Soap Operas: 101

"I think people like stories that continue so they can relate to these people. They become like a family, and the viewer becomes emotionally involved. There seem to be two attitudes by viewers. One, that the stories are similar to what happened to them in real life, or two, thank goodness that isn't me." 

-H. Wesley Kenney, Executive Producer of General Hospital (1988)

New York Times Magazine, 2 April 1988

I love music just as much as the next person.  I also love TV, romance, and stories that get you hooked.  But what happens when the two are combined?

For my SFL 358 class, we are doing a "Coding Analysis Project."  We were required to pick a topic, and then something in the media to code.  For example (and this is not my group's project): listen to music for two hours and coding lyrics based on references to alcohol or drugs.

I don't want to give my group's project away (and quite frankly it's irrelevant to this post) but we have been watching a TV series that is not really my favorite.  But remember what I said earlier about liking music, TV, romance, and a good story?  Yeah.

Problem #1: I don't even care about the characters, and yet I do.  I want to keep watching, but I don't at the same time.  I am beginning to feel some kind of emotional connection to the characters.

Problem #2: The stories are not the most happy, and it has been affecting my mood, and I'm making up silly excuses to watch it.

Problem #3: It's a friggin soap opera - for teenagers!  The show is not even that good (in my opinion), and I don't support it in anyway (what it supports and preaches).

Problem #4: This is the biggest problem - I am frustrated with myself.  I know all these things.  No, I am not watching it for pleasure - but I am getting some kind of enjoyment out (ridiculous)!

So - what do I do about it?  Or what can WE do about it individually?

To get off the topic of ME for a minute, I want to address the general public.  What shows do we watch that are characteristic of soap operas?  I'm not talking about the obvious choices, i.e., Days of Our Lives, Guiding Light, or The Young and the Restless.  Think hard about this, because most likely you watch at least one.

Back to me!  Here are some of my "guilty pleasure" shows - in other words SOAP OPERAS:

• The Vampire Diaries
• The Good Wife
• Bones
• Dallas
• Nashville

This is not an extensive list, just examples (and please note that I have quit watching all of these for specific reasons).  Each one of these shows has a continuing storyline, a romantic relationship (or more), and DRAMA of some kind.  So what attracts us to those things??  And why do we willfully choose to indulge ourselves??

For me, I am able to get out of my uneventful life and focus on someone else's problems and adventures.  It is nice to get out of your own skin every now and then.

But the problem I find in each one of these shows - including the one I am currently coding for for class - is this: they hook you in; snatch on to one of your "weaknesses"; hit you in the gut with an emotional story - we find something in them that we relate to, find interesting, have something we want (or something we can't have).

Are those good qualities?  I refer to them as carnal desires.

I was talking to my husband about this, explaining to him that I've been in kind of a slump all day because one of the shows I was watching was very heart-wrenching.  I wanted the characters to be happy, and was rooting for them.  But I was letting myself become consumed by their emotions - and they are not even real stories or people, it is a fictional show.  I found myself doing research on how the season ended, what happened, and what the "buzz" or "hype" was after such a dramatic turn of events.  I was listening to sad music, not being productive, and getting WAY too wrapped up in something I claim to not care about.

I had to snap out of it.  So guess what I did?

Thank you, Blake Shelton for having upbeat, in-your-face, happy music!!  What was I doing being so overwhelmed with frustration and sadness??  How often do we let the media overrun us and control our emotions?  That's why I had to quit watching those shows listed above - they were affecting my emotions, moods, and attitude more than I should have let them.  Are YOU watching something that is bringing you down in some way?  To quote President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Stop it!" (kind of out of context, but you get the idea.. hopefully..)

Let this be a small lesson in self-regulation (for me anyway).

Happy Birthday! to me..

Just a heads up - this post might be a tad self-serving, but it will be good, I promise!

First things first, it is my birthday.  But I have a question: how does Google know that it is my birthday??

Seriously though, isn't that a little weird that an Internet browser knows when my birthday is??  Regardless of how strange that is to me - it is also really cool!!

Now, onto the nitty gritty.  Guess what I get to do for my birthday??  That's right - I'm going to the Blake Shelton: Time Times Crazier concert.  Woot woot!

