Medicinal Foods

   After a recent bout with Gastoenteritis (or stomach flu) I fell bed ridden for nearly a week and could not bring myself to eat much of anything. However, there were some steps I could take to avoid dehydration and settle my stomach along the way. It is important to note however that fresh ingredients (especially fruits and vegetables) offer many different health benefits in a variety of circumstances. This is just my take on a seriously vicious viral illness and how I coped when food was the last thing I wanted to think about.

 

 Ginger- Ginger is a known nausea deterrent. If you are not fond of the strong ginger taste then perhaps this one isnt for you. However, I personally love it so whenever I am feeling extremely nauseous I often add raw shaved ginger into a cup or tea or warm broth to help sooth my poor stomach. Here is more on the topic from a professional view point.

   Broth- Dehydration becomes a big deal when you are sick enough that you are throwing up. Other than an IV drip from a doctor one of the best things you can do for yourself besides drinking plenty of water is to avoid sugar which will dehydrate you further. After awhile though, water becomes boring and you may get well enough to start craving food agin. To test whether or not your body is ready reach for something liquid, sugarless but still flavorful.

"Now this one isn't just an old wives' tale—chicken noodle soup actually can help soothe a cold. The chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which helps thin mucus in the lungs, and the hot broth helps to keep nasal passages moist, prevent dehydration, and fight inflammation in the throat.  Plus, chicken soup (or vegetable broth) may also help the body kick a cold by stopping congestion and inflammation in their tracks."
source

   Tea- Tea, like broth, can be comforting when your sick. Not only is it good for opening airways and preventing dehydration but if you reach for something like this throat coat brand it can also help sooth the pain of a sore throat or a burning aching throat from all the throwing up. This is just a tip from my own personal experience.

   Mashed Potatoes (there's a reason they are called comfort food)- Mashed potatoes, everyone's favorite, amirite? Well luckily for us potato lovers this is a great way to help sooth and bind the stomach when re introducing solid foods to our system. They are easily digestible, easy on the insides, and as an added bonus a nice warm bowl of buttery mashed potatoes is soothing to throat and digestive tracts.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, from my own doctor's sound advice and my combined knowledge of food I hope this compiled list of health food helps you out the next time you happen to fall ill.
 


 

The Lack of Creativity and Accurate Representation in Film: Q&A with Marianna Aloisio

Marianna Aloisio is one of the many promising Seniors of the UMKC Film department that is bound to take the world of cinema by storm. Many people that know her know she's essentially a walking encyclopedia for films of various themes and styles, as well as different time periods and from various countries. These film inspirations have helped her form a well rounded and unique voice within her line of work.



She aspires to be a writer, analyzing film for a living. Being remarkably cultivated, with her experience in writing and directing, Aloisio's writing provides a unique perspective on film, from camera work to writing quality.

To get her opinion on today's filmmaking and where it's headed, I was able to sit down with her and have her answer a couple of questions:

1) I know you've had a love for film almost all your life, but what got you into writing about film? 

It started with Roger Ebert. I watched a lot of Ebert & Roeper on weekends as a kid - exciting life - and was beginning to understand that movies were more than entertainment to some. As I got older I checked out a lot of books that spoke either academically or critically about film and thought, "Hey, I like that, I could do that". From there I branched out to Pauline Kael, Andrew Sarris, Molly Haskell and the like. Even though I had an intense interest, the idea didn't come into full fruition until my later college years. Dr. Tom Poe and former TCM host Robert Osborne helped me understand that there is validity and an importance in having a career in criticism. You're preserving and continuing history and giving readers the ability to expand their cinematic horizons. 

2) Whats the major criteria you look for in the writing or camera work in a film? What impresses you?

