digital media

I recently read a blog created by high school students, Generational Divide.  The post shared their thoughts regarding digital media.  It was impressive and I was once again amazed at the ideas that young people debate and share (thank you, Mr. Reynolds).

I hesitate to even join in the conversation regarding digital media as my experiences and knowledge are very limited.  Bumbling my way through the digital media world is an example of my heart being WAY ahead of my head.  I have the desire and motivation but my head struggles to keep up.  So, I will probably use incorrect terms and struggle to explain my experiences!  I even had to google the definition, digital media, to make sure I was using it appropriately (digital media is digitized content [text, graphics, audio, and video] that can be transmitted over internet or computer networks.).  My boys help me out as long as their patience lasts.   A few minutes later, I am on my own. :)

The discussion surrounding digital media is fascinating to me.  I have heard viewpoints from both extremes.  I've probably heard more negative comments about the effects of digital media on our kids than positive.  Most of the comments address the speculated lack of social skills and problem solving skills our kids will presumably develop.  Skeptics blame increased use of cell phones, ipods, laptops, gaming systems, etc, for deficits our youth are sure to acquire.

So, online gaming would fall into the category of digital media, right?  The discussion/debate surrounding digital media began in our household with the entrance of the very first gaming system...Nintendo 64.  I resisted this machine for a long time.  Ben was maybe 8?? when we came across one at a rummage sale.  He had been asking for one for a long time and I objected.  And there it was.  Great price at the right time.  It came home with us and our lives were forever changed!  The boys loved their Nintendo.  Upgrades went on for the next several years and now we have Xbox's and Playstations--online gaming.

My 3 boys love their systems. As their mother, I have worked hard to make sure their time on their 'systems' was balanced with other activity.  When they were little, there was usually balance unless I wanted to finish a project or just needed some time without distraction...then they got to 'game it up'!  I felt guilty, at times, when I talked with other mothers whose kids "never played video games". sigh. It did bother me, at times, but deep down I knew it was ok. We were selective about the games played...lots of NBA2K?...Pokemon...Mario...and some war games. balance. common sense. My boys all read early and interact appropriately. So, no major harm done.  They played together, strategized, competed, discussed, and shared.

So when our youth are criticized for their embracement of digital media I am indignant.  I have seen more creativity (and experienced it), more interaction (and experienced it), and more communication (and experienced it) with the increased use of cell phones, laptops, and ipods than I ever imagined.  Our kids have a confidence to express ideas and thoughts.  There are endless places to research, create, and share.  As a mother, the texts, emails, and posts composed by my college-aged son are invaluable.  Little thoughts and ideas are shared.  These ideas and thoughts may have been forgotten if they had had to wait for a phone call.  A comment about a movie...feelings regarding a political candidate...a song I "have to hear".  These are thoughts that fly in and out of our head and are often kept to ourselves.  I'm thankful for the means to share ideas and thoughts.  I'm very proud of the blog Ben has created, Ben's Blog, and the interesting ideas he shares...

Creativity...confidence.  Two words that constantly come to mind when I think about the digital world.  So different than my experience as a youth.  I am grateful that our kids express ideas without an extreme self-conscious reflection.  My peers have asked me, "what is a blog?" and "why do you blog?".  I answer, "I don't really know and because I love it!".  Sounds a little ridiculous.  But I don't hear our youth asking those questions.  They are thinking, "why not blog!"  and "of course you love to blog"!  hmmm.  I am not an expert but I think this is good.

And so I am proud of the sharing, inquiring, and creating that goes on in the lives of our youth.  They impress me.  They amaze me.  They inspire me.

Big Bang Theory

Big Bang Theory is one of our favorite TV show right now.  Tuesday night is the marathon night on TBS...starts at 7 and doesn't end until 10!  This is one of my favorite episodes and this is my FAVORITE scene!  So so funny...

snowmen

There are some things I don't like about my job and then there are things I love about it!  I LOVE the kids I work with---4th and 5th graders.  They are wonderful and their artwork cheers me in an instant!  Took a little tour down the 4th grade hallway and snapped some photos of their snowmen.  Each one unique and adorable!  These are a few of my favorites....

...and this last one is my favorite of all!!  funny...

oscar party

I don't enjoy award shows on television like I used to.  Maybe I'm disappointed in the end with the results ... not sure.  But I still love the Academy Awards.  Movies are one of my favorite things and I love the atmosphere of the evening.  I was reading blogs during lunch the other day and found this post on hosting an Oscar Party!  How fun would that be?!  Maybe I will have one...

 

These photos were found on twig and thistle.  Check out their blog and look at all the other beautiful photos and cool ideas.  I love this beautiful table setting.  I think I could make the Oreo Cake!  Love it.

twig and thistle has free templates on their site for all the things needed for the party!  So cool.    

