The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

What consumers need to know about sunscreen as more ‘fun in the sun’ days approach

The vast majority of sunscreens available to the consumer aren’t as good as most people think they are, but a handful of products rise above the rest.

Those are the findings of the Environmental Working Group, which recently released its 7th annual Sunscreen Guide that rates the safety and effectiveness of more than 1,400 sunscreens, lotions, lip products, and makeups that advertise sun protection.

The EWG researchers found that only 25 percent of products on the market in 2013 offer strong and broad UV protection and pose few safety concerns.

Protection from clothing and shade

“The best advice for concerned consumers is to use sun-protective clothing, stay in the shade to reduce intense sun exposure, and schedule regular skin examinations by a doctor,” said Sonya Lunder, senior research analyst at the EWG.

Lunder said consumers should use the EWG’s guide to find the best sunscreens for skin that isn’t protected by clothing.

“Despite an increasing awareness of the sun’s risks, rates of melanoma – the deadliest skin cancer – have tripled over the past 35 years, with an annual increase of 1.9 percent per year since 2000,” she said.

Sunscreen protection weak

Part of the reason for the increase may be the decades of deceptive marketing claims by sunscreen manufacturers, EWG researchers said. 

The EWG believes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should require companies to stop selling high-SPF sunscreens – above 50+ – which account for one in seven products on the market. As a result of misleading and confusing marketing claims, consumers frequently misuse sunscreens and spend more time in the sun than they should, putting themselves at greater risk, according to the EWG.

In addition, until recently, sunscreens provided little protection from the sun’s ultraviolet A rays. Sunburns are caused mostly by short but intense ultraviolet B rays. Longer UVA rays, which penetrate the body more deeply, inflict more damage and may contribute to or cause cancer. 

The FDA’s current definition of “broad-spectrum” still results in inadequate UVA protection, according to the EWG.

In 2011, the FDA issued long-awaited sunscreen labeling standards promised since 1978. Under the new rules, companies are now prohibited from making misleading advertising claims such as “sunblock,” “waterproof,” and “sweat-proof.” The FDA also set the first-ever standards for sunscreens that claim to provide broad-spectrum protection.

However, the agency now allows most sunscreens on the American market to make claims that they help lower the risk of skin cancer and sun-related skin aging.

The FDA still hasn’t issued final rules on excessively high SPF claims, potentially harmful chemical ingredients, and sunscreen sprays that may be dangerous when inhaled.

The EWG’s analysis of 750 beach and sport sunscreens found that the new FDA rules haven’t led to dramatically better sunscreens than those offered in previous years.

Standards stronger in Europe

While nearly every sunscreen on the market meets the new FDA rule for broad-spectrum protection, that standard is so weak that half of the sunscreens on the American market couldn’t be sold Europe, where the safety and effectiveness rules are more stringent.

European sunscreen makers voluntarily comply with European Union recommendations that a product’s UVA protection and SPF be coordinated so that the UVA protection is at least one-third as strong as the SPF.

EWG’s top four things not to bring to the beach or pool or on vacation

• No sprays. While easy to apply, these popular spray sunscreens may pose serious inhalation risks and may not fully cover skin. About one in four sunscreens in EWG’s database is a spray.

• No super-high SPFs, above 50+. Products with high SPF values provide little additional skin protection and may contribute to consumer misperception and misuse. About one in seven sunscreens has an SPF value greater than 50+.

• No vitamin A or retinyl palmitate. Vitamin A is touted for its anti-aging effects on skin. But retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A added to almost one in four SPF-rated sunscreens, makeups, and moisturizers, could speed development of tumors and lesions on sun-exposed skin, according to a government study.

• No oxybenzone. Commonly used in sunscreens, oxybenzone penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream, and acts like estrogen in the body. It can trigger allergic reactions. Data are preliminary, but studies have found links between oxybenzone and health problems. Nearly half of all beach and sport sunscreens in EWG’s 2013 guide contain oxybenzone.

I hope your days in the sun are safe as well as fun.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Remembering moms on Mother's Day

My mom, Ruth L. Slingsby, grew up in a different era. She graduated from high school in 1931 at age 16. That's her high school graduation photo below.

