【推荐2】Blockbuster films to watch in 2022

Bella received a 14-minite standing ovation(喝彩) when it first appeared at last May’s Cannes Film Festival—and it’s easy to see why. Manmora Hosoda’s impressive anime is a fairy tale romance, a high school soap opera, a superhero action and a science fiction mystery, all rolled into one. Its heroine is a Japanese schoolgirl who is too shy to sing in real life, but becomes a world-famous pop star in a virtual-reality community.

Released on 14 January in the US and Turkey, 20 January in Italy, and 4 February in the UK and Spain

Turning Red is a Pixar cartoon about the pains of growing up as a girl, but it is unique in lots of ways: this is Pixar’s first film to be directed solely by a woman, the first to be set in Canada, and the first with a heroine from an Asian family. The heroine is Meilin—or Mei—(Rosalic Chiang), a hardworking student who transforms into a huge, shaggy red panda whenever she is stressed. Turning Red appears to be drawn from the experiences of its writer, director, Domee Shi. Released internationally on 11 March

As a bitteresweet romantic comedy drama, this film follows Julie(Renate Reinsve) through her early adulthood in Oslo as she tries to decide which job and which man are right for her. According to viewers it is one of the Best Films in the world. It currently has a score of 100% on Rottten Tomatoes. Barack Obama included it on his list of favourite movies of 2021. Released in the US on 4 February 2022

The new film returns to the planet of Pandora, where blueskinned Neytiri ( Zoe Saldana) and her human husband Jake( Sam Worthington) arc now parents, and Earthlings still haven’t solved the climate crisis. Most of the action takes place underwater and is shot in a 900,000 gallon tank. The Avatar sequels, Titanic and The Abyss, Cameron’s waterlogged hits, all turned out just fine. Released internationally on 16 December

【推荐1】Judges Sought for Student Research Showcase

Sigma Xi is seeking professional researchers and science communicators to judge the Student Research Showcase, a science communication competition for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Judges from the following disciplines (学科)are needed April 3- 10 to evaluate and provide feedback on presentation websites.

• agriculture, soil, and natural resources

• cell biology and biochemistry

• environmental sciences

• human behavioral and social sciences

• math and computer science

• physics and astronomy

Each volunteer will judge up to 10 student websites that contain a research abstract, slide show, and video. Judges interact with contestants(参赛者)by posting comments and questions on the sites, allowing flexibility with each judge's personal schedule. No travel is required. The students compete to be named a division winner and receive up to $ 500.

Sigma Xi membership is preferred, but not required, to judge. To volunteer by March 31，go to https://www. sigmaxi. org/meetings-events/volunteer.

The Public Can Help

Everyone can vote for the People's Choice Award winner, based on the quality of the presentation's video. The winner receives up to $ 250.

Find more details at https://www. sigmaxi.org/meetings-eventsistudent-research-showcase.

【推荐3】When it comes to the beaches in Sydney, it's hard to know where to begin. Around 100 beaches spread around the harbor and along the coast. Here are four of them.

Bronte Beach

Bronte's sea pool offers a protected ocean swim and is regarded as one of the best in Sydney—and much like beach culture itself, it's free. The nearby parkland has spacious barbecue areas for family gatherings. On public holidays, the park becomes a sea of busy people as parties take place.

Balmoral

Balmoral, on the north shore's Middle Harbor near Taronga Zoo, has an air of peace. Life moves at a more leisurely pace here. If it's loudness and pride you're after, this isn't it. What Balmoral does have overall is impressive views. And its calmness makes it a great swimming spot for families.

Garie Beach

Located in the Royal National Park, 54 kilometers south of Sydney, Garie Beach is accessible through Garie Road and isn't one for beach-lovers without a car. The large beach is very impressive, though. It's well preserved and is the perfect spot for a relaxing day away from the city. The facilities are top-grade and there is a great fishing spot off the east-facing rocks.

North Narrabeen Beach

Having some of the best and most consistent surf, the beach attracts board lovers from all over Sydney. Surfers have no discomfort making the 25-kilometer trip north to get to the three-kilometer-long beach. The northern end of the vast beach is protected from the northeasterly winds and is a surfer's destination, while the rest of it is ideal for swimming.