"Sex. Drugs. Vampires. Who wouldn't like it?" says a friend of mine in a previous conversation. 

And I admit, the show is interesting.

For me, the aspect of True Blood that stands out most is its way of showing how pervasive, elusive, and easily normalized prejudice and hatred can become. If vampires and other mythic creatures actually did exist, our world would easily look just like this show. Many of the tv shows and movies about mythical beings living among humans seem to metaphorically represent the common, negative "isms" in our society.

True Blood. HBO.

In the event that season five is in the works, I would like to talk about this True Blood phenomenon that shook our pop culture to the max. At first I went into it thinking: "what is the big deal with this show?" and "why is everyone talking about it?" So I figure that there must be some awe-spiring spark-factor to this show - only to find out that there is. By exploring these all-curious questions of what this show is about, I watched the first episode, the second, and suddenly... I was hooked.

Knowing there was no turning back, I ended up going through the whole first four seasons. There are several in fact, depending on each individual person. For instance, the fact that some might like it because of the HBO-raunchiness that just oozes off the television screen; while others like it for it's strange originality and continuing plot-twists. Or perhaps the evident fact that people obsess over this show for both reasons and more.

Character development is also a huge factor of the show. I don't think I actually realized how intense and profound character development can be until I saw this show. After working my way through all four seasons, I felt as if I knew the characters so much so that I could easily assume what one character would do or say in a certain moment.  And I think that's something that is pretty amazing.

True Blood, HBO.

The show's setting within itself is pretty interesting. Set in a somewhat old-time, very small southern Louisiana-town, several fictional, mythological, and supernatural occurrences take place here, and it's all mixed up in one show. That alone is something I don't often see. Possibly because I'm someone who doesn't like anything that is even slightly scary or supernatural - but with this show it's different. The intricate character relationships and plot-twists are what really makes the show what it is, and what makes it addictive.

True Blood. HBO. 2012.

While watching this series I couldn't help but think of how the social issues in the show relate and compare to those in American society.

It may not be healthy, but it tastes pretty great.


So you got your vegan ice cream with several varieties in both brand and flavor. My favorite brand of vegan ice cream has always been by So Delicious. They have so many options, it's incredible; with various flavors and ingredients, including your choice between coconut, almond, or soy milks. So Delicious is not the only vegan ice cream brand, several others are on the rise in the market and they are incredible as well.

Moving on to simple vegan ice cream sandwiches! All I did here was take the vegan-friendly Back to Nature chocolate chuck cookies, and put some coconut mint chip vegan ice cream in between two of the mini cookies. Then added some carob chips in between.




Just for laughs, SNl/Lonely Island "Dear Sister"


Back To Nature 27168 D...$34.29 Boncui.com

Vegan Blueberry Mini Muffins

Yum!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 C. Earth Balance or oil
• 1/4 t. Salt
• 1 C. Organic, raw, or turbinado sugar - maybe even agave
• 2 C. Flour - I used whole wheat
• 1 Tbs. Baking Powder
• 1 teas. Vanilla extract
• 1/2 C. Soy, almond, coconut, or rice milk
• 2 C. Blueberries

I got the idea for this recipe from somewhere I don't remember a couple years ago...



Mix wet, mix dry - separately. Then mix them together and place in muffin trays.
Set them in the oven on 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until tops are full.
And they should come out looking like this - minus the green-tinted lighting.

This is pretty much how to make breakfast taste awesome 101. You make a banana split sundae and this is how it is done..

I thought it would be a nice idea to put together some of, what I think are, the most absolutely hilarious videos from the late night talk shows that I've seen from this past month. So, as we said in the school news video production class, "let's go check it out!"

How do I know these are funny? Because in all of these videos, I found myself laughing super hard through the whole thing - So yeah, take a minute or two to check them out!
 


Starting off with an amazing, amazing, hilarious - it really is this amazingly hilarious - video from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Downton Sixbey (2012, Fallon, NBC)



 From all the Downton fever going around (not a real fever), I realize whenever I try to write Downton "downtown" I always end up writing "downton."

With all that said and done, I think this was an explosively funny week for the always creative and always funny non-stop "giggle factory" of Late Night. Not to forget the fact that this week was "perm week", the guests were hilarious, the old-timey, jazzy 1920's flashback-radio show with Will Smith, and the latest, Housewives of Late Night (2012, Fallon, NBC), which is actually so much better than the real hour-long episodes.





