Podcast

Here's a little documentary podcast I put together for my TMA 273: Documentary Production class:)

http://jessicaborup.podbean.com/feed/

And just one of those videos on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7QKI4A_7UU

Paper Heart

The storytelling approach for Paper Heart is very interesting to me since it is a mix between Documentary and Mockumentary. The interviews are all real, but the story line between Li and Cera are fictional (even though they did date in real life). This sort of filmmaking may seem like a cop out, but it is, in my opinion, that choosing to have a fictional story in a non-fiction movie helped their overall theme: the situation is effected when a camera is present.

While the fictional love story grows throughout the movie, the camera becomes more and more present in their lives. Not only would they not have met each other if it weren't for their movie, but they wouldn't have broken up either. The camera effected their entire relationship, and because of that, the audience was able to recognize the camera more than just an average movie. It put the idea in the audiences head that there is an ethical boundry when it comes to filming. In the end of this film, the filmmaker decides that he needs to put down the camera to let Li have a happy life.

Then, when the camera was filming their non-fiction scenarios, the audience could pick out how the camera changes the situation in real life, too. If it weren't for the camera, some people wouldn't be as open, or as closed up. Most people wouldn't have stopped and taken the time to even talk about anything without the presence of a camera.

This was smart on the director's, Jasenovec, part, because he was able to have that control over the situation. Especially when it came to the ethical part in the end, if Jasonovek had chosen for this film to not be fictional, that would mean he would have to play with an ethical situation, and that itself wouldn't be ethical. I tip my hat to the Jasenovec in doing this because there are a lot of directors who would push the ethical issue in order to understand it more clearly, but this director steps back and finds another way to pursue this.

Scriptures

Last time I tried watching Scriptures on fitforthekingdom.byu.edu the internet failed on me.

A wonderful class assignment gave me the opportunity to finally watch it this week, so I did, and I loved it. This simple tradition, Mormon families strive to achieve as a daily practice, truly captures the innocence of children in religion. I believe that the filmmaker, Dean, effectively captured the meaning of this film by showing long shots of the children, and asking them simple questions.

Most of this documentary consisted of basic editing for longer shots, so the audience could just observe what was going on instead of feeling manipulated or scammed. The children in these shots seem used to a camera being around them, too, so most of the time they ignore it. We see them reading their part in the scriptures, fighting with the other children, and/or playing around and not paying attention to what's going on at all. The simplicity of these juxtaposed shots give the audience an understanding of how these children don't really care whether or not they have family scripture study. This reminded me of when I was a kid. I had no idea what that book was talking about, and my parent's didn't try too hard to help me understand what was going on cause I didn't care. In my mind, the director was using this to say, that to children, the important details of the Book of Mormon aren't very effective, and this is what caught my attention to this video.

At the same time, though, we have Dean asking the kids simple questions that bring out the innocence of their understanding. The basic questions were easy enough for the kids to understand and feel comfortable answering; this gave them the opportunity to show how they really felt about their family scripture time. We hear the kids fight and argue with each other, but when it comes to their religion itself, they are very respectful.

The scene that particularly stuck out in my mind was the one with the mother talking about her ideal scripture study. This is when I realized that the church expects a lot from it's younger generation. Starting at a young age will help them learn more about the gospel as they grow in their traditions. Yes, they attend the study begrudgingly now, but soon it will become a part of their daily habits.

Non of this message I received felt manipulated by Dean at all because I felt like I had to grasp for my own understand of the situation he placed in front of me. Obviously he had an idea of what he was going for, but he wasn't pushing it in my face. manipulation is playing with the mind to go a certain way, but I felt like this documentary was very open to interpretation.

Supersize Me.

Supersize Me was not just a viewing for me, but an event!

I gathered with friends at McDonalds and bought lots of delicious fried food, and then made our way to my friend, KP's, house to watch Supersize Me and devour our purchases. I had only seen clips of this film before, and this time, I was really able to see just how ridiculous this film is. I felt as if Morgan Spurlock was shoving propaganda down my throat. Maybe what he was saying is true, but at the same time, they are over exaggerated and manipulated. Of course someone would gain weight if they only ate McDonalds for every meal! Only an idiot would believe otherwise. The food is grilled in grease, smothered in sauce, and topped with cheese. The whole time I was watching this documentary, I was making snide remarks on the molded truth such as this, because his "facts" were flipped around to sound worse than it really is. Then, after finding one falsely put statement, you can't help but notice the rest.

There is one scene especially that sticks out to me, and it's the one where he pukes out his window. I felt especially manipulated here because I actually did feel sick at first. However, when I thought about it, I realized what kind of a wuss would throw up McDonalds just because they've had it for the past couple of meals. Even still, that scene manipulates me in feeling sorry for the chump for not exercising.

I think that these over-exaggerations had a positive and negative effect on Spurlock's overall objective. First, the positive. Because of this harsh, fast pace take on fast food, people did become more aware of the health hazards involved. McDonalds became so attacked that now, they no longer have the "supersize me" items on the menu, and they have even added salads to make them seem more healthy.

