Oscar Nominations 2014: How the shortlist is made

The Academy Awards, better known as The Oscars, have been granting a golden seal of excellence on films, actors, directors and others in the industry since 1929. As Hollywood holds its breath for this year’s nominations announcement, here’s what’s been happening behind the Academy’s door to decide it.

The nominations process kicks off in around November, and is known as ‘The Race’ as film distributors, studios and publicists try and get their film seen by the Academy and its 6000-odd members. Members are invited to special screenings, are sent DVDs and allowed to free cinema screenings to inform their decision.

The Academy’s members are split into 15 ‘branches’, or professions within the film industry - from actors to makeup artists. These branches are used to vote for nominees within their own category, directors for directors, cinematographers for cinematographers. Nominees for the Animated Feature Film and Foreign Language Film categories, however, are voted for by committees of mixed branches. Every member is allowed to vote for the Best Picture nominee.

With some 6000 members, nominations are made remotely, and this in 2013 controversially by electronic voting. Members could start voting on 17 December 2013, but their deadline to get their ballots in was extended this year due to the implication of the new electronic system after complaints were made. Voters have also been able to post their ballots, as they have (trouble-free) always done.

Votes are sent to PricewaterhouseCoopers to be counted and verified securely, and then the nominees who come out on top are announced a few days later in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theatre.

The process has mainly been criticised by some of the film industry for the ruthless campaigning that can take place from November. Most recently Joaquin Pheonix and Anthony Hopkins have joined the list of actors who have been outspoken about the awards-season buttering up of Academy members. Pheonix, who appeared in Oscar-tipped The Master and has racked up two previous nominations for Gladiator andWalk the Line told Interview magazine that the annual campaigning “is total, utter bulls***, and I don’t want to be a part of it.” Hopkins, who won an Oscar for his role in Silence of the Lambs called the “kissing the backside of the authorities that can make or break it” “disgusting to behold” in an intervuew with The Huffington Post.

It’s arguable that the keen antics of aspiring Oscar-winners is out of the control of the Academy, however their strict policy on foreign film nominations isn’t. The nominations process is roughly the same as above for the Foreign Language Film Category, but its draconian one-film-per-country submission rule is criticised by some.

This year saw a record 71 countries submit their officially selected single film to the Academy. From these, nine will be chosen - six by a volunteer committee of members from different branches, three from the executive committee. This nine will become five after a screening marathon over a single weekend in Los Angeles and New York. Members can only vote on these if they can prove they’ve been at the screenings.

This year potential nominees are in fear of Michael Haneke’s Amour. Not only do some think it’s likely to take Best Picture, but it’s also distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, which has won the category three years running.

'American Idol' premiere: Harry Connick Jr. is delicious

Harry Connick Jr. is my favorite American Idol judge so far, and not just because he cradled a contestant like a baby on tonight’s season 13 premiere. (Anyone else jealous of that baby?)

In the face of a steady stream of mediocre contestants, “your mom’s favorite singer” did not sugarcoat his critiques. Plenty of times, Keith Urban and J. Lo said yes to someone and Connick Jr. had to be honest: “I don’t think you’re a good enough singer. No.”

Connick Jr. spent the premiere playfully batting the warm and glowing ego balloon that is Jennifer Lopez — he could have been more persistent with his specific musicianship suggestions for people every time she smoothly steamrolled his opinions, but I think he’ll do that down the line during the live shows. Tonight, he held back, settled in, and toyed with the balloon gently enough so that things stayed fun and she didn’t burst.

I have a feeling there won’t be many explosive moments on American Idol this season — and that’s probably for the best. Harry and Keith are clearly in goofy, stupid love, and that’s even better.

Simone de Beauvoir: Google doodle celebrates a feminist icon

Google has celebrated what would have been the 106th birthday of the French feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir with a Google Doodle on the search engine's home page.

Born Simone-Lucie-Ernestine-Marie Bertrand de Beauvoir on 9 January 1908 in Paris, De Beauvoir is best known for her book The Second Sex, one of the most important works of 20th-century feminism, and novels such as She Came to Stay and The Mandarins.

De Beauvoir had a lifelong partnership with Jean-Paul Sartre, which did not exclude other relationships. She said the absence of marriage and children allowed her to pursue her studies and writing.

