Update

So..

I went out to lunch my manager, she not only told me I have been doing well, but that the girl who works in Corporate Communications (PR) has been trying to steal me away from her and wants me to write some press releases.

She told me that she isn’t ready to share me yet. But she did say that I’m a great writer and will be letting me write whole stories soon for the site, some copywriting and that in some down-time she would share. I'll get to be doing both Marketing and PR!

Then she started asking where would I live if I could live anywhere. She explained that every 6 months when you are full-time and get a review they ask you if you want to work abroad in another office! Australia, Canada, London.. These were the first ones that came to mind. She told me that Canada has its own marketing team so I would be a good fit. They even help with relocation costs and immigration costs. I would love to live in VAN.

Then she started talking about all these places I should check out in the area “if I’m still here,” which made me worry- but she still said I’m a hot commodity and everyone likes me. These mixed messages are killing me!

But GET THIS! In February, if I present enough projects to our boss in Paris I may be ASKED TO GO TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARKETINNG CONFERENCE IN LONDON AND THEN MEET THE TEAM IN PARIS FOR A WEEK!!!!

*le faint*

Happy Holidays!

Love and happiness to all of you this holiday season. Be it for the solstice, Christmas, Eid, Hanukkah or just for the sake of good ol' commercialism.

Sincerely,
Jewell

A Product of the Imagination

Some shots my beau edited from a shoot we had around this time last year <3

WikiLeaker Bradley Manning’s Brutal Detention

WikiLeaker Bradley Manning’s Brutal Detention

Please read this article.

The Life and Death of American Journalism

"This crowd will be certain to oppose reform, and distort the issues beyond recognition, because ignorance is their best friend- and because they make a lot of money spinning scary stories of blood-sucking taxmen, deadly Canadian healthcare and moderate Republicanism."- The Life and Death of American Journalism


Perfect quote that sums up the malicious nature of the conglomerates that are running real news media six-feet-under. Clear channel, Disney, Tribune... All  of these have their hands in so many honey pots and control the airwaves, television content and what goes to print. If you listen to the majority of what is broadcast, written, etc. there is an undeniable pattern of trash. Even NPR. They are sponsored by Monsanto, Walmart and Pfizer. 


Another good quote: "Never before have we had so many tools to learn and communicate- yet the art of talking, listening and ascertaining the truth seems more elusive than ever in this Internet and cable age, lost in a bitter stream of blather and misinformation." Maureen Dowd


In better news, I did hear how there has been a big push for more community-run radio stations to come back on-air. Of course, the special interest groups (such as some I listed above) are not thrilled with this prospect but if things do move forward and subsidies do start happening for radio, we can only hope it trickles down to print. The integrity of what we depend on for facts and for what is happening in the world depends on it.


Regardless, it is essential to remain critical. Stay abreast of the poisonous influences of these corporate devils.


With extra love and dissent,
Jewell

Auditory Lust

I would like nothing more but to be in a dark space, with walls of sound permeating my skull. Abundances of distortion, fuzz, ethereal guitar loops, DRONING and general cacophony are vastly overdue. I just want to be taken to my happy place. Somewhere between my pineal gland and last night's nightmares would be great, thanks!

It has been far too long since I have been to a show that rocks the teeth out of my skull.

I want to feel every cell in my body vibrate.

Continuous chills traveling the landscape of my spine like a CESSNA gliding over the shifting surfaces of a rugged scene.

An oratory experience.

I have been consumed with dredging along in the monotony of everyday life.

I need to escape.

Take me away.

  

Insects and Angels

Look for me in this issue of Insects and Angels Magazine with the lovely, twisted Dr. Mangor.

I am in one of his shots they featured.

Enjoy!

¡El Pueblo Unido, Jamás Será Vencido!

"The people united, will never be defeated!"

Tension building like a coil about to spring.
Proverbial spasms riddle collective consciousness.
Something just isn't right.
Nightmares every night,
Waking up drenched in acrid sweat.
With a heavy heart,
Sighing in poignant unison.
Leaders come and gone.
Ephemeral memories of empowerment held in our hands,
Hearts,
Minds,
Voices.
Now it's time to speak.
Si se puede!
She's ready.
Ready to shake us off like a case of bad fleas.
There are those of us who can sing,
Who can feel,
Who know.
Time is of the essence.
Sands slipping between the unforgiving fingers of time.
This isn't a game.
Chilling grip encroaches upon delicate, succulently vascular cavernous lungs.
Bags filled with arbitrary gasses, flesh and blood.
Unsuspecting with each capricious breath.
Chemical exchanges between paper-thin tissues.
Engorged.
Pink with of red and blue tinges- like a ruby or a rose petal,
So perfect you could just...
Tear it up.