I would like to thank my husband for this of course.  Before giving me the tickets, he made a card with this lovely gem of a picture that said, "Care to join me?"  Um..  Yes, of course I do!  Ahh!!  I couldn't be more excited!!  I have the best husband ever!!

The picture above of Blake is from the Lip Sync Battle that he and Gwen Stefani did on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  Here is the video for it if you haven't seen it yet.  It's definitely worth your time!  Bask in all of it's glory, you will be glad you did.

Needless to say, I am a very happy birthday girl.  Blake Shelton is one of my most favorite artists, and I love watching him on The Voice each week.  I was singing praises and shouting for joy when I opened up the tickets; I pretty much looked like this this morning...

Too happy about this?  No.  I don't think so.  Just excited.  And showing my gratitude.  A BIG shout-out to my husband for such a great present!  And now I look like this at work, singing along to his album (and I will be all day)...  

As Gus and Shawn on "Psych" would say, "You know that's right!!"

In order to stay true to the title of my blog (All Twittered Out), I need to mention Blake's Tweet from this morning (see below).  Thank you, +Blake Shelton for coming to Salt Lake City on my birthday - I am so excited!  And thank you, +Shawn Fielding for the tickets - you're the best husband a girl could ask for!  Oh, and I can't forget to sport the new "Team Blake" t-shirt that Shawn got me as well.

How's THAT for media - Google, pictures, concert, music, videos, t-shirts, Twitter - all in one blog post!  And a very Happy Birthday to me, if I do say so myself.  It's going to be a good day (and night)!!  Thanks, y'all!!

Wanted: Encouragers (there is a surplus of critics already)

As I mentioned in my previous post, I work full-time in the Especially For Youth office on campus at Brigham Young University.  The last few days here in the office have been slower than normal, and a tad quiet; this can given me some opportunity to sit and reflect on some things.

While sitting in my office this week, I was awakened to all of the positive media I am surrounded by.  Everywhere I turn, I see uplifting messages - old EFY banners, pictures of my family, quotes from the leaders of the Church, etc.  I don't know how long it's been since I have really paid attention to my working environment, but I have been reminded this week how calm and peaceful I feel here.

Look at some of the media messages I see everyday (see image to right).  These are messages of hope, love, and faith.  These messages keep me going throughout the day.  These messages keep me centered and aware of who I am.

These are positive media messages.

Why do messages like these resonate so well with people?  Because they are positive, uplifting, and encouraging.  Who wouldn't want those kinds of things in their life?

Media has just as much power to strengthen someone as it does to tear someone down - why is that?  Take a look at some ads for me (see below).

How do these make you feel?

Do they give you hope?

Do they make you feel good about yourself?

What is the focus?

Why does media have such an impact on how we view ourselves and the world around us?  Because it is powerful and triggers our emotions.  Thoughts like "I'm not skinny enough," "Bad things happen, so there is no point," or even, "I wish I looked like that," get into our heads, set up camp, and we allow them to stay.  So, how do we break this trend of letting negative media affect us?

We need to spread more of the good; encourage those around us; focus on the positive; and even #ShareGoodness.  There is so much good in the world, we shouldn't pass it up as often as we do.  It is easy to get down and out, but so much better for us to be strong.

"Wanted: Encouragers [We have a surplus of critics already, thanks." -The World


I am so grateful to work for a program that focuses on the good and helping people want to be better.  Can we help in that effort?  Encourage more positive media, and let's nix the negative.

Bang Bang: Lyrics vs. Tone

I am SO glad that we talked about music today in my media class.  I started writing this blog yesterday after posting my "Trending Now" blog, because it just hit home for me for some reason.  Hope you enjoy this one - brace yourself!

I was driving through campus yesterday evening, and as I was doing so, I heard - blaring from a car passing by - "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.  Have you heard it before?  Here is my advice about the song:

DO NOT LISTEN!!!

I work full-time for the EFY Programs, and one of my many tasks is to help compile music for the dances.  This is an extensive process, and more so than you may think or want to believe.  Here is a list of only some of the criteria we use:

• No swear words (including references to "god," "God," "Jesus," etc.)
• No hidden messages or innuendos
• What other music has the artist produced (are they overall a "good" role model)
• What does the music video portray
• LYRICS!