Moving on to the very off-beat eccentric and versatile, yet still remaining the very on-beat versatile humor-- I'm talking about the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. There are so many hilarious moments from this show that I don't even know where to start, but that's all I can say. I mean, if you haven't seen this show, you should definitely check it out!



Overall, throughout the whole show, Craig will have you busting out laughing at the most unexpected moments.




You can see another super hilarious interview with Mila Kunis, that I talked about, here. Or you can just click here to go directly to the interview.



Another talk show I noticed getting attention was an interview David Letterman did with Brian Williams. The interview, which can be seen at Huffington Post, concerns a few important political issues, which make it worth seeing.

Well, hope this made laughs and informed because that is the point of this post. If there are any other late night-related shows/videos that you think are fully hilarious, feel free to leave a comment or a link.

Sources:
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. NBC. WXIA, New York. 2012. Television.
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Lassally, Peter. Letterman, David. CBS. Worldwide Pants. Los Angeles, California. 2012. Television.

Lazy Vegan Nachos

Here are four different and very easy nachos to make for awesome snacks. The first will be a vegan version of the "traditional" nachos.

• Tortilla chips!
• Daiya vegan-cheeze - I used 1/3 c.
• Water (half the amount of vegan-cheeze)
• Peppers: green, red, jalapenos, chili peppers, etc.
• A dash of grounded black pepper 

Melt the Vegan-cheeze in a pan with water or almond milk at half the amount of vegan cheeze used so that it will be creamy. Add in black pepper, green peppers, and any other choice of vegetables.


Oven Vegan-Cheesy Chips






















I'm sure many people have done this before, but for those who haven't, all you have to do with these is put shredded vez-cheeze over chips and slide them in the oven.

Then slide the "half-baked" vegan-cheesy chips onto a plate and done! Just don't over-bake.



Spinach Vegan-Cheesy Chips

I just added some fresh spinach into the mix. Originally, I was going to make a spinach-artichoke dip, but I figured this works easiest/laziest. Always wash off the spinach...




Avocado Nachos

If you don't have or, like myself, run out of vegan-cheeze, you can always resort to avocado nachos or a type of guacamole.

I just mashed some avocado, added some black pepper and herbs, then enjoyed with a few chips.

Avocado? Yes.

In the event of my last day of high school, I thought I should do something special: I'm going to countdown some of the best high school films or just a few favorites according to year. Specifically, I'm talking about youth-related movies that address serious issues and convey important messages that pertain to youth culture.

1.  Breakfast Club (1985)
Comedy-Drama

The Breakfast Club (1985). Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film poster.

The Breakfast Club is a youth-centric 80s film that is still quite relevant to high school students today. It's a captivating film that both closely examines and shatters trite high-school stereotypes and stereotypical personalities which form as a result of selectively esoteric cliques and labels that are difficult to eradicate. Although times have changed in terms of the confining high-school labels and hierarchies (as audiences may see in 21 Jump Street), students still face various issues regarding harmful methods of exclusion and harsh judgmental criticism. However, all schools are different and the issues that students may encounter vary as well. I didn't really have any of these issues in high school, more in middle school, but that could be because I made sure to find other intelligent, determined, and very sensible students to be around and didn't waste time with other students outside of school (in other words, I just stayed home studying all the time like I do now in college so there isn't any drama to deal with there).

Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, etc. The Breakfast Club (1985). Dir/Writ. Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film Still.

 
One of the most important scenes, and most memorable scene for me, in The Breakfast Club is Emilio Estevez's character speech about how "we're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it." This quote really had me thinking. I've often used it to get people to understand another person's perspective and bring attention to the fact that this is a fact. We all are different and strange in our own ways, some people are just more open and honest about it. Another major part of this quote relates to our insecurities with the actions, thoughts, and behaviours that are considered normal by society, and our stringent conditioning which feeds into our insecurities and forces us to follow those (usually unnecessary and discriminatory) social norms. Near the end of the film, specifically in the scene with that quote, we see these characters really want to be able to be friends and continue a relationship, but are so concerned with what everyone else thinks and too insecure to fully counter and resist the social norms and confinements of the groups/cliques of which they belong.

