Primer 2004 screening 1 & 2

Primer was made in 2004. It is an American science fiction/drama film about the accidental discovery of a means of time travel. The film was written, directed, and produced by Shane Carruth. It was a raw, low-budget sci-fi film. “Primer” was filmed so that it looks as if someone can create a timeline in the real world. This movie was confusing and hard to understand. In the beginning we are introduced to two friends who go through so much and find a way to go back in time. They had created a timeline and must make sure they don’t expose their invention. In the end of the first day of the showing we get an idea of how dumbfounded they are for there invention.

In the second day we learn of how mad the guys begin to become. They fear that someone has discovered there secret. They kill all there copies. Everything just changed completely. They went from Excitement in the invention to udder Madness. In the end the story gets back to the beginning and instead of starting it all over again the guy collapses.

Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives (2008)

This documentary takes us on a journey where Mark Oliver Everett, the lead singer of the band Eels, tells us of his journey about his father. Hugh Everett III, was the man who first introduced the idea of parallel universes to the world. Sadly, Mark Everett and his father never had a close relationship. So he never understood the effect his father had on the physics world until this journey. Mark uncovers whom his father's true genius as he reminisces with his colleagues, friends, and tapes. If it weren’t for his father the controversial theory of quantum mechanics that predicts the existence of parallel universes wouldn't have been introduced to us today.

Sliding Doors-

The movie Sliding Doors, directed and written by Peter Howitt is an excellent production.Gwyneth Paltrow plays the lead role as Helen Quilley, whose life is shrown through the idea of parallel universes. Ms.Quilley is a young British woman whose life has been split into two different directions after being informed that she lost her job. In one life she finds her boyfriend cheating on her and leaves him. In another someone trys to mug her and is sent to the hospital. Each of Ms. Quilley's parallel lives takes on different paths and experiences.In the end the life the audience felt to be more rightous was put to an end as Ms. Quilley was hit by a car and later died in the hospital.

"Many Lives In Many Worlds" by Max Tegmark in Nature Magazine

In Max Tegmark article, he argues that if the world accepts quantum physics. Then it also must accept the idea of parallel universes. According to quantum physicists atoms are everywhere; even inside each and everyone of us. We are just the same as any other matter.Quantum physicists have discovered through many experiments that atoms can be in two places at once. So they have concluded that if atoms can be in two places at once than we humans can be at two places at once. Because like everything else we are composed of atoms. This discovery had become the basis for the theory of parallel universes, and so the idea of Parallel Universe was born.

Parallel Universe

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Group Norms Video

Group Still Images

My Individual Norms Video

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Transcending Stereotypes by Kevin T.

Transcending Stereotypes by Kevin T. was an inspiring example for our Individual vs. Society video. I thought it was funny and insightful. The video described the stereotypes Kevin is faced with for being a Japanese-American Teenager. He has been stereotyped as being someone who uses chop sticks every time he eats, is a bad driver, good at math, etc. I like how in the first half of his video he displays himself following each stereotype. Then in the second half he displays the life he truly lives which doesn’t follow the stereotypes. This video is another great example of how stereotypes aren’t always true.

Skin by Amber D.

The personal Individual vs. Society video "Skin" by Amber D. was an inspiring video that describes how Amber overcame the stereotypes and prejudice she encounters. Amber is a young, Black female who describes how people describe her as being white washed. Just because she doesn’t drink Kool-Aid everyday or dress the part. In the end Amber makes a great argument, the color of our skin doesn’t influence who we are or how we act in life. We are our own individual person. This video was creative and meaningful, I liked it a lot.

Televison: Then and Now by Amber D., Travis G., Hayley H.

Televison: Then and Now by Amber D., Travis G., Hayley H. was a very creative group video. It showed how the members of the group are frustrated with the shows now and days, such as Americas Next Top Model. So they reminisce of past shows like the “Brady Bunch”. They feel that the newer shows are meaningless, whereas their favorite shows had moral lessons and were great to see with the family. They interviewed other of people of today’s society to see if they felt the same. Many of them did, they missed shows like "I Love Lucy".