Of course it's not always the same criteria, it depends on the film movement, on the director, on writers, on the country and what I know about the director/writer/actors/etc., but there is a set of common criterion. Frequently character motivations and how they drive the plot are important for Hollywood narrative features. What do characters want? What do they need? Why do they do what they do? How do they interact with other characters? Originality isn't always needed, but it's always nice to have. Films should be a good mix between trope and original ideas. Acting styles can differ from film to film, but what's most important is how the stakes are raised as the story progresses. Then we look at formal techniques - what's the lighting/costumes/production design - what us fancies call 'mise en scene' -  like and what is it communicating to us? What about the shot proximity? What's the cinematography up to? Outside of writing and technique, some critics look at films or a collective of films through set theories (i.e. semiotics, queer theory, feminist theory, etc.). As far as being subjective and finding things I'm impressed by, I like colorful films. I'm a sucker for three-strip Technicolor films. I love anything that makes me think deeply or social commentaries. And who doesn't love Hepburn-Grant quick cracking scripts?

3) What are your biggest inspirations, director or movie wise, as a filmmaker? and why?

I wrote, directed, and edited a short this past spring and made a somewhat lookbook of how I wanted it to look and feel. In it I stuck in images from Czech New Wave films I love - mostly from Valerie and Her Week of Wonders and Daisies - alongside screen captures from The Brady Bunch. I take inspiration from wherever I can get it, but am more inclined to films about women and girls (especially the film Suspiria and films by Mario Bava, I quickly learned about myself), usually directed or written by women. Agnes Varda, Shirley Jackson, Flannery O'Connor, Angela Carter, Sofia Coppola, among others, are filmmakers and writers I aspire to be. Many who know me often associate me with my adoration of the French New Wave, so there's no way I'm not inspired by films of that time. I'm not sure if I can explain how I'm inspired by all of these sources. Each has a style and sense of uniqueness to them that I can relate to and try to recreate with my touch. 

4) Being so well-rounded with movies from different time periods, do you personally believe screenwriters today are doing better representing people of diverse races, genders, or sexual orientations?

I would say "better" is the best term. This is not to ignore a very good round-up of films over the years that have tackled hard subjects appropriately. However, as many of us know, films that cater to majority groups usually get more canon and awards buzz. Go to IMDb right now and check out the Top 250 list and look at what people are voting on. How many films in that list are not lead by or directed and written by white guys? Luckily, we've got a big push for representation that has generated over the past few years and the phoenix rising from the ashes from ongoing sexual harassment and assault allegations in Hollywood is that people are finally looking at women and turning to what they make.

5) What has been the most poorly written film made this year? And why?

I know it's considered "the hipster-cool thing to do", but the last few Marvel films I've seen (Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Spiderman: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok) have been poor. Marvel has found a formula for their scripts and some of their film-making techniques and they're sticking with it. Guardians had to be the worst of the three, extremely murky and poor motivations on part of most characters, a hard attempt to make audiences laugh and awe at the CGI effects instead of connecting them to the story, extremely trope-y and formulaic plot setting. Similar problems came from Blade Runner 2049, which was a big let-down for me. A lot of rumble has been happening in the film community because of this one, mostly regarding representations, development, and treatment of women characters. I'm in the camp of agreeing that Ridley Scott and Denis Villenueve took a step back in the wrong direction. If you thought Marvel characters were paper thin, check out the latest Blade Runner. 

6) What are some recently made films or series that have great gender and racial representation? 

Mustang, Persepolis, Moonlight, Fish Tank, Band de filles - I'm seeing Lady Bird and Mudbound very soon, but hear they are both great as films and for representation. I was recently wowed by The Florida Project (dealing with poverty and class struggles through a child's eyes) and will always and forever be wowed by Do the Right Thing. It might have been released in 1989, but it's just as relevant today, as well as being decidedly one of the best films ever made. 


If you want to hear her opinion on other recent films, she currently publishes her contributions on the film site Letterboxd.com. 

Get Out is Not a Comedy

One of Hollywood's biggest nights is headed our way- the Golden Globes, and the nominations are out. Some of the films that are being nominated this year are, Lady Bird , Disaster Artist, The Big Sick and yes Get Out. 

However, Get Out, created by actor and comedian Jordan Peele, has tabloids buzzing. 

