by Dmitri Merejkowski. This book told the story of Leonardo's life like a novel with descriptions of life in the Renaissance mixed with other historical things going on in the period. It made me understand the time and the man better", she says passionately. "I have many books on the artist as, to me, he was the Master of not only of the art world, but also was a sculptor, alchemist, musician, scientist, architect, poet, writer, militarist, inventor, botanist, healer, and the list goes on." As such a universal genius, I suppose the term 'Renaissance Man' truly applies to Mr. Da Vinci.
I ask Professor Ripley to tell me more of her favorites.
"Tolkien's trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, though I read it in college, I have since re-read it a couple of times, and with the movies, it only renewed my interests. Tolkien was the master of fantasy worlds," Ripley tells me, "I want to live on Middle-earth."
She adjusts her glasses before she proceeds. "Recently, I just finished Eragon, by Christopher Paolini and started Eldest."
These books are part of the Inheritance trilogy. The author began writing the first book at age 15 (He didn't even have his NEWTS yet!).
"What I like about these books, again fantasy, but his elves are similar to Tolkien's so it isn't against my beliefs of what elves are like and it really is a good story."
"I also like Dante's The Divine Comedy", Professor Ripley tells me. "Though the 'story' is hard to understand at times, the overall allegorical tale is interesting and the reason he wrote it".
Dante was inspired to write this tale, told in three parts, when he was exiled from his native land. It's about his journey as a lost-soul through hell, purgatory, and paradise.
"I have a very old hardbound copy with illustrations by Gustave Dore and those images alone is worth having the book just for those images."
"What do you feel is the foundation for a great book," I ask her.
Professor Ripley responds, "I think a book should remove you from the place you are to where you are reading. When I was younger, I hated reading due to my dyslexia, but once I understood this disability and tricks to overcome what I saw, and what was really there, I loved reading. I could read for hours forgetting the time and meals! I read mysteries, and fantasies, and anything about angels. I have had one of the largest collections of books in my family and often got others books for Christmas! So to me, when life needs a break, grab a book!" I couldn't have said it better myself.
By: Seraphina Rosehill
One night during a cool evening in the dungeons, I happened to pass by the dorm room of Ms. Kiley Blair. The door to her room was cracked, and as I approached to knock I saw that she had her cauldron brewing in her room! I became curious about what she was doing, so I quietly watched to see what potion she was making. I observed her for several minutes and it became quite clear that she was making a standard love potion! I was shocked to see her doing this, and immediately I began to see images of all the boys in Slytherin house, wondering who her poor, unsuspecting target might be. After reflecting for a moment, I had a list of three possible boys that she might be planning to use her potion on, and I vowed to keep my eye out for them.
The next day at a party being held in the common room, I saw her approach Eltanin Wemyss and put on her sweet and innocent act. She discreetly poured something into his drink, and before I could get over there to tell him what she had done, he was dancing with her! Poor Eltanin! Someone has to tell him what the seemingly nice girl is up to! If you see Eltanin walking through the halls with a glazed look in his eyes, try to help him!
Professor Lockhart has announced that he does, in fact, posses some art skills. I know, I was as shocked as you are.
Ronald Weasley has announced that since he is the house heartthrob that he is setting out to win over the heart of Prefect Zoey Taylor since he already has all of the other girls in the house. Isn�t she supposed to be with some Penshire boy?
Kamron Flame has let it be known that he would now like to be known as Mr. X Slytherin; and that your not to forget the Mr.
Zoey Taylor has announced that she will give up a goat to Katie Sawyer if she will continue to help out the quidditch team. So that leaves like what? A Dozen left?
Maya Parker has announced that Professor Lockhart has stolen her thunder.
Jenii Chang has announced that Ronald Weasley and Zoey Taylor do, in fact, have a nasty habit of spamming all of the important announcement threads around the CR.
Katie Sawyer was seen saying that she can�t wait to read Ron�s articles which leads me to believe that although she�s only been around for about a month she�s already been overcome by his heart throbbing ways.