So...What Are Your Rituals? by Christina B., Amanda I., and Kevin T.

So...What Are Your Rituals? By Christina B., Amanda I., and Kevin T. was a funny and informational personal group video. It supplied a brief view into the different rights of passages those who are Japanese, Israeli, and American go through. The video supplied example of each of the different Norms of every ritual. It described the customs of having a bar mitzvah, and a Sweet Sixteen. The students even supplied the different views people have of this custom through interviews. Which I felt help others see how society may view their own customs.

Personal Narrative Video- Redo

Mr. Debt Errol Morris

In this documentary Mr. Errol Morris is interviewed about the struggles people are faced with who are in debt. We then learn that Mr. Morris is an attorney who defends people against their bank. The banks seem to pressure there customers into paying off their debt. Except they encourage them to make the minimum payments rather than the full payments which pushes them further into debt. The true meaning of debt is exposed in this documentary as well as the rights we all have to protect ourselves from Debt.

Growing Up Online

In this documentary by the Frontline, children describe how their lives have been impacted by technology. The technology mainly focused on is the internet. Some children find freedom through the internet. It has become like a diary except nothing is kept personal it is displayed for the world to see. For instance one girl finds her chance to fit in online. She has fans that appreciate and care for her while the people in her society don’t. Except the internet isn’t always a trust worthy site. It is also a place where child molester and such lure their prey. So many parents have turned to filtering and watching over their children’s use of the internet. From this video we concur that this documentary displays the two opposing sides of children’s use of the internet.

Kids and Money

What does money mean to the children of todays society? Well according to this documentary, children believe that money is very important. Money has become such a value because the children feel the need to have an expensive style, big homes, luxury cars and to be pampered. In this documentary, we view these childrens lives and how money revolves around them. They spend tons of money to fit in by getting expensive clothing, prada, massages, hair cuts, etc. I could not believe these children actually believe they have to spend thousand of dollars to fit in todays society. Especially those who are at such a young age. All that they spend money on are on materialistic things, they have no meaning. It is everyones personality and individual traits that is of importance. Not money and I truly hope that these kids learn that.

Norms: Individual vs. Society- Ritual

Family Ritual

Being an individual who is from Hispanic decent it is a custom to celebrate our rite of passage by having a Quinceanera. Traditionally a quinceanera is when the fifteen year old girl is presented to the community as a young lady. It is also when the girl goes to mass to give her thanks to god for the life she has and then there may be a small celebration with her loved ones after. This day serves as the beginning of the young lady’s rest of her life with the ability to wear makeup, date, and go out on her own.

These days’ quinceaneras have become more sophisticated and expensive. They have added the seven chambelanes and seven lamas to represent the girls past fourteen years of life. They added the last doll dressed in an elaborate gown that is a replica of the quinceanera’s. Then there is the switch from flat shoes to high heels. The quinceanera is also to wear a tiara and is given an elegant jewelry set. All of this can be seen at the over the top parties that are now thrown which are usually at a hall that is extensively decorated.

Because I am 100% Mexican most people would think I had a quinceanera. Well the truth is I didn’t follow through with this custom. It is not because I wasn’t given the opportunity but because I never saw it as an importance. I for one don’t like having parties where all the attention would be around you. Secondly I am not a very religious person where I would go to mass. Instead my twin sister and I had gone to vacation in Cancun. We thought the money was used more wisely this way because we got to learn more about one of the most tropical places. We learned the history behind the natives who lived in Cancun and more. The way I see it, party or not at the age fifteen I was still considered a young adult so why not use the money towards something I find more rewarding.

"Bikinis & Tiaras"- Girls on the Verge by: Vendela Vida

This personal narrative is an insight to those who aren’t Hispanic about the tradition of a quince. It describes how the tradition of a quince has changed so much over the year in America. Quinces these days are more about the party and having all eyes on the young lady as she entertains her guests. Originally a quince served as a way to thank god for the girl’s life so far and to show how they are now young women. It also signifies how the young lady now has the ability to wear makeup, date and go out on her own. Some girls no longer include mass in this ceremony; some only have a party, while others choose to only take pictures. For most of the Hispanic girls who choose to have this celebration say they have it for the party rather than the tradition. The parents see it as w=a way to keep the tradition alive and to show those back in there homeland how they have made it in America.