Just a small recap, Get Out is a horror film that taps to reveal the deep horror of liberal racism in America. It touched on themes such as interracial dating, African Americans being prime victims of organ trafficking  and white privileged . Though for some reason , Get Out is being nominated as a comedy. 

Yes, we can admit throughout the movie there were many moments of laughter. However, the laughter was either two types, relatable or uncomfortable . The theme and plot of the movie was not set out as comedic, however due to racial tension that America experience everyday, the extremely bold thriller was relatable to many African Americans causing relatable laughter. For once, most believed "someone understands". For most white movie goers, it became an uncomfortable experience to finally witness the truth. Peele even stated he wrote the movie because he feels "Racism wasn't being called out sufficiently enough ". With that being stated, the movie did not produce true humor, only the reality of blacks living in America.

So of course when nominations were announced, social media went in an uproar.

 Peele even spoke out on the Stephen Colbert show calling Get Out a historical documentary .

When there is a winning film that was created for the African American experience , it seems it is always an obstacle to push it back to the starting line. 

Whether Get Out wins or not, the message is for everyone to see this film as an eye opener and not a comedy.

Ball Out of Control

The ball family has become a household name due to their talented skills on the court and great family values. While the family continue to make news due to the oldest being Lakers star player , Lonzo Ball, , the youngest being a five star recruiter, according to ESPN, only at the age of 13  and the middle child, LiAngelo Ball, who is the star of UCLA  champion basketball team. However, it was LiAngelo who has recently made world news, but not for how well he is on the court, but something that may put him in court.

Earlier this month, UCLA's men basketball team traveled to Shanghi to play against Georgia Tech. While the two teams were in China, during a shopping break, Ball and two teammates were accused of shoplifting at three stores, one being Louis Vuitton. 

Authorities went to the hotel the two teams were lodging to question all the players. That's when authorities arrested Liangelo Ball and two other UCLA players. 

The young men were kept in Chinese jail as the two teams returned to America. Prison sentencing rumors began to swirl that the boy's will receive a 3-10 year sentencing. That is when President Trump and Xi Jinping got involved . The three students were released and finally returned home; however the ordeal was not over.

Upon arrival, the players received an embarrassing swarm of paparazzi and journalist outside LA's airport wanting answers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f1hLMR5uNw

The university decided that it is only right to suspend the players indefinitely until they feel that they have learned their lessons.

The men gave a press conference apologizing not only to their team and school but to their families, general public and the president for the madness.

Hopefully all three will learn their lesson, but the pressure is on for Mr. Ball due to the last name he upholds .

Maybe this can be a segment the Ball family adds to their reality show. 

Film empathizing with Suffragettes, before the movement ever came to be.

To really feel the impact of today's lack of female representation in film, both on or behind the camera, it's important to notice where we've been. Not just in the film business, but the respect of women all together!

Speaking in technical terms, the Women's Suffrage movement started in 1850, in a small town in New York. While this was a start to greater things to come, the movement didn't become nation wide until the late 1910s, that lead to women receiving the right to vote until 1920. There were many attributes that helped spread the word, but evidence shows that Filmmaking made a huge impact to people and their way of thinking.


While films in these times usually were based around a tough, intellectual man with a great mission to embark on, with a lady on his arm to tend to his household and give him the "good lovin'" when he gets home, in the1910s, the story's context began to alter.

For example, a film that came out in 1912 was a film titled Petticoat Camp. This story was about 7 couples going out for a camping trip, that quickly turned into a divisive disaster.
The story's point of view was with the women in the camp. While all the men got to go out, fish and swim, then come back to the camp and leisurely eat their food, all the women were forced to stay in the camp, keep the camp and the clothes clean, and cook food for the fellas. You can see from their faces and body language that all the women were getting fed up! So all the women decided enough was enough!
The whole film's basis is not only about the lack of respect women receive from men, even their husband, but it also depicts how lost men are without their wives, or better call them, care takers.
With the help of a little embellishment, the film strives to make a point that women are just as needed and useful as the men, which in turn means that they deserve just as much respect.

