…but I bet you can’t think of one that is stupider than this one.

The LA County Board of Supervisors has made a few changes in the recreation rules on LA County Beaches. For those who are unfamiliar with our beaches in Los Angeles County, they stretch from Long Beach in the south to County Line in the north which is just up the road from Malibu. This includes, Hermosa, Manhattan, Marina, Venice, Santa Monica, Palisades, etc. Used to, you could really enjoy yourself on the beach–that’s slowly becoming a task.

Industrial refineries can pump tons of crap into the Pacific, but if you are caught playing football, throwing a Frisbee or performing other enjoyable activities on the beach, you will now be subject to a $1,000 fine. Seriously. This “rule” is in effect from Memorial Day to Labor Day. And it doesn’t merely include Frisbee and football. No person is allowed “to cast, toss, throw, kick or roll” any object on or across the beach with the exception of a volleyball or beach ball.

This means no football, soccer, baseball, rugby, Frisbee, paddle ball–what’s next, running? Swimming? Breathing?

But before you slap your hand to your head, it gets even better.

The $1,000 fine is also applicable to children who dig deeper than 18 inches in the sand. I’m not even kidding. I wouldn’t make up something so idiotic unless I was getting paid handsomely by people behind the scenes who were puppeting me around like a member of the LA County Board of Supervisors. And since that has already been done…

This city just continues to embarrass itself because of its budgetary shortfalls. And this city is willing to screw over anyone, including tourists who have no clue about such idiotic laws, in order to try and push back toward the black–which, ironically, you’d think could be achieved when being led by the blind.

Thinking down the long line of possibilities…there are few who would seem to meld with the late Princess Diana.

It was going to be Jessica Chastain, who has become the every woman of the film industry–a new name, but a well seasoned actress. If you didn’t see what she in did in Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, do yourself a favor and watch what she’s able to do without really every saying a word. She’s incredible. But, it seems scheduling, booking, other projects and who knows what, pulled her from this Princess project that is presently entitled, Caught in Flight.

So, who else to call but that girl from Tank Girl…The Ring…King Kong? Yeah? Sadly, that’s all people know Watts from. Because it has been a decade, the chatter about her perfection in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive is rarely talked about or discussed outside of a film class, but let’s dive right back in. Tour de force.

Watts has chewed on other heavyweight roles–her work in films 21 Grams, I Heart Huckabees, Eastern Promises and most recently in J. Edgar have allowed her to jump all over the map, and prove that she is and has always been a formidable talent.

While biopics aren’t necessarily films that I’m interested in…considering that I’m loathing what they’re attempting with the Jeff Buckley biopic, Mystery White Boy, but this one…I’d like to see the collaboration of Watts and director Oliver Hirschbiegel. No doubt you’ve seen all the Downfall spoofs–he directed the actual film.

Drafted by the Saints, pushed to Miami, bumped out of the league for smoke, sat, studied yoga, played in Canada, came back to Miami to truly impress and then picked up by the Baltimore Ravens. That’s a career. Ricky Williams was, and is, one of the most gifted athletes to ever step on a football field.

In terms of speed and power, there have been few to possess the refined gifts that Ricky Williams boasted. Maybe no others. With grossly underrated breakaway speed, Ricky could hit holes like lightning, and truck anyone who tried to plug a gap, from a linebacker to a free safety.

…and of course, he was still the player–maybe that player–who never was, or never realized his full potential because quite simply, he was and is different. And being different doesn’t vibe when you play for the shield marked NFL. When in shape, he still possesses definitive fitness, plyometric strength, neck breaking agility and impressive speed, but he’s done. After a year of playing behind Ray Rice and receiving limited carries, it seems that Ricky is done with football–at least that’s what he says.

Sure. I’m one of those who will always wonder…how many miles could Ricky have run for. Yeah. I said miles. There is no doubt in my mind that had he chosen to do so he could have run for 18,000 yards…that’s roughly 11 miles. Not to say that he should have, or would have. Rather to say thanks, Ricky. It has been an absolutely joy to watch you play football.

After being heckled by a few Giants fans and/or bandwagon Giants fans after the Patriots Super Bowl loss on Sunday night, Gisele remarked to her entourage: “My husband can not f**king throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.”

She simply couldn’t “believe they dropped the ball so many times.”

