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.

First off: I love this movie and the love that is in this movie...

I ended up liking this nicely done, low-budget film a lot more than I initially thought. I see it as a film that reminds us it's not always just about the destination itself but also the crazy situations we may run into on our travels throughout life - from wherever we are (or were), to wherever we're going.

Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012. Movie Poster.

When girlfriend, Annie B. (Kristen Bell), receives an advancing career opportunity, the call for a road-trip comes into play, unexpectedly revealing hidden details of her boyfriend's unknown past along the way. And the result is a very sweet, fun-filled romance comedy-adventure with some very hilarious moments, created by partners Kirsten Bell and Dax Shepard. Originally, I didn't know what to expect from this movie nor how I would respond to it. But after the first ten minutes, I could tell I was going to love it.

It's not often you see Bradley Cooper with dreads. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012.

Kristen Bell. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Jeffery Reed, Open Road Films. 2012. Film Still.

Despite the many outlandish occurrences throughout the film, audiences are is still able to connect (similar to Robert Downey Jr.'s description of "theater 101" in Tropic Thunder) and relate. Of course there are a few.. well, many chaotic "weird sh*t" events that occur with some really kooky characters; some who are mean and vengeful, some lovable, but mostly, those who are just plain weird. 

The basis of the film is actually built on the establishment of a relationship, the trust of that relationship, and the outside interference and past that affects the relationship. That alone is something I'm sure everyone can relate to in some way or another. Sometimes when watching a film, audiences want to feel as if they can relate, or be nicely surprised that they actually did relate, to something that may seem beyond themselves.



This is one of what I would call, a feel-good, fun movie. Not only do you find yourself laughing when you least expect it, but there is also a really incredibly chill soundtrack music scheme filled with awesome lively beats. In my opinion, it's another aspect of the film, aside from the humor, that gives it a positive endorphin-heightening effect. It's also a good film for people who really like cars, fast cars, and chase scenes!

This is a movie I could watch, and have watched, over-and-over again.

2025 Update: I recently re-watched this movie and I still love it. It is one of my favorites. It's hilarious, has good lessons in it, and is so much fun to watch!

Lindsay Lohan. Mean Girls. Dir. Waters, Mark. Screen. Fey, Tina. Paramount Pictures. 2004. Movie Poster.

From an observatory stand point I, as most people, have noticed the almost scary, crazed-obsession some youngsters seem to have on a certain teen comedy: Mean Girls. The strangest thing about this phenomenon is how some girls seem to really love this movie, yet never seem to learn anything from it.  I'm not crazy about this movie and I don't necessarily like it, but I do appreciate the feminist effort satirically brought on by Tina Fey.


I imagine that the effort is to try to teach or encourage young women to stop and discontinue the internalized misogyny they inflict upon one another. Mean Girls is a movie that tries to convey this message with the use of satire through the weird-school chaos and overall silly comedy as a method of making fun of and addressing the messed up ways in which young girls AND even women, inflict and perpetuate this patriarchal, misogynist hate onto one another.

Tina Fey. Mean Girls. Paramount Pictures. 2004. Film Still.

 I just can't get over the fact that no matter how many times girls watch this movie, many still fail to understand and actually gain something from the whole meaning of the movie, which is my motivation for creating this post. I am aware that this is a movie, it's satirical, it's entertainment to bring about laughter- yes. But at the same time, it doesn't mean there isn't an important message to be learned. It also doesn't mean that issues facing girls and young women in schools is getting any better either.

Rachel R. White even writes about this girl versus girl hate in her article asking "Why Do Girls Slut Shame Each Other?" 

I also came across another great article that relates to this very issue, addresses the double standards, and how harmful its effects can be:

Girls are shamed for being sexual, and shamed for not being sexual—they’re insulted regardless of what they do or what they don’t do. Meanwhile, a boy who professes to have had many sexual encounters is called a player. This is praise (or, at the very least, not insulting in the same way words like slut and prude are meant to be). There is an obvious double standard. My age group assumes that calling a young girl a slut or prude is OK; but it is not OK. It is shaming and demeaning.