 It's these type of films that became very controversial, but also began to create a dialogue! And I have no problem believing films such as this one made an impact and spread the movement's message rapidly.
It's evident that movies and their message reflect and effect society in a big way. Much like this film, the movies we create affect the audience and how they think. As filmmakers, it's our job to contribute enlightening messages to our audience, and hopefully make a difference.

The film Petticoat Camp (1912) can be seen below.

Blade Runner 2049: A Feminine Disgrace

In early October, a reboot of the 1982 cult classic Bladerunner came to theaters by the name of Bladerunner 2049. This much-anticipated film acts as a continuation to the original movie, where the audience gets to find out where the original protagonists are now and also find out how the world handles a coexistence with the "Replicants".

 However, when the film flopped in the box office, people started to analyze the storyline. What was so off-putting to the audience? Evidence shows two common reasons for people's dissatisfaction: They made the storyline pretentiously and unreasonably long, and, perhaps their biggest wrong doing, was their devaluing of women.

Even with the many women in the movie, this movie severely failed the Bechdel test. Coming from a storyline way in the future with numerous technological advances, the lack of social advances is shocking given how futuristic the universe is supposed to be! Many "Women", including the holographic girlfriend the protagonist possesses, are used as slaves and/or sex toys. They aren't real people with any real input. Even with the women that are real, no women (or robotic women) in this storyline is given any purpose but to serve the men in the story.

Some could translate that the movie is making a statement on how society treats women. Maybe how the lack of awareness on that front could cause a permanent state of misogyny throughout our society.
These could be contemplated. But I don't buy it.

Like screenwriter Aaron Hildebrant expressed, it's easier for these writers to write about there own gender, race and sexuality, So they choose to stick to their perspective. However, this is an injustice to the rest of our society!
You can still make complex, 3-dimensional female characters while still portraying a message of gender inequality in our society. Accurate representation of women could've been factored in the storyline, they just chose not to.

To read more about the flawed writing of Bladerunner 2049, Click here.

Policy or Discrimination ?

Elementary to High School, many adolescence express themselves in various of ways. This time period of life is for growing and learning not only education but yourself and culture. Being African American myself, we have the options to do many things with our hair due to the texture. The hairstyle options are endless from braids to natural to fro to hair extensions. African American culture is rich and very crucial. Many private schools have uniforms set in place for the students. However, schools have now decided to set a uniform/policing hair.

Mystic Valley Regional Charter School's discriminatory policy has parents outraged at the complaints their children have received.

The school’s hair and makeup policy states in part:

"Students may not wear drastic or unnatural hair colors or styles such as shaved lines or shaved sides or have a hairstyle that could be distracting to other students (extra-long hair or hair more than 2 inch in thickness or height is not allowed). This means no coloring, dying, lightening (sun-in) or streaking of any sort. Hair extensions are not allowed. Students may not wear drastic or unnatural hair colors or styles such as shaved lines or shaved sides or have a hairstyle that could be distracting to other students (extra-long hair or hair more than 2 inch in thickness or height is not allowed). This means no coloring, dying, lightening (sun-in) or streaking of any sort. Hair Extensions are prohibited."

 Off the bat, all the things prohibited are normally only expressed by students of color. Therefore making this ban only target and directed at minority students. The school also punishes students by detention and stripped of sports team privileges, extracurricular activities, and also banned from prom. The school commented back with a latter expressing the value of all ethnicities and cultural differences. Yet, no changes to the policies have been attempted.




links :  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/parents-outraged-over-school-s-discriminatory-racist-dress-code-n759821
 http://www.newsweek.com/wearing-braids-sends-black-girls-detention-malden-charter-school-608303

Tyrese's Social Media Breakdown

R& B Heartthrob and Fast and Furious star, Tyrese Gibson, has recently gave social media what some has called a soap opera. 

In recent news, Tyrese's ex wife, Norma Gibson, allegedly accused Tyrese of child abuse and filed a restraining order against him; prohibiting Tyrese from coming near her and their 10 year old daughter Shayla Gibson. 

