We are about to head into peak movie-going holiday madness. There will be big names and big budget films coming into the cinema for our year-end viewing pleasure.

Let’s hope this week’s offerings fare better than last’s…

New Years Eve claimed the top stop at the box office but it was still a pretty meager opening, taking in around $13 million–nothing compared to its $56 million budget.

The Sitter pulled in only $9 million. Both movies were poorly received by critics, but we didn’t think The Sitter was too bad if you’re into R-rated humor.

We’re here to let you know what’s new this weekend.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

Many people have gripes with Robert Downey Jr’s take on the character of Holmes. Still, the first Sherlock Holmes (2009) was a fun, clever movie or that RDJ and Jude Law (Dr. Watson) had great on-screen chemistry.

In this sequel the duo take on Holmes’ classic nemesis Professor Moriarty, with Noomi Rapace (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) joining their ranks. We’ve heard this movie is just as entertaining as the first with the same interesting direction by Guy Ritchie. Should be worth a look.

Every action movie lately seems either related to superheros, aliens, or both. We kind of think it’s time for a well-done spy/action movie to enjoy on the big screen (even IMAX-big if you have a few dollars to spare).

It also doesn’t hurt that it’s rocking an unexpectedly impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.  In 42 lucky theaters they are even showing a 6-minute Dark Knight Rises trailer before M:I, but alas you won’t find one in Baltimore.

Young Adult

We had the chance to catch this movie before it got a wider release this weekend. In this film, Charlize Theron gives an excellent performance as Mavis, a young adult fiction author, who decides to return to her hometown and attempt to win back her high school sweetheart, Buddy  (Patrick Wilson), who’s now a husband and father.

While she’s back in her small Minnesota town she runs into Patton Oswalt’s character who she was never friends with in high school due to their very different social circles. They forman unlikely comradery as he urges her to not continue with her twisted plan.

Mavis has some issues–she’s stuck in her mindset of being the homecoming queen, has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and is generally an unfriendly, unhappy person. The movie is directed by Jason Reitman (Juno, Up In The Air) and written by a noticeably toned down Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer’s Body).

Cody’s voice is more mature with less of her trademark lingo. While watching this movie it was seemingly enjoyable, but by the time the credits rolled something was definitely missing in Mavis’ story arc.

It has some wicked humor, mostly based around Mavis’ blunt and at times harsh interactions. Oswalt fans will see a more serious side of him, but should be pleased with his performance. While this film isn’t bad, it’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea and might be better suited for a watch at home.

Image from the BBC!

What’s a pipeline got to do with a payroll tax holiday?  Ask the US Senate.

A new strategy to curb illegal immigration: fencing off the ocean.

Looks like TLC’s “All American Muslims” found some advertisers to replace Lowes.

Hunting and gathering in the holiday season.

The consequences of Tebowing.

ACM has recognized CSEE Professor Marie desJardins as a Distinguished Member for her contributions to the field of computing. ACM is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. Each year it recognizes a handful of its members for significant advances in computing technology that have dramatically influenced progress on a range of human endeavors. This year, Dr. desJardins was one of just 54 computer scientists, educators, and engineers from leading academic and corporate institutions worldwide who were recognized.

Dr. desJardins is well known for her artificial intelligence research, which focuses on planning, learning, and multiagent systems. She leads the large and active MAPLE research group and also works on developing new techniques to improve computer science education.

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is located on the National Mall in the heart of Washington DC. The program runs from May 29 to August 3, 2012. Students selected will receive a stipend of $5,000 and housing at a local university. A relocation allowance may also be available.

Previous research experience is not required, and we encourage applications from ethnic minorities and members of other underrepresented groups.

The program dates for NHRE 2012 are May 29 – August 3, 2012. To apply, download and complete the Application form linked below and follow its instructions. Applicants must arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to NHRE@si.edu, along with copies of all college transcripts; unofficial electronic versions of transcripts are acceptable.

All application materials must be received by February 1, 2012.
Applicants will be notified of their status via email by April 2.

Image courtesy of CNN.

BREAK OUT THE CHAMPAGNE!!! IT”S TIME TO CELEBRATE!!!

Those crazy Republicans and Democrats in Washigton have actually agreed on something!!!

OH… but wait… it appears those crazy folks may have agreed on something  that might be just a little too CRAZY.

The crazy thing in question is The Levin-McCain bill, part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

Opponents of the bill (ranging from the ACLU to the hacktivist group Anonymous) have expressed worries that the legislation would empower the military to detain citizens of the United States without charge or trial provisions.

Now it looks likely to be passed this week, as President Obama has backed down on a former promise to veto it.

Necessary addition to national security? Or threat to individual liberties? Decide for yourself; the full text is here.

Just some light reading for the 220^th anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights.

Thanks to Google Images

The typical family has four people.

Now pretend that is your family… and pick one of those family members, maybe even yourself.

According to a new study , that one (of four) family member will likely be beaten by an intimate partner.

The National Institute of Justice and the Department of Defense released a study, The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, that provided that statistic as a reality after an “exhaustive study”.

They also found another notable statistic:

1 in 5 women have been the victim of rape or attempted rape at some point in their lives

To put it mildly, this is not good. Think of the five most important women in your life. The idea that one of them have been a victim of sexual violence should be disturbing.

On the same day that this study was released, a Vermont fraternity was suspended after circulating a survey that asked it’s respondents: “Who would you like to rape?”

Please. Do. Not. Answer. That. Question.

The question we should all be asking…How can we  reduce domestic and sexual violence?