The negative, however, is a completely different story. To a lot of viewers, Spurlock's point backfired. This documentary became so popular because people realized how ridiculous Spurlock's points were, so now, people were going out and buying McDonalds to have Supersize Me parties (like I did). By the end of the movie, the audience isn't disgusted with McDonalds, they are craving it. They are more disgusted with the filmmaking; at least, I was.

I feel if Spurlock were to have given out facts more innocently, I would have been more repulsed with fast food. Maybe if he went behind the scenes and exposed how they made the food, I would have been less likely to eat it. Perhaps if he wouldn't have gone about it so harshly, or repetitively, I wouldn't have been so offended with his cruel analysis. In fact, I found this film to be so manipulated that it is unethical. I feel it is unethical to tell someone what you are saying is true, when in fact you are bending reality. That is the overall reason why I didn't like this film.

NEW POST!

I don't really have anything to say. I'm just bored.

But since I'm writing a post anyway, I'll give you a little gift.


LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

I present to you A VERY POTTER MUSICAL!!!
My amazing, talented, good-looking, and sexy friend DJB introduced this to me a little over a year ago, and it has entertained me a numerous amount of times during those hardships I've had to face through sheer boredom.

Yes, it's long; it's a PLAY!
You don't have to watch it all at once. I didn't. In fact, it took me a couple weeks in order to find the time, but boy is it worth the time.

Here are the first five parts:

You're welcome










Now, keep on watching! The next part Harry writes a song for Cho Chang, but sings it to Ginny to test it out, and her name doesn't seem to work as well in the song. (Chris Atkin quotes it all the time).


Once you finish this, they have now added A VERY POTTER SEQUEL!
Youtube viewers loved A Very Potter Musical so much, that the same writers got together and wrote the sequel which goes back in time to Harry's first year at Hogwarts, so they can kill him while he's still fresh in the wizarding world.
With all the same actors from the first one, plus a few more, we now have characters such as: Umbridge, Lucious Malfoy, the sorting hat, the scarf of sexual preference, Lupin, and Sirius Black, Rita Skeeter!
Umbridge is my favorite!

Now, go and use up your valuable time by watching this!

Mission: Fix the Broken

The past month, everything of mine has been breaking.
Shoes relationships
Car
Computer
Straightener, etc.

Today was the day I was to go out and replace some of these items, as well as pay off some outstanding bills.

My mother found out that my tap shoes had busted during my last class, and I needed a new pair by this Friday (aka. tomorrow).
She had been thinking of something to buy me for my birthday, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to her. "I'll buy you your tap shoes," she texted me.

I did not argue.

I thanked her, and the next day (today) I set out to buy some nice tap shoes!
Before I did this however, I also needed to replace my straightener.

My last straightener passed away about two weeks ago. He had a long life of 6 1/2 years. He had a bad cough only a few days before he keeled over, and that was it. Barely any notice at all.
The pain I felt as I said goodbye couldn't even compare when I had to resort to using another. A borrowed straightener. My good roommate, Ahlin, sympathized with my loss, and lent me her own, but it wasn't the same. I felt like I had replaced Freddy with a prostitute of it's kind.
How low would I go to maintain that smooth texture?

Every morning as I groomed myself, I felt degraded and sick to my stomach.

"Enough is enough!" I yelled to my reflection in the mirror, "I need to buy a new Straightener."

So, I drove to Sally's Beauty Supply by Smith's in Orem; the only store I know of that sells Straighteners.
I knew this store, because this is where I bought Freddy all those years ago. It was a special place for us.
As I stood in the isle, contemplating my selection, I heard a familiar voice at the front of the store. The voice was greeting the cashier.
I turned my head and saw an unbelievable sight. My dad!
He had taken our dog Izzi to the groomers after she had rolled around in an animal carcass, making her stench even more after serving her sausage.
"Hi, dad," I called casually.
He noticed me and gave a half smile, half laugh.
As he approached me, I raced through possible reasons as to why my father would be here.
Not nails, not make-up, definitely not hair; he has none.
I couldn't think of anything.

Soon he was beside me, and surprisingly, after very little prying, he told me why he was there.
Alas, I cannot tell you why he was there, because it's supposed to be a surprise to a certain family member, and if I said it in this silly blog and it somehow reached that family member, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. Laugh, probably.

Anywho, there I stood, still debating my future purchase.
My dad had run off to gather his supplies, and had already returned when I was seriously debating a $70 straightener that was also a curing iron.
As I lolled it over, my dad noticed my inner-debate, and disagreed.
"Buy this one," he said as he grabbed the $40 straightener next to it, "Here, let me put that on my card."
I was stunned. He was already half-way to the cash register, when I came to my sense. I rushed to him, thanked him, then couldn't stop smiling.
We left the store, and I floated to Dance Works, where my mom purchased my tap shoes.
Afterward, I went to the bank, and discovered I now had plenty of money left over to pay my phone bill, utilities, and tithing.