We are smashing the confidence of young girls each and every time we stand by and let them be called sluts. 

There is a scene in the movie in which, writer and actress, Tina Fey tells all the girls that they shouldn't call each other these vile and offensive names, because it just gives boys a reason to think it's okay to call them such things. And that's true. Some guys who mistreat others in schools are too ignorant and unaware to realize what harassment and violence against women (and anyone) really is. These terms young women use to hurt one another are not okay nor excusable for anyone to use against as a verbal weapon. The way people treat and talk to each other today in society is not acceptable, it's completely disrespectful and ignorant. It is also not something that anyone should just have to deal with, but something we need to actively change. When we see someone exhibit disrespectful and violent (which can take place in both verbal and physical form) behaviors and/or attitudes, we need to say something or do something about it. We need not accept and excuse, thus, perpetuate that kind of behavior. Instead, we should do something, explain why it is not okay, and show alternative ways of dealing with any underlying conflicts. It is important that we take these actions to create positive change, educate others, and create a compassionate society.

~

This blog post was written during my last year of high school so keep in mind that this was created during 2012 when I was observing this behavior happen right before my eyes as well as in the media.

 

 

A really easy to make, sweetly delectable, healthy dessert are these Strawberry Date Turtles, made with.... strawberries and dates!

• Blend the dates
• Blend the strawberries 
• Form the dates into flat circles and add the strawberries to the top

When done, these should be refreshing and sweet.

I call this "September Sunrise" because what I'm about to discuss is just hilariously uplifting.

I'm talking about a classic, NBC comedy sitcom from the 1970s, Sanford and Son. The show follows father and son duo, the scheming and often ridiculous Fred Sanford, melodramatically played by Redd Foxx, and his son, Lamont, often called "dummy", portrayed by Demond Wilson. The duo have their own buy-and-sell junk/second-hand antique shop. I grew up, as many I'm sure, watching and laughing to this show. Lately, I've been catching up on a lot of the old episodes and laughing non-stop as a result.


As I watched this episode yesterday, and today, I seriously could not stop laughing. 
It's "Superflyer" Season 3, Episode 8.


So if you're really young, don't know or haven't heard or seen Sanford and Son, where have you been? You should watch a few episodes for a great laugh. If you're older, or just watch a lot of television, and know what I'm talking about, revive the laughter and joyfulness that will fill your dopamine sensors.

Red Foxx. Desmond Wilson. Sanford & Son. NBC Universal. 1972-1977.

Sanford and Son is one of the best sitcoms ever, excluding the dumb, traditionalist/misogynistic Grady character.  TV One replays Sanford and Son episodes along with other great 1970's sitcoms such as What's Happening!!, Gimme a Break, and The Jeffersons. Sanford and Son can also be seen on the Antenna TV channel.

Vegan candy that is super easy to make it only takes two ingredients.





Ingredients

• Peanut Butter
• Vegan chocolate

Step 1: Melt vegan chocolate and pour layer onto wax/parchment paper.



Step 2: Melt or slightly heat nut butter, and spread onto first layer of melted chocolate. Might be best to let chocolate harden a bit (by setting out, in refrigerator, or freezer) before adding the nut butter.




Step 3: Add another layer of melted vegan chocolate to the top of nut butter. Best to let nut butter set before adding chocolate.



Step 4: Put mixture into refrigerator or freezer for 30 mins to an hour and let whole bar harden.

If there's one thing I have always said ever since hearing Matt Damon wouldn't be apart of any new Bourne film, it's that there cannot be a Bourne film without Bourne. It just doesn't make sense. A Jason Bourne film without Matt Damon just doesn't work. Legacy managed to turn out okay as an action-packed movie that only emulates the real Bourne films. Also, if Jason Bourne is not included, why still call it 'Bourne'?