Now, this may seem a strenuous task, and it is, but at least I know what I am listening to - can you say that about your music?  Let me use some examples from "Bang Bang" to prove a point:

• "We dipping in the pot of blue foam..."
• This has two meanings: (1) marijuana and (2) satanic spells
• "Bang bang..."
• Reference to having sex - a lot of it and roughly
• "Kitten so good it's dripping on wood..."
• Simply put, kitten=female private parts and wood=male private parts
• "Got a body like an hourglass, but I can give it to you all the time..."
• Would you want your daughter described that way?  Or being that explicit with her intentions?

I could keep going, but I need to stop there.  The point is - this song is all about sex.  And sex in a completely S&M, hard core, sort of way.  Did you know that?  Do you sing along to it?  I do when it is on.  The lyrics and the beat get stuck in your head; it is catchy and addicting - in a totally inappropriate way of course.

The following question was posed in class today: "Do lyrics or tone have more of an influence on behaviors?"  I would say 98% of the class said tone, but in actuality, data shows us that lyrics have a stronger effect!  Content really does matter, even in the music we listen to.

As a lover of music myself, I know how tricky it can be to find music that is both catchy and appropriate; most of the time you can find one without the other.  But don't lose hope!

Let me share with you some of my favorite songs, and songs that have been approved for use at the EFY dances.  Can you tell a difference in these and songs like "Bang Bang?"

• Best Day of My Life - American Authors
• Hey, Brother - Avicii
• Now You're Gone - Basshunter
• Sin Ti (Don't Wanna Miss A Thing) - Dyland y Lenny ft. Pitbull
• We'll Be Coming Back - Calvin Harris
• Haven't Met Yo Yet - Michael Buble
• Mirrors - Justin Timberlake
• Happy - Pharrell Williams

That is just a small portion, but a pretty solid list of songs that are appropriate AND catchy.  Do you know the lyrics that are in your favorite songs?  Do you understand the meanings that are sometimes hidden in them?  Take some time to evaluate your playlists; I know I will, and that I do, on a regular basis.

Let me end here, because I know that I could just chat about this topic all day (and that there will be more blogs about specific "popular" songs).  To leave on a more positive note, here is one of my favorite, danceable, happy, clean tunes for you.  Feel free to bask in all the positive mojo vibes, of course!  :)

TRENDING NOW!

Who hasn't heard or seen the show "Duck Dynasty?"  If you happen to be living under a rock, here is a short clip for you to bask in:

Anyway, this video is beside the point.  I was on Facebook today (like that's anything new) and trending was "Sadie Robertson's Cowboy/Jazz Dance With Stars Brings Tear to Dad's Eye."  This was literally trending on every site: CCN News, Twitter, Facebook, Huffington Post, Access Hollywood - you name it!  

I suppose my question is this: why are reality television stars so popular?

Sadie Robertson is actually one of the more respectable reality TV stars I think, but why do we spend so much time obsessed with famous people's lives?  Are they really that much better than ours?  Do we not have anything else to be doing or think about?

Now, I get that I don't have the opportunity to dance with Mark Ballas, but does that make me (or you for that matter) any less important?  How much of our attention do we give to famous people?

More importantly I want to ask this question: what is trending in YOUR life?  Do we jump on the media bandwagon of what's popular?  Or do we spend time with things that may be more important, just less popular or trending?

Don't get me wrong - I love Duck Dynasty, and I think Sadie is killing it on DWTS this season!  But this trending issue today got me thinking about what is trending in my personal life.  Am I up on my homework or scripture knowledge or family news more than I am with all the juicy reality TV drama/gossip/news?  If I was Facebook, what would be in my "trending column?"  Think about it.

In other news - Sadie did in fact make her dad cry with her latest performance: 

TiVo, TV your way.

So my husband went to a family dinner last night, but were pretty bummed that it was at the same time as the Seahawks vs. Broncos football game.  But, we could not believe what we saw when we arrived at dinner: my brother was watching the game on his iPad!

