August 21, 2009

Cinema

I don't think I've addressed the purpose of Cinema too often. I don't think I've addressed the purpose of any of my worlds too much further than talking about their inspiration.

As I've thought about creating and adding things to the world of Cinema I've picked up a few habits. From it's name being 'Cinema' to the characters loving old movies to this year deciding that the theater they go to is the Retro Cinema. The Retro is a theater that shows movies thirty years or older. As I've thought of that and chapter titles and themes I've come to an understanding about why Cinema is important to me.

The characters were originally some throw away characters I drew when I was depressed and couldn't draw my normal stuff. Alphabet was a joke, making fun of my self. She wasn't even the first one drawn, Davey was first. He was the star, but Alpha quickly became top dog in the world. Smyth was their third, the most level headed of them. There was originally only one chapter, but it blossomed. The cast grew. Sephy, Aster, Suma, Beta were all added in a few weeks of creating Alpha, Davey, and Smyth. Micha showed up in 2007, Jayden a bit later in 2007 early 2008 and most recently in 2009 an unnamed kid who has an interest in Sephy. I've also drawn Alpha's father at least once.

Wow I'm all over the place with this. Back to the main four, Alpha, Davey, Smyth and Sephy. These four characters love film and movies. They spend their time going to the RC every weekend pretty much. Aster, Alpha's younger brother, also has an intense interest in movies, and is out to make his own and Alpha and crew get enlisted to help him make these 'masterpieces'. Their lives pretty much revolve around film.

What I've learned from the Four, and the supporting cast is that they have a deep love tor the 20th Century. Cinema, I think, is a way for me to honor things from or about the 20th century. They love and damn near worship old film, but they also love modern, present films. They're just as happy seeing big blockbusters as they are seeing a 50's B-movie. They emulate what they see in these movies. But through my character's love for things of the 1900s, I think it shows my own love, or at least appreciation for these things. I have chapters planned called things like 'discotheque' and 'delicatessen' because those words are awesome, but they're also things that were big at different times of the 20th century.

The point for Cinema for me, I think, is for me to have a world where I can explore some aspects of the 20th century with modern characters. These characters have, and will gain, the ability to have intelligent discussions on film. They have leanings toward careers that are in the movies, in differing aspects of movies. If they're not in film, they'll still have that deep love and appreciation. With Cinema I have an excuse to watch more older movies and see a broad array of things.

It's great to see how they've grown. This is the first image of them of ever I think. They're may be a doodle before this, but this is the first. A more recent pic of them. And a collection of them from my sketch blog. I love these characters and hope that anything I do is worthy of them and their love of film, and I'm interested in seeing what I learn as I write their stories. This jumped all over the place, but I did get to what I wanted to talk about, I think.

Jasmine P.

August 16, 2009

Touched By a Book

This is not the first nor will it be the last time that I write about how a book I've read has affected me. One of the last was A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints by Dito Montiel. Before That I wrote about how Hells Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga by Hunter S. Thompson affected me, I think more how aspects of his writing had made me think because I know I have referenced the Wave Speech from F&L in Las Vegas.

The new book, the new story, is that of one police officer Mr. Frank Serpico. At this time his name is mostly tied to the film where Al Pacino did a fantastic job of dealing with the stress and difficulties that the real man had to deal with only a few years prior. I watched the movie and fell in love. While reading the book, some things were pulled straight from it, and the tapes that the real Serpico made during these trying times, so it was easy to transpose the film into the book. They were one in the same, but they are also wholly separate entities. The book, like any book, was able to cover more details about what Serpico had to deal with and more instances of his altruism were shared with the audience. There were more chances to see how and why he'd become disenfranchised with his job. Reading about is temper, I could only think of Pacino blowing up and just how well the actor fit the part.

There are a few things the book made me consider. First it made me consider what makes a truly good person. I like to think I'm alright, but I have severe doubts that I could do anything that Serpico did. I'd probably turn a blind eye to the corruption in the precincts. I'd probably accept my share; maybe use it, maybe save it up. I'm not sure, but I couldn't deal with the pressure he lived it, and I don't think I could deal with it for as long as he did. He had conviction that what he was doing was right, that it made a difference. It did. More than thirty years after the fact it brought to light what was going on inside precincts and just how corrupt the system is. Every yea we hear about some short comings, but they're never as extensive as what Frank Serpico's story shared with readers and viewers. They're also not as gripping, they weren't as ground breaking. It's interesting to think about just how different things are; it's also a little bit disgusting to see what was going on inside the heads of these people. The police officers, not the people they were booking. How the officers thought, that black people cried rape after it was wanted, shaking down people because of their race. The racism, it's painful to read. I know it still exists, but sometimes I like to stay in my little bubble where those things don't happen, where people look past the color of one's skin and onto the more important parts about them.

