This is the film that has been described as "Call of Duty/Halo meets Groundhog Day" for its utilization of elements that pertain to both a serious warfare video game and a comedic repetitive nightmare, which makes the film even more unique and interesting.

There are so many things that were done right in this film that I want to highlight and mention. Part of that brilliance are these subtle references that hint, symbolize, and remind us of the landings at Normandy that make the film seem as though its providing some type of historical allegory, but with a science fiction, slightly futuristic edge.

Edge of Tomorrow was released on June 6th, which interestingly enough, is the same day that the Normandy invasion of WWII took place, D-Day. The very beginning of the film reminded me and appeared as though the film setting was taking place in Europe during WWII.

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When I first saw the trailer for Edge of Tomorrow, I actually I wasn't too keen on seeing it and thought it looked as though it going to be just like Oblivion. But when I actually went to see the film, I soon realized it was far from it. I called-off the film at first with the thought that it's just going to be another Tom Cruise action movie, and found that it is actually a lot more than that. There is a lot of substance, a great balance of genre, and great character development, which all work together to make it a film worth watching. It wasn't until I was informed about Emily Blunt's performance of the female lead, that I really became interested in seeing it.

 The fight sequences, editing and camera techniques are altogether precise creating a film worthy of our time, you'll be amazed without having to see it in 3D or Imax.

Tom Cruise. Emily Blunt. Edge of Tomorrow. 2014. Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Quality Vegan Pizza






One of the more challenging aspects of veganism, excluding the arguments against the vegan lifestyle, is going out to eat. Finding a vegan restaurant that is nearby can be really difficult and inconvenient unless you live in a city. Driving all the way to the city to dine at one or a few vegan restaurants is a bit ridiculous to do on a regular basis or anything more than once in a while. So it's really nice to find regular, non-vegan restaurants that can work with the vegan diet/lifestyle.. there is even a vegan menu for Mellow Mushroom.





There are a few pizza places I really enjoy that offer both quality food and vegan options. In the past few years, I have found that Mellow Mushroom and Maddio's Pizza Joint are nearby pizza places that make for great alternatives to vegan restaurants. Both restaurants offer vegan options and their regular crusts are vegan (you can still ask to make sure). Mellow Mushroom also offers a gluten-free, vegan crust that is much lower in sodium than the regular crust and is made of ancient grains- I didn't take a picture of that one though.

Mellow Mushroom is my very favorite non-vegan restaurant and in the past couple months, I have probably ordered and eaten there so many times I don't even know the number. But if you're looking for or longing for a vegan pizza that is baked fresh, with really fresh ingredients, and not some prepackaged, frozen, vegan pizza, I highly recommend visiting a Mellow Mushroom restaurant.






One of the great things about Mellow Mushroom is that if you order Daiya vegan cheese and/or make it known that you're vegan, they already know not to add butter, parmesan, or any other non-vegan items to your pizza. And this is awesome because I too often forget to (verbally) provide the common vegan list of what-not to add to my meal- "no butter, no eggs, no meat, no dairy, no milk, no etc." I often forget to include all of these no's when placing my order at a regular/non-vegan restaurants because I usually eat out at vegan restaurants and going out to a non-veg restaurant is not something I usually do unless I'm familiar with the place (and I am very familiar with Mellow).

The same thing also goes for Maddio's Pizza, only you can see how the person prepares your pizza, and you will also notice that they usually change their gloves after making every pizza (if not, just ask for them to do so).  I'm pretty sure that the Mellow Mushroom and Maddio's chains are nationwide in the U.S., and they should provide vegan opinions such as Daiya vegan cheese, tofu/tempeh, and of course a variety of fresh vegetables.

Last time I went to Maddio's, I didn't take a picture of the pizza itself, but here's one of the take-out pizza boxes with a vegan dessert I made later on (will share the recipe of the photos below in a later post).



Fast forward to 2020, Atlanta has an awesome small business chain of ALL VEGAN pizza restaurants called Plant Based Pizzeria! So if you're in ATL and would like a place where you don't have to triple check for non-vegan contamination

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On another note regarding representation in media, I came across a number of articles that not only mention Olivia Wilde's part in the UCLA "State of Female Justice" panel, but also also examine the usual sexism within the film/television industry and media in general. This article led me to a great discussion panel from Laura Flander's GRIT TV. 