Now I know you are thinking something like, "What's the big deal?"  The BIG DEAL is this: he was recording the game at home (5 miles or so away) on his TiVo and watching it on his iPad.  He could fast forward, rewind, stop recording, pause - anything he would have been able to do had he been at home watching it.  He had full control of his television and recording device even though he was 5 miles away and on a different wireless network.

How does this even work?! "Tivo, TV your way." is right!!

Needless to say, my husband and I were in awe of this, and grateful that we were able to watch the remainder of the game.  How crazy is it that we have that much control now?  What do we even do with that much power?  We can go literally anywhere with our television in our hands.  Heck, I am just grateful most of the time to be able to record shows to watch them later; I don't even know what to do now that there is an option of watching my recorded TV (or live TV for that matter) on my phone, tablet, or computer away from my residence.  This feat is mind-boggling to me.

Is having your remote control in your hand everywhere you go TOO much?  What do we do now that we can watch our television anywhere now?  Are we too connected or too obsessed?  Don't get me wrong - my husband and I were elated to be able to finish the game, but it really got me thinking about how far media has come and where it is heading.

The real point of this post, obviously, was that the Hawks won - in overtime!  We would never have known the outcome (well, just not instantly)...  Go Hawks!

But what are YOUR thoughts on this?  Too much?  Or can't get enough?  Comment below.

Infant Exposure to Media

I am doing kind of a different thing today with my blog post.  I wanted to share the short essay I wrote for my SFL 358 class (Media, Family, and Human Development).  I promise that it is short, and totally worth the read.  A BIG "thank you" to my sister-in-law, Anona, for helping with this assignment.  Definitely insightful and worth processing your own thoughts and feelings about infants and media use.  Enjoy!

Introduction

I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing my sister-in-law, Anona, about her opinion on infants and the media.  Anona provided some great answers to the questions that were posed, namely feelings on infant exposure to television; videos aimed at infants; and overall opinion on whether or not she allows her infant to watch television.  This was such an eye-opening experience for me into parenting and media-use, and helped me better understand the purposes behind infant media.

Analysis

Infant exposure to television.  Anona is one who enjoys reading parenting books and articles on recent studies about child development.  Most of what she has read is about the importance of limiting infant TV time.  She does not like to let her kids watch TV, but especially as an infant.  Anona believes that “ten ‘educational’ shows will never equal in developmental value to ten minutes of reading a book to your baby."  Anona is the mother of three girls, with the youngest being 18 months old.  Never has Anona turned on a show specifically for her youngest; the only time that her infant is allowed to watch something is if her older sisters are.  To other moms of small children, Anona said that it is okay to let them watch a show every once in a while, but to recognize it for what it is – an electronic babysitter – and to not confuse it for being an educational tool.

Videos aimed at infants.  The attitude that Anona has in regards to videos specifically aimed at infants, is influenced strongly by her mother.  As a child, Anona remembers watching a program every now and then, but states that her mother was very careful that she “watch shows marketed as educational, and never Power Rangers or cartoons or anything with no redeeming merit in her eyes."  Shows like Little Einstein’s versus other “fluff” programs seem to be age appropriate, and educational in some respects.  So, educational or not, her opinion on “videos aimed at infants” is this: children should know how to entertain and play by themselves, and recognize that TV is a sorry substitute for real life at any age.

Overall opinion.  Now that Anona is a parent herself, she likes to let her children interact with one another, playing dress up, doing puzzles, reading books, and even fighting with one another to work out their social issues.  Anona feels better about herself when she takes the time to read, play with, and have her children help clean and run errands – “I feel like they are using their brains in active ways and not passively accepting what is presented to them in a TV show."  However, she understands that sometimes a mom/parent needs a temporary babysitting measure is needed, “like a month ago when I was nauseous all day from being pregnant, preparing to move, and renovating another house all at the same time;" but no need to worry, because she will shortly be back to her parenting template!

Conclusion

Not only does Anona use personal experience to shape her views on infant’s and TV, but she does research – asking friends, reading studies, etc.  Balancing the media act with a 6-year-old, 4-year-old, 18-month-old, and another on the way is tricky!  What is deemed appropriate for the oldest may not be so for the infant.  Be aware of what your children are watching, when they are watching, and their age.  Though she believes that TV for infants may not be the most “appropriate” thing on the block, Anona is grateful for it. 