I love my parents!

Update

Surprisingly, I have been receiving a lot of questions about my vlog!

First, I was just shocked that people actually read my blog.

I mean, it's not even good!

But, anyways, my vlog is having issues. I'm still trying to do it, but the footage that I have gathered so far has been destroyed.

This sunday I went on campus with my parent's little DV camera (the only one I have at my disposal), and filmed all the church footage I needed.

The next day I checked the footage out, and discovered that everything I shot was all jumbled, and completely unwatchable.

This is no good, but as soon as I can get my hands on a working camera, I will start filming once again, and my vlog will be posted in no time!

Mission: Mesmerization

Does anyone have that one thing memorized from when you were a kid?

-The Gettysburg Address

-Scripture Mastery from seminary

-A poem you had to recite

For me, it's a poem. It's been three years, which I understand isn't a long time, but I still have it memorized.

It's actually a very depressing poem, but for some reason I really like it.

I Am by John Claire

I am. Yet what I am non cares or knows.

My friends forsake me like a memory lost.

I am the self consumer of my woes,

They rise and vanish in oblivious host.

And yet I am, and live like vapors tost.

Into the nothingness of scorn and noise,

into the living sea of waking dreams,

but the vast shipwreck of my life's esteems.

Even the dearest that I love the best are strange,

nay, rather, stranger than the rest.

I long for scenes where man hath never trod,

A place where women never smiled nor wept,

There to abide with my creator God,

to sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept,

The grass below, above the vaulted sky.

It's funny how I can memorize this, and yet I struggle with remembering the little things in life.

Mission: Vlog

Obviously, I am not so good at this whole blog thing.

I never seem to be consistent in my posts,

My writing is horrible,

and I just can't ever seem to come up with good things to write about.

It took me a year to figure out that I don't have to write a blog in order to share opinions.

I can actually do what I'm good at in order to pass messages along.

That is why I am starting a Vlog.

Documentary film is my favorite form of visual arts, so I am going to (try to) make a weekly vlog of my life, or just life in general, here in Provo.

Now, to some this may seem stupid, but it is actually going to be directed to non-LDS people.

If you have lived, or grown up in Utah as a Mormon, daily traditions that are normal to you, are not anywhere else. Just the way we act here in Provo, is different. I'm not talking in a negative way, I just mean different.

I want to show people that there is no reason to be afraid or hate the Mormon culture. There are some traditions I, myself, disagree with, but that doesn't mean you should hate the people and their intentions.

Some examples of what I want to film are: clothes shopping, dating, family dinner, weeknights, classes at BYU, etc.

It's the little things that make up the culture, and now people can see what the similarities and differences actually are.

Mission: Pick-ups

Have you ever exhausted yourself on a project so much, that you just can't even think about it anymore?

Th

is is me right now!

Cimmeria Grove is going great, but I've been working on it for the past year and three months. That is a long time for a college student.

We are so close to finishing, but we still have to shoot some pick-ups this week. Now that festivals are seriously just around the corner, we need to crack buckle down and get to work!

This seems simple, right?

Wrong!

Now that I have overworked myself with this film, I have no desire to think of it. Every once in a while I get this thought in my head saying, "Hey, how about that Cimmeria Grove? you should get to that." Then, I never do.

Luckily DJB is there for me, or else I wouldn't finish...probably.

Secretly, I think DJB is having the same problem as me, though.

This might be a problem for my future career.

Mission: Posers

I'm not talking about people who think they're cooler than they are.

I'm talkin' girls who pose in front of the camera and make silly faces to make them seem "more attractive."

Well, I am now traveling with four of them.

We can't go anywhere without each girl taking her picture in front of every view possible, in every pose possible!

If you don't believe me, take a look in my photos from the British Isles.

I can't stand it.

The purpose of photography is to capture a moment in time.

A photo says a thousand words, but doesn't it say a thousand more when you actually capture the actions of the time.

I, personally, love finding photos of myself when I was captured in a moment of pure joy, or enthrallment.

When it's posed, it's not real. You look back at the photo and can't remember what you were thinking, or looking at. You only remember posing, and looking at the camera...maybe the location.

I like remembering how I was tossing bread at the seagulls, or what our inside joke was that day.

-not things you remember while puckering to a lens.

"Oh, look, a tree! Take a picture of me sitting in it!"

"Ooh, roses! Let me place myself in the center for a picture pose."

"Another castle! Let me stick my hip out, put my hand on my waist, and whip my hair around in a dramatic motion!"

Eww, ugly, ew!

Mission: Hens

I feel like an idiot, but I have never heard of the term "hen" before. I understand now....oh do I understand!

Tonight we decided to go on a Ghost tour while here in Edinburgh.

We thought it was going to be pretty darn awesome, but when we arrived, we saw a dozen or so girls in matching black tank tops and pants. Each one said "Hen tour" on it and on the back each girl had their own slutty nick name.

My personal favorite was "Nympho Nic"

Anyways, these girls were so drunk! and they would not Shut Up. What's worse is that they were all English!