And you can’t blame Gisele for being frustrated…all things considered, she played it cool. Just another “friend” within her inner circle selling her out with a cell phone camera this time. So to her, I can see how she thought Wes Welker dropped the ball. Deion Branch dropped the ball. But did they, “drop” the ball… or did they do something rather spectacular to get their hands on the ball? Now, Aaron Hernandez…he straight up dropped the ball, but allow me to offer my two cents:

To those who have never played wide receiver or defended top-tier wide receivers on a football field: When moving at a high rate of speed, and having to adjust to a poorly thrown ball that is coming at an even higher rate of speed, a simple pass and catch becomes a physical challenge. Wes Welker was running a seam route, and Brady turned him around as if he was hitting him on a flag/corner.

In all fairness, Tom Brady had no choice but to put the ball there, because safety help was rapidly approaching from the inside. Bottom line, Brady missed Welker. Could Welker have made that catch? Absolutely. Would it have been an “easy” catch? No. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Very quick adjustment. (I will continue to argue that it is a more difficult catch than Manningham’s over the shoulder catch keeping his feet in bounds. That ball was dropped into the bucket. Great catch. Don’t misread what I’m writing. But Eli’s throw!? As sexy as a throw gets.)

Late in the game: Brady missed Branch on a similar play. Threw behind him. Chris Collinsworth stated during the broadcast that Branch should have sat in the window. I argue that if he sits 2 yards earlier in the route, Corey Webster picks that pass off, or breaks it up easily! Brady missed Branch.

Late in the 4th on the final drive for the Pats? The pass dropped by Branch should have been a pick by Antrel Rolle. Rolle made a great play on the ball that kept Branch from making an easy catch.

While Eli took the MVP honors, the Giants defense, as always, deserves an absurd amount of credit in beating New England…again…

So there you have it, Gisele–but you are right. Tom could never throw and catch the ball…he’s far too slow.

The world’s most famous cougar dropped a lackluster halftime show–honestly, what did we expect–but there were a few surprises. Surprises…as in musical acts that actually interested the pop music lover: LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. …Cee-Lo Green. There were some nice, unexpected, under 50 additions to this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, unfortunately–just as Janet Jackson did all those years ago–M.I.A. ensured that we won’t be seeing more of the under 50 crowd performing at halftime anytime soon.

I’m not a fan of anyone who performed tonight, aside from Cee-Lo. Have been enjoying his velvet since I became a fan of the Goodie Mob, and all efforts with the Dungeon Family back in the day, but the others…I can take ‘em, or most likely leave ‘em. No disrespect to the rest of you who enjoy…no disrespect like M.I.A. offered when she decided to fly the bird from downstage left.

It was looking like a legitimate, successful trial of mixing a little youth back into the halftime show, then M.I.A. thought she’d do her thing, and play “Where is tall man, where is tall man?” for all of the world to see. If you were ever curious as to the selfish nature of some of these people–well, wonder no more. If you thought it was cool… Why?

So. Who’s it gonna be next year? James Taylor? Andy Williams? (Actually I’d rather them than many other options.) Thanks again, M.I.A.

I warned you that you were digging your own grave earlier this week…or last week? I really can’t remember, but I’m sticking by it. Again, I love how competitive you are, but man, this is sour grapes and bad business. Certainly not illegal, but definitely unethical.

Horse back in front of the cart…

Peyton Manning has been medically cleared to resume football activity by his team of doctors, including the surgeon responsible for the latest surgery on his neck that was supposed to fix the problem creating the problem–a legit solution. As soon as this news hit the airwaves, including your nearest WiFi connection, Jim Irsay jumped on Twitter and laid a few more shovel strokes to hole he now has at an impressive three feet of depth.

You see it right there with your own eyes. Irsay does not want to pay Peyton–not the monster option that he is owed–not with any uncertainty surrounding the ALL-UNIVERSE quarterback’s future. Irsay has stated that the fans would believe him to be “stupid,” if three years down the line they had nothing in the pipe, and had spent big on a player who panned. It’s almost too easy to infer. And I disagree–wholly.

Colts fans will offer a pass to Irsay in regards to Peyton Manning. They’ve already sided with Manning. Watch any of the sports talk shows shooting in Indianapolis right now. That joint is showering Irsay with boos. And if Jimmy needs another reminder: Peyton Manning is the reason the Super Bowl is in Indy this weekend.

