Blog #2

On tuesday, January 14 the band New Politics played at Warehouse Live in Downtown Houston. After the Danish band's hit Harlem started playing on the radio, they began to grow in popularity. The rock band is made up of the lead singer, David Boyd, and band mates Soren Hansen and Louis Vecchio. My friends asked me to join them and I didn't know much about the band itself because I had only heard their popular song. The concert was set in the Studio, the smaller of the two fully independent spaces within Warehouse Live. It ended up being a success and was sold out. It was a small stage, but it provided for a much more intimate experience. We pushed ourselves to the front area of the crowd and felt like we could almost touch the band players. There were two opening bands called the Magic Man and Sleeper Agent who both created an environment filled with excitement lots of dancing. Once New Politics came on I was already filled with adrenaline. People jumped up and sown pounding their fists, others sang along. We befriended two brothers who told us about their favorite songs and interesting moments the band has had. David Boyd stood up above me as the crowd carried him. The lights and music a long with such a personal performance was exhilarating. The concert was long and thorough and definitely got me to listen to the rest of their album on my own time. I walked out very satisfied with a smile on my face.

Daniela Carlock

Writer/ Communications Manager

Belles Prepare for Competitions by Hannah Tang

The Bellaire Belles have been getting ready for the beginning of their contest season which starts in February. To get ready, some of the girls competed in the high school solo division at the Brazoswood competition. The Bellaire soloists went up against private team soloists and other Houston school soloists to get out the jitters for the upcoming HISD competition.

Hannah Tang
Photog

Blog 2

       January 31st marks the beginning of a new year, that is, if you follow the Chinese calendar (which was last widely used in the early 20th century). Chinese New Year happens annually and officially lasts for 15 days, always starting on a different day each year. It is a major holiday in some parts of the word, and is celebrated by billions of people, mostly by those living in East and Southeast Asia. Families and friends gather together to visit one another, share a meal, watch the highly broadcasted Chinese New Year's show on TV, and give each other red paper envelopes that usually contain money. As per regional customs, many households clean their homes to sweep away ill-fortune and welcome incoming good luck of the new year. People decorate their homes with red paper crafts and lanterns that represent themes such as "wealth," "happiness," and "luck."
        Here in Houston, Chinese New Year is celebrated primarily among individual Asian families, in areas with dense Asian populations and in Chinatown, where an event is held every year featuring firecrackers, lion dances, and plenty of good food. Many families in the Asian community come together to celebrate and share a large meal, much like those in living in East Asia. Though such celebrations sometimes lack the traditions and customs found in homes back in China, no one forgets the festive part of the holiday, where alcohol flows like water and friends and family have a good time in each other's company.

Laurence Zhang
Sports Editor

Blog 2: Challenger Anniversary

Today (January 28th) in 1986, Challenger was set to go into orbit carrying the first teacher ever to reach space, Christa McAuliffe. Everything was set for success as the shuttle prepared for its flight, but the entire situation changed when the 72 second flight ended in the destruction of the shuttle and the death of everyone aboard.
The entire nation was shocked as the catastrophe was shown live on television. The explosion caused the death of commander Francis “Dick” Scobee, pilot Michael Smith, mission specialists Judith Resnik, Ellison Onizuka and Ronald McNair, and payload specialists Gregory Jarvis and McAuliffe.
Today on the 28th year anniversary of the tragic accident, the entire country is in mourning for the brave men and women that have given their life for the advancement of the human race.

Jose Muniz
January 29th

Vikram Seth Blog

               Recently NBC’s hit sit-com Community, a show about seven study-group  members going through wacky misadventures, said farewell to the character Troy Barnes, played by Donald Glover.