Photo: Rachel Weisz. Bourne Legacy. Universal Studios. 2012

In my opinion, the Bourne trilogy is best left alone after Ultimatum, and I'm sure many would agree. The acting and action-filled scenes between Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner (who I highly dislike) made the film almost worth watching. Had this not tried to be another Bourne installment, but a completely different action film that just so happened to be linked to the whole Treadstone/Blackbriar corrupt conspiracy, then it might have been better received. Overall, it just definitely does not work as another addition to the already completed and brilliant trilogy.

Photo: Renner. USA Today. Bourne Legacy. Universal Studios. 2012.

The action sequences may have been nicely executed, but were still too predictable. And the constant mention of Jason Bourne throughout the movie didn't assist in making the film any better either. If anything, it just makes audience members miss seeing Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. There is still a sense of intrigue, excitement, and action-tipped suspense until the end, where all has stopped and the mood chills out.

Photo: Rachel Weisz. Renner. Bourne Legacy. Universal Studios. 2012. I do not recommend this movie. I don't know why they made a Bourne film without Bourne, or why I even went to see it. But I won't be seeing it again.

From the hilarious, and sudden, culture shock of the off-beat comedy movie to recently televised animated series, which was actually doing pretty well, is Napoleon Dynamite.

Napoleon Dynamite Animated Series. 20th Century Fox. FOX. 2012.

When I first heard about the show I knew I had to see it, especially since the same cast members from the original movie are still taking on the role of the same humorously outrageous characters. The animated version of Napoleon Dynamite will still nostalgically remind viewers of the original film with its silly and bizarre storylines.




Whether or not the show will return on Fox is still unclear to me but I sure hope it does continue.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. CBS. 2012.

As much as I agree with Craig on the topic of reality shows, which you can see in the video above, I have to say there is one reality show that doesn't make me hate the 'E' channel with disgust, and that show is Mrs. Eastwood and Company.

I think it's pretty obvious that I am not the average young person and I actually do have a moderate dislike toward the kudzu-growth of reality shows. It's clear that these types of shows are on the high-end of the popularity scale on the television radar, despite the fact that they're more often than not, not really that great. Before Eastwood and Company, the only reality show I ever enjoyed watching was Growing Up Gotti. It was a nice, hilarious, realistic, overall great show on A&E. There might still be episodes of the show that you can see on the A&E website, but I have yet to find the DVDs (yes, the show was that entertaining).


Back to the Eastwoods:

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Not only is Eastwood & Co. super hilarious, but it's a real family (almost like a Modern Family-esic type of extended family). But it's realistic in the event that no one on the show is consumed by the superfluously materialistic mindset that is corrupting our television screens as well as our own minds. This is something I've been proud about this show since the first episode. It's portrayed in a way in which the focus is not always on the material, much like with other shows, but instead goes against that superficial depiction and unfair mindset. Not to forget, they're caring, open and accepting Liberals, which being a Strong Liberal myself, just makes me love the show even more.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

One of the main reasons why I like Eastwood and Company so much is because it is so hilarious and shows the dynamic between the silly and serious sides of being in or apart of a family atmosphere.
I've realized that many people are critiquing the show in the most negative ways, but I think you would just have to see it for yourself. If you're someone who does watch reality shows, I think it's important to know that when these shows are edited, a lot of content ends up being left out- just as much as many scenes are clipped together. That's why these shows usually seem a bit awkward between scenes.

As easy as it is to succumb to either the love or hate side of how one perceives reality shows, I think with some of these shows a major contributor to why people love watching these shows, setting aside the chaos and whatever else, is that viewers often feel they can relate to the people they see on T.V.  I feel this way with Eastwood and Company, despite the fact that their life and situations are completely different from mine, the simple notion that I can is pretty interesting. And I think one of the amazing things about this family is the fact that they can work out their differences and get on the same page of understanding one another instead of just setting it aside or ignoring it - this, I find to be a good example of how we could learn how to communicate better with each other in life, no matter what relationship dynamic.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.