There was one who was constantly swearing at the stupidest of things, as well.

She would always say it twice, too. "Shit.......Shit."

Very entertaining.

Soon, we entered into a torture museum where we saw disturbing instruments of tor

ture for those who committed some kind of crime.

One was a chastity belt for women who would often cut themselves on the metal and die from infection. There were also blunt knives, bamboo splinters, a thumb drill, a jaw breaker, funky shackles, a face peeler (looks as nasty as it sounds), metal links in a whip, etc. There were some that were just for humiliation, so people would throw garbage at them when they saw them walking down the street.

While we traveled through the underground tunnels, the girls would not stop talking even though the tour guide would tell us to be quiet. Not only is it polite, but we are in a haunted tunnel!

Don't mess with the spirits, man.

First, we saw this room that I thought had a little set up as if from back in the day (you know, like in museums and such), but I was wrong! As I looked closer I saw a place of worship, and above the alter was a giant five sided star.

WICCA!

This was a Wicca temple in use today.

The guide told us they used to be in another room with a circle of stones in the center of the room, but they had to move cause it was so full of evil spirits.

The group that made the circle of stones where also witches, but they were witches that would kill people and take their energy from them by places a ring of stones around the body.

People who step into the circle end up having bad things happen to them. Some faint, some end up with large gash wounds, and other times, it doesn't hit them till later.

Of course some of the hens stepped in the circle.

Next we went into a room where most of the paranormal activity occurs.

We were told to be absolutely silent (but of course the hens weren't), and I was actually really scared.

The guide told us a story about the room. It was back when Edinburgh was in disaster and fires were everywhere around the city. The people underground were safe until the only entrance to the tunnels collapsed. The men shut the women and children in a room that contained the most air as they tried to clear the exit.

However, the fires from above heated up the rocks surrounding them, and the women and children slowly cooked to death.

They found bodies with the skin literally melted off the bones!

All of a sudden we hear a girl scream and I look to the only door to the room and see a black piece of cloth (a robe or flag of somesort) flash out of the room. We have no idea what it was! It was just gone!

The guide turned on her flashlight (it was off before), and we saw one of the hens lying on the floor with scratches all up and down her arm.

She said she had no idea how she got there!

The guide made sure she was okay, then told us the tour was over and ushered us out!

We still had about twenty minutes left of the tour, and we even passed rooms that had displays in them as if we were supposed to see them, but we didn't.

I don't know if what happened was paranormal or not, but it was definitely bazaar, and spooky (even if it was just at the time.)

Mission: Energy

I've only been in Edinburgh for two days, and it has already felt like a week.

We have been hiking here and there, and back to here over and over again. The first day we walked all the way from to the North East side of the city to the South East side, then back to the center, and then down to the North West side. It felt like two days just right there.

In fact, while passing a clothing store, I saw a really cute dress and said, "That looks like the one we saw yesterday." Talia then told me that that was only this morning.

My feet feel like they are slowly being massaged with hot coals. And I seem to have discovered a new set of muscles in between my shins and calves, and boy are they killing me! I don't know how I have survived today!

Actually, we ended up not taking the free city tour today because that would be another three hours of walking, and we decided that we were going to save our energy for the Ghost tour tonight.

Even while at Edinburgh Castle, we started to rush through exhibits in order to get back to the hostel so we could rest.

Hopefully I won't be as stupid in Ireland.

Mission: Archuleta

So, here I am. Salt Lake airport, waiting.

Our flight is late by an hour, and that means we'll only have twenty minutes between connecting flights. Scary, I know. But we're just trying to stay calm.

Meanwhile, we, Talia and I, have been entertaining ourselves by filming things, watching videos online (free internet at the airport!), and what-not.

Then, while we were watching one of Talia's videos from her recent trip to Cali, I heard two people talking next to us.

Earlier, a missionary sat next to us (probably on his way out), and so I assumed it was some guy trying to buddy up to the new missionary, cause I know my dad likes to do that.

I turned to look who was talking anyways, just to see, and I was right. It was the missionary talking, but I was also wrong. It was not some guy. It was THE guy. The one all teenaged hormonal girls dream of seeing.

DAVID ARCHULETA!

But wait! Was is David Archuleta? Was I being silly? Was it my friend Jared who looks exactly like David Archuleta?

In fact, I was so unsure if it was David or not, that I had to go online to compare pictures of David and Jared.

I felt horrible that I didn't say hi to Jared, so I secretly hoped it was David Archuleta just for that reason.

But then, Jared is on his mission!

It couldn't be him!

But they look so alike!

I don't know!

Finally, after comparing pictures, I came to the conclusion that it was David Archuleta!

So, ha! you teenaged girls! In your face!

Mission: Jeans

Why are jeans so difficult to find?

First you have to find one that actually fits; especially now-a-days with skinny jeans in the mix.

I can't wear skinny jeans. Not just because it would look horrible with my huge hips, but I can't even get the pants past my calves (they're just too muscular).

