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Serene Careaga

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    The Secret To 30 Years Of “Love And Rockets”

    Brothers Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez are considered godfathers of the alternative comics movement.  Fans and critics alike credit the brothers for bringing in a new type of narrative to the comics movement that features strong female characters and showcases Latino culture. Jaime spoke with Ross Reynolds on The Conversation.The Early YearsThe brothers grew up in Oxnard, California, in the 1960s when comics weren’t just superheroes. In fact, they wanted nothing to do with superheroes. “Part of the reason we came about was because we didn’t want to be like them,” Jaime says. Jaime and Gilbert -- also known as Los Bros Hernandez -- cite diverse influences that include Robert Crumb, Gilbert Shelton’s “Wonder Wart-Hog,” LA’s obscure punk-rock scene and the DIY movement, but the heart of their craft is in the fascinating characters they create and the delicate weaving of their storylines.  Gilbert and Jaime began publishing “Love And Rockets” in their early 20s with help from their brother Mario. They hoped that one day someone would publish it. “I didn’t want a real job,” confesses Jaime. But a real job was right around the corner; one year after they self-published the first issue, they were discovered by Seattle publisher Fantagraphics.Maggie And HopeyJaime's contributions to the "Love and Rockets" universe of characters centers on a protagonist named Maggie Chascarrillo. Maggie was created when Jaime was in high school. Hopey Glass, Maggie's close friend and occasional paramour, was inspired by the LA punk scene and the realities of a life not often seen in comics. “I wasn’t sure if they should be lovers or not, and it ended up that they did. That came about because there was so much stuff in regular comics not being explored that was happening in the real world – different race, different genders. Comics were so void of that.”Through 30 years of "Love And Rockets," Maggie and Hopey evolve and mature with a timeline that progresses. They experience the normal ups and downs of adulthood: heartbreak, loss, elation, career growth, physical changes, frustration. And over time, Jaime's storytelling has created a wide world of family members and friends, co-workers and lovers that get woven into collections and solo work.From Maggie and Hopey to Penny Century  and a superhero all-girl gang, The TI-Girls, the entertaining and complex worlds from Los Bros Hernandez leave audiences wanting more.
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    Winter Weather Advisory And Resource Guide

    National Weather Service has issued a cold weather statement for the Puget Sound region. KUOW has compiled a guide of tips to prepare for inclement weather and resources that can help you stay safe during emergency weather situations.First, most experts suggest an emergency kit for general preparedness. FEMA has provided a basic list of items to have on hand in case of emergencies:Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three daysFood, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foodBattery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteriesFlashlight and extra batteriesFirst aid kitWhistle to signal for helpDust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-placeMoist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitationWrench or pliers to turn off utilitiesManual can opener for foodLocal mapsCell phone with chargers, inverter or solar chargerAdditionally, winter emergency kits should include a sleeping bag or warm blanket per person, extra clothing and sturdy walking shoes.REGIONAL RESOURCESWeather Resources:National Weather ServiceUniversity of Washington Atmospheric SciencesCounty Emergency Services:King County Emergency ManagementPierce County Emergency ManagementThurston County Emergency ManagementSnohomish County Emergency InformationTransportation Resources:Washington State Patrol's Winter Driving AdvisoriesWSDOTSDOTKing County Metro TransitCommunity TransitAmtrak CascadesSea-Tac AirportWashington State FerriesUtility Resources:Seattle City LightPuget Sound EnergySchool Resources:SchoolReport.orgSeattle Public Schools
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    Violence And Mental Illness: Is There A Link?

    Tragic and unexplainable acts of violence are often attributed to mental illness. In the aftermath of terrible tragedies, like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, anecdotal and unconfirmed stories of mental illness begin to circulate.Dr. Jennifer Stuber from UW’s School of Social Work visited Weekday to discuss the link between violence and mental illness and particularly how the media plays a part in the dissemination of misinformation. Below are highlights from her interview.What are the connections between violence and mental illness?First, creating a working definition of mental illness is critical to exploring the correlation. If you look at prevalent data on mental illness, roughly half of all Americans over the course of their lifetime will actually meet diagnostic criteria for mental illness. Once a distinction between mental illness and the serious forms mental illness is made, the percentage of people affected drops to 5-6 percent, and the severity of symptoms increases.Further, some serious mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, have different -- and possibly more violent -- expressions of their illness. One symptom that carries the potential for increased violence is threat override, which is a hallucination that can tell a patient to do something that could potentially be violent. However, research shows that mental illness alone is rarely the cause of a violent act.More important than mental health status is the past history of the individual or how the person was raised as a child. For example, if someone with mental illness is addicted to substances or was bullied when younger, the potential for violence may be greater. A complex combination of factors can sometimes lead someone with mental illness to become involved in a violent crime, but mental illness alone is rarely the sole factor.How do events like mass shootings shape people’s perception of mental illness?False or inaccurate attribution of mental illness can create pervasive negative stereotypes. Mental illness is often only mentioned in the news when violence is involved or when there is a suicide. We need to hear more about recovery and successful treatment to combat the negative stereotypes that dominate media stories.One of the biggest dangers in false stereotypes about mental illness is that it can discourage people who need help from seeking it. Because of the way mental illness is stigmatized in media portrayals, media coverage may actually contribute to the problem.When is it important to a story to report on a person’s mental state?Simple associations of mental illness to violence without exploring context of the life of the accused or examining contributing factors that may lead to violence are particularly dangerous, but that does not mean that mental state should not be part of the discussion. Media organizations should expand coverage to contextualize mental illness to the scope of the individual's experience.One relevant topic about mental illness that the media should include in coverage is about the mental health system, particularly when there is a system failure.The Sandy Hook tragedy has resulted in three narratives: mental illness funding, school security and more gun control. What stories would you like to see coming from the press?We have found that very sad, tragic incidents like the one in Newtown, Connecticut, become an opportunity for learning. It is an important opportunity for news organizations to take a look at their coverage for ways to tell more positive stories or to use a more balanced approach.Further Resources:"In Gun Debate, A Misguided Focus On Mental Illness," The New York Times"Facts About Mental Illness And Violence," Mental Health Reporting, UW School of Social Work"Violence and Mental Illness: An Overview" by Heather Stuart, Queen's University"Mass Shootings: Maybe What We Need Is A Better Mental-Health Policy," Mother Jones 
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    Record Rainfall Impacts Transportation, Increases Mudslide Risk

    This story is developing and will be updated as details emerge.National Weather Service is reporting a record-breaking 2.16 inches of rainfall in the last 24 hours, and has issued winter storm advisories and flood warnings for parts of the Puget Sound region. Heavy rains in the area are posing a number of potential hazards, from mudslides to highway closures.Commuters are being urged to check their routes as rain continues to fall.  Sound Transit's northbound Sounder service from Seattle to Everett has been canceled for Monday evening. North Cascades Highway is temporarily closed due to heavy snow and avalanche danger.Deborah Wang spoke Sarah Miller with Seattle Public Utilities on Monday afternoon about the emerging problem of standing drainage water."With 80,000 drains in the city of Seattle, we can't be everywhere. We do clean the drains regularly," Miller explained. "However, when the trees drop their leaves, that happens in a relatively compressed period of time. Much as we get out there to clean the drains throughout the year this problem is exacerbated because the leaves drop at the beginning of November and then plug those drainage outlets."Miller has been urging Seattle residents to adopt their local drains, to clear them of leaves and debris.UPDATE at 5:00 p.m. on November 19:Amtrak's Cascades passenger train service between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, has been temporarily canceled. A 48-hour moratorium due to mudslide danger was issued Monday afternoon and may be lifted by Wednesday. Amtrak Cascades announces cancelations and disruptions through their Twitter feed.Regional Weather Resources:NOAA Seattle ForecastNational Weather ServiceUW Atmospheric Sciences' Weather MapTransportation Resources:Sound TransitKing County Metro TransitWashington State Department of Transportation
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    Election Night 2012: KUOW Reporters In The Field

    KUOW had reporters stationed throughout the Puget Sound region at several key locations to capture the stories and sounds of election night. From the celebratory hugs to the somber concession speeches, KUOW was there to bring you the latest news and analysis.