Breaking Down the Differences Between the Major Movie Awards Ceremonies

The beginning of a new year and the end of an old one in Hollywood means that it’s time to celebrate the best—and, in one case, the worst—in movies from the year just gone by. From the Oscars to the LA Film Critics Association prizes to the Hollywood Film Awards to the Razzies, film lovers and industry professionals take time out to dispense golden hardware and get everyone excited for the cinema.

Those already well versed in the specifics of each movie awards ceremony may benefit from reading a Complete Guide to Movie Awards in order to get a more detailed breakdown of past ceremony highlights. However, if you aren’t quite sure what the difference is between each awards ceremony, read on:

Of course, the Academy Awards are the oldest and most famous of all movie award ceremonies. The Oscars laud the best in film as judged by the voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Naming the best of everything from achievements in sound to the picture of the year, the Oscars have since 1929 attracted the most attention and best ratings. But it’s far from the only influential awards show.

The Hollywood Film Awards are a relative newcomer, having been established in 1997, but its move to television on CBS in 2014 raised its profile dramatically. This show takes place in October or November each year and is watched closely, as it sets the stage for the Oscars in February. Most recently, its voters honored Gary Oldman with its Hollywood Career Achievement Award—possibly getting the jump on other shows expected to fete Oldman as Best Actor for his performance as Winston Churchill in Our Darkest Hour.

The LA Film Critics Association polls prominent writers on cinema for what they consider the finest in movie achievement in December each year, with the ceremony taking place in January. Awards earned here are believed to loom large in the minds of Academy Award voters as they consider their own picks.

One of the splashiest and most-followed awards ceremonies is The Golden Globes, which are chosen and presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The recent 75th-anniversary show named Gary Oldman as Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture for his aforementioned starring role in Our Darkest Hour, making him the front-runner to win the Best Actor accolade at the 2018 Academy Awards.

In the midst of all this Hollywood back-patting, a welcome bit of self-deprecating humor comes from The Razzies, which celebrates the worst in cinema of the previous year. With tongue firmly in cheek, these “awards” are always presented the day before the Oscars and are followed by a (usually) amused industry. Perhaps the most notable event in the history of the Razzies is when actress Halle Berry, who had won the Oscar the year before for Monster’s Ball, was the first recipient of its Worst Actress award to actually show up in person to collect it. She “won” the honor for her much-derided work in and as Catwoman.

Millions of film buffs follow the drama of these awards and ceremonies to see movie stars and other creative people in the industry. But what many consider best about the nominations, awards, and shows is that they get people talking about—and going to see—the movies.

Exercises To Keep Your Mind & Body Healthy When You Have Limited Mobility

Whether the inevitable process of aging has led to your body not quite being as well-tuned as it used to be, or an incident or illness has left you with limited mobility, having these limitations can be frustrating. While the likes of walking-aids and powerchairs can help us get from A to B, staying healthy in the meantime can be a struggle – but it doesn’t have to be. Limited mobility doesn’t mean you can’t get some much-needed exercise to benefit your body and mind, and we’re here to give you a few examples of exactly what you can do to get those endorphins releasing and your body moving.

Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardio, at its essence, is a type of exercise designed to help improve your endurance and increase your heart rate. Simply taking a stroll down your street or around a local park can be a good way to get out into the sunshine and to get your muscles moving. Or, if a stroll is a little out of reach, you could travel around in your wheelchair instead. While you may not get as much cardio, the fresh air and trip out of your home will do your mental health just as much good. Water exercises such as aerobics or aqua-jogging are another great way to get the exercise you may need with far less strain on your muscles and joints.

Strength Training

For those of us with limited mobility, keeping up strength is an imperative part of everyday life. In fact, strength training can help with everything from lifting objects, writing, and even eating. The best part, however, is that this kind of exercise doesn’t need to include any strenuous lifting. One tool you can use for your exercise is a resistance band. These can come in different difficulties, and can be used to help build strength in your arms and legs, building bone mass and muscle which can ultimately improve your balance and prevent falls!