Mom grew up on a wheat ranch near Ritzville, Wash. That's where she met my dad. He and my Uncle Harry came to the farm to help with the harvest. At that time, horses pulled the combine. My parents were married in 1933.

My mom cooked on a wood stove for years and washed clothes in a wringer washer.

In addition to growing a large garden, my mom loved flowers. She planted flower beds around our farm houses to make them look nice. She also put up attractive wall paper, recovered sofas, and used mirrors to make our homes attractive.

It's amazing to me all the things that she saw in her life that were new: electricity, airplanes, fast food, supermarkets, and mass produced clothes, to name a few.

My mom's life wasn't easy. Sometimes we had difficulty making ends meet. My mom worked hard, taught us good values, and was able to keep smiling.

My mom passed away in 2005. I still miss her very much. 

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Think sustainability for Mother’s Day this year

Mother’s Day is a holiday where food plays a central role as a token of appreciation or a gesture of love.

This Mother’s Day, Danielle Nierenberg and Ellen Gustafson, co-founders of the Food Tank, offer tips for how to create a better, more sustainable celebration:
 
1. Buy local.

Consider cooking your a mom meal at home instead of going out to a restaurant and trying to buy as many ingredients as possible from local farmers . 
 
A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council about the environmental impact of food transportation in California showed that importing food products into the state released nearly 250,000 tons of greenhouse gases. That’s the equivalent amount of pollution caused by about 40,000 vehicles. Also, shipping food from far away also means that it's not as fresh, or tasty, when it reaches consumers. 

Local Harvest has a search feature that allows consumers to find area farmers markets’ and farms in their communities.  
 
2. Dine responsibly.

If Mom wants to go out for dinner on her big day, do some research and find a restaurant that follow best practices for sustainability.

Use the The Green Restaurant Association’s search feature that allows diners to locate the most environmentally friendly places to eat. In addition, make sure to eat leftovers. The NRDC reports that consumers eating in restaurants leave an average of 17 percent of meals uneaten, and that more than half of that is thrown away. 

3. Learn something new.

Understanding why it’s important to eat locally and to support sustainable operations is vital. Documentaries such as Food, Inc., What’s on Your Plate, and Food Chains can provide great conversation topics for Mother’s Day dinner.
 
Also, these books are worth reading to learn more about food and agriculture: “Cooked” by Michael Pollan; “VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health . . . for Good” by Mark Bittman; “Bet the Farm: How Food Stopped Being Food” by Frederick Kaufman; “Foodopoly: The Battle Over the Future of Food and Farming in America” by Wenonah Hauter; “Behind the Kitchen Door” by Saru Jayaraman; “The Perfect Protein: The Fish Lover's Guide to Saving the Oceans and Feeding the World” by Andy Sharpless and Suzannah Evans; “Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us” by Michael Moss; and “Full Planet, Empty Plates: The New Geopolitics of Food Scarcity” by Lester R. Brown.
 
4. Make a donation.

Instead of buying another gift for Mom that she doesn’t need, find an organization that supports a food- and agriculture-related issue and make a donation in her name.
 
About 17.2 million U.S. households didn’t have enough food to eat in 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In New York City, City Harvest collects food from restaurants, grocery stores, and other food businesses for donations, and also supports educational programs about nutrition in low-income communities. Oxfam America also has a gift section where you can donate a vegetable garden for a family in need.

5. Help out in the community.

The latest U.S. census report shows that 46.2 million people were living in poverty in 2011, and poverty is the leading cause of hunger. 
 
Share a meal with those less fortunate on Mother’s Day by lending a helping hand at a food bank or a soup kitchen. Food Pantries has a website to locate food pantries and soup kitchens in your area. Sharing a plot in a community garden is another great activity. For example, Chicago’s Green Network offers a map showing area community gardens and information on how to get involved. 
 
6. Buy fair trade.

Chocolate, fresh fruit, coffee, or flowers are often given as Mother’s Day presents. These are all items that can be purchased from fair trade producers. Fairtrade International helps support smaller producers and farmers who may have a difficult time covering their costs while remaining competitive in the global market. Fair Trade USA offers a global reach map that shows organizations involved in fair trade. 
 
Food Tank co-founder Ellen Gustafson recently launched the Apron Project. The first collection of aprons is handmade in Rwanda by Indego Africa, a nonprofit organization supporting women-owned businesses in Rwanda. It helps businesswomen build economic independence through access to markets and education.
 