The doodle features an image of the writer in front of Parisian street buildings with canopies, which suggest the Cafe de Flore in the 6th district of Paris with which Beauvoir and Sartre were associated.

Beauvoir and Sartre were proponents of the philosophy of existentialism and both edited the magazine Les Temps Modernes. De Beauvoir edited it until her death in 1986.

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African migrants protest, push for asylum in Israel

Thousands of African migrants cram into Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, calling for a labor strike.

Their chants fill the air, summing up their message: “We need asylum.”

Activists estimate more than 50,000 migrants work illegally in low-paying jobs in Israel.

Many are fleeing persecution from war-torn areas like Sudan and Eritrea. The threat to their lives pushes them to undertake the dangerous journey via smugglers’ routes to Israel. A vast majority cross the Sinai Peninsula, known for being a hotbed of kidnapping and organ harvesting.

Once across the border in Israel, they try to claim asylum.

“All of us are fleeing genocide, fleeing dictatorship regimes. Looking for protection,” says the African Refugee Development Center’s Mutasim Ali, who came to Israel from Darfur. “(A migrant) doesn’t care where he gets it. We know it’s too difficult to cross the border making our way to Israel, but that’s the only option at the time.”

The asylum seekers complain that the Israeli government isn’t viewing their goal as legitimate, but rather sees them as migrant workers.

“The Israeli government leaves them in limbo from one side. The Israeli government calls them infiltrators, that they came here for work and that they are all criminals,” says Orit Marom of ASSAF, Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. “On the other side, they never check their asylum requests.”

The Israeli government refers to the asylum seekers as illegal migrants who are in the country to work.

They blame them for an increase in crime and say they threaten Israel’s internal security. The government says it is increasing the number of security personnel to combat the crime.

They are also giving refugee seekers willing to voluntarily return to their home countries a cash incentive of $3,500. But if that doesn’t work, then the government says they’ll deport them.

“We are determined to deport the tens of thousands of illegal migrants who are here after having reduced the number of illegal labor migrants who enter Israel’s cities,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last November during his weekly Cabinet meeting. “The steps that we unanimously approved today are proportionate and necessary for maintaining the Jewish and democratic character of the state and will restore security to Israel’s citizens while upholding the directives of the High Court of Justice and international law.”

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Social Anxiety Disorder & Social Phobia

Many people get nervous or self-conscious now and again, like once giving a speech or interviewing for a replacement job. however social anxiety, or phobic disorder, is quite simply timorousness or occasional nerves. With social psychological disorder, your worry of embarrassing yourself is thus intense that you simply avoidthings that may trigger it. however despite however painfully keep you'll be and despite however dangerousthe butterflies, you'll learn to be snug in social things and reclaim your life.

What is social anxiety disorder / social phobia?

Social folie, conjointly called phobic disorder, involves intense concern of bound social things—especially situations that area unit unknown or within which you're feeling you’ll be watched or evaluated by others.

These thereforecial things could also be so horrifying that you {just} get anxious just wondering them orattend nice lengths to avoid them.

Underlying social folie or phobic disorder is that the concern of being scrutinized, judged, or embarrassedpublicly. you {will} be afraid that individuals will assume badly of you or that you just won’t suffice comparedto others. And albeit you almost certainly understand that your fears of being judged area unit a minimum ofsomewhat irrational and overblown, you continue to can’t facilitate feeling anxious.

While it's going to look like there’s nothing you'll be able to do regarding the symptoms of social folie orphobic disorder, in reality, there area unit several things which will facilitate. It starts with understanding the matter.

Common social phobia / social anxiety disorder triggers

Although it may feel like you’re the only one with this problem, social anxiety or social phobic disorder is truly quite common. several folks struggle with these fears. however the things that trigger the symptoms of socialdisturbance is totally different.

Some individuals experience anxiety in most social and performance situations, a condition referred to asgeneralized social disturbance. For others with phobic disorder, anxiety is connected with specific social situations, such as speaking to strangers, eating at restaurants, or progressing to parties.

The most common specific phobic disorder is worry of speech or acting ahead of associate audience.