               

                Donald Glover, who also holds an alter- ego as Childish Gambino, an alternative hip-hop artist, said his goodbyes to the set of Community. The show, recently entering its 5^th season, only saw Glover’s character on 5 episodes. Many fans of the show speculated that Glover was leaving the show to work on his recently released Gambino album ‘Because the Internet’, yet after a series of Instagram posts by Glover, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

               

Glover posted on social media a series of pictures, in them many notes regarding why he left Community. Glover writes, “I didn’t leave Community for rap. I wanted to be on my own.” He also wrote that he was scared. He stated he was scared of different aspects of his life falling apart, including ties with his friends, family, and girlfriend. He seems ready to start a new stage of his life, by also stating in the series of pictures, “You’re always allowed to be better. You’re always allowed to grow up. If you want.” While these words are very inspiring, many fans are sad to see such an amusing character leave the show. 

Vikram Seth

Writer

Blog 2

The 56th Grammy awards occurred on Sunday night, the 26th of January. Early into the night around 5pm the cast of E! News arrived on the Grammy Red Carpet ready to interview celebrities on their fashion, careers and more. The time flew by and before anyone knew it, 7 p.m. rolled around and Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z opened the show. Awards and performances filled the entire night with excitement such as Lorde taking home song of the year for "Royals". Katy Perry performed her single, currently number one on iTunes, "Dark Horse", and Taylor Swift performed her song from the album "Red", "All Too Well". Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar stole the show with their collaboration. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis took home four awards. Daft Punk took home album of the year. For a full list of Grammy award winners check out http://www.grammy.com/nominees.


Alison Elberger
Entertainment Editor

Blog #2

"Snow Day"

Houston's weather has been inconsistent this past week. From having a high of 70 degrees to a low of 26 degrees in a matter of days shows the problems of global warming. However, the students have no issue with these sudden drops in temperatures because it leads to class being cancelled. Schools are cancelled due to the danger of icy roads, not necessarily snow. The pictures below depicts the freezing weather Houston experienced as water froze on cars and ceilings. 

- Anna Ngo

Blog 2

Saturday night, I went to a concert at the House of Blues. The band performing was Savoy. Savoy is a group of people that re-mix songs into a dub step version. Not knowing who the band was, I went to go see them. Waiting in line was an experience I have never been through before. They checked each person to make sure they were not in the possession of drugs or alcohol. They also did tests on many teens to see if they were already intoxicated. Once I finally made it inside, I waited for about 3 hours for the performance to start. In my opinion it was not worth it. The music was not that good and the whole time a bunch of sweaty teens were pushing me. The only cool part was the laser show that went on. By the looks on other people’s faces, it looked like they had a great time. I guess the concert was just not the place for me.

Blog 2

Disney’s latest 3D computer-animated feature Frozen has recently earned many positive reviews. The film hearkens back to the classic 2D musical-themed movies produced by the animation giant. However, the decision for the studio to go with computer animation rather than traditional, hand-drawn animation for this movie brings up a seemingly age-old controversy: pencils or pixels? With such tremendous advancements in computer animation technology, have 2D hand-drawn animated films become obsolete?

Despite all the concerns raised, the debate over the medium for animated movies is ultimately futile. A good animated movie wins the love of an audience not because of the technological medium through which it was produced but because of its story and characters. No amount of special effects can outmatch the talent, creativity, and artistry of genuine story-telling.

Even if someday the average movie is produced in 4D with customized 4D theaters as the new standard, featuring moving seats, nozzles, lights, and fans to provide a plethora of sensations, 3D and 2D movies will probably continue to stick around. One thing remains certain: audiences may become excited with new movie technology, but they will never be tired of a good story.

Jason Weilee

Centerpiece Editor

BLOG 2

In the last few minutes of the game on Jan. 17, winning only 2-1, the Bellaire Lady Cardinals soccer team needs a goal as a safety net to beat the Kinkaid Falcons. Suddenly, the Falcons have an attack on the goal, weaving their way through the midfielders and forwards, with a shot on goalie Vivian Young. She dives. She saves it. She throws the ball to senior defender Jordan Penn who passes it to the middle. From the middle, the ball is worked around the field and eventually is sent to the right midfielder, senior Amanda Wick, who takes the ball to the corner flag before crossing it. She has dragged all the defenders to her, leaving me wide open on the far post of the goal. Wick crosses the ball which finds my feet who lead the ball under the goalie into the back of the net. We win 3-1. We have beaten the Falcons. We will advance in our tournament. Although we had lost the first game, we had conquered our second round opponents. This is what our team lives for, having tough opponents and beating them after a tough loss the day before.