7. Plant a garden.

Planting a vegetable garden at home is a fun Mother’s Day activity that will help make sure mom has fresh produce available throughout the summer.
 
It’s also a money saver. The National Gardening Association estimates that the average return on the investment of a home garden is $530. For the urban gardener with limited space, these tips from Inhabitat are a good place to start.

Happy Mother's Day. I hope the tips are helpful. I'll be thinking about my mom as I plant my garden this week.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Retailers, not importer, recall Buckyballs and Buckycubes high-powered magnet sets due to ingestion hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with six retailers, is announcing the voluntary recall of all Buckyballs and Buckycubes high-powered magnet sets sold by these companie.

The commission continues to warn that these products contain defects in the design, warnings, and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury and death to children and teenagers.

The commission has received 54 reports of children and teens ingesting this product, with 53 of these requiring medical interventions.

Imported by Maxfield & Oberton LLC, Buckyballs and Buckycubes consist of sets of numerous, small, high-powered magnets. These sets vary in the number of magnets included and come in a variety of colors. Individual magnets in the set are about 5 millimeters in diameter. Individual magnets in Buckyballs are spherical and individual magnets in Buckycubes are cube-shaped.

About three million sets of Buckyballs and Buckycubes have been sold in U.S. retail stores nationwide and online since 2010 for between $5 and $100. 

The commission is advising consumers that they should take the high-powered magnet sets and all associated individual magnets away from children and teenagers and contact the retailer from which they purchased the product to obtain instructions for a remedy:

• Barnes & Noble at 855-592-2993 or online at www.barnesandnoble.com and click on “Product Recalls.”

• Bed Bath & Beyond at 800-462-3966 or online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com and select “Safety and Recalls” under Customer Service, then click on Recall Information.

• Brookstone at 866-576-7337 or online at www.brookstone.com and click on “Recall Information” under Shop Brookstone.

• Participating Hallmark retailers at 800-425-5627 or online at http://www.hallmark.com/recall-product/.

• Marbles the Brain Store at 877-527-2460 or online at www.marblesthebrainstore.com.

• ThinkGeek, at 888-433-5788 or online at www.thinkgeek.com/buckyballs/index.shtml.

These retailers have agreed to participate because Maxfield & Oberton has refused to participate in the recall of all Buckyballs and Buckycubes, the commission said. 

In July 2012, the commission staff filed an administrative complaint against Maxfield & Oberton Holdings LLC after discussions with the company and its representatives failed to result in a voluntary recall plan that the commission staff considered to be adequate to address the serious hazard posed by these products.

This type of legal action against a company is rare, as the commission has filed only four administrative complaints in the past 11 years.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Rich Products expands recall to all products made at its Waycross, Ga. plant

Rich Products Corp., which recalled some of its Farm Rich and Market Day products last week, is expanding its recall to include all products produced at its Waycross, Ga., plant with “Best By” dates ranging from January 1, 2013 to September 29, 2014 due to possible contamination with Escherichia coli O121 bacteria.

The expanded recall is in addition to products recalled on March 28.

For a list of the products involved in the expanded recall, click here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 24 cases of E. coli 0121 in 15 states

Symptoms of the illness include mild to severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Blood is often seen in the stool. Usually little or no fever is present.

Although most healthy adults can recover completely within five to 10 days, some individuals can develop a complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which can cause the kidneys to fail. HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition could lead to serious kidney damage and death.

Rich Products said it’s unaware of any illnesses associated with the products included in the expanded recall, but due to its safety commitment to its customers, it took the action.

Consumers should check their freezers for recalled Farm Rich brand frozen food products. They shouldn’t eat the recalled frozen food products and should dispose of any remaining products, the CDC advises.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's consumer line at 888-220-5955 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or visit the company website at www.farmrich.com.

Farm Rich said on its website it will provide consumers with a refund or replacement.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Kraft meets with bloggers who want food dyes removed from its macaroni and cheese

These days, I don’t make macaroni and cheese, but I remember looking at the strange color of the cheese mixture when I used to prepare the packaged dish for my family. It just didn’t look like real food to me.

