Come Listen To A Prophet's Voice

I never knew there could be so much drama about attending general conference. But that is a long story I don't care for. I may or may not be attending tomorrow afternoon's session. I'm kinda excited cuz I've only ever been able to go to the morning ones and you have to wake up at like 5 to be ready and there on time, and then you're sleepy and can't stay awake during people's talks. So I believe there is hope this time. Conference is good times. I like it more especially now that I am older. I need to learn how to make my kids love it. It's media saturated in pure goodness. I hope everyone watches and good luck to all trying to stay awake! Sometimes it is difficult. But totally worth it. 

The Facebook Obsession

I just watched this documentary thingy majig called The Facebook Obsession put on by MSNBC. It was very interesting. It said a bunch of things but the thing I thought was creepy is that Facebook really does track your every move and knows like everything about you without you even knowing or realizing it. Plus now that all these businesses and websites are connecting through facebook "likes" and using your facebook username it is even crazier! I know I play games on my phone and you can use your facebook as your login and then it instantly connects you with everyone. I mean it is definitely kinda awesome that you can be instantly connected with everyone you love (hate or anywhere in between)...but at what price? We're all so obsessed with it (me included, hi just reactivated the freaking account after a 3 month purge)...we can't let it go...it's doing crazy things to us...yet we still won't part with it. Dumb, dumb, dumb!!! Oh well. I swear I am never going to like another business or logo or company or movie or book or anything. I don't want people knowing this much stuff about me. I think I am going overboard. Oh well. BYE!

p.s. it is on Netflix if you want to watch it. :)

Regards

I thought this was funny in a twisted little way. 

YW Broadcast

Last night I had the opportunity to go to the YW broadcast with the young women in my ward and stake. I thought this was awesome because although I've been to the conference center for conference, I've never been for this. Anywho, during the conference they showed this video with girls singing around the world. It was pretty cool. I loved it, I felt the spirit really strong during that part of the meeting. I think it's awesome that while we were sitting there in the center it was being broadcast to millions of women all over the world instantaneously. AWESOME! Sometimes I just love how advanced this world has become. 

Justin Bieber, violence, sexualizing women. BAM!

http://www.complex.com/music/2012/03/justin-bieber-10th-anniversary-covers


Copy and paste the link.

Watch the video.

See how they put a nice little woman in a "sexy" little outfit?
See how there is violence?

I thought it fit nicely with the last couple of class topics.

March Madness

I love love love sports. Some of my earliest memories are on the soccer field, some of my most fun when I would see onlookers "wow" as I would outdo the boys on the court. I've always loved sports, and it's been a big way that me and my parents have connected over the years. March madness is good for me. I know nothing of the teams, but I don't have to. I can get caught up in any game, no matter who it is. I love buzzer beaters, huge upsets, and major comebacks. Not to mention this is the one time I can get my husband to join me in watching some TV. We have so much to say about sports and we could talk about games forever. The only unfortunate thing is this year it is actually warm here in Provo in March. Makes me wanna go to the park and play some ball. This year it's hard for me to watch so much sports because I'm still NOT allowed to play as I am still recovering from my ACL surgery from 2.5 months ago. I feel great, but my doctor says no. Not for another 3.5 months. Dang cats, I am not even half way along. Don't get me started. LAME! 

For now I shall live vicariously through March Madness I suppose. 

Also, has anyone else enjoyed the TOYOTA commercials during March Madness? I smile every time they come on. 

Dang I can't find the video. Someday soon you will see it. BYE

Punching Your Husband

Today's lecture got me thinking about the things that I watch. Not that I LOVE to watch people killing other people or punch other people...but I realize I am probably one of those ones that think that media can't control me and won't control me by actually encouraging my aggressive behaviors. The only way it's possible for me to say it won't control me is by not letting it into my life at all. Hopefully I can just be more aware of what I watch and eliminate it. But even Disney shows like The Incredibles have it...kinda hard to get away from even in what some would consider 'Wholesome shows.' 