Flexibility and Stretching

While your range of motion may be limited, it’s important to keep and maintain the level of mobility that you do have. Keeping flexibility with basic stretches is a simple, but effective way of staying fit and healthy, even with limited mobility. Yoga is one activity that you may be able to partake in, as the movements involved can often be adapted to suit every level of ability. Simple stretches, a few rotations, and maybe even a session or two of Tai Chi can all work to help you improve your flexibility and mobility.

A Final Word…

Keeping healthy in mind and body with limited mobility doesn’t have to be a struggle. Most exercises can be adapted to suit a range of ability-levels, and with a bit of care, or even help from a partner, you could be well on your way to keeping healthy despite any limitations you may feel you have. The benefits of a little exercise are endless, with improved range of motion, a release of endorphins, and even the opportunity to get out into the sun all being justifiable reasons to partake in a little exercise. Fit your exercises to your ability, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier life.

Breaking Down the Differences Between the Major Movie Awards Ceremonies

The beginning of a new year and the end of an old one in Hollywood means that it’s time to celebrate the best—and, in one case, the worst—in movies from the year just gone by. From the Oscars to the LA Film Critics Association prizes to the Hollywood Film Awards to the Razzies, film lovers and industry professionals take time out to dispense golden hardware and get everyone excited for the cinema.

Those already well versed in the specifics of each movie awards ceremony may benefit from reading a Complete Guide to Movie Awards in order to get a more detailed breakdown of past ceremony highlights. However, if you aren’t quite sure what the difference is between each awards ceremony, read on:

Of course, the Academy Awards are the oldest and most famous of all movie award ceremonies. The Oscars laud the best in film as judged by the voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Naming the best of everything from achievements in sound to the picture of the year, the Oscars have since 1929 attracted the most attention and best ratings. But it’s far from the only influential awards show.

The Hollywood Film Awards are a relative newcomer, having been established in 1997, but its move to television on CBS in 2014 raised its profile dramatically. This show takes place in October or November each year and is watched closely, as it sets the stage for the Oscars in February. Most recently, its voters honored Gary Oldman with its Hollywood Career Achievement Award—possibly getting the jump on other shows expected to fete Oldman as Best Actor for his performance as Winston Churchill in Our Darkest Hour.

The LA Film Critics Association polls prominent writers on cinema for what they consider the finest in movie achievement in December each year, with the ceremony taking place in January. Awards earned here are believed to loom large in the minds of Academy Award voters as they consider their own picks.

One of the splashiest and most-followed awards ceremonies is The Golden Globes, which are chosen and presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The recent 75th-anniversary show named Gary Oldman as Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture for his aforementioned starring role in Our Darkest Hour, making him the front-runner to win the Best Actor accolade at the 2018 Academy Awards.

In the midst of all this Hollywood back-patting, a welcome bit of self-deprecating humor comes from The Razzies, which celebrates the worst in cinema of the previous year. With tongue firmly in cheek, these “awards” are always presented the day before the Oscars and are followed by a (usually) amused industry. Perhaps the most notable event in the history of the Razzies is when actress Halle Berry, who had won the Oscar the year before for Monster’s Ball, was the first recipient of its Worst Actress award to actually show up in person to collect it. She “won” the honor for her much-derided work in and as Catwoman.

Millions of film buffs follow the drama of these awards and ceremonies to see movie stars and other creative people in the industry. But what many consider best about the nominations, awards, and shows is that they get people talking about—and going to see—the movies.

Benefits Of Honest To Goodness Organic Food Products

More and more people are admiring the concept of fresh and organic food products these days. This is not simply because these natural products are enriched with beneficial nutrients, but also because they are fresher compared to their counterparts and better for the environment.

One of the biggest reasons why organic food products have been the talks of the town is because of the safety quotient. They are characterized by more nutritional superiority than their counterparts. Furthermore, you don’t feel tired and lethargic (as would have been the case with the consumption of unhealthy junk food) since there is absence of pesticides, chemicals, and processed additives. This also means reduced healthcare costs and less likelihood of missing school or work as whole foods come with the hidden advantage of preventing minor and major diseases and illnesses.

Organic food is superior to conventional food in other aspects too. Firstly, organic food is better in taste and fresher compared to conventional food as it does not contain preservatives. Secondly, organic products such as the Honest To Goodness Pepitas Raw and Honest To Goodness Almonds are produced without synthetic pesticides.