After not being able to see his daughter for two months and battling with Norma over custody of the child, Tyrese felt alone. So he did what most people of this generation do, turn to social media

 

Tyrese went on his Instagram hysterically crying about the allegations repeating  "I just want my baby". http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhA94MM9D981MTaHU0

Of course being 2017, the Internet won. Instead of having sympathy , social media took what most believe to be a cry for attention as a joke, remixing the video into songs and creating parodys. http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhBRk61H54G872yWCg

 

If that's not enough attention, Tyrese then reported Hollywood's most loving couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, paid him 5million dollars to stay off social media- that was a big fat lie. 

The couple denied ever giving the Transformer star money and believe "he is having a mental breakdown and needs help". Tyrese then took a short break from social media for a couple of days after posting a pic of him and his daughter. All thought that the melodramatic episodes would all come to an end; however, Norma Gibson's attorney reported that Tyrese recently skipped visitation to see his daughter Shayla to take a trip to Dubai.

 

This could all be one big publicity stunt or it can actually be a cry for help. Whatever it is, we just hope that all works out for the better for the Gibsons.

Sock gets 2 in 1, a Paris title and London Berth

American Jack Sock was seeded 16th heading into Paris and nobody was talking about his chances to win the tournament. And someone would be lying if they ever thought that he still had a chance at qualifying for the World Tour Finals in London. But Sock proved everyone wrong. He stormed through the draw and made it into the finals of his first Masters Series tournament ever. He was about to play for the biggest title of his career, but there was also something much bigger on the line.

Jack Sock's name was never mentioned to have a chance at grabbing one of the final 2 spots for London. Entering the tournament he was 23rd in the points race. He needed to win Paris and hope that everyone in front of him would lose early in the tournament for him to have a chance. Well by quarterfinals time, Sock was starting to have dreams of London. After Juan Martin Del Potro lost in his quarterfinals match to John Isner, his chances of qualifying were done. The last spot came down between Sock and Isner. Jack would end up making the finals while Isner bowed out in the semi's. Sock beat Filip Krajinovic in three sets to claim the biggest title of his career and the final spot to the Masters Series Final. Sock's ranking also took a major jump as he is now in the top 10 in the world for the first time of his career. Sock had plans to go golfing in Augusta next week, but he still has one more week of tennis to play.



The other of the final two spots was claimed by Belgium's David Goffin. Goffin was 7th in the points race and just needed to win one match to qualify which he successfully did. This is Goffin's first ever time qualifying for the World Tour Finals.




So thats it, the race to the ATP World Tour Finals in London is over. The 8 players going are Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, and Jack Sock. The eyes of the tennis world await these stars at the O2 arena in London starting November 12th.

KC Comic Con 2017

The Kansas City Comic Con will be back this weekend at Bartle Hall. This year's 3-day event has a lineup of special guests, including Kevin Smith, filmmaker and comic book writer, Tom Kane, who voiced Yoda in Star Wars' Clone Wars, Lee Meriwether, who played Catwoman in 1966's Batman motion picture, and many more.

Most of the cast members from the Superman movie are going to be there to celebrate the motion picture's 40th anniversary. Other guests include most people's favorite comic book creators, cosplayers and artists.

Tickets are available through ticketmaster and will also be sold at the door of the venue during all three days of the event. The prices do very so take a look at their website for more information. This year's comic con is expected to have around 10,000 people attending, so grab your tickets fast and get there early!


Dates and Times:

Friday, November 10, 1pm-7pm

Saturday, November 11, 10am-7pm

Sunday, November 12, 10am-5pm

Would I buy a Tesla?

Given the base price range and expensive extras tagged on to Tesla family cars, the potential target market is restricted at the front door. The city of Kansas City has a median household income of just of $45,000, and the base Tesla Model S starts at $74,500. These numbers make a Tesla purchase unreasonable for the average Kansas City consumer.

For someone in the market to make an educated decision on whether or not a Tesla is practical for them, they must look at their lifestyle. If they are an in town commuter making a 10 to 15 mile commute with limited out-of-city travel, the battery life and limited range would be a feasible feature.

