Tag: opinion

Opinion: Whole Foods is a magical place

Taylor OwensLeave a comment

[Originally published on the Tennessee Journalist on Mar. 31, 2014]

Retail giant Whole Foods opened up its first Knoxville location on March 24. Though I’ve heard much about it, I’ve never set foot in the actual store before. Not until this past weekend, when I decided to brave the crowds and see what Whole Foods really has to offer.

First things first: it’s an incredibly busy place. It’s new and exciting, so you can expect large crowds for some time to come. Possibly forever.  However, if you can power through and make it inside, you’ll be delighted by the shiny glory that is Whole Foods.

The store itself has an inviting atmosphere. It’s nice and bright with a sort of pleasant scent about it. Plus, the employees are very willing to help you locate something if you find yourself aimlessly strolling down the baked goods aisle.

I found myself the happiest among the beautifully decorated cakes and fresh breads.

Another big selling point for Whole Foods is that it also acts as a sort of restaurant. You can enjoy some fresh sushi, a sandwich or even a few slices of pizza. Overall, it’s relatively reasonably priced.  Plus, there’s even a seating area called “The Rocky” where you can sit down and eat your food, and it’s a pretty happening place. Also, Whole Foods makes a big point of promoting local businesses and growers. I thought that was

very special, and also makes each store a little unique. Also a little bit more expensive, but if you’re willing to shell out a little more cash, it’s worth it to support your community.

I was convinced that everything was going to be overpriced at Whole Foods, and sure, some things were, but a lot of their prices were pretty comparable to Kroger or Publix. However, I couldn’t see myself doing all of my grocery shopping there. I think it’s best if you go in there for something specific or if you need something sort of unique.

Additionally, it’s good if you want a variety of something. For example, there were more types of olives to choose from at Whole Foods than I’ve ever seen in my life. Seriously, I didn’t even know that many kinds of olives existed.

Whole Foods is also a good place to go if you want food that caters to specific dietary needs. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can enjoy some tufu ice cream or a vegan cupcake. If you have a gluten allergy, you’re not left out either. The public might not understand what it means to be gluten free, but Whole Foods does. They understand, and they want to help you.

All in all, I was really impressed by Whole Foods. I thought it was an interesting place that clearly cares about where they get their food and the quality of their products. It’s unique, and exactly what Knoxville needs to get people excited about their food.

You can visit Whole Foods at 6730 Papermill Drive in Knoxville and learn more at their website.

Opinion: Taylor’s Oscar Predictions 2015

Taylor OwensLeave a comment

[Originally posted on the Tennessee Journalist on Feb. 17, 2015]

The most important awards show of the season, the Academy Awards, will air this Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC. You’ve seen the movies, you’ve formed opinions and now it’s time to make some predictions.

Here are the winners based on my predictions for the five major categories:

Best Picture- “Birdman”

Nominees: “American Sniper,” “Birdman,” “Boyhood,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Imitation Game,” “Selma,” “The Theory of Everything” and “Whiplash”

While there has been much buzz about a number of films this year, you can expect “Birdman” to come out on top. So far, it has won 138 awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay and the Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. “Boyhood” was a favorite early on and “American Sniper” was a box-office hit, but the writing and talented cast of this dark and quirky film has that little something extra.

Best Actor- Michael Keaton

Nominees: Steve Carell (“Foxcatcher”), Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game”), Michael Keaton (“Birdman”) and Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”)

This category is a tough one. Eddie Redmayne has received rave reviews (and a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award) for his role as Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything,” and Bradley Cooper has been nominated for either Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars for the past three years. Either of these talented men could take home the prize, but it’s Michael Keaton who will have that honor. He was a clear frontrunner early on, and while this seems to have slipped a bit, he has still taken home numerous awards for his performance as Riggan. This category will be one to watch.

3. Best Actress- Julianne Moore

Nominees: Marion Cotillard (“Two Days, One Night”), Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl”), Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything”), Reese Witherspoon (“Wild”) and Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”)

Julianne Moore has become a standout actress in recent years, appearing in both television and movies in comedic and dramatic roles. In “Still Alice,” Moore plays a 50-year-old women diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her performance is riveting and raw. Moore has been the clear winner all awards season, and while the other actresses are talented, she is expected to be the clear winner.

4. Best Actor in a Supporting Role- J.K. Simmons

Nominees: Robert Duvall (“The Judge”), Ethan Hawke (“Boyhood”), Edward Norton (“Birdman”), Mark Ruffalo (“Foxcatcher”) and J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”)

You may have recently seen J.K. Simmons from that Farmer’s Insurance commercial, but his performance as Terence Fletcher in “Whiplash” is receiving widespread critical acclaim. Simmons is another who has been having a successful awards season, and that should continue with an award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Academy Awards.

5.  Best Actress in a Supporting Role- Patricia Arquette

Nominees: Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”), Laura Dern (“Wild”), Kiera Knightly (“The Imitation Game”), Emma Stone (“Birdman”) and Meryl Streep (“Into the Woods”)

It’s hard not to pick Meryl Streep to win every award, but the fact is she hasn’t been the name on everyone’s lips with role as the Witch in “Into the Woods.” She’s always talented, that’s a given, but Patricia Arquette seems to be the favorite this year. The novelty of “Boyhood” hasn’t proven to be much of a success in awards season, but Arquette has been a standout, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe for her performance. It is likely to be a repeat this Sunday.

To see a list of all of the Academy Awards nominees, check out the official website. Don’t forget to tune in on Sunday night at 8 p.m. to see who leaves with an Oscar.