Since it's Halloween, I'm going to take part in this no-days-off holiday Films and Veganism style.

When I was watching the 30 Rock series last year, I saw a funny little Halloween-dity from the episode "Jack Gets in the Game" and knew I'd have to say something about it next Halloween. Not to forget the hilarious Modern Family Halloween-themed episodes.




Modern Family Halloweens

Photo: spoilersguide/ABC

I don't think any show on television does Halloween better than Modern Family (or Addams Family).  One of my very favorite episodes from the show is actually the first Halloween episode, and I'm not even big on the idea of Halloween nor do I participate but I do like comedic episodes that become a product during the Halloween season.  Even after seeing the episode multiple times, it never fails to make me laugh every time I see the skeleton scare Phil.

Adorable - Photo: buddytv/ABC

Last week, the latest Modern Family Halloween-themed episode aired and was of course, absolutely hilarious, while bordering adorable. Without spoiling anything, Claire attempts to prove that she can be scary, Lily wants to be a princess, and Gloria has a right to express her anger.

	Hilarious - Photo:Figment/ABC

Werewolf Bar Mitzvah: spooky-scary

So here's the catchy tune "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah", written by Donald Glover of Community, from the 30 Rock episode mentioned earlier, "Jack Gets in the Game" Season 2, episode 2.


Video: 30 Rock, NBC (2007)

This is very much a college student post from the days when I lived in a dorm somewhat far from home, and relied on pre-packaged vegan foods, hence the term 'college vegan'.



Ingredients

• - vegan taco mix
• - taco shell, chips or lettuce to substitute shell/chips
• - lettuce 
• - tomato
• - salsa
• - other fresh veggies

Step mix: Make the mix, whether it comes out of box like mine or with creativity from scratch.
Step outside: Taco shell or chips? Or lettuce shell/chips. Either way, still a taco creation.
Step toppings: Add as many fresh and raw vegetable toppings as you favor. I like massive amounts of veggie-related toppings, as seen in the photos.
Step salsa: Apply the salsa and dice some tomatoes





Whenever I look for salsa I get the urge to say, "where's the salsa?" like in that episode of Seinfeld...

Video: Seinfeld, NBC Universal. Season 4, Episode 3. Sept 1992.

I'm aware that the title is a "colossal single-serving" oxymoron right there, creativity-with-words. But anyway, here's a super easy though, slightly time-consuming recipe of homestyle potatoes, vegan version. 



Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• coconut oil, any non-hydrogenated oil
• onions are good addition
• any additional vegetables, not cooked in oil. 

Note: fried potatoes (really any fried foods) are not the healthiest option but nice to have on occasion or in small amounts. I think it's best to serve these accompanied by a hearty serving of freshly steamed vegetables, which is what I did. But the veggies are not pictured, were eaten separately.

Step oil, I mean one: I'm going with that actually made typographical error. So the step everyone probably already knows: heat the pan with oil and add the washed/sliced (or diced) potatoes.





Just add some vegetables and/or organic ketchup as pictured then enjoy.

Caution: Immensely sweet. Dining on this is like drowning in a sea of sweetness.

There are many different variations for this raw tart: frozen or not, basic one layer or multi-layer, and it only needs three ingredients, unless you want to add more to it.




Ingredients

• Cashews
• Dates
• Strawberry

Step 1: Bottom layer of crushed and blended raw cashews and dates



Step 2: Middle/Top layer: blender strawberries (I used strawberries left in the freezer for the frozen tart)
 and add onto the cashew-date crust.

So amazing.

Step 3 (additional layers): Top Layer add another layer of dates/cashews, then another layer of strawberries

Even though this is a very strange and unusual film that wasn't taken so well by critics and audiences, I actually like it and find it to be beautiful. And am probably drawn to it because of how different and lovely it really is.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still. Lorey Sebastian/Passion Play Productions.

 Passion Play is very much a fictional fantasy film which takes place in an almost dream-like and enigmatic setting with two main actors audiences wouldn't expect to see together, Megan Fox and Mickey Rourke.  Megan Fox plays the sheltered, naive, and unfortunately extremely objectified Lily who, somehow born with wings, just wants to be "like all the other girls." Rourke takes on the role as the fallen musician who takes Lily away from the dehumanizing circus-life, saving her from the oppressing sheltered box that confines her.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

Passion Play is what I consider a mixed-genre film with a strange storyline that has an almost definite embodiment of cult-classic film status, in that it is very much an acquired taste in regard to movies, especially looking at the obviously harsh reviews and opinions expressed, most were not in favor of the movie. Despite the fact that it may not be the best film according to a majority opinion, it is still a pretty nice film that isn't too easy to forget.

Mickey Rourke. Megan Fox. Passion Play. Dir/Writ. Glazer, Mitch. Image Entertainment. 2010. Film Still.

One scene, my favored scene is where the romance aspect between the two characters begins as a very delightful moment of slow-dance takes place with jazz playing in the background. Not only is this a significant scene for the two protagonists, but it is also a scene that reminds viewers of a classic 1940s romance.  Passion Play is a strange and unusual film that remains romantic and beautiful with a strong message about loving and accepting yourself and others regardless of difference.

 Recently I've become what might be, dare I say, addicted with fascination to Lana Del Rey's music.  For a while it seemed as if audiences were either abrasively critical of her work or in complete contrast, obsessed by it. And I admit, I have become the latter.



Lana Del Rey (formerly, Elizabeth W. Grant/Lizzy Grant) is both a somewhat controversial figure and almost infamous singer known for the provocative nature embedded within her songs and visually illustrated throughout her music videos. "You Can Be the Boss" was the first song of hers I heard and was one of which I instantaneously fell in love.

 But the I more listened to her music and the unique delivery wrapped up by an almost dangerous vulnerability and shaded morose feeling behind it, the more I grew accustom to it- and thus, could not stop listening.



In an interview, Del Rey explained her use of incorporating clips displaying certain themes that were meaningful to her in some way, in her own music videos in such as "Carmen", "Brite Lites", and the favored, "Video Games."



She is an artist that immerses much of herself, beyond what is comfortable, into her work. If you were to see any of her live performances to songs like "Carmen" or "Body Electric", you could easily observe that these songs are something very personal and close to her- not only as an artist, but as a writer as well. In Del Rey's music, various elements of youth-driven life, a spontaneously wild and fragmented living through intense or impulsive emotions, is suggested. For instance the popular quote from Ride, "Live fast. Die young. Be wild. Have fun." For some it may seem elusive as to what concrete situations and issues she alludes to; while for others, it's quite obvious. Listeners and Del Rey, herself, have made the claim that the female characters she sings about are actually herself, pieces reflecting her past.

Still from Video Games

Del Rey, with her unique music style, and overall vintage style, infused with her jazzy-reminiscent voice, is one that sonically carries through airways loud, almost erotically intoxicating, and evocative.


~



I get chills every time I hear Body Electric. Apparently there is a series of amazing unreleased songs all over the place. If you come across any, I highly recommend Cola, Gods & Monsters, and American. Last video for the post title= Put Me in a Movie.






Photos: Google Images

Photo: erandiadame at tumblr

I recently came across a "preview" story from the modern and innovative site by the name of Nowness- also the place where you can read all about the video itself. But this little video is one of which I have come to favor. With quite an artful cinematography and its leading beautiful song, Brindo, created by artist Devendra Banhart, depicts a very intimate portrait that when I first saw, before the ending and without reading anything about, wondered "what's up with the sunglasses?"




Despite the fact that it is an advertisement for Oliver Peoples Eyewear, it's still a pretty nice video with an aesthetic that embraces a relaxed feel.