What you really need when you’re Pregnant

When I was pregnant with my son William back in 2004, I bought everything and anything that wasn’t stapled down. I had about 100 pairs of maternity jeans. I had 50 tanks, 50 tees and 50 turtlenecks. I had sweaters and outerwear and blazers and dresses and skirts. And the funny thing is, if you remember… back in 2004, there weren’t even that may maternity options out there. I literally was buying most of my stuff from eBay. There would be these bulk sales, where a mom was selling 15 pieces of clothing for a set amount, and I was like an animal all over those sales.

Honestly, I used about 20% of the stuff I had during that pregnancy.

I feel in love with a particular pair of jeans from Old Navy, so I ended up not using the other 99 pairs I bought.

I feel in love with a certain kind of tank, so I ended up only wearing that particular style throughout my pregnancy and didn’t need any of the others.

I was working in an office throughout that pregnancy, so I literally ended up wearing these same classic cut dresses from the GAP that I had found online… a black one, a paisley one and a gray one… and just accessorizing them differently whenever I wore one.

All in all, you definitely start to know what you love and what you need when you’re pregnant and dressing for the part. You want comfort and style, and let’s face it… you don’t need tons and tons and tons of clothing.

Having this be my 5th time around pregnant, I’ve become an expert as to what it is that I absolutely need.  I don’t need a WHOLE new wardrobe, but I do need key pieces that will get me through the 30+ weeks where my belly is showing off a cute little (and then big) bump.

As I blogged about on Friday, I’ve partnered up with Thyme Maternity through the next few months to wear some of their fabulous maternity fashions. As I was perusing the shop this weekend online, it was easy to zone in on exactly what I love because it’s exactly what I need.

What you really need when you’re Pregnant:

1) Jeans – You 100% need a pair of jeans that is going to fit you like a GLOVE. Just like you need a pair when you’re not pregnant, you need a pair when you ARE pregnant! You may need to try on 10 pairs until you find the pair you love. You also have to be willing to know what is most comfortable for you – low rise band, high rise band, etc. And – the beauty of maternity jeans now, you get to pick skinny, jeggings, bootbut, flare, etc. That’s right – it’s like wearing “real” jeans.

2) Special Occasion Dress – At some point during your pregnancy, you will most likely need a special occasion outfit. A wedding, a work function, a party, a gala, a work event… there will be something that calls for you to dress up. I always love to recommend finding that one dress that you could wear once or multiple times throughout your pregnancy. It’s an investment piece, but it’s worth it.

3) Blazer – Oh, yes… a blazer. Even if you aren’t working, a blazer is a perfect piece to have. As you know, the bigger you get, the tougher it is to fit into anything. I love a blazer because it’s a perfect layer piece that you could add over a tank, a tee, a blouse or a sweater. It works as a spring jacket or just as a classic tailored piece to have on-hand.

4) Tees/Tanks – The most IMPORTANT thing that I have in my maternity wardrobe are tees and tanks that fit and are comfortable. I opt for pieces with ruching because they are literally so cozy for me and so versatile. You can wear the same ones at 12 weeks and at 40 weeks. As your belly gets bigger, your tees/tanks expand with you. I love being able to wear these under everything or just as themselves. They are just perfection for me.

5) Fitted Sweater – Boxy items are the enemy. The boxier items are, the bigger you feel. I always love having at least one fitted sweater (or top). There’s nothing more flattering.

6) Sweats – Weekend wear! Sweats are essential. You can probably get away with wearing your “normal” sweats till about 12-18 weeks, then the band may just be too tight for your belly or side.  You can get away with wearing them low, but… well, you don’t want them to fall off! Invest in some sweats, comfy and cozy clothing that you can literally live in.

7) Flats – Unless you’re Jessica Simpson, you probably won’t be toting around in 4 inch heels throughout your pregnancy. Find some flats in your closet or buy some pairs that will get you through the the pregnancy. I suggest a flat boot and a flat shoe.

8) Maxi Dress – The ultimate. Maxi dresses are the most comfortable and fashionable maternity item. I love it because it’s something you could wear to work or to play.  It’s just fabulous on every level. And you can get them in any color and any pattern.

Best of Beauty: 13 Beauty Tips and Tricks

1) Have tired or puffy eyes in the morning?
Here’s an easy fix – Grab your eye cream and chill it overnight right in your fridge. It will work perfectly to wake up your tired eyes in the morning!

