Oscar Winners

Well, The Oscar Winners are in and it's time to cjheck back with my predictions. This year i limited my predictions to the big six catagories (Picture, lead and supporting Actor/Actress, and Director). My choices that were wrong are highlighted in blue. the winners I got wrong are in red, and the wons I got right are in green. (I only got 2 out of 6 right). Below each list are my original reasons for predictions.

Best Picture :
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"
For best Picture I'm bucking the tradition of going with a golden globe winner. I'm also not going with one of the heavily nominated films. I'm picking Spielburg's "War Horse", because Hollywood loves Spielburg, and especially his war movies. Now, if I had to choose what I wanted to win, it would be "Hugo", but I think "War Horse" may be the dark horse to win it.

Actor in a Leading Role:
Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
George Clooney in "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"
I have seen none of these performances, but I am giving it to Clooney simply because I feel he is the best actor among the three names I recognize, and also I heard it was an amazing movie.

Actress in a Leading Role:
Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis in "The Help"
Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"
A hard category for me. The women are all familiar names, except maybe Viola Davis. I saw only "The Help" and "Dragon Tattoo", but I'm sure all the others were great. Glenn Close might normally get my vote for playing a man; or Rooney Mara for playing a psychologically disturbed individual. But I'm going with Streep playing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, because America seems so intrigued by British royalty and politics.

Actor in a Supporting:
RoleKenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
I'm picking another dark horse here. Jonah Hill, though I'm sure he was great in the movie is out of his league. And the same could probably be said about Nolte. But as much as I didn't love "Warrior" (sorry Rachel Nichols) I thought Nolte was amazing as the father of two UFC type fighters.

Actress in a Supporting Role:
Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer in "The Help"
First let me say I thin it is ridiculous that Melissa McCarthy is nominated for a vulgar role in a disgusting mindless filthy comedy. That off my chest I think the obvious choice is Octavia Spencer for "The Help" if for nothing else but the pie scene.

Directing:
"The Artist" Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Alexander Payne
"Hugo" Martin Scorsese
"Midnight in Paris" Woody Allen
"The Tree of Life" Terrence Malick
I think despite the great work of the other three it will come down to the two giants, Allen and Scorsese, and in the end they will give it to Scorsese and "Hugo" with 11 nominations, but only 2 in the big 6 categories. Scorsese will take it because "Hugo" won't get best picture.

Well, my picks weren't to acurate. I really didn't expect a silent film to score quite so big. Both Hugo (which won 5 technical categories) and The Artist (also a winner of 5 awards) dealt with the early art of filmmaking, so of course Hollywood was patting itself on the back. Interrestingly Hugo was made by an American director about early French filmmaking, and The Artist was made by a French director about early American filmmaking. I'm sure both are fine films, but I still would have given Hugo at least one of the biggies.

Beautiful Women Part 3: The Top 5

Coming to you today with the conclusion of my Beautiful Women series. And let me say to my caring friends who have expressed concerns, this series of blogs is not a sign that I that I am hurting or miserable, and not a sign that my marriage or salvation are in trouble. My wife and I have been married for 13 years and are secure enough in our love for each other that we realize that we both can notice and appreciate beauty in members of the opposite sex with out lessening our love for each other.

The whole point of this series of blogs is to help show, I hope, that beauty is more than skin deep. I hope I am letting you see that the beauty of the women I am showing is not just outward beauty, but inward beauty as well. So her we go, on to the top 5.

5.) Julianne HoughThis former Dancing with the Stars pro, turned country singer, turned actress has been a favorite of mine since she teamed with Apollo Ohno to take the DWTS championship in her first season on the show. I love the fact that she is o family-centered. Reading her tweets she is constantly talking about her brother Derek and her slew of sisters, nieces, nephews etc. I also find beautiful her determination. She had goals, she sets her mind to them, and she attains them. Look for her in "Rock of Ages" this summer, and in "Footloose" on DVD next month. (this is NOT a paid endorsement)

4.) Zooey DeschanelI think Zooey Deschanel has the most striking eyes in Hollywood. I also find her beautiful because she has a crazy wonderful sense of humor. I see her as a 21st century Lucille Ball. She has quirky innocent yet not so innocent demeanor. Plus she sings wonderfully too.