Ryana Cartenich has announced that one of these days Zoey Taylor will decided to start worshiping her.
Sen has let it be known that he WILL start sending his communist army out after any huffs that try to defect from the house.
Angus Montana has stated that she does happen to think that someone sticking their head in a toilet is. ewww sick.
By: Zoey Taylor
With it being the beginning of November that means that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Most of us know the story of how this holiday started but just in case you�ve forgotten I�ll recap for you. The Pilgrims sailed over on the Mayflower to what�s now the U.S. and landed at Plymouth Rock in the winter of 1620. Unfortunately their first winter in the new land was devastating and by the following fall they had lost over half of the original 102 people who had sailed over. It�s believed that if it hadn�t been for the Native Americans they probably wouldn�t have survived at all. Eventually things finally started turning around a bit for the Pilgrims with the help of the natives, and their harvest of 1621 was quite bountiful so they decided to have a feast which included 91 Indians who had helped them survive their first year and thus the American Thanksgiving tradition was started.
Today, the holiday is often celebrated to give thanks for what we have, specifically our family and friends, by the gathering of families to sit down and eat a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce and pretty much anything else you happen to feel up to cooking. Along with watching Thanksgiving Day parades and football on television.
That said, I decided to have a sit down with my housemate and best friend, Dakota Tallfeather, in our common room to get an actual Native American�s view on the holiday. Here�s how it went:
ZT: *Plops down on a sofa beside Dakota* Ready?
DT: *Looking a bit nervous and checking to see his friend didn't have any hidden dung bombs or anything* "Um, yeah, sure...shoot, oh, bad choice of word, eh?"
ZT: *Gives a mischievous grin* Ok, well I�m sure you know how the story of Thanksgiving is taught to most kids today, was it taught to you any differently or have you ever heard any interesting variations in it?
DT: "We, us Natives, were just hoping you all would just completely wipe each other out, but no matter, that is a different subject. Let me see, well, our stories are a bit different regarding that first landing party. In our's, the aid we gave was because we saw a lesser being unable to cope in our climates. The story goes that the 'white' men who came were only interested, at the time, in settling some of the coastal areas. We would have helped anyone being the kind, gentle folk we were...then, anyway."
ZT: *Stifles a laugh recalling all of her past rants and applications of war paint with him and mutters to herself* "Kind and gentle? It's more like temperamental."
DT: "Hey, you guys started it first!
ZT: *Opens mouth to protest.*
DT: Then the French come along and offer us needed supplies for scalps...but anyway...um, I can't speak for all tribes, but mine was peace loving, for until you guys started herding us west! *laughs, trying to keep it light.*
ZT: *chuckles along with him* Well, look a the bright side at least since your nowhere near the east coast you don�t have hurricanes to worry about! Anyway, since you like to offering your help I'd be more than happy to let you lead my army when I take over the world, one day. *grins*
DT: Deal! War paint all around!
ZT: Yay! Ok, since we�ve already covered the past, and the future, lets move on to the present. I know that some Native Americans choose not to celebrate Thanksgiving, do you?
DT: "True, we don't, it is another day to us. Why would we celebrate it as it was the arrival of sickness, pox, destruction of our lands and race...you can see why we don't."
ZT: Hmm, well, yes I suppose you've got a point there. *Considers the food and football part of the tradition and then makes two unusually good smelling turkey legs appear on a platter nearby* So what do you think about turkeys?"
DT: Hey, I don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I didn't say anything about not eating turkey! *reaches for one of the legs*
ZT: *Grabs the other one* Well ok then and thanks for the interview
DT: Anytime
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Although the month will seem to start off on a positive note for you, by mid-November you need to be sure to keep your head out of the clouds! If you don't pay attention to what you're doing in class, you might find your Potions assignment all over Prof. Snape's face! Detentions will be sure to ensue if you can't keep your focus when it counts most.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20): You're going to hit the ground running this month! With lots of activities to keep you busy both in & out of the castle, you won't know which way to go first! Around the 20th you'll need to slow your pace down, though, or your special someone won't be very happy with you. If you don't have a special someone yet, you will repel the opposite sex for quite some time.