Oh well. I shall watch it like a HAWK. Be aware my little friends...before you know it you might just be throwing some punches at your husband. Hahaha. JK! Geeze I probably shouldn't talk of aggressiveness in such a light manner. Does this mean I've already let aggressive media get the best of me?! 

Disclaimer: I've never thrown any punches at my husband. He's too tender hearted for that. 

Ditch the Media

I just read Tessa's blog about getting off the couch and doing something ACTIVE on the weekends. I just had to take the time to second this notion. Smart Tessa writing down what I have been thinking! Media is good ol' fun when you've worked a hard week and you're feeling extra tired, cold, and wanna snuggle up close to somebody...but the times that I feel that way and I actually get out instead of just losing my brain in front of the TV I come out with a lot more energy and spunk for life. Oh good times for sure! Me and my husband need to make more friends so we will get out more...my friends are home bodies (Sorry if you see this, but it's true! Except Brooke, but you live in Cedar so it is no good for me!), while I on the other hand, am quite the 'get out and go go go, never stop going' kind of person. My husband can only take so much of that though, so it's probably good for him that most of my friends like to stay at home. Anywho, I do enjoy media and snuggling with my bubba...but I think I enjoy getting out TEN times more. 

Good day to all. 

Party Hard. 

Advertisement...I forgotted

This is our advertisement for family. Enjoy. The cute little boy is my nephew. Love to baby boy Camden!

Stephen Colbert Mormon ads

I saw this a long time ago...but just remembered about it today as I was talking to my in laws. So funny. Watch it. I heart stephen colbert.

Click on this link...Love love.

I like his point about Joseph Smith and Moses with the 10 commandments. Oh comedians have such a way to my heart.

How Stupid Am I?!

K, so I guess last month Beyonce and Jay-Z had a baby. I vaguely remember this apparently very talked about event. Something about renting out the hospital floor for 1.3 million dollars. Honestly, I know you aren't going to believe this but it is 100% TRUE!!! I didn't even know the two were married, not to mention pregnant. So today on Hulu I saw an SNL clip of Beyonce and Jay Z with baby Ivy or Blue, I can't even remember what the kids first name is. Anywho, it sparked some interest in me, so I watched it, which then sparked an interest in seeing what this kid looked like. Which then brought me to videos and news about Beyonce hiring a surrogate mother. How did I miss all this? Honestly, I am not one for tabloids and celeb magazines...so that is probably why. But I just spent the last 40 minutes looking up all this CRAP about people I don't even care about. And this is why sometimes I hate the internet and instant access to millions of information about random people I don't even know. THAT IS WHY I AM STUPID! I somehow get sucked into it every time. But I think Beyonce wins on stupidity this time. A surrogate mother really?!?! I just think this world is getting more and more sad. Money, fame, a career is really that important to you and would stop you from carrying your own baby for just 9 months?! SAAAAD I repeat. Alright, well I am done with that. I promise to never waste more time on Beyonce and Jay-Z ever again. The end. 

Whitney Houston and Rebecca Black

K, I am at my parent's house this weekend and last night my mom and dad were watching the 20/20 special on Whitney Houston's life. Honestly, I did not really know anything about her prior to this besides she sings the song "I will always love you." I know I am just not up to date on all these popular people. Anyway, they said something interesting in the video...Whitney was desperately trying to make a comeback after the whole drug and whatever other crazy things were going on. Unfortunately, she just wasn't ready for her comeback and would often miss her high notes, and her voice just wasn't the same. They even showed one video of her taking a minute pause before starting the high note of her song. They said that it was really bad for Whitney Houston that all of this happened when Youtube was becoming really popular because it meant that people could watch and rewatch all over her mess ups and bad concerts. She was in the headlines, but for all her nasty performances. It really shot her self esteem. I love the powers of youtube for funny videos, or even true news. But sometimes I just really feel bad about the negative effects it has on individuals who are being made fun of, or put down every time one of their videos is watched. Anybody remember the not so wonderful Rebecca Black's breakthrough on youtube with the ever popular "Friday?" Of course you do...it was terrible, and it was watched millions upon millions of times. SAD!

K in this title I don't want to say I am comparing Rebecca Black to Whitney Houston...but both got put down from their viral videos on youtube. 