Thanks for reading!  What are your thoughts on infants (and children in general) and their exposure to media?  And what do you think the data shows us...?

Media Dependency Theory

My husband and I made a trip to the temple last night, and it was an amazing experience as always.  But I did something that I think I realized for the first time...  The first thing I did after we got back to the car was check my cell phone!!!  After I realized what I had done, I thought it would make for a decent blog.

Questions for thought:

• What is the first thing you do when you leave the temple? 
• What other places can you think of that ask you to not bring in or silence media devices?
• Do you take your phone with you when you attend the temple (or church for that matter)?
• Are we media dependent?

Media dependency is defined something like this: the association between media, audience, and society.  There is "limited learning" from real people, and so we turn to media to essentially fulfill our needs.  Extensively using media then generates dependent relationships, but not all of the media relationships are equal - we do not treat all media the same way.  (Dependency Theory, 2014).

So am I - or are you - media dependent?  Do we think we will die without our cell phones, tablets, computers, iPods, or laptops?  The simple answer to these questions is "no."  Then why can we not go anywhere or do anything without them?

I would not consider myself "media dependent" per se, but I do feel kind of naked without my phone..  Granted, when I picked up my phone after the temple, I was just responding to my mother..  But still, that is not the point.

I hope (for my self anyway) that I know who I am without my phone.  That may sound silly, but it is a question you should ask yourself.  I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to the temple or church and had people's phones ring or vibrate - how annoying is that?  We should be just as bothered by allowing ourselves to not go a few minutes without technology.  

I am going to do better about taking a "personal inventory" on my technology use (when I use it, what I am doing, etc).  Sounds so time consuming, but I think it would really help to be truly aware of my media use.  Are we becoming a media dependent people/society?

Anyway, food for thought!  Just remember - the temple is a no cell phone zone, in AND outside.

Sources:

Dependency Theory. (2014, September 10). Retrieved September 18, 2014, from http://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory clusters/Media, Culture and Society/Dependency Theory-1/.

Missionaries and Social Media

In June 2013, President Thomas S. Monson made a big announcement that missionaries will now be able to begin using the Internet and social media sites in their missionary service.  LDS missionaries can use Facebook, blogs, email, and Mormon.org to seek out interested people, answer questions, and #ShareGoodness.

Why will there be continual "improvements in the way we perform missionary work," (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland; Penrod, 2013)?  Elder L. Tom Parry answered that question: "The Church must adapt to a changing world," (Penrod, 2013).

We live in an ever-changing world.  Knocking on doors to spread the gospel is considered more "old school," and people may be more open to someone on Facebook or someone they have a connection with.  The goal of allowing missionaries to use social media is this: to reach more people who are not of the LDS faith.  It's as simple as that.

"With the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God's great plan for His children in a way that can be heard...around the world.  Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone's life for eternity," (Uchtdorf, 2011).

But is this "social media mission" just for set-apart missionaries?  NO.  We are also called to serve.  We are involved in spreading the gospel.  We have a duty to assist Elders and Sisters, the Church's missionary program.

My brother is currently serving a mission right now, and was when this announcement was made.  He is allowed to be online for an hour or more a day, sharing his testimony, Mormon Messages, and other information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It has been a wonderful experience for me to see my younger brother sharing his love of the gospel openly through social media.  He, and other missionaries, invite us to share their posts and add our testimonies.  Is that a difficult thing for us to do?

What a miracle it is to have technology so available to us, and the goodness it can provide to those we are in contact with.  We are called to be member missionaries.  How can we better help the missionaries spread the gospel with social media?  What have you done, and/or what are you currently doing?

Here is the link to the article and video if you are interested: LDS missionaries to begin using social media | KSL.com

Sources:

Penrod, Sam. (23 June 2013). LDS Missionaries to Begin Using Social Media. KSL News. Retrieved from http://www.ksl.com/?sid=25723022.