Balarama Heller

Technicolor Paints Prismatic Ballet

I started working at Technicolor in their Worldwide Marketing and Branding department as of a couple weeks ago and it has been a great experience so far.

I had the opportunity to help edit, write the blurb and title the front page article on technicolor.com this past week and it just went up yesterday.

It is a piece on Aronofsky's, Black Swan. 

Check it out here!

My team liked my input and has since said that they see me getting my feet wet in copywriting. I don't mind whatsoever. I let my manager know how much of a treat it was for me to have this project given to me and let her know to not hesitate anytime she has any writing or editing project to send my way.

William S. Burroughs was a copywriter before he went on to write his novels, after all :)

All I Want for Christmas is a Xoloitzcuintli

These are one of the most ancient dog breeds on record. They gave the Aztec's companionship. They were though to have healing powers... but also would be sacrificed sometimes. In some parts of rural Mexico their meat is still eaten due to the belief that it contains healing powers, Can't say I'm on board for that part, but nonetheless. A Xolo!

Xolo's are said to not be susceptible to disease due to their rich gene pool and have an incredible temperament. Loyal, lapdogs, moderately active, obedient, very intelligent, good with kids, and protective (something that I would look for in a dog).

I find them to have a regal appearance and actually prefer the hairless variety. Normally I don't care for hairless animals, so that's a change. 

I like that they are solid like a pit bull without being too stocky. Xolo's still have the graceful necks of a hound and a nicely shaped head.

If only, if only. 

Can't have a dog where I'm at right now. Maybe in a few years. I'll just have to hang tight until then.

Jewell

Growing Out Your Hair Really Can Be a Bitch

An uncommonly trite post about girly things is warranted time and again, right?

So, I am in the middle of the painful process of growing out my hair. I have been on this journey for the past year (as of February).  Attempts to do this before ever since I hacked off all of my locks into a crop in '08 have been with no avail. Seeing that I am of the curly variety of our diverse species, this process is much longer then preferred then that of the fine, straight haired breeds. Not an expedient process in the least.

Here's a short walk down memory lane. Pun intended.

Pre-hair-being-non-existent:

My hair was down to my mid-back and was like a lion's mane. That was it's nickname in fact, my "mane." It really personified my personality well and was a good juxtaposition to my diminutive stature. 

Then I had the impulse to chop it all off. So I did. I don't regret it, but man, it is a PROCESS. Observe.

2008 when I had a boy cut. This is actually my boyfriend Chrix and I's first date (sort of) on Catalina Island!

2009: A year later to my bob phase...

And into February of this year, 2010 which was the last time I cut my hair. I shaved the sides of my head too. I loved having them shaved, honestly. Chrix hated it, but I was obsessed. I think once I reach my goal length I will probably shave them again.

Present day. This is the longest my hair has been in almost three years. It's crazy to think about but it will definitely make me think twice before I hack everything off again. I wouldn't mind going back to a sculpted, rounded bob, EVENTUALLY. But as of now, I am on the daunting, arduous road to getting back to where I was circa 2007. Once there, I will be chilling with the length for a while.

Anyway, now that I am feeling an immense sense of guilt for spending half an hour of my time writing about my god damned hair, I'm going to go back to being a news hound or look up some inspiring material.

I-shake-my-fist-feebly-at-you-Catholic-upbringing-despite-the-fact-that-I-reject-and-resent-everything-you-are-and-represent-Catholic-upbringing!

With love and dissent,

Jewell 

The Boxer Rebellion

Given, this news is a bit dated, but in case you didn't know, Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein came to speak at the Grand Salon at CSUN on October 29th.

I covered the event photographically and journalistically, capturing some key points Boxer made. Though the election has since passed, I feel that the issues are still pertinent and we should all give a sigh of relief that California made the choices it did at the ballot box.

The Boxer Rebellion

Boxer greeting audience after rally

Barbara Boxer came to rally the troops October 29th at CSUN's Grand Salon.

Her messages emphasizing relationship building, creating and retaining jobs, fighting for women's rights, and the environment all appeared to strike a chord with everyone at the space. "This election is such a clear choice," Boxer said to those sitting loyally in front of her.

She said she passed legislation the saved 16,000 teacher's jobs without adding a penny to the deficit. All done by trimming tax breaks from companies who ship jobs overseas, she said.

"What is disgraceful about making sure our children have teachers in the classroom? It's not disgraceful. It's critical," Boxer said to the crowd cheering.