2) Do you have really dry skin?
This is like having a little bit of luxury right at home! Take about 1/2 cup of your favorite lotion, pop it in a bowl and microwave for 15 seconds. Oh my goodness, it’s so soothing going on your hands, legs and arms. It’s just warm enough to give you a lap of luxury!

3) Do you have VERY dry hair?
I saw this on Pinterest during the summer and have done this twice. It is AMAZING! The simplest way to benefit from using olive oil on your hair is by simply heating up about a quarter cup of olive oil (make very sure that it is not too hot!) and combing it through your hair from root to tip. You can wrap your head up in plastic wrap, and then cover it with a hot towel. Leave this for at least ten minutes before rinsing out your hair.

4) Do you have tons of calluses on the bottom of your feet?
Let Epsom Salt be your new best friend! Grab a bowl big enough to fit both your feet in it or a bucket. Fill with warm water and add about a handful of Epsom Salt. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes. Dry them off when done. This will help tremendously!

5) Want extra smooth legs for shaving?
My grandmother taught me this one. She used Baby Oil instead of shaving cream! Makes your legs ultra, ultra smooth!

6) Don’t have time for a facial?
Easy, peasy! Use yogurt, honey or avocado for an all-natural face mask.

7) Want EXTRA soft feet?
My grandmother swears by Vaseline (petroleum jelly). Lather on your feet and pop some socks on overnight. When you wake up, your feet will be soft as ca be!

8) Have really frizzy hair?
My mom taught me this one! Grab a dryer sheet and just smooth right over your hair. Viola!

9) Puffy, swollen eyes?
OK, if you have sometime in the morning, grab some cucumber slices and place them on your eyes. Let them really set in and allow your eyes to pampered. This is something my Grandmother STILL does!

10) Want shiny hair?
I saw this on Pinterest, too! I have to say, I haven’t done this yet, but everyone seemed to think it was an AWESOME idea! Mix one egg with a mashed up banana and apply it as a thick paste to your hair. Leave it on for 10-30 minutes, depending on your hair texture. Then, wash it out as usual and use conditioner only at the ends.

11) Want your teeth whitened?
OK, one more baby I found on Pinterest. Want white teeth naturally? Mix lemon juice and baking soda to whiten your teeth.

12) Want to get rid of those pimples?
My grandmother taught my mom this and my mom taught me this! Take toothpaste and dab on overnight! Easy fix!

13) Rough skin on your elbows and knees?
Cut a lemon in 1/2 and literally squeeze on your elbows and knees. Very easy to do and FUN! Not to mention, it smells fabulous!

BEAUTIFUL GAME BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY: Brazil is preparing to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup

With Brazil hosting the World Cup in June, there are more opportunities than ever to discover this mesmerising place.

Everyone knows about the stunning beaches (and people) of Rio, especially at Carnival time in February. But as well as Brazil nuts and Pele, this vast South American nation is largely a mystery to most of us.

Rather than bustling Rio or glitzy, glossy São Paulo, I headed to Recife (pronounced “heh-see-fee”), the capital of Pernambuco, and regarded as one of the north east’s most exciting cities.

Recife, one of the 12 World Cup host cities, is ideally placed to sample the football jamboree and the delights of the country itself.

This vibrant city of 9million sits on the Atlantic Ocean, screened off from the sea by skyscrapers.

It is named after the reefs built to protect the city from the sea by the original settlers.

Hot, humid, proud and hectic, and with few people speaking English, this is the real Brazil.

Alongside the beautifully faded European colonial architecture, there is also a slight whiff of drains, especially in the old port.

Potholed roads and power blackouts are also not uncommon.

And favelas, or shanty towns, lie around the rim of the city, a constant reminder of the gulf between the rich and poor in Brazil.

But the overwhelming atmosphere is exciting and the people are friendly and helpful, despite the language barrier.

Local and street art is vibrant and a little voodoo-like in style and the music is seductive.

The four-star Atlantic Plaza makes an ideal beachside base from which to explore Recife and the far more tranquil, historic town of Olinda, 6km to the north.

Rivers crossing the city offer some of the best sights.

The Park of Sculptures at Marco Zero Square – marking the spot where Portuguese settlers first landed in 1537 – is overlooked on the water by Horario restaurant.

