Stuff YOU Should Know
Anticipating Tourism in Cuba
Photo Credit: PICTURESTORY/Alamy
Earlier this month, btw brought you news of a landmark deal between the U.S. and Cuba. In response, Cuban businesses are making preparations for an expected surge in tourism. U.S. citizens will be allowed to use credit cards in Cuba. They will also be allowed to bring up to $100 worth of tobacco and alcohol from the island country. This will be of great interest to those who enjoy Cuban cigars–long considered to be the best in the world. American companies will also be allowed to establish Internet services.
Some of the restrictions on Cuba, however, are controlled by Congress. Many speculate that the new Republican majority will attempt to block confirmation on diplomatic posts and refuse to fund some proposals. A delegation, made up of six Democrats–Dick Durbin (IL), Debbie Stabenow (MI), Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), and Patrick Leahy of the Senate and House Representatives Chris Van Hollen (MD) and Peter Welch (VT)–have traveled to Cuba to, “discuss expectations for the normalization of relations” between the two countries.
Dig Deeper Do some research on specific efforts to “thaw” relations with Cuba. Find out how likely Congress is to support or block those efforts. Find out why.
Snubbed!
It happens every year. Shortly after the announcement of any of the major awards honoring achievement in the various arts industries–the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys. After the buzz over who got nominated settles, everyone starts to look at who got overlooked, or “snubbed.” With a limited number of possible nominees, this is inevitable. However, this year, the omissions are getting a lot of people questioning the integrity of the voting academy (a small number of mostly white, older men). The film getting the most attention is the Civil Rights’ historical drama, Selma. While it was nominated for Best Picture, the film’s director, Ava DuVernay, was overlooked. The nomination would have made her the first black woman nominated for Best Director. Many people were also disappointed that The Lego Movie was not nominated in the Best Animated Feature category.
Here are some notable snubs in Oscar’s history, beginning with the artists you are most likely to be familiar with:
- Mila Kunis, Black Swan Her co-star, Natalie Portman, won Best Actress for her part in the psychological thriller. But many critics (and fans) believed Kunis was just as impressive.
- Leonardo DiCaprio, Titanic The Academy granted the wildly popular film fourteen nominations, but left out its leading man.
- Spike Lee, Do the Right Thing Although the film was nominated for Best Picture, Lee was ignored for his work on one of his most famous and earliest works.
- Jimmy Stewart, Vertigo The film, by master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock, was panned by critics at the time, but has gone on to become a classic. The movie’s star went on to become a screen legend.
- Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz She was just sixteen when she stared as one of the most iconic characters in one of the most beloved films of all time.
What Do Think? Are there movie, television or music artists whom you love that you believe have been “snubbed?” If so, who are they and why do you feel they have been overlooked?
Europe Responds to Terror With Plans
Earlier this month, terrorists targeted a satirical newspaper for its depictions of Muhammed, killing seventeen people in all. Ever since, there has been many stories coming out of Europe about other terrorists plots and a collective effort to thwart them. Twenty-eight of the European Union (EU)’s foreign ministers met in Brussels recently to talk strategies. The Secretary General of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi also attended. He said that many countries struggle with the issue of terrorism and that it is more than just a military and security issue.
One initiative proposed is an anti-terror alliance with Arab countries. This would involve a language measure to improve the capacity for the EU to both better communicate with as well as translate messages. Some stressed the importance of working with Muslim countries instead of assigning blame. Information-sharing between countries was another strategy discussed. Long term, the EU Parliament (the legislative branch of its government) will work together to draft new laws addressing current concerns. Since the attacks in Paris, authorities thwarted a terror plot in Belgium.
Dig Deeper Find out more about the details of the EU’s measures to curb terrorism. Do you think the plan is strong? Why or why not?
Google Halts Production on Glass
In 2013, Google invited software developers to be a part of its Explorer program. For $1,500, they were given Google Glass, a wearable technology that allows users to access information from a tiny computer attached to the corner of a pair of traditional-looking eyeglasses. The hands-free device can take pictures and projects images through “augmented reality” applications that overlay digital information on top of the physical world. On January 19, consumers will no longer be able to purchase this product in its current incarnation. Those who have it can still use it, but there will be no more official software updates.
The Internet giant insists that it is not discontinuing the program, but focusing on future versions of Glass. The work is being transferred from the X division to the team made up of those from Nest, a home automation company acquired by Google last year. Glass has received a lot of media attention, both good and bad. Some believe it is an inevitable advancement in personal computing. Others are deeply concerned with issues of privacy (and many others feel like it looks ridiculous).