Regardless of what Irsay and “The Horseshoe” decide, I believe Peyton wants to be away from Irsay. And the rumor mill is in rapid generation mode–it seems Manning will be sitting down to dinner with Larry Fitzgerald this weekend.

If you’re not in the know, this is a no-no for Hamilton, who has repeated violated MLB drug policies, and has lost complete seasons due to his past transgressions. It would be easy to say, “Big deal, he had a drink.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t work on his slim tolerance policy. He has fallen off the wagon before, and in order to keep him accountable, he is tested for any and all substances three times a week.

That sets the stage for Monday night.

Here’s my question. And before I ask it, I’m not suggesting that Josh Hamilton doesn’t own the ultimate responsibility here; however, who is serving this guy alcohol?

Is there anyone in the greater Dallas-Arlington-Fort Worth, Texas metropolitan area who doesn’t know of Josh Hamilton?

When he enters an establishment, is he not immediately recognized?

Who is he with? Who is so selfish that they take Josh Hamilton to a bar, and then start drinking alcohol in his presence. With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Fine. That’s a lot of questions.

Yes. Josh Hamilton made the ultimate decision to put glass to lips, do a shot, take a pull off a straw–whatever the scenario may have been, I don’t know–but who around him thinks, “Oh, it’ll be OK, we’ll only let him have one drink…” whether, friend, acquaintance, server or bartender. While I may be barking up the wrong tree, and Hamilton may have wondered into the bar by himself, I still consider this to be definitive social failure.

Update: As details emerge, it has been reported that Rangers 2B, Ian Kinsler, traveled to the bar in an attempt to persuade Hamilton to leave. Anyone familiar with Ian Kinsler won’t be surprised to learn this. …but I still don’t get it…don’t get who is AT the bar serving this guy.

You can slap a logo or decal on a pizza…and it’s edible. And when you go to the website for Pizza Prints (As Seen on TV), you will quickly find that the prints possesses no nutritional value whatsoever, which leads you to ask, “What the heck are these things made of!?” Sure, it’s gotta be a soy based gel of some sort, jacked with various food coloring to develop a thin slab of artistic funk that is tossed on your piping hot pizza pie.

As the website suggests, the Pizza Print will “meld” into the hot cheese. But what if it’s a true Chicago style pizza? With the sauce on top? What about that, Pizza Print peeps?

Did you know about these Pizza Prints, or was I the last to know? I was so curious about Pizza Prints that I even tried to register for the site. Why not offer a Pizza with a Giants helmet and one with a Patriots helmet? This led to the discovery that securing Pizza Prints as a member of the general public is more difficult than securing a United States Passport. Click on the ad for the Super Bowl offer, and it’s no longer available.

If you want to buy a pizza print as a “consumer,” you’ve got one whopping option at the website. A WWE print. Seriously.

Before we dive right in, I need to offer props to the city of Indianapolis. No. I’m not there–I’d love to be–but I have always recognized it as one of America’s most underrated cities. The red carpet has truly been rolled out! Jimmy Fallon’s absurdly energetic audience last night further proved that Jim Irsay owes this city, and their love affair with Peyton Manning, the benefit of the doubt. But. I digress.

Gisele Bundchen. She’s the wife of Tom–or should I say, Tommy–Brady.

She zipped out an email to close family and friends, and somehow the NY Post got their hands on it. Looks like one of the friends isn’t as “close” as she thought they were…or the NY Post will be the next organization to join the Rupert Murdoch school of hacking journalism. Regardless, the email read:

My sweet friends and family,

This Sunday will be a really important day in my husband’s life. He and his team worked so hard to get to this point and now they need us more than ever to send them positive energy so they can fulfill their dream of winning this Super Bowl. So I kindly ask all of you to join me on this positive chain and pray for him, so he can feel confident, healthy and strong. Envision him happy and fulfilled experiencing with his team a victory this Sunday. Thank you for your love and support. Love, G .

I have no issue with this–in fact, I think it’s rather awesome, but I do think this email offers a little insight into how insecure Tom has been leading up to the Super Bowl. Calling upon his QB guru to help him fix some mechanical issue, etc. I don’t think Tom is offering enough consideration to his busted up non-throwing shoulder–I’m convinced that it is affecting his body torque and his psyche. He just can’t fire the ball like he usually does.