Reading the book I wanted to see again just what Frank Serpico had to deal with. His own moralistic hell. People not helping him because he was classified as a hippie. I know people brake off into groups based on their appearance, but it's still a bit bothersome. How many times he was shot at or harassed because he actually looked like he didn't belong to the NYPD, the point since he was undercover. He had to not look like a cop to be a cop. The separation between him and the other officer was insane. I'd say unreal, but it was real. We have the news papers to tell us the truth of what happened, the reporting. A lot of it's there, just waiting to be read.

Something this book did for me was make me consider about my few interactions with people of the Badge or Shield. I have apprehension every time I see a cop that I'm going to get pulled over for something, that I'm doing something wrong. I could be walking down the street to class and I wonder about a cop stopping to ask me a question. I worry about being pulled over again. After first being pulled over last year, that's what I think of. I know he's doing his job, but I was fucking terrified. I then think of when I was out in Wisconsin and I needed some stamps that some officers in the blue and white about to go and police something helped me. I asked them where I could find some stamps, they gave me a name and general direction and I found a grocery store. Something little that helped me out.

That little instance of the cops in Wisconsin helping me makes me think simple of Serpico, or a bit of the other way around. I needed help, sought it in the police, and things were fine. They didn't talk down t me; they expressed confusion, but were willing to help me on my quest for stamps. That makes me think I should be a little less apprehensive the next time I'm outside leaning against my car for a smoke. What I'm saying is that the story of Frank Serpico reminds me that cops are good. They can be trusted, and they accomplish more than pulling people over and arresting criminals. That's important, but giving the public a sense of safety ad well being by helping them on their way can be just as useful It improves the public image, and possible starts competition between the officers to perform more little good deeds.

This story kind of makes me want to try harder as a human to help my fellow person. Should I be able to help someone with a quick phone call-that would be fantastic.

Jasmine P.

August 11, 2009

My Life As a Dork or Being a 'Geek Girl'

I'll start this off by saying I've always considered myself more of a 'dork' than a 'geek' i dunno, I like the word better. I'm a bit of a social outcast, and I'm fine with that. Some link from Kristen_Amanda on Twitter about raising a 'geek girl' made me call into question me, since I'm outside of normal, and happy that way. So, the original 'offender' 5 Tips on Raising Your Geek Girl from Wired and as far as I'm concerned, 4 Tips on Understanding Girl Geeks from Jezebel.

I disagree to a point iwth both of these articles, and I'm going to go over myself for this following their 'issues' or topic headlines.

From Wired:
The Book Factor
'I read science fiction and fantasy and not Babysitters Club. Hell, I read'
Suggested Help :Try to get involved in your daughter’s reading, if you’re not already. I was born to non-geeks, so my parents really had no interest in what I was reading. If you can’t be involved, look into reading clubs–or start one–that support the genres your daughter is into. Look to libraries and gaming stores if there’s nothing available at school. And above all, even if you don’t get the stuff she reads, reiterate that reading is awesome.

My response:
I concur, encourage you kid to read whatever they choose to read. In early elementary school I was more interested in reading than playing, so I was a social outcast to begin with. This person didn't read 'girly' things but 'boy/dorky things' and that set her apart. That sentiment is stupid. I was set apart by reading things more complex than the people my age. You're raising a reader, not necessarily a geek, get them books, as many as they can handle, challenge their level. They can understand The Great Gatsby at 11, get them something just as complex, the Alchemist or something. Challenge them don't just meet them on their literary terms. Don't just challenge their level in thier preferred genre, introduce them to something new. You don't know books, find someone who does, but someone who will challenge their level.

The Pop Culture Factor
"I didn't watch the right shows'
Suggested Help:
If you are a geek, yourself, it’s fine for you to reach out. I mean, it is your fault she’s the way she is, right? But don’t be too pressing, because even if your geeklet gal speaks Klingon fluently, she needs to find her own brand of geek. If she’s into medieval stuff, consider the SCA. If she’s got a sci-fi lean, consider taking her to a convention. Maybe she’s a budding film-maker? Enroll her in film classes. Not to mention, there’s always the Internet. For me, that was my saving grace, discovering like-minded people, even if they were far away. And if teasing is a problem, help to equip her with witty ripostes and bolster her self esteem with praise.