3.) Ashley GreeneWhen I first saw Twilight, I had never heard of Ashley Greene. And to top it off I first noticed her eyes as a bright yellow (not her real color it turns out). As I have come to know her it seems that her real life personality is just as sweet and kind as her Alice Cullen character. I think one of the moments that helped placed her in my list of beautiful women was during the whole "end of the world" thing that was happening last year she tweeted a bible verse about false prophets predicting the end times, and told everyone just to calm down. I would totally love to meet this sweet heart.

2.) Rachel McAdamsRachel first came on the radar in "Mean Girls" opposite Lindsay Lohan. While Lohan has spiraled downward into addiction and legal woes, Rachel had risen to leading romantic actress status, becoming a Meg Ryan of the 21st century. I find her beautiful for the way she can grip your heart with just a smile. She is probably only this high on the list because I recently saw The Vow, but she really is a beauty. Another thing I like about her is that you don't find her splashed across the tabloids, she has somehow found a way to avoid the paparazzi 's gaze, and keep her personal life personal.

1.) Katy PerryI was a fan of Katy's music when she released her album of Christian music as Katy Hudson (her real name). As a fan of Christian music I was alarmed to find it was Katy Hudson who was singing about kissing girls. I took me a while to appreciate Perry's new music. I still find her Christian album more to my taste not only lyrically, but musically (much less commercial and poppy). I also see inside her brash showy exterior that deep inside Katy is still the loving caring preacher's daughter. (Possibly part of why she and Russel Brand split). I hope that the inner sweet girl wins out over the brash stage persona.

Beautiful Women Part 2: The Eyes Have It

In my last blog I strove to show you that I am not just a sexist male who finds women beautifully solely on how the look. I gave examples of women I find beautiful for a variety of reasons. I did that because I know when you see the women in my next two blogs, you'll blast me for only looking skin deep. I hope I can convince you this is not true. Also remember please, this is all for fun.

Now, on to the fun. Who remembers the TV show FRIENDS? Well, there was an episode of the show where the friends were allowed to make a celebrity list of celebrities they were allowed to have an affair with, without their partner getting upset. So I am putting myself in Friends mode, imaging myself as a young 30's unmarried man, who is making these selections, and here is the first half of my list (The rest will come in a later post) **NOTE: I know in real life I am married, and would never have a celebrity fling...this is just if I were still single and younger** (last disclaimer I promise). A lot of mean are either breast men, or butt men, with those being what they notice first in a women; for me, the Eyes have it. So I will be showing you the eyes of the women on my list. Enjoy :
10.) Karen Gillan Karen is the British actress who plays Amy Pond on Doctor Who. I'm not really sure if I like Karen (who has quite the party girl rep) or if I like Amy, a women strong enough to hold her own with the Doctor. Her lovely red hair and beautiful eyes can captivate your heart. Check out BBCAmerica to see her on Doctor Who.

9.) Jennifer Lawrence Jennifer was in last summer's X-Men First Class, stepping into Rebecca Romain's blue body paint. Next month she turns her blond hair dark to play the lead role in Hunger Games. I admit that I don't know a lot about her, but in her eyes I see strength, and inner confidence. Also there are small fleck of gold light in her eyes like my wife Bekkee has.

8.) Rachel NicholsI first noticed Rachel when she joined the cast of ALIAS for its final season. She was a spark of fresh air and could steal a scene from Jennifer Garner, which said something. She was briefly green for the Star Trek movie, and a stunning redhead in GI JOE. But what I find really beautiful about her is that on Twitter she bares her life, flubs and all, and actually communicates with her followers. I have received over a dozen replies from her. Very col in my book. Also very active in charities.

7.) Taylor Swift
Country Music's sweetheart. What I find beautiful in Taylor is her wide-eyed wonder at the world. Following her on twitter you see all the little things that excite her, and fill her heart with joy. Also loved the fact that in the middle of her tour a few years back she flew her band and their families to Hawaii... I want to be in her band.

6.) Eliza DushkuFrom the movie Bring It On and the TV shows Buffy, Tru Calling and Dollhouse, I find this lovely actress attractive first because she enjoys doing Sci-Fi stuff, which I love. She also is very active in charity work and especially aid to third world countries. I also love that she is on such good relation with he mom.Talks about her all the time. I find that beautiful.

For the top five tune in to the next blog. Remember, the EYES have it.