Mrs. Brady? Gisele is sweet. Can’t fault a girl for caring for, and about her man. According to Tom, she offered him the best advice when facing the Giants front four: “Throw the ball quickly.” Seriously, Tom, you wanna win this one, it’s all about checking down and letting your players make plays.

To toss out my official prediction: Nothing Tom does will matter if Eli and the Giants WR corps play to their potential. The Giants possess more potential to absolutely brutalize the backside of the Patriots…defense…on that note…enjoy the Super Bowl this weekend!

Don Cornelius took the American Bandstand model and injected it with some legitimate funk. Not bad funk. Not good funk. Great funk. It was just over a year ago that Cornelius mentioned the possibility of a Soul Train biopic, about the life behind the show, and the various business chapters that opened and closed to keep “Love, Peace and So00000ul,” rolling into living rooms for decades.

The Los Angeles Police Department and LA County Coroner’s office reported that Mr. Cornelius’ death was of apparent suicide. Police received a call early on Wednesday morning–a report of gunshots at the Cornelius home located on Mulholland Drive in Sherman Oaks. While there has yet to be an official report, it seems odd when you hear the word “shots,” when a suicide by gun is most often signaled by a single shot. Chalk it up to poor reporting, or mystery. Time will tell.

When police arrived at the home, they found Mr. Cornelius lifeless, in the floor, with a gunshot wound to the head. The scene suggested that the wound was self-inflicted, yet there is an ongoing investigation. If anything new develops, we’ll keep you posted.

In honor of Don Cornelius…a little Soul Train line, with Don in the lead.

You don’t care. I get it. I really don’t either, but there are millions who do.

Does it come as a surprise that the X-Factor will stir the pot after the first season? No. Not really. Remember American Idol? No? I really don’t either, but I do remember–and I bet you do, too–that there were two hosts…Ryan Seacrest and some other dude. Another Ryan, yes? That was obviously destined for failure. New shows are prone to changes. Keep what works, nix what doesn’t.

Nicole Scherzinger seems like the sweetest thing on two feet, but honestly, this just didn’t work. Steve Jones. Charismatic. Friendly. Not a great host. I’m slightly surprised by the departure of Paula Abdul, but I think I get where the show is going. They’re going to bring in other well known producers. Mark my words. They’re going to make it more of a pissing contest between the studio guys than a talent contest for the actual contestants. Here are my two cents.

Lose the gloss.

The show was to slick. Too much production. The dancing, and absurd circus productions? It can’t get more un-X-Factor than when the supposed future star possessing the X-Factor is being outperformed by back up dancers, and back up singers. I think its high time to hear some more original music from these people. That’s the X-Factor people want to see.

There you go, Simon. I just fixed your show.

Ever.

Name one better.

Yes. There are dunks that you could push into this discussion. I’m particular to Jordan over Ewing, but not even MJ can or ever could throw down with the force of Blake Griffin. Blake Griffin possesses the power of Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins, with the athleticism of Dominique “The Human Highlight Film” Wilkins. This dunk will be talked about for years. Or until Griffin does it again.

People have jumped on the Lob City bandwagon, but it was the good ole pick and roll that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin executed to sheer devastation vs. the #1 team in the Western Conference–the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coming off a pick at the left elbow extended, Chris Paul took one quick dribble toward the key before dropping a lead pass to Griffin that would make Drew Brees jealous. Blake Griffin beat the switch, and had already ignited the rockets in his shoes before Kendrick Perkins could offer help from the weak side.

Even still…Perkins did his best to offer that help. He laid his entire body into the flying Griffin, trying to do anything he could to break up the inevitable highlight. Perkins merely made it that much better. Everyone has gotta know: When Blake lasers in on the rim, just get out of the freakin’ way. Seriously. That’s a poster you don’t want to be on…and this may be a poster that I have to buy!

I was watching live when this nonsense went down. They continued to show it over and over in slo-mo, but it does absolutely no justice to the game speed highlight. The sheer, explosive power–and that sound…oh, that sound when he thunders the ball through the rim. Not only that: After the dunk, he catches the ball coming through the net. It’s a straight up insult like a big brother playing vs. little brother and he says, “No, you can’t have the ball!”

Sweet. Mercy. Enjoy.

Digressing. Remember when I said the entire western world had gone tattoo crazy? Yes. In all facets. Permanent ink. Henna. Temporary tattoos. Violent Lips!? Wait. What? Yes. Seriously. Temporary…lip tattoos.

