The Underground — Issue #97
Everything you need to know about in this weekly series: A possible look at the multiverse, a new film on Netflix that takes reliving the same day over and over to another level, the genius who created the Alien monster, and some delicious recipes to celebrate fall.
At Social Underground we go beyond the mainstream stuff and see what’s underneath the surface. What should we get into, listen to, read, eat or watch? If there is something in our culture that needs attention that’s our job: Show you the underground things that you need to know about: Books, music, television, movies, comedians, art, and whatever else we can find to get you into something you never knew about. That’s The Underground.
1. The best visualization we have of the multiverse. When you look at all the things that are happening on this planet, you sometimes forget that we all live on a piece of dust in the vastness of the universe. Not only that, but we could just be living in a universe that is one of many. The more you think about the scope and size of that possibility, the more you think about just how all of our problems here on our blue dot don’t really seem like that big of a deal.
If you aren’t exactly versed on the multiverse, it’s what you probably think it is: The multiverse (or meta-universe) is the hypothetical set of finite and infinite possible universes, including the universe in which we live. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. This means there could be not just multiple universe, but also parallel or alternate universe. There could be different versions of you walking around in a completely different universe. Trippy, right?
Check out what we think it may look like as we zoom out through the vastness of space.
2. The movie ARQ on Netflix takes the time loop premise to another level.
Ever since Groundhog Day, the concept of living the same day over again has been a tough act to follow. The only film I can think of that nailed it was Edge of Tomorrow. That was until a film called ARQ came out on Netflix. The difference between the other two movies was that ARQ looks like it probably didn’t cost that much money to make. It reuses the same locations over and over (obviously), but each time the day resets itself, it feels different and more dramatic. Each reset of time peels back some more information for the audience. Just when you think you have everything figured out, it resets again and gives you more.
Premise: The oil supply has run dry, and corporations fight against nations for the world’s remaining energy supplies. Trapped in a house and surrounded by a gang of mysterious masked intruders, an engineer (Robbie Amell) must protect a technology that could deliver unlimited energy and end the wars that have consumed the world. The only problem is that the technology has created a time loop that condemns him and his friends to relive the same day over and over.
I highly recommend checking this movie out on a weekend or something. It elevates the acting level of a few actor’s that I never really thought would have the chops for this type of thing, but I was pleasantly proved wrong. I can’t wait to see what everyone in this film does next.
Check out the trailer below, then head over to Netflix and watch it. Remember to pay attention!
3. H.R. Giger’s Alien monster has a beautiful history. If you’ve never heard of Giger, chances are you’ve seen his work all over the place in film. It’s instantly recognizable if you’ve seen any of the Alien films, love the Borg from Star Trek, and even more things from popular culture. Some of his stuff is gross, yet beautiful. His paintings would make me appreciate his art, but also make me take a step back and wonder what kind of mind would think of something so otherworldly.
His Alien monster is still one of the most terrifying creatures in film history. It can’t be reasoned with in anyway. It’s sole mission is to kill you. It always nearby and will surprise you even if you have a radar. Giger created it and then the influence on television and film for horror was forever changed. You can watch Alien for the 50th time and the damn thing will still make you jump.
The video below takes a fascinating look at H.R. Giger’s masterpiece of horror. Ugh, even watching his artwork which is the basis for all of this is creepy. If it weren’t for him, we’d still be dealing with boring monster movie where a giant Praying Mantis attacks a city. Boring.
4. Some recipes to help you celebrate the best season: Fall. Some of the best things happen when fall comes around is the food, the drinks, it not being sweltering outside, and not having to wear shorts. Fall means getting ready to see all the leaves change color, go apple picking, watch spooky movies on television, change the entire decoration of your house, and have the best sleeping weather ever. What better way to celebrate the season than by cooking some stuff you’ve never even thought of cooking before?
Here are some great recipes you can try to make fall even better:
Sausage and Spinach Skillet Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 15 – ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 5 – 6 – ounce package baby spinach
- 1 pound frozen pizza or bread dough, thawed
- Olive oil
- 8 ounces bulk Italian sausage, cooked and drained
- 6 -8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 1/2 to 2 cups)
Directions
In a small bowl whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, the oregano, basil and crushed red pepper. Set aside.
Place spinach in a large microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons water. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on 100% power (high) for 30 seconds. Continue cooking in 10 second intervals until just wilted. Remove and let stand for 2 minutes. Carefully remove plate. Transfer spinach to a sieve; press out excess liquid.
Brush a 12-inch cast-iron or other heavy oven-going skillet with olive oil; set aside. On a lightly floured surface roll dough to a 14-inch circle. Transfer to prepared skillet. Roll edges to form a rim. Brush dough lightly with olive oil. Spread tomato sauce mixture over dough and top with sausage and spinach. Top with mozzarella and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
Place skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Transfer to a 475 degrees F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese and crust are lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes. Using a spatula, slide pizza out of skillet to a large cutting board and cut into wedges.
Crumb-Topped Apple Trio Pie
Ingredients
- 1/2 15 – ounce package rolled refrigerated unbaked pie crust (1 crust)
- 2 teaspoons butter, melted
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 3/4 pound)
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Jonagold or Jonathan apples (about 3/4 pound)
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Braeburn, McIntosh or Northern Spy apples (about 3/4 pound)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 -3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Walnut Crumb Topping (recipe follows)
- Vanilla Ice Cream
Directions
Let pie crust stand according to package directions. Unroll pie crust; place into a 9-inch pie plate. Tuck pie crust under and flute edges. Do not prick pie crust. Brush the pie crust bottom and sides with the melted butter; set aside.
For filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples. In a small bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle sugar mixture over the fruit. Toss to combine. Let stand for 10 minutes. Transfer apple filling to pastry-lined pie plate. Mound the Walnut Crumb Topping over filling.
To prevent overbrowning, cover edge of pie with foil. Place the pie on the center rack of a 375 degree F. oven. Place a large baking sheet covered with foil on a rack under the pie. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes more or until apples are tender, filling is bubbly and topping is golden. (If necessary, loosely cover top of pie with foil the last 30 to 40 minutes.) Cool on a wire rack. Serve pie slightly warm with ice cream. Makes 8 servings.
One-Pan Harvest Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups)
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped (2 cups)
- 2 tomatoes or 4 roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 19 – ounce can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
- 1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dried whole grain elbow macaroni
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper (optional)
- Snipped fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a very large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion and garlic. Cook, uncovered, 7 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender, stirring occasionally.
Add beans, broth, pasta and crushed red pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 7 to 10 minutes more or until vegetables and pasta are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper; serve topped with basil and Parmesan cheese.
Follow Jeff Sorensen on TWITTER
Jeff Sorensen is an author, writer and occasional comedian living in Detroit, Michigan. You can look for more of his work on The Huffington Post,UPROXX,BGR and by just looking up his name.
Contact: jeff@socialunderground.com