Beautiful Women Part 1

Men enjoy looking at women. This is a fact. Even gay men can appreciate a beautiful woman (probably more so than a straight man can appreciate a handsome man). Now before I get into this two (or maybe three) part blog I expect to get complaints saying I'm being sexist, or only glorifying women with looks, so in part 1 I will try to explain that when I talk about beautiful women, I am not referring only to outward beauty, but also the character traits that make you a beautiful person. With that said, I will admit on behalf of the male gender that most of the time it is the physical appearance that first draws our attention to a woman. But I know for me, it is beyond the first glance that I find true beauty. A woman can be stunning to look at, but if her personality is rotten, then I don't find her beautiful. Likewise, a less physically appealing woman can be the most caring loving person, and this is true beauty.

So today I will be looking at six women over 40 who I think, for various reasons are beautiful women. These are in know particular order:
1.) Michelle Pfeifer-- I first became aware of the young actress in the movie Grease 2. I never actually saw this movie, but I saw Michelle in the adds. She caught my eye, and to this day, when I see her in an ad for a movie, she still catches my eye and makes me want to see the movie. She is a good actress, and she has for the most part aged naturally (as far as I can tell). She takes care of herself, but doesn't use lots of artificial help. I find it beautiful that she is comfortable with the fact that she is maturing, and doesn't feel she needs lots of injections to keep herself 20.
2.) Julia Roberts-- Another actress who has matured before our eyes from the young hooker in Pretty Woman to the boozing professor in Larry Crowne, She plays age appropriate roles, and shows that woman can be stunning at any age. Also she seems to have become more lovely when she became a mother. I love hearing her tell stories about her kids.
3.) Betty White-- Who doesn't love this 90 year old veteran. And to me what makes her so beautiful is her sense of humor, and her love for life. If I live to be 90 I want to be as lively as Betty!
4.) Mary Tyler Moore-- This lovely lady was my first TV love. As a child I would watch the Mary Tyler Moore Show religiously. What I think makes her so beautiful even today is her courage. She has battled diabetes for nearly forty years and has battled alcoholism, and last year had brain surgery. And yet she keeps smiling, and making others smile to as we saw on the recent Birthday celebration for Betty White
5.) Shania Twain-- This country megastar has always been outwardly lovely. Her inner beauty has shown over the last few years as her husband left her for a family friend. I have to laugh at how she overcame this challenge, she got together with the ex-husband of the woman her husband left her for. And she is restarting her musical career... good for her!
6.) Jennifer Aniston-- So Brad Pitt left her for Angelina. So what if her romances have not been very successful, she still lucks great and is a pretty big box office star, grossing over twice as much as any other FRIENDS alum. She is ranked #137 box office grossing star according to Box Office Mojo. And she just keeps smiling and melting our hearts.

We'll discuss more beautiful Women in future blogs this week. Hope you can see that beauty is more than skin deep.

"What are you writing?"

"What are you writing?" One of my friends at Domino's asked me that question today, so I thought I'd let you all know what I've been working on. As you probably know, I wrote my children's book "Dino-Boy's Adventure" about ten years ago. It was published through a messy process where we paid a "Vanity publishing house" big bucks to print up a bunch of over-priced copies of what I think is a very cute book for kids. Since then I've been working on several projects. My novel "Moral Imperative" is about 2/3 done. It is a futuristic political thriller, that will need a few major rewrites to keep it futuristic. I also am working on a young reader novel called "Their Tears Will Make Them Better". But most recently I have been focusing on short stories. I have written "The Actors' Club" (which has been rejected by both Analog and Glimmertrain literary magazine), but I still have hopes for it. My story "Christmas Dreams" (which you can find in my older blogs from December 2010) has been submitted to Glimmertrain. I have also finished "The Sentry", a short story of my early life from the point-of-view of a tree in my front yard. I will be submitting that to Glimmertrain in April for their Family oriented fiction contest.

Currently I am finishing up "Outpost 63" a scifi story I am hoping to submit to Analog. So for Jessica and Larissa, who wonder what I'm writing, that's the rundown. Hope to have a lot of you as readers soon.

Winter weather, rental cars...excuses excuses

Once again this week the battle to keep the new years resolutions faced several challenges. Two evenings (Monday and Wednesday) it was snowing up the hill and I was forced to stay down the hill at mom & dad's. This left me unable to work on my writing very much. Also being away from home lead to more fast food meals (at meal time only, not as extra snacks). I haven't done this weeks points total yet, but pretty sure it will be low.

Hopefully by the middle of next week I will be in a temporary lease and my life will flow back to normal. But for now, I will keep trying, and keep pushing on.