Boxer reiterated her position on abortion rights. "I have been a champion for choice my whole life," she said. Prior to Roe v. Wade these women did not have the right to choose. Women's right to their bodies may come under fire if she lost her seat in the Senate, she explained.

The crowd chanted, "Boxer! Boxer! Boxer!" As she walked to the microphone, she had a sense of energy and confidence.

There was a young man in the crowd proudly donning a shirt with the words, "Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell."

Fiorina, the Republican opponent was mentioned in the course of her speech. "She supports tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires and shipping jobs overseas," she stated "She wants to drill off our coasts," Boxer said. She said it is not just an environmental issue, but also an issue about jobs. She explained how our ocean supports 400,000 coastal economy jobs. "Those jobs would be lost," she said plainly when discussing the reality of an oil spill like the BP accident happening off the coast of California.

"This election is about the future of America," Boxer stated. The energy of the audience was tangible as Boxer went on, "This isn't about partisanship, it's about the greatest country in the world."

Photo: Jewell

Banana Bread

So we had a couple bananas that were turning brown this past week so I decided to try my hand at making some banana bread. I had never made any type of bread, yeast or otherwise so I was, truthfully a bit nervous. In the end it came out beautifully and I was pretty happy with it. Next time I would just make sure that all of the bananas used are completely brown and not yellow at all to ensure maximum banana goodness.

Here's the money shot.

   

Quick Banana Bread From Scratch

1 3/4 cups sifted all purpose flour. (I use unbleached.)

2 1/4 tsp double acting baking powder

1/2 tsp salt (may be omitted for low sodium diets)

1/2 tsp good vanilla (not the weird fake stuff)

1/3 cup butter (5.5 tbsp)

2/3 cup sugar

3/4 tbsp orange zest (or lemon zest)

1 or 2 eggs. (I had jumbo eggs, so I used one. If you have small eggs, use two.)

1-3 ripe bananas

spices to taste (I used (approximately) 1/8 tsp cardamom, 1/8 tsp ground clove, and about 1/2 tsp each of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Ginger also works well in this recipe if you like ginger. 

step 1Bring on the mixer!

1.) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (177 C)
2.) Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and zest.
3.) Beat in eggs and banana until mixture is creamy, but not so long that it starts to separate.

step 2Add dry ingredients

Add flour, baking powder, salt and spices. Beat the batter until smooth and silky looking. (Again, time will vary depending on your mixer. In mine it takes just a couple of minutes.)
At this point, if you want to add nuts or other fruit, fold in up to 1/2 cup broken nutmeats or dried fruit.

step 3Pour into greased pan and bake

I grease my pan by rubbing the wax paper that held the butter all over the pan, but any greasing method works.You don't need to flour the pan like you do for traditional breads.You can if you want, it won't hurt anything, but quick breads don't gain the same benefit as yeast breads do.
Pop the pan in your preheated oven, and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. When the top is golden and a knife will slide in and out cleanly, it's done.

My Boyfriend, Chrix and I shot this image a while ago and he sent me the edited copy. I was pretty happy with it.

Inspiration

These images make my brain salivate

Transitions

Autumn is taking its last breaths.

Nights getting colder.

Days becoming shorter.

This season reminded me that its my favorite.

Aromatic scents dancing through the air,

Beckoning towards the treasure trove of treats to indulge in.

Comfort foods brimming with flavors that make me want to sing.

Now it's quiet outside.

Winter is encroaching.

It's harder to get out of bed these days.

I need light.

.

Where There is a Beginning There's an End

It seems like just yesterday.

Desert sun warming the ground just for our bare feet. Backyard welcoming us with a proverbial smile.

Deuce's tail wagging wildly.

I'm tearing through the house and tugging on your shirt. I can see you aren't used to kids but you see this as a special, if not a slightly unaccustomed treat.

I ask you over and over to make me your famous baby back ribs.

They're my favorite.

Or that time that I was being nosy.

I was in the bathroom fumbling through your drawers.

What do I find? Your Playboy stash.

Wonder, amazement, mischievousness, and curiosity.

Then there was the time that Grandpa had passed away.

I was about eighteen.

I was crying because I couldn't remember him.

It's because I was with my dad, Rod when I would see him. Those memories were gone.

I was crying and couldn't stop. You told me you loved me and held me tight. I felt hot tears fall on my shirt. I smelled the evidence. Your sadness on your breath.

Even recently. I'm with someone special now. Someone who really loves and respects me.

And even though you were weak, and skin was lacking color, your hands gently trembling, you assured me that you would, "beat the hell out of someone," if I wasn't treated right.

You meant it, every word.

I know that you have been a source of strength for so many.