Ucthdorf, President Dieter F. (May 2011). Waiting on the Road to Damascus.  Ensign.  Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/church/share/sharing-the-gospel-via-social-media?lang=eng.

Smartphone's Don't Make You Smart

As I was pa rousing around on Twitter this morning, I found this lovely gem that was re-tweeted by @LDSchurch: "Owning a Smartphone Does Not Make You Smart, but Using It Wisely Can."

In Brother Randall L. Ridd's April 2014 General Conference talk (Priesthood session) entitled, "The Choice Generation," he offers four principles to help us - "the choice generation" - educate our desires and guide our use of technology.  How perfect of a topic is this for SFL 358: Media, Family, and Human Development?

Principle number one:

Do we understand and know who we are?  Do we know that we are "valiant and influential [we are] in persuading others to follow Christ?  I remember my mother admonishing me each day as I left for school: "Remember who you are!"  Why is it important to know who we are in regards to using social media?  Brother Bird gives this answer: As you have the Spirit with you, you will be inspired "to make correct choices as you use the Internet and throughout your life."


Principle number two:

How long do we go before we recharge our cellphones/laptops/tablets/etc?  Do they work properly when we don't recharge them?  Why, then, do we allow ourselves to not charge ourselves (spiritually and physically)?  Brother Ridd says this about charging our phones - and ourselves!: "Every time you plug in your phone, use it as a reminder to ask yourself if you have plugged in to the most important source of spiritual power...Many of us immediately stop whatever we are doing to read a text message—should we not place even more importance on messages from the Lord? Neglecting to connect to this power should be unthinkable to us."  If we neglect to charge our electronic devices, they become useless to us; have we ever thought about charging (or not charging) our testimonies??


Principle number three:

Remember this quote from the beginning?!  How often do we do dumb things with our phones or other electronic devices?  Do we ever waste time?  Or aimlessly pa rouse just for "something to do?"  Technology can be a major distraction in our lives, and take us away from what is of most importance.  This is another gem of a quote used in this talk: "Be where you are when you are there." In what ways have you been (or might this be) difficult to do?  Is it really too demanding for us to give our full attention to a class, driving, or a friend?  Our brains were not made to multitask.  How can we better manage our multitasking, and focus on things that matter most?  for heaven's sake - just because we own a smartphone does not mean we are smart!  Do you think that technology is creating more multiasker's?  If so, in what ways?  "Smart" devices cannot make our brains do what they were not created to do, but is there a way to stop this trend in society?

Principle number four:

I kind of blogged about this earlier, so I won't spend much time with this.  "The divine purpose of technology is to hasten the work of salvation."  We know how to use the technology, so why don't we always (or ever) use it for its intended purpose?  Have you ever thought about how much of an influence we have via the Internet and social media?  I don't usually, because I get distracted with apps, and games, and "communicating" with my "friends."

The point is - we are chosen!  We are chosen to help in this great work.  The Lord trusts us; but He doesn't just trust, "He trusts you to make the right choices."  We are choice, and we must therefore act that way.  As my grandmother always said, "Actions speak louder than words."  So what are we really doing on the Internet and with social media?

Challenge: Read this talk (even though it is summarized in detail here)!  Also, read other messages from The Friend, New Era, or Ensign magazines, or share a message about media every day!  We all could use some uplifting, so why not jump on the #MediaService bandwagon?

Oh, and here is the link for the talk I referenced if you are interested in watching, listening, or reading it: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-choice-generation?lang=eng

The Miracle of Modern Technology - Broadcasting

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a multi-stake conference, which was conducted by Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy.  Others in attendance included: Elder Russell M. Nelson, Elder Richard G. Scott, and Sister Carole M. Stephens.  As you might gather, this wasn't just any multi-stake conference.  I was completely shocked when Elder Clayton announced that 135 stakes across the Wasatch front were involved!  But did you know that that only comprises 4% of the stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Due to the amount of stakes, wards, and members involved in this event, the multi-stake conference had to be broadcast from the BYU Marriott Center to various stake centers across the two counties.  What  miracle this was!

During the April 2005 General Conference, President Hinckley said this: "Through the miracle—and it is a miracle—of modern technology, these proceedings have been broadcast worldwide. Ninety-five percent of the membership of the Church in all the world could have participated with us."

