The Brand-Name List

I usually don't get hung up on labels, designer or otherwise. Usually, the store brand or an off-brand is good enough for me. However, there are a few things I use both in my daily life and occasionally, where I do prefer the "brand name". Here's the list, in no particular order, as is usually the case unless otherwise noted:

1. Peter Pan peanut butter
2. Wrangler Jeans
3. Method cleaning products
4. Metromint bottled water
5. Silk soymilk
6. Meow Mix cat food*

*This is an interesting one. I won't say she prefers Meow Mix, but that's what she's been eating for so long, the cat is probably used to it. But, she eats a lot of it, so she must like it.

Two side notes:

A: Unless I'm feeling adventurous up here, I usually look for Labatt Blue, since Schlafly Beers aren't available up here.

B: I divide my shopping loyalties up here in western NY. But as far as national companies go, I prefer to shop at Home Depot, since they were good to me for 3 years.

The "Man-Crush" List

You all know what a "man crush" is, don't you? It's not like a regular crush. There's nothing romantic about it. It's where a guy just wants to hang out with a celebrity (however you define that term) and basically just be the guy's friend. Or to put it another way, it a level of fandom that still healthy, and has not yet reached creepy. Here's a list of my man-crushes:

1. Barack Obama
2. M. Night Shyamalan
3. Matt Groening
4. Woody Allen
5. Albert Pujols
6. Humphrey Bogart
7. Padraig Harrington
8. Tony Reali
9. Jeff (he knows who he is)
10. Steven Jackson
11. Peyton Manning
12. Brad Boyes

Ash Wednesday on ESPN, Revisited

I've noticed that the bulk of the hits on this particular blog have been the result of someone searching for any combination of the words/phrases "tony reali", "ash wednesday" etc.

He does this every year. Apparently, it's a big thing every year. Wonder why that is. What I mean is, I did some searching of my own and apparently there's a fair amount of interest and buzz about it in various sectors of the blogosphere.

I understand Ash Wednesday. I'm one of the people who doles out the ashes. Just wondering what all the buzz is about. Apparently there are people who don't realize the significance of ashes on the forehead for Ash Wednesday.

But, I guess if it gets a dialogue going, it's OK. Kudos to you, Tony!

Thoughts?

PS: The link for the pic: http://bigheaddc.com/category/tv/page/2/

Ash Wednesday on ESPN

Did anybody else catch the 2 ash crosses on today's episode of ESPN's "Around The Horn" program. One was worn by host Tony Reali and the other was sported by panelist/LA Times columnist Bill Plaschke.

Just wondering.

Oscar Comments and Scorecard

So, how did you do with your Oscar picks, dear reader? We'll get to my scorecard in a bit. First, I want to comment on a few things from last night's telecast.

I thought High Jackman did OK as the host. It's hard to replace Billy Crystal, but the past few hosts have been good. I liked Jon Stewart and Ellen DeGeneres as hosts. But, I know that's also probably a tough, nerve-wracking job, so kudos to anyone who does it.

I also really liked the break with tradition regarding presentations of acting awards. Instead of having last year's winner, the award was presented by 5 winners of the award. Great job, whoever thought of that!

OK, on to the big show. Here's how I scored:

Best Picture:

I was wrong on both accounts. I said "The Reader" should win, but that "Benjamin Button" would win. But, I am completely comfortable with "Slumdog Millionaire" as the winner.

Best Director:

I was right on both accounts. I picked Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) in both the should win and will win categories.

Best Actor:

I was half-right. I thought the one that would win was too close call between Sean Penn and Brad Pitt. Keep in mind, I posted that before actually seeing "Milk". After that, I had a feeling Sean Penn would take home the prize. I was still a bit skeptical, considering the money that could be made off saying "Academy Award winner Brad Pitt". And I was pulling for Mickey Rourke as the one who should win.

Best Actress:

Again, right of both accounts. I picked her as the should win and will win.

Best Supporting Actor:

Another case of being half-right. I was really pulling for Heath Ledger, and he won. However, I know that Philip Seymour Hoffman is an amazing actor, and I actually picked him as my will win choice, simply because, as science fiction films so rarely get the recognition they deserve, superhero films get even less.

Best Supporting Actress:

Another case of being half-right. I was pulling for Penelope Cruz, mostly because her role was in a Woody Allen film. And that's precisely why I didn't pick her as my will win choice. I think the Academy is still kind of sympathetic to Woody, but most of society is not. But she surprised me by winning.

That's one of things I like best about film: The wonderful debates and discussions that come from seeing and honoring them.

Movie Review- "Milk"

A guy in my position isn't supposed to like this movie. But, I found it to worthy of its Best Picture nomination.

This biopic tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay poltician elected to major office. It tells not so much his entire life, but his life and political career from 1970 until 1978, when he was assasinated. It tells the story of several failed campaigns and relationships.

Even if you, dear reader, are put off by the subject material, there is still a good deal to like about this film. The most obvious thing to praise is Sean Penn's performance in the title role. I don't always get Sean Penn. I admit that. But, he's had some dynamite performances. Add this to the list. Penn is phenomenal in this role.

Also, not to be missed is Josh Brolin (who seems to be in everything, like that Samuel L. Jackson fellow I mentioned in the previous post) as dan White. Brolin performs extremely well as every angry white guy you know.

Even though the time frame of the film is the 1970s, the core of the film is very timely. Harvey begins his political career as a simple community activist. He loses several elections, but learns what changes must be made, as well as gaining supporters with each election cycle. He attracts supporters by reaching out across various diversities with a message of hope. Sound familiar?

If viewed only on that simplistic poltical level, you still end up with an inspirational film.

The discussion factor is extremely high in this film. The biggest issue and thrust of the film is, of course, gay rights. Other issues which the film brings up is are poltical campaigns, community activism, what real political power is, among others.

The "that guy" factor is so-so in this film. Emile Hirsch is the most notable.

This film is worth your time.

Acting: A
Directing: A
That Guy: B
Overall: A-

Oscar Picks- Pre-Awards Edition

Since the Academy Awards are on this evening, and since I have made it my personal mission this year to see all of the best picture nominees, I guess I should probably weigh in on tonight awards.

I'm only picking the so-called "Big 5": Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress. I will give my pick of what should win (SW), and what I believe will win (WW). Much of this is moot, since "Gran Torino" got the shaft. I'll report later on my scorecard.

Best Picture:
SW- The Reader
WW- Benjamin Button

Best Director:
SW- Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
WW- same

Best Actor:
SW- Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
WW- Sean Penn (Milk) or Brad Pitt (Benjamin Button)

Best Actress:
SW- Kate Winslet (The Reader)
WW- same

Best Supporting Actor:
SW- Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
WW- Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt)

Best Supporting Actress
SW- Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
WW- Taraji P. Henson (Benjamin Button)

Check back later to see how well I scored.