Ally Sheedy. The Breakfast Club (1985). Hughs, John. Universal Pictures. Film Still and Quote. The issue/double standard described in this quote is discussed in the 'Easy A' segment of the post, below.

I could go on discussing and analyzing this film but I really just wanted to focus on a few of the high school aspects of it all. I really recommend this film, it's a pretty great 80s classic. Viewers can easily find understanding in what they see. One might realize the way they perceive others and how that way might not necessarily be fair and that others' feelings and perspectives should often be considered too.


2.  Easy A (2010)
Comedy-Drama

Emma Stone. Easy A (2010).  Sony Pictures. Film Poster/Film Still.

Easy A proves itself as another teen-centric film that is not to be confused with all of the other crappy "teen" films. It is a comedy that acknowledges a myriad of serious issues harming American youth, female youth in particular. The film takes place in a conservative "bible-belt" community where the subjective idea of purity and religious righteousness are heavily imposed upon the highly impressionable and credulous insecure youth. Rachel Rabbit White describes it best in an amazing and accurate piece that relates to the central issue of this entire film, in her article she writes, "I grew up in a small, conservative town. Needless to say, people did not have the healthiest attitudes about sex. . . In this view of sexuality, where there was no more than 'don't do it,' consent and it’s many layers wasn't an issue. As a woman in this culture, there was no learning what you like and asking for it. There was no sex beyond this one act."

In the instance of this film, major issues relating to sexuality are examined and comedically emulated in this setting. One of the most important cultural issues addressed in the film are the extremely patriarchal and inexcusable double-standards that young women too often have to endure. For instance, Olive's character is perceived as a number of insulting slurs (words more severe than "harlot") by both female and made classmates. If the Olive character was a male, this would be completely different- and such a character would be widely accepted and congratulated as fitting the "masculine" ideal (which is no doubt toxic), not dehumanized and vindicated as nothing but a sex-object (as we see with the female character). These type of double standards are especially worse in an immature environment (e.g. high-school setting like the film) and unfortunately anywhere, really.

Another important component of the film is its depiction of the kudzu-like spread of rumors and how the majority of such rumors are untrue and worsened over time, and female students are usually the targets of slanderous rumors and insults. Then others who believe or continue to spread defamatory remarks only further exacerbate the already severe problem, which shows just how quick people are to judge one another over a falsity, and how it leads to an even greater, though no-less negative, reputation for the victim (who, if a woman, will be unfairly blamed regardless).

All of these complex issues which negatively affect young women are depicted and emphasized in this film, which is good for the fact that it creates awareness for those/girls who may be in similar situations as the Olive character, and hopefully somehow helps to mitigate some of the problems they may encounter. There's also hope that movies like this might help young people realize how unfair and cruel young people are towards one another. And maybe help to minimize the amount of odious victimizers/bullies and lazy/scared bystanders to realize how ridiculous and lowdown they really are, because hopefully they will wise-up and realize that they can be better. In other words, bystanders need to stop doing nothing, and start standing up for or protecting and helping those in trouble situations/those being bullied- we see the adult-version of this (meaning adults who should already know better, not immature high-schoolers) in the really great ABC show "What Would You Do?" In this case, the issues are reflected through the way students cruelly react, mistreat, and harass the main character, Olive (Emma Stone), for actions she didn't even take part in. And even if she did, she or any other girl, should not be and does not deserve to be treated or harassed for it. Not just a woman, but any human has the right to do whatever they chose with their own body, and should not be penalized for being comfortable with themselves, their choices, and/or their sexuality as most young women often are.

Throughout the film the protagonist, Olive (Emma Stone), is shown having to experience and tolerate all of these issues and more, until she finds her way to overcome it. As a film, Easy A exemplifies a really important factor as a comedy-drama with its balance between serious and funny. This is a film that can address and portray these serious societal issues, while remaining refreshingly light and comedic.


3.  21 Jump Street (2012)
Comedy-Action

Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. 21 Jump Street (2012). Columbia Pictures. Film Poster.