It is however important to purchase fresh and premium-quality products from eminent online retailers, wholesalers, and distributors like Honest To Goodness. This conscious business is trusted globally for providing certified organic and natural food products. You can easily buy its products from the comfort of your home by looking for Honest To Goodness food products.

It does not matter whether you want to buy Honest To Goodness Cashews or Honest to Goodness Organic Mixed Dried Fruit, you can get everything under a single roof when you decide to buy online. If that was not all, a good online store will even assist you take care of different requirements, taste, and preferences of your family and loved ones when it comes to buying organic food. You can find everything from deliciously fresh currants to chickpeas, split lentils, brown rice, kidney beans, raisins, tomatoes, coconut milk, etc.

     All you need is to visit the website of the best supplier of Honest To Goodness products online. It is important for you to carefully read and understand the purchase, delivery, and other terms so that you make an informed decision. Eminent online suppliers would offer you the best deals on Honest To Goodness food along with free delivery throughout Australia and same day dispatch.

In other words, you get the complete and unmatched assurance of quality and safety when you opt for premium-quality organic Honest to Goodness food products. It also means that you and your loved ones get the best nutrients by saying goodbye to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods. This also means that you all stay close to healthy food products that are not grown and processed using harmful growth hormones, any animal-by products, antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

In short, buying organic foods like Honest To Goodness food is a complete and healthy win-win situation for every health-conscious person.

The Best Three Gambling Movies

Gambling has long been one of Hollywood’s favorite themes across the decades. No matter whether the movie is a heist caper, a gangster epic, a romantic chase or a moody character introspective – few vices provide such an interesting and wide base of potential material. That being said, even though gambling scenes have featured in countless movies, there are surprisingly fewer where gambling is the absolute focus. Still, selecting a top three (or must-see) selection of the best gambling movies is far from simple. Few movie fans and gamblers would argue with the merits for the following films being considered classics of gambling on the big screen.

Casino (1995, Martin Scorsese)

Unlike Euro Palace online casino with real money gambling where you can win big, Casino is at heart all about showing how bricks and mortar casinos are designed to maximize players losses. Obviously, there are expensive overheads to be paid with hundreds of staff, comped suites to ‘Big Fish’ players, and of course the huge number of bribes that must be paid out to the Vegas Gaming Commission. Throw in the pressure of having to deliver hundreds of thousands of dollars skimmed off the take to several mob bosses on a strictly monthly basis, and you need to be a heck of gambler yourself to make it a success.

Enter Sam Rothstein (Robert De Niro) who following years of providing the bosses with gambling tips is entrusted with running The Tangiers. Despite not having any choice in relocating to Vegas, his acute attention to detail soon turns the casino into a huge cash cow. Finding love (or at least a very impressive simulation) with the glamorous former pit hustler Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), everything seems perfect. Things rapidly deteriorate when the bosses decide to send down Sam’s best friend – the psychopath Nicholas “Nicky” Santoro (Joe Pesci) to keep an eye on things.

Casino is a gambling classic because while it technically speaking a gangster flick, both the casino and gambling are absolutely central to the entire script. Raising themes such as greed, desperation, betrayal and with a selection of characters who are as dislikable as they are memorable, this is simply a must-see for anyone who likes their big screen gambling.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965, Norman Jewison)

Often compared to the classic pool movie ‘The Hustler’ because of the numerous shared themes across both movies, the fact is that this is a much less moody movie shot in a very different style. It is also a much richer and more complex movie – full of interlocking subplots that all add towards making this a true masterpiece that has been appreciated more in later decades than when initially released.

Eric ‘The Kid’ Stoner (Steve McQueen) is determined to be the best poker player/hustler in the world. Five card stud is the game, and The Kid knows that the only way he can become the best is working his way through the many other also-rans to gain a showdown with the mysterious, enigmatic Lancey ‘The Man’ Howard. Following some epic 30-hour sessions he is finally granted the opportunity to play the great man.

This final showdown eventually sees just The Kid and The Man left at the table. Obviously, we won’t spoil it anymore, but the closing scenes are among the best in cinema history and certainly the most thrilling demonstration of high stakes poker.