Then there are problems with fitting the butt and not being too small or large on the hips.

It also has to fit under the butt without creating awkward folds.

What about length?

I'm fat and short! it is so difficult to find jeans that are short and wide enough to fit my strange body.

If a miracle happens and the jeans actually fit, there is still the problem of looking good.

The coloring has to look just right in order to make you look smaller (or at least not larger) than you are.

And Acid Washed! Holes! Bleach Stains! Colored Stitching!

There is so much to take in!

What happened to plain jeans with no fancy pansy ugliness!

I just spent the last two weeks trying to find a pair of jeans and only found one yesterday.

After trying on about 30 pairs from 9 different stores, I finally found a pair. ONE PAIR.

So, next time I want to find a pair of jeans, I need to remember that my ratio in finding some would be 1/30.

I don't think I will be up for that anytime soon.

Mission: James McAvoy

As most of you know, I will be leaving for a studyabroad in Wales in just a week and two days. During my awesome trip, I will also be spending a few days in London, where it will be my goal to find James McAvoy.

I will be one of those creepy stalker types, but I don't care.

It's James McAvoy!!!

Have you seen Atonement?

One of the most beautiful films I have ever seen, and I don't just mean the cinematography.

This film portrays how innocent mistakes can have dire consequences.

When I watch this movie, I am always reminded of the stupid things I have said or done that have hurt others. This film shows that there can be a way to find repentance even though it may be impossible to go back to.

So, not only is James brilliant in it as an actor (and gorgeous), but he is a part of a story that runs deep in emotions and meanings.

This, of course, just makes me love him even more!

Have you seen that last kiss in Penelope?

After seeing him in Chronicles of Narnia, I instantly fell in love. (Actually, I didn't really know it was James, since I hadn't seen any of his other movies at the time).

But when I saw Penelope (an alright movie, but the production design is fantastical), I became hooked.

Especially that last kiss!

My roommates didn't help me, either, when it came to subduing my passion for this man cause they are in love with him, too!

(Ahlin especially)

We've decided that he is the best kisser, Ever! Even though we have never actually kissed him...

Have you seen Becoming Jane?

A HORRIBLE Movie! Especially Anne Hathaway's accent.

Atrocious!

But, James revives it to be watchable.

So Sexy, he is. I don't know how he does it!

And that's about all I have to say about this movie. SEXY.

These are my ending thoughts on James. He's brilliantly: talented, attractive, and lovable.

Oh, so lovable!

And I am going to find him while I'm in London for those few days.... and maybe just gawk, but as long as I see him. haha! I am such a creepy.

Mission: Kill Fly

As I was lying on the floor with my dog, Izzi, while watching Brian Regan when a GIANT fly starts buzzing around the television.

Both Izzi and I look up and watch every movement that fly made!

suddenly, both Izzi and I jump to our feet.

Then, as I go for the fly swatter in the kitchen, Izzi decides to slowly approach the fly, nose in the air.

When I return from the kitchen with the fly swatter, Izzi and I exchange a glance.

For a moment, we were of one mind.

We gave each other a slight nod, turned on our prey, and pounced like a fat man lunging for a doughnut.

For the next few minutes, Izzi and I swatted and snapped around the room trying to hunt down the fly, but to no avail.

We eventually gave up and returned to Brian Regan.

Only five minutes went by when the fly returned!

We sprang to our feet once more, and this time, I caught him on the wall almost instantly.

I showed Izzi the proof of our victory, and she decided to eat it!

Oh well! It was still a bonding moment between a girl and her father's dog. :)

Mission: Perry Mason

Tonight I was at work, setting up some tapes (one was on Thailand, and I stopped to watch a little, since I wouldn't be working by the time it would air), when an old man called. He said

his name was brother Kay, and was trying to watch Perry Mason

"I'm getting a gray line with blue hazes, and the pixels, well, I don't know how many pixels there are supposed to be, but I have large squares."

He went on for a while like this, so I decided to stop him, telling him that Perry Mason is, and has been, perfectly clear.

He was very disappointed since Perry Mason is his favorite show.

Then, all of a sudden, the show came back on.

He told me that we would call again if it went back out, "I'm not supposed to have your number, but I'll call the operator again, and she'll tell it to me. Have a good night."

I hung up, and couldn't stop laughing for about two minutes.

I soon went back to the Thailand tape, but only finished setting it up by the time I get another call.

"Hello, this is brother Kay, again."

I silently laughed, but couldn't let him know.

My laughing only grew though once he started saying the same exact thing he did before. This time, though, I mentioned that it could be his TV.

He said that he had bunny ears, and that it could be that but unlikely (right). He finally gave up, and I apologized that he had to miss his favorite show. He thanked me again, and hung up. This time I only laughed for about 20 seconds.

I think this is one of the best things that has happened to me at work.

Mission: Billy Joel

I forgot to write about this a while ago, but it's so worth saying even though it's old news...

I LEARNED ALL THE WORDS TO WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE!!!

