<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:09:39 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Sean's Blog</title><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/</link><description>Updated twice a week, Sean's blog encompasses a range of topics related to his life, from tech news and reviews to his part-time work at the 'Bell.</description><lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:25 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright>2008-2011 Potter Geek Media</copyright><language>en-US</language><generator>Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)</generator><itunes:author>Sean Palladino</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>for those who just want to listen</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary>Updated twice a week, Sean's blog encompasses a range of topics related to his life, from tech news and reviews to his part-time work at the 'Bell.</itunes:summary><itunes:keywords>blog,tech,entertainment,books,movies,awesomeness</itunes:keywords><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Sean Palladino</itunes:name><itunes:email>admin@pottergeek.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/seansAudioPodcast_cover.jpg"/><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture"><itunes:category text="Personal Journals"/></itunes:category><item><title>Tom's Birthday</title><category>Birthdays</category><category>birthday</category><category>tom palladino</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:25 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/2/21/toms-birthday.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14729506</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Another year, gone. And as I understand it, you are yet another year older. And gifts must be given to signify this occasion. But what gift shall I give?</p>
<p>A computer, though expensive, will allow you to enjoy the videogames you enjoy playing, at the quality that may in fact surpass reality. But what computer? A Mac, for sure, considering your a dedicated Machead. Or a high-end desktop-replacement laptop from Alienware, or any number of companies creating computers with the latest graphics cards and CPUs.</p>
<p>A license to Mine(craft) coule be fun, playing in the world of mines together. It could also be a place to earn some extra cash, for there must be someone willing to exchange real cash for a bit of diamond lore. If I hadn't changed my life around from the "evils" of piracy, I would suggest just downloading a pirated copy of the game. But supporting game developers is important, especially considering the thousands of lines of code that the developers must have written to complete the game.</p>
<p>A free month of Netflix would be interesting, considering you enjoy getting a DVD in the mail. And with Netflix's profiles, you can customize your own queue without my knowledge. Of course, as the owner of the account, I can always take a peek, but that's a rare occurence.</p>
<p>A card from Apple would be cool. Though it won't come with any Apple stickers, it will be delivered from the Cupertino headquarters. And, from what I have gathered about the cards, they are printed on high-quality stock paper, with beautiful artistry.</p>
<p>More RAM for your current, slow desktop. Random access memory will do wonders for the speed and stability of your old computer. Considering that its almost eight years old, a bit more RAM will certainly make improvements.</p>
<p>A gift card or cash, possibly? Now that's an idea I might go with. It increases your allocation of funds and gives you something to open.</p>
<p>Whatever happens, I will always be your brother, and nothing can take away from that important fact. No matter how much money you have or objects in your possession or grades or ambitions. You will survice your short time on this Earth with a smile, a bit of hard-work, some relationships, and a lot of fun. Happy Birthday! :)</p>
<p><span>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post:&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/TomsBirthday_02212012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14729506.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>A Day in Gitmo Review</title><category>Book Reviews</category><category>buy</category><category>gitmo nation</category><category>no agenda</category><category>review</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:00:26 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/2/17/a-day-in-gitmo-review.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14728998</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>It started like any other day...</p>
<p>A Day in Gitmo Nation starts off with an article proclaiming that the president is dead;&nbsp;assassinated, actually. And with that jarring beginning, the plot first follows an ordinary man in line for the TSA in the mourning. However, this day is unlike any other, and the man we are introduced to becomes a suspected terrorist; his name flagged for the TSA confirms.</p>
<p>The story follows the lives of seven people, each with a new perspective on the days events. The events throughout this day are crazy, to say the least. Planes fall out of the sky, buildings blow up, zombies are created, and Pepsi unveils a new, very odd flavour. And each major event is slowly revealed due to the different perspectives of the lives of seven people.</p>
<p>Within the story, memes from the No Agenda show are casually introduces, like the possibility of a cloned president and more. If you don't listen to No Agenda, these bits will just incite laughter. Or maybe it might clue you into certain things that the mainstream media calls conspiratorial.</p>