Norms: Individual vs. Society- Versus

Most Teens and I

I have been told many times by multiple people that I am a very responsible young lady for my age I never really had much thought about it. It wasn’t until the summer before my senior year that I took all these comments into thought. You see I had given up my last summer as a minor, to babysit my uncle’s children all the way in San Mateo. So I was five hours away from family, and friends for my entire summer. It was there that my uncle and his wife had asked me the one question I never had considered, “Why are you so different from most teens, how are you so responsible?”

Immediately I couldn’t help but compare myself to the one other teenager I ever knew, my cousin. I remember growing up with my cousin when she was a teen. I remember the countless times she went joy riding with my grandfather’s car. I remember the times she would sneak out the house to meet up with her boyfriend. She was my role model and I would be lying if I told you I didn’t ever follow her ways. I remember sneaking out one night with her because she told me it would be fun. This was the night that would change the rest of my entire life. I may have never done anything worth regretting but the fact that I was willing to climb out a window scared me. How could one person influence my life in such a way?

It was from this day forward that I had learned not to take life for granted that you need to fight hard for what you believe in and never let anyone influence your life. I guess I am different from other teens because I have learned from the mistakes my cousin has made. I learned not to be foolish and I learned that the strongest I ever was is when I was true to myself. I may not go out partying with the cool crowd, I have never done drugs and I don’t drink, not even wine.

Instead I have found it fulfilling being the best person I can be. I help others, I participate in a number of charities, I never mind being a helpful hand for teachers and I take my chances at new opportunities. For instance most teens wouldn’t be willing to babysit a whole summer without family, friends, internet access, and without contact to the rest of civilization. But I did, I figured it would be a chance for me to understand how my life would be when I left home. I learned how it would be to have a family to whom I would have to look after.

But then again I guess one of the major reasons I live my life this way is because I have my own morals. In which most I have been taught by family, but unlike others I take my morals seriously. If I ever were to break them, I would live in dread till I found a way to redeem myself. Teens aren’t always reckless; they can be young responsible adults to. I guess that’s what separates me the “individual” from most teens the “society”. I think over all my actions before taking them, always hoping for the best.

Persepolis By Marjane Satrapi

Through this personal narrative Marjane Satrapi describes the history of Iran, her country. She describes how she wants to become a prophet for her people. Marjane is teased and ostracized by her schoolmates for wanting to become a prophet. While Satrpi describes how she wants to fight for her freedom of her country with a revolution. In the end Majane's want for revenge causes her the loss of her god.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

This personal narrative is about an Asian-American boy named Jin who has a crush on an American girl named Amelia Harris. She is the girl that sits in front of him in his biology class. Jin is confused and doesn't know how to get Amelia's attention. Jin tells his friend Wei-chen about his crush who reminds him of the limitations boys had with girls where they come from. After Jin fails on making a move to get to know Amelia better he gains the guts to ask her out. Leaving him feeling accomplished

