Movie Review: "Out Of The Furnace" Is A Riveting Look At America's Rust Belt

Thu, Dec 5, 2013 | Filed in: Film
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Director Scott Cooper’s (Crazy Heart) sophomore effort “Out of the Furnace” is nothing short of eye-opening. Starring Christian Bale in his first role after the Batman saga, the film is about as blue-collar as it gets. Bale plays the hard working Russell Baze, who must cope with his own inner demons all while trying to manage an ailing father and a reckless younger brother (Casey Affleck) in the backwoods of Pennsylvania.

Featuring a slew of Hollywood’s elite, Bale is accompanied by Casey Affleck who plays a troubled war veteran named Rodney. Woody Harrelson puts in another inspired performance as the evil Harlan DeGroat, who runs an expansive North Jersey drug empire. Even smaller roles like the slippery bookie John Petty (Willem Defoe) and by-the-book police chief (Forest Whitaker) are brought to life by the talented cast. These engrossing characters, from first time screenwriter Brad Ingelsby and co-writer Scott Cooper, make for a truly compelling drama.

The World Says Goodbye To Nelson Mandela

Thu, Dec 5, 2013 | Filed in: Breaking News
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At 95 years-old, the greatly admired leader, Nelson Mandela has passed away. The South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner had been battling health issues; admitted to the hospital in March due to his recurring lung infection. He was re-admitted to the hospital on June 8th.

Mandela emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid. The current President Jacob Zuma spoke to the world:  "He is now resting. He is now at peace -- Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father."

"What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves."...

An Attempt To Save Dozens Of Stranded Whales

Thu, Dec 5, 2013 | Filed in: Have You Heard . . .
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Photo Courtesy of Photo by COREY PERRINE

It is not uncommon for mass strandings of pilot whales in Florida. As people attempt to rescue the dozens of short-finned pilot whales stranded in shallow water off Florida's Everglades National Park, the outlook of survival is looking slim. It "does not look good," wildlife officials said Wednesday.

Rescuers are officials from NOAA, the Marine Mammal Conservatory and the Marine Animal Rescue Society, Mase said.

As reported by CNN, "We want to set the expectations low" that the 41 remaining stranded whales can be saved, said Blair Mase, a marine mammal scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Los Angeles Int'l Airport Shooter Goes To Court

Wed, Dec 4, 2013 | Filed in: Breaking News
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LA Officers at Transportation Security Administration Officer Gerardo I. Hernandez's Memorial

Just over one month since a man opened fire at Los Angeles International Airport, Paul Anthony Ciancia is going to court.

The 23 year-old is accused of going on a deadly shooting rampage at LAX, killing a federal officer and injuring three others. On Wednesday, the New Jersey native will appear in court with a charge for murder.

He could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole. 

Obama Pushes To Launch Health Insurance Campaign

Tue, Dec 3, 2013 | Filed in: Breaking News
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Just days after the deadline for the new and improved www.healthcare.gov - President Obama is hoping to revive the stalled promotional campaign for the new health insurance marketplaces.

This campaign is meant to boost the enrollment of healthcare customers before the December 23rd deadline. On Tuesday, Obama will make a statement at the White House, along with his healthcare staff and those who have "personally benefited from the healthcare law," according to a White House official.