Do we even realize how lucky we are to be able to hear the apostles of the Lord at the click of a button?  How grateful I am to live in a day and age where things like stake conferences, general conference, and devotionals can be broadcast to so many people.  We live in close proximity here in Utah, but with broadcasting we are able to reach across the world!  

In just a few weeks, the 184th Semiannual General Conference will be held.  This event is even larger than the multi-stake conference I attended this past weekend, for it will be broadcast to at least 95% of the members of the Church - reaching more than 14 million people!!!  This live broadcast will also be translated into over 90 languages.  Viewing will be available via the LDS General Conference YouTube Channel; General Conference Website; BYUtv; BYUtv International; Mormon Channel Website; Mormon Channel Mobile Apps; Mormon Channel on Roku; and Facebook.com/LDS.  People will also be allowed to view conference on local cable, radio stations, or at local meetinghouses - www.bonneville.info and www.lds.org/maps will have more information for available times.  Or, if you are feeling REALLY up to it, tickets are available to attend live; please check www.lds.org/events or call 866.537.8457 for more information.  So many ways to view; which one will you choose?

Regardless of if we are listening to a mutli-stake conference or General Conference, we are indeed blessed with the technology of broadcasting.  How amazing is it that a meeting in Provo, UT can be seen across half the state?  It is even more mind-boggling to think about a meeting in Salt Lake City, UT being broadcast to China, Italy, Australia, Spain, and many more countries worldwide.

I hope that some of you (SFL 358 students) were able to attend that multi-stake conference yesterday, we were truly fed by prophets of the Lord.  I challenge you (whoever is reading this) to take some time in the next few weeks and prepare for the 184th Semiannual General Conference sessions.  Attend, whether that is via web or live.  Then, take some time to reflect (BLOG!!) about your experience with the media at those meetings.  We really are blessed to have such technology at our fingertips; take advantage of it!

We Will Never Forget

News programs.  Do they change our opinions on things or distort our perceptions on events?  Let's use an example...

Do we remember 09/11?  Where were you when that tragic incident happened?  How old were you?  How did you learn about it?  Were you watching the news?  Knew someone involved?  Lost a loved one?  Whatever your answers are to these questions, the fact is this: WE REMEMBER.  But here is another question for us to think about - why do we remember?

Media.  I remember watching the news as an 11 year old girl in a Red Roof Inn in Billings, MT; my family and I were moving in to a new home that day.  But I remember the video footage.  I remember the Twin Towers being hit.  I remember seeing people fall from the towers.  I remember the smoke and the fire.  I remember seeing people scared, crying, running.  I remember President Bush addressing all of us, comforting us, and assisting in our coming together as the United States of America.  Because of the footage that was being broadcast, the images from that day are forever ingrained in my mind.

This was a significant day in our country's history.  Life was not the same after that.

A co-worker of mine put this event in terms I don't believe I had thought of before:

Why/How do we forget so easily when such a tragic event is so vivid in our minds?  The media did an excellent job on covering the footage that day, everyone knew what had happened.  I agree with my co-worker 100% - 09/11 was a horrific day, but 09/12 was "America the Beautiful" as clearly as I've seen it before.  What can we do to unite ourselves as a country?  As a people?  How do we help one another not forget?

At the BYU Football game last night, a beautiful thing was planned.  Fans helped in spelling out "We Will Never Forget."  These are some of the most powerful words I have ever read.  If this is our declaration, we need to share it more often than on 09/11 or other significant holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.

Since media had such an impact on this event and how we remember it, my goal is to express thanks and gratitude more often - for this country, for the people who fight each day for it, and for those who have lost their lives in service.  "We Will Never Forget" should be a motto each day of our lives, as individuals and as the United States of America.