New Car Time

Well, got word today that the insurance company is not going to fix my trusty matrix. I guess the roll was more than she could take. So it is time once again for a new car. I am hoping to get another Matrix. They are good cars and the All Wheel Drive model gets me through most of the snow storms the mountain throws at me. I am also considering a Prius, which would give me some good mileage...but I don't think they come in All Wheel Drive, and I REALLY hate putting chains on. So pray that I make the right choice in what to order, and that it arrives without a problem. And pray that the stress from accident and snow and stuff doesn't make me stress eat and gain back the weight I've lost this year.

Another rough week

Well, if you are working at keeping goals & resolutions, or just generally trying to get stuff done, a word of warning: Do NOT roll your car. I did just that on Monday and it has really screwed up my resolutions for this week. In particular my writing (hard to get inspired when your brain is focused on the accident) and my eating goals (I stress eat, and the accident has of course caused stress). So this is going to be a low point week. and I say....there's always next week. Praying for a better one.

P.S. Jury Duty also screws things up!

Don't be a Hater (or I'll report you)

One thing I have found on social media is that the distance a computer offers you from those you are contacting has lead many to reject general rules of conversational conduct and manners. Or to put it more bluntly, "I'm on line and I can say whatever the He** I want and you can't do anything about it".

But today I found out there IS something I can do, at least in a small way, if you offend me on Facebook. I was viewing comments on a post from a young rising music star. She had commented on her faith, and how important it was to her. Many other people had comment on her post and encouraged her. Then there was a post from someone telling "all you Christians shut the +*&# up and go +*&# off ". This is when I discovered you can report a post or comment on facebook as offensive, and it then gives you drop down choices of how the comment was offensive. I decided to report this comment.

Now please don't think I'm a week little Christian who cries any time someone says anything bad about Christ or God. I am perfectly willing to let other people have and express opposing views. I will even debate or discuss religion, politics, music, theatre, movies...anything you want. If you want to have a civil, intelligent discussion on a topic, I'm up for that.

But one you jump into a chain of comments just to hate on a person or group of persons, and to cuss at them and tell them to shut up. I'll report that stuff. I'm in favor of an open discussion forum on line, but lets use manners and common courtesy. If you are rude to someone on line and attack them personally because of religion, politics, sexual orientation, etc., and if I see the post, then I will report it. Call me a snitch if you like, I prefer to call it a politeness policeman....no, that;s corny ..maybe a rudeness eradicator. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is be nice..just because we are not face to face doesn't mean we can't be civil.

Terrible horrible no good very bad day

I feel like Alexander in the children's book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad day" I should be reading or writing or doing something productive with my time, but instead, I'm freaking out.

To be honest my day was going pretty well until around 1:00. That is when I looked at the bottom of the shoes I got for Christmas and noticed a split along the center of the sole of the left shoe. I do not want to buy new shoes, but now I'll have to soon.

But this wasn't SO horrible. What happened as I was leaving my friend Rob's house (we carpool together) is what made the day Horrible. I was making U-turn in front of Robert's house when I realized I was too close to the car parked along side the street. I tried to swerve out of the way but hit the car and flipped my car onto its side. Now I am scared it is totaled, and more scared I may lose lease privileges from work. So I'm a little freaked out, and am having a terrible horrible no good very bad day.

I think I'll move to Australia.

February Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that as we enter February, I'm still doing pretty good on my resolutions. To keep on track with the resolutions I have made a chart where I give myself points for each part of the resolution I keep. It works like this: 1 point for not snacking on extra junk at Domino's (I work there, which makes this tough), 1 point for only ordering once a week from Domino's, 1 point for NOT eating dessert, 1 Point for not stopping for fast food between jobs, 1 Point for each hour I read, 1 point for each blog I post, 1 point for each hour I work on my writing. An Optimal week, keeping all my resolutions is 11 points, looking for a year end total of 572 points.

I can get bonus points for extra hours of reading or writing. Also bonus for finishing a book (reading), entering a writing contest or posting my monthly update blog. I lose points in the eating categories each time I break 1 of the area. For example, I struggled in January with the desserts. 2 weeks due to family birthdays, and once just due to poor will power. But the nice thing about the chart is I can balance stuff out and get back on track.

So for the first 4 weeks of the year my points were: Week 1--12 pts; week 2-- 12.5 pts; week 3-- 10.5 pts; week 4-- 8.5 pts (I was sick part of the week and missed some writing/reading time).
Also in that first month I lost about 7 pounds, and come down one notch on my belt. And this week I finished reading a book. And looking at this week, week #5 I'm aiming at at least 14 points.

So overall, my resolutions are going well....How about yours??