Satirical Websites

I work in a call center on campus and I just think it is so funny how many people are fooled by satirical websites. In the context of BYU, I am referring to The BunYion. Every time that the BunYion comes out with something new, we get a call about it. My favorites have been people calling about BYU California, BYU Dental School, and many others!

We live in a day and age where people can basically put whatever they want on the Internet. It fascinates me that people don't check their sources. A classic example is the whole story that went viral about the man who was killed because of the Olympic Ring Fail. I don't mean to be a snob, but I feel like it is kind of intuitive to know your sources. Agree? Disagree?

Barbie Collection

I just thought I would post a 90s barbie collection clip. I am sure this will bring back memories to at least a few people in the class. I remember watching a Barbie Mini Van commercial and falling in love with it. Sadly, as a kid, you don't see the "parts sold separately" and "parts not included" labels. It was still really fun, but I do remember being really confused as to why it didn't look or feel as cool as it did in the ad. I didn't even have barbies to go with it and I thought they would come with it. Anyway, this was a classic example of how children are not educated consumers.

Our Midterm Exam 3x5 Index Card

This doesn't have to do with media, but I just had to post this for my fellow classmates. I chose the info I wanted to put on our 3x5 index card for the exam, but I wrote so small (I can still read it, by the way) that I still have TONS of room left. Writing in 4 point font handwriting style is great. Dr. Coyne is the best! 

Piano Guys

I just love the piano guys. I think their videography is always great, and of course, so is their music. It's really cool to see good people using their talents. I know there is a big controversy over "Let It Go" but I like it and here is their version of it.

You Know Enough

One of my favorite things to do on Sundays is to listen to General Conference messages. I'm going to be a little vulnerable here and just mention that sometimes I struggle getting into the scriptures because they are not as modern. Old is not bad, but I have an easier time studying modern talks. Here is one from awhile ago, but its message has always stuck with me. It's nice to have media where I can go back and hear the actual inflections and charisma in our leaders voices instead of simply having to read their words. Media is such a great tool.

Man Saves Children from Nazi Camps

I read up on Nicholas Winton. He was a man who saved over 600 children from Nazi death camps. The end of the clip below is really touching. He has no idea that he is sitting among those whom he saved. It's really cool! It's stuff like this that really makes me want to be better. Without media, I probably wouldn't have heard this story. Very cool. There is good news in the world!

Two Roads

My husband, Kelton, is a film major here at BYU. Technically, the program is called "Media Arts" but whatever. Though I am not studying film, I help him a lot when doing short films or other things. It's become a fun hobby for the both of us. We like to make motivational type films. I think that the little funny clips have a place, but we try to do things a little deeper. Recently, a friend of ours contacted Kelton to tell him that this film, Two Roads, had pushed him to make a better choice when he was faced with choices that conflicted with his values. He sincerely thanked us for making this film. Two Roads is based on a poem written by Robert Frost called "The Road Not Taken." I have always loved that poem and we decided to bring it to life with a "nowadays" portrayal of it.

I don't share this film to say, "Look how cool we are." I simply wanted to say that it is cool to live in a time where you can use your media talents to help others, even if it is only one person and even if you are an amateur filmmaker.

If you do give it a look, make sure to watch it in HD! It makes all the difference. :)

LDS Church Commercials

After our class discussion about advertisements, I decided to look up some of the LDS church advertisements. I found a couple of classics that I thought I would share. Some of them are pretty hilarious. The one that I love is starting at 5:25 on the first clip I posted. Anytime I give my dad good news, he responds, "How many times have I told you not to slam the door?!" It's a running inside joke based on these clips. And the second clip I posted is just pretty dang hilarious. I hadn't seen that one before. Enjoy!

I'm a New Fan

My husband finally got me to watch all of the "Lord of the Rings" movies with him. We even have the extended versions so every movie was over three hours long. I didn't think I would like them. Of course, the Orcs were a bit much for me and it was gross when Gollum bit Frodo's finger off, but the rest of it was really good. (I'm really sorry if I just scared off potential fans.) There were so many good messages. My favorite character was Sam, the unconditionally loving and loyal friend. He had the best quotes, in my opinion. I have included a few clips of his shining moments.

 This is what I love about media. I love when good and entertaining stories can also teach us amazing lessons. Both of the scenes below really touched me and I thought they were worth sharing.