Food blogger Vani Hari and supporters delivered more than 270,000 petition signatures Tuesday to Kraft Foods' headquarters in the Chicago area asking the company to stop using artificial dyes in its macaroni and cheese products sold in the United States.

Hari and blogger Lisa Leake then met with Kraft representatives to discuss removing artificial dyes from their entire line of macaroni and cheese products.

Following the meeting, Hari said she hoped that Kraft would eventually remove the controversial dyes.

“If Kraft really wants to do right by their customers, like they’ve said, they’ll make their American products just as safe as their European ones,” she said.

Hari and Leake became concerned about the Kraft product after discovering that many countries ban the Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 artificial dyes and that the Center for Science in the Public Interest has linked the artificial colors to hyperactivity in children, migraines, and asthma.

The center also said tests on lab animals of dyes, including Yellow #5 and Yellow #6, showed signs of causing cancer.

On the use of the dyes, Kraft said it looks to regulators for guidance.

“The artificial colors allowed in the foods in the U.S., including the Yellow #5 and #6 used in some Kraft Mac & Cheese varieties, are some of the most well-studied ingredients,” Kraft said in a statement on its website. “The Food and Drug Administration has deemed them safe for use in food.”

Kraft also said other experts, including the European Food Safety Authority, have reached a similar conclusion.

However, in Europe, foods that contain Yellow #5, which is derived from petroleum, are required to carry a warning label, and the chemical has been banned in some countries, including Norway and Austria.

“Making ingredient changes isn’t as simple as it would seem,” Kraft said, adding all of the ingredients work together to deliver the distinctive taste, appearance, and texture consumers expect.

Kraft said it sells at least 14 other macaroni and cheese products made either with natural food colors or without added color.

“The safety and quality of our products is our highest priority, and we take consumer concerns very seriously,” Lynne Galia, a Kraft spokesperson, said in a statement. 

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

EPA proposes cleaner gas and car standards, aimed at slashing pollution and improving health

It’s troublesome that the auto, oil, and gas industries have been allowed to make products that for so many years have caused millions of illness and deaths from emissions.

But the good news is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday it’s proposing standards for cars and gas that will significantly reduce harmful pollution and prevent thousands of premature deaths and illnesses, while also improving the efficiency of the nation’s cars and trucks.

When adopted, the standards will help avoid up to 2,400 premature deaths a year and 23,000 cases of respiratory ailments in children, the EPA said.

The proposal will slash emissions of harmful pollutants that can cause premature death and respiratory illnesses, including reducing smog-forming volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, establish a 70 percent tighter particulate matter standard, and reduce fuel vapor emissions to near zero, said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. 

The proposal will also reduce vehicle emissions of toxic air pollutants, such as benzene and 1,3-butadiene, by up to 40 percent.

The proposed standards support efforts by states to reduce harmful levels of smog and soot, he said.

By 2030, the EPA estimates that the proposed cleaner fuels and cars program will annually prevent up to 2,400 premature deaths, 23,000 cases of respiratory ailments in children, 3,200 hospital admissions and asthma-related emergency room visits, and 1.8 million lost school days, work days, and days when activities would be restricted due to air pollution.

Total health-related benefits in 2030 will be between $8 and $23 billion annually, Perciasepe said. 

The program would also reduce exposure to pollution near roads. More than 50 million people live, work, or go to school close to high-traffic roads, and the average American spends more than one hour traveling on roads each day.

To develop the proposal, the EPA met with representatives from auto, oil, and gas industries as well as environmental, consumer, and public health organizations. Based on feedback and a rulemaking process, EPA’s proposal is estimated to provide up to $7 in health benefits for every dollar spent to meet the standards.

The proposed sulfur standards will cost refineries less than 1 cent per gallon of gasoline on average when the standards are in place, according to the EPA. The proposed vehicle standards will have an average cost of about $130 per vehicle in 2025. The proposal also includes flexibilities for small businesses, including hardship provisions and additional lead time for compliance.

The proposed standards will reduce gasoline sulfur levels by more than 60 percent – down to 10 parts per million in 2017. Reducing sulfur in gas enables vehicle emission control technologies to perform more efficiently.  That means that vehicles built before the proposed standards will run cleaner on the new low-sulfur gas, Perciasepe said.