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Fired Up- Erica Barba,18

Northridge is No Better Than Sylmar
Teens are the same no matter the time period or place they live in. We all party, listen to music, rebel, and face high school with our clicks. The only difference would be the location, fashion, and trends of the era. With the passing of time it seems teens have become less and less conservative.
Now and days you can find teens rolling in there set of wheels with their stereos pounding to the rhythm of rap, rock, or maybe even R&B. The girls are usually dressed in revealing clothing that makes you think that the fashion statement they are working is “the more skin shown, the better”. The boys are no different they sag there pants so low that it is as if they are flaunting their boxers off to the world.
Personally, I am not like most teens these days. I don’t like wearing booty shorts, or shirts that show my stomach. I hate rap music, it sounds like a bunch of nonsense and I rarely go out to parties that aren’t with my family. I guess the only thing that keeps me sane and unique from the rest is my passion for old times, vintage attire, music, and other items. I love the past; young girls were more elegant than they are now. I choose to follow the ideas from the past but not all of them. Unlike the past I feel women have the right to work hard for themselves not for men. I also feel that all people are equal, where as in the past colored, and gender was treated differently. I guess I follow the fashion from the past while I follow the ideals of the present.
I for one consider myself privileged for not being apart of this distasteful type of teen fashion. Then again everyone has their own opinion, but what I find most disturbing isn’t their taste in fashion. I find it hard to believe that the teens in Northridge are completely different from the teen in Sylmar. I have been fortunate in life to live in such places. I lived in Sylmar for most of my childhood and have grown up in places like Pacoima, Arleta, and San Fernando. It wasn’t till I was going into middle school that my family and I came to live in Northridge. From experience I can say there isn’t much of a difference in the people who live in these places. Like I have said before, we all do the same things. I hate the stereotypes people give places like Arleta, saying “you will get shot just driving by”. I can tell you I have never been shot, never witnessed a drive by shooting, and I am not associated in a gang. I also can tell others that the teens from both places may not like each other because they believe they are all completely different. The only difference I see is better streets, more money, and a better education in the Northridge side. Other than that things aren’t much of a difference.

The Border by Cindy Morand

Cindy Morand narrative "The Border" is about her personal experiences as an immigrant from Mexico and how her life has changed in a city. Her family moved to America for a better life, even though there life back in Mexico was already great. Cindy had a hard time when she first arrived to her new home in New York City because she had to learn a new language and more.By the end of this narrative Cindy describes how she has learned hoe to be strong from this life changing experience.

My Brown Eyes by Alexander Amador

Alexander Amador's narrative "My Brown Eyes", is about his life as a Mexican American living in the barrio of the Eighth Street Locos 13 gang. In this narrative Alex describes how he loves his neighborhood and how the homies that live there always have his back. He then describes his family and how he shows respect to his mother by helping around the house before she gets home so she doesn't have much to do. Alex also describes how his brother has gotten into some drug problems, was put in jail and is now trying to change his life by going to college and getting a job. Alex's brother keeps asking his family to join him but they don't waont to leave the community they are used to being around.

No Laughing Matter by Chris Schmader

No laughing matter is a personal narrative written about a Friday night Chris had with friends. The boys decide to eat at a restaurant and as they wait for their food they tell their stories of the summer. Pete and Jeff, two of Chris’ friends describe how they were caught drinking by a cop on their trip to South Carolina. As all the friends laughed at the experience one boy Abe just sat in disappointment because not even his friends can change his morals.

Our Boys Speak By John Nikkah- Introduction

This personal narrative describes the journey John Nikkah had in pulling together his book on boy’s stories. In the beginning John struggled because no one else thought his book would sell. That was until he found an editor who felt that the boy’s views needed to be heard. It wasn't until John read the stories of the boys across the country that he learned exactly how difficult life had become for the youth of today. He realized that boys aren’t given the attention they need and with these incidents like the Columbine shooting has occurred. John doesn't blame the parents for this he blames the societies stereotypes of boys as being strong and doesn't need as much focus as girls. He thinks the boys of our nation just needs some more attention.

Introduction of Red by Amy Goldwasser

Amy Goldwasser the editor of Red describes how she has learned so much about American teens from the stories she receives from them. It is through the teen’s writings that she comes to realizing that no one ever likes being a teenager. What she found interesting in these teens is their ability to write about what ever they want without feeling the need to censor anything. It is the ability to do this that breaks the typical teen stereotype that they only care about shopping, celebrities; supermodel Dom, etc. because they take into account everything around them and write about it in multiple sites.

Curve by Alison Smith

Alison Smith describes how she is awkwardly skinny and how her family tease her about needing to gain weight. Alison's friends on the other hand can't seem to notice anything but her weight and get mad when they compare her to themselves. No one seems to notice that Alison personally doesn't like her body. The only thing she does like about it is her hips because it is the only curve she has on her body.