I guess I'm just talented like that!

But my next goal is to put a tap dance to it, then I will be the biggest hit of all FHEs around the world!! Muah ha ha!

Mission: Family Bonding

There is nothing like dinner at my parent's house Sunday afternoon.

When all of us get together, it turns into quite a party.

Sometimes we chat politically, most of the time we mock each other, sometimes McKenzie talks the whole time, and then other times its just complete randomness.

Once we were just sitting nicely at the table, and next thing we know my dad starts saying,

"I want a candybar. I WANT A CANDYBAR!"

Just like a little child. For no reason at all.

Priceless.

I've decided to make a documentary on this once-a-week event. I'm just gonna set up a camera and let it roll. perhaps I wont even warn anyone that I'll be filming.

I think this could turn out to be a really great project as we see the development, interactions, and situations each of us goes through.

So, when I get back from Wales (and madison will be back, too), watch out family cause my camera will be rolling:)

Mission: Pride Parade

This weekend was the Gay Pride Parade in SLC, and it was mine and Michelle's goal to go. Our friend Brooke was going to be a volunteer, so we thought it would be perfect. However, Brooke decided not to go, so Michelle and I decided not to.

However, instead, we decided to go on an epic date.

It started with Mimi's cafe. This little tradition goes back to high school when our girl, Jen, decided to take us for a girl's night. We fell in love instantly, and ever since, that's the place we go any time we need extra estrogen in our lives. So, perfect for our girl date.

Then, we checked out Barnes & Noble, where we just looked around (mainly in the Romance section) for an hour or two. Afterwards, we decided that we didn't spend enough time with books, so we headed for the library. But, in the end, we mainly just checked out a lot of movies.

Now, this is next part was the best part of the date; Victoria's Secret. Michelle helped me get a new bra, and then we each bought some sexy new underwear. I think this is the best part about girl dates cause you can't buy underwear on any other kind of date. Can you imagine how awkward that would be? "Hey Frank, would this underwear match my bra?" Even when you're married you don't go underwear shopping together. At least, not anyone I know.

The date ended with the movie Michael Clayton, which just made me sleepy, so I didn't even bother trying to keep my eyes open. Oh Well.

It was a happy girl date that didn't necessarily celebrate gay pride like we had originally started out to do, but we can live with that:)

Dreads!

You watching American Idol? Well, I am

And a week or two ago, me and my bro were watching it, and we decided that we both want dreads (like the girl with the dreads on American Idol).

So, this sunday, while watching the Oscars, I started dreading my brother's hair. He looked silly since his hair was so short. We decided to redo them when his hair grew. (so...summer). I am reluctant to do it cause I don't want to shave my head when I'm done with them. What do you think? Should I get them? I really want them...but do I really?

Help me! Please let me know!

Numb Eyeballs

I just got back from the dentist!

Even though I floss every night, every six months my dentist still finds one or two cavities during my cleanings.

(I guess it's making up for all the times I didn't brush when I was a kid.)

Well, usually when i get a cavity filled, my tooth doesn't get numbed all the way from the shots they give you. So, during the drilling, I'm constantly holding back tears as I feel the burning sensation reaching back all the way to my toes.

I'm a pretty shy person. Stupid, too, cause I never want to tell the dentist to stop cause I'm about to pass out. (plus, with two sets of hands and a dozen or so dentistry tools in your mouth, it's hard to get a word in).

This time, at the very first sound of drilling, I made a mumbling sound of pain.

Yes! I did it!

The dentist quickly removed all the equipment and digits out of my mouth, and shot me up once again.

However, once he started drilling again, I noticed that my eye was feeling very heavy and dry. The laughing gas mask started feeling a bit heavy too. I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't hide it for long, cause once I was done and tried standing up from the chair, my face felt like it had just gone through intense plastic surgery...still does.

I rushed to the bathroom down the hall to check out my face. There were the usual crazy lines on my face from the gas mask, and my shirt has a little ruffled, but other than that it wasn't bad. Then, I noticed that I couldn't talk. My face is frozen in a casket of jello. At least that's what it feels like. The only moveable part on my face were my eye lids and my bottom jaw. Those aren't helping too much, let me tell you. I can't even feel the oxygen flying into my nose! It's so weird.

The best part of this whole experience, though, was when I got in my car and started playing the Technicolor Phase by Owl City. Haha! Owl City and laughing gas is a great mix. I felt like I was floating on a cloud. It was just a bad idea to mix it with driving. Let's just say, I don't really remember driving home too much.

Embarrassing Stuff

A month or so ago, me and DJB (for those who don't know, DJB is my buddy working on the musical with me) went to check out money opportunities. I told him about the television show Bank of Hollywood, and we decided to apply. It was really simple. All we had to do was make a short video of our proposal.

TOO BAD JESSICA DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO ACT!!!

Check out a few of our outtakes...

It's probably one of the saddest things ever!