The Gambler (1974, Karel Reisz)

Ignore the distinctively underwhelming 2013 remake, this is one of the all-time greats when it comes to compulsive gambling. On paper, Axel Freed (James Caan) enjoys a comfortable life. Despite coming from a wealthy background, he has followed his own course in life and is a respected English professor by day. At night, he is a highly indebted regular on the underground betting circuit under increasing pressure to start paying off his debts.

The storyline goes to immense effort to demonstrate Axel’s Jekyll and Hyde personality. At time capable of affection and charm, elsewhere he is animalistic and dispassionate far beyond the boundaries of mere recklessness.

Beautifully directed and met by critical acclaim, Caan was the real star of the show and narrowly missed out on a Golden Globe for his performance. Anyone who has used good money to chase bad (and let’s face it most gamblers will have at some time) will recognize the intrinsic flaws in doing so. The interesting thing is that The Gambler takes no moral dimension on the sometimes vulgar actions Axel gets involved in. Make no mistake – many consider this the ‘purest’ gambling movie ever made.

Emerging Trends In Prescription Drug Spending

With costs of prescription drugs rising not only in America, but all over the world, there’s no denying that this expenditure is emerging as a hot topic not only for patients, but amongst professionals in the field too. With one in four people taking all kinds of prescription drugs, from sildenafil tablets to atorvastatin, it’s no surprise that new trends in prescription drug spending are emerging on a regular basis, but what are the main trends we can see today? We’ve decided to take a deeper look, so read on to find out!

Patients Are Turning To Online Ordering

It’s no secret that the internet is revolutionising the way that we live our lives, and how we buy our medication certainly isn’t exempt from that. The emergence of online pharmacies on a larger scale in recent years has made it easier than ever for people from all walks of life to fill their prescriptions without needing to pop into a bricks and mortar pharmacy. There’s also the added bonus in that online pharmacy drugs can also work out a lot cheaper. With the rising costs, it’s understandable that patients are seeking out cheaper alternatives, and for those who struggle with mobility or may not live close to a pharmacy, a cheaper and easier opportunity to get hold of their much-needed medication is one that they’re likely to grab with both hands.

Mental Health Prescription Spending Is Up

With the prescriptions of mental health-related drugs increasing by around 6.8% each year, it is understandable that we are also seeing a rise in how much health spending is going towards these prescription medications. It’s argued that this rise in prescriptions could be from longer-term treatments becoming available, and a higher awareness of mental health as a whole, but this isn’t always a positive for those that are suffering. While awareness and prescriptions might be up, the costs are too, with antipsychotic drugs being the most expensive amongst them. Whether this increase in spending will bring the costs down in the future has yet to be seen, but it’s a trend that many patients are hoping to see.

Patients Are Struggling To Afford Prescription Drugs

For patients required to take prescription drugs as part of a treatment plan, 1 in 4 often struggle to afford them. Very few of those currently required to take prescription medication find it easy to pay for them, with over 50% of patients struggling somewhat to do so. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll, while 45% find it easy, only 28% find it somewhat easy, and 17% find it somewhat difficult. However, there are 9% of patients that find it very difficult, but this is thought to increase as income goes down, and drug prices go up.

New, Speciality Drugs Are A Major Part Of Recent Spending

Speciality drugs are an emerging treatment option that plenty of patients all across the country are happily taking on. These drugs are used for treatments of complex, chronic or rare conditions, and where treatments may not have been available before, the introduction of these drugs has undoubtedly been followed by an increase in spending on them. Speciality Drug spending doubled in 2013-14, and while it was followed by a decrease the following year, the 2015-16 and 2016-17 spending most definitely increased, and is expected to jump up even more so in the following year.

In a year in which women in Hollywood and throughout the globe have been on a spotlight for denouncing the rampant abuse by men in power, it is an incredibly welcome sight that the Best Actress race for the 2018 Oscars be so lush with amazing talent and dozens of unforgettable performances.

In what is due to be one of the most competitive and thrilling categories in next year’s awards, Best Actress boasts an embarrassment of riches from both seasoned performers and relatively new players alike, all vying for the gold statuette that will announce them as the best in their trade.