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Personal Narrative Video

My Way-The American Life

This documentary involves four different stories. The three characters of this video is Joe, Larry, Brad, and Marcus. Larry is an old man who does to visit his dead wife grave every week. Time has passed, he has a girlfriend but he still goes to visit his dead wife. Joe is a teenage boy who does not believe in love, and hopes he never will fall in love. Brad is a psychologist who is known for being honest and ran for a seat in congress. Marcus is a photographer who changed his career from taking depressing pics to more joyful ones.

It Might Get Loud

This documentary is about rock and roll through three different artists Jack White, Jimmy Page, and The Edge, who are from different generations of music. They all respect each other as they describe there passion and there influence on rock and roll for the public. Each of the artists had described how playing the electric guitar has allowed them to state there emotions and feelings through music. All three help demonstrate how music has made a big influence to there life's.

"The Road Warrior", The O.C.

In this episode of The O.C. we learn through two of the characters exactly what a voiceover is. We learn this as one of the characters is listening to herself as she tries to make a decision. But she gets interrupted by her friend who rushes her to make up he mind already. The girl trying to make a decision believes that a voiceover makes a girls life seem more exciting.

Cate, Beth, Lauren- High School Confidential

This video is a documentary of three girls lives Cate, Beth, and Lauren. Each year of high school, they are asked questions and talk about there experiences. Each girl has there own story, some describe their struggles, others describe there achievements. The main theme of the video is the road to self awareness, which I am sure many other teens of America can relate to.

"Pilot Episode"- My So Called Life

This documentary is through the eyes and thoughts of a 15 year old girl named Angela in high school. Throughout the film we see Angela's life through the voice over of her thoughts. We see how Angela transforms herself as she chases for the attention of her crush. Throughout it all we hear how much Angela craves for his attention. I found that this film can probably be related to other teenage girls around the world.

Wings For Wheels-The Making of "Born to Run"

This personal narrative video is about Bruce Springsteins journey as a musician. Bruce himself talks about how his life was in the very beginning and about some of the songs he has created. Whereas other significant people are shown talking about how a magnificent artist he is and was during the 70's. Describing all of the accomplishments he has made in life. This film was creative, meaning, and well put together.

Voiceover Narrative- optional

I guess I can be categorized as a hopeless romantic, so when I was at home trying to figure out how music plays a role in my identity all that came to mind was my relationship. I remember the day my boyfriend serenaded me to the song always and forever. Or our first valentines together at the movie theaters the music from the end credits was playing and he gave me my gift, it was a promise ring. But the best gift of all was on Christmas when he gave me a t-shirt with the lyrics from a song he wrote for me. I guess music just seems to be apart of almost every one of my favorite moments, even the moments I thought would never happen. For instance dancing, before josh came along people would have to try to pry me off my seat to dance. Yet now and days he is the one person who can get me out on a dance floor and have a good time.

Our Love Songs February 2010

Each and every love story is unique,

Mine involves too different cliques,

I was a geek and he had a winning streak,

He’d have a new girlfriend each week,

And I’ll Be There trying not to look like a freak,

Only Time would bring us together,

He has changed plenty and is a nice fellow,

And we have grown Happy Together,

While listening to the radio in cold weather he’d

Serenading me to Always and Forever,

I for one never ever sing,

But I can’t help but smile

When he sings along to Heat Wave,

For he is the only one I can call honey,

Money can't buy me love,

But my love has bought me a promise ring,

Always letting me know he’d Stand By Me,

Supporting each and every decisions I make,

Even if that includes us being a distance apart,

Yes the separation causes heartache,

But he always reinsures me with his words

Telling me “Baby you're all that I need”,

How can I not respond but with

The simple phrase from The Delfonics,

I’d tell him that La La Means I Love You,

And that from the day we went steady,

Marked the day our love will last forever,

Together in the arms of one another.

Play- Summary

Olive Panter, is the narrator of the personal narrative music story "Play". Panter was influenced early on to music by her parents. She learned to love and appreciate music by her parents. She spreads her love by making mix tapes for friends and teachers. With the support of her mother, Olive joined two bands where she feels a rush every time she sings. In all Panter feels that her life should be wrapped up by music. This shows just how much she has become passionate about music.

