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As part of our build-up to the 2014 Oscars, we are looking at the films likely to take home some of the top awards. Here, Erik Redli examines the parallels seen in The Great Gatsby with other leading characters in film and television.

The Great Gatsby starts with a black and white Warner Brothers logo just like it would have in the 1920s. I was curious; another tragic story starring DiCaprio.

The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man who has just moved into a small house right next to Gatsby's castle. Ambitious and reverent, he is often a timeless witness to the caprice of the upper classes and eventually he runs away from what he initially pursued.

The mysterious Gatsby does not appear during the first 30 minutes of the movie. Instead the other characters recall his parties and charm, intensifying the expectations of both Nick and the audience. All of a sudden, he appears from the cover of a crowd dancing to the modern soundtrack of Fergie's Little Party Killed Nobody.

Blogger Erik describes his trip to Brussels over Christmas.

Gothic rock and how many guitars did Eric Clapton give away?

Brussels lies at the crossroad of the Germanic culture from the north and the Romance of the south, and the architecture is a testament to the ever-changing guardians over the centuries of war. The gothic Main Square with the Townhouse and the nearby buildings, one of them housing a Hard Rock Cafe, express the quintessence of the style. Let's call it gothic rock.

Last week we asked you who you thought was the Person of the Year in 2013. ForeignStudents.com writer Erik created a shortlist of eight names and we asked you to vote. The response was great and there were two clear frontrunners from the very beginning. On the very final day of voting, Angela Merkel was just pipped to the post by our winner... Malala Yousafzai.

Here Erik Redli takes a look at the very worthy winner.

Malala Yousafzai: Person of the Year 2013

Most kids would probably prefer it if the government banned school and some wouldn't even mind too much if the buildings exploded. Last year, a 15-years old student in Tennessee even set his teacher on fire. Most pupils don't recognize the value of compulsory, free education. Actually, school should not teach, but show how to learn.

With 2014 now upon us, we want you to vote for your personality of 2013 before your memory of the year becomes too hazy. Regular writer Erik Redli has narrowed down his favourites for you below and you can vote here. We'll be unveiling the winner next week.

The Death of a Legend

Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa and human rights campaigner, died at 95 of a lung infection. Well, even the kids feeding on the content of their stockings know that. People of all races and religions have mourned the loss but celebrated the work of the activist.

However, the Czech prime minister committed a big faux pas, when microphones overheard him say he was ‘dreading' going to the funeral. He apologized to the media, reportedly via a text message. Even children would agree that such conduct does not make a good impression, in memory of a man who went through much more torment than a journey to South Africa.