<p>The way the book is organized is brilliant. Each new chapter reveals the bigger picture and the persons pulling the strings. And though the end doesn't have that cathartic release, it definitely allows for a sequel.</p>
<p>If you read this story, you will certainly have ideas bubbling up for a continutation.&nbsp;In fact, I have spoken to the author (abiet briefly, on Twitter) for permission to continue the story. Right now, I am just building a guideline of how my disparate&nbsp;ideas will enter the story. Give me a few months to work out a rough draft.</p>
<p>Anyway, A Day in Gitmo Nation is a fantasticly-written book that weaves its plot within the lives of seven people to tell a story that could possibly happen. The characters seem real, the events don't seem too impossible, and, for No Agenda listeners, the book weaves a lot of No Agenda memes throughout.</p>
<p>I highly suggest that you buy this book!</p>
<p>Do you agree or disagree with my opinion? Please comment below.</p>
<p><span>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post:&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/GitmoNationBook_02172012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14728998.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Sell Online. Without the Worry.</title><category>Sponsored Posts</category><category>merchants</category><category>shopify</category><category>shops</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:37 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/2/14/sell-online-without-the-worry.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14721224</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>When you have an idea for a product to sell online, there is a lot to think about. Most of which have nothing to do with the actual product. There is getting a web domain, programming the website, designing the shop, setting up a payment processor, and so much more.</p>
<p>But there is an easy solution. <a href="https://app.shopify.com/services/signup?ref=seanpalladino">Shopify</a>!</p>
<p><a href="https://app.shopify.com/services/signup?ref=seanpalladino">Shopify</a> offers a secure, reliable, and trusted solution for business owners that want to sell their wares online. From the hundreds of professionally designed templates to a PCI-compliant shopping infrastructure, they will allow you to sell with confidence. And of course, free up your time to deal with the stuff that matters, like designing your products.</p>
<p>Many other business owners have already chosen <a href="https://app.shopify.com/services/signup?ref=seanpalladino">Shopify</a> for their ecommerce needs. Amnesty International, EverNote, GitHub, and many more know how Shopify has helped them free up their time from dealing with a store online.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trust is very important for ecommerce websites, and <a href="https://app.shopify.com/services/signup?ref=seanpalladino">Shopify</a> has that down. They have achieved Level 1 PCI compliance for dealing with your customer's credit cards. And they have setup automatic backups of your data, so no data will be lost.</p>
<p>Now, your probably wondering about the price. For less than $25/month, you partner with a company that is trusted by many other companies, achieved PCI compliance, and gives easy-to-use tools to create a beautiful, professionally designed web store for your business.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And the good news, you can get a free 30-day trial to try <a href="https://app.shopify.com/services/signup?ref=seanpalladino">Shopify</a>, risk free. Try it out today!</p>
<p><strong>Disclosure:&nbsp;</strong><em>This post contains affiliate links to Shopify. To support this blog, please sign up for your free trial. The owner of this website takes no responsibility of Shopify.</em></p>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post: <a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/Shopify_02142012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14721224.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>What is the Green Snitch?</title><category>Book News</category><category>fan fiction</category><category>green snitch</category><category>harry potter</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:04 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/2/10/what-is-the-green-snitch.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14669974</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>A riveting tale about the months after Deathly Hallows, Raza Ahmed has created an accomplished fanfic. With suspense, mystery, drama, and romance, you will be reading, and possibly re-reading, this story over and over. Like the title suggests, Harry Potter and his friends must find the Green Snitch. But some conditions must be met, and a duel on broomsticks must be won. But who is the Challenger? Below is an excerpt from the story.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>However, momentarily after both Ginny and Luna left, an owl soared through the open window and obediently fluttered onto the seat. Harry untied and ripped open the letter attached to the owl, reading it fervently:</p>
<p><em>Harry,</em></p>
<p><em>We have to talk to you about a few things. Please visit us as soon as possible.</em></p>
<p><em>Your aunt,</em></p>
<p><em>Petunia Dursley</em></p>