My response
Fuck all that. I loved television. It's not that hard to find someone to chat up about TV, and chances are the lines aren't as defined as the original article made it seem. And for pop culture, there's the internet now. Pop culture when I was a kid was Saturday morning cartoons and after school television. Current sports and movies. Encourage the kid to try some sport, but let them take in what's modern. Every kid saw Jurassic Park when I was a kid, that's what they'll be talking about.

The Boy Factor
"All my friends were boys'
Suggested Help: Start with family. I had some great gal cousins growing up, and though they weren’t exactly geeks, our friendships were strong. If you’re daughter doesn’t have gal friends as school, you can encourage her to meet people at your church or other extended network. Also, teach her about all the wonderful girl geeks in history, like Ada Lovelace, Marie Curie and Felicia Day. Go fictional, too. There are plenty of geek gals in literature and movies, like Agatha Clay, Meg Murry and Kaylee Frye. Help make her proud to be a girl geek!

My response:
It's not that hard. I understand not wanting to date a friend, but really. It's not that hard to make female friends, look for the other girls around who have their noses in books. Talk to them, or just deal. Female friendships arne't that important until maybe high school. Is it me, or is it really that easy to find simple solutions to the 'issues' on this list? Life isn't that hard. The hell is with people these days needing an instruction manual to raise a kid that isn't stereotypically girly, or masculine.

The Smart Factor
"I was too smart in school"

Suggested Help: You know you’re on shaky ground when your girl geek starts to be embarrassed of being smart. If grades and enthusiasm are waning, it’s time for parental intervention. But not too much. And not too little. Really, you know your daughter best, and it’s important to talk about what’s going on at school. While the “grades will help you in college” argument won’t always work, home incentives–like movies or gadgets–might. And nothing replaces flat-out support. If you sucked at a subject in school it might worth dragging out your report card to share, and let her know you wish you had worked harder. Either way, just continuing support and praise of her performance will help steer her in the right direction.

My Response:
If your kid is too smart for their grade or school system find something that is better accommodating for their intelligence. I was smart, I got good enough grades, I was challenged in class. Get them into Advance Placement or International Baccalaureate programs, the Honors classes. Don't just encourage them, challenge them. Put them with intellectual peers, hell, it'll be easier to make friends with people you can have an intelligent conversation with, there's also a possibility that they'll have more similar interests. My IB classes were full of science dorks, sci-fi, fantasy, comics, we were dorks and proud of it.

The Self-Image Factor
Oh noes, I hated myself. I was alone and a geek
Suggested Help: Encourage your geek gal to get involved, even if the interests aren’t up her alley. You never know: she might love homecoming. She might take to soccer, or softball. I enjoyed being on the Yearbook committee when I was in high school, which had a great cross-section of folks, geek and non-geek. Geek doesn’t mean you have to shun what everyone else does; it just means that you have your own slant on it. And it also means you’re smart enough to think outside the social box. If anything, being a geek means the rules don’t apply!

My response: This loops back to the book part. Get them somewhere with like minded people. It's not that hard. And hell, most everyone's depressed in middle school. Get them to express it, hell, they know themselves better than you do, that's for fucking sure.

Jezebel

There is no one Girl Geek.
Not all geeks are created the same

Me: I agree with this.

You know what, fuck it. I'm tired of typing, stoned, and my tea might be getting too frozen in the freezer. It's not that much more difficult to raise a geek or dorky kid than any other type, encourage their interests. Get them into science, art, whatever programs. Just like there's little league, there's programs that will foster your kid's intelligence. Why do people try to make life harder than it already it. Hell, it's normally an uphill battle to get started, so why pressure a kid. Tell them to be proud of themselves and to say 'fuck off' to people who try to make light of them or diminish what they can accomplish. As long as they're cool with what they like, the rest of the world can go to hell. That was my mentality. I hated people my own age, now, I'm more accepting of them, and I accept that I love comics, movies and am a general dork. Rock the dorkism! It takes a jackass to rule the school, it takes a brain to rule the nation, or the company. If not a brain, then to be surrounded by brains, but therein you're a puppet.

Jasmine P.