Am I the last person to know about this? I just don’t spend a lot of time in da club anymore. Caught wind of this via the Tweeting birds and my trusted, trending compass. Not so much to thrash the hashtag trends, but enough that to let me know that various socialite/model/actress-wannabe types are enjoying these things.

You can see in the photos that these ladies have plumped their lips with a little Violent Lips action. They look like really impressive makeup applications, but I’m on the fence.

I will say that I love the name of these temporary tattoos.

Somewhat frightening, somewhat intriguing…think about it.

Violence is always exciting.

But I gotta know, if you’re a dude, approaching a lady, and she turns around looking like this–are you intrigued, turned off or do you say to yourself, “If I play my cards right, I might get to make out with a circus clown…”

I kind of dig the Kim Kardashian example. That pattern is straight up nuts. But Sophie Monk? Um. Looks like she has some kind of funky lip fungus, or doesn’t know how to properly spit her tobacco.

It has instantly become one of the most intriguing teasers to hit the web. A 10 second clip of Matthew Broderick, with lines that are interchangeable with those that he uttered in the 1986 classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. A sequel? Obviously not. There’s no way they keep that one under wraps. The release date in the teaser is listed as February 5th, aka Super Bowl Sunday. So…let’s take our wild guesses. What will they be advertising? OK. We already know. It’s for Honda.

Ferris skipping work, perhaps rolling with Cameron and Sloane in a sensible, yet sporty Honda model? The director behind the upcoming campaign is none other than Todd Phillips–the same Todd Phillips who brought us The Hangover. This really makes me hope that alongside Broderick, we’ll get to see Alan Ruck and Mia Sara.

For any child of the 1980s, or lover of the 1980s, this is very exciting. I’m excited. I’m hopeful that it’ll spur enough interest within the public to spur enough interest within the powers that be at Paramount to allow the “next John Hughes,” who is pretty much me, to write the sequel to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. OK. Fine. Just let a fella stroke his ego from time to time, will ya?

Regardless, join me in hoping that this ad campaign fulfills its potential. As in, doesn’t suck and fall flat.

Then he fumbled a punt in overtime. Resulting in a turnover.

With the ball deep in 49ers territory, that was ultimately all it took to send the Giants to the Super Bowl. Sure, nobody has mentioned the excellent field position that Kyle Williams handed to the 49ers offense repeatedly, only for the offense to sputter, time and time again. Why would they? Most football fans don’t know crap about football. Few actually played at a high level.

Some fans let loose with their inner monologue on Twitter, offering death threats and other forms of harassment–one guy even suggesting that he hoped any woman willing to sleep with Williams in the future would give him AIDS. Seriously.

In direct contrast, 7 year old Owen Shure,  from Los Angeles, decided he would write Kyle Williams a letter after viewing the 49ers playoff loss in tears. When prompted by his father with the following question: “If you feel this way, how sad do you think Kyle Williams is?” Owen asked if he could write a letter to help Williams feel better.

What resulted was the following:

Dear Mr. Williams:

We just watched the Playoff game. I feel really bad for you but I wanted to tell you that you had a great season. you sould be very proud, so I wanted to say thank you.

I am your #1 FAN!

Owen Shure
Los Angeles, CA

p.s. your awsome

…thanks, Owen. Thank you for reminding us how we’re supposed to treat one another.

p.s. YOU are awesome!

On Thursday, Jim Irsay suggested that his All-Universe QB, Peyton Manning, was “a politician.” That he loved Peyton, yet his injured superstar was wrong to state what he did on the previous day…ultimately that the Colts facility was a total downer…no good for rehabilitation. Sure, Manning was right on the money. Was he out of line? There’s not a Colts fan or football fan–other than Irsay–who is saying so.

Irsay went on to state:

I don’t think it’s in a good interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don’t…He’s such a big part of that and everything else, but the horseshoe always comes first.

The horseshoe…always comes first…

You don’t have to be adept at inference to pick up what Irsay is laying down. Manning is all but gone, and Irsay is tossing him under the bus, trying to save whatever face he can for the loyalist fan base. A fan base that has become incredibly frustrated with the asininity rolling out of the owner’s office. If Irsay thinks that Colts fans are going to tolerate a healthy Manning playing elsewhere, he’ll quickly become the next Frank McCourt of the sporting world.