This State of Female Justice panel features some really great and inspiring women Eve Ensler, Ashley Franklin, Susan Burton, Olivia Wilde, and Kimberle Crenshaw. I'm actually familiar with Crenshaw's works since I have read a few of her essays on intersectional feminism and how women of color are greatly disadvantaged/marginalized in the legal system in my feminist theory course.

I highly suggest that this video be watched in its entirety because it is brilliance. These women accurately articulate only a few of the major and severe, complex systemic issues women still face in our society, showing that there is so much more that needs to be done to create positive change for women.

Angelina Jolie transforms into the mysterious Evelyn Salt in this original, action-packed spy thriller. This is one of the very few action films, if not just the one, where the female is not dehumanized as an object, reduced down to a sex-symbol that does a few action scenes but instead is just a woman who is an intelligent protagonist that vengefully fights strong, hard, frightening, and mean without doing pretty. 

As far as films/television/media go, this is something we definitely need to see more of- female characters that are strong and intelligent, rather than only objectified.

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

The action film that was originally written for a male lead, Salt (2010), stars Angelina Jolie as a CIA operative who appears to be an undercover Russian spy. It might sound like just another spy-thriller but Salt proves to be far from it. Jolie's portrayal of this enigmatic character, with so many different faces and sides, is just as strong and forceful as the punches she throws. As director Phillip Noyce explains [when discussing the film and Angelina's adroit acting capabilities], Jolie smoothly combines drama with action and brilliantly knows how and when to switch between the two.

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

With some seriously brutal fight scenes and very dangerous stunts (most of which Jolie did herself), Angelina proves she can and will do it all, even when she's disguised as one.   SALT is my favorite action film. It is also one of my highly recommended and definitely favored Angelina Jolie films. 

Angelina Jolie. Salt (2010). Capital Pictures. Film Still.

Tomb Raider was the first film I ever saw of Angelina Jolie, and I have always admired her since seeing that film (despite the sexualization of Lara Croft, she still is a strong, female character that with a sensual edge which is admirable). Over the years, my admiration and respect for Angelina Jolie has only grown as I look up to her for her extensive and remarkable humanitarian efforts, and her work behind the camera as a film writer, director, etc., but also because she really cares about the work she does. Jolie puts a lot of effort and hard work into the film projects and continuous humanitarian efforts for which she is actively involved. She is empathetic and makes sure to have as many different perspectives considered while aiming and stressing for accuracy, both in her films as a writer/director and as a humanitarian. 

I think Jolie and this character, Salt, both make for great female role models in our mainstream media.

Photo Source:
Salt. Dir. Noyce, Philip. Perf. Jolie, Angelina. Exec. Prod. Kavanaugh, Ryan. Kidney, Ric. Vahradian, Mark. Colombia Pictures. Sony Pictures. 2010. Film.

• Blend dates with water until you have a creamy liquid consistency, pour in glass.
• Blend frozen bananas with a little bit of water or nut milk until it has a thick, ice cream resemblance
• Scoop the banana ice cream onto date-drink and enjoy!

Black Rice also known as Forbidden Rice is a nutrient-dense rice that has many antioxidant properties and has recently become highly revered in mainstream health-related media, referenced and acknowledged in daytime shows like Dr. Oz and the Doctors. It's an amazing rice with an interesting history.


INGREDIENTS
Forbidden Rice, prepared according to instructions.

SAUCE
1-3 Tbsp turbinado or organic vegan sugar, can use agave or coconut sugar as well
I used starfruit, plum, and apple for my 'sauces'. Use any fresh fruit of choice.

Simmer the fruit in a saucepan with water and turbinado sugar for a few minutes until it becomes syrupy.
Easy. This sauce can be used on the last rice pudding post as well.

Simmering plums- sugar water turns colors

If you like rice pudding, want a slightly healthier and much sweeter alternative, I suggest to try this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

Dry
1 cup Organic flour
3/4-1 cup Turbinado/Organic Sugar
1/2 tsp. Sodium-free baking powder

Wet
3/4 cup - Blended banana
1/2 cup - Vanilla almond milk

Add-ins
1/2 cup - Shredded coconut
1/2 or 3/4 cup - Vegan chocolate chips

I also like to add a dash of shredded coconut and chocolate chips to the top as well.





Blend dry ingredients, mix the dry into the wet, and pour into a baking dish.
Bake on 350 for 25-35 minutes until slightly browned (photographed below). Times may vary.