Leslie Cundiff
Senior Sports Writer

Youth in Iran
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/16/youth-in-iran-inside-and-out/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

This photo by Hossein Fatemi shows a woman praying while her friend is watching tv and smoking.This article focuses on Iranian youth who plays music, drinks, smokes etc.They are online on facebook,and are politically engaged and simmering.Mr Fatemi found a lot of western influences in Iran. He believes that human race craves more for what is forbidden. Even after all the people following more open lifestyle, he found occasions where western influence did not prevent the faithful from practicing Islam.But there are many people in the US who are highly religious and do not practice such pastimes.Practicing these activities doesn't mean they are influenced by the west.
                                                         
                                                                                                                                 Rabika Rehman

Blog 2: Increase in smoking-related illnesses

Cigarette smoking, most commonly known to give lung cancer, can also cause diabetes. The number of diseases caused by cancer has significantly increased. smokers can face vision loss, tuberculosis and many heart diseases. In 1970's, Americans became determined to find ways to fight cancer when smoking was part of the culture.

 After many researches, the government announced that smoking, in particular, causes cancer. It caused in a dramatic decline in smoking but that decline is inclining again. Since 1960s, the risk of getting cancer has doubled.

Now, instead of traditional cigarettes, smokers are switching to e-cigarettes. they may help smokers to quit smoking but young adults are buying them just for fun. The "cool" colorful lights and the variety in flavor are attracting teenagers. This is causing teenagers, unknown to cigarettes, to get addicted to nicotine. More regulations can help in the fight against cancer.

Sabika Rehman

Blog 2

Sarah Anderson, a 22 year old Harvard Law student, was driving down to North Carolina to visit family during the holidays. Unfortunately, an intoxicated driver going the wrong way crashed into her car at 60 mph. Anderson's spine was severely injured with doctors doubting whether she would ever be able to walk anymore.

 Days before the accident, Anderson had just received an internship at one of the most prestigious law firms. Along with this, Anderson was planning a summer wedding with her fiancee David Miller. Life for her seemed almost too perfect since everything seemed to be going her way.

Fast forward to six months after the accident, Anderson has a piling heap of medical bills to pay and months of intensive physical therapy behind her. Overcoming the odds, Anderson shocked doctors when she re-learned how to walk. The accident has changed her perspective on life and taught her to live in the moment. Anderson recently dropped out of Harvard Law and is pursuing her dreams in life by opening up her own bakery.

Blog- Do you want to build a snowman?

"If you thought there was only so much to be done with ice and snow as visual fields, think again along the lines of prismatic crystals, epic storms and fantastical structures built on water's gift for freezing itself into see-through art." - The Wall Street Journal.

Walt Disney Animation Studio's movie "Frozen" premiered on November 27, 2013. The musical featured the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana. Christophe Beck, known for his work in the short The Paperman, helped compose the music for the motion picture. He worked with songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez to produce the recording of an 80 piece orchestra and 32 vocalists. The efforts paid off when Frozen won a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.  

The story is set in the charming kingdom of Arendelle. The city becomes closed off after the king and queen realize the danger of Princess Elsa’s uncontrollable ice powers. It wasn’t until her coronation that Arendelle’s gate finally opened. Conflict begins when Elsa publically starts an eternal snow storm and runs away. Her little sister, Anna has been estranged from Elsa for the majority of their childhood. Anna decides to rebuild their relationship and runs after Elsa. The plot develops around Elsa’s journey around the generic themes of love, friendship and understanding.