The proposed standards will work with California’s clean cars and fuels program and enable automakers to sell the same vehicles in all 50 states. The proposal is designed to be carried out over the same timeframe as the next phase of the EPA’s national program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks beginning in model year 2017.

After the proposal is published in the Federal Register, the public can comment on it, and the EPA will hold public hearings.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Tips for Easter and springtime for you and your pet

This spring, as people prepare to celebrate Easter or go on spring vacation, The Humane Society of the United States offers tips to keep pets safe and happy

Baby chicks and rabbits aren’t Easter gifts

Bringing a new pet into your home is a serious commitment that should only be made if your family is prepared to provide lifelong care for the animal. Some local and state laws regulate the ownership of animals such as chickens and ducks, and those animals aren’t always appropriate pets.

If you are sure about making this Easter the time to get a new family pet, consider adopting from your local animal shelter. Animal shelters are full of pets looking for homes, including rabbits and other animals.

Another consideration would be giving children a plush toy or a dark chocolate rabbit.

“Unless your entire family is committed to a pet who will need proper socialization, care, and companionship for many years, think twice before adding a baby animal to your Easter celebrations,” said KC Theisen, the society’s director of pet care issues.

After cats and dogs, rabbits are the animals most frequently surrendered to animal shelters, often because people acquire them as youngsters but aren’t prepared for the long-term commitment involved. Others are released into backyards by people who mistakenly believe they’ll be able to fend for themselves.

Unlike wild rabbits, domestic pet rabbits can’t survive on their own outdoors. Chickens also need dedicated, consistent care and far too many of them end up in shelters, rescues and sanctuaries. 

TheShelterPetProject.org or PetFinder.com lists rabbits, chickens, and other pets already in local shelters and rescues waiting for a new home.

The society’s resources on rabbit care and adopting and caring for backyard chickens can help you decide whether a rabbit or a chicken is the right pet for you. 

Air travel with your pets for your spring vacation should be avoided

The society encourages everyone to consider his or her pets’ travel needs carefully before departure day arrives. If at all possible, drive with your pets on your spring adventures or leave them at home with a trusted caretaker, as air travel can be dangerous for pets. Cargo space in an airplane isn’t designed to meet the needs of a dog, and many pets are lost or injured annually during air travel.

If you must take your pet with you in the air, consult the Department of Transportation’s airline pet transport performance records for detailed information. Pets traveling in the airplane cabin must be screened through TSA outside of their carrier, so cats and dogs should wear a metal-free harness and leash during the security process. Passengers can also request secondary screening in a room with a door to reduce the risk of accidental escape.

Make travel easier by practicing with your pet’s accessories before you leave. Whether driving or flying, introduce the leash, carrier, and other new items well in advance, using lots of praise and treats. Practice putting the harness and leash on at home and walk around. This can reduce anxiety and make travel day much less stressful for both pets and their people.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumers look to keep costs down for Easter purchases this year

Americans will celebrate Easter in style and on budget this year, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation.

Keeping cost and their shopping list in mind, the average person celebrating Easter will spend about $145.13 on candy, decor, apparel, and food, which is almost the same as last year’s $145.28. Total spending will reach an estimated $17.2 billion.

The survey found much of consumers’ budgets will go towards food for a family brunch or dinner: 86.9 percent of those celebrating Easter will spend an average of $45.26 on items needed for their holiday meal.

Nearly half will purchase clothing this Easter, spending an average of $25.91 on new outfits for their children and something new for themselves.

And, nine in 10 will stock up on Easter candy, spending an average of $20.66 on jellybeans, chocolate, and other candy. In addition, consumers will spend an average of $20.82 on gifts, $9.49 on flowers, and $9.11 on decorations.

The survey also found that many people will use their smartphones and tablets to shop for Easter items.

Four in 10 smartphone owners will use their mobile device to research product information, look up store hours and location, compare prices, and purchase gifts and other items. Specifically, 14.8 percent say they will purchase Easter products with their smartphones.

More than half of tablet owners will use their device to make purchases, research products, and prices and look up retailer information such as store locations and hours. One in five say they will purchase something using their tablet.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Academy Award nominations for 2012 movies take a turn back to dark and violent

Last year, I wrote that the Academy Award nominated movies for 2011 were less dark and violent. Not so for this year.

Unfortunately, the nominees for 2012 hugely reversed that trend.

