Inspiring Jake Allred: Calvin and Hobbes

     I usually introduce my inspiring media by talking about what it is, and then usually go into detail about the rich symbolism, meanings, and interpretations that make it something special. Usually the messages are deep and almost abstract, conveying human emotions in their most raw form. But today, no such deepness is required. Today, we keep things simple and beautiful, allowing a break from the rather deep and extreme parts of my consience.

     Introduced decades ago, Bill Watterson started a small comic about a boy and his stuffed tiger. It became a gigantic success, and is still used and featured in many comic papers today. It is affectionate, humerous and just human. Everything about Calvin and Hobbes is just awesome, and though it does have some rich symbolism, I will let you find that out.
     When I need to be cheered up or to have a great laughing session, I break this stuff out, and it has never failed me. Calvin, in all of his hilarious six year old glory, runs around with his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, going through life with a surprisingly rich (though narrow at times) experience, questioning things we normally take for granted, or taking things for granted that we now question. It is simply a way to think and to laugh, a way to be deep if you so desire, or to just lay low and soak up the hilarity of his antics.
     I do not want to continue writing about this, simply because there is nothing I can say that would help you understand it more, just go and read it. I would post some, but that is illegal, so I have some of my favorite images, and then I ask you to go to Barnes and Noble and start reading some soon.

Inspiring Jake Allred: Doctor Who

     Ahhh, yes, one look at a title and you might as well label me a hipster nerd. It is totally okay though, I am a total nerd and I have embraced it many LOTR midnight releases ago. Back to the Doctor, I actually do not regularly watch Doctor Who, and believe it or not, I am only referring to a couple different episodes on my list.
     In fact, that is the way with most Television series, is that while the series is well done usually, it is only an episode or two that really stand out to me. Usually these are referred to as "standalone episodes" or episodes that do not require very much knowledge of the plot in order to comprehend the material. For me, two episodes come to mind when I think of Doctor Who and what has really helped me be able to understand life an emotions better. The first one is very popular, for a good reason, it has a great combination of intense, frightening crazy stuff combined with a fun relationship and some really good character development. It is Blink. If that title does not ring a bell, Weeping Angels should.
     Why is that episode so popular, and why do I like it so much? For multiple reasons, some of them simply because it is told very well, while others are much deeper, a connection with myself and our universe. No I do not believe that the Angels are real, but I do believe that we have very real foes who want to harm us and make us unhappy, however they can. And I also believe that they have weaknesses and can in fact be beaten if the right power and authority is used.
     I will not say what happens or why I love this episode so much, you should look it up, it is on Netflix, and I think Hulu, so really no excuse not to. I love it, it is absolutely incredible, so please do. It is titled "Blink" and is on season three? I don't know that, but when I learn I will post it in the comments section.
     The other one is "The girl in the fireplace." It is a little less known, it still has David Tenant as the Doctor (excuse any hashing of celebrities names) but it is a very different story than Blink. I would highly reccommend watching it if possible, it too is with Netflix and Hulu, maybe even youtube. Either way, The girl in the fireplace deals with some very interesting decisions and morals. It has a very creepy foe as well, though not nearly as insane as the Angels.