Sleeping Beauty

So my bro-in-law made a few posts were he took an animated film and picked actors for each character as if he were to make it a live-action film. I love this idea, so I've decided to do this with Sleeping Beauty.

First of all, I would make Kherington Payne from Fame my Aurora

Basically, I chose her cause she has that million dollar smile. I don't know if she acts that well cause I've never seen Fame, but I know she can dance and perform. In the original story of Sleeping Beauty, there are actually seven fairies, and one of the other gifts given to Aurora was the gift of dance. So...there you go. Singing can always be computerized and what-not, so that doesn't matter too much. Again, the main reason is that she is just beautiful and full of life (as Aurora should be)

Prince Phillip I chose James McAvoy

For Prince Phillip, I needed a semi-young actor who could act incredibly charming. This is James all the way. He is gorgeous and is no stranger to being the man of every girl's dream.

Malificent would be Maggie Gyllenhaal

I always thought Maggie would be an excellent villain. She's got the attitude, and she could totally pull off the wickedness of Maleficent. Plus, with such a strong character like Maggie, Maleficent would be more humanized and involved with the story; which I think is a must for a live-action remake.

The three good Fairies

Flora - Emma Thompson Fauna - Shirley MacLain Merryweather-Liza Minnelli

I don't want to explain this one too much. Mainly, I just think this would be a hilarious match-up of actresses.

King Stefan - No Clue. Anyone. I don't care.

The Other King Hubert - Phillip Seymour Hoffman

I couldn't find anyone specifically who I would want to play King Stefan, but Phillip Seymour Hoffman is my favorite actor, and so I chose him to be king Hubert. King Hubert is a very small role, but he is a difficult character to play because he is always switching from happiness to anger. Hoffman is so great at everything he does, so why now this.

Best Hugs EVER!!!

Okay, so my buddy, Parker, is setting off on his mission on Wednesday. It's interesting how even though I am 20, I still have plenty of friends who are still preparing to go on a mission.

Girls have to go through so much in the mormon world. Friends are constantly leaving, left and right.

Now, Parker!

I met Parker when some friends kidnapped me after work to roast marshmallows one time. (To this day, I still don't know if it was a date or not). Anyways, later that summer I went to a party in a huge mansion with some friends. As I stood there eating twizzlers by myself, guess who came waltzing through the door? PARKER!

He was so gorgeous (still is), and when we both recognized each other, we stopped to chat for a while. When my friends were ready to leave, he joined us. Now, I don't want to go into explicit detail, but let's just say he gave me my first kiss on the cheek in that car ride.

Ever since then, we have been very good friends with a mix of physical attraction for each other. We never went as far as dating, but we love to be close to each other. No! Not friends with benefits! Just friends who love to hug:)

Let me tell you, Parker gives the greatest hugs in the world, and now I will have to live without them for two years!!!

I just don't know what to do with myself!

TMA 292

Okay, so I love film history! It is so fun to learn about all the influences that come into play when it comes to the types of films being made. So, my film history class (part 2) is full of just that. We learn, we watch, we appreciate. Such an amazing class (just as long as I can stay awake after having to wake up for my documentary class at 8:30).

Well, yesterday, we watched some international animation. We watched a few shorts that were fun and thought-provoking, but then we reached the feature-length film. If you haven't seen this film, you should, but only if you are daring. It is based off of the story Alice in Wonderland, and is a mix of live-action and animation...so you can imagine.

It's called Alice, made in 1988 by Jan Svanjmajer, a czech filmmaker.

This movie is CRAZY! I loved it, but hated watching it, if that makes any sense. Weird, I know, but I'm really glad I saw this. I think if I was outside of my class I wouldn't watch it though, so just heads up.

This is what TMA 292 is chalk full of. So, I guess this is for those of you who don't understand why I watch for homework. We don't watch movies like, The Proposal, or Miracle. No. We get to watch Alice, Los Olvidados, and Asphalt Jungle.

So, next time you see me lounging around watching movies, think twice, cause it might not be as enjoyable as it seems.

I LOVE Tap!

So, as most of you know, I love to dance! I am a dancer through and through. Even if I am not on a team or taking classes, I am always dancing; especially when I am alone in my apartment;)

Since my depressing departure with ballroom (yes mock all you want. I danced ballroom), I have been dying to dance again. I need to continue to explore my physical and artistic abilities, right?

Anyways, so after not dancing for a year, I was about to just...die....when I decided to watch a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film. Fred's movies always make me feel happy inside, and they continued to do so this time as well.

So, as I was sitting on my couch watching the flick, I all of a sudden started getting really excited during one of the tap numbers. "I wish I could be Ginger," I said. And then it hit me! Why don't I? I can ballroom dance, now all I need to do is learn to tap. Clogging is part of my forte, so I thought tap would be easy. It was right then and there that I signed up for my first tap class at BYU. YAY!

I am now in my second semester in tap, and today I decided that I am not bad. I pick up steps fairly easy and I have oober fun with it. (then again, I still struggle with what I have always struggled with; performance)

Here I am, slowly turning into one of my idols, Ginger Rogers. Of course, I will never be as skinny or as beautiful as she was, but someday I hope to become just as classy.