This is a great spot to taste the local flavours, with a nod towards the fish and octopus dishes of Portugal and meaty fare associated with South America.

From here it is a short walk to the old quarter and Rua do Bom Jesus, a street boasting the region’s first synagogue and the rather more entertaining Bonecos Gigantes Embassy.

Go into the back room, which is stuffed with giant mannequins of mostly famous South Americans, for an experience akin to an acid flashback.

We cooled off on a catamaran tour of the Capibaribe River. The breeze was most welcome as we enjoyed privileged views of downtown, old bridges and monuments.

Olinda is a must-visit town. It is a Unesco world heritage site and home to the historic church and monastery of São Bento.

This is a real sparkler with a golden altarpiece to take the breath away and an image of Christ on the cross which is an unexpected likeness of Boy George.

At the back of São Bento the views are spectacular too, looking south across the Recife skyline.

Among its many charms is Patua Delicias do Mar, a restaurant with awesome views of the skyline. It serves up a mean fish risotto, too.

The Pernambuca region boasts 187km of coast but the best bit by common consent is Porto de Galinhas, which attracts tourists looking for luxury with exotic beaches, clear, calm waters and marine life thrown in.

Surfing is a big pastime here and you travel everywhere by beach buggy. Galinhas means chicken in Portuguese and the significance of the “port of chickens” harks back to a darker time when the slave boats would arrive with top decks full of caged chickens – and hulls full of people.

This poignant reminder permeates the local art.

If Recife is all hustle, bustle and heat, Porto de Galinhas is about laid-back luxury, and nowhere more so than the Nannai resort and spa.

This complex of wooden bungalows and apartments lapped by the sea provides the perfect time out from city life.

You can also take a short plane trip out of Recife straight to paradise. Fernando de Noronha is one of the most laid-back places on Earth.

This archipelago boasts crystal clear water, bountiful marine life and tropical landscapes. Guia Quatro Rodas Praias, Brazil’s Beach Bible, awards five stars to just four beaches in the entire country and three of them are here.

The marine and coastal environment is well preserved, thanks to the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park and conservation projects based here.

Although Noronha used to be the domain of regulated package tours, it’s now easy for independent travellers to visit.

From surfing to horseback riding, it has a reputation as one of Brazil’s top eco destinations.

Prices are high due to the cost of transporting goods from the mainland.

A week of fine living at the beautiful Teju-Au Ecopousada is not cheap but you are there for the beaches so less dear hotels do the trick too. But this place is worth splashing out on.

Watch the dolphins and swim with the giant turtles, beautiful gentle creatures under conservation on a beautiful island.

Five healthy ways to maintain a steady heart rate

Get a decent sleep: Lack of sleep worsens vital sign and sterol. Sleep deficiency additionally ends up inmagnified stress levels, that additionally raises the amount of inflammation in your body, additional increasing risk of heart-related issues. A sleep of seven to nine hours every night can facilitate your heart keep healthy.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake: This desires no rationalization, as everybody UN agency consumes alcohol or smokes is aware of what these merchandise will do to their heart. Cutting on cigarettes or alcohol is quitepowerful, however killing oneself isn't a wise alternative either. strive obtaining out of the addiction slowlyhowever for sure.

Manage stress and be happy: If you let stress get on to your head for long you may gradually decrease the amount of years in your life. ask friends, socialize, curtail a little and take a clear stage. Enjoying your life to the fullest is that the best thanks to keep your heart healthy and agile. riant for simply quarter-hour daily will boost blood flow bytwenty second and forestall arteries from hardening. Being happy is that the final mantra to a healthy heart.

Eat healthy and maintain BMI: Eat a diet adequate in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Minimise the number of oil, unsaturated fat and cut on intake of chicken. Maintain a BMI between twenty to twenty five that is taken into account to be the optimum weight. Being obese increases the chance of assorted heart diseases, high pressure andpolygenic disorder.

Be physically active: though you can not follow all of them together, try implementing one amongst the practices to reinforce your heart's health. If you're unable to require time to exercise regularly, try to be active throughout the day. A thirty minute cardiopulmonary exercise improves your vital sign. Take the steps rather than a lift, mopthe ground or strive walking back home from work, if you live close. Yoga and meditation also are nice for your heart as they assist ease stress that mechanically improves your heart's functioning.