Approaching Decision Time
by Steve West on February 19, 2009

The Mickster/Sean Penn debate rages. I'm listing my reasons not to choose Mickey Rourke and comparing them to a similar list for Sean Penn.
Mickey Rourke
1. Previous Oscar wins - 0
2. Previous Oscar nominations - 0
3. Previous Oscar nominations deserved - 0
4. Failed marriages - Two time loser
5. Has starred in a movie with Kevin Bacon (simplifying the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon game)
6. WWE fan
7. Has co-starred with Don Johnson, Adam Baldwin and Big John Studd at the same time (-)
8. Real life boxer (+)
9. Early acting hero of Brad Pitt
10. Razzie nominations - Nominated but did not win for Desperate Hours
Sean Penn
1. 1
2. 4
3. 6 (How Jeff Spicoli was overlooked I'll never know and his hair in Carlito's Way deserved an Oscar of its own)
4. Two and counting.
5. Has starred with Kevin Bacon
6. Former Madonna fan
7. Has never co-starred with Don Johnson, Adam Baldwin or Big John Studd (+)
8. Boxer wannabe (-) Paparazzi don't offer a huge challenge, let's be honest.
9. Early acting hero of Brad Pitt (tie, damnit)
10. Nominated but did not win for Shanghai Surprise
All in all, I'd have to say I'm compelled to stick with Mick. Unless he beats up a nun or something in the next few days he's gonna get my vote.
Six Replies to Approaching Decision Time
Amy Austin | February 20, 2009
Obsessions update
Scott Hardie | February 20, 2009
I'm rooting for the Mickster. Sean Penn has always turned me off with that smug, self-satisfied attitude of his, like he's the greatest actor in the world. (Same goes for U2, with respect to their fans in these parts.) But Penn has the edge here; he's a respected actor in a widely-praised movie, instead of a washed-up actor making a comeback in a movie only noted for his performance. Either of them could still win, but I think Penn is likelier.
I repeat my prediction from last year: Any supporting actor who "steals" the Oscar away from Heath Ledger will get death threats from outraged fans for weeks.
Scott Hardie | February 20, 2009
I'm obsessed with Balls Out? Damn, I haven't looked at that thing in a while.
Steve West | February 20, 2009
LOL! Amy, I wish I had thought of those as obsessions first!
Amy Austin | February 20, 2009
Believe me... if I could have put your name on it instead of mine, I would have... all part of the joke, friend... ;-D
Web Junkie
Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Brenda's Diet Diary
Dear Diet Diary, As a Christmas present this year, my daughter, Lauren (what a thoughtful darling), bought me a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in reasonable shape since being a high school cheerleader 40 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Juan Antonio (ooh what a name) who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. Go »
Top Ten Top 10
Letterman has practically made a career out of his "Top 10" Lists. I'm shocked he doesn't have the copyright. He does, at least unofficially, as anyone who does anything similar immediately brings thoughts of him to mind. Go »
Me and Al Bundy
Recently, Brenda made the mistake of asking me to fix the toilet. It seemed to have gunk in the thingy that supplies the water and would only filll if I poked it with a paper clip in the spout thingy. You can tell I'm a semi-professional because of all the technical jargon. Go »
See You At The Pole
At the end of my college career, I walked on the campus of the University of Maryland for the thousandth time. Near the chapel, in front of an administrative building, stood flagpoles bearing the flag of the State of Maryland flying slightly lower than the flag of the United States. Annually, in September, students are encouraged to gather at the flagpole of their school and pray, an event called "See You At The Pole". Go »
If I Were To Make A Children's Show...
...it would be similar to this promo for The Crime Channel featuring Gali the Alligator. The lyrics are a little hard to understand so I've attempted to transcribe them here. Go »
Amy Austin | February 20, 2009
LOL!
(How Jeff Spicoli was overlooked I'll never know and his hair in Carlito's Way deserved an Oscar of its own)
I will second that!