As the picture to to the right says, "Will hate bring it all back?  Will it bring back the innocence?  The sense of security?  Will it bring back the husbands and wives and sons and daughters?  Will hate make us better than those who hate us?  Or merely bring us closer to them?  Will hate help us destroy our enemies?  Or will it laugh as we destroy ourselves?  There are those who say we don't know who our enemy is.  But we do.  Our enemy is a neighborhood mosque defaced by vandals.  An Arab-American storekeeper in fear of reprisal.  A scared Muslim child bullied because she is different.  Hate is our enemy.  And when we start to hate other Americans, we have lost everything.  Hate has taken enough from us already.  Don't let it take you."  Hate is not the answer, but remembering is.  We cannot let the hatred take us over and cloud us from remembering who we are as a country.

We came together united more than ever after the events occurred on September 11, 2001, and media can show you hundreds of thousands of examples of that.  How can we remember (not hate) and never forget these events?  Share something today (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc) about this.  I know that yesterday was the thirteenth anniversary, but thirteen years ago TODAY we came together as a country - united in never forgetting and always remembering the towers and people who fell.  Use the media today to share a message of courage and hope; a message of being united and strong.  Always remember, never forget.  And thank a soldier for all they do!

#RunningIsEw @jimmyfallon

How many of you have watched The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon?  Well, if you haven't, Jimmy does a skit every now and then called "Ew!"  Here is an example for you:

I was talking to my sister the other day, and she is a major runner.  In fact, she and some of her girl friends are training to do a relay marathon together.  Together they created a Twitter account, with the name @RunningIsEw.  They are posting pictures each day of them running and tagging (I don't know if that is the correct terminology or not) Jimmy Fallon in an effort to be on a segment of "Ew!"  

I'm not sure why they are doing this exactly, and I'm not entirely sure how far it has gone.  But, if you are interested in helping them get on the #TonightShow with @jimmyfallon, use #RunningIsEw and start following them.

How many of you have wanted your own "5 minutes of fame?"  It is amazing how technology and the media can help us with that.  Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't - but the fact of the matter is, we can use the media to do crazy, out-of-the-box things; things that maybe we never imagined before.

What are some of your goals?  Do you want to meet someone famous?  Do you want to conquer a fear, like my friend Courtney (check this out: Ingrid's Challenge)?  How can we - YOU - use the media to help you achieve a goal or a life-long dream?  Media can be meaningful resource for us in achieving the goals and dreams that we have.  Let's work on the "tricky balance" of combining the two, for there is a way to reach what may seem impossible.

#Goals #Dreams #MediaResources #Achieve #Ew

And so it begins..

Literally how I felt after creating this blog...

The word I would use for my media experience today would be "laborious."  I use that word, because I probably spent two hours today simply setting up this new blog of mine.  Do you even know how many different codes you need to customize a blog???  Geez..  This experience has only verified for me that blogging, tweeting, facebooking, etc. is TIME CONSUMING.

Whether we realize how much time we spend with the media each day or not, the fact is that we are absorbed in it each day.

So what do we do about it??

That is kind of a loaded question, and more rhetorical than anything.  Answers will vary from person to person, as we all have our own views concerning media usage.  The most simple thing I can think of for myself concerning media usage, is to use it for good!  I know, I know - genius idea.

But seriously!!  Think about the good media can be.  Whether you are blogging, vlogging, tweeting, hashtagging, sharing, or whatever else there is to do, what you "post" can go a long way.  Our time with the media does not have to be narcissistic - let's stop the #DuckFaceSelfie and post things that have meaning, substance, and worth.


I don't want this blogging experience to be a bash on the media, because I will be the first to admit that I have my own "addictions" to the media.  I love television, movies, music, reading, and sharing my life experiences with my Facebook friends.  But am I sharing anything that really expresses who I am as a person?  Do people really know who Ayris Joan (that's me!) is?  What kind of image am I sending to those I communicate with?  Am I neglecting the real people around me?  Am I too absorbed with myself to take some time to share a positive message on my Blog or my Facebook wall?

Laborious is how this Blog began, but I don't want it to be a laborious or taxing experience.  My goal this semester, and for the future in general, is to take serious time each day to reflect on how media is affecting me in my life.  I don't want to be "all twittered out" by the media - I want to enjoy it, and I want to share my positive experiences with everyone.  Media is such a blessing, and I hope that I can take time to acknowledge the good it can do rather than the obsessions it can cause.

What are your thoughts on the media?  And what would YOU like to discuss about it?