You have to love that a guy is pledging allegiance to his team, and the horseshoe, but let’s be honest here, this is the same horseshoe that galloped out of Baltimore in the dead of night all those years ago. It’s already painted yellow in the eyes of many older NFL fans. Irsay is now proving to be a stubborn fool. That or he simply doesn’t lack the integrity and brass to state, “We’re cleaning house–starting over–I don’t know that Peyton is going to fit into that mix.”

So the next question: If Petyon is healthy, where does he play next season? I’m going with Kansas City.

Three months ago, American aid worker, Jessica Buchanan, and Danish aid worker, Poul Hagen Thisted, were abducted by Somalian bandits while working for Danish Demining Group. This is a refugee aid organization that is based in Denmark. After a few months in captivity, word was pushed to the highest level of American government and President Barack Obama. Buchanan, 32, has an undisclosed medical condition, and there was a good chance that if left untreated, she could die in captivity.

According to the Pentagon, there was a window of opportunity to rescue the two hostages, and in direct response to that window, President Obama ordered an in-and-out rescue mission, led once again by the elite NAVY SEAL team responsible for the assault on Osama Bin Laden’s compound in 2011. The SEAL team moved in, quickly dispatched 9 armed Somalis, and rescued the two hostages.

The rescue party was en route to Camp Lemonier during the President’s State of the Union address last night–nothing was mentioned of the event due to the necessity of continued security during rescue transport. However, President Obama did look to Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, and tell him he did a “good job.” Now it all makes sense.

The SEALs are definitive badassery. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing a few of them, and these guys are just wired differently. Much obliged to their service. I have long thought that more operations like this would send the message that we desire in terms of military might, without having to lay waste to civilians and massive geography.

Don’t misunderstand the headline.

Prince Fielder is relatively young, and more than likely entering his prime playing days–he has many years left to play. However,  just as Anaheim paid way too much for Albert Pujols, the Detroit Tigers have paid way too much for Prince Fielder.

9 years: $214,000,000 … like to put those zeros in the mix, just to make the number a little more dramatic.

The move to the American League is a smart one–the obvious one. But this move reeks of desperation. Detroit continues to come up short. They push into Spring Training as a perennial power, have often pushed into late October, but just can’t seem to get it done. They haven’t gotten it done since 1968.

It was a slight surprise to see Fielder turn his eyes next door, rather than looking south to Arlington and the Texas Rangers–a team that has proven to be the present class and curve-setter of the AL. It seems obvious that Fielder is tired of competing with Albert Pujols. Being buddies, it would make more sense to meet in the playoffs, rather than continue to battle it out as division rivals. And Anaheim fans have to be thrilled that Fielder is staying away from the AL West.

Digressing. Desperation. Detroit. The Tigers have agreed to pay for what seems like a 3-4 season window of World Series Championship opportunity. Considering this deal possesses a no-trade, it is just hard to understand how Detroit will continue to pay their other superstars moving forward. Is the business of baseball really doing that well? In Detroit? And Prince Fielder isn’t exactly the poster boy for fitness. Yes, he’s the biggest vegetarian you may ever see within the human race–supposedly–but weight is weight, and joints are joints. Fielder will more than likely have to transition from the role of fielder to DH while scoring absurd money toward the end of his contract.

Don’t understand the GM mindset in the MLB right now. Too worried about stars, and too much discount of team chemistry.

Here are the nominees for the 84th Academy Awards.

No list here? Why would I jack a list from the online home of Oscar? Let’s talk highlights and snubs here:

Gary Oldman. Perhaps one of the greatest character actors of all time–a true chameleon of sorts–had never been nominated for an Oscar…until today. Talk about overdue–this is overdue. You can list things he should have been nominated for in the past and might need two hands to do it. I’ve lived under the impression that nobody recognized him in these role, therefore there was no associated buzz. But then, who am I kidding…these awards are the product of studio marketing and personal publicity, and guys like Gary Oldman simply love to play make believe.

Congrats to Oldman for his Best Actor nod in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

George Clooney more than likely leads the category for Best Actor in a leading role for The Descendants. Perhaps he’s locked in a tight race with French actor Jean Dujardin from The Artist. Clooney is also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay with Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon for The Ides of March.

Only two songs qualified for Best Original Song this year–isn’t it time to do away with this category? However, within the realm of music, John Williams was nominated for Best Original Score twice: War Horse and The Adventures of Tintin.