August 10, 2009

Adventures in Virginia Aug 10

Well, this morning on Twitter I announced my plans for the day as follows "morning all! time for New Glasses Adventure, Lease Notarizing Adventure, then 'Back to Norfolk Adventure. too bad it's not that exciting" apparently only 14 hours ago around 8 am.

Things went off normally. Got dressed, went to the bank to get my cosigner lease papers signed by Dorien, but the notary wasn't there, so we went over to the UPS store and got that taken care of. I went my separate way from my brother and was going to get my eyes checked out, but of course, Hour Eyes doesn't open until 10, and not 9, so I went over to the Safeway and got a Doubleshot plus, and some doughnuts. Munched on those in the parking lot than went into Hour Eyes. Sadly, one of the guys who works there that I normally see since I'm normally there in the evenings wasn't working, but oh well. Got checked in and had those fucking annoying tests. The one with the puff of air, and the one with the green rays around a red dot that goes in an out of focus. Went into the exam office and I apparently had the same doctor I had last year. Got my eyes checked out, and apparently my eyes have gotten a wee bit better, so my new glasses will have a smaller reading section of the bifocal lenses. Cheers, motherfucker! I picked out a nice new frame it's black and a bushed bronze. They're half rimmed, which makes me happy that I can finally find half-rimmed glasses for the size of my lenses.

I head back home and to my horror I see my brother on the naked side, thankfully from the side, but then I can see him man-tits. They hang, it was gross! ugh. I get my shit together, clean up the living room then head out in the midst of lunch hour traffic. it takes me almost an hour to get gas, wash my car, and get some food before I take the County Parkway instead of the beltway to I-95S.

On the actually interstate, the traffic moves pretty rapidly. I'm going at 80mph for most of the time. Before I actually get to 295S I stop in Ladysmith for some caffeine, tea and to use the euphemism in defense of the impending traffic I know I won't miss. Back on the road the congestion I'd been in the middle of was way away and the road was mostly clear.

Things are going well enough. I'm making alright time, it's going on 4 and I'm out in Yorktown, about 45min from Norfolk without traffic. With traffic, about and hour and a half. Seeing that things are getting on the congested side, my windows are open and I've hit the bored mood that happens from driving when I kind of don't care anymore and just want to get off the road. I'm looking for my Golds because I figure I'm going slow enough to be able to smoke one. Things are slowing down and my car is going faster than I thought and I rear-end this little piece of Taurus. Fucking a, indeed.

We pull off to the side of the road and I'm shaky. I get out of the car and look at my hood which is now mashed up behind one of the bumper bolts, and the bumper is cracked. The lights look a little cracked, but end up working fine. I go to the kid I hit, he just turned 20 at the beginning of the month. We exchange information and call the cops who take 30 min to get to us so we're out in the sun with traffic blowing past us. I have a smoke while we're waiting.

The cop, a state trooper, get there and checks out both cars an writes no report and we don't have to go to court. I mean, it gets filed and everything, but I don't have to go to court for riding too close to the kid, and he doesn't have to go to court because his license is expired.

I was a bit of a wreck, I was shaking and I started crying. I'm still not sure why. The left side of my neck aches a little and even now I kind of want to crack my back. My neck seems a little stiff when I look the left, but I think I'm pretty much alright. I figured I'd go to the hospital tomorrow if it seemed necessary.

Getting into Norfolk I just want to go to sleep. I'm tired from sleeping 5 hours and then driving for 5. I call Dorien while I'm in tunnel traffic, and later send him some photos. I take some of my own and call AllState. That takes me another hour and I'm just plain worn at this point. On Thursday I go to get AllState to check it out and hopefully soon I'll have a rental and my car will be fixed.

And on top of this I have work orientation in the morning. Promptly at 9. I'm cuttin' out and going to bed now. Waking at 7 to get ready, and hopefully have the time to swing by Borjo for a cup of coffee, or at least for something to eat. I'd rather be drawing.

On a happier note, my Pacino and J. M. Barrie biographies arrived while I was gone, along with my Threadless tees. Cheers! Josh bombed the apartment and killed a whole mess of roaches. downside? They're migrating to my room, fuckers. Duke was fine, and I think Josh may have watered my plants, if so, awesome. I need to dead head the peace lily. Soon. I watched Bonnie and Clyde. Horrible. Horrible flick. I think that's just about everything. I think I'll doodle right quick, then to sleep. Sweet, sweet sleep.

Jasmine P.