I know I've talked about this movie before but this post will be centering on a different subject-matter.
When I saw this movie, I thought it was completely on-point with it's depiction of how high school has changed in the past few years. Not all high schools are like the one in '21 Jump', but my high school was for the fact that most of the students were really chill and there wasn't really a popular group (there were people that could be considered popular, but they were only popular for being really nice all the time really), everyone just hung out with people they liked, even if that meant going outside the group of which one usually eats lunch. This was cool. And as Channing's character, Jenko, describes these "crunchy granola dudes" who are on the more "popular" side of the school seem to be the students becoming more aware of the issues in the world- inequalities, oppression, environmental issues, politics, conflicts, etc. which all affect every aspect of our lives in some way- environmental and political/legal issues especially (I ought to know, I have become that type of student). The point of emphasizing this change was to show that the overrated social hierarchy has dispersed, so much so that's nearly almost nonexistent. Or at least, overall or on average, the hierarchy isn't as bad as Breakfast Club. However, myriad issues still exist for girls, which we see exemplified in Easy A.

Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. 21 Jump Street (2012). Film Still.

Also, it wasn't until I saw this film that realized how adorable a subtle bromance can be, which there are a lot of in high school and perhaps even after high school, I'm sure. I don't know if it's become a growing trend or what, but even before the term was coined, these close-guy relationships have always been around. I think  the best way to look at it, is in a positive light because it's clearly not going anywhere any time soon and that's not a bad thing. It's actually really sad, unfortunate, and harmful that guys can't express how they honestly feel or what they really think without trying to display the false bravado of the misogynistic masculinity. There are several articles that address such issues on The Good Men Project, and writers of the website show that it's advantageous when guys do not to sucumb to or try to attain the hyper-masculine ideal, but become more caring, compassionate, selfless, honest, etc. It's better to see guys asserting more of the female-gendered characteristics, like compassion, than having them think that they need to prove a toxic masculinity that only results in violence, pain, and harm to others (most importantly women) and themselves.


On a different note and speaking of breakfast (Breakfast Club), my last day of high school breakfast was a recipe you can find here, but something I decided to make while watching the DVR recorded Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson was a really nice episode with Mila Kunis. Even though I wasn't able to watch the whole show at the time, what I was able to see that it was funny as usual. I love it when Mila Kunis is on the show, but also Craig's Michael Caine impressions are hilarious.



What are some of your favorite high school/"teen" movies and the messages or meanings you interpreted behind them? Feel free to share your thoughts on any of the many different topics in this post, and perhaps join the discussion.

Title: Nirvana

Usually, I wouldn't mix music into this already broad-topic of a blog unless it was done subtly. But the revisted 'Fight for Your Right' is more than just a music video. It is a short film that consists mostly of Beastie montage scenes showing the cast's egregious and silly antics.

When I saw Elijah Wood as a guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, he brought up an interesting topic regarding the shoot of a Beastie Boys video. The short clip of the music video showed Wood, Seth Rogen, and Danny McBride posing as the young Beastie Boy members through fish-eye lens.
It wasn't until I finally saw the short film in its entirety that I noticed the hilarious cornucopia of numerous famous faces in the film/television industry including Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Ted Danson, Orlando Bloom and many other recognizable figures. Interestingly enough, this is film creation where all of the extras are actually very famous figures making their own significant cameos. Never have I seen so many cameos in such a short time.


The film and editing techniques extraordinarily intensify the situational occurances while the blasting 'Beastie' music which altogether gives the film that classic Beastie Boys' feel.



Youtube, Beastie Boys, Capital Records (2011)


I think that taught an important lesson: Don't forget to "make some noise" as you "fight for your right to party."

This spinach pizza doesn't taste spinachy, or overwhelming like spinach. It definitely has a distinctive taste and the rice flour crust is also a different texture and taste. I think this pizza is one that may take some getting used to...

Vegan Pizza? Hell yes!

awesome and delicious

 Half-way through Amy's Spinach Pizza, I realized I was not going to be able to eat this thing in one sitting. I usually do with most vegan pizzas (except Amy's). But this pizza was different from any other pizza I've ever had. It was definitely filling.

The Blueberry Date Sweetness
A Raw Vegan Dessert






Ingredients:

• Handful of Blueberries (about 30)
• Dates (10-11 or more)
• Cashews (1/8 cup)

Makes 4 Rolls/Spheres/Bites/Rounds




This is an idea I got from Easy to be Raw. My version of this differs but is still very similar in method to raw food vegan Megan Elizabeth's dessert, which you can see here: Strawberry Filled Brownie Bites




Step 1: Blend/Grate the raw cashews into a powder-like form or in small chopped pieces then set aside for later.

