Staff Writer

Hidden Talents of Oscar Night

Ever watched the Oscars and thought, “How could this film be nominated? I’ve never even heard of it”? Every year, categories are filled with nominees most moviegoers have never heard of. To help get acquainted with these films for the big night, enjoy a description of some of these films, as well as information about where you can find some of them.

From Sundance to Oscar Gold: Silver Screen Novice Gabourey Sidibe Hoping for Precious Win

In the history of the Academy Awards, there have been several times that a talented newcomer has come along and won the hearts (and votes) of the Academy. Hilary Swank surprised the world with her 1999 Boys Don’t Cry Best Actress win. In 2007, American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson won the best Supporting Actress award for her role in Dreamgirls.

Walking the Red Carpet Walk: A-List Newcomers and Veterans Bring the Latest Fashions to the Oscars

Every year at the Academy Awards, E! hosts a red carpet special to watch the stars arrive in their sometimes elegant couture designer dresses and sleek expensive tuxedos and suits. Certain celebrities always have a particular style, whether it is more sophisticated or sexy, but someone always brings something new.

A Dirty Word No More: Confidence on Display at This Year’s Vagina Monologues

“Vagina” — the word is taboo, yet when used in the right context, so intriguing. For most people, it’s an evil-sounding word. It’s unsettling, upsetting and inappropriate. Heck, one might even wince at the sound of it. Despite this social bias, the women in last weekend’s performance of The Vagina Monologues at George Mason University broke through that awkward shell and put on a spectacular show.

Lewis Dominates Mason

The men’s volleyball team started off a long weekend with a loss against the No. 15 Lewis Flyers in a non-conference match. Mason fell short in three sets (21-30, 21-30, 28-30). Lewis improved its record to 8-2 while the Patriots dropped to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in conference matches. After beating the Saint Francis Red Flash in four sets (30-23, 24-30, 30-26, 30-25) and falling to the Juniata Eagles in three close sets (30-28, 32-30, 30-28) on the road, the Patriots could not pull off the victory against the Flyers.

A Favre Shot to Retire: Top Five NFL Offseason Storylines

5. The Uncapped Year The National Football League and the NFL Player Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expires in March, and with that comes an uncapped year. What this means is that there will be absolutely no salary cap, much like what Major League Baseball has.

World Cup: Dealing with Injuries: Americans with Injuries Need Backup Plan

With the World Cup fast approaching, the United States continues to have injury problems. Charlie Davies, Clint Dempsey and Oguchi Onyewu are all currently injured and questionable for this summer. There is still hope that they will be on the field to face England on June 12, but a backup plan needs to be in place. Although Head Coach Bob Bradley is not required to announce his team anytime soon, here are a few players who might be called on to make a difference.

Costly Questionable Calls: Williams’ Emphatic Dunks and 18 Points Not Enough to Rally Patriots

The George Mason Patriots (16-12, 11-5) came up short against the College of Charleston Cougars (19-9, 13-3) on Saturday night in a heartbreaking 85-83 loss on Homecoming night at the Patriot Center. “I think [the BracketBuster] is a tremendous concept; I think it gives a lot of juice to the weekend where a lot of teams are fired up to showcase their talents,” said Larranaga.

Tribe Breach Patriot Center: William & Mary Ends Mason’s Conference Home Win Streak at 18

Over the last two seasons, the men’s basketball team has posted an incredible 25-1 record while playing at the Patriot Center. They have notched 18 consecutive victories against Colonial Athletic Association opponents dating all the way back to Feb. 16, 2008. As fate would have it, the Patriots took the court on Tuesday night against the William & Mary Tribe, exactly two years since their last home conference loss.

American Media Today: Where Did The News Go?

The American media has changed from what it used to be. The American media used to play a watchdog role, being there for the people and giving the people access to information that they wouldn’t otherwise have. From what I see in today’s media, there is almost nothing that resembles that. First, I have to address the fact that media is changing.