Good to see The Tree of Life recognized within the mix. Was certain that this work of art would be snubbed within every category, but it seems there are a few individuals within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who still appreciate pushing the boundaries of the filmmaking medium. While Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain both received nominations for other films, I contest that it’s their work in this film that should pull award after award. Esoteric films don’t garner a lot of support for acting, unfortunately…especially when dialog comes secondary to telling a story.

War Horse was nominated for Best Picture, and once again, Spielberg is denied the Best Director nod. The Adventures of Tintin was also denied by the Academy for Best Animated film–no doubt, the Academy is still irritated with Peter Jackson.

The Awards will air live, February 26, 2012, on ABC.

If ever there was ever a chronic case of judging a book by its cover.

The “Aw, Shucks,” demeanor of Manning The Youngest has long pushed him into a negative spotlight, and for reasons unbeknownst to me, the spotlight continues to glare red. Is he good? Sure. List the stats. An NFL record, 5-0 in road playoff games. Single game numbers better than the likes of Tom Brady, big brother and a playoff winning percentage that would make any NFL quarterback jealous.

The controversy with Eli has always been his TD/INT ratio. Too many mistakes. Unfortunately, the average fan–aka Joe Fantasy–knows little else to look for. He/She’ll calculate the QB rating, look at TDs to INTs, check out his yardage, completion percentage, garble, garble, garble…OK. Fine. He’s a good QB.

But, Joe Fantasy, here’s the deal. And yesterday’s NFC championship was another case in point–Eli’s receivers are always athletic, yet none of them have ever been great receivers. Receivers who understand when to sit in the window, break off or hit their hot-route. No Marvin Harrison, no Reggie Wayne, no Dallas Clark, no Randy Moss, no Deion Branch, no Troy Brown, no Wes Welker. One might argue that Victor Cruz could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Before the start of the season when asked if he belonged in the company of elite QBs such as Brady, Brees and big brother, Peyton. Eli replied…yes.

And so began the discussion: Is Eli really elite?

I have always believed Eli Manning to be an elite quarterback–often surrounded by talent that lasted for no longer than a season. Quick, someone tell me…where’s David Tyree? I would love to see a few other elite QBs play for New York Giants fans–one of the most rabid, damned if you do, damned if you don’t, what have you done for me lately, I know everything about football fan bases–and do the things that Eli has done. Honestly, has this guy ever thrown to a legitimate, big-threat receiver!? For the love of it…he is going to his second Super Bowl with Tom Coughlin.

His career has been nothing but a machete hack through various fields of weeds and reeds,  playing on teams of Tiki Barber types who mouthed off at the first sign of kinked armor…offering interviews to ignorant members of the news media…watching other elite QBs playing in far more stat-friendly systems. Eli Manning is nails. You cannot question his toughness. He has proved it over and over again, and proved it again yesterday. He was pummeled, and emerged the victor. And his reward? A 3.5 point underdog in the Super Bowl.

My money is on Eli.

Divers discovered the body of a woman in a submerged portion of the ship on Saturday afternoon. She was wearing a life jacket, but obviously became unable to escape–or perhaps she just obeyed the crew orders to return to her cabin. This discovery brings the death total to 12, and continues to offer the reminder that this disaster–like so many–could have been easily avoided.

The cruiseliner, Costa Concordia, has accounted for nearly all passengers that were aboard the vessel, yet at least 20 individuals who are reported as missing, still remain missing. The co-op of rescue efforts have remained diligent, and they are still hopeful that they may find survivors within the ship, yet the given circumstance has become quite urgent.

As concern remains for the few individuals who are still unaccounted for, additional concern grows off the shore of the Italian island of Giglio, where the accident took place. There is the looming environmental threat of a fuel leakage, as well as other toxic materials finding their way into the water source that is so close to shore.

Franco Gabrielli, the man in charge, has stated that this will remain an urgent matter until all of the wreckage has been removed from the site; however, there is no timetable, and there won’t be until rescue operations have been completed. He went on to state that no fuel or other petroleum base liquids have leaked from the vessel.

You may have just secured my vote in the upcoming election.

OK. I won’t go so far as to say that I’m that biased toward a fellow fan of Al Green, but I do love some Al Green. Honestly, who doesn’t love Al Green?

