The A-Team

From time to time, I will call upon an elite squad to address issues about which I know next-to-nothing.

Roll Call:

Noelle L. Brandmier writes the “Frame by Frame” series on art and animation from Rochester, NY. Noelle is a fourth year student at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is studying animation in RIT’s School of Film and Animation. Although she appreciates all styles of animation, she concentrates on 2D and the traditional form of art. She recently won 2nd place in RIT’s Get Viral Video contest and is currently working on the High Falls Laser Animation show. Her interests include reading, video games, people, and ice cream.

Jessica Butler writes the “Design in Mind” series on architecture and design, including green architecture and the latest trends of the design world, from Chicago, IL. Jessica is currently taking time off before returning to graduate school for architecture. She enjoys discussing anything related to architecture, graphic design, art, and sustainability. She also considers herself to be a foodie, and is currently exploring her new locale in Chicago. In her spare time, she likes to cook, work on design projects, learn how to code websites, and also has a passion for photography.

Norman Horowitz writes the “Hollywood Insider” series on media, politics, and the business of entertainment from Beverly Hills, CA. After serving in the US Air Force during the Korean War, Norman spent over 40 years in the telecommunications industry, from the early days of worldwide television through the development of cable, satellite, and internet companies. He served as VP of International Sales for Screen Gems, Director of International Sales for CBS, President of Worldwide Distribution for Columbia Pictures Television, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polygram Television, and President and Chief Executive Officer of MGM/UA Telecommunications Company. He co-founded the Cable Dating Network, Rxinfo.com, citiesLive networks, and citiescommercialLive networks. He has been an adjunct professor at the UCLA Graduate Business and Film Schools, as well as an associate professor at California State University, Northridge.

Sarah Kashubski writes the “Living in a Swing State” series on political science from Pittsburgh, PA. Sarah is a Political Science PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on Comparative Politics (specifically Europe) and American Politics. She graduated from Penn State University in 2010 as an honors student majoring in Political Science, German, and International Studies. While her primary political interests lie in the international field, they leak over into women’s issues, health care, and domestic policies. She lived in Germany for a semester and studied the EU while traveling throughout the continent; she has also spent time in Washington, DC, taking classes at Georgetown and interning at the George Washington Center for Global Health.

Ian Kollar writes the “In the Zone” series on sports from Freeland, PA. He recently graduated summa cum laude from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, with a B.A. in Mass Communications. Born and raised on a steady diet of sports fed by his grandfather and sports editor father, Ian loves it all. Especially fond of baseball, basketball, volleyball and golf, he has coached many youth sports teams and covered countless others as a journalist in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He currently works as a copy editor and page designer for the Hazleton Standard-Speaker, where he has worked for over five years. His interests include driving, cooking, volunteering in his community, playing classic video games and photography.

Alex Nakahara writes the “What If?” series on technology and engineering from Boston, MA. Alex is currently a student at MIT, studying for a Master’s in Aeronautics and Astronautics (Rocket science) after getting a BSE from the University of Pennsylvania in Mechanical Engineering. His interests range from hockey-playing robots and energy to soccer, Ancient Greek, music and baking. He also plays violin, viola and piano and won the 2010 Nakahara Cup golf tournament.

Reese Schonfeld write “The Most Dangerous Man in Television” series on media, politics, and journalism from New York, NY. Reese was the co-founder, President, and CEO of CNN. (Yes, that CNN. Its ratings have declined ever since he left.) He was also the co-founder and President of the Food Network. Before changing the world of television, he worked for United Press Movietone News, after which he became Vice President of United Press International Television News. He later founded the Independent Television News Association, the Medical News Network, and the world’s first 24-hour local news station.

Nicholas W. Semeniuk writes the “Drill Sergeant” series on energy issues and technologies from Philadelphia, PA. Nicholas is a student at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania pursuing a BS with concentrations in accounting and finance and a BSE majoring in mechanical engineering with an energy focus.  He has held positions with a leading energy focused private equity firm assisting with investment valuation, industry research and fundraising efforts.  He is actively engaged with leading research in the energy industry.  At Wharton, Nicholas is involved with multiple boards including the Dean’s Advisory Board, the Leadership Ventures Board, the Technology Advisory Board and is a TA for an operations management class.

Margaret C. Walker writes “The Cautionary Prophet” series on theology from Philadelphia, PA. Margaret is a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in Religious Studies, as well as studied German and Comparative Literatures. Her religious beliefs are more belief than religion, and usually are revised with every solo trip to Big Sur. In other words, she is attracted to the mystery, not the Man.  Other interests include: Gastronomica magazine, drinking wine, beer, and gin (though not together), and bad action movies.