Tonya Chen
Staff Editor

Cycling deaths raise concerns for many

    When living in a big city like Houston it is hard to get place to place. Most go by car, metro bus, metro rail, or even biking. Bike riding has been an uprising concern for many Houston residents in the past few years. 

   On January 14 a bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run in east Houston just a couple weeks after two other cyclists who were killed by motorcyclists who also failed stop.

    In the last 45 days two other cyclists have been killed. One killed on her way from home and another who was just outside a crosswalk taking a stroll in his neighborhood.

    Not only automobile drives are at fault for cyclist’s death but in the past year one cyclist was struck while walking her bike across the light rail tracks in downtown Houston.

    As of last year The Houston City Council passed a law regarding cyclist. The law states that drivers are to give cyclists at least three feet of space. As of the last three months not a single tickets was issued for violating the law.

   As for cyclists, they are all to have bike lights on during the night time.

   Many cyclists believe that drivers should be more precautions of their surroundings.

   

   Cyclists also believe the leading cause for bike incidents are due to the design and condition of roads.  

    

   According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not Houston but Harris County had ten cyclists were deaths in 2011 and eight in 2012.

   

   In comparison to Houston, many other cities have successfully increased the safety for bikers.

   Portland, Oregon is considered one of the safest cities in the United States. According to Bike Portland, a pro-cycling group in Oregon, the city did not have any cyclists’ deaths in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, or 2013.

Governor Chris Christie's reputation in jeopardy

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's potential spot in the White House in 2016 is now questionable after the George Washington Bridge scandal.  Christie claims he knew nothing of his staff's involvement in the lane shutdowns of the bridge even though the whole fiasco was happening right under his nose and repeatedly apologized to the state of New Jersey after firing two of his administrators. Consequently, his reputation has taken a huge blow since his name continuously appears in headlining articles about the traffic jam scandal and even in Jimmy Fallon's parody of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" as " The Gov. Chris Christie Traffic Jam." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VKHV0LLvhXM)

It's hard for the people of New Jersey to believe that Christie had no knowledge of the lane closures since two of his closest staff members were behind it.  How could he have not know what they were up to when he worked with these people every day?  If any clue is found that Christie knew about the lane closure strategy, Christie's career will be jeopardized especially since he wants to be president.  

The people of New Jersey, of the United States want a governor, or even a possible president that they can trust, and they can't trust a man that caused a great big traffic jam.

Claire Weddle
News Writer
Three Penny Press

  

Blog 8

Elaine Shen

Entrepreneur Jennifer Wang is moving beyond selling products in her home and moving to an online business for all of her jewelry and accessory products. She's doing so in a very big way, with more than 15 shades of color and 20 different styles of necklaces, rings, and bracelets that will be available for sale through its online catalog.

Jennifer Wang's business, "life is glamorous" launched two years ago with a Meems-like platform for jewelry. But unlike Meems, which has high-quality items with limited selection, "life is glamorous" was designed to give customers a wide variety of jewelry for different price points. She even thinks that she will be able to personalize the selection of items per customer.

It is possible thanks to her original design ideas which are thematically organized, so the quizzes are easy and quick to take. When you first enter the website, a pop-up will guide you to the quiz so that your products are personalized to your style.

Disclaimer: None of this is real.
Inspired by: http://techcrunch.com/2014/01/13/beauty-army-e-commerce-shop/

Houston Panhandling Crackdown

Every Saturday morning, as I drive down Fountain View Drive to my clarinet lesson, I am overwhelmed by the number of people standing in the middle of the street asking for money. As I pass them I cringe and pray that I haven't poorly estimated my spacing or I that I may have to swerve for some reason and hit them. These seemingly fearless people, despite their background or purpose, are panhandlers.

Over the last 18 months, Harris County has been working on a proposition to reduce panhandling. While the proposition doesn't directly eliminate it, it restricts the beggars to sidewalks and prohibits them from setting a foot in the street abc13video.