Narrowing it down to a handful of nominees is not an enviable job, and with that in mind, we’ve done our best to put a list together of who the frontrunners are to receive a nomination next month, going from least likely to most.

Emma Stone (“Battle of the Sexes”)

The recipient of last year’s award for her work on “La La Land”, Emma Stone is once again subject to speculation about a nod for her performance as tennis champ Billie Jean King in the “Battle of the Sexes”, the retelling to the legendary tennis match between Billie Jean and Bobby Riggs.

While she has already received a nomination for a Golden Globe, it is unlikely that she would manage to repeat consecutive awards; the last time that feat was accomplished being in 1968 by none other than Katherine Hepburn.

Jessica Chastain (“Molly’s Game”)

Red headed beauty Jessica Chastain received two consecutive nominations for her magnificent performances in “Zero Dark Thirty” and “The Help”, but was bested both years by superior performances by Jennifer Lawrence and Octavia Spencer.

This year she has been singled out for her performance in Aaron Sorkin’s debut directorial effort, “Molly’s Game”. Chastain stars as Molly Bloom, an ex-competitive skier who sees an opportunity with online casinos like Ninjacasino being banned in the United States, and becomes the host of Hollywood’s biggest high-stakes celebrity poker game.

Putting in a strong performance that handles Sorkin’s speedy dialogue with aplomb and nuance, Chastain has a great chance to sneak into the Top 5 – but has difficult competition ahead of her.

Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya”)

Best known for her work as the Duchess of Bay Ridge in Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street” and her explosive turn as Harley Quinn in last year’s disappointing “Suicide Squad”, Margot Robbie has finally announced herself as a serious actress in a highly unlikely vehicle, “I, Tonya”.

Portraying disgraced Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding in this self-aware dark comedy, Robbie exercises great gusto and range as she disappears into her role behind her frizzled hair and caked make up to deliver a hilarious and tragic performance as the ex-Olympic athlete that gets caught up in a scheme to injure her biggest rival, Nancy Kerrigan.

Saoirse Ronan (“Lady Bird”)

At the ripe age of 23 Ronan has already managed to establish herself as an Oscar veteran, boasting previous nominations for “Atonement” and “Brooklyn”. She now looks on track to receive her third nomination for her work on the hugely acclaimed coming of age story “Lady Bird”.

Breaking the record to become the best-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes history (before later being ruined by a single critic), Lady Bird tells the heartwarming story of a high school senior in 2002 Sacramento and her struggles with her family, love, and impending adulthood. Ronan’s subtle and yet intricate performance has already earned her a Golden Globe nod, and she is considered one of the frontrunners to take home the award.

Meryl Streep (“The Post”)

Having collected 20 Oscar nominations and 3 statuettes throughout her careers, there is not much we can say about Meryl Streep that has not already been said before. Perhaps the finest actress to ever live looks certain to claim her 21st nomination for her latest role in Spielberg’s latest “The Post”.

Starring alongside Tom Hanks, Streep plays Washington Post publisher Kay Graham, the country’s first female newspaper publisher. The film tackles Graham’s tough decision of whether or not to publish the Pentagon Papers – classified documents that would expose the deceptive Vietnam War strategies of the American government.

Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water”)

Indie darling Sally Hawkins is probably the least recognizable name on this list, and yet she is one of the frontrunners to take home the award at next year’s ceremony. Having previously been nominated for her supporting role on Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, Hawkins has a strong claim to the main award with her work on Guillermo Del Toro’s fantasy drama “The Shape of Water”.

Delivering a stunning wordless performance, Hawkins stars as Elisa Esposito – a mute janitor working in the 1960s at an American research facility who discovers a creature held in the lab, with whom she forms an unlikely connection. Her performance has been widely praised and is considered one of the top contenders in the race.

Frances McDormand (“Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri”)

A four-time nominee and Oscar winner for her work on “Fargo”, McDormand is expected to clinch her fifth nomination and, most possibly, her second award for performance on “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”.

Delivering an absolute powerhouse performance, McDormand plays Mildred Hayes, a fierce Midwestern mother who, after the rape and murder of her daughter goes unpunished, decides to shake things up and takes on the entire police force and townspeople in her quest for justice. Her performance is being touted by many as her finest work, and the performance to beat for any other contender to the award.