<p>Harry couldn't believe that the Dursleys had sent a letter to him: let alone Petunia, Harry's aunt who despised his existence. Suddenly, and for the fifth time, the door slid open. Ron and Hermione walked into the compartment.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Read this epic story to find out. Just navigate to the <strong>Hogwarts Tales and More</strong> section and click on <strong>Harry Potter and the Green Snitch</strong>. You will certainly enjoy this perfectly written masterpiece.</p>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post: <a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/GreenSnitch_02102012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14669974.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Attack the Block, where Aliens meet Gangs</title><category>Film Analysis</category><category>attack the block</category><category>film review</category><category>full price</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:13 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/2/7/attack-the-block-where-aliens-meet-gangs.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14670082</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>The genre of science fiction has involved a lot of scenarios for alien visitation on Earth. But one scenario that has never been fully developed into a feature film is gangs confronting vicious aliens. Of course, other films, like District 9, touched upon the topic but not too in-depth.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Attack the Block takes on this science fiction plot of aliens confronting a teenage gang and develops a plot full of laughs, terror, and a cathartic ending. The movie has a few star casts, like Nick Frost and Jodie Whittaker, but the majority of the main actors are new comers.</p>
<p>The leader of the gang, and, incidentally, our main hero of the story, is nicknamed Moses. His character is fairly fleshed out, with a backstory that slowly reveals and an internal conflict that is portrayed brilliantly on screen. Moses is played by John Boyega, a new comer with very little professional acting experience. I have to say, his performance on screen is alright.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Moses is followed by a group of teens that all have different personalities and backstories that are revealed during the film. The group consists of, in terms of nicknames, Pest, Dennis, Jerome, and Biggz. Each character is important to the plot, either to fight back against the aliens or think up a plan of action.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nick Frost's character, Ron, is a drug dealer that befriends the gang and supports them as they try to escape frorm the aliens. Though I usually like Nick Frost, his acting was rather stiff. But I guess, considering he is not the central character in the plot, it really does not matter.</p>
<p>The story starts off with Sam, played by Jodie Whittaker, walking home from work when she is mugged by our "heroes". During the mugging, an alien crash lands on a car, and Sam is able to get away. Moses looks inside and backs away quickly as the alien jumps out, about to attack him. After a struggle, the alien runs away, after hurting Moses. So, looking for retribution, Moses and the rest of the gang go after the alien, looking for a second chance at a fight. After a bit of a comical struggle, they carry the dead alien and examine him, then parade him around town to show off their latest "kill".</p>
<p>It's at this point we meet Ron, played by Nick Frost. The boys trust his opinion, apparently as a result of his interest in animal documentaries. He confirms that it is an alien, and the boys discuss what to do with it. Later, in order to ask for permission to store the alien in this apartment, the main "villian" is revealed. His character is nicknamed "Hi-Hatz", played by Jumayn Hunter.&nbsp;He is a drug dealer on the block, and in order to keep the alien in the apartment, Moses must help him sell drugs on his street.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As Moses rejoins the group after the conversation with Hi-Hatz, every one is shocked to see hundreds of sparks pelt down to Earth. But of course, the boys know that all of the sparks are really just more of the aliens. And from that point, the story dives into a whole mess full of danger, laugher, and, like I said previously, a very cathartic ending.</p>
<p>Attack the Block is a new and interesting twist to the science fiction genre that reinvigurates the alien meets Earth storyline. The actors, particularly the unknowns, work well together. The environment that is shown on screen is gritty and matches the storyline very well.</p>
<p>If you are interested in a new twist on Sci-Fi films, then I highly recommend watching this movie. I would rate this film <strong>FULL PRICE</strong>. Disagree with me? Comment below and start a discussion.</p>
<p>Note on the rating system. Thanks to guys over at <a href="http://www.spill.com">Spill.com</a>, the rating system will consist of four ratings, each with their own clear, consise name. Four stars will equal full price, three starts will be matinee, two starts will equal rental, and one star will be considered some ol' BS. All credit goes to <a href="http://www.spill.com">Spill.com</a>.</p>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post: <a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/AttackTheBlock_02072012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14670082.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>We are Potter Geek Media</title><category>Admin Maintenence</category><category>admin</category><category>potter geek media</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:15:29 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/2/3/we-are-potter-geek-media.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14666388</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Finalized in a few days, this website, and many others, will be under the name Potter Geek Media. Though this change will not affect anything about each website, it will provide all of my diverse websites a central hub of authority. The Potter Geek Media brand will be used for all my blogs, books, goods, and movies published.&nbsp;The brand symbolizes the <em>geekiness</em> of all of its properties.</p>