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Between school, friends, & clubs, you feel pulled in all directions. Take lots of time this month to spend alone in your dorm room or in a quiet reprieve such as the gardens or library to put your head back on straight. If you fail to retreat to an isolated spot for relaxation at some point this month, you'll wind up throwing your hands in the air & giving up on everything & everyone you're involved with.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Socially, this month is the month for you! Whether your shy or you just haven't made many friends yet, this month you will shine & all eyes will be on you! Enjoy the moment - you deserve it! Just keep an eye out for a wolf in sheep's clothing or you may have your kindness & generosity taken advantage of.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21): The month starts out with you really struggling with decision making - what to wear on your date, what classes to take, what to write for the Owl Gazette. Your creativity seems to have fizzled out, but never fear! By mid-month all hope will be renewed as your ideas begin to flow free once again & you turn out to be a huge asset to your house's quest in point earning!
Cancer (June 22 - July 22): You're going to be really upbeat this month & your positive energy will rub off on everyone who is around you! You'll seem to be leading the crowd & will find popularity if you didn't have it already. Just make sure you don't let it go to your head, though, or you might be turning your closest friends off with your new found role.
Leo (July 23 - August 22): Honestly this month you'd be better off in detention every night because most of the time you & your friends won't be seeing eye to eye & you may get your feelings hurt. It's only temporary, though. Those who wrong you this month will make up for it next month...if you'll let them!
Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Your emotions will be running wild this month. One minute you'll be happy & the next minute you'll be crying! The best thing for you this month is lots of solitude! Snuggle up with a good book in a quiet corner of your Common Room or write a story for the library. Whatever it is you choose to do will be all you need to get your head on straight by mid-November & get your emotions back in check.
Libra (September 23 - October 22): Your days of being a pack rat must come to an end this month! With all the clutter you've been collecting, you're dragging yourself down & starting to let yourself go. Clean out that closet! Throw out all that junk you've been saving up all summer! You'll feel so much better & your friends will enjoy being around you again.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Love is in the air! It will seem that no matter where you go or what you do, someone will be flirting with you! Just make sure if you decide to flirt back you don't do it during class or you'll wind up polishing trophies in the Trophy Room! And don't let it go to your head or next month you'll find that no one throws a glance your way.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): This month you finally feel like your life is taking a turn for the better! You're happier, more energetic, & your creativity is flowing free! Use your new-found feelings to help your house earn some serious points. You should also start writing in a journal or diary this month if you haven't already. It will help keep your feelings in check better.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Look out, Hogwarts, here you come! You feel unstoppable with all the creative ideas you've got knocking around in that head of yours! Just make sure you keep a piece of parchment & a quill handy at all times, though, because if you don't jot them down when they come to you, you're going to forget them. And asking Prof. Lockhart for help with your memory is NOT a good idea...ever!
I'm sure you all heard the expression "It's raining cats and dogs." Right. Well, that's just what happened, in Upper Northern part of Europe.
High winds were blamed for the cause of cats and dogs falling from the sky on Monday Evening. A large cold front was approaching northern Europe that evening and was making the winds pick up to an exceeding 100 mph. The winds were strong enough to make meteorologists suspect an outbreak of tornadoes, even though it never happened.
The high winds, which lasted all evening and until 3 in the morning, had sucked up all the stray cats and dogs running loose on the streets, as well as toppling trees and and overturning cars. Nobody was hurt or killed luckily.
After three hours of being trapped in the air, and the wind let up, all the dogs and cats came falling back down to the ground. No animals were harmed in this either.
It only left muggles and the animals and as we all as the meteorologists scratching their heads in confusion.
"I've heard the expression, It's raining cats and dogs before, but that was just ridiculous." One local muggle reported, the next morning after the wind storm. "Luckily, no animals were hurt. And damage was very minimum." A local police officer stated.
To prevent that from ever happening again, local animal catchers, caught every animal that was loose on the streets and took them to a nearby animal shelter until they could find new homes for them.