My Impression Now- Summary

John Sellers, the narrator is a thirty-three year old man who loves music. Music has revolved around most of his life's choices. His favorite type of music is Indie Rock, which he says has saved his life. According to sellers, music surrounds our lives each and everyday. Through radio, commercials, etc. So he found that it is the music we listen to the most that seperates us from the rest. For instance, Sellers most played song is "Guided By Voices" an unknown band. This fact makes him unique from the rest of society because they necessarily might not listen to this same band.

Our Love Songs 02/2010

It was the end of sophomore year; I was walking through the halls when my eyes caught the sight of someone familiar. Joshua Castaneda, Mr. Popular from my middle school who of course was talking to some girls. Immediately, memories of his many relationships from middle school flashed through my head. I couldn’t help but wonder “what makes girls so interested in him?” After a while I just blew the train of thought away and continued my day. A week later I was surprised to find a friend request from Josh on MySpace. I thought to myself “What would it hurt by adding him as a friend”. So I did. Before I knew it summer started and we spent most of the summer talking to each other. I began to learn that Josh was a funny, understanding, relatable, smart guy. Who cares about all the people in his life.

My life was changed completely that summer from the day we started dating. If I were back in middle school and someone were to suggest for me to date Josh I wouldn’t have seen that as a possibility. It has now been eighteen months into our relationship and most of my memories with him include music. With Josh singing along to the song “Bed of Roses” by Bon Jovi to our trip to Hurricane Harbor. Or the song “I’ll be there” by the Jackson 5 playing softly in the background on our way home from the Pomona Fair. Or to his simple dedications of songs to me like “Always and Forever” by Heatwave.

So when it came to making a mix tape, I didn’t hesitate in making it on our relationship. Using the songs from the moments we had together and the songs that I feel represent our relationship. The songs from the start out slow, representing the beginning or our relationship. While the end of the mix tape is a little more serious representing the stage we are at now.

Indie Film-Summary

The narrator, Heidi Van Lier first describes a visit she had to Orange County High School. Where Heidi answered the students questions. She regrets not having the time to tell them about a to do it now list she created. So the rest of the article is the list she created to help prepare those who are interested in producing Indie films, etc. In the end of the article, there is a short description of Heidi and the films she has made.

http://filmindependent.org/content/indie-film-q-heidi-van-lier-i%E2%80%99m-high-school-what-should-i-be-doing-right-now

Barely A Mix Tape- Summary

The narrator, Katie Krentz reminisces through the summer after her freshman year at Indiana University. She describes the relationship she had with her childhood friend Luke, who understood her. Then she describes a mix tape Luke made her that was a perfect example of their bond. Through the years they had split and lost touch but she still has the tape. She describes how the tape isn’t about Luke or her but the understandment and comfort she needed that year.

Types of Mixes-Summary

After reading this handout, I learned that mix tapes could have many topics or purposes. Which are split into seven types of mixes. Mix one; Crush tapes are usually filled with songs and titles that are flirty in order to "let your intentions be known". Musical Journey tapes are more of an "eccentric taste"; where the hidden part of someone is revealed. Audio Postcard tapes are similar to the previous two except it includes a recorded message from the creator. Conceptual tapes are a form of art meant to be only heard once. Era Defining tapes serve to document the music of the chosen time period. Break Up tapes serve to humiliate or give regret to the ex relationship. Themed tapes are used for special occasions such as celebrating a birth. In all, these were the seven types of mix tapes commonly found or made.

"Roller Boogie" Love is a Mix Tape- Summary

Rob Sheffield the narrator is a guy reminiscing through his adolescence. Particularly, at age thirteen when his love for music inspired him to make mix tapes for his eighth grade dances. Rob had believed that "music was going to make girls fall in love with" him, sence he was clueless to social interaction. While reminiscing through his tape, Rob begins to regret some of his choices, music wise and social wise. Ironically Rob didn't realize that his dads statement about how people go to the dances "to meet girls" rather than for the music, was right. His passion for music had blinded him as he now regrets some of the music choices he made. At the same time he lost the opportunity to interact with girls. Which explains why the story opens with the phrase "I was too young to know better."