I was hopeful when I saw the nominated movies “Lincoln,” “Argo,” and “Silver Linings Playbook.” Those movies were excellent, I thought.
Then I saw “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Django Unchained,” and “Skyfall.” These movies are way too violent.

“Zero Dark Thirty” showed extensive scenes of torture. When I first saw torture in “Casino Royale” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” I was appalled. However, the scenes were short. In “Zero Dark Thirty,” the torture scenes went on and on.

For “Django Unchained,” the producers must have sat around a table and talked about what violent and terrible things they should show in a movie that haven’t been shown before. They came up with a sadistic plantation owner who did horrible, sadistic things to his African-American slaves. Oh, boy.

Movies are such a powerful media. Anthropologist Joseph Campbell called movies the great dream machine. Movies could offer so many positive images and stories of inspiration for children and teens. Instead, violent themes are repeated over and over. I’ve written about the impact I think so many violent images in movies, television, and video games have on children and young people, contributing to increased violence.

Here are my choices for the 2012 Academy Award nominated movies:

Best Picture – “Lincoln”

It’s an outstanding movie. Knowing the early work of the Republican Party related to its actions to free the slaves, especially in today’s extremely divisive era, is important history for Americans to know or revisit.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see “Amour.”

Actor in a Leading Role – Daniel Day-Lewis

I thought Day-Lewis did a tremendous job portraying Lincoln.

Actor in a Supporting Role – Alan Arkin for “Argo”

I thought “Argo” was a good action movie without dozens of people being brutally murdered.

Actress in a Leading Role – Naomi Watts for “The Impossible”

When I went to my local independent film theater, I happened to see this movie which was doubled-billed with the Short Film – Live Action nominations.
About the tsunami in Indonesia, it was bloody, with many dead bodies. However, the images were part of an event that actually happened.

Naomi Watts is a skilled actress, who carried out the role of the severely injured mother very well.

Actress in a Supporting Role – Sally Field in “Lincoln”

Mary Todd Lincoln was a complex personality, and I think Sally Field did a good job in her portrayal of her.

Cinematography – “Life of Pi” and “Lincoln”

Animated Feature Film – None

None of the films nominated in this category are deserving of an Academy Award. That these kinds of films are what American movie makers think are good entertainment for children is discouraging. “Frankenwennie” is a terrible, an oddly drawn animation about a boy who makes his dog and other creatures come to life. “Paranormal,” another oddly drawn animation, is about a boy who can talk to the dead and saves the town.”Brave” is yet another violent Disney princess movie. “Wreck-It-Ralph,” about a game character who leaves his game, is unremarkable.

Costume Design – “Lincoln”

Direction – Steven Spielberg for “Lincoln”

Film Editing – Michael Kahn for “Lincoln”

Music – Original Score – John Williams for “Lincoln”

Music – Original Song – Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth for “Skyfall” and Mychael Danna and Bombay Jayashri for “Pi’s Lullaby”

Production Design – Rick Carter and Jim Erickson for “Lincoln"

Short Film – Live Action – “Asad,” “Curfew,” and “Henry”

I was surprised about the depth of the movies in this category. Many offered a view of what might happen in daily life here and in other countries. “Asad” is about a Somali boy who is faced with choosing between piracy and fishing. In “Curfew,” a depressed man is saved by reconnecting with his family. “Henry” is about the trials of a man who faces the changes of Alzheimer’s disease. “Buzkashi Boys” tells the story of two boys in Afghanistan who are trying against tough odds to shape their futures.

Sound Editing – None

Most movies are too loud so I wouldn’t select any of the ones I saw for an Academy Award.

Sound Mixing – None

Again, I didn’t enjoy the sound of any of the movies I saw.

Visual Effects – Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer, and Donald R. Elliott for the “Life of Pi.”

I’d read the book, so I was very interested in how all those difficult scenes with the tiger could be filmed. It’s one thing to write about them, but another to produce them for a film.

Writing – Adapted Screenplay – Michael Haneke for “Amour”

The other nominated movies that I saw in this category, which aren’t worthy of an Academy Award: “Django Unchained,” “Skyfall,” and “Zero Dark Thirty.”

Let me know about your opinions on the Academy Award nominated movies in the Comment section below.
 

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist