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 »

Winch Ahoy
The fourth Sunday of each month, a local boating organization offers free sailing to children with disabilities. They're called Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB). We've been trying for months to go but stuff happened each weekend. Go »
Baby Boomer Blues
I overheard someone of my generation (born in the early 60's) recently say, "Kids today don't even know how to write in cursive," in a negative way. That statement got grumbled agreement from the codgers nearby. I was thinking without saying out loud, "Grandma, you can't even turn on your laptop without getting six viruses and wiring half your retirement money to a Nigerian Prince." Go »
Halloween Short Clips
Mark Gervais created this film for Halloween to be broadcast on a home's window. If I saw this in my neighborhood, it would really creep me out and I would give the house a wide berth. Then I'd come back later and watch it a dozen times. Go »
Really Cheap Costumes
Looking for a great photo for a future Halloween section in that photo album you can show the grandkids? Just wear one of these T-shirts. And then get arrested. Go »
Post-Delaware Staycation
The last leg of our vacation was a trip to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA. This is a pretty terrific amusement park for kids, I mean little kids. Most of the rides are designed for children between the ages 6 & 10. 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!