Too much media

Over the course of just a few days I watched The Vow, The Blindside, an episode of Pretty Little Liars, an episode of The Bachelor, and probably something else I am forgetting. It was too much for me. I want to never watch that much TV in a span of just a few days ever again. Usually I have lots to say, but this week I am struggling for ideas. So that's about all I can give you. I did enjoy watching The Blindside for my 490 class though. I think it was wonderful to watch it and pick out the things we have been learning about through the SFL major. Wonderful, wonderful. Cheerio good ladies.

Shamed- Speak Listen Heal

Hey everyone. I don't know how many of you have seen the trailer for a documentary a group of people are trying to put together called "Shamed." But the quick info on it is they need 40,000 dollars donated to the program so that they can shoot it and put it all together. I think it is a wonderful cause, as it is trying to warn the world of the effects of pornography and how harmful it is to our society and families. Pass the word on please! They have almost met their goal, but they have to meet it within the next 4 days...if they don't, then the documentary won't be made. So donate please, or pass the world on so that others can donate. I would love to see this go through. I know there are many people that are affected by this, and it will affect everyone's life at some point! It is so sad, and I would hope that this video (if made) could help any individuals struggling with pornography or those who have a loved one struggling with the addiction. Thanks! Here's the link...

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/141091137/shamed-a-documentary-feature-film

And watch the video if you wish.

The Best Media a 19 Year Old Boy Could Ask For!

My little brother just got his mission call last night. I can't believe it! When did we all grow up?! Anywho, he is going to the Scotland/Ireland mission!!!! Sooo coool. I'm sure every person has had the wonderful experience of watching someone open their mission call or opening their own, but it is just a beautiful thing. They get basically a little brochure with a map showing where their mission boundaries are, who their mission president and his family are, what types of clothes to wear, where to report, etc. I don't really know if we can count it as media. But I certainly am. And it's media from the prophets and apostles of our church. What's better than that? Anyway, I was just super excited about it so of course I had to relate it to media so I could put it on here, my little brother is perhaps my most favorite person in the world (Besides Taylor of course). We were best friends all growing up, so I just can't believe that he is ready to be 19 and leave the country and deliver the good message of Jesus Christ and deliver the Book of Mormon (The most important book in the world) to those in Scotland and Ireland. Their quality of media will increase ten fold. Anywho, I'm weird. Pay no attention. Love you Dallin and CONGRATS!!!

BIGGEST CLAW GAME EVER!

Watch this video. You will be blown away. 

K I don't know if anyone saw this, but isn't this freaking awesome!? I don't even know what to say about this except for these people are genius's! How do they come up with these things? This makes me hopeful that I can someday win a free car by doing next to nothing. Haha. 

Seek The Shining Moments

Okay okay, I know the song is really IMPROVE the shining moments...but I like the idea of seeking them better. If we are seeking them, then we are improving moments as well as our lives. Anywho, that's not really the point. I think music is one of the most powerful things on this earth. Think about it, take the scariest movie you've ever seen and take the background music away...it really wouldn't be all too scary anymore. Or Sacrament meeting, the speakers definitely bring the spirit, but I think music makes it resonate throughout your entire body. Such a cool thing. Today I was having one of those especially good days, don't know why, but I am grateful for it. Sorry to get all spiritual on this, usually I don't do that, I'm more of a jokester...but I've suddenly had this putting my entire life in God's hands thing going on. Usually I want things to be my way, so this is a big step! And it feels for real...none of that fake temporary kind of stuff. Anyway, I was contemplating this on my walk to work today and this song then popped in my head. Good song right? YES!

1. Improve the shining moments,

Don’t let them pass you by;

Work while the sun is radiant;

Work, for the night draws nigh.

We cannot bid the sunbeams

To lengthen out their stay;

Nor can we ask the shadow

To ever stay away.

2. Time flies on wings of lightning,

We cannot call it back;

It comes, then passes forward

Along its onward track;

And if we are not mindful,

The chance will fade away;

For life is quick in passing—

’Tis as a single day.