This proposition will not only keep the panhandlers safer, but it will also ease drivers minds. I know that when I see someone asking for money on the road, I am not only afraid of hitting them, but I am also afraid of their reaction when I don't give them money. Some of these beggars have mental disorders and/or drug problems and become quite confrontational. If panhandling reduced to sidewalks, at least they cannot come near my car without breaking the law, though I would prefer panhandling be banned altogether.

Claire Fisher
News Editor
Three Penny Press

2014 Consumer Electronics Show

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is held every year in the month of January. This year, from January 7-10 , big tech companies and lesser known companies displayed their innovative devices for various tech enthusiasts.
 
This year, Netflix, a provider of streaming TV shows and movies, boasted a resolution higher than 1080p called 4k or Ultra HD. Of course, there are not many readily movies or shows available, but there will be more over time.

Because health is a big part of life, many companies made devices to monitor and improve overall health. The Netatmo JUNE wristband is a device that monitors how much sun exposure your skin has received and tells you when to lather on sunblock. It also tells you how dangerous the intensity of the sun is so that you can decide whether or not you want to spend a day at the beach or have a picnic at the park.

If you are a PC gamer, the Valve Corporation, the creator of Steam, "a platform that distributes and manages thousands of games directly to a community of more than 65 million players around the world", will be taking a stand against Sony's P34 and microsoft's XboxOne by developing their own gaming console that will be able to fit the needs of various type of gamers. Valve debuted 13 different types of prototypes made by partner companies. Each machine has different specs to satisfy different needs such as budget. Although the release date is uncertain, we know that it will be available to buy in the early months of 2014.

Iceland Vu
 Three Penny Press

New Texans head Coach Bill O'Brien pushes the right buttons

The New England Patriots' 34-27 win over the Buffalo Bills in 2011 is seldom remembered for the score or even the victory.

What's embedded in the brains of NFL fans is the fiery screaming match that occurred between Tom Brady and an offensive coordinator after Brady threw an interception in the red zone with 6:30 left to play. (You can see the two of them having it out here.)

That offensive coordinator was Bill O'Brien. The new head coach of the Houston Texans.

After finishing a year as head coach at Penn State, O'Brien quickly emerged as the front runner for McNair's pick for new head honcho (aside from McNair of course). Now he has been named head coach, and there are aspects that depict him as both foil and compliment to former head coach Gary Kubiak. And that's a good thing.

Like Kubiak, O'Brien began in the NFL as an offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. And they both assisted greats. Kubiak worked for Mike Shanahan in Denver, while O'Brien helped Bill Belicheck in New England. The experience for both is and was definitely there, and provided what the Texans needed and once again will need next season. The key difference, however, lies in the opposing personalities.

Gary Kubiak was mostly criticizing for being Gary "Konserviak", backed by accusations of timidness on 4th down and a lack of fire to motivate his players. It appears that O'Brien may solve this problem. After four years in New England, O'Brien courageously took the head coaching job at Penn State, replacing Joe Paterno after the Jerry Sandusky child sex scandal. What was set up to be a disastrous season weighed down by emotional fatigue turned out to be an 8-4 year, with O'Brien winning ESPN's Coach of the Year award.

When O'Brien left Penn State, his strong personality emerged yet again when he released statements about his frustration with the "politics".

My observation? It's a little early to tell, but O'Brien shows a lot of promise. He knows how to light a fire under any player (even the almighty Brady), is not afraid to tackle sinking franchises and has the offensive and quarterback-specialized experience that the Texans need.

O'Brien recently had his first press conference in Houston, and his last quote is what really seals the deal for me.

"It's all about winning. We'll get started real soon."

After a 2-14 season my words are this: Amen, Mr. O'Brien. Let's get to it.