On the contrary, a lot of Americans take to the roads, on holidays and summer vacation, to cross many states with their gas powered cars to visit family and friends. For these consumers, the Tesla would become an obsolete option, restricted by its battery life and charge time.

Moving away from battery life, if you are are a fan of power, acceleration and gut wrenching speed, the Tesla would be right for you. In addition, the Tesla’s highly advanced drivetrain and all wheel drive options partnered with different power options makes the Tesla the perfect car for intown commuters of all varieties.

In a world where money is no object, I would absolutely purchase a Tesla. Given my current life state, as a college kid, money is not an abundant resource, making a real world purchase unreasonable. For someone in the market and potentially an owner of another gas vehicle, a Tesla would be a more than practical purchase. Electric car technology will only continue to grow and maybe some day it will be a practical purchase for all consumers.

Selena lives on today with her continuous success

This past week Tejano superstar, Selena Quintanilla Perez, received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and fans loved it!

Selena was a Tejano and R&B singer back in the 90s. She began singing with her brother and sister in a group known as "Los Dinos". Selena continued from there and ending up releasing many great songs that Mexicans and Americans both enjoyed listening to. In 1995, the singer was shot and died at the age of 23. Throughout her musical career, she won a Grammy and hit #1 on the charts. 5 years after her death, a movie was made about her.

Aside from music, Selena opened up her own boutique and was featured in fashion shows. Singing was one of her passions just as much as fashion was to her.

Selena has become an icon representing women all over the world. Her voice, her dance moves, her style, and her personality are the things that helped Selena stand out in her lifetime. Many women still try to pull off the purple jumpsuit or the popping red lipstick that Selena wore.

Selena is still recognized today for her music and fashion. At the beginning of the year she was give her own wax figure from Madame Tussauds. In 2016, MAC cosmetics released a makeup line for Selena. Most recently, she was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony drew a record breaking crowd of 4,500 fans.

If this does not show how much Selena impacted others then I do not know what does. She created a stand for women everywhere and Latinos in America. The superstar is cherished for her music, but also for her life outside of that. Even though she is not here physically, she is still living through her fans and from being honored today.

NFL Week 8

Week 8 was home to many great games including the Steelers vs. Lions, Falcons vs. Jets, and Cowboys vs Redskins, but likely no game for the rest of the year will top the Texans vs. Seahawks. The Houston Texans would head to Seattle where superstar rookie Deshaun Watson would take on the Russell Wilson lead Seahawks. What many were not expecting was the offensive explosion that took place between the two teams. Matching each others scores throughout the game, Russel Wilson would lead the Seahawks to a 27-24 lead at the end of the 3rd. With 5:01 left in 4th, Watson would toss a short screen over to DeAndre Hopkins, who would end up taking it 71 yards to the house to put the Texans up 38-34. With 2:49 left, the Texans would be gifted a golden opportunity when Wilson would be picked off. The Texans would not be able run out the clock, leaving the Seahawks with 1:39 to find a touchdown. Wilson and Seahawks would march effortlessly down the field, ending with a 18 yard TD pass to TE Jimmy Graham with 21 seconds remaining. Watson would throw another pick to seal the win for the Seahawks. It would the first time in NFL history where two QB's would throw for over 400 yards and 4 TD's a piece. The game also included four 100 yard receivers, as well as one 200 yard receiver.

The week would end Monday night as the AFC West leading Chiefs took on the Broncos at Arrowhead. The Broncos came into the 3-3 and second in the AFC West, but with one of the worst offenses in the league. Lead by the struggling 3rd year man out of Northwestern, Trevor Siemian and the Broncos would try to turn it around against the Chiefs' terrible defense. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case. The Broncos would turn the ball over five times including a strip-6 by Marcus Peters on former Chief's running back Jamaal Charles. Alex Smith and the offense struggled in the second half, but would lead the Chiefs to a 29-19 win that was not as close as the score would indicate. The win was huge for the Chiefs, as not only would they beat the Broncos, but the Raiders and Chargers would also go on to lose this week. This win puts the Chiefs ahead by a big 3 games with only 8 games remaining.