3. As winter time doth follow

The pleasant summer days,

So may our joys all vanish,

And pass far from our gaze.

Then should we not endeavor

Each day some point to gain,

That we may here be useful,

And ev’ry wrong disdain.

4. Improve each shining moment;

In this you are secure,

For promptness bringeth safety,

And blessings rich and pure.

Let prudence guide your actions,

Be honest in your heart,

And God will love and bless you,

And help to you impart.

Buying a Car?

You should probably check this out before making any decisions. 

And since we've been speaking of powerful advertisements. I LOVED this!!! I was eating lunch with my brother today and he was on his Ipad watching something. As soon as I heard the music I was like "What are you watching? I wanna watch too!" Talk about catchy and getting your attention. Not to mention all this stuff is really cool and you just want to go skydiving in a car now! Haha. I just liked it all around. Don't be surprised if I go out and buy this car now. Just kidding my friends....but it was good stuff. I've watched it like three times now.

Also, I just love chevy commercials since Tim Allen started doing the voice over. He's good times. Real good times. 

Skype!

I love to skype...mostly just my family, because I love them and miss them every single day of my life. It's hard to be in Provo without family, besides my 2 brothers who could care less about coming and hanging out with their lonely sister.  I love my family. And ever since my sister and brother in law moved back to Vegas and stole my favorite little buddy Camden (my 2 and a half year old nephew), I have found myself missing family more than ever. Therefore, I love SKYPE! I think over the last 2 Sundays we've spent at least 6 hours skyping with both our families. It almost takes the pain away...almost. Can I tell you a funny story? Last weekend when I was skyping with my sister, Meghan, she ran upstairs real quick to find something for someone, leaving Camden (who is 2) sitting in the computer chair just chatting and dancing up a storm in front of the computer camera. I think he got so involved in the music and his dancing that he tipped over the computer chair and bonked into the wall. Naturally he starts crying, and there I am, sitting behind a computer screen 500 miles away, unable to do a thing. It was sad, but Meghan came running down really quick and picked him up and he was all good. That's when the story became less sad and more funny. The boy fake cried for the next 5 minutes. He's a stinker, and no matter what we did, he wouldn't smile, just gave us a stink eye. Another fun thing we do is offer Camden a cookie, so he will come over to the screen and try to grab the cookie, but to no avail. It's kind of a mean trick, but it makes us laugh, and he doesn't seem to get too upset. Recently, he hasn't been falling for this anymore. 

I don't know what we call this mask looking thing. 

So, point is, I like skyping with my family. It makes me feel like I am closer to them. Here is a picture from the skype session with the Ball family. I love to make funny faces at people while we are chatting, so my mother in law started copying me, and this is what we got. Aren't we just the funnest dang people ever? Haha. Just Kidding!!! But I love that media can bring us closer to family even when they are hundreds of miles away. Oh the beauties of living in the technological age. 

Mr. Rogers

In class we watched that nice, sweet, peaceful video clip of mister rogers. It reminded me of this time just a few short years ago when I was on Youtube searching for some video cips...and you know youtube, you go there for one thing and walk away having watched a ton of videos that led you somewhere entirely different from where you began. It was one of those days when I came across a creepy montage someone had put together of mister rogers. I thought it was hilarious and went up and got my mom to watch it cuz I thought it was so funny. It was a joyous moment as we laughed hysterically about how creepy this video was. In class it triggered my memory of this, so just now I looked to see if I could find it. It's like 10 minutes long. So I decided to post just one little clip from it someone else had put up. Funny stuff. Okay just kidding. I couldn't find it in the options that blogger is giving me. I probably wouldn't watch the whole thing if I were you.

Start at 4:30 if you don't feel like watching it all. The beginning is a little slow, but this is the part that had me and my mom laughing the most.

TGIF

Thank Goodness it's Friday!!!

For real, this is how I feel right now. I love the weekend, plus it will serve as a really good resting period for my knee which really hurts right now. Ever since surgery I am a complete klutz with my right leg...but that's a different story. Remember TGIF from way back in the day? Oh soooo sooo good! I kind of wish that was still happening. I remember such good things from those days and how it brought the whole family together to watch some of our favorite shows. I can't remember any other time where the family was home, together on a friday night. But moving on, none of this was really supposed to be part of my post.