Speaking every week. Telling people your story. This could happen to anybody.

You were just a sad man. You didn't mean to hurt anyone.

I'm sorry your suffered alone for so long and that this happened.

I love you Uncle "Cinderblock" Bob. I can't wait to visit you tomorrow.

Love always, your Sweetie,
Jessica Catalina Jewell

We Ebb and We Flow

My head has been in a strange place lately.

Compartmentalized. Flip a switch and the "work" me comes fully awake and aware. Everything that concerns that cross section of who I am, "work Jewell" is at full attention.

There are other layers; "Domestic Jewell," "Scholar Jewell," "Writer Jewell," "Liaison  Jewell," "Daughter Jewell," "Companion Jewell," and of course "Lover Jewell."

I have been trying to keep these parts of my brain separate. As if they were specimens of my essence undulating in a jar of formaldehyde catalogued away in the recesses of my brain meats.

A smell that feels as if the delicate, thin layers of your sinuses would just wither and crack from the harsh, noxious fumes. 

It's not my sinuses though, you see. It's my collective emotional state of homeostasis. 

It's almost as if you are a manager for internal operations, the book keeper, the human resources person, promotional department, and the CEO all at once. There are always going to be politics at play in the world around us when these are roles taken on by actual tangible individuals, but when we have this kind of hierarchy and bureaucracy in our own minds everyday running the show, it can prove quite difficult to not get any overlap, for better or worse.

To keep it in terms of business. We are all working very hard here at Jewell Inc. to maintain daily operations and we project a more profitable, efficient, yet strenuous quarter in the upcoming fiscal year. Jewell Inc. is a start-up after all, but this project has got a lot of heart- sometimes too much. Don't sell your shares too hastily. This is just the beginning.

With Love and Dissent,

Jewell

Heidi Calvert

I shot with a good friend of mine, Heidi the other day. It was a day filled with antics. And white-faced make up.                

Here is the evidence.                            

Heidi Calvert

Be sure to check out her website! www.heidicalvert.com

Pumpkin Carving Party!

Here are some snapshots of our recent pumpkin carving party we had this past weekend!

Yours truly

Mangor

Chrix

Ben!

Happy Columbus Day!

"Manifest Destiny" John Gast, 1872

Notice how Lady "Manifest Destiny" trolls across the land leaving telephone lines and railroad tracks in her wake. Not only is she bringing the white man, but she "illuminates" the West. The indigenous people are all covered in darkness if you notice- almost scuttling into the darkness like cockroaches with the animals of the land. 

Can I get an, "oi vay!?"

It's on this day of days kids all across this McNation get a day off school to frolic- enjoy the fall, reflect on this nation's founding father, Christopher Columbus! 

"Happy Genocide Day!" Is what I have to say to that, comrades. 

Over 90% of the indigenous population was exterminated when Christopher Columbus came cruising over to this hunk of land on that shiny new ship of his. His legacy is great. He has a city named after him, a national holiday in his honor and even one of our most prestigious universities named after him! Heck, we're on a roll! Germany should take our example and dedicate a holiday to that fragile, artistic, herbivore, Adolf. Hell- he could have taken notes from Columbus! 

"I certify to you, that with the help of God, we shall powerfully enter your country, and shall make war against you in all ways and manners that we can, and shall take you, and your wives, and your children, and make slaves of them, and as such sell and dispose of them as their highness may command; and we shall take away your goods, and shall do mischief and damage that we can, as to vassals who do not obey their lord, and resist and contradict him; and we protest that the deaths and losses which shall accrue from this are your fault, and not that of their highness, or ours, nor of those cavaliers who come with us."

- Christopher Columbus: El Requerimiento, 1513

So fascinating that there is no attempt, whatsoever to hide the pure malice in this decree. And the worse thing is that it was said to a people who didn't understand a word that was being said to them.

"Hey, we're going to take your land, scorch the Earth, rape your women, decimate your people and erase your culture. Sound good? Because if not, we'll just give you smallpox."

Happy Columbus Day!

With Love and Dissent,

Jewell

Tokyolux Editorial Bad Girls

Here is some recent work. I have been dabbling in projects here and there. Tokyolux was a lot of fun. Loved the clothes and the looks were a lot of fun too. 

These are some shots from the Tokyolux editorial. Reposted from the blogosphere: Lux's Buzznet

Photos Via Hannah Lux Davis

www.tokyolux.com

Reblogged from Lux

Tokyolux Go Nuts

Photos from an editorial I recently shot for.

Audrey Kitching's Tokyolux

Photos via Hannah Lux Davis

www.tokyolux.com

Reposted from Lux's Buzznet