Molly Oretsky
Three Penny Press

Trillion Dollar Budget Passes Through Bipartisanship

Ashley Liu 
1/17/14

After several violent arguments surrounding Obama Care, two equally controversial fiscal policy bills, and one scandalous government shutdown, the long and hard race between Democrats and Republicans came to a sudden halt on Thursday, where the Senate passed a federal spending budget of $1.1 trillion almost effortlessly.The bipartisan agreement that astonished Washington is finally being sent to President Obama.

On Wednesday, the House initially passed the budget with a surprisingly bipartisan vote of 359-to-67. Two days later, a decisive vote of 72-to-26 was cast; seventeen Republicans supported the legislation.Several even dared to voice their unusual approval. Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama and Senator Mike Lee of Utah both complimented the Senate's uncanny ability to work through smooth efforts.

Speaking of compromise, both sides have planned effective trade-offs. Republicans finally received their well-deserved budget cuts on multiple federal environmental agencies and the IRS. However, it does seem like the Democrats got the bigger end of the stick as fund continues to increase in health programs.

For more details go to 
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/16/in-rare-bipartisan-action-congress-approves-1-1-trillion-budget/

Blog 2

In 1969, Neil Armstrong made a giant leap for mankind on the moon. This mission, called for by President JFK to make America an example for the world (and beat those cosmonauts across the sea). Now, the space race is going private. Elon Musk, the founder of astronomical craft company SpaceX, seeks to build an 80 thousand-person colony on Mars, beginning in the 2020s. At a time of sequestration and cutbacks in NASA funding, this project is clearly ambitious. The Red Planet may become a Blue and Green Planet like ours. The days until prospective launch dwindle, but applicants for Musk's plan have as high hopes as ever.

Friends and family may live in different states or countries, but when the day comes that family could be on a different planet, I look forward to what possibilities that could bring.

(in the style of Eric Berger, Houston Chronicle's SciGuy)

Blog # 2:

 A fourteen-year old Little-Leaguer is being sued for over $500,000 for throwing his helmet after completing a game winning Home Run. The helmet hit (and tore) Alen Beck (his former Baseball Coach)’s Achilles tendon, who now wants $100,000 for medical bills and lost wages, plus the before-mentioned amount as recompense for his pain and suffering.

                No, this is not a joke; although that’s exactly what the boy’s father, Joe Paris, believed when he learned about the case. He told his local news station (KRCA) that now, he simply considers it absurd.

            This view was most likely reinforced when he saw his bill--the Paris family has already spent $4,000 in legal fees, despite not having yet entered a courtroom.

Beck is now in a wheelchair, and will continue to recover from his condition for an approximated 6 months (http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/surgery-for-an-achilles-tendon-rupture). His lawyer Gene Goldsman believes that this is valid reason for legal action. (http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/little-league-coach-suing-his-14-year-old-player-for--600k-after-errant-helmet-toss-215953831.html)

             “I don't think the boy meant to harm him,” Goldsman told Yahoo.” But, this wasn't a part of the game. A guy who volunteers his time to coach should not be subjected to someone who throws a helmet in the manner that he did. What the kid did, it crossed the line”.

Allie Lefkowitz

Staff Writer 

Blog 2

The Z-Report Blog (mimic)

After watching the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder game last night it was clear defense, defense, and defense. The Houston Rockets have been said to be a real contender this year with the addition of center Dwight Howard, but one key element is missing said by most NBA critics. What is that? It's clear defense. The Rockets scored 73 points in the first half of last nights game. You would like that is outstanding, yet the Thunder returned the favor by scoring 59 points. Although in the second half of the game unleashed the Houston Rockets we have come to expect. The Rockets scored only 19 points in the second half to result in a 104-92  loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. If you are reading this I ask you who had the best offense last year? You would think that team would have won the NBA championship, yet the Thunder barley made it out of the first round of the playoffs and against who? The Houston Rockets in fact. The Miami Heat won the NBA championship the the number one ranked defense. Coach Paul Bryant Jr. said something interesting and only fitting to the Rockets, "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships."Well that's the Z-Report, come back next week knuckle-heads!