I like the idea of having everyone vote for their choice in the various categories. Think I will do that... kinda like a Superbowl football board... right?!  Or maybe not.  And when I say 'everyone' I mean my houseful of men :)  ....they are troopers.

I'm going to have an Oscar Party!  

handmade coasters

Found these cute handmade coasters on My Life as a Sugarlander blog.  Love them!  I'm not crafty but I think I could do this... :)

Happy Valentine's Day

I first published this back in October.  It's wonderful...and perfect for Valentine's Day.  **Happy Valentine's Day!**

Kindness Thought Bubble

This is a short film/meditation on the power of kindness. Animated and produced by the Toronto-based design firm Thought Bubble. Written and narrated by Amy. Original music by Nick Gage.

Selected Best Animated Film at 2011 Peace on Earth Film Festival

Go to Amy Rosenthal's website and click on Amy's videos to view more videos.  It looks like she has a lot of other good stuff!

Pride and Prejudice

I'm a nut for Masterpiece Theatre presentations on BBC.  Several years ago, I watched The Forsyte Saga.  I happened to catch the 2nd episode one Sunday evening.  It started at 9:00 pm and I didn't want to watch what everyone else was watching so I pulled up a chair in the kitchen and watched it on our little 12" tv.  I was instantly and totally hooked.  It lasted several weeks and my schedule started revolving around the next Sunday night episode.  Episodes were missed, of course, as it was impossible to clear off my Sunday evening schedule for several consecutive weeks.  So, now it is my annual Netflix rental during hunting season.  I watch consecutive episodes with my supper on my lap and my favorite beverage in my hand!  I even get to view it on the large 40" screen tv--in the living room!

Since then, I've tried to catch as many Masterpiece Theatre presentations as I could.  The Sunday night broadcast is (was) very inconvenient, however, and so the pattern eventually stopped.  In addition, I do like to watch tv with the guys.  But I am hooked.  I recently caught a couple episodes of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth. Again, it consumed me.   I knew I wouldn't be able to watch the entire series and was ok with that.  I knew my day would come.  A few weeks ago, I found the series at Target for $10.00.  $10.00!!!!  I grabbed it and threw it in my cart so fast I'm surprised it didn't break.  So, last week--during the work week--I watched the whole thing on my portable dvd player in the living room with my headphones on.  During the week!  I'm becoming a rebel.  This kind of activity is usually saved for the weekend. :)  

Pride and Prejudice is not my favorite but it is definitely a 'must-see'. My favorite characters are the two leading men...Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennett.  Mr. Bennett is Lizzy's father and he is wonderful.  He is raising 5 daughters and the conversations he has with them is my favorite part of the movie.  Mr. Darcy is the proud, seemingly self-absorbed man who falls in love with Lizzy.

This is a great photo of Mr. Darcy.  He usually looks very cranky but he is staring at Lizzy in this photo. :)

Mr. Darcy's estate--amazing.

This is one of the many conversations Mr. Bennett has with his daughter, Lizzy.  They are very close.

Some of my favorite lines:

Mr. Bennett:  "I am heartily ashamed of myself, Lizzy. But don't despair, it'll pass; and no doubt more quickly than it should."

Another favorite line was expressed when his two oldest daughters were leaving for an extended visit.  Mr. Bennett told Lizzy:  "Til you or your sister Jane return, I shall not hear two words of sense spoken together."

Mr. Bennett returns from his attempt to bring home his 16 year old daughter, Lydia, who has run away with a soldier. He is feeling distressed and has a conversation with his daughter, Lizzy.  The following excerpt is taken from a website that is actually devoted to the movie "Pride and Prejudice".  I stumbled on it when I was searching for photos.  I like the way Mr. Bennett is depicted....

  

Mr Bennet’s Journey in Pride and Prejudice

Mr Bennet also does something that can endear one to even the very worst of people – apologizes. In Chapter 48 of Pride and Prejudice, Mr Bennet returns from London without Lydia, and talks with Elizabeth:

It was not till the afternoon, when he had joined them at tea, that Elizabeth ventured to introduce the subject; and then, on her briefly expressing her sorrow for what he must have endured, he replied, “Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it.”

“You must not be too severe upon yourself,” replied Elizabeth. 

“You may well warn me against such an evil. Human nature is so prone to fall into it! No, Lizzy, let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough.”

It’s a severe piece of self-criticism, and could fail to touch only the coldest of hearts.

***

The stories depicted in Masterpiece Theatre productions reflect different times.  Different roles and conventions.  But human nature continues to be the same.  As I watch, I regret that some of the ways have been lost.  And I'm thankful that some of the ways have been abandoned.  Very thankful.

So what is it about these productions?  Easy.  It is the conversations...the way words are used to express emotions and ideas.  It's the characters...the rich dialogue.  It's captivating.

And so I will watch P&P again the next time I have 5 1/2 hours to spare.  and again...and again...

draw a stickman

Check out the draw a stickman website.  It is so fun!  You draw a stickman and then watch the animation.