<p>That is all for now. But I am sure that there will be many more exciting things to come for Potter Geek Media!</p>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post: <a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/WeArePotterGeek_02032012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14666388.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Review of Amazon's Kindle</title><category>Gadget Reviews</category><category>amazon</category><category>buy</category><category>ebook</category><category>kindle</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/1/31/review-of-amazons-kindle.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14664610</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Amazon's move into the eBook market five years was interesting but reasonable, considering the company started selling books since its inception. But the vitality of a dedicated device that only reads eBooks was questionable at the time. Especially since Kindle cost over three hundred dollars.</p>
<p>But four years after the device was unveiled, its market share in the eBook space was risen to a level that solidifies its dominance. And through its years of iterations, the Kindle has gotten to a level of design that really does become "invisible" as a user engages in a book.</p>
<p>The price for the device is another major factor. Costing over three hundred dollars at its 2007 launch, the device was pretty expensive. But over the years, the price of each new device has brought the price down significantly. The current, low-end device, simply called "Kindle", costs just eight dollars.</p>
<p>However, the dramatic drop in price has come from a loss of features. The initial device not only had the latest eInk technology but a subscription-free Sprint data plan for downloading and syncing books, newspapers, and magazines on the road. Over time, the free 3G connectivity has been replaced with a cheap WiFi connection, and eventually, the inclusion of advertising on the screensaver.</p>
<p>The advertising has evolved to permeate across all of their Kindle models. But thankfully, Amazon has provided a way to remove the advertising with an extra $20-$40 charge, depending on the model. The ads on the screensaver aren't just for third-parties to sell their wares. Amazon has shown special offers, like free audiobooks, ebooks, and coupons for their online store. In a way, through all of these special offers, the device could pay for itself.</p>
<p>Currently, their are four models of their Kindle brand: the Kindle, Kindle Touch, Kindle Touch 3G, and the Kindle Fire. This review will just talk about the first, and cheapest, device: the Kindle.</p>
<p>The design is rather elegant, if I do say. There are only ten buttons on the device, all positioned in a way to not get in the way of its one main purpose. The bottom row of buttons costs of (from left to right): a back function, onscreen keyboard, directional keypad, menu function, and home button. The buttons for navigating back and forth in a book or menu are on either side of the device. The buttons are not too still to press, and they do not feel cheap.</p>
<p>The first thing you will see when you turn it on will be to choose a WiFi router to connect. Once it successfully connects, it will (depending on if you purchased it from Amazon) confirm the owner of this device. If you purchased it from a brick-and-mortar store, you will have to manually have to enter your Amazon account name.</p>
<p>As soon as you are done the quick setup, it will show the main menu, where all of your books, magazines, blogs, and newspapers will reside. Navigating the home screen consists of the directional keypad for moving up and down, and the back and forward buttons on the side.</p>
<p>Clicking the menu button anywhere on the device allows you to enter the Amazon Kindle Story, where you can purchase books and interactive games and subscribe to blogs, newspapers, and magazines. Thankfully, you do not have to enter your credit card information everytime you purchase something; the device uses Amazon's patented 1-Click system. That may be a bad thing, though. Just be careful who you give this device to.</p>
<p>Reading a book couldn't be simpler. Just select a book from the menu, press on the center button from the directional keybad, and begin reading. To turn the pages, press the corresponding buttons on the side. To go back to the main menu, press the home button.</p>
<p>Newspapers, magazines, and blogs have a slightly different way of reading, however. To read a new article, just press either the left or right button located on the directional keypad. Pressing the center button on the keypad while reading a newspaper and magazine will show the category view. Just select what you want to read next, and then, well, read.</p>
<p>Along with reading books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs, you can also read your own documents. The Kindle supports PDFs, MOBI, and TEXT files intuitively, but sending a Word document to a special, device-specific email address will allow it to be converted.</p>
<p>You can also easily send articles that you are perusing on the web to your Kindle, thanks to this very interesting third-party service called Readability. The service has created a plugin for most of the popular browsers that converts a standard article on the web to a compatible document for the Kindle. Additionally, with their premium service, they will give a certain percentage of your monthy subscription to the website that you read. So, you can support the journalists while enjoying their content on an easy-to-read eInk screen.</p>