Yesterday in my aging class we took a test to see how long we would live. At the end the teacher asked for a raise of hands to see about where everybody would fall. Only 1 or 2 lived over 100 (according to this test) about 10 more would live over 90 and then pretty much everybody would live over 85. Right then this triggered my days of watching Boy Meets World (seriously, didn't everybody LOVE this show?) and the episode where Topanga, Shawn, and Angela are all taking this test so they force Cory to take it too. As soon as they got the results they knew they were in trouble when the test revealed that Cory should have already died...or he was supopsed to die in the next few weeks (Can't remember for sure). But anyway, Cory becomes this crazy person obsessed with death and how he lived his life and he is basically on edge and freaking out about dying for the rest of the episode. It is hilarious. So in the middle of the class I start laughing because I think of how funny that episode was. If anybody heard me they had to have thought how sick and twisted it was that I was laughing about death...so no judgy people, it's just the recollection of hilarious media from my youth!

Anybody else love Boy Meets World? Or remember the TGIF lineup? Rushing home from shopping or soccer practices or whatever it may have been to make sure you didn't miss TGIF? I vote we all watch Boy Meets World in class one day. So good.

Why?

Just recently I got on a "Big Bang Theory" fix. Why? Well up until today I hadn't really given it any thought...But today in my Media class we were talking about the different reasons that people watch certain TV shows. A lot of times we watch things to meet certain needs we may have. I don't know if anyone has seen any episodes of the Big Bang Theory, but basically it is about these beyond super nerdy guys that live across the hall from a hot chick that is pretty dumb (Penny)...at least in regards to physics. She is very socially inclined, whereas the nerdy boys (especially Sheldon) are socially inept. Anywho, background story real quick, I did just have surgery over Christmas break and now I have to spend 4 hours a day, every day, with my leg hooked into a machine that goes up and down, up and down. It is boring to say the least (unless watching TV), and sometimes can be painful, so I usually take the very powerful drugs they gave me to help with pain, but this also puts me out and makes me just want to fall asleep, but I don't want to fall asleep, so instead I veg in front of the TV. Enough of that, I just had to excuse my ridiculous amount of time watching this show, plus, that truly is one reason why I watch the show, I need some sort of entertainment during the most boring periods of my life! Second, I love nerdy boys. Always have. I never was one of those girls that went for the "Brad Pitt" look or the good looks advertised in Hollywood. Nerds are darling, naive, and you just feel good when hanging out with them because life isn't about all the petty things in life like it can be when you're with other people. I like to think I married a nerd, but Taylor doesn't really think he is one. So we meet halfway...he's got the smarts of a nerd...but he isn't really interested in typical nerdy things like Batman, and action figures, and the kind that can speak the weird languages in Star Wars and Lord of the rings (like the nerds from BBT do). So I just watch it to get my nerd fix. I love nerds, and being married has kept me from said nerds. Haha. JK! But I guess in a way it is kind of true. Third, I was always that girl growing up that was hanging out with the guys. I was doing the boy things and spending all my time with them, and I enjoyed being the only girl in their little circle. I love that Penny is that girl, so I guess in a way I identify with her a little bit. I feel like in real life, I would totally be that girl that was friends with these guys (despite their weird quirks and sometimes obnoxious commentary). I was always friends with people that others wouldn't give the time of day to. Said, but sometimes true.

I could write more, but my leg is in the machine and I am currently heavily medicated...which means, BBT will have to be my cure. BYE!

I added the picture, because I really do think that they are just adorable. 

The Title

I, like most normal people in the world, enjoy all sorts of media. While it often brings joy, laughter, and relaxation into my life, it is also a major time waster that sometimes brings uninvited profanity and sexuality. Therefore, media is my friend and also my enemy...FRENEMY! Okay, so I realize that this is not very clever, nor is it very appealing. But it is for my media class which I find most interesting. So here is the beginning, please look forward to many more posts about the media as a frenemy in my life. YAY!