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 »

The Colossus Of Roads
I am getting so sick of commuter traffic. Forbes magazine has Washington, DC listed as #3 on the Texas Transportation Institute's Worst Cities for Traffic list and I can't disagree. The bulk of that rating comes from the deteriorating infrastructure within the city which doesn't affect me much. Go »
Mean Husband... or Funny Guy?
Since Brenda is home and doing well, I will share yet another reason I will spend ETERNITY IN HELL. At the hospital, after her surgery and recovery, she began to wake up in the room. She was covered in a blanket up to her neck, and as her eyes barely fluttered open and she saw me standing over her caressing her cheek, I said, "Baby, something went wrong and they had to remove your whole body. Go »
Sages And Fools
UOAS has been wonderfully absent from the grocery for the last month. Paradise only lasts so long, however. UOAS: (Eyeing the 3 lbs of sirloins on sweet sale) That's a lot of steaks, having a barbecue? Go »
Christmas Post #5: For Those Just A Little Too Happy
I know a lot of happy people, I mean people that see humor in the Holocaust. I, myself, am generally a happy guy but not to that extent. A few of those people are on my Christmas list and will be receiving this stocking stuffer from me. Go »
Thanksgiving Memories
This year, as I stood with my nephew staring at the turkey carcass following its carving, I shared with him an anecdote about Thanksgiving when I was his age. I grew up in a fairly poor household but we always had turkey for the holiday. But it was a bit of an extravagance for us so my mother was committed to getting everything the bird had to offer. 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!