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Below are the 8 most recent journal entries recorded in
Damocles Belby's InsaneJournal:
| Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 | |
| 6:29 pm | As you all may be aware, flu season is upon us. In addition to the common muggle flu (which, in itself can be devastating, particularly to the young and the old, if left untreated), this year we are also facing gnome flu, which I'm sure you have heard of. We of the medical community are unsure how serious this could become, so while I do not encourage panic, I do urge the utmost caution and, of course, that everyone stay knowledgeable. Here are some things you need to know. Gnome flu cannot be caught from gnomes. This is not an excuse for creature cruelty, so go about degnoming your gardens as you always have. Wash your hands! Particularly before eating, but wash them at regular intervals throughout the day. And do not touch your eyes or mouth, if you can avoid it. Gnome flu is highly contagious. Avoid close contact with those who show signs of illness. Again, this is highly contagious, so one of the best lines of defense we have is in the vigilant individual. Don't get sick so you won't infect others. Make use of the bubble head charm if you must go in to crowded areas. If you think you may be ill, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of gnome flue include height reduction which continues for the duration of the illness, the growth of facial hair, disorientation, and a craving for dirt and raw vegetables. If you are diagnosed with the illness, please quarantine yourself until you have a clean bill of health again. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, but not with your hands! You're going to go on to touch more things than you can imagine and spread whatever microbes you're carrying. Cough/sneeze into your elbow or shoulder Make use of tissues, not handkerchiefs, and dispose of them after one use. Handkerchiefs are old fashioned and unsanitary. On another note, I get the feeling, though it's fading daily, that something is amiss lately, but I can't quite place my finger on what. It's like trying to remember a dream that, the harder you think on it, the more it slips away. Cosette, do you know a Michelle? ( Private to Kiri ) |
| Friday, August 21st, 2009 | |
| 1:39 am | ( Private to Rob ) |
| Friday, July 24th, 2009 | |
| 2:15 am | [The entry is written sloppily, and something is sloshed out on to the page.] today was my wedding anniversary ( Pictures ) I have nothing left to live for |
| Monday, July 13th, 2009 | |
| 5:46 am | ( Private to Lily ) ( Private to Remus ) ( Private to Aysel ) While I typically work on the more complex cases that the third floor sees, I am also aware of the other cases going on around me, and it is absolutely alarming how many people are rushed to Saint Mungo's simply because they did not take necessary precautions. Specifically, I refer to the fact that every home's first aid kit should include a bezoar. They are a bit rare, yes, but any expense incurred is more than made up for by the fact that it could save your own or a family member's life. In poison cases, every second counts, and often by the time Saint Mungo's is reached, it is too late. ( Private to Self ) |
| Thursday, June 18th, 2009 | |
| 5:51 pm | Kiri told me we turned up in the Nevermore, and though it isn't the sort of publication I usually take an interest in, I couldn't help but be curious, even though she said that it was just a passing mention. We had a copy in the visitor's room, however. I was a little surprised. However, it gave me a chance to glance at the article. |
| Saturday, June 13th, 2009 | |
| 4:04 pm | "We hope to extend in these laws the idea that even though these creatures are now labeled as creatures they do still have a bit of humanity in them and they will be treated as such. We are simply doing what needs to be done to protect those that would not, on their own, be able to withstand an attack by these creatures." While I've never exactly been an optimist, particularly politically, I must say that this statement is most alarming. It is a clear example of the beginning of a swift descent down a slippery slope. The word creature is used three times in two sentences - an interesting choice considering the hitherto controversial nature of the classification of these beings. After all, every vampire is someone's son or daughter, born just like anyone else, and yet it cannot be argued that there isn't something inherently different about them. Still, the fact that the divide between human and simply "being" has been completely bypassed in favor of moving straight to the being/creature argument is alarming - particularly because all of these beings seem to have been swiftly and simultaneously thrust firmly into the creature category - a category traditionally reserved for those species which are incapable of reasoning and logic. Also alarming is the fact that humanity seems to be used as the opposing characteristic to the inherent qualities of these "creatures". However, the word "humanity" has connotations of kindness and benevolence, as the qualities which separate us from animals. Synonyms include kindness, tenderness, and goodwill. The underlying implication seems to be that anyone with an eighth or more of any "creature" blood is capable of glimpses of kindness, love, and tenderness, but this is all, and as such must be controlled to protect those of us still capable of the full range of human emotions. What is perhaps the worst of all is the bit that declares, "... the laws will be bent and changed making sure that they are almost personalized for each creature..." The Ministry has written in their own loophole. They have given themselves permission to bend the laws when and as they see fit. The only way these laws would have any chance at all for fairness to all involved - humans and "creatures" alike - would be complete uniformity in treatment and very clear, concise rules that everyone is aware of and must follow. How can any laws that are individualized be successfully enforced? They simply can't, and so the Ministry has given themselves permission to penalize any "creature" doing anything they deem unfit. And where were the laws regarding hate crimes for nonhumans? For stricter punishments for the firing of werewolves for no other reason than their conditions being discovered? For people who try to light fires to the homes of vampires during the daytime to force them out into the sun? For the kidnapping of youths with Veela blood to sell them? I'm afraid I must have missed those on the ballots. Tragically, but quite appropriately, an alternate definition of creature is, "A person whose position or fortune is owed to someone or something and who continues under the control or influence of that person or thing." |
| Monday, May 18th, 2009 | |
| 12:38 am | Today hasn't been a very good day. Research into my latest experiment was turned down. It was an issue with ethics, but there's just no other way to study a potion's effects on people without administering the potion to people. You'd think being on the Committee would help, but it doesn't. The rest of the members are all old and conservative, but you have to run a little risk to do any good in the world. I think I need to go out and get drunk. |
| Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 | |
| 4:23 am | I can see it in your eyes, Maybe things have happened in your life, And maybe that's the reason why, You're playing for a one-man side, It's alright when you're winning though, ( But, when you lose, you lose alone. ) |