This Winter Weather- Blog #2: James F.

James Fang 

01/16/14

This winter has been a freakishly cold one for the U.S. For the month of December, 67% of the country was covered with an average of 3.6 inches of snow. Compared to the same time last year, we have seen a 258% increase from only 26% of the country covered in 1.6 inches of snow. It may be due to the famed El Niño or La Niña currents. But another popular speculative theory is global warming.

It is ironic that global warming would involve the cooling of climate. Here is the process: Earth’s climate is mainly regulated by its ocean currents or the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). This is caused by the varying degrees in water temperature and salinization. Cold, salty water is more dense and tends to sink, thus causing the movement that makes a current. However, the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps from global warming inputs vast amounts of freshwater. 

This would alter the density of the oceans and could drastically change the behavior of ocean currents, resulting in sharp changes in climate. More specifically, continuing on this pattern, the northern hemisphere, including most of the world’s population, would experience a cooling of climate (bordering on freezing), and the southern hemisphere would experience a warming of climate. This could be the beginning of one of Earth’s major climate shifts.

Masters, Jeffery. Ph.D. — Director of Meteorology, Weather Underground, Inc."The Science of Abrupt Climate Change: Should We Be Worried?" The Science of Abrupt Climate Change. Weather Underground, n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014. <http://www.wunderground.com/resources/climate/abruptclimate.asp?MR=1>

Daniel, Matt. "U.S. Snow and Ice in 2013 Compared to 2012." EarthSky. N.p., 09 Dec. 2013. Web. 17 Jan. 2014. <http://earthsky.org/earth/u-s-snow-and-ice-2013-compared-to-2012>

2014 Blog 1: Oscar Nominees

Early Wednesday morning, January the 16th 2014, the long months of anxious waiting and hoping were ended. Oscar nominees for the 86^th celebration of Hollywood’s best and brightest were announced, inciting buzz and excitement around the world (#Oscar is currently the top trending item on Twitter, with over 311.7K tweets). As expected, A-list dramedy American Hustle scored big, with 10 nominations in all categories. 12 Years a Slave, Gravity and Wolf of Wall Street also received a few nods. However, many fan favorites and terrific actors were snubbed, including Tom Hanks as Best Actor and Blackfish as Best Documentary.

2013 seemed to be the year of heavy-handed themes (think slavery, crime, unrequited love, greed, and evil). Although there was much cause for tears among cinemas this past film year, it was also a good time for animation. Best Animation film nominees include (no surprise) Disney darling Frozen, Despicable Me 2, and The Croods (which was apparently favored over Monster’s University). 

Of course, the Oscars wouldn’t be the Oscars if not for the best actor/actress. This year’s Best Actors in a Leading Role category includes: Christian Bale (American Hustle), Bruce Dern (Nebraska- a surprising entry), Leonardo DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), and Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club).  Best Actress in a Leading Role nominees are: Amy Adams (American Hustle), Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine), Judi Dench (Philomena), Sandra Bullock (Gravity), and Meryl Streep (August: Osage County).

Though there are many different awards presented to many different categories, a few of the broader ones are things such as Cinematography, Hair and Makeup, Special Effects, and Best Score (Coldplay’s Atlas was majorly snubbed in that category). And of course, many foreign films and actors are to be honored at the Oscars as well.

In the spirit of celebrating the film industry, the actors/actresses who have passed on this last year will be recognized and mourned. Talented stars such as Cory Monteith, James Gandalfini, Paul Walker, Marcia Wallace, Ed Lauter, and Lisa Robin Kelly will be remembered and honored for their roles in films as well as society. It will surely be a cause for tears within the audience and across America.

With a dazzling ensemble, many talented actors/actresses lined up for a win, and Ellen DeGeneres hosting, the 86^th annual Academy Awards is sure to be a night to remember.
Lists of the nominees and categories can be found here: http://oscar.go.com/nominees

-Lauren Sonik, TPP profiles writer