<p>The eInk on the Kindle is very easy on the eyes, compared with reading on a tablet, laptop, or smartphone screen. In fact, I often send any long-form document that I want to read to my Kindle, so I can read without the headache from a backlit screen. The eInk technology has certainly evolved since the first Kindle device. The amount of grayscale colors has improved as well as the time it takes for the screen to refresh.</p>
<p>Overall, the Amazon Kindle is a fantastic device for reading, and the price has finally dropped enough to acquire without breaking the bank. The eInk screen is very easy on the eyes. The selection of content in the Kindle Store is huge, with most newly-released book hitting the Kindle "shelves" before their hardcover counterparts.</p>
<p>If you are thinking about purchasing an eBook reader, I would highly suggest the Amazon Kindle.</p>
<p>Do you agree or disagree with my opinion? Comment below.</p>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post: <a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/ReviewAmazonsKindle_01312012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14664610.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>About the Dursleys</title><category>Pottermore Updates</category><category>backstory</category><category>dursleys</category><category>harry potter</category><category>pottermore</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:44 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/1/27/about-the-dursleys.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14635867</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Though Pottermore isn't scheduled to open until later this month, I figured the Potter fans who hadn't got into the beta would love to find out the backstory of Petunia and Vernon Dursley. And, with a disregard for the rules, have added the elusive backstory below. For those who hadn't read it before, I hope you thank J. K. Rowling for writting more about the most non-Magical Muggles in the Potter world. Pottermore should open to everyone in about a week, barring a future, unplanned delay.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Harry's aunt and uncle met at work. Petunia Evans, forever embittered by the fact that her parents seemed to value her witch sister more than they valued her, left Cokeworth forever to pursue a typing course in London. This led to an office job, where she met the extremely unmagical, opinionated and materialistic Vernon Dursley. Large and neckless, this junior executive seemed a model of manliness to young Petunia. He not only returned her romantic interest, but was deliciously normal. He had a perfectly correct car, and wanted to do completely ordinary things, and by the time he had taken her on a series of dull dates, during which he talked mainly about himself and his predictable ideas on the world, Petunia was dreaming of the moment when he would place a ring on her finger.</p>
<p>When, in due course, Vernon Dursley proposed marriage, very correctly, on one knee in his mother's sitting room, Petunia accepted at once. The one fly in her delicious ointment was the fear of what her new fianc&egrave; would make of her sister, who was now in her final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Vernon was apt to despise even people who wore brown shoes with black suits; what he would make of a young woman who spent most of her time wearing long robes and casting spells, Petunia could hardly bear to think.</p>
<p>She confessed the truth during a tear-stained date, in Vernon's dark car as they sat overlooking the chip shop where Vernon had just bought them a post-cinema snack. Vernon, as Petunia had expected, was deeply shocked; however, he told Petunia solemnly that he would never hold it against her that she had a freak for a sister, and Petunia threw herself upon him in such violent gratitude that he dropped his battered sausage.</p>
<p>The first meeting between Lily, her boyfriend James Potter, and the engaged couple, went badly, and the relationship nose-dived from there. James was amused by Vernon, and made the mistake of showing it. Vernon tried to patronise James, asking what car he drove. James described his racing broom. Vernon supposed out loud that wizards had to live on unemployment benefit. James explained about Gringotts, and the fortune his parents had saved there, in solid gold. Vernon could not tell whether he was being made fun of or not, and grew angry. The evening ended with Vernon and Petunia storming out of the restaurant, while Lily burst into tears and James (a little ashamed of himself) promised to make things up with Vernon at the earliest opportunity.</p>
<p>This never happened. Petunia did not want Lily as a bridesmaid, because she was tired of being overshadowed; Lily was hurt. Vernon refused to speak to James at the reception, but described him, within James' earshot, as 'some kind of amateur magician'. Once married, Petunia grew ever more like Vernon. She loved their neat square house at number four, Privet Drive. She was secure, now, from objects that behaved strangely, from teapots that suddenly piped tunes as she passed, or long conversations about things she did not understand, with names like 'Quidditch' and 'Transfiguration'. She and Vernon chose not to attend Lily and James' wedding. The very last piece of correspondence she received from Lily and James was the announcement of Harry's birth, and after one contemptuous look, Petunia threw it in the bin.</p>