And that is how I became a tap dancer.

Encounters at the End of the World

Encounters at the End of the World is a documentary about Werner Herzog, as he travels to Antarctica to capture the true and unknown beauty of it's landscape.

It's not just ano

ther movie about penguins, people! It shows all scale of life. Yes, it does have a five minute (or less) segment on penguins, but it goes beyond that. They show one penguin who can't make up his mind whether to go to the feeding ground or the mating area. He just stands there for a while, until he looks behind him and sees the mountains. He then turns towards them and waddles off with his fins stretched out behind him like a cartoon villain from the 1950's.

Oh! and did you know that there is a whole city down there? Yeah! It has cafes, bowling alleys, construction, etc. A whole City full of strange and interesting people. One of which was a young filmmaker who couldn't make it anywhere else, so he headed down to Antarctica to become an ice cream scooper. So, if I can't make it in the industry, you'll know where to find me.

So, in the end, this movie is fantastic. Be careful to not believe everything Herzog says, cause he cuts certain things out and basically summarizes his own thoughts on the matter. But, it's nothing compared to Super Size Me, so you'll be fine!

Broom Hockey

ICE HOCKEY!!!

I was not planning on going to this ward activity; I never go to these ward activities. However, after being pushed and pushed by my favs in apt. 4 and my roommates, I resisted the "temptation". Once I got in my room, though, I turned right back around. I had nothing else to do that night, so might as well go.

So, I went...obviously. It was fun. surprisingly, the ice wasn't slippery because they had roughed it up for us. I was really not expecting this. I decided to stay back by the goalie to help protect the net.

Unfortunately, the corner I was in had a whole section of smooth ice. I fell down sooooo many times! The next day I woke up with what you see in the picture to your left. This picture really doesn't do it justice. It's very beautiful, and, luckily, not that painful; just a little swollen.

I love bruises. They are such good stories!

Did I ever tell you about the time my boyfriend ran me into a wall? That was fun!

Sherman's March & Promises

Time for a new movie post, and so I have chosen two of my favorite documentaries: Sherman's March & Promises.

Sherman's March is my favorite of all Ross McElwee's films. He does such a fantastic job of analyzing his own life through film. He always starts with an idea for a documentary, but ends up paying attention to his own personal matters more than the actual subject at hand.

In Sherman's March, Ross follows the trail of Sherman's march to the sea. On the way he ends up meeting several single women, and films them instead.

I love the cinematic shots and conversations with each girl. Every one he meets is different and unique and he does a great job in showing the audience their weird quirks (which is what makes them so amazing).

My absolute favorite documentary is Promises, a film about the political and religious conflicts in Jerusalem. B.Z. Goldberg, an Israeli-American, meets with a handful of children from different parts of the city. Although the children live close-by, they all live completely different lives.

This movies hows the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and how the prejudice starts even as children. This is definitely a movie I need to own. I don't know why I don't. It's funny, it's ten

se, it's educational, and it's heart-breaking.

The best movies are the ones that can make me laugh one minute and cry the next. So there you go, Proof!

Now, go and watch it:)

Late

Today, as I was getting ready in the morning, I decided that I hated what I was wearing. So, before I went out the door, I ran back upstairs to change. However, changing took ten minutes too long, so I was ten minutes late for class.

On my way up to campus, I remembered that class would probably start right away because we were going to finish Nanook of the North since we didn't finish last class. Now, I am worried. The worrying didn't last too long though cause I soon reached the classroom. I pulled on the door handle and all I got was a loud thud. The Door Was Locked! So now, I find myself sitting outside of my favorite class, listening to Nanook of the North soundtrack and writing this blog.

What a beautiful morning!

Harold and Maude

I have been wondering what to do with this blog since I got it, so now I am finally making a decision. From now on, anytime I write a new post it will be on a movie. Since I am watching several movies a day, you know with classes and all, it will be fun for me to write a bit about them. Since right now I am obsessing with Harold and Maude (and have been since my friend, Nathan, has introduced it to me), it will be my first movie topic.

For some reason, this movie is entrancing to me. Probably because I am secretly in love with Bud Cort's character. From the very beginning this movie is hilarious and beautiful at the same time. Harold is just such an unusual boy in a "typical" world, and you relate to him because everyone feels that way now and then. We are all surrounded by idiots! or at least people who don't understand.

The best part about this movie is that Harold finds someone who understands him. However, it is not the person his mother would like it to be. I'm not going to tell you who, but I will tell you that when I first watched the movie, I too was shocked and "weirded out." But don't let that bother you! It's still fantastic...that's what makes it fantastic!

Okay, so if you haven't seen Harold and Maude or want to see it again, come to me cause I am always wanting to watch it. In fact, I think I need to have a party with this movie being the main activity. Oh! P.S. - the soundtrack is one of the greatest of all times. I mean, come on, Cat Stevens. Can you get any better? "I don't think so!"