Trippy

Step 2: Grate/Chop dates in blender or food processor; either one is fine.

Dates

Blended.

Step 3: The blueberries can be blended as well or chopped/sliced in pieces with a few left out for later.

Step 4: Take some date pieces, flatten them out, and put the shredded blueberries in the middle and add the  blueberry to the center.



 

Step 5: Roll it. Dip into the set-aside crushed cashews. Set in refrigerator, freezer, put in a stick, or just eat it.

From it's super awesome action to it's undeniably hilarious humor, the Avengers is incredible and extremely epic.

Photo: Avengers. Marvel. Avengers-Movie. Walt Disney Studios. (2012). Film Poster.

There is nothing like seeing an epically incredible film like this with a full audience.

Walking up to the line, the heat of sun beaming down on you and everyone else, the anticipation that awaits as it builds up... this is the movie theater experience and it's pretty amazing.

Lines all around, you find yourself waiting for tickets and it's cool, it's okay because before seeing whatever film you're going to see, you hope it's worth it. And after, if the film was better than you hoped, you know it was worth it.

The Avengers was worth it all. Waiting in the longest line I've ever waited in for a movie, from the beaming hot sun to a not-so-great side-spot seat.  Just enjoying the Avengers and everything is has to offer with a full, and quite humorously responsive audience made it all worthwhile.

The Avengers prove that with strong-will, determination, and teamwork, any adversary can be faced and conquered.

Photo: Avengers. 2012. Dir. Whedon, Joss. Marvel. Walt Disney Studios. Film Still.

A-- Kicking Women
As someone who admires and favors strong female characters, I have to say, I have a whole new admiration for Scarlett Johansson. From observing how she displays some of the greatest qualities that a female character can take down male adversaries. Johansson intensifies the notion that women can be taken seriously as strong, intelligent being that they really are - and of whom can also kick ass similar to Angelina Jolie (e.g. Tomb Raider). However, it is very unfortunate and disappointing that she is the ONLY female character that isn't even given much prominence, but also is constantly oversexualized (e.g. tight suit) unlike her male counterparts.


Character Development: There is No 'I' in Team 

I'm going to explain this without spoiling or unveiling anything, so with that said, I think a huge part of the film was the way characters acted toward one another as they come to realize that the only way to make it out alive and save the world for the greater good, is to work together and set aside petty differences/arguments.  Not only is it the basis for success in anything when working with other people but it's also something that we all can, should, and need to learn from.  Before the characters realize that this is necessary to work and cooperate together as the most important aspect of their unity, things between them are very turbulent, so much so that they end up holding themselves back from their own potential for greatness.  

Spoiler alert: they learn to set aside their differences to be the heroes they can be:

Photo: Avengers. 2012. Marvel. Walt Disney Studios. Film Still.

 

  In an earlier post, I discussed one of my current favorite vegan candy bars, the Mahalo Bar - filled with coconut, topped with almonds, completely coated in chocolate - Delicious.  But moving to a different candy bar, if Mahalos don't 'coat your fancy' then perhaps the "SNAP!" or "Jokerz" will.
  

Oh, Snap! = the nice, healthier, crunchy and light alternative to the mainstream candy I used to eat prior to becoming vegan. Here, the SNAP! vegan candy bar resembles the crunch chocolate candy bars, but in vegan version nicely excluding the animal products.

 "Jokerz"

This chocolate bar might not have you bursting out, laughing in ha-ha-ha's but it will definitely have you wanting more with its sweet chocolatey coating that surrounds a creamy, thick caramel layer without forgetting to add the peanuts, as well as it's bottom layer of nougaty nougat.  
This isn't your average vegan candy bar- it's better than the average with it's vegan-tastic ingredients and a name that even has a 'z' in it so you know it's "serious." 

I think this is the vegan version of the snickers candy bar. 

 

And the Twilight bar..

Chocolate, nougat, gooey goodness!

 

 


To end this post, I will say "Mahalo" which means thank you in Hawaiian. These awesome vegan chocolate candy bars are made by a company called Go Max, Go Foods.