<p>Even though Petunia was raised alongside a witch, she is remarkably ignorant about magic. She and Vernon share a confused idea that they will somehow be able to squash the magic out of Harry, and in an attempt to throw off the letters that arrive from Hogwarts on Harry's eleventh birthday, she and Vernon fall back on the old superstition that witches cannot cross water. As she had frequently seen Lily jump streams and run across stepping stones in their childhood, she ought not to have been surprised when Hagrid had no difficulty making his way over the stormy sea to the hut on the rock.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/AboutTheDursleys_01272012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14635867.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Do we need God?</title><category>God</category><category>Philosophical Writing</category><category>catholic</category><category>existence</category><category>obsolete</category><category>opinion</category><category>perspective</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/1/24/do-we-need-god.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14635665</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>I've been questioning the existence of God, the truthfulness of the Bible, and the flip-flopping lies from the highest levels of the Catholic church for more than seven years now. Gradually, I have come to terms with the fact that there is no "supernatural entity" that created the world, reincarnated into a human to save our "sins", and allowed mortal folks to enter "heaven".</p>
<p>It's logical to assume that religious pursuits began as a way to try to understand why we are here, how we came into existence, and what lies beyond. However, thanks for the thousands of years of scientific exploration that deepens our understanding of the Earth and the universe, religion seems obsolete.</p>
<p>In addition to religion being obsolete, the Catholic religion, for hundreds of years, has been on the forefront of countless wars, deaths, persecutions, deceit, and sexual abuse. Yes, humans are not perfect. But why would the church authorities say that they are equal in terms of a pure "God" when countless priests, bishops, and Popes have been caught breaking their own laws?</p>
<p>The Roman Catholic organisation was built to establish order among the peasants and ordinary folk. It incorporated every aspect of religious instruction from countless other religions to create a broadly-accepted form of worship for all people. The organisation has a history of not moving forward with new, scientific developments. In most cases, the church has condemned any change to how we think of the world. Do you really want to support an organisation that pulls us back from progress?</p>
<p>Hopefully this short essay will give you a bit of perspective as to why I do not believe in God nor do I support the Catholic organisation. Do you agree with my perspective? Comment below.</p>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/DoWeNeedGod_01242012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-14635665.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Receiving my Wand at Ollivanders</title><category>Story from my Life</category><category>florida</category><category>harry potter</category><category>magical</category><category>ollivanders</category><category>orlando</category><category>wand</category><dc:creator>Sean Palladino</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.seanpalladino.com/blog/2012/1/20/receiving-my-wand-at-ollivanders.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">1209246:14133701:14630612</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>After an absolutely wonderful day walking through all of the Island of Adventure theme parks, my family and I decided to go into Ollivanders. It was almost closing time, and we just made it into the final show. When I first walked in, I couldn't stop smiling; all of the fantastic assortments of boxes that (hopefully) were filled with hand-made wands.</p>
<p>My eyes then landed on a rather old wizard-looking guy who must have been Ollivander. He asked everyone in the room if they were here to purchase a wand. I was the only one to answer in the affirmative. He then had his eye on me, asking me to join him at the front of his desk. I was smiling, in a kind of happy trance.</p>
<p>He started measuring my arm and everything, while talking about the process of wand-picking. It was, quite frankly, a surreal experience. After the measuring finished, he took out a wand box, and gave me the wand. He then told my to water the plants on the top shelf using the Aquamenti spell. With a quick flick and a shout of Aquamenti, something strange happened; the plants drooped. The wand, obviously, was not a good match.</p>
<p>Then he gave me another wand... slightly different then before. He told me to hold the wand high above and use the Lumos spell. I did as I was told, and lo and behold, it had failed spectacularly. Finally, he gave me a third wand. This one was quite interesting... it had a snake's face, with a rather scary looking skeleton beneath it. It felt right. And, thankfully, the wand knew that I was the one, for a curious wind had stirred below me with a goldish glow from above. This was my wand; this wand has chosen me.</p>
<p>Ollivander then told me to follow a guide out to the shop to purchase the wand. Curious, I asked the guide if I could get this wand for free. He responded, with good wit, that even Harry Potter bought his wand. I chuckled.</p>
<p>I then purchased the wand, and I still show it prominently in my room. It's a beautiful wand, well-designed by mere Muggles. Or so I think. And that was my best memory at the fabulously-created Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. I hope I can go back soon.</p>
<p>Listen to the audio edition of this blog post:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seanpalladino.com/storage/audioedition/ReceivingWandOllivanders_01202012.mp3">Link to the Audio File</a></p>
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