President Obama, delivering a speech at a NY fundraiser, learned that Al Green was in the crowd. He turned attention to the Memphis legend, aka Reverend Al, and then offered a little “taste” of the soul legend’s repertoire. Considering how nervous singers get when they sing live, I gotta offer the Pres. props.

President Obama launched into the beginning of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” to an uproarious response from the friendly crowd. I have no doubt that Republicans will offer their own twisted spin: That’s exactly what Obama is…a well spoken entertainer. Not a capable President. Yep, I can hear that nonsensical rhetoric now. Regardless, these are the things that spread like wildfire. These are the things that make President Obama more like the everyday guy, gal, man and/or woman than the rest of the political crowd. Oh, how I hope it comes down to Obama and Paul. That would be a most excellent race.

In the meantime, enjoy the President’s short, yet capable vocal stylings.

Rick Perry has chosen to end his campaign. While offering a brisk cut-off to his presidential push, he has endorsed Mitt Romney…No. No, he has not endorsed Mitt Romney. He has endorsed fellow Texan Ron Paul. No. That’s not right either. Newt Gingrich? There we go. He has endorsed Newt Gingrich. That’s legit.

Man. I’m gonna miss the Rickster. This guy is as uncomfortable to watch in a public speaking arena as a non-swimming child without floaties walking along the edge of a pool.

I suggested that Rick drop out weeks ago. After his first “gaffe.” Gaffe, schmaffe, that was sheer idiocy. They’re called notes, Mr. Perry…look into it. Digressing. Let’s consider this endorsement of Newt Gingrich. Will Perry’s endorsement be a positive or negative?

If I were Newt Gingrich, the last thing I would want from anyone dropping out of the race would be an endorsement. There is an immediate negative connotation when associated with someone who drops out. I think people who are dropping out believe that their supporters will immediately jump ship to the individual they choose to endorse, yet a shotgun effect is far more likely. Those supporters are loyal to you, but it is assumed that they would then be loyal to personal ideals and principles. Not necessarily Newt Gingrich.

Farewell, Rick. I’ll assume we won’t see you again in 2015 pushing for the 2016 bid. Sincerely, wish you the best with all of your other irons in the fire.

It is estimated that some 40 million Americans have a tattoo somewhere on their body. I looked into that before Wikipedia closed for the day. I looked into it because that’s what a new show about tattoos claimed. Yep. I had to check it out.

Ink Master. Had to check it out. It’s hosted by Dave Navarro, and the challenges they’ve got these tattoo artists wrapping their minds around are absolutely bananas. If you need further proof, check out the trailer below. The contestants are well cast, and the conceptualization of the show was surprisingly well realized. If you know anything about tattoos, Chris Nunez and Oliver Peck serve as the judges, and these are two of the biggest, most well respected names in the business. They’re also two of the most controversial–many loathe them as artists. I don’t get it. Plenty of love to go around.

Ultimately, if you like art, I suppose I’m suggesting the show–if you like reality drama, then I most certainly suggest it…just keep in mind, this is reality TV, not a documentary about tattoos. It’s on Spike, not Discovery. But I digress. A question to pose:

When did tattoos become so freakin’ mainstream? I blame myself. I do. I got one many years ago while living in NYC. I got one, and then everyone said, “If that pansy can’t get one, I can get one…” then everyone else said, “If so and so has one, I’m gonna get one…” …and now everyone has one. And there are TV shows about them.

Parks and Recreation

Lowe posted on his Twitter feed that he’s heard from his “people” that Manning is set to announce his retirement immediately. Specifically, Lowe posted the following:

Hearing my fave, #18 Peyton Manning will not return to #NFL. Wow.#Colts

It’s worth noting that Lowe does have some ties to the NFL, so this news isn’t coming completely out of deep left field (rather, it’s coming out of shallow left field, or at least somewhere in left short of the warning track). Lowe has appeared on the Rich Eisen Podcast, hosted by the NFL Network’s Rich Eisen. Lowe is also reportedly close friends with Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. The two can be seen posing together in this photograph:

Currently, legitimate NFL reporters are scrambling to figure out whether there is any truth to the story and whether they were actually scooped by a guy who starred in Austin Powers. There have been rumblings about Manning’s surgically repaired neck healing too slowly for him to ever make a return to the field, but we certainly haven’t heard anything concrete.

We’ll keep you updated on how this story progresses. For the moment, we’re waiting to hear back from Ashton